Unity Through Diversity.  Spiritual Growth.  Taking Off the Old Self.  

"And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ," Ephesians 4:11-12

In today's episode, we read Ephesians Chapter 4 together, where we are encouraged to embrace unity within the body of Christ, pursue spiritual maturity, and adopt a new identity aligned with our faith. We explore the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, understanding that each plays a crucial part in equipping us for ministry and building up the church. Our focus is on making every effort to maintain unity through peace, striving for maturity by deepening our knowledge of Jesus, and transforming our behaviors to match the righteousness and holiness of God.

Our takeaways from the chapter urge us to engage more deeply with our local church communities and discover how our unique gifts can contribute to the church's unity and growth. We are reminded that spiritual growth is not a solitary endeavor but a community effort that requires active participation and mutual support. By embracing our new identities as new creations in Christ, we are challenged to let go of past behaviors and renew ourselves in the spirit of our minds, fostering a life that is true to our calling in righteousness and holiness. Each of these points offers practical applications, encouraging us to integrate these spiritual truths into our daily lives and interactions.