Hardwired with Jeff Wickwire

Paul’s instructions in Ephesians 5 are meant to call out both husbands and wives as they read this passage. Pastor Jeff explains that wives are called to submit to their husbands in respect, while husbands are to put aside their own ambitions and self-interests to love their wives. This is an illustration of how two become one by putting aside their own desires in order to become closer together in the pursuit of unity. When two become one, they become stronger than when they were apart.

You may be thinking to yourself, “There’s no way I can love my spouse the same way that Jesus loves the church!” Well, what if I told you that that’s the point? Pastor Jeff reminds you today that the standard of love that Paul lays out in the book of Ephesians is greater than what any human is capable of giving. That’s because, as a follower of Jesus, you are supposed to draw on the strength given to you by the Holy Spirit. Pull from that well and love out of the abundance of love that God has for you.

There are some Christians out in the world who believe that because they are followers of Jesus, they are not subject to the laws of Earth. But Pastor Jeff wants to squash that notion with today’s message. He reminds you that the authority of kings and governments comes from God, and the only law that supersedes the law of the land is the one found in the Bible. As long as the laws of the land do not prevent you from following God’s commandments, you should obey the leaders He has placed over you.

How hungry do you get when you miss a meal? If you start to miss multiple meals, you’ll start to notice it affecting your energy levels and your mood. Your body needs food to stay alive, but your soul needs God’s Word to sustain itself as well! Pastor Jeff reminds you today that it is important to develop a consistent habit of consuming the Word of God, because that is where your spiritual strength will come from. Without God’s Word, you may have to face the trials of this life all on your own.

Have you ever watched something evil happen around you and wished you had done something to stop it? Well, that’s the conviction of the Holy Spirit reminding you to call out and confront evil when you see it. Pastor Jeff reminds you today that John the Baptist didn’t let fear of death stop him from calling out King Herod’s evil actions, and that confrontation would cost John his life. But John knew that he was in God’s hands, and he knew that death wasn’t going to be the end!

When you receive a wedding invitation from a friend or a loved one, there is usually a dress code listed among the details for the celebration. If you show up underdressed to a black tie formal event, you may be turned away from participating in the occasion. Well, Pastor Jeff teaches you today that the wedding ceremony of the Lamb demands the strictest dress code. You must be clothed in the robes of salvation to attend, and that only comes from accepting Jesus into your life.

There are lots of people who make a living off of trying to tell you how to find relief and healing from this painful life. Talk show hosts, podcasters, health gurus, and even some pastors will claim to have the secret cure that no one else has. But Pastor Jeff reminds you today that only one person can actually follow through on what they promise, and that person is Jesus Christ. If you are weary and worn down by the trials of this world, come to the cross of Christ and lay your burdens on His shoulders.

If you want to be an example of the love of Jesus in this world, you need to learn how to control your tongue. Your attitude on the inside can change to match the words you have been speaking on the outside, if you’re not careful. Pastor Jeff teaches you today that the first thing you must do to turn your heart around is to get your speech under control. Not only will your words cause harm to those around you, but they may also leave doors open in your soul for sin to seep back in.

Love is the fuel that propels the Gospel across the world. When you look at the miracles of Jesus, His first response to someone is to show someone love and compassion before addressing their needs. Pastor Jeff reminds you today that when you have love for your brothers and sisters in Christ, the bonds that are formed are stronger than anything that the world can break. The unity of the body of Christ is what gives it its strength, and that love becomes part of the testimony of the global Church.

When you’re learning to drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or even shoot a firearm, the first thing you learn about is safety. That’s because, if mishandled, those objects can cause destruction and pain to those around you. But unfortunately, one of the most dangerous tools you can wield doesn’t come with a safety manual: your speech. Pastor Jeff encourages you today to learn to exercise self-control with your words, to make sure that your words are building others up, and not tearing them down.