Hope Church Merthyr Podcast

Chris Black unpacks that this word is not just about idols like golden cows; idols can often be subtle and closer to home. We should not replace God with idols, or reduce God to an image.

What's in a name?Do names matter that much?When it comes to God's name, names really do matter.How wecarry and represent that name also matters greatly.

"You shall have no other gods before me."That might feel a bit egotistical or narrow, but when we really understand what this God is like, it's the only thing that makes sense.

This week we start a new series on the Ten Commandments, looking at Exodus 19: 4-6. What are we meant to do with these? Are they a relic of the past or do they still speak? Is God still speaking through them?

How do you bring a really epic letter to a close?Paul ends this letter that's rich in love with a blessing that's rich in love.Will the Ephesians keep walking in love incorruptible?

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might!Paul’s coming in to land this epic letter with a reminder that whilst the powers have been defeated, there is still a battle, and we’ve not been left defenceless.

Ephesians 6: 5-9“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”Any time slaves are mentioned, immediately battle lines are drawn. The accusation is often thrown at Paul that he endorses slavery, and for that reason people write off the Bible. But that’s reading Paul completely wrongly, and we need to learn to read him rightly! He’s a man outside of and ahead of his culture, because he’s actually speaking the kingdom of God into his culture and ours!

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”One of the key demonstrations of lives filled with the fullness of God by the Holy Spirit is mutual submission - moving towards the good of the other person, often at cost to ourselves.How does this apply in the often complex but powerfully formative relationship between parents and children?

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”The commands to wives and husbands both flow from Spirit-filled submission to one another. Yet these words of Paul’s have been taken out of context and weaponised in ways that would likely have Paul saying, “Wow, I didn’t see that misunderstanding coming!”And tragically, it has produced marriages that look nothing like this beautiful picture of “moving towards the good of the other person over your own.”

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”Submit. This is a word that has a host of negative connotations. But what if it shows us the most Christ-like, cross-shaped way that we can live?