NMC Audio Podcast

If there was anyone in history who “called it like they see it,” we would agree the Apostle Paul fits the description. He is adept at describing Jesus, grace, human relationship, and deep truths about God’s love for His creation. His writings often give clear contrasts between the best and the worst in our world. But more than simply pointing out what’s wrong, Paul gives a message of accessible hope and doable practices for how to live out our everyday lives.

In the first three chapters of Ephesians, we fix our gaze on what God has done. BUT GOD! These first three chapters set the stage for the last three chapters. In light of what God has done, we—the Body of Christ—are called to live a life worthy of that calling. Chapter four lays out practical implications for what it looks like to live as a part of the new society God is creating.

Paul's letter to the churches around the city of Ephesus repeatedly invites them to take a long look at the life-changing work of God. Jesus has done more than offer salvation from sin. His life and love have made a radical shift in how all things work together. Consider your favorite gadget or tool. Try to imagine your life without it. Just like how that device empowers your everyday existence, Paul communicates that Jesus is transforming our lives and our world. 

It appears we can't help ourselves from creating division and building walls. Some do this to protect themselves, others do it to maintain power over others, and some may do it purely out of animosity. Whatever the reason, Christ’s life, death, and resurrection were meant to tear down walls and grant all access to the Father. So, Church, why the walls?

Where do we turn when darkness draws near, when our fleshly desires rage within, and when the enemy entices? There is a power. There is a power that reigns far above any other power, ruler, or authority. There is a power that can resurrect the dead. There is a power!

Chances are there are parts of your story that you love and, if you're honest, parts of your story you'd rather not bring out. There are parts of our story we broadcast through a team jersey, the car we drive, the ink on our skin, or the grey in our hair. Other parts of our story get tucked away in a journal, in a prayer, as a secret, or lost in memory. 

God is a composer of a story. The Apostle Paul reminds the church in Ephesus, as well as believers today, that regardless of the story we've lived in our personal lives, all those in Christ share a common story with a common purpose.

Introductions tell you a lot about a person. Introductions are an opportunity for you to give others insight into who you are. So, who are you? What makes you you? Whether using a social media bio, a meet and greet, or an autobiography, how do you identify yourself?

Jesus, the master teacher, instructs us that when we pray, we’re to ask forgiveness for our sins. Confession is one of the keys to having a vibrant prayer life. Unfortunately, in a battle with our flesh and the condemnation of the enemy, we often fail to confess. Can you imagine the life and power available to us if we operated from a place of being forgiven consistently? 

We can all fall into the trap of approaching God through prayer and treating Him like a magic genie or a vending machine. On one side, it's about those three lucky wishes and making them count. On the other, it's about giving God the correct payment (good works, good words, lots of words, etc.) and getting from Him what you want. But what if prayer is much more than that? What if prayer involves the learned skill of back and forth communication, just like in the best relationships you have in life? 

It's common to ask others for help. It may have happened in your life this week when your car broke down, when you needed a pen at school, or as you were running behind on a project at work. It's also very normal to ask God for help. We seek His direction, His healing, and His gifts. It's not wrong to ask—in fact He tells us to do so. However, we've all experienced unanswered prayers. How do we respond when He doesn't seem to be responding?