The old nature is impure, ignorant, and insensitive (Eph. 4:17-24). Paul doesn’t encourage us to hide it. He challenges us to cast off the old nature and put on something new.
Nehemiah prayed about the sad conditions in Jerusalem for four months. When King Artaxerxes noticed his cupbearer’s sadness and asked him about it, Nehemiah boldly revealed his plan for rebuilding the city’s broken wall (Neh. 2:1-8). Devotion to prayer naturally gives birth to planning.
Jesus gave spiritual gifts to the church so that apostles, prophets, evangelists and shepherds might build it up (Eph. 4:7-16). Is Christ still bestowing gifts today?
The Bible describes church leaders as shepherds (Acts 20:28). The shepherding metaphor implies some interesting things. People are messy and needy. But working to meet their needs is often painful.
How could a “doctrinally sound” congregation split? It definitely happens. And whenever it does, there’s a disconnect between head and heart. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells the church how to maintain true unity (Eph. 4:1-6).
Ephesians 6:10-17 The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against…
1 Timothy 6:6-10 6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[a] we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and…
2 Corinthians 3: 4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit;[a]…
In its primary sense “revival” is a restoration of life and vigor. In his letters to the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 2:1-3:22), Jesus demands revival.
The trappings of human power didn’t impress Paul. But God’s power enthralled him. That helps explain why he got down on his knees and prayed for the church (Eph. 3:14-21).
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