What a journey the past few weeks have been. I thank you all for joining us and sharing your encouragement. If you have not had a chance to read the posts on church and the Church go to:
This week, I want to encourage you with this final post to this series from verses found in Ephesians 4:1-6 which are expressed in many other ways throughout the Bible and throughout Paul’s letters.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Notice, Paul calls himself a prisoner of the Lord. In many circles being a prisoner is not a desirable position but Paul continually expresses his love for serving the Lord, even in this situation.
How many of us have been imprisoned for our faith? Yet, he is encouraging us and urging us on to continue in our calling in humbleness, patience and most importantly in love for one another.
In verse 6, we have assurance of the greatness of God, Father of all, WHO IS OVER ALL AND THROUGH ALL AND IN ALL. That is the God that is on our side. HE is the One who is for us.
Over the past several weeks in our conversations, we have talked about how hard life is in a church setting. We often expect from the people, even in church, to not just be like God but be God and have the attributes that only God can have. This reality hits us hard sometimes and rocks our boat to the point we turn away from church and sometimes God.
That is not, in any way, God’s desire for the Church. Here, Paul calls for unity.
Paul, in these verses in Ephesians, is calling us to become a united, mature body in Christ and he is telling us it starts with loving one another. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said to love God and love others.
We often times, forget the second part. The result is hurt of all kinds and magnitudes.
Paul is urging us here and I am encouraging you today, as believers in Christ, LOVE one another. Live your life worthy of your calling. Keep every effort to keep the unity.
We need to be able to stand together united. Today at my Bible study, we talked about fighting spiritual battles, also in Ephesians. Chapter 6 verse 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
The part that especially stands out to me, related to the Church is having the armor of the shield.
Soldiers on the front lines would hold a shield that was taller than they were. When fighting alone, they were vulnerable from almost every side. But when standing together, arm in arm, shield in front, they could press through the battle lines. They were protected on many sides. Feet standing firm in Christ and His Word, holding the lines or pressing forward.
That is the unity we are to have as the Church. Standing firm, together, holding our ground, and pressing through the lines, united in Christ.
Our calling is to share the Gospel, the Good News of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and the hope it offers to each and every person. Are you willing to pursue your calling for Christ today?
I hope these posts have been an encouragement to your heart. I know the conversations and time with you have been encouraging to me. Thank you.
Again, if anyone is in a position of being on the fence or uncertain about their next move, feel free to email me. I would love to encourage you further. I would love to pray with you. I would love to help you move to a place of healing and to your next step in the journey.
While you're here, sit down with some of my friends.
Wow! Last week had 96 posts. I am so glad you all are here. Please remember to visit other friends while you are posting.
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Please, linkup (up to 3) of your family-friendly inspiring stories, recipes, DIY, homeschool, giveaways, or share your life's greatest passions.
Friends are here to encourage and challenge us in our walk of life, so enjoy!
Thank you for posting and linking up. I try to read and comment on as many of these wonderful posts as I can and as time allows. I just want to say you are all doing wonderful work and praise the Lord that I have had the opportunity to come across the path of so many of you.
This party has been fantastic and it is thanks to all of you who stop by and Share this party with your friends. Together we can make this our great place. There are easy share buttons to your left or at the bottom of each post (mobile) and after you linkup.
Thanks! From all of us at #SittingAmongFriends
Labels: Ephesians 4:1-6, Ephesians 6:16, Link-Up, Sitting Among Friends Blog Party, We are the Church
What a journey the past few weeks have been. I thank you all for joining us and sharing your encouragement. If you have not had a chance to read the posts on church and the Church go to:
Again, if anyone is in a position of being on the fence or uncertain about their next move, feel free to email me. I would love to encourage you further. I would love to pray with you. I would love to help you move to a place of healing and to your next step in the journey.