Ephesians 4

"Dear Member of My Body, Paul emphasized in several of his letters to churches that My church is My bodily presence in the world (Romans 12:3-8; 1..."

How can an out of business restaurant speak to churches? Mark Frost of Interim Ministry Partners shares a powerful parable about Bill Knapp's restaurants and America's quick fix mentality about the North American church and its troubles.

Some criticism isn't helpful, it is withering, so how do we deal with it? Rubel Shelly reminds us that unfair criticism is a part of life so we need to rely on our relationship with God to overcome it and we need to not ever become one of those kinds of criticizers.

How deep does our deception go? We live in a world of deception but God has called us to be Kingdom people, people who tell the truth and do not deceive, yet forgive those who confess their deceitfulness to us.

Why is unity such a big deal? Phil Ware continues his series on SpiritFire and challenges us to look at the importance of the unity of the Spirit.

"Dear Father, giver of lasting gifts, Thank you for the gracious gifts bestowed by your Messiah on us when he descended into the depths for us and..."

"Dear Precious Disciple, Paul beautifully described the Father's grace in the first part of his letter to the Ephesians. He emphasized that the..."

So who do you need to be good? Patrick Odum sees a billboard by an atheistic and agnostic group that says many are good without God and he decides he is barely tolerable with God, so there's no hope for him without God!

"Instead [of living by your corrupt sinful nature], let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God —..."

"Dear Father, righteous and holy God, Help me never to be tempted to live as worldly people live: futile in their thinking - darkened in their..."

"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your..."

"Dear Father, worthy of my love and obedience, May the thought of deceit or falsehood never enter into my relations with my brothers and sisters in..."

"Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you...."

"[God] has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. . . . Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the..."

"Dear Father, You have called me to your kingdom and glory! Help me to live a life worthy of the calling I have received from you. Help me live the..."

"Dear Father, Giver of life and growth, We bless you, Father, because what you want for each of us your children is that we may no longer remain..."

"Dear Father, Thank you, Father, for the unity you have provided for us: the one body, the one Spirit, the one hope that belongs to our calling, the....."

"[When we use our spiritual gifts to equip and encourage each other,] we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about...."

"Dear Father, righteous and holy God, Enable me to put away completely my old human nature - the former lifestyle corrupted by deceitful desires. Help..."

"For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and....."

"With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they..."

"But [living immorally] isn't what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw..."

How do we avoid magical thinking and shortcuts that dangerously risk our doom? Phil Ware continues his series of articles on churches facing the challenges of the interim season and uses the imagery of high mountain climbing to help us appreciate the challenges.

A powerful image of renewal! Pasquale Mingarelli shares pictures and a Bible study to help us remember that spring is the time for renewal

So what's the big deal about breakfast? There are some things that are good to change, but there a some we cannot compromise on.

Where can we learn the real truth about living in a conflict filled world? Driver's Ed teaches us that we have to drive responsibly for everyone, not just ourselves!

For the sake of making 'every effort to pursue the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace' (Ephesians 4:3). Rubel Shelly gives us a practical, yet very challenging, set of practices to help us pursue unity with other believers without compromising our own faith and commitment to Scripture.

Where will we find Jesus in the middle of our messes? We will find the presence of Jesus in our lives when we are willing to be his presence in the lives of others.

We long for the day when we know fully, even as we are fully known! Ron Rose is back at Black Rifle Coffee Company and visiting with friends about Pentecost Sunday and knowing each other's names.

"Dear Servant of God, In My earthly ministry, I repeatedly taught that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is a servant. My death on the cross for....."

"And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on...."

"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."

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the..."

"In your anger do not sin : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

""In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. "

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander,...."

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other,..."

"And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil."

"Instead [of going back to our old way of worldly living], let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be..."

"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and..."

"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..."

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:26-27 -- "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

You were taught...to be made new in the attitude of your minds... - Ephesians 4:22-23

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. - Ephesians 4:30-31

How do we survive in a place and time like this? Phil Ware talks about being stuck in the Land of In-between and how hard it is and some core ideas to take with you as you find yourself in that kind of place.

Can you really forgive? Forgiving others when they have truly hurt us is the hardest grace of all.

How do you measure up? While we can measure many things in many ways, there is only one way to measure a Christian -- by the standard of Jesus!

Are you still hungry or have you found a way to be full? God wants us to be full of Him, his grace, His mercy, His Spirit, His Love.

Corporate worship isn't enough The Christian life is meant to be lived out among non-believers, living in such a way that they can see who we are and eventually glorify God. A Christian life lived inside a building will never accomplish that.

Where in the world did those horrible computer viruses come from anyway? Sin is like a virus Satan has designed to appear harmless, infect us, spread, and render everything useless and destroy everything.

Can anything good come from rap music? Can a Christian father learn a lot about faith from his rappin' son and the rap he wrote to be sung at church?

How in the world could they do such a herculean task in less than eight weeks? Phil Ware shares a third message from the book of Nehemiah, this one focusing on the great work of ordinary people given in lists of names in Nehemiah.

"Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't..."

"And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating..."

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

"Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."

"Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."

"From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires..."

"...be made new in the attitude of your minds... "

"...and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who..."

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who..."

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who..."

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who..."

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

"Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."

"And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of...."

"So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body."

"All that the believer has must come from Christ, but it comes solely through the channel of the Spirit of grace. Moreover, as all blessings thus flow...."

"Many Christians remain stunted and dwarfed in spiritual things, so as to present the same appearance year after year. No up-springing of advanced and...."

"If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need."

"Dear Precious Disciple, The world can be a bewildering place for you as you seek to live for Me in a culture controlled by the evil one. This..."

"Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:32 -- 32   Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:22 -- You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires ...

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:24 -- ...and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:25 -- Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:16 -- From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:2 -- Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:15 -- 15   Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

A scripture card on unity: Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:3

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:29 -- Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Jesus calls us beyond the narrow caricatures of grace. Phil Ware continues his series called UNPREDICTABLE about Jesus and his love and grace and call to follow him in holiness and reminds us that grace calls us from sin and death and to a life of holiness.

So what are you doing holding on to that in your heart? We hang on to so much unnecessary and unhelpful stuff that we need to let go and forgive.

Can you stand firm in a Play-Doh world? In a world of bending and conforming, Christians need to learn to hold their ground.

How much influence and power does a leader really have? Leaders build confidence, encourage others, and equip to serve and thus change the culture of an organization.

What do we do when our partners are involved in email relationships? Joe Beam deals with the challenging issue of improper email relationships.

Sometimes the most profound grace is based on simple action. The Amish are an example of simple piety that cares to honor God above getting even: it is their character and not their dress or agrarian culture we need to imitate.

Why is it so hard to forgive? We've got to deal with our own unforgiving spirit.

How much are you willing to forgive? An example of unbelievable forgiveness in the face of murder challenges our narrow notions of forgiving others.

Is it really worth the cost? Ron Rose reminds us of the need to forgive, not just because we are commanded but because we are imprisoned in bitterness when we don't.

My own lack of forgiveness toward others can shut off the flow of God's forgiveness to me. Phil Ware with Grady King give us insight on Jesus' example and command to forgive others as we pray for our own forgiveness.

How clean can you get? When we forgive, it cleanses us like a spring rain.

Can something good come from our time in the wilderness? Mark Frost continues his series on interim ministry and Israel's time in the wilderness

How can they be the same and yet so different? Sometimes differences aren't as large as they appear in the big scheme of things.

So do we make people think of Jesus? Phil Ware continues his series on What is Core by calling us to true discipleship, people being conformed to be like Jesus and living out the cross, burial, and resurrection in their lives.

Aren't we way past too far? Shock jocks have tried to out do each other in shocking, crude, and obscene remarks on radio, TV, and interviews and they have crossed the line and we are the only ones who can do something about it.

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go...."

We are ToGather: People from around the world, gathered virtually, to honor God as we are reshaped by his Spirit to do the work of Jesus in our broken world. Phil Ware and Demetrius Collins invite us to worship God and celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit as we are transformed to be more like our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jesus wants to be united as one! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos and invite us to see the power of the Holy Spirit to make us part of Jesus' one body.

Have you found it? Tom Norvell talks about living life abundantly, with urgency, a recognition that life is short, and that we may only have the opportunity to do some things once.

Not only can we begin the New Year as a fresh start, but we can also be made new — from the inside out — each day as we follow Jesus! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos and inviting us to continually be made new from the inside out.

What do you do when you have those who offend you When someone has hurt you and you can get even, what are you going to do?

When all is said and done, what will you be? When we grow up, we want to be like Jesus!

While we're railing at the candidates, how about we take a look in the mirror? Rubel Shelly reminds us that it isn't just the politicians who use harsh and unfair speech.

Are you telling it straight with God, or bending the truth a little? Bill Denton introduces us to a new word, communifaking, and also challenges us to communicate truthfully.

Why forgive someone for this kind of thing? A lady forgives the incredible bad thing done to her by a teenager to give him another chance on life.

Have you learned this important spiritual skill? We need to learn that there is a time to be silent.

So what's the real issue behind this issue? Rubel Shelly takes on the issue of a recent suicide because a person's recent sexual escapades were shown online without his permission and Rubel reminds us that the issue is about gossip and both fact and intention for sharing news matters.

When is free speech not exactly free? Rubel Shelly shares his feelings and insights into civility and free speech in politics, sports, and real life.

Can we really get out of this mess> The awful murders in our schools several weeks ago almost went unnoticed because we were so busy focusing on the Terrell Owens soap opera which shows how messed up we really are.

Just a few words and our presence can make all the difference in the world! Ron Rose reminds us that a few words and our physical presence can make all the difference in the life of someone else, just like Al Ware made a difference in Ron's life.

Here's what seems to be most needed in our harsh and cruel world. Tom Norvell reminds us of the needed virtue in today's harsh world.

Is there ever a time not to tell the truth? No matter if it is the corporate world, school, church, or friendships we owe each other the truth and should not lie or withhold the truth.

How well are you at listening and being heard? Messing up his communication with his wife, Paul learns the lesson of the importance of good communication.

How much do you really have? Paul Faulkner tells about a paralyzed friend and his patience, but reminds us that all of us need patience if we are to be what God wants to grow us to be.

Would you have told the truth in such dire circumstances? Rubel Shelly challenges us with an old story to be people of truth and respect even in the most dire and painful circumstances and treat people with the same ethical respect we would expect ourselves.

Let's worship today, praising God and asking for the help of the Holy Spirit as we seek to respond to people as Jesus did! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in online, virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos to help us understand how to give fitting replies to others in different conversation contexts.

How are we alike when we seem so different? What Christians share in common is much greater than any differences than could seem to separate them.

So what's so bad about being Lisa Mikitarian talks about being younger, being enamored with a biker while in the military, and how being too nice plagued her until she learned the importance of kindness.

How can a basin of water mean so much to so many? Max Lucado reminds us that mercy may be hard, but it is often the only solution and that solution can only be offered by the one offended.

If you could ask your fellow believers one thing, what would that be? Tom Norvell makes a plea to fellow believers to think before speaking and acting and try to line up both with our example of how Jesus spoke and acted toward others.

Would you have come clean? Mike Barres holds himself accountable for telling the truth, the full truth, and not deceiving others when it is in his best interest.

Without forgiveness, bitterness is all that’s left! Max Lucado reminds us of the importance of forgiveness or bitterness poisons our hearts and destroys our influence.

Our God is the God of surprising opportunities, fresh hope, and new life. Phil Ware reminds us of John Mark's failure when he deserted the mission field and the mission team and describes how God used this mess and the grace, mercy, and love of godly men to bring great good out of potential disaster.

Everyone in God's family is flawed just as we are, which makes loving each other hard at times. However, our love generously shared with each other is proof we are God's children in whom the Holy Spirit lives. Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to challenge us to love one another and put other's need above our own.

God's holiness and grace call us to live our lives to bless others with what we do and what we say. Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to praise God for his holiness and grace and call each other to use our lives, our speech, and our actions to bless others.

"Dear Beloved, Learn to wait and think before you speak. Give the Holy Spirit an opportunity to guide your conversation instead of being thrust into....."

Have you really thrown them away or just tried to clean them up? We need to not only be sorry for our sin, but we also need to get rid of the things in our lives that lead us to sin.

How frequently do you and lie?

Receive the courtesy of Christ. Max Lucado reminds us to know that Jesus longs to show us the courtesy of heaven, and we need to recognize it, receive it, and share it.

Jesus died. He was buried. He was raised from the dead. Each one of those facts reminds us that Jesus was not some antiseptic hero from a distance. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that Jesus died and was buried and that his burial has special significance for us.

Is living throwing you nothing but curve balls? Life is full of all sorts of problems and curve balls: how we handle them determins our real faith.

When's the last time you let them know you were thinking of them? Mike Barres reminds us to be thoughtful to others and one way to do that is to remember those who have been thoughtful to us.

Jesus didn't pray for unity just so Christians could sit in a happy circle, hold hands, and sing Kum Ba Yah around the campfire at church camp. Phil Ware reflects on the words of Jesus, the actions of the apostle Paul, and the example of a couple of men in his life, all focused on the theme of reconciliation.

Living My Mission Under Social Distancing Phil Ware opens the New Testament and reminds of a great way to live out our mission while under social distancing, prayer because prayer has always been a virtual way of blessing others.

Preparing my mouth for marriage... and beyond! Byron Ware reminds us of the vital importance of how we communicate both in the words we choose to say, not speak, and the non-verbals we use as we speak them.

We have to remember what we were made for We were not meant to live our lives like animals. We are called to be sons of God.

What difference does a little criticism really make? Criticism hurts even when, or maybe especially when, it is dressed in pretty packages and given to us over a long time.

When giving up something is winning for everyone! Rubel Shelly tells about the Ike story that touches the heart and reminds us what sports are supposed to be about.

When do you go a little around the bend? We need to recognize that we get a little stupid and out of control when we are tired and so we should do something to prevent it!

If we listen to Acts like a play, what do we learn in each scene? Mark Frost of Interim Ministry Partners shares insight on viewing the church through the lens of Acts and focuses today on the church being the living, breathing, embodiment or incarnation of Jesus to the world.

Is an apology offered before the fact really an apology? Joey Cope describes his difficulty in dealing with someone who is critical and negative and who begins his statements with an apology.

Are you a thrill seeker? Let's not just be thrill seekers, but also Kingdom seekers.

So what's the big problem with all this self stuff? When we put self in the middle of everything, then everything becomes about I, me, my, and mine, and not about God and we mess up our self-absorbed lives.

Can you see God's signature on his masterpiece? Phil Ware reminds us that we are all God's gifted children and that God has put his signature on each of us in three different ways.

Is your storehouse of anger doing you any good? Are you happier? Better? More fun to be with? Max Lucado helps us deal with the hurts of the heart that lead to bitterness, anger, and depression, as we are provoked and frustrated into sullen and negative states of spirit and emotion and mind.

We've allowed our modern definition of faith to be drained of depth and turned into a shallow kiddie wading pool of little more than mental assent. Phil Ware reminds us that faith as understood in the New Testament was much more robust than what we often call faith today.