Podcasts about love ephesians

Believers are always called to speak the truth, and we are encouraged to do this with love and respect! On today's podcast, Pastor Cameron looks at this vital instruction, and how it affects our witness to the world. 

Many of us struggle to accept compliments. We respond with self- deprecation or dismissal mainly because we're uncomfortable with focused appreciation and affection. What is it like then to receive the full, unmerited love of a holy God? It can be hard to accept and enjoy, which is why Paul prays for us and we respond in prayer and worship.

Original Date: 05/17/2026Rev. John Crosby

Prayer to Know His Love | Jeff White | April 19, 2025https://www.newcityep.com

Marriage displays Christ's love for the church through self-giving love and sacrifice.

Speaking the Truth in Love - Ephesians 4:15

Outline    Biblical Foundation for Confrontation Scripture establishes that fault will be found in others and ourselves as human beings prone to error Jesus provides guidance on how to handle each other's faults through proper confrontation methods Matthew 7:1-6 emphasizes the importance of checking one's own heart before addressing others' sins to avoid hypocrisy Self-examination through prayer and seeking God's guidance is essential before confronting someone else's wrongdoing Approaching confrontation without recognizing our own weaknesses lacks the humility necessary for successful resolution The goal of confrontation should be recovering people to right standing with God rather than making them act according to our preferences Partnership and relationship should characterize confrontation rather than accusatory behavior.   Private Confrontation Protocol Matthew 18:15-20 establishes that the first step involves going directly to the person alone about their fault Scripture specifically emphasizes confronting someone "alone" rather than involving multiple people initially Spreading information about someone's sin to others before addressing them directly creates an "oil spill" effect that becomes difficult to clean up Multiple people become impacted by knowledge of the sin without opportunity for reconciliation if the matter is resolved privately Community members may carry grudges against the person even after repentance occurs because they never witness the restoration Biblical protocol requires relational courage to address issues directly rather than avoiding confrontation Failure to confront privately often leads to hardening of heart, distancing behavior, and protective mechanisms that damage relationships.   Escalation Process for Unresolved Sin Taking one or two others along serves as the second step when private confrontation fails, requiring evidence and witnesses to establish charges This step distinguishes between confronting actual substantiated sins versus personal feelings or preferences Scripture qualifies sin quite specifically throughout, making confrontation about verifiable behavior rather than emotional responses Telling the matter to the church represents the third step when the person refuses to listen to witnesses Treating someone as a Gentile or tax collector becomes necessary when they refuse church governance and show unrelenting sin patterns This final classification indicates someone unwilling to be a true follower of Jesus despite multiple intervention attempts.   Spiritual Authority and Unity Whatever believers bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever they loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven Spiritual authority of the body of Christ follows from exercising relational courage and willingness to confront sin properly Prayer effectiveness requires unity between two or three people gathered in Jesus' name Unity in prayer becomes impossible when standing in silent judgment of someone's life due to unaddressed sin Relationships frayed by unforgiveness, judgment, or isolation prevent effective spiritual authority in prayer meetings Gossip and rumor-spreading destroys community and creates hypocrisy when the same tongue tries to declare heavenly things Marriage, family, small group, and church relationships all require exercising biblical confrontation principles.   Speaking Truth in Love Ephesians 4:14-15 presents speaking truth in love as God's antidote to deception and false doctrine Some people excel at telling brutal truth but lack the love component required by scripture Others focus heavily on love but avoid speaking necessary truth due to past negative experiences with confrontation Both extremes need repentance to find balance in expressing truth with genuine love Truth-telling helps people break free from deception caused by false influences, social media, or cult-like followings Confronting deception requires courage and disagreement since affirming falsehood provides no help to deceived individuals Learning to speak truth in love requires practice, asking for forgiveness when done poorly, and studying how to improve the approach.   Reproof and Rebuke with Patience 2 Timothy 4:1-5 charges believers to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching Reproof means reprimanding or censoring someone, while rebuke involves expressing sharp disapproval of behavior God's reproof and rebuke always comes with love since love is His nature, providing a model for human confrontation Complete patience requires learning specific techniques for managing anger and frustration during difficult conversations Teaching accompanies reproof and rebuke by showing the right way rather than only pointing out wrong behavior Patience involves sitting with someone as long as necessary to help them understand and find their way to righteousness People often seek teachers who confirm their biases rather than challenge their sin patterns and idolatry.   Church Culture and Truth-Telling Consumer-driven church culture often tells people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear for spiritual growth Economic dependence on giving creates pressure to avoid difficult truths that might cause people to leave Jesus' challenging words caused crowds to leave Him, demonstrating that following Christ involves disturbing and vexing elements Choosing teachers who only affirm and comfort leads to turning away from truth and wandering into myths Church leadership must prioritize the integrity of Jesus' message over financial stability and attendance numbers A remnant of people exists who genuinely want to grow in challenging ways and commit to Jesus' methods.   Restoration and Gentleness Galatians 6:1-2 calls for restoring those caught in transgression through a spirit of gentleness while bearing one another's burdens Confrontation should focus on recovering people back to walking "in His name" rather than punishing them for failures The approach involves gentle invitation back to relationship with Jesus rather than violent or aggressive tactics Spiritual warfare targets principalities and powers rather than the individuals ensnared by sin Ministry should address people's spiritual conditions through healing and restoration rather than anger or condemnation Every spiritual condition requires appropriate ministry response, such as breaking chains rather than cutting off legs, or healing blindness rather than yelling at blind people.   Learning and Growth in Confrontation Poor execution of confrontation requires learning to do it excellently rather than avoiding it altogether Inactivity or non-engagement prevents growth in necessary relational skills Practice and repetition in speaking truth with love leads to improvement over time Feeling foreign or inauthentic when using Jesus' language indicates positive change from former abusive patterns Loyalty should be directed toward becoming like Jesus rather than remaining authentic to one's former self Replacing violent, hateful, and unforgiving language with Christ-like communication requires accepting the discomfort of change.   Next Steps The community commits to learning God's ways of handling family relationships and conflict resolution rather than perpetuating past patterns Members will seek wisdom for navigating challenging relationship issues and sensitive sin matters through prayer and study The church will prioritize righteousness and holiness over false peace in their relationships and community interactions Individuals will examine their own lives for hypocrisy and fault before confronting others, opening themselves to loving correction The congregation will develop skills in speaking truth with love while shedding previous destructive communication patterns learned from family backgrounds.

Mar. 21 & 22, 2026 - More Love. More Power.Pastor Ed TaylorEphesians 1:19-23 | Study #14907EPHESIANS

Speaking the truth in love is aimed at the maturity and unity of the body of Christ.

In this passage we are challenged to walk in the way of God’s self-denying love. But the challenge is highlighted by characteristics that are NOT to be part of the life of an individual or a church. The post Walk in the way of Love (Ephesians 5.1-7) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

This was first published on our mobile App February 15, 2025.●Truth Time Radio is your home for Acts 9 dispensational Bible study.●In ministry since June 1987.●Saved and rightly dividing since 2005.For back to back Acts 9 grace teachings, download our free mobile app https://truthtimeradio.com/wttrLet us help you Rightly Divide the word of truth according to the dispensation of the grace of God, and watch the dots connect.... the confusion disappear.... and the scriptures come alive! For Bible questions or to leave comments call 1-888-988-9562.

Shawn Swinney preaching on Ephesians 3:14-21 at our 10.45am service on the 15th of February.

Walk in Love (Ephesians 5:1-2)The DNA of a Disciple January 11th, 2026Jeff Bruce

Walk in Love // Ephesians 5:1-7Series - Rooted in GraceSpeaker - Gordon HallNeed Prayer? - Click HereSunday's • 10am • Clovis North High School/Granite Ridge.For the latest on what's happening at church, visit rvcfresno.com or @RVCFresno on Facebook and Instagram.

God's Love for the Church Ephesians 3:14-20 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

The Power of Love Ephesians 2:4-10 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

The Incarnation of LOVE | Ephesians 11:5-10

Text: Ephesians 6:23-24Series: Ephesians Speaker: Blake FarleySupport the show

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

How do we love like Christ did?

This Christian Scripture meditation is the final episode in our 12-Step meditation journey. While the first 12 meditations followed the steps directly, this last one serves as a benediction—a blessing and prayer to carry with you as you continue your journey of transformation with God. Paul prayed Ephesians 3:16–21 over the church in Ephesus, and today we pray them for ourselves. They remind us that we are strengthened by the Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, and carried forward by God’s power to do more than we could ever ask or imagine. In this guided Lectio Divina meditation, you’ll be invited to: Trust God more deeply Thank Him for how He’s revealed His love to you Ask Him boldly for what you need Rest in the truth that He can do more than you could ask or think As you listen, may you be reminded that God’s love is your foundation, His Spirit is your strength, and His power is more than enough for whatever lies ahead. If this series has blessed you, would you take a moment to pass it on to someone else who might benefit? Helpful Links:Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey here.This journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Additional links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Meditation Passage: Ephesians 3:16–21, NLTI pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Paul reminds us that because we are new people we can no longer live in selfish immorality, and he warns us that kind of life brings judgment and condemnation. Because we are God's children, our lives should reflect the self-giving love of Jesus. Join us as we look at what it means to "Walk in Love" from Ephesians 5:1-7.

Grant Clark, November 9, 2025

Welcome to the Daily Disciple Podcast. As daily disciples, we seek to adore and follow Jesus, our teacher, into the abundant life that he offers. Because we find Jesus irresistible, fascinating, and incredibly practical, we want to be students of his scripture. Today's episode is found in Ephesians 5 "The Power of Love"

Ep 46 - Series: Identity Unlocked - Pt 2About This Episode: Why You Can't Feel God's Love (Knowing vs Believing, Love vs Fear & Living Victoriously)You know God loves you in your head—but do you believe it in your heart? Most Christians struggle to feel beloved, chosen, and special in God's eyes. This episode reveals why knowing isn't enough and how to make the transition from head knowledge to heart conviction that transforms everything.In this episode, you'll discover:The crucial difference between knowing and believing God's love (1 John 4:16)Why "God shows no favoritism" actually means you're His favoriteHow to surrender the lies blocking intimacy with GodWhy love (not fear) is the true motivator for obedienceThe key to living victoriously as more than conquerorsTurn this episode into real change: The Kingdom Shift newsletter gives you one specific way to apply this week's Kingdom truth. Weekly delivery. 4-minute read. One simple action step included. Join at https://tekoaproject.com/newsletter/About This Series: This is Part 2 of our "Identity Unlocked" series. Over the next few episodes, we'll dive deep into what sonship really means, how to walk in it daily, and how to recognize when you're slipping back into orphan or slave thinking.The Tekoa Project exists to help believers move from religious performance to authentic relationship with God. Learn more at https://tekoaproject.com/Episode Chapters:0:00 - Why You Can't Feel God's Love2:30 - The Difference Between Loved and Beloved5:45 - Are You God's Favorite? (Understanding No Favoritism)10:30 - Knowing vs Believing: The 1 John 4:16 Distinction17:45 - Rooted and Grounded in Love (Ephesians 3)25:15 - Nothing Can Separate You from God's Love (Romans 8)32:20 - Surrendering the Lies That Block His Love38:45 - Love vs Fear: The Real Motivation for Obedience44:30 - Living Victoriously as More Than Conquerors

Welcome back to The Uncrowned Podcast—a movement calling men back to what God created us to be: God-first, faith-first, divine masculine expressed through character, discipline, and brotherhood. We don't chase earthly crowns—we walk in calling. Today we tackle a verse everybody quotes but few practice well: “Wives, respect your husbands. Husbands, love your wives.” We break down what Ephesians 5:21–33 actually says (not memes, not hot takes), why respect and love are different but complementary, and what it means that husbands are called to love “as Christ loved the church”—which means die to self. We also get painfully practical with daily/weekly rhythms you can start tonight.  Core Scriptures we unpack: Mutual submission & marriage design (Eph 5:21–33; Gen 2:24).  Respect that can win a husband without words (1 Pet 3:1–2). Husbands: love without harshness (Col 3:19).  Servant leadership & foot-washing (Matt 20:26–28; John 13). Christ's pattern of self-emptying (Phil 2:5–8).  What love looks like in conflict (1 Cor 13:4–7; Jas 1:19).  We even zoom in on the Greek: agapaō (self-giving, chosen love) and phobeō (reverence/respect)—a lock and key that fit God's design for covenant.  7-Day Challenge  Husbands (tonight): Pray out loud with your wife for 30 sec, then ask, “What's one weight I can shoulder for you this week?” (Eph 5:25; Col 3:19). Wives (tonight): Say one sentence of respect: “I see how you ____ and I'm grateful.” (1 Pet 3:1–2; Eph 5:33).  Both: Memorize James 1:19—quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger—and use it in your next tough convo.  Drop a ✅ when you finish Day 1. Tell me which you're doubling down on this week—Respect or Love—and why.   If this served you, follow/subscribe, rate & review, and share with one couple who needs a reset. For a God-first rule of life—Scripture rhythms, communication, conflict, leadership—apply for 1:1 coaching for men: butticejoe@gmail.com or @theuncrownedcoach on instagram and tiktok

Text: Ephesians 5:4Series: Ephesians Speaker: Blake FarleySupport the show

Preached in 2020. For more resources for knowing and loving God's word, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bcnewton.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Further Reading⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ephesians: An Expositional Commentary⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ // R. C. Sproul⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians: Volume 8 (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ // F. F. Bruce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New Testament Commentaries: Volume 1: Romans to Ephesians⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ // Geoffrey Wilson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ephesians ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠// R. Kent Hughes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ephesians ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠// Charles Hodge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ESV Expository Commentary: Ephesians–Philemon (Volume 11)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Preached in 2020. For more resources for knowing and loving God's word, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bcnewton.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Further Reading⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ephesians: An Expositional Commentary⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ // R. C. Sproul⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians: Volume 8 (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ // F. F. Bruce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New Testament Commentaries: Volume 1: Romans to Ephesians⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ // Geoffrey Wilson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ephesians ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠// R. Kent Hughes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ephesians ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠// Charles Hodge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ESV Expository Commentary: Ephesians–Philemon (Volume 11)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Scripture: 2 Samuel 13-19. Father Wounds - are wounds brought into our lives through family members. Deep wounds with lasting consequences.  Father's wounds - are wounds to parents by their children. It is grieving because their children turned their backs on the things they were taught from the time they were little.  Both are deep and painful wounds. How to deal with the pain and how to go beyond it. Our study covers: Amnon rapes Tamar (2 Sam 13) Absalom hates Amnon (2 Sam 13) Absalom murders Amnon (2 Sam 13) Absalom flees to thalami (2 Sam 13) Absalom conspires against David (2 Sam 15) Absalom revolts against David (2 Sam 15-17) Joab executes Absalom (2 Sam 18) In our study we see that wounds eliminate the spiritual strength of King David. We also see wounds that bring about rebellion and hatred, anger and murder. We see wounds experienced by a father who feels he has failed his son. A tragic horrible story. Yet God desires to speak to us through it. This story is in the Bible for a reason and purpose. The purpose is not just to inform but to transform. God desires to bring healing, hope and strength and to reverse the painful trajectory of what we have experienced. Divine Prescriptions     ⁃    Sow and Reap - Galatians 6:7-8 Consequences of our behavior can be negative or positive. “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Also, as seen in David's story, God forgives, but the consequences of sin are still there.     ⁃    Nurture or Anger - Ephesians 6:4  encourages fathers to teach their children to live uprightly and faithfully before God and for fathers to model an upright life to their children.     ⁃    Truth and Love - Ephesians 4:15 We are to speak truth to our kids but speak that with love.     ⁃    Forgive and Release - Whether we have father wounds or father's wounds we are to forgive and letting go. Colossians 3:13 We are to forgive as the Lord forgives us - even those who have disappointed us, hurt us deeply, and in that forgiveness and releasing there is healing and there is hope.     ⁃    Father and Son - 1 John 2:1-2 Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sin and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. God loves us and His love goes beyond the love of any father. Our Heavenly Father offers each of us healing, hope and life-transforming power. If you have been the victim of a father wound or if you are experiencing a father's wounds, you need to know there is a Father who loves you more than you could imagine. Who understands the wounds because those wounds were placed in the very body of His Son and He offers to us forgiveness, eternal life, and the ability to start all over. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

All of us struggle with doubts and fears – about ourselves, about relationships, about the future, about this world, even about God and his promises. How do we find security, hope, and direction for our lives? Join us as we look at "The Father's Love" from Ephesians 1:3-14

Do you want to live in peace with God and others? Do you want help making decisions and living in relationships with others? The key is simple: LOVE. It is all about love. This is the truth of Ephesians 5:1-6. All you need is love!

https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-media/devotional/Devotional07292025.mp3 The post The Dimensions of God's Love – Ephesians 3:17-19 – July 29, 2025 appeared first on Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/the-dimensions-of-gods-love-ephesians-317-19-july-29-2025/feed/ 0 https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-

In Ephesians 3:14-21, we learn that knowing God's love takes supernatural power. These verses make it clear that each of us can personally experience (grasp) God's love through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we humble ourselves, trust God's provision, and root our lives in His love, He fills us with His presence. And that changes everything. Part 13 Ephesians Series “Grasping God's Love” (Ephesians 3:14-21) Pastor Bill Young July 19 & 20, 2025

During the Apostle Paul's closing to Ephesians, he describes love in a way that is different from all his other references to love in the New Testament. As we close this series on Ephesians, we look at Paul's use of love in Eph. 6.24 and trace the theme of love throughout the letter. For more information about Tulsa Bible Church, please visit us at TulsaBible.org

In Ephesians 5.1-7, the Apostle Paul carried forward his dominant image of the Christian life as a walk with God. This walk is described as imitating Christ in two very important areas of our lives: sexual integrity and speech. Join us as we continue through our series in Ephesians called, “Together In Christ.”

4 Things about God's Love (Ephesians 3:14-19)Will WashingtonPCPC High School8 June 2025

In Part Six of our Ephesians series, we discover the Good News of what God has done for us. While we were dead in our sins, He made us alive with Christ by grace. We'll explore God's rich mercy and great love, and what that means for our future in Christ. Part Six Ephesians Series “Rich in Mercy, Great in Love” (Ephesians 2:4-7) Pastor Caleb Yetton May 31 - June 01, 2025

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:16 NLT) Good things happen when the church functions in the way God intends. Not only do God’s people become unified, like the parts of a body working together, but we also become spiritually mature. The apostle Paul offers a glimpse of what that maturity looks like: “We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church” (Ephesians 4:14–15 NLT). When I was a brand-new believer, I would talk with Pastor Chuck Smith, who was quite a bit older than I was. One day, I asked, “Chuck, how long have you been a Christian?” I think he said it was somewhere around fifty years. That number stunned me. “Fifty years?” I asked. “Does that make you an apostle now? Can you walk on water after fifty years?” There is maturity that comes with time. But I’ve been a Christian now for longer than fifty years, and while I’ve certainly grown and learned a lot, I have a long way to go. Some of you may be saying, “Yeah, you do, Greg.” And that’s true. I do. But you do, too. We all do. There’s no shame in admitting it. In fact, when we stop believing we have a long way to go, we set ourselves up for a fall. Paul himself said, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:13–14 NLT). Even as he taught others how to become spiritually mature, Paul constantly was striving to become more mature in Christ himself. Spiritual maturity grounds us in the truth of Scripture. It keeps us from being “tossed and blown about” by false teachings. It gives us the wisdom and discernment to recognize deceivers, people who try to make the Bible say things it doesn’t say. Spiritual maturity and spiritual unity complement one another. When you develop a sense of unity with other believers, you also develop a sense of accountability. And believers who are accountable to one another will speak the truth in love when one of them starts to go down a questionable path. Reflection Question: What does spiritual maturity look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Pastor Yannick from Stockwell Baptist Church reminded us that discouragement is deadly. The only way out of its deadly snare is seeing, understanding, and comprehending the true height and depth of God's great love for us.