Podcasts about unity in christ

Join Pastor Derek Walker of the Oxford Bible Church as he explores the concept of the Temples of God in a special series. Discover how believers are considered living stones, forming a spiritual Temple with Christ as both the Foundation Stone and the Capstone. This episode delves into biblical passages that illustrate the significance of Christ's role in the Church and God's plan for unity among believers.

Current Sermon Series The Politics of Jesus: Following Christ Beyond Left and Right September 7 – October 12 In our polarized world, Christians often feel pressured to choose between political tribes. But Jesus offers a third way that transcends partisan divisions. This series explores how Christ's kingdom values challenge both conservative and progressive assumptions, calling us to a higher allegiance. We'll examine how Jesus' cross dismantles systems of domination, how his economics challenge both capitalism and socialism, and how his community of disciples embodies a new social order. Rather than baptizing political ideologies, we'll explore how the gospel can shape our civic engagement, finding unity in Christ while navigating complex social issues with wisdom, grace, and prophetic imagination and courage. September 7 | The Jubilee Revolution • Luke 4:16–30 September 14 | The Way of the Cross • Mark 8:31–38, Luke 9:51–56  September 21 | A New Social Order • Acts 2:42–47, Acts 4:32–37 September 28 | The Powers and Principalities • Ephesians 6:10–20, Colossians 2:13–15 October 5 | Revolutionary Subordination • 1 Peter 2:13–25, Romans 13:1–7 October 12 | The Politics of the Table • Luke 14:7–24, 1 Corinthians 11:17–34

New Identity Colossians 3 Chew the Bible S3Paul urges believers to set their hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is, rather than on earthly things. Since they have died with Christ and their life is now hidden in Him, they must put to death sinful behaviors such as sexual immorality, greed, anger, slander, and lying.Instead, they are to put on the new self, which is being renewed in Christ's image. In this new life, earthly divisions like Jew or Gentile, slave or free, do not matter—Christ is all and in all.Paul calls believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds everything together. The peace of Christ should rule in their hearts, and the word of Christ should dwell richly among them, expressed through teaching, encouragement, and songs of worship. Whatever they do, they should do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.He also gives practical instructions for Christian households: wives should respect their husbands, husbands should love their wives, children should obey their parents, fathers should not embitter their children, and slaves should obey their earthly masters sincerely—ultimately working as for the Lord rather than for men.Key Themes:Seek heavenly values, not earthly ones.Put off the old sinful nature; put on the new Christlike nature.Unity in Christ transcends divisions.Love is the supreme virtue.Practical guidance for relationships in the Christian home and daily life.Your words were found and I ate them

Colossians 3 SummaryPaul urges believers to set their hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is, rather than on earthly things. Since they have died with Christ and their life is now hidden in Him, they must put to death sinful behaviors such as sexual immorality, greed, anger, slander, and lying.Instead, they are to put on the new self, which is being renewed in Christ's image. In this new life, earthly divisions like Jew or Gentile, slave or free, do not matter—Christ is all and in all.Paul calls believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds everything together. The peace of Christ should rule in their hearts, and the word of Christ should dwell richly among them, expressed through teaching, encouragement, and songs of worship. Whatever they do, they should do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.He also gives practical instructions for Christian households: wives should respect their husbands, husbands should love their wives, children should obey their parents, fathers should not embitter their children, and slaves should obey their earthly masters sincerely—ultimately working as for the Lord rather than for men.Key Themes:Seek heavenly values, not earthly ones.Put off the old sinful nature; put on the new Christlike nature.Unity in Christ transcends divisions.Love is the supreme virtue.Practical guidance for relationships in the Christian home and daily life.

As we embark on this journey through the book of Romans, we're reminded of the transformative power of the gospel. This letter, written to unite Jewish and Gentile believers, teaches us that the gospel changes everything. It's not just good advice, but the very heart of God that can make dead men live. We're challenged to examine our lives in light of Paul's teachings and ground ourselves in the finished work of Jesus Christ. The central message is clear: we are saved by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone. This truth should unite us, not divide us. As we delve deeper into Romans, let's remember that our primary calling is to love God and each other, setting aside secondary disagreements for the sake of unity in Christ.

Join Pastor Derek Walker of the Oxford Bible Church as he explores the concept of the Temples of God, both heavenly and earthly. This episode delves into the idea that believers collectively form the ultimate Temple of God, united as the body and bride of Christ. Discover how the corporate Temple embodies greater glory than individual Temples and how Jesus Christ as the Foundation Stone and Capstone unites us all.

Join Pastor Derek Walker of the Oxford Bible Church as he explores the concept of the Temples of God, both heavenly and earthly. This episode delves into the idea that believers collectively form the ultimate Temple of God, united as the body and bride of Christ. Discover how the corporate Temple embodies greater glory than individual Temples and how Jesus Christ as the Foundation Stone and Capstone unites us all.

Anger is a powerful emotion that can either be destructive or redirected toward godly purposes, depending onhow it's expressed. Scripture reminds us that human anger does not produce God's righteousness (James1:19–20). At its root, anger flows from the heart, revealing unhealed wounds, unhealthy thoughts, and unresolvedbitterness. God calls us to bring our anger into His light, allowing Him to transform us through renewed minds(Romans 12:2) and new natures (Ephesians 4:22–24). Forgiveness frees us from the cycle of resentment, andunity in Christ calls us to focus on the small things we share rather than the vast differences. The messagechallenges us to lay down our matches of anger at the cross and choose peace, patience, and forgiveness.

Empowered to speak the truth in love so that the result is unity in Christ

In this back-to-school season, Pastor Dave Bondeson invites us to reflect on our spiritual health by unpacking Ephesians 4:1–16. He outlines three marks of a healthy church community: unity in Christ, dependence on one another, and a commitment to growth in Christlikeness. Dave also unpacks six core church priorities—gathering, growing, grounded, grace-filled, going, and giving—and challenges us to identify one area to focus on this fall. This sermon is a timely call to intentional discipleship and deeper connection at Woodlands Church.

Today,we want to continue in Ephesians 1. Now remember the chapter starts with twolong sentences. The first long sentence begins in verse 2 through verse 6, andtells us how God our Father has given us a great spiritual blessing in the factthat He has chosen us, He has adopted us, and He has accepted us in Christ. Allbecause of what His Son Jesus Christ has done for us. We are a blessed people.We're rich in Christ. That's the theme of the book.  Thenin verses 7-10, we have another long sentence. And this is what Jesus Christthe Son is continuing to do for us even today. We have redemption through Hisblood. We have forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace. Yesterdaywe talked about how through His grace He made to abound toward us in all wisdomand prudence. We have the wisdom of God and the discernment of God to do what'sright to please Him.  Todaywe are looking specifically at verses 9-10: ”Having made known to us themystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed inHimself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gathertogether in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are inearth in Him”. And that's the last part of this big sentence. What we findout here is that not only has He redeemed and forgiven us, He has also madeknown to us “the mystery of His will”.  Thisletter has much to say about God's plan for His people. A plan that was noteven fully known even in Paul's day. The word mystery that we read here, and isused several times in the book, has nothing to do with something eerie. Itactually means in the Scripture a “sacred secret” once hidden but now revealedto God's people. We believers are part of God's inner circle. We are able toshare in the secret that God one day will unite everything in Christ. Eversince sin came into the world, things have been falling apart, as you well know.First man was separated from God (Genesis 3). Then man was separated from manas Cain killed Abel (Genesis 4). People tried to maintain some kind of unity bybuilding the tower of Babel in Genesis 11. But God judged them and scatteredthem across the world.  Godcalled Abraham and put a difference between the Jew and the Gentile. Adifference that was maintained until Christ's death on the cross. Sin istearing everything apart. But in Christ, God will gather everything together inthe accumulation of the ages. We are a part as His church, even as Gentiles ofHis eternal program. He unites all things in Christ. What a blessing that themystery of God's will, bringing everything back together in Christ will befulfilled one day when Jesus Christ comes back again and sets up His kingdom.  That'sGod's plan for the ages. Oneness in Jesus Christ. No matter who we are, rich orpoor, educated, uneducated, no matter our language, our culture, we are allrich in Christ. And one day we will experience that final unity. But even now,we can have that unity because we're in Christ. It doesn't matter whether we'refrom India or China or America or Africa or South America. It doesn't matter. AsI go to different places in the world, there is this oneness despite ourlanguage barriers in Christ.  Thisis the will of God that we can have this unity in Christ. This is the will ofGod that we can be saved from the sin that separates us. God is not willingthat any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  Myfriend, what a great blessing we have in Christ today. And we ought to enjoythis blessing of unity, knowing the will and plan of God for the ages. Amystery that was hidden but now is made known to us in Christ.  Godbless!

Segment 1: • Conservative Christianity saw a resurgence decades ago—but pride and inflated opinions fractured it. • The MacArthur Memorial revealed surprising unity with leaders like Piper, raising big questions. • Are we elevating secondary issues to essentials and repeating secular cancel culture? Segment 2: • Scott Aniol's “Conviction and Charity” points toward a healthier future for conservative Christianity. • Tone and tenor matter—we've all felt and likely contributed to the online heat. • G3's pivot could help the local pastor and church recalibrate. Segment 3: • Key question: when do you call out error, and when do you show charity? • Biblical conviction must never fade, but secondary issues shouldn't destroy fellowship. • The church must grow in discernment without weaponizing it. Segment 4: • Theological sharpness is good—but not our identity. • Have we been distracted from our Father's business by endless squabbles? • Unity in Christ must outweigh division over non-essentials. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1: • John MacArthur's memorial included surprising voices like Alistair Begg—raising questions about unity and division. • Ecumenism: should secondary disagreements divide us, or is cancel-culture thinking creeping into the church? • Challenge: Have we cut off brothers and sisters unnecessarily? Segment 2: • John Piper unexpectedly delivered a 16-minute eulogy at MacArthur's memorial. • Longstanding disagreements didn't prevent friendship, fellowship, and mutual respect. • Are we too quick to divide where MacArthur himself did not? Segment 3: • Piper praised MacArthur as “an extraordinary preacher,” showing a deep bond of friendship. • Encouragement: disagreements don't have to equal disdain. • Can Christians model unity around the essentials while holding firm convictions on secondary issues? Segment 4: • Piper's presence shocked many—but highlighted love and brotherhood over acrimony. • Theological debates are a means, not the end—Christ is the center. • The church must choose: division over secondary issues, or unity in Christ? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Visit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation. www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.SummaryIn this episode, TS Wright and Pastor Bob Thibodeau discuss the Red Letter Crusade, a movement focused on the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Bible. Pastor Bob shares the origins of the crusade, emphasizing the importance of Jesus' words in healing divisions within the Christian community. The conversation explores the significance of understanding and promoting the red letters of Jesus, encouraging listeners to focus on His teachings as a foundation for faith and unity.TakeawaysThe Red Letter Crusade aims to promote the teachings of Jesus.Pastor Bob emphasizes the importance of Jesus' words in healing divisions in the church.The movement originated from a book project focused on the red letters of Jesus.Pastor Bob has been preaching exclusively from the red letters since December.The teachings of Jesus provide a standard for moral and ethical questions.Unity in Christ is essential, as all denominations preach from the same Bible.The words of Jesus will be the basis for judgment in the last days.Pastor Bob's calling is to bring healing and unity to the body of Christ.The Red Letter Crusade is a response to the need for clarity in Christian teachings.Listeners are encouraged to focus on what Jesus said to guide their faith.Red Letter Crusade Link:WDJS Book Project - WDJS Book Project

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What We Believe, 9 of 11 from August 17th, 2025 "Christ is building His church." Church by Tyler HofflerSUMMARYThis sermon explores the nature and purpose of the church as the beloved body of Christ. It emphasizes the importance of love, unity, and diversity within the church community. Tyler highlights that the church is not just a building, but a group of people called out by God to serve Him and each other. The sermon stresses the significance of understanding our individual roles within the church while maintaining unity in Christ, and the critical importance of loving one another as a testimony to the world.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Paul's opening words in 1 Corinthians show how the church is called to unity in Christ alone, grounded in God's grace and faithfulness, so that the world may see and know Him.--Download the One Crossing app:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecrossing.net/app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecrossing.net/giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Helping people come to an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the vision of Crossing Church, based in Quincy, IL with multiple locations throughout Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa.

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Presented by Julie Busteed In a society when there is so much discord and argument and division, unity is a rare thing. As a Christ-follower, why do we need to have unity? Jesus gives us this reason: My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:20-23). Being unified in Christ and with the body of Christ is a powerful witness to the world of God's love. As Christians, our unity in Christ and with other Christians is essential. But being united doesn't mean we are all the same. We are uniquely created with different gifts and talents. And yet united! I love this saying: In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity. Christians need to be of the same mind on the core beliefs—things that matter—that are essential. In church we often recite or read the Apostles Creed, which states some core beliefs of faith: God is the creator. Jesus is his only son, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, was crucified, died and buried. On third day, he rose again and sits at the right hand of God, and he will come to judge the world. I'm summarizing here, but you get the idea. For Christians, these are non-negotiable beliefs. It doesn't have anything to do with the worship music, or how the service should be ordered, or what we should wear to church, or any of those other things. Some of those things are important, but they are more preferences—so there's liberty—or freedom in the “non-essential” things. We may prefer a certain worship style and find other worship styles unsettling, but if those core beliefs are shared, then there's freedom to worship. And above all, there's charity—love! You and I need to make room for other people's preferences. It doesn't have to be done exactly our way. God created us uniquely and as a result there are unique ways to worship and serve him.

This Sunday, Pastor Curtis continues in the Romans series with Pt. 12, “When in Rome… Don't.” In Romans 15, we're reminded that unity in Christ means being led by the Spirit, serving where He calls—even when it's hard—and courageously carrying the Gospel forward while blessing and praying for those on the front lines.

Собрание святых: от потребления к служению-7 / The Gathering of the Saints: From Consumption to Service-7Вечеря Господня в контексте собрания / The Lord's Supper in the Context of the Gathering1-е Коринфянам 11:17-34I. Осознанно сохраняйте евангельское единство / Intentionally preserve the unity of the GospelII. Заботьтесь друг о друге / Care for one anotherIII. Воспринимайте друг друга через Христа / View one another through Christ A. Хлеб – наше единство в жертве Христа / The bread – our unity in Christ's sacrifice B. Чаша – наше единство в Новом Завете / The cup – our unity in the New Covenant C. Совместное участие – наше единство в проповеди / Participation – our unity in proclaiming the GospelIV. Участвуйте, испытывая себя / Partake with self-examinationV. Цените это священное время / Cherish this sacred moment

August 10th, 2025 - Acts 6:1-7 – Unity in Christ Amidst Diversity in CulturePoint 1 – V.1 – A multicultural problemPoint 2 – V.2-6 – The unified, yet diversified, solutionPoint 3 – V.7 – The God blessed results

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Do we really believe that to live is Christ, and to die is gain? After serving for more than a decade as a gospel worker and church planter in Asia, Brother Kevin asks all believers to consider whether we actually live as if we believe these words from Philippians 1:21. He says that of ten people who come to faith in Christ in the area where he works, nine recant when the pressure of persecution rises. Yet seeing the joyful endurance of the one who remains faithful is a great source of encouragement to him. Kevin will share how the Lord called him to serve unreached people groups in Asia, and explain what a new believer is likely to face when they come to Christ in a Buddhist and animistic culture, where persecution usually begins at the family or village level. Because of fear-based animistic practices and the communal culture, the entire community feels like they are at risk when a member of their community becomes a Christian. Kevin has walked with friends who've been put in prison or kicked out of their villages. Some are living in tents because they refused to recant their commitment to Christ. Yet they meet these hardships with joy, responding in faith and perseverance to their persecution. Kevin will discuss how individualistic worldviews in Western nations like the United States compare to the collective Asian culture, and how believers show the unity within Christ's body as they rely on each other when part of the body is hurting. Learn more about the church in Asia and how to pray for Christians there and around the world who face persecution for owning a Bible, gathering for a church service, or simply wearing the name of Christ. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

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Send us a textIn this message, guest speaker Rev. Christina Murphy explores what it truly means to cross cultural barriers for the sake of the Gospel. Drawing from Acts 2, Colossians 3, and 1 Corinthians 9, she shows how God doesn't erase our differences, He unites us in Christ despite them. The Good News of Jesus is an open invitation to all races, all cultures, and all people. Learn how to follow Paul's example of becoming "all things to all people" so that by all means, some might be saved.Linkoln shares his story on why he started coming to Ravenna Church of the Nazarene and shares why you should consider doing the same.Ravenna Church of the Nazarene530 Main Street, Ravenna, KY 40472Support the showThe Dirt Path Sermon Podcast is a place for real sermons that speak to real life. Subscribe and walk the path with us every week. Consider visiting Ravenna Church of the Nazarene where Pastor Jason is the Senior Pastor. Have a prayer need? Want to share something with Pastor Jason? Email rav.naz.ky@gmail.com

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As open the letter to the Ephesians, we can jump right into it without much introduction and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we we will be so blessed by the power and beauty of this letter. But we would probably prefer at least some background information to use as on ramp tonight to the book of Ephesians.Paul is and in the early church fathers is recognized as the author of Ephesians. Practically speaking is one of the Epistles, a letter to the church similar to Galatians, Philippians and Colossians. It most similar to Colossians and some modern scholars have used those similarities to question whether or not Paul is actually the author of Ephesians. For full disclosure, the debate of Paul's authorship rises over a few issues that some scholars have made a big deal over.Some of the early copies of Ephesians that we have do not have the name “Ephesians” in the title.It was likely an encyclical letter - sent to all the churches.We know Paul used an amanuensis and copies of the letter were made at the time of writing the original.Many of the copies we have do include the title Ephesians. The letter seems to read more generically to the church and does not focus on some specific controversy or rebuke such as in Galatians or the Corinthian letters.It seems like a fake argument to me. Paul wrote letters to the churches based of the needs of those churches. His emphasis on the unity between Jews and Gentiles through the cross of Christ would have been specific to Ephesus but was probably a very common theme in many of the Greek and Roman communities where Paul preached the Gospel.Colossians has similarities to Ephesians in a way that some insist the author of Ephesians leaned on Colossians to write Ephesians.While I know that smarter men than me have studied these ideas in greater detail, I agree with the commentaries that take on these questions and recognize that there is no evidence, even with the shared similarities, that indicates which epistle was written first or why similar language between the letters would cause us to question Pauline authorship. Some of the language the author uses, vocabulary and phrases, is unique to the letter to the Ephesians.Once again, the uniqueness of some of the phrases or theological points made in Ephesians does not require a different author. We would recognize that Paul explains the gospel from different angles and does so based on his audience which would require using different words, phrases, or even different concepts that work to explain God's mystery of the Cross to us.Apostleship: An Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. Paul has the title of Apostle. An apostle by definition is “a sent one”. And this would make Paul An Apostle of Jesus Christ because Paul encounters Christ on the road to Damascus and Jesus saves him and through Ananias, gives the call on Paul's life “he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15.There were three qualifications to be considered an apostle in the early church. A disciple of Jesus.An eye witness to the resurrection.Called and commissioned directly by Christ.We will discuss Paul's calling and ministry more when we get to chapter 3.Audience: The Church in Ephesus In modern day Turkey, ancient Ephesus was ruled first by the Greeks and then by the Romans. Paul would have been in Ephesus under Roman rule. It was a relatively large city with all of the Greek and Roman traits; wealth, multicultural community, amphitheater, temples, idolatry, immorality, etc.The Big Picture Paul's letter has been divided up into 6 chapters and there are a few different ways we can outline his letter and the main ideas that Paul was teaching.From the Bible Project: Two Main sections C. 1-3 and then C. 4-6. Chapter 1-3 are much more theological, describing how we are saved or laying out for us SOTERIOLOGY. And Paul explains our unity in Christ between Jews and Gentiles. Chapters 4-6 Paul teaches us about the church Chapter 4-6 are explaining how our salvation should then change our lives, how God calls us to serve him, treat one another in the home and our community, and the spiritual resources we have in Jesus to stand firm on our faith.One way to see how this unfolds in the book is by seeing how some of the terms Paul uses changes through the latter.The opening of Paul's song emphasizes the worship of God and reminds of the position of God the Father and Jesus the Son as well as the Lordship of Jesus and his office of Messiah. Paul is praising God in this Jewish way similar to the Schema - “Hear O Israel The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Through this prayer he has reminded us of the trinity with the role of the Holy Spirit coming just a few verses later.Spiritual Blessing in the Heavenly Places - What are the spiritual blessings we are given for which Paul is giving thanks? We were chosen in Jesus before the world was created. PLEASE DON'T PANIC OVER THE WORD CHOSEN. 2. We were chosen by his grace and not based on our own good works. It is obvious in the text that God chose us knowing that we need a Savior and subsequently with the plan to send the Savior all along. He did not pick us because of something we would do or because of our class or our potential. In fact it reads to me that He chose us because we are sinners and we would need a savior.3. We are adopted to part of God's family through Jesus. IN LOVE - The placement of this phrase could point back to “chosen” or it could point forward to predestined - either way these action are done as a result of God's love.4. We are blessed by this Salvation according to God's will, by his glorious grace, and through the Beloved - Jesus Christ.Let's pause here for just a minute - two tracks in scripture. Chosen and whosoever will. Ephesians 1:3 and John 3:16. There is no contradiction.We are called to witness, be missionaries - which is what Paul was doing - and while I am doing that work I know it is only Jesus that saves.Our salvation only comes through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Jesus went to the cross and shed his blood for us. Let's remember our Hebrews study - Jesus is the final sacrifice. He is the Lamb of God who tales away the sins of the world. But all the animals and the blood that was spilled for atonement were a shadow - an imperfect offering looking to the things ahead - until Jesus could offer the perfect, fulfilling sacrifice.It's out of the riches of his Grace! The imagery here is of wealth and opulence. But God does not here offer something that will rust be lavishes on us his Grace.  The idea of the mystery of God's plan or his will has finally been revealed through Jesus Christ. Where we can understand in part through reading the prophecies of the Old Testament, we are now on the other side of the cross and see more fully - certainly not all - but the mystery of God's plan.We have an inheritance that comes to us through Jesus Christ. In Him! Spiritual Blessing. We are heaven bound. Do you remember when you were saved? Not a date or moment. Do you remember when you heard the truth? Do you remember when you believed? It is then that you were sealed.

What does it really mean to be a peacemaker in a world filled with conflict? The answer might surprise you. When Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” He wasn't calling us to avoid conflict at all costs—He was inviting us into a revolutionary way of engaging with a fractured and hurting world.The Greek word for peacemaker (eirēnopoios) appears only once in Scripture and describes someone who “bravely declares God's terms and makes others whole.” This definition challenges the passive view of peace many of us hold. Jesus Himself said He came not to bring peace but a sword, revealing that true reconciliation sometimes requires confrontation. As the ultimate peacemaker, He overturned tables in the temple and rebuked religious leaders, showing that addressing injustice is essential to genuine peace.This teaching explores three dimensions of biblical peacemaking. First, peace within ourselves, modeled by Jesus sleeping through a raging storm while His disciples panicked. Second, peace between people, demonstrated when Jesus crossed cultural boundaries to speak with the Samaritan woman at the well. Third, peace between humanity and God, accomplished through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Each dimension shows that real peace demands courage, intentionality, and a readiness to step into difficult conversations for the sake of restoration.The early church embodied this radical approach to peace through its diverse leadership and inclusive fellowship. From Pentecost onward, God's people were called to break down racial, social, and cultural barriers through unity in Christ. Like leaven working through dough, this Kingdom peace transforms from the inside out—changing hearts, shaping communities, and ultimately influencing the world. As James writes, “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”This session invites you to embrace that calling—to step beyond comfort, speak truth in love, and become an active participant in God's redemptive work of reconciliation.We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

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Pastor Lance's message focuses on faith over legalism. He emphasizes salvation through faith in Christ, the importance of rest, and the redefinition of the Sabbath as a relationship. He critiques legalism while celebrating unity in Christ, underscoring grace and heart-centered relationships.

August 2, 2025; Out of Many, One: Claiming Our Unity in Christ by Rev. Brady Whitton; Scripture Lesson 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; www.FirstMethodist.org

Last week we recorded a 2nd episode to share with you this week. Matt and Zach just dropped some serious wisdom on Paul's letter to the Colossians, specifically Chapter 3, verses 12-17. They really dug into the dangers of individualism in modern Christianity. It's so easy to make faith all about "me," but Paul's message is clear: we're called to live together! Matt highlighted Paul's call to "put on" compassion, kindness, humility, and patience, while Zach emphasized the powerful need to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Matt even praised verse 17 as a potential tattoo verse: do everything in the name of Jesus and give thanks to God. The conversation shifted to Paul's teachings on unity, stressing that being a "jerk" (their words!) undermines the Church's mission. Matt highlighted Paul's incredible vision of unity in Christ, transcending all divisions – yep, that includes political and social labels! Zach emphasized fostering togetherness and ditching "us versus them" language.They also tackled how to interpret Paul's writings today, agreeing that while some verses might seem tricky, the core message of treating others with respect and kindness is timeless. Zach explained Paul's urgency in writing was his desire for people to find salvation and hope in Christ.This discussion was a powerful reminder that our faith isn't meant to be lived in isolation. It's about community, unity, and reflecting Christ's love in every interaction.What are your thoughts on Colossians 3 and living in community? Let us know in the comments below!

In this powerful installment of Summer of Change, Pastor Ken Senchal unpacks why the Church is not optional—it's essential. You'll learn how spiritual growth, consistent church attendance, radical generosity, and unity with others create a thriving Body of Christ that moves mountains. This episode will challenge you to stop spectating and start participating in God's plan.