January 19th, 2021
by Emily Brown
by Emily Brown
Sunday – January 3rd – Ephesians 4:17-19
4:17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
We have arrived at the first Sunday in 2021. And here is a great deal for you – if you participate in worship this weekend you will have perfect attendance for the year. One down and fifty-one weeks to go for this great accomplishment. One of the joys of the first of the year is to set goals. In our focus on Discipleship at SunRise level one practices include “regular worship participation”. What is your goal in worship attendance in 2021? You do not need to reply with your goal, unless you want some accountability to help you stay on track. Otherwise, just jot down your goal on something readily visible to be your weekly reminder.
Today in the fourth chapter of Ephesians Paul shifts to a new topic. Over the next week we will put our attention on the opportunity for believers to put off the old sinful self and take on a new life in Christ. Paul’s initial focus in this section is on unbelieving Gentiles. These people rejected God and the life God gives to believers. Instead, they willingly chose to give themselves over to unrestrained pleasures of this world. These decisions against God will have dire consequences both now and in eternity. We as believers need to hear Paul’s warning against imitating those who do not know God or reject God’s unconditional love. And yet, another great goal for 2021.
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Monday – January 4th – Ephesians 4:20-21
4:17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
We have arrived at the first Sunday in 2021. And here is a great deal for you – if you participate in worship this weekend you will have perfect attendance for the year. One down and fifty-one weeks to go for this great accomplishment. One of the joys of the first of the year is to set goals. In our focus on Discipleship at SunRise level one practices include “regular worship participation”. What is your goal in worship attendance in 2021? You do not need to reply with your goal, unless you want some accountability to help you stay on track. Otherwise, just jot down your goal on something readily visible to be your weekly reminder.
Today in the fourth chapter of Ephesians Paul shifts to a new topic. Over the next week we will put our attention on the opportunity for believers to put off the old sinful self and take on a new life in Christ. Paul’s initial focus in this section is on unbelieving Gentiles. These people rejected God and the life God gives to believers. Instead, they willingly chose to give themselves over to unrestrained pleasures of this world. These decisions against God will have dire consequences both now and in eternity. We as believers need to hear Paul’s warning against imitating those who do not know God or reject God’s unconditional love. And yet, another great goal for 2021.
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Monday – January 4th – Ephesians 4:20-21
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