Ephesians 5:15-33 We’ve come this morning to a difficult passage of Scripture – not difficult because it’s hard to understand, but difficult because it’s hard for us to accept what God wants to teach us. The passage is Ephesians 5:21-33, and in it St. Paul gives us clear commands about the relationship between husbands and wives. Our passage this morning is part of a larger passage all about submission – and this will help us to see clearly what Paul... Read more
Ephesians 5:1-14 Have you ever been on a walk that was more than just a walk? Perhaps it was a romantic walk; or maybe an important business matter was discussed during a walk; or a life-changing decision was made during a walk. I remember going on many walks with Jackie during which we discussed my many attempts to understand God’s call on our lives together. We have walked and talked about having children and what we will name them; we... Read more
Ephesians 4:17-32 The drama of good vs. evil grips us because it hits so close to home. Some of the most compelling myths today – things like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings – grab us precisely because they dramatize the battle between good and evil. But the most dramatic version of the battle between good and evil is not lived out in a galaxy far, far away or in an age that is long, long ago: it is... Read more
Ephesians 4:1-16 When I grew up in Champaign, Illinois for the first 10 years of my life, I had this incredible sense of being home and of being at peace. Though I’ve lived away from Champaign for more than 30 years now, there is a sense in which it is still the measure of what life could be. I’m convinced that one of the main reasons this is true is that my family, consisting of my Dad and Mom, two... Read more
Ephesians 3:14-21 There are many kinds of Christians, but among those I’ve known are Lone Ranger Larry and Sunday Susan. Lone Ranger Larry has been taught that the church is an invisible collection of individuals who happen to meet together on Sundays. He believes that God can be worshiped just as easily in one place as another and that churches are too institutional. He’s been taught as well that all that matters is an individual’s relationship with God. He claims... Read more
Ephesians 3:1-13 “Wonder what mystery Dad’s working on now?” Joe asked. His brother Frank looked eagerly down the platform of the Bayport railroad station. “It must be a very important case, the way Dad dashed off to Detroit. We’ll know in a few minutes.” Both boys were wondering about a certain surprise their father had hinted might be ready for them upon their return. Waiting with Frank and Joe was their best friend Chet Morton. “Your dad’s cases are always... Read more
Ephesians 2:11-22 Open almost any page of almost any newspaper and you can’t help but be struck by the fact that the world is in chaos. We sent 1000s of our troops to Iraq because Saddam Hussein threatened the peace of the region and of the entire world. We have 1000s more troops in many places around the world – all to keep the peace. In our own neighborhoods, we read of robberies and murders, and in the Episcopal Church... Read more
Ephesians 2:1-10 What would you give to a doctor who told you, when someone you love is at the point of death, that he could cure him? That he would give him back his life – and not just for a few months hooked up to a roomful of machines and monitors – but that he would give back life in all its fullness? Of course, our first thought is not to wonder how we would reward or think about... Read more
Ephesians 1 Have you ever been excited to be a part of something bigger than yourself? To be in on a very important goal whose greatness brings you glory? In the book of Ephesians, we find that God has let us in on the Greatest Goal of All – to bring blessing to mankind, who does not deserve it. St. Paul’s message is that as a result of God’s blessing us, we live in a new cosmos, a new world. ... Read more
Colossians 2:6-19 “God is absolutely sovereign, and man is accountable before Him.” This is such a major theme of the Bible that it appears in just about every nook and cranny of God’s revelation. It’s an important truth to keep in mind as we look at baptism this morning. Baptism is, first of all, the work and initiative of God. It is a sign and seal of the good work He has done in us, and not primarily a sign... Read more
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