“First Steps,” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green, October 21, 2024

October 21, 2024

In the first half of Ephesians 4, Paul focuses on Christian maturity and how it creates unity in the Body of Christ.  In verse 15 Paul mentioned, “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is Christ.”  

The association of truth and love in this clause is a significant one.  Any claim of loyalty to truth (which results in lack of love) stands as much condemned as any claim to an all-embracing love (which is indifferent to truth).  They are not competing as if to say there is a balance that is unachieved.  It is a lifestyle that is embodied.  The Church is seen as the witness to this lifestyle.  Both truth and love should flow freely and in lockstep with each other.

How great it would be for Christians to reclaim this understanding of maturity.  We are called to grow, develop, blossom, and mature.  It is this level of faith-living that is the most effective witness in the world.  Truth without love can be brutally legalistic, hyper-critical, and overly harsh.  Love without truth is empty sentimentality.  

We do both. 

This Week’s Readings:

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are now finishing the reading of Leviticus and we are starting Numbers. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

  • Pray for our country and the 2024 Presidential Election
  • Pray for spiritual maturity.
  • Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins.
  • Pray for comfort for those who are grieving.
  • Wisdom for our church leaders, local leaders, and world leaders. 
  • Family restoration through forgiveness.
  • Continued growth of the faith of the people.
  • Pray for understanding.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6