Monthly Archives:: January 2010

After Paul teaches us about the Unity of the Spirit that every true Christian has with every other true Christian (Ephesians 4:1-6), he shows how this unity works itself out in the diversity of spiritual gifts in the body, especially those of its leaders (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers). This passage of Scripture is also known for giving rise to the idea that after Jesus died on the cross, His spirit descended into hell to preach to the spirits there. Let’s examine that doctrine, to see if these things are so.

Church Growth has become an extremely popular subject in our own day. In this section Paul tackles that subject, but not as we might. Instead of focusing on numerical growth, he focuses on inward, spiritual growth. In what ways does God want the church to grow? Find out in this study!

The apostle Paul in this section begins his in-depth, prolonged teaching on the sanctification of the believer and personal holiness. He does so by showing us that God has made us brand new people with new desires and ambitions. He shows us that sanctification is to a great extent believing and acting on the truth of who we are in Christ.

In this section, Paul shows us in 5 very practical areas how we are to exchange the old lifestyle patterns for brand new ones. We got some heavy questions and comments in this teaching right off the bat, so we didn’t complete the study. This will be Part 1. I think you will enjoy the dialogue, as we seek to understand how to obey God’s Word!

We continue in our message on “Exchanging The Old Life For The New” and look at some more specific areas in which we are to lay aside the characteristics of the old life and exchange those for new lifestyle patterns. In this message we speak of laying aside stealing, unwholesome words, and ungodly attitudes. At the heart of all is the Love of Christ displayed in offering Himself up for us, as a fragrant aroma to God!