Text: Ephesians 5:18 Being “under the influence” typically refers to the use of alcohol. In our text, Paul mentioned alcohol, but he also mentioned another influence that can affect our behavior – the Spirit. Paul contrasted them because they both affect our behavior, but in different ways. Alcohol influences us toward the direction of “debauchery” (NIV, […]
January 30, 2023
They Think It Strange (Part 1)
Text: 1 Peter 4:1-4 In these verses, Peter described how the life of a Christian is to be different from the world. However, we did not always behave in this way. Every Christian has sins in their past, yet we gave them up. Those around us notice the difference and are surprised by our behavior […]
November 15, 2021
Making the Most of Your Time
Text: Ephesians 5:15-21 In our culture, people are constantly busy with obligations and responsibilities. Some of these are placed upon us, others are self-imposed. This has led to a huge interest in time management and productivity. These can be helpful IF our priorities are right. Paul gave the Ephesians instructions about how to make the most of […]
April 1, 2019
Five Woes
Text: Habakkuk 2:6-19 God told Habakkuk that He would use the Babylonians to punish His people. However, God also said that He would hold the Babylonians accountable for their sins. In our text, He pronounced five woes upon them. We live in a different time and do not have the same position, yet we can still learn from […]
September 26, 2017
God’s Law Trumps Man’s Law
Text: Romans 13:1 God ordained civil government to fulfill a specific purpose (Romans 13:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). Governments will go beyond this limited role – this is not always bad, just reality. Even within the limits of the U.S. Constitution, the role is larger than the limited role outlined in the New Testament. However, we […]
