United Front in Parenting

Patrice McCormac

Ephesians 4:2-3

Mike and Patrice present on how to have a unified marriage in the context of parenting.

Unity Out of Diversity

Scott Risley

Ephesians 4:7-16

Because Christians are united with Christ, they have unity with other Christians. This is not a unity we generate, but a unity we must strive to maintain. Just as our bodies are made up of many parts, so too is the Body of Christ made up of many different individuals who work together, each doing their unique role, to build up the Body of Christ for the work God created each of us to do.

The Diversity of Gifting and Roles in the Body of Christ

Conrad Hilario

Ephesians 4:7-16

Many modern churches have a centralized leadership model where the pastor or priest is the head of the church and the rest of the congregation looks to the pastor to do the majority of the work. Whereas the Biblical model has a decentralized model where there are leaders but the entire work of ministry is distributed among all the members of the church. The Bible is clear all Christians have been given spiritual gifts to be used to serve the Body of Christ, building it up in love.

Experiencing True Unity in the Body of Christ

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4:1-6

When we put our faith in Jesus, we are mystically joined to the Body of Christ. We become one with Jesus, vertically, and we become united with other Christians, horizontally, in the Body of Christ. We do not create this unity, but we are called to preserve it. Our fallen nature opposes this but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can experience true unity in the Body of Christ.

Gifts for Unity

Chris Hearty

Ephesians 4:7-16

Paul writes of the spiritual gifts God has gifted us in order to equip the church. He then calls on us to reach unity and maturity in our faith. \r\n

Unity in Christ

Conrad Hilario

Ephesians 4:1-4

When Paul calls Christians to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit, he is pointing out that we already have unity in Christ. It is not something we have to generate, but it does take effort to preserve it. We have been formed into "one people" the moment we are united in Christ, but it takes walking in a manner worthy of our calling to demonstrate this unity. Being humble, gentle, patient, and forebearing with one another is living a life worthy of the calling we have received.

The Unity of the Spirit

Scott Risley

Ephesians 4:1-6

In Chapters 1-3, Paul emphasizes the "Sit" phase of a Christian's life, where he learns to embrace all the things God has done for him. In Chapters 4-6, he talks about the "Walk" phase , where the Christian learns to "Walk" in a manner worthy of his calling. Based on all the wonderful things God has done for him, the Christian must walk in such a way that he demonstrates humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance. A Christian that walks in this manner will preserve the unity of the Body of Christ that Christ provided for us.

Peace on Earth

Scott Risley

Ephesians 2:11-22

Before Jesus died on the cross, there was enmity between the God and man that was unreconcilable. But His death on the cross not only made a way for peace between God and man but also allowed peace between Jews and Gentiles. Now, anyone who puts their trust in Jesus has a unity with other Christians that only Christ can bring about. Every Christian is a unique stone in the spiritual temple of God. Only Christ can bring true unity with others. Though you are far away from God, Christ can bring you near.

God's Ultimate "Yes"

Mike Sullivan

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4

Paul address accusations made by the Corinthians--that he keeps promises only when convenient. This bred mistrust and cynicism, but Paul shares that his choices were made out of love. Cynicism can be defeated as we put our trust in and focus on God's faithfulness, not blindly in a leader. This mindset helps us see people as we should, especially when they let us down.