The Grace Files: Who Are You Following?
03/29/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Ephesians 5:1-20
Paul continues his focus on practical application of God’s truth in this passage. This passage is a call for you as a follower of Christ to live out your faith in the community where you live and work. Paul does not urge Christians to withdraw from the unbelievers around them. Instead, he urges Christians to let the light of Christ shine through you to offer hope to those still in darkness. This passage is a clear call to live out your faith in Christ every day.
Podcast
Paul continues his focus on practical application of God’s truth in this passage. This passage is a call for you as a follower of Christ to live out your faith in the community where you live and work. Paul does not urge Christians to withdraw from the unbelievers around them. Instead, he urges Christians to let the light of Christ shine through you to offer hope to those still in darkness. This passage is a clear call to live out your faith in Christ every day.
Podcast
The Grace Files: A Brand New You
03/22/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Ephesians 4:17-32
What message is your life sending to others? Paul continues in this passage describing how Christ transforms a persons life. He suggests that Christ will make a difference in your thinking, your words and your actions. Paul says that when Christ enters your life there will be a transformation in your life that comes from knowing the Lord.
Podcast
What message is your life sending to others? Paul continues in this passage describing how Christ transforms a persons life. He suggests that Christ will make a difference in your thinking, your words and your actions. Paul says that when Christ enters your life there will be a transformation in your life that comes from knowing the Lord.
Podcast
The Grace Files: Equipped to Serve
03/15/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Ephesians 4:1-16
Paul makes a shift in chapters 4-6. In the first three chapters his focus was on building a theological foundation. Now he shifts his focus to the practical side of living out your faith in Christ. Paul urges Christians to live in humility, gentleness and patience. As you do unity is created among Christians and in the body of Christ. This unity is to be protected and nurtured. As we come together God places spiritual gifts in your life to use to serve the Lord and other believers. As Christians use their gifts within the context of the body of Christ (the local church) then the entire body is built up. As you are strengthened in your faith you will not be tricked by false teachings. Your faith in Christ will mature and grow.
Podcast
Paul makes a shift in chapters 4-6. In the first three chapters his focus was on building a theological foundation. Now he shifts his focus to the practical side of living out your faith in Christ. Paul urges Christians to live in humility, gentleness and patience. As you do unity is created among Christians and in the body of Christ. This unity is to be protected and nurtured. As we come together God places spiritual gifts in your life to use to serve the Lord and other believers. As Christians use their gifts within the context of the body of Christ (the local church) then the entire body is built up. As you are strengthened in your faith you will not be tricked by false teachings. Your faith in Christ will mature and grow.
Podcast
The Grace Files: Unlimited Power
03/08/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Ephesians 3:14-21
Paul writes to express how he is praying for the Christians in Ephesus. From his letter you discover some powerful ways to pray for other people. Jesus taught us that God wants us to be intimate with Him and bring everything of concern to Him for others and ourselves. As you pray for others you can ask God to give them strength, be grounded in their relationship with Jesus, understand the depth of Christ’s love for us, and to have your life totally consumed by God’s presence. When you pray for someone Paul says that God will do even more than you could imagine to ask. The next time you are concerned for someone start praying for them. Pray as Paul did for that person to know fully the presence of Christ in their life.
Podcast
Paul writes to express how he is praying for the Christians in Ephesus. From his letter you discover some powerful ways to pray for other people. Jesus taught us that God wants us to be intimate with Him and bring everything of concern to Him for others and ourselves. As you pray for others you can ask God to give them strength, be grounded in their relationship with Jesus, understand the depth of Christ’s love for us, and to have your life totally consumed by God’s presence. When you pray for someone Paul says that God will do even more than you could imagine to ask. The next time you are concerned for someone start praying for them. Pray as Paul did for that person to know fully the presence of Christ in their life.
Podcast
The Grace Files: God’s Mission For You
03/01/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Ephesians 3:1-13
Sometimes life can cause you to become disoriented and confused. The Apostle Paul faced challenging life circumstances yet he seemed to always be confident about where he was going in life. When you allow Jesus Christ to be your focus then life’s storms do not have to overwhelm or disorient you. Instead you begin to see everything through the lens of Christ. Not only is Christ with you but he equips you for the journey. God’s grace equips you with spiritual gifts to live with purpose and intentionality. Paul reminds us that the Lord also empowers you to use those gifts and to keep you on course. As you stay connected to Christ you will never be overwhelmed by your circumstances and you will be empowered by Christ to do all that he has planned for you using the gifts that he places in you.
Podcast
Sometimes life can cause you to become disoriented and confused. The Apostle Paul faced challenging life circumstances yet he seemed to always be confident about where he was going in life. When you allow Jesus Christ to be your focus then life’s storms do not have to overwhelm or disorient you. Instead you begin to see everything through the lens of Christ. Not only is Christ with you but he equips you for the journey. God’s grace equips you with spiritual gifts to live with purpose and intentionality. Paul reminds us that the Lord also empowers you to use those gifts and to keep you on course. As you stay connected to Christ you will never be overwhelmed by your circumstances and you will be empowered by Christ to do all that he has planned for you using the gifts that he places in you.
Podcast