Philippians 1 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul declares that a goal of the Christian life is to be “pure and blameless” for the coming of Christ. [v. 10] Besides our activity of preaching the Gospel, we have the duty to keep moving towards lives that are above reproach. We are not only to do the works of Christ, but to become LIKE Christ.

Eph. 6 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul says there is no favoritism in Christ’s Body. [v. 9] Respect of persons, preference, treats everyone the same, always fair when he judges people. In fact, EVERYONE is God’s favorite. There are different callings and giftings, and all have access to God’s Holy Spirit which enables us to serve Him with victory and effectiveness in our lives.

Our heavenly Father is the GIVER of every good and perfect gift. Take what He has given you and be a good steward of it. Also, there WILL BE a reckoning for us on how we use what He gave us.

Eph. 6 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

The Apostle exhorted, “Children, obey your parents. Honor your father and mother. Fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath.” I love the Amplified paraphrase; do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Parents are wise to cultivate honor for God’s Word in the home. Use scriptural principles of discipline and training. Teach and model respect for God’s Word. Keep them in church. The local church functions to make your family strong. Its ministers are there for the “perfecting of the saints.” They are there to help you be a Godly parent.

Patty and I did our best to raise a Godly family. We are VERY pleased with the results.

Eph. 5 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Theologian Francis A. Schaeffer wrote a famous book called “How Should We Then Live.” The Apostle Paul wrote nearly two thousand years before his letter to the Ephesian church, of which chapter 5 does just that. It instructs us on how we should live.

We ARE the Body of Christ. How we live reflects upon Him. We are the only Bible some people read.

Eph. 2, 3 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

We are saved by grace. All we have is through and because of God’s grace shown to us by Christ Jesus.

Grace is God working in us both to will and do of His good pleasure. [Phil. 2:13]

Do you want to accomplish great things for God? Sincerely ask Him for the grace to be who He wants you to be. Then, put your seatbelt on!

Ephesians 1 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Whenever I hear about someone with a severe health challenge, I mentally commit to praying for them. Paul referred to “remembering” the Ephesians in his prayers.

Our memory is like a notepad we recall when we are bringing our prayers to our Heavenly Father. We actually release God to go to work on someone when we mention them in prayer. God’s not too busy. Are we?

The effectual fervent (persistent) prayer of a righteous man achieves much. [James 5:16b]

Gal. 6 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Often an undesirable term, Paul encourages Christians to do good to others;

Let us not become weary in DOING GOOD, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us DO GOOD to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. [v. 9, 10]

Work for the good, be a blessing, be kind to, give special attention to, these are various translations of the concept of doing good.

Good is a marvelous word. GOD IS GOOD.

Paul catalogs the destructive works of the flesh in chapter 5; actions produced by selfish motives are obvious, since they include sexual immorality, moral corruption, doing whatever feels good, idolatry, drug use and casting spells, hate, fighting, obsession, losing your temper, competitive opposition, conflict, selfishness, group rivalry,  jealousy, drunkenness, partying, and other things like that. [CEB]

Allowing the wants and needs of our flesh to control us will lead to destruction. Following the leading of God’s Spirit within us leads to a healthy, abundant life.

Why be destroyed?

Gal. 2, 3 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul pulled no punches when he talked about doctrinal issues. He called Pater a hypocrite to his face. He challenged the Galatians by calling them “foolish” when they regressed to thinking they were righteous by obeying the law.

Straight talk is often necessary when confronting doctrinal error. Of course, it needs to be in a compassionate and merciful tone. Correct the error and wrap it in a package of gentle but firm words.

 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [2 Tim. 2:34, 35]

Galatians 1 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Interestingly, the human sin and unbelief issues confronting the 1st century church are pretty much the same stuff we deal with. We think because we live in a modern society with laptops and iphones that we are so far “advanced.” Not true. Human nature has the same carnal pull. God’s Word was effective THEN and NOW.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [2 Tim. 3:16]