PASTOR'S CORNER

Eph 4:25-32 Is it ever okay for a Christian to steal?  The automatic answer that comes to mind is “absolutely never” and you would be right to think that way.  For reasons like!  We know it’s forbidden because it’s the 8 th commandment that God gave to Moses, to give to the people in Exodus 20.  It’s also, against the laws of the land in Canada and around the globe.  But, what do you do with this question when you read Prov 6:30-31?  “People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house.”  So the only time it is understandable is when you are desperately in need.  But unfortunately it will cost them plenty if they are caught.  The penalty is server for the thief, even more so over other grievous sins.  However, though it is understandable from a human point of view, it is still not right, and God never condon...

Eph 4:25-32 We are to replace unrighteous anger with righteous anger and never let our anger go down with the sun.  This is an echo of Psalm 4:4 where it says “Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent…”  Some think righteous anger is “Getting made and not cussing and that’s ok anger!” Wrong... Righteous anger is a holy anger against sin.  Look what Paul tells us next to keep our heads up or in the game of the Christian life!  Because remember this is new to Christians, so this needs to taught and lived out. which was and is foreign to our old nature.  Paul says “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” (v26)  What Paul is saying is that the renewed child of God should think and speak without uncontrolled or prolonged anger.  We need to understand that Paul never says “Do not get angry or there is no room for anger”  Why? That’s impossible and uncharacteristic of God’...

Eph 4:25-32 When you hear the phrase “Heads Up!” what comes to mind?  I’m going to feel an excruciating pain of a small white or colorful ball in about a second.  Or! Someone wants us to watch his or her tie off shot.  Whatever it is…. This is a warning to look up instead of down!  The phrase “heads up” is to warn others that they might be in danger! Paul is doing just that here with the church in this passage.  When we approach this portion of chapter four it’s almost Paul is speaking in contemporary language “Keep your head up.”  We know by Eph 2:10 that we are “God’s workmanship” so we are to work hard to honor God in what we say, think and do. No this not legalism!   This is how grace transforms sinners by the blood of Christ.  This is how grace sets us apart unto good works, and this teaching is how the grace that renews us also motivates us to holiness.  It should be your daily and minute by minute desire to live, a...