What a journey the past few weeks have been. I thank you all for joining us and sharing your encouragement. If you have not had a chance to read the posts on church and the Church go to:
This week, I want to encourage you with this final post to this series from verses found in Ephesians 4:1-6 which are expressed in many other ways throughout the Bible and throughout Paul’s letters.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Notice, Paul calls himself a prisoner of the Lord. In many circles being a prisoner is not a desirable position but Paul continually expresses his love for serving the Lord, even in this situation.
How many of us have been imprisoned for our faith? Yet, he is encouraging us and urging us on to continue in our calling in humbleness, patience and most importantly in love for one another.
In verse 6, we have assurance of the greatness of God, Father of all, WHO IS OVER ALL AND THROUGH ALL AND IN ALL. That is the God that is on our side. HE is the One who is for us.
Over the past several weeks in our conversations, we have talked about how hard life is in a church setting. We often expect from the people, even in church, to not just be like God but be God and have the attributes that only God can have. This reality hits us hard sometimes and rocks our boat to the point we turn away from church and sometimes God.
That is not, in any way, God’s desire for the Church. Here, Paul calls for unity.
Paul, in these verses in Ephesians, is calling us to become a united, mature body in Christ and he is telling us it starts with loving one another. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said to love God and love others.
We often times, forget the second part. The result is hurt of all kinds and magnitudes.
Paul is urging us here and I am encouraging you today, as believers in Christ, LOVE one another. Live your life worthy of your calling. Keep every effort to keep the unity.
We need to be able to stand together united. Today at my Bible study, we talked about fighting spiritual battles, also in Ephesians. Chapter 6 verse 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
The part that especially stands out to me, related to the Church is having the armor of the shield.
Soldiers on the front lines would hold a shield that was taller than they were. When fighting alone, they were vulnerable from almost every side. But when standing together, arm in arm, shield in front, they could press through the battle lines. They were protected on many sides. Feet standing firm in Christ and His Word, holding the lines or pressing forward.
That is the unity we are to have as the Church. Standing firm, together, holding our ground, and pressing through the lines, united in Christ.
Our calling is to share the Gospel, the Good News of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and the hope it offers to each and every person. Are you willing to pursue your calling for Christ today?
I hope these posts have been an encouragement to your heart. I know the conversations and time with you have been encouraging to me. Thank you.
Again, if anyone is in a position of being on the fence or uncertain about their next move, feel free to email me. I would love to encourage you further. I would love to pray with you. I would love to help you move to a place of healing and to your next step in the journey.
While you’re here, sit down with some of my friends.
Wow! Last week had 96 posts. I am so glad you all are here. Please remember to visit other friends while you are posting.
Wow! Last week had 96 posts. I am so glad you all are here. Please remember to visit other friends while you are posting.
They are amazing writers with so many great stories to share with you. Just clink on a link below and you will go directly to their site where you can get to know them more.
Please, linkup (up to 3) of your family-friendly inspiring stories, recipes, DIY, homeschool, giveaways, or share your life’s greatest passions.
Friends are here to encourage and challenge us in our walk of life, so enjoy!
Thank you for posting and linking up. I try to read and comment on as many of these wonderful posts as I can and as time allows. I just want to say you are all doing wonderful work and praise the Lord that I have had the opportunity to come across the path of so many of you.
This party has been fantastic and it is thanks to all of you who stop by and Share this party with your friends. Together we can make this our great place. There are easy share buttons to your left or at the bottom of each post (mobile) and after you linkup.
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Thanks for the party this week. I've enjoyed your series on the church. It has had me thinking and pondering many thoughts about this sensitive subject among believers right now. Enjoy your day.
Thanks for coming again this week, Michelle. I know you have faced trials in the church and I pray for healing and God to guide you through those steps. Thank you so much for being a part of this community.
In the movie "RISEN" the use of the shield was perfectly displayed. I love the armor of God – each piece is incredibly interesting and insightful when studied. Thank you Jaime and thank you for the linkup.
I think every time I read them something new stands out to me. One reason I love reading the Bible. One reason is is called living and active. I learn and grow and God gives me a little bit more every time. Thank you for sharing with us. I have not seen the movie "RISEN" yet but I look forward to seeing it.
Hi Jaime,
Sometimes it's easy for us to become disenchanted with what happens at church, but it is an absolutely amazing place – even with it's flaws. (I linked up # 20 on this same topic.) Thank you for sharing these foundational truths today. And thanks for hosting this linkup!
Thank you, Tiffiney for sharing with us here.I read your post. Thanks for letting me know which one it was. I left a reply on your blog. I agree with you, church can be an amazing place-even with it's flaws. Thank you for joining up with us this week.
Thank you for hosting!
Thank you for stopping by, Debbie and sharing your fantastic posts and children's lessons. The ideas are always super fun to read.
Standing united in Christ, we're so much stronger together than we are individually. So thankful for the Church. And, for the One we serve, and the beautiful calling we have to share the good news. Thanks for hosting today, Jaime. ((grace upon grace))
We certainly are! I need people. I need people that I can be bound to Christ with. I need their prayer and their encouragement and I think if we are honest, we could all admit we need that. Thank you, Brenda for joining forces with us here.
I've been studying 1st Samuel, Jaime, and Paul's thoughts in Ephesians so echo what my thought was from the Scriptures I read today. My reading was on how David had served faithfully behind the scenes for Saul and God had blessed him in time for that faithfulness. I want to be one who takes my calling seriously and to stand firm in Him each and every day. Great thoughts and series you've been doing, my friend! I hope it continues to encourage others in huge ways!
That is funny, we are studying 1 Samuel at our church. I love to study these scriptures. Thank you so much for your encouragement and for joining us here in the comments with your wisdom. Glad your here, friend!
Your series on this has been amazing, Jaime! Thank you for your encouragement and for hosting! Hope you have a wonderful week 🙂
Thank you so much, Kelly. I have enjoyed the conversations with all of you It has been a great learning and tie of encouragement. Glad you here, friend!
Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday, Jaime! Hope to see you link up again this week 🙂
Very interesting. I am learning things which I am happy for. Thanks.
Thank you, Patrick. I hope that you will be encouraged and God will walk you on a path toward Him. He promises that if we Seek him with all our heart, we will find Him. Glad you are here today.
thanks for hosting, jamie! I love Ephesians so much and pray i will walk worthy of my calling. xx
Sue, you do amazing work. Someone asked me awhile ago, "What would God say you do?" It brought me to instant tears. I hoped if He was standing next to me He would be happy with what I am doing. I know there are areas in my life that need improvement but I know He will continue to work them out. Thank you for visiting.
I appreciate the spirit in which you've written your posts. Thank you so much for writing without bitterness!
Thank you for the encouragement, Elizabeth. It is easy to take a forum like this and just blast people and their ways but that is not of benefit. Just like it is not of benefit to do while in our places of worship. People don't grow that way they go away. That is not healing to the body and we need the whole body. Thanks for sharing.
A good word, Jamie. God created community so we could stand together and support each other. Your #livefreeThursday neighbor.
Thank you, Julie. glad you stopped by today. Hope you will visit again and linkup with us. Have a great week!
Hi Jaime,
I have been playing catch up on life and missed the last couple of weeks! I loved this post and am going to go catch up now! I've missed hanging out here with you 🙂
I think that with all our brokenness we bring together in the church, we often respond to others with walls built high and defense mechanisms that keep us focused on our pain and fears. And sadly, many of those defense mechanisms are hurtful toward others. But, if we could set the yuck aside, love Jesus, and love others – we could find so much healing and strength together. And wouldn't the enemy just hate that?!
I hope to see you Monday on my new link-up launch!!! ♥
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
I have been missing you, too. It looks as if you were doing some pretty fun and amazing things. Yes, you are right sometimes hurt people hurt people. Sadly in the church those hurts hit straight to our heart in ways that are sometimes hard to repair. But we can combat the evil forces of this world if we would stand together in love and be united. We would be like those soldiers holding the lines and moving forward for Christ. I look forward to your new link-up next week. How Exciting!
Jaime, thanks so much for sharing this week at Moments of Hope! It had been a crazy crazy CRAZY morning with all kinds of strange technical problems! But, it all worked out and it has been so fun! Thanks for your coaching along the way!! 🙂
Hugs,
Lori
This right here: "That is the unity we are to have as the Church. Standing firm, together, holding our ground, and pressing through the lines, united in Christ." Such truth that we need to hold onto rather than standing apart and holding our ground against one another. Thanks for sharing at Testimony Tuesday!
Thank you for visiting. One thing that I love about this place is having the opportunity to join arms and battle this world together. Thank you for joining us and being a part of this today.
Thanks for sharing at Together on Tuesdays 🙂
Thank you. Lisa. I am glad that you are here this week!
Thanks so much for hosting this! Glad to link up 🙂
Rachael, Glad to be connecting here. Thanks for linking up with us.
Everyone at my church is perfect !! LOL and if you believe that, I have a bridge for sale. We are growing and maturing, and some fall and need help getting back up, but that is life. Congratulations on your lovely blog site. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.