Sin is the foremost threat to Christian fellowship. It robs us of spiritual power, and causes us to live selfishly instead of acting with godly concern for others. To guard our fellowship with God and demonstrate Christian love, we must walk in newness of life, seek what is good, separate ourselves from wordly passions and practices, confront sin, and call others to the glorious truth of the gospel. When we live as children of light and speak the truth in love, our lives and our message will expose the deeds of darkness around us. This is the Kingdom witness that God has called us to, and God can use our faithful witness to encourage another believer to greater fruitfulness, or even bring an unbeliever to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Do you want to live a life of power and usefulness for the Kingdom of God? Then walk in the love, light, and wisdom of the Lord.
How to be a Kingdom Witness
Passage: Ephesians 5:7–5:14
January 18, 2015 • Pastor Marc Wragg
Living as Citizens of the Kingdom of God, Part 1
November 23, 2014 • Pastor Marc Wragg
Sexual sin is a deadly serious matter, and we shouldn’t even joke about it for fear that it may lead us to treat these sins lightly. More than merely abstaining from immoral conduct and speech, we must address immorality when it is found in our midst. Left unchecked, its corruption will stain the body of Christ and make us complicit because of our failure to confront it. Those who practice such things expose themselves to great danger, including early death from disease, drug and alcohol abuse, and crimes of passion. Yet the greatest danger of sexual sin is not in the temporal consequences, but the eternal ones, as Scripture is clear that those who practice immorality have no place in the Kingdom of God. Even so, there is hope in Jesus Christ. Is your life dominated by sexual sin? Repent today, and entrust yourself to Christ. Through His sacrifice and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, you can be free to pursue a life of peace and righteousness.
Living as Citizens of the Kingdom of God, Part 2
January 11, 2015 • Pastor Marc Wragg
How can we remain unstained in the midst of an increasingly sinful and godless culture? The answer is to seek God’s sobering perspective on immorality. The Scriptures pull no punches with regard to dangerous sensual sins. They are deadly and not even to be named among us, and those who practice such things are marked for destruction. To escape their downward pull, we must draw clear lines that keep us far from immoral entertainments. We must guard ourselves against beguiling lies that lull us into believing that immorality hurts no one, that fleshly desires cannot be overcome, or that God’s grace allows us to sin with impunity. Don’t be deceived by such empty words! Flee from sin, and listen carefully to those who bring God’s Word to you out of concern for your soul. Are you practicing immorality? Confess it to God, repent, and align yourself with His wise commands. You’ve been called to live as a light in a sin-darkened world. Demonstrate your love for Christ and walk in that light before God and men.
Walking in the Wisdom of God, Part 1
January 25, 2015 • Pastor Marc Wragg
Sin beckons as we navigate life’s journey, and calls us to satisfy fleshly cravings. It may be fulfilling at the first, but the pleasure sin brings is short-lived. While the flesh cries out for more, the heart is weighed down with grief, the soul discouraged, and the conscience pierced by guilt as we experience the pain of broken fellowship with God. This is the dangerous world in which we walk. Given the prevalence of sin and the deceitfulness of our own hearts, how can we walk wisely in this world? Be careful how you spend your days. When we waste time, we lose opportunities to strengthen ourselves for godliness. Remember that whatever time you invest in God’s service on earth, you will gain back immeasurably in eternity! Do you want spiritual strength and victory over sin? Schedule your time. Plan your hours. Most importantly, yield to the Holy Spirit so that you may put to death the deeds of the flesh and live.