Sunday, December 27, 2020

Diagnosing Our Unthankfulness - Nathan Rages


Eph. 5:20 "always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;" 

The verse is super clear about always thanking God for everything, so why are we often unthankful?
1. Being unconverted.
2. Not being Spirit-filled (controlled).
3. Grumbling.   
4. Fearfulness.
5. Doubting God’s sovereignty over *all* things.
6. Misunderstanding the benefits of trials.

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Our Singing Religion - Nathan Rages


"... but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;" Eph. 5:18c-19

This is the most important Bible verse on Christian singing, and it teaches the following truths: 
1. Power for our singing: “the Spirit”
2. Companions in our singing: “speaking to one another”
3. Variety in our singing: “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”
4. Musicality in our singing: “singing and making melody”
5. Inwardness of our singing: “with your heart”
6. Audience for our singing: “to the Lord”

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Not Drunk but Filled with the Spirit - Nathan Rages


Ephesians 5:18 addresses two contrasting activities:
1. “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation”
Why is drunkenness so bad?
What about moderate drinking?

2. “But be filled with the Spirit”
What does this mean: the Spirit indwelling vs. outpouring vs. controlling?
How can we *obey* this command?

Sunday, December 6, 2020

Living Carefully - Nathan Rages


Eph. 5:15-17 Therefore *be careful how you walk*, not as unwise men but as wise,  making the most of your time, because the days are evil.  So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

These verses describe three ways for Christians to live carefully:
1. Be wise rather than foolish (v15).
2. Maximize your opportunities (v16).
3. Understand the Lord’s will (v17).