EPHESIANS 5 V15 - 21

Sometimes the way to live in a holy manner is not made clear.  A foolish person has no plan for life, and misses the opportunity to work for God in an evil world. We are to be accurate in our lifestyle,  

There is the temptation to think if the majority behave in a certain way, it is fair for them to do so, and then say God will understand, and so they fail to live the Christians life as it should be lived according to the teaching we are given in Scripture. It is however totally unacceptable for Christians to think we can be casual in our lifestyle, indulging especially in moral conduct, that gives an impression we are hypocrites, yet it is a sad fact that there are those who shamelessly parade their hedonistic lifestyle. If we are not ruthless with sin in our lives, then what impression is that giving to our world?

The world is shutting God out of their lives and many are suffering the consequences. Let us provide the evidence that living according to that which God and Jesus laid down, adds to a better and worthy life, and not subscribe to all the whims and fancies of society; people should be able to distinguish the nonbeliever from the true believer.

In v 18 the Bible states do not get drunk with wine, be filled with the Spirit. Wine was the staple drink in Paul’s time, and was fermented to preserve it from turning into vinegar. Whereas wine can control the mind, and impair one’s judgement and lead to debauchery, in contrast  being filled with the Spirit leads to self-control along with the fruits of love, joy, kindness patience and gentleness, and gives a regular pattern or life. We should not give the impression that being a Christian involves giving up things, unless the bible commands doing so. There are Christians who say we should not drink alcohol , or go to the cinema, or dancing; if a Christian truly believes such activities are wrong, then it is perfectly acceptable for them to abstain, but they should not try to force their feelings on to others. This can do more harm than may be intended, and give cause to criticise our faith as intrusive.

As Christians we maintain our life style into our workplace, in our homes, and essentially in our worship place, so that wherever we are we representing the Lord with credit and not shame.

Make music in our hearts to God (v 19) – Not only do we express out joy with audible singing of praise to our God, but we are to do so from our hearts. Our praise to God is not a case of singing audible hymns, but our hearts need to go out to God in joyful worship as well. This will mean that our thoughts about God will be so great, that we cannot help but sing praise to our great God in our hearts if not in audible voices. The early Church was a singing Church, which came from being filled with the Spirit, joining in singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, and making music to the Lord.  Psalms were canticles, and were separated from general music of praise

So true worship is not just singing a hymn or a modern song, but it involves engaging our hearts in joyful worship, and adoration of God through Jesus Christ God's Son, is what every sincere Christian desires to do. Even if our audible voices are not tuneful its what is in our hearts that counts, it might not sound pleasant to others but if our heart is in it is extremely tuneful to our God

The early Church was a thankful Church, giving thanks to God in his grace had stooped to save them, and for all things which happened in their lives, and doing so in the name of Jesus, thereby trusting him as a mediator with God the Father. It was also was one where people honoured one another, and that was because they revered Jesus Christ and recognised the dignity of each person so mutual respect became easy.

Remember how God so richly blessed that early Church. The Bible states they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles, which is why they got God’s Blessing.  Will the Church of to-day receive God’s blessing. I would think not, and the way the Church is falling apart give some credibility to that opinion.  Consider some of the points made in his passage.,   Paul told Timothy to use every opportunity to spread the gospel, and we have to practise that advice wisely.  This does not mean constantly harassing people with Scripture, but when there will be opportunities to do so which will fit in with the situation, we should be ready to encourage them to turn to the Lord. We all have limited time so let's make sure that we do not waste the time God has given to us and let us look for those God given opportunities

If the Church is to make a difference, it has to be making its influence felt, instead of being fearful of upsetting the activists in society.  A lifeboat is of no use standing polished and shiny in a station when people are in peril on the seas, it has to be out rescuing those facing being drowned; and that as Christians and the Christian Church is what we must be doing.

If the church is disunited and fighting within itself, then is that living out our faith accurately? Perhaps the church today is in great danger of failing to live out real Christianity, and it is giving the wrong impression about matters of conscience. When churches are loveless places, and when they are hypocritical places, then is it any wonder that people today have no idea what the Christian faith is all about.

  If someone asked me what the Church stands for, I would not be able to answer. I could of course tell what the Church should and was meant to stand for, which is now rather different. Consider therefore, the following points.

If Christ was at the heart of all our teaching; we would not be hesitant in adhering to the commands he gave prior to his departure.  We are not following the doctrines of the Bible, we are deliberately following the doctrines of the mixed up world we live in.  The Methodist Church has overwhelmingly decided to accept same sex partnerships as marriage, which directly contradicts that which is at the heart of God’s teaching.

God made man and woman to live and have children as a family, the bedrock of society, and the Church has ridiculed that.  The Church of England will soon follow with bishops and Archbishops in support. One bishop who has openly called for the bible teaching on sexuality and marriage to be ignored, now wants to change the words, in the name of God the Father and God the Son, to be gender neutral so we will have God the parent and God the child,

The guidelines of God’s teaching, which he laid down in Holy Scripture are not being followed, and it is becoming obvious that the only Churches we will find true teaching will be the black Pentecostal Churches.  We adopt much of American culture, some of which we could do without, but what a blessing if we could adopt some of its evangelism.

We Praise God for His Glorious Gospel and he Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior