Lance Brown

The first part of Ephesians Chapter 5 exhorts us to accept a new role model, to be imitators of God himself. We also receive a new identity, as beloved children of God. Finally, it gives us new priorities to: Leave darkness behind, live as children of light, live a life of love, and live a…

The end of Ephesians 4 contains multiple examples of how real change takes place in our lives. It involves a new perspective: A life based on God’s truth that guides our thinking purposes. I also involves new patterns: Establishing new patterns of behavior that replace our old patterns.

When we think about the perspectives and patterns of our old life, it is a sobering reality that our hearts can become so petrified that we can lose awareness that we are sinning at all. We become so dominated by sin that even shame does not stop us. Our old self is corrupted by deceitful…

God moves His kingdom forward through His people, using their spiritual gifts. Every Christian has at least one gift! Clearly, not everyone has the same gift(s). God has designed it this way, so that we can be the full body of Christ. Through His grace, we use our gifts for the benefit of His bride,…

Everyone wants unity. We want unity in our marriage, at work, with our work team, with our in-laws, and in our church. But unity is not as easy as one might expect. If we just live and relate by what comes “naturally” to us, we will find unity is very difficult to achieve AND maintain.…

Paul teaches us that we are to be rooted in the love of Christ. Not only this, but that our very foundations are laid upon the work Jesus did on the cross. These two metaphors for the basis for understanding Paul’s prayer that they may rooted and grounded in the love of God. May there…