White House First United Methodist Church: Loving, Growing, Serving

From Tongues of Fire to Lives of Fruit

After Paul speaks of the fruit of the Spirit, he follows with the words “Against such things there is no law”. In Paul’s letter to Galatia, he is contrasting the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. The dregs of society in Rome are actually the targets of Christian love. God is not only concerned with what we do but who we are becoming.

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions

Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV) How can we pray on all occasions? “What does it mean, to pray in the Spirit? I suspect it means at least several things. For starters, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer over particular situations and people. Ask the Spirit to give you words, Scripture texts, images, and pictures to inform and guide your prayers. Ask the Spirit to give you words of prophecy, knowledge, and wisdom to embolden your prayers and to be shared with others.” J.D. Walt It’s key to pray for ourselves, but also for others Ephesians 6:19-20

Invite the Lord into your day and plans

Ephesians 5:14b-17 (English Standard Version) “What if there is no day after Easter? What if there is only Easter-today, tomorrow, and forever? Resurrection!”-J.D. Walt Walking Ephesians 5:15 (ESV) "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise." Ephesians 5:15 (NIV) "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise." Ephesians 5:16 (ESV) "Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16 (NIV) "Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:17 (ESV) "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." His way is best, but it is not forced on us.

The One Who Means Everything!

Ephesians 4:1-6 “Chapters 1 through 3 of Ephesians present the case of what God has done. Chapters 4 through 6 present the practical implications. Paul moves us from indicative to imperative, from gospel message to gospel mission.” J.D. Walt Ephesians 4:1a Standards to live by from vs. 1-3: humble, gentle, patient, understanding, and peaceful Ephesians 4:4-6 Instead of concentrating on what divides us, we should remember what unites us.

Expect Great Things from a Great Name

Ephesians 3:14-21 Ephesians 3:16 “Left to ourselves, we always gravitate toward image management. We care most about our outer appearance. The true and real life God created us for is all about our inner being. Our tendency is to ask God to use His power to impact our external world and affairs. This prayer articulates a different way and to a different end.” J.D. Walt 3-fold prayer Paul gave for the church of Ephesus and us: He’s praying that our inner being will be strengthened so that Christ may dwell within us thru faith Being established in love, he’s praying that we might be enabled to grasp the scope of God’s amazing love, which surpasses knowledge That we will be filled with God’s fullness with all His light, love, wisdom, holiness, power, and glory We must have faith in Jesus Do we know our Lord Jesus loves us? Be filled with all the fullness of God James 2:14-17 Ephesians 3:20,21 Now that we’ve seen what the apostle Paul prayed for us, do you want these things for yourself?