Kirk Night: Ephesians 4-6

Want to know what you missed last night at Kirk Night?  Here is but a blurb about what was covered, discussed, and prayed.  You can pick up the 'hand outs' here at church.  They are located on one of the tables in the parlor.

We also watched this video that can be found by clicking here.

Some thoughts:

• Our gifts are beautiful.  They aren't ours to keep to ourselves.  Rather, we are to share them with others.  
• Ephesians 4-6 is a much needed down-to-earth practical application of how we can live out our call as the church, using our gifts to build up the church.
• From the beginning of chapter 4 the author wants the church to know of this calling.  The allusion to baptism suggests that this [chapter 4] is an early Christian baptismal credo enshrining the chief elements of a confession of faith made in the rite of initiation.
• Ultimately we each of have a unique calling and yet, are all of the same call from God.  What is important to remember about our call and our gifts is that these gifts are to equip others for ministry and to build up the body until unity and maturity are achieved.
• Paul's use of 'the body' as a metaphor for the church is beautiful in that the community of faith is not complete unless all members are present.  Each body part, each person, is a gift and needed to carry out the ministry and mission of God.
• No longer are we to live 'the old life.'  Rather, we are to live 'the new life,' we are to live as Christ.  This new way in Christ, which is imaged by the metaphor of changing clothes and the image of being marked with  seal, reminds us of the mystery which happens in our baptisms.  Baptism then points us back to the grace of God expressed in Jesus Christ, who died for us and who was raised for us.
• We found the video clip of the pastor to be troublesome.  We discussed the importance of biblical interpretation and knowing context and particularities.
• It was discussed how verse 5.21 is often missing in many translations.  This verse is important because it sets into context how we are to be submissive to one another under Christ's authority.
• What is to be remembered is that all Christians are under Christ's headship and are to 'submit' to one another for Christ's sake.