Rather than focus on the differences and disagreements, Paul calls upon the church to remember what holds us together and build one another up in love.
Worship this week: Saturday 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Sunday 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. – Contemporary Worship
We look forward to having Pastor Brent Christianson of Lutheran Campus Center at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. The campus ministry is our benevolence partner for the month of August.
Unity of the Church
August 25, 2013
Ephesians 4:1-16
Key Verses: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
Time: about 62 A.D.
Background: Continuing Paul’s theme of working to unify, rather than divide the church, this letter called all Christians to be united under “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (4:5) He exalted the various gifts of those in the community of faith, emphasizing the benefits of all the gifts. He also called the community to hold one another accountable, and to grow in faith and maturity.
Community: Where do your community’s differences cause division? How does Christ’s saving work affect how your community works together?
At Home: Often, when other people bother us, it’s an indication that there is something unsettled within ourselves. See if you can identify this week what is stirring inside of you when you find yourself bothered by another’s differences. What might you do to change your perspective?
Read This Week:
Monday: Christ’s Ascension, Luke 24:49-53
Tuesday: Prayer, Philippians 1:1-11
Wednesday: Paul’s Circumstances, Philippians 1:12-30
Thursday: Christ’s Example, Philippians 2:1-11
Friday: Duties of Christians, Philippians 2:12-18
Saturday: Timothy and Epaphroditus, Philippians 2:19-30
Next Week: Armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-20
