Over the past several weeks the church has been looking for its lost passion. The hope is that we will somehow recover it before it is too late. This search has taken us to Revelation 2:1-7 and then to the book of Ephesians. Last week we started our study in Ephesians with the idea - God chose you for His glory. Therefore you should respond to Him in wonder and heartfelt worship. This idea developed out of our study of Ephesians 1:3-6. Tomorrow, we will continue the study by examining Ephesians 1:7-12. In this passage we learn - In Christ you are accepted, redeemed, completed, and eternally secure.
Sometimes I am asked, "How should I respond to such a message?" "I've heard all this before. But what I want to know is how should I apply such a thing to life?" Passion is not something you put on like a new coat. Passion, especially in worship and service to Christ, is a response to an understanding. Our passion for our lover - boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse - is a response to the knowledge that they love us. Likewise, passion in worship or service to Jesus is a similar response. I find that in Him I am all the things mentioned above, and more. That knowledge should fill me with a myriad of positive emotions. If I understand that I am outside of Him, then I will respond in many negative ways - guilt, shame, regret, rebellion...
The message will be posted sometime after November 1st. Give it a listen and let me know how you understand the text. In a few days I will share more on the subject.
-Mark
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