When The Church Starts Talking Like Pagans—Remember, You Are Light
Text: Ephesians 5:1-9 In the name of Jesus. Amen. This morning, I feel like I should ask you to stand up, stretch a bit, and maybe even do some jumping jacks. The reason is that the Apostle Paul has some rather strong words for us today. Our reading from the Epistle to the Ephesians is heavy. It is profound. And it demands our attention. You see, the Apostle Paul is not giving us a light devotional thought or a vague encouragement today. Instead, he is drawing a sharp line. He is speaking in a way that is very clear, very blunt, and very direct. So, let’s get right to the point that Paul is making: You Christians do not belong to darkness. You are not pagans. You do not belong to sin, death, or the devil. Instead, you belong to God Almighty. You were bought not with gold or silver but with the holy and precious blood of Jesus Christ and with His innocent suffering and death. The baptismal liturgy says it best: all your sins,...
