In this sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki explores the theme of light and darkness in the Christian walk, drawing from Ephesians 5:8-14. He emphasizes the transition from darkness to light that believers experience through their faith in Christ. Pastor Josh explains that before believing the gospel of Christ, individuals were not just in darkness but were darkness itself, characterized by sinful deeds and worldly wisdom. Now, as believers, they are light in the Lord, called to walk as children of light. He highlights the spiritual transformation that takes place, urging the congregation to reject the unfruitful works of darkness and instead manifest the fruit of the Spirit—goodness, righteousness, and truth—in their lives.

Pastor Josh further elaborates on the implications of being light in the Lord, encouraging believers to reflect this light in a world filled with darkness. He stresses the importance of not merely recognizing their identity in Christ but actively walking in it by displaying godliness in behavior and attitudes. Using examples from Scripture, he illustrates how the spiritual light provided through the gospel empowers believers to overcome the allure of worldly desires and live lives that are blameless and fruitful. The sermon concludes with a call to believers to embrace their position in Christ and to let this spiritual light guide their conduct, ultimately bringing glory to God and witnessing to the world.

In this sermon, Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher delved into Ephesians chapter 5, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects one's identity in Christ. He explored the transition from salvation and justification to walking in a manner worthy of this divine calling. Pastor Strelecki explained that, while believers are saved by grace and positioned as children of God, this identity ought to change how they conduct themselves daily. He highlighted the contrast between the ungodly behaviors outlined in Ephesians 5, such as fornication and covetousness, and the call to walk in Christ's love and sacrifice. The exhortation centers on living a life that manifests the fruit of righteousness and holiness, aligning actions with the new man received in Christ.

Strelecki further stressed the significance of understanding both positional and practical truths. While believers are secure in their status as God's children, they are also called to live out this identity through holy conduct. The sermon addressed the dangers of succumbing to worldly behaviors and the necessity of not having these deeds named among believers. Encouraging the congregation to avoid being deceived by vain word that undermine the seriousness of sin, Pastor Strelecki urged them to walk in love and gratitude, reflecting the power of the gospel of Christ. Through an unwavering focus on God’s Word, believers are equipped to reject the old ways and embrace a life that pleases God, thus upholding both doctrinal integrity and a holy walk.

The sermon explores Ephesians chapter 5, focusing on verses 1 and 2, where Paul instructs believers to be followers of God and to walk in love as dear children. Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher highlights the transforming power of God's grace, emphasizing that believers, once alienated from God, now have the profound privilege and responsibility to be followers of Him. The imperative to be followers of God signifies both an identity and a call to action. This is made possible only through the changing work of Christ, renewing us in the image of the new man who is create in righteousness and true holiness. Josh Strelecki stresses the importance of not just understanding doctrinal truths but actively applying them in our lives, manifesting the love and forgiveness we have received from God through our interactions with others.

Josh Strelecki further elaborates how being "dear children" of God serves as motivation to reflect the love that God has shown. Illustrating this, the sermon references Paul's instructions in Ephesians 4, encouraging behaviors such as speaking truth, working honestly for self and others, and being tenderhearted and kind. The ultimate example of love is Christ's sacrificial offering, which believers are called to walk out in their own relationships—primarily through forgiveness and self-sacrificial love. The sermon ends with a prayer, asking for growth in these virtues and for the congregation to genuinely embody the life-changing implications of the Gospel, emphasizing that this transformation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound, spiritual way of living.

In a recent sermon, Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, guided the congregation through the closing verses of Ephesians chapter 4, focusing on verses 30 through 32. Strelecki revisited the theme of not grieving the Holy Spirit of God, emphasizing that while the Spirit seals believers unto the day of redemption, their actions and attitudes can still grieve Him. He urged believers to reflect on their conduct, warning that bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice should be put away. Instead, Strelecki highlighted, the fruit of the Spirit — kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness — should characterize the believers' interactions, mirroring God's forgiveness through Christ. He explored how these virtues transform interpersonal relationships within the church, facilitating a reflection of the life and unity believers will share with Christ.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, further explained that the Holy Spirit not only seals believers but also acts as a guarantee of their inheritance until the final redemption. This seal signifies divine authenticity and ownership. Strelecki challenged the congregation to avoid quenching the Spirit, which he likened to a blacksmith's process of quenching hot metal, thus losing its tenderness. He encouraged believers to embrace the "flame of God's Word," allowing the Spirit to reshape their hearts. Strelecki concluded with a call to embody the forgiveness that God extends, emphasizing that understanding and embracing God's profound forgiveness liberates believers to forgive others, thereby exemplifying divine love and unity within the church body and love for those without.

"Steal No More, Labor to Give" | Ephesians 4:25-32 | Lesson 115