Everyday Truth With Kurt Skelly

Ephesians 6:16 It is not what is true that will help me; it is what I *believe* about that truth that will ultimately help me. Faith is the principle by which all believers are to live (Rom. 1:17). It is the only way by which to please God, and it is the only reliable evidence of what we claim is true.

Ephesians 6:14-15 On today’s podcast, we discuss the protection that our gifted righteousness provides for us. We are vitally protected by what Christ has already accomplished for us on the Cross! And that same Gospel that saves us is able to save others. Soldiers need to have on the shoes of Gospel preparation as they wage spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:13-14 The belt was essential and integral to every soldier's armor. The belt held every other piece of armor in its proper place. For the believer, the belt to be worn is the belt of truth. Without an accurate view of our God and ourselves, we cannot be effective soldiers of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-12 Ask the average Christian what his battle is, and he will typically list some bad circumstance or prickly person in his life. These verses help us frame the essence of real spiritual warfare. What is it? How do we prepare for it?

Ephesians 6:5-9 One out of every five people who lived during the first century were slaves. What was a Christian supposed to do in such an unjust institutional system? Where is the fairness? How should Christians relate to their “bosses,” and what attitude should a Christian “boss” have toward those who work for him?

Ephesians 6:4 A father has a profound influence on his children. This verse outlines a father's responsibility to train and teach his children. What does it mean to “bring them up”? What is the difference between training and teaching? How can fathers—sometimes even unwittingly—provide their children to wrath?

Ephesians 6:1-3 Context is king in Bible interpretation, and understanding the context of this passage is essential. We will consider the following questions: What kind of parents are in view in this passage? What is the difference between obeying and honoring? Is there a limiting phrase to the extent of obedience?

Ephesians 5:29-33 Sometimes it is helpful to simplify. When we can distill a group or individual’s purpose down to one simple statement, it becomes easier to see one’s priorities. He can use the statement as a lens by which to view all of the lesser responsibilities. We find such a statement about marriage in today’s passage! Don’t miss it!

Ephesians 5:25-28 The Bible instructs husbands to love their wives AS Christ loved the church. If that be true (and it is), then we husbands must answer the larger question: How did Christ love the church? Fortunately, this passage of Scripture supplies at least 4 ways husbands can and should love their wives as Jesus loves His bride!

Ephesians 5:22-24 Much controversy surrounds the word submission in modern culture. Somehow, the word has become negative and connotes inferiority or weakness. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Biblical submission is evidence of Spirit-power and was modeled by the Lord Jesus Himself. Moreover, it is an essential component to the success of any group.

Ephesians 5:19-21

Ephesians 5:15-18

Ephesians 5:9-14

Ephesians 5:4-8

Ephesians 5:1-3

Ephesians 4:29-32 Sin’s roots go deep. “Putting off” sin in one’s life is much more than behavior modification; it requires heart-level repentance! Central to the health of any relationship is the need for forgiveness. But how do we forgive people who have wronged us too egregiously? This passage gives us the most powerful why of all.

Ephesians 4:25-28 This passage is one of the Bible's most practical passages. Using the simple format of (1) what not to do, (2) what to do, and (3) why to do it, Paul emphasizes five toxic behaviors among Christians that damage others and ultimately grieve the Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 4:20-24 This passage provides such a simple and applicable way to look at Christian behavior. It is like taking off old clothes and putting on new ones. But how does a believer know what is new and old? Because he has the Holy Spirit to teach him, the Word of God guides his thinking. Renewed thinking produced a radically new behavior—behavior that reflects the new man in Christ that each true believer is.

Ephesians 4:16-19 If we believers have indeed been made part of Christ’s body, then our behavior should match our new identity. We do not have the excuse that unbelievers have. They are empty in their thinking, dark in their understanding, blind in their heart, lifeless in their relationship with God, and ignorant about what the Christian life is all about! But we are not!

Ephesians 4:14-15 Love’s best gift is truth, and truth’s best wrapping is love. When truth and love are team members, they pack a most powerful punch. When truth is given without love, it is typically rejected. Paul modeled the principle that leaders can open their mouths only as they also open their hearts! (2 Cor. 6:14-20).