Is marriage more than two people merging their goals and agendas? A oneness that is deeper and more profound? One that is both a demonstration and experience of glory? This is the message of Ephesians 5.

In Ephesians 5 Paul gives us the way back to the glory which God intended in marriage. In their make up and roles men and woman offer a distinctive picture of God’s glory–given to compliment one another. However, that glory now comes with a rub.

When it comes to the discussion of gender and roles in society at large, and marriage specifically two tendencies dominate: One is oversimplification of gender and roles, the other obliteration. The Bible avoids both and presents the glory and mystery of men and women, husband and wife.

The glory of romance is most often depicted outside of marriage. Marriage itself as boredom and drudgery–the end of romance. Yet, Ephesians 5 teaches the opposite. It says apart from the commitment of marriage, the glory of romance is superficial and short-lived. And, the intimate and lasting love for which we long, can only be experienced in the commitment of marriage. No Guts, No Glory.

Many religions call us to walk to the light (find our way to God). Christianity teaches us to walk in the light because the Light has already found us in our darkness. Wisdom is learning to walk in light of Jesus, the Light of God.

Having a new identity means new attitudes and actions in the areas of our words, rights, responsibilities, and sexuality. The new self which God recreates is never experienced in a vacuum, but in community.

To approach life with a

Community is Common-Unity–easier said than done. Have you ever stood outside the Church and wondered how unity is possible? Have you ever stood within the Church and wondered the same thing? Ephesians 4.1-16 speaks to both a basis for unity and maturing in it. [Unfortunately, we are missing the 070404.mp3 file; thank you for your patience]

There isn’t one person–dead or living–who hasn’t longed for more power. If you could pray for power concerning one thing–what would it be? Fix some circumstance? Change someone’s heart? Would grasping the long and wide love of God make the list? This passage offers and unlikely source for power.

We tend to have a “that’s far enough view” view of grace–the way we extend grace reveals this. God is quite different. His grace calls unlikely messengers, and reaches beyond “reasonable” borders.