Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With what responsibilities do we bear the moment we refer to ourselves as Christian? Again from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us as Christians that our identity has been and is transformed and molded by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus- in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, a destiny brought to us by grace (1:7, 11). In short, we are, we have become who God calls us to be in Christ, and "by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God" (2:8).

Because our identity before God, and henceforth, with one another, is not ultimately measured by political party affiliation, monikers of conservative or liberal, nationality or ethnicity, skin tone or language- Christ through the cross has broken down those divides and barriers- our shared identity now as Sisters and Brothers in Christ leads us also to a shared responsibility to live and act in ways "worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:1-3).

This indeed is a great responsibility put on our shoulders by the grace and love of God in Christ. But this responsibility comes to us because God believes in us in and through the living presence and power of Christ with and for us. Our guide is the living Christ, and not political pundits of various persuasions, and certainly not from the voices that feign apathy and indifference. Christ is with us now in our time and place in order to guide and empower us as Christians to help shape our world consistant to God's grace and will.

Again, the Apostle Paul notes that responsible thought and action on our part as Christians must be preceded with prayer, a prayer that petitions that as Christians we may be granted the strength in our inner being with power through God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in our hearts that we may be rooted and grounded in love, that we may be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all human knowledge (3:16-19). Such prayer will direct us to those responsibilities that mark us as one body under the one Lordship of Christ Jesus, "to clothe ourselves with the new being, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (4:24).

In Christ, our words and our actions have meaning, therefore, "Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, so that our words in time of need may provide grace to those who hear, and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (4:29-30). May we live in love as Christ loved us. The times are challenging so we must heed the way of God as the Apostle Paul counsels: "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, making the most of the time, because the days can present evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (5:15-16).

Peace, love, and the good faith to all.   Pastor John