Echoes from Ephesians: Changes How Then Shall We Live

Changes: How Then Shall We Live?
Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-9
Praise Song: Another Surrender | Woman Evolve Worship & Naomi Raine
Series: Echoes from Ephesians
Speaker: Minister Doug Ericsson

Quick Glance: For Your Heart Today
Pastor Doug shared that while world events may shift the course of history, the greatest change came through Jesus Christ—His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Just as creation, the fall, God’s rescue plan, and the coming of the Messiah transformed the spiritual landscape, Jesus transforms us personally. From darkness to light, we are called to live as people who reflect what is good, right, and true, allowing God’s light to expose, reveal, and guide us into humility and Christlike character.

3 Takeaways

1. Live as People of Light – Ephesians 5:8–9 calls us to move from darkness to light, producing what is good, right, and true.
2. Let the Light Transform You – God’s Word and Spirit expose, reveal, and guide, replacing pride with humility.
3. Embrace Ongoing Change – Though made new in Christ, we still wrestle with our old nature; transformation is a daily, Spirit-enabled journey.
   
   

If You Only Have a Moment
Inhale: “Jesus, shine Your light in me…”
Exhale: “…and guide me in what is good, right, and true.”

Sermon Summary
Pastor Doug reminded us of the profound changes that have occurred throughout history and how these changes are reflected in our spiritual lives. Doug highlighted significant historical events, such as the assassination of JFK, MLK, the founding of SBCC, and the outbreak of COVID-19. These events serve as a backdrop to the ultimate change in human history: the coming of Jesus Christ. His life, ministry, death, and resurrection have fundamentally altered the course of humanity, bringing light into a world once full of darkness. Doug noted that there were cosmic changes that took place starting with the story of Creation, the Fall of humanity, God’s rescue plan which included Abraham, Israel, two kingdoms (Israel & Judah), the prophets, and ultimately, the Messiah.

Referencing Ephesians 5:8-9, which calls us to live as people of light, Pastor Doug emphasized our need to be transformed from darkness to light, urging us to produce what is good, right, and true. He explained that darkness is defined by the absence of light, and in our world today, we see manifestations of darkness in political conflicts, interpersonal trauma, and personal emotional stress. Doug noted that through Christ, we are given a new reality, a new way of living that reflects the character of God. This process which is enabled by the Word of God and the Spirit of God can be summarized as light exposing, light revealing, and light guiding. This light places us on a path of good, right, and true, and helps eliminate pride and replaces it with humility.

Pastor Doug noted the mixed nature of our lives, acknowledging that while we have been made new in Christ, we still struggle with our old nature. This ongoing process of transformation is likened to light exposing, revealing, and guiding us towards a better way of living. Doug encouraged us to embrace this light, allowing it to produce goodness, righteousness, and truthfulness in our lives. It is a call to live united with Christ, be changed by His light, and to reflect His character in all that we do.