Walking in Love

In a recent sermon delivered by Rev. John McIntosh on Ephesians 6:1-9, the central theme revolved around living in unity and love within the church family, as well as in our individual relationships. Rev. McIntosh emphasized the idea of hallowing God's name through unity in the church and living wisely in accordance with God's grace. Drawing from Apostle Paul's teachings, he reiterated the importance of submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ, mirroring Christ's own submission to God the Father in love.

The sermon highlighted the dynamics within Christian households, addressing children, parents, and, more notably, bondservants and masters. Children were urged to obey and respect their parents, reflecting the teachings that foster commendable living. In doing so, parents, especially fathers, are called to nurture their children with fairness and to educate them in a Christ-centered manner. The advice extends similarly to the relationship between servants and masters, where servants are encouraged to serve as if they are serving Christ, with sincerity and respect. Conversely, masters are reminded of the mutual accountability to God and the call to exercise their authority with self-sacrificing love, akin to how Christ submitted to God for humanity's sake.

Rev. McIntosh drew parallels to modern-day employer-employee relationships, stressing that the principles of mutual respect and service to each other’s best interests remain relevant. By living out these principles, Christians can give a foretaste of God's kingdom and contribute to the unity and growth of the church community, reflecting the prayer “hallowed be your name.” Ultimately, the sermon concluded with a charge to walk in love, maintain church unity, and live in anticipation of God's kingdom, thereby glorifying the Holy Trinity.