Illuminate Community Church

11/17/24 - Godly Households - Ephesians 6:1–9 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In our passage this Sunday, Paul emphasizes how the gospel transforms relationships in the home and workplace. Paul instructs children to obey their parents, noting that this is the natural order of things. He highlights that honoring parents is the first commandment with a promise, (“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land”) indicating that proper family dynamics have long-term benefits for children. Paul also stresses the importance of parents—especially fathers—providing Godly instruction and discipline. They are encouraged to raise their children in a way that prepares them for a well-ordered life and, ultimately, for meeting Christ.

 

But how is this done?

 

Parents are warned not to discipline out of insecurity or anger, which can provoke children to frustration or rebellion. Instead, they are called to model their parenting on the deep love and wisdom of God, acting with intentionality and grace. Paul also reminds parents that their children’s greatest need is to grow in a relationship with the Lord. Withholding correction out of fear of the child’s rejection, or what others might think, does not serve our children’s well-being.

 

Insecure and anxious parents don’t make good parents - we’ve all been there!

 

Paul’s instructions extend beyond family, addressing the roles of bondservants. He encourages bondservants to serve with sincerity, as they ultimately serve Christ. The owners of the house are called to treat their servants with respect and care, recognizing that both they and their servants are under the authority of God, who shows no partiality. Through these teachings, Paul introduces a countercultural view that the gospel reshapes all relationships, aligning them with God’s standards of love, fairness, and responsibility.

 

As Christians we all have people who are entrusted to our care, it is our responsibility to lift them to the Lord. By lifting others up, we demonstrate what God did for us. We give witness to the power of the gospel and the love of Christ who lifted us up to salvation.

11/10/24 - The Mystery of Marriage - Ephesians 5:21–33 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In our passage this Sunday, the Apostle Paul explores the theme of submission within the family. The fact is, we are all called to place ourselves under authority. "Submit one to another,” says Paul. As one of your Pastors, I am under the authority of the Elders - this is a great thing. It brings accountability and protection.

 

And yet, is there a more incendiary word than submission in our culture today? A common misconception is that submission means inferiority or “less than.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus spent his entire life submitting to the will of the Father. The fact is it requires great strength to place oneself under the authority of another for mutual benefit. Using Jesus and his bride, the church as a model, Paul explains that submission within a family does not diminish value but reflects God’s design for order and support within family relationships including the roles of husbands and wives.

 

For wives, submission to their husbands is likened to the church’s submission to Christ—an act grounded in trust and reverence, but never in mindlessness or subservience. Husbands, in turn, are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, a self-sacrificial love that prioritizes their wives' holiness and spiritual well-being. 

 

Husbands, to lead the home is to love like Jesus and offer yourself in servant leadership. It is a man's responsibility to nurture and cherish his wife, leading her toward Christlikeness through humility, prayer and devotion. The question to ask yourself is this: Is my wife more like Jesus because she is married to me?

 

Paul reflects on the broader mystery of marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church. When both husbands and wives honor their God-given roles, they foster a relationship marked by love and respect that mirrors the profound union of Christ and his people.

11/03/24 - Imitators of God - Ephesians 5:1–22 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul challenges Christians to live in a manner worthy of their calling. He emphasizes that knowing who God is and what He has done should lead us to obedience. This includes sexual purity and greed. Despite cultural resistance, Paul warns that sexual immorality, impurity, and coveting should not be present in the lives of Christians as these behaviors distort God's design for relationships and sexuality. Are we not seeing the damaging consequences of the sexual revolution that began 60 years ago? Now more than ever we encounter broken families, loneliness, objectification, and general dissatisfaction in relationships.

 

Paul contrasts this with the Christian sexual ethic, which promotes purity, mutual respect, and love within the boundaries of marriage. For Paul, sexual sin is not just about physical actions but reflects deeper issues of greed and idolatry, where lust and self-gratification take precedence over God’s will. He urges Christians to avoid even the slightest compromise, recognizing that feeding these desires leads to deeper moral corruption.

 

Paul also highlights the importance of gratitude and purity in speech, contrasting it with the harmful effects of crude talk and foolishness. He explains that these behaviors are out of place for believers and can easily lead to further moral decay. Instead, Christians are called to walk as children of light, exposing the unfruitful works of darkness and living in a way that reflects God’s goodness and truth. By doing so, they resist the corrupting influences of theworld and align themselves with the will of the Lord, living in the fullness of His Spirit. Our world is in desperate need of the higher Christian ethic!

10/27/24 - The Wardrobe of a Transformed Life - Ephesians 4:17–32 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Our text this Sunday focuses on the decisive action needed to overcome sin. I am reminded of the metaphor from C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce. The main character has a lizard on his shoulder which represents sin and temptation, constantly leading the man astray. One day an angel appears and says, “I can remove that lizard by killing it.” The lizard senses his approaching doom and begins to whisper excuses to delay the action. “I will be good from now on. I won’t go too far. You and I have been together for so long now.” The angel gives his response to the man, “This moment will define all moments to come. Are you ready?” The angel’s command to kill the lizard illustrates the need for immediate and complete rejection of sin in our lives, as delaying only strengthens its hold. The message stresses that confronting sin head-on will impact the rest of one's life and spiritual journey.

 

In the second half of Ephesians 4, the Paul contrasts the old way of living, characterized by darkened minds, hardened hearts, and reckless behavior, with the new life in Christ. Paul’s command to "put off the old self" and be renewed in mind is likened to changing a worn-out wardrobe, where believers must remove the familiar, sinful habits to embrace a new, righteous identity in Christ. The transformation begins in the mind, requiring believers to reject what was and actively pursue a life of what can be.

 

We need help with this, thankfully there’s practical guidance on how this new life should look—speaking truth, handling anger righteously, working honestly, and speaking words that build others up. Paul’s call is not just for external behavior changes, but for an inward renewal that results in kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. The takeaway is that Christians should not blend into the world like chameleons (to continue the reptile metaphor) but stand out as agents of change, dressed in the righteousness of Christ.

10/20/24 - Unity and Diversity in the Church - Ephesians 4:1–16 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In a world marked by division, God's people should stand out as the most unified force on the planet. In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul transitions from theology to practical application, urging believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" they have received. 

 

Paul is thinking of the theological realities described in the earlier chapters; and they are amazing…

 

- we are chosen

- we are redeemed

- we are sealed by the Holy Spirit

 

Therefore, we are called to live lives that reflect these profound spiritual truths.

 

Paul introduces the concept of “walking worthy” by explaining that it involves two major characteristics: unity and holiness. He highlights the importance of humility, gentleness, and patience as foundational qualities that foster unity among believers. In a world rife with division and alienation, Paul underscores the need for Christians to embody the unity that comes from the Spirit, maintained through the bond of peace. This unity is not uniformity, but rather a harmonious relationship rooted in shared faith and mutual love, despite our differences.

 

Paul also discusses the diversity of gifts within the church, given by Christ to promote unity and build up the body of believers. These gifts include ministries such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors, each serving to equip the saints for ministry and to help the church grow into maturity in Christ. The goal is for the church to attain unity in faith and knowledge, enabling it to stand firm against false teachings and to grow together in love. This is discipleship. Paul encourages every believer to participate in ministry, emphasizing that when each part of the body functions properly, the church builds itself up in love, reflecting the fullness of Christ. 

 

Let me ask you friend, what is your part? What is your ministry to the saints? We need you!!

 

10/13/24 - A Prayer For The Church - Ephesians 3:14–21 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Have you ever started praying for something specific, only to find your mind wandering? Perhaps someone asked you to pray for their job interview, but as you begin your thoughts shift to your own work responsibilities. Suddenly, you’re not praying anymore—you’re mentally compiling a to-do list!

 

Our passage this Sunday begins by drawing a parallel between our own distracted prayers and Paul's writing in Ephesians 3, where he starts with a prayer but then digresses into a theological reflection on the mystery of God’s plan to unite Jews and Gentiles into one family. After this digression, Paul returns to his original intention, resuming his prayer in verse 14, where he earnestly intercedes for the believers in Ephesus. His prayer emphasizes the spiritual unity of all believers, highlighting God’s authority over every family in heaven and on earth.

 

Paul’s posture in prayer, kneeling before God, is unusual for Jews. If you visit the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem you’ll see many Orthodox Jews standing in prayer. Kneeling however, reflects deep reverence and humility, recognizing God’s majesty and sovereignty. This contrasts with the more casual approach to God often seen today. The passage illustrates God's immense glory. We are reminded of the overwhelming experience Moses had on Mount Sinai. Despite this grandeur, Paul addresses God as "Father," emphasizing the intimate, familial relationship believers have with Him through Christ. This relationship unites all believers into one spiritual family, transcending the physical realm and placing it in the spiritual.

 

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is not for physical strength, but for spiritual strength, asking God to empower them through His Spirit. He highlights the vast resources of God’s glory that are available to believers, drawing a distinction between giving from what one has versus giving according to what one has. Paul emphasizes that God’s generosity is beyond human comprehension, and believers need to be spiritually fortified to receive all that God has for them. This spiritual strength is essential for living out the Christian faith and experiencing the indwelling presence of Christ.

 

Finally, Paul focuses on the transformative power of God’s love, urging believers to be rooted and grounded in love, and to comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love for us. He, along with the apostle John, challenge the popular notion that “love is love,” arguing instead that true love is defined by God and is rooted in His character. Paul concludes by praising God’s ability to do far more than we can ask or imagine, emphasizing the power of God at work within us and giving glory to God for His work in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations. To all of this, Paul gives a resounding, “Amen!”

10/6/24 - Through the Church - Ephesians 3:1-13 - Pastor Bob Drew

"This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,  in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him"
- Ephesians 3:11-12
 

The moment we became Christians, our lives were beautifully transformed. First and foremost, we became Christ’s, new creations in Him, and are continually being shaped into His likeness every day! Even more exciting, we became part of a new humanity—a Body of believers, chosen to follow and boldly proclaim the love and hope of Christ. Yet, the Bible reminds us that many of us underestimate the power of this calling. Friends, you and I have a far greater role in God’s eternal plan than we often realize, and something incredible happens when we actively live it out together!
 
In Ephesians 3, the apostle Paul moves from unpacking the unifying mystery of Christ in Chapter 2, Jews and Gentiles brought together in Christ, to prayer. However, he couldn’t get past his first line. Due to the incredible importance of this new humanity, Paul was moved and compelled further to expound the implications of this divinely anticipated occurrence. It was crucial for the unified believers to understand their eternal and collective role in Christ’s plan!
 
Paul starts off by emphasizing his ministerial calling. What he brings to the people of God is not something contrived from his own thoughts. It is wisdom directly from God. As a steward of their faith, Paul feels responsible for helping them understand this wisdom on their own. By utilizing what he shared in Chapters 1 and 2, any believer can understand the mystery of the new humanity. However, from that understanding, they will realize they have a responsibility to actively steward this mystery themselves, but not on their own. Utilizing language that accentuates belonging and fellowship, Paul showcases God’s eternal plan to reveal Christ to the world through the Church. In one moment, faith moved from personal to corporal, a solo sport to a team sport.
 
All are invited, and no one is excluded. But all must play, and they must do it together.
 
Paul reminds believers that being a Christian means being a part of the Church called to an eternal purpose. The stakes are too high. People are watching, and so are the angels. Preaching, ministering, and bearing witness to the eternal wisdom of God are hallmarks of the Church. Since we are the Church, they are meant to be hallmarks of our lives. This is not an option. As if it needed to be hammered home further, Paul uses his own circumstances in prison to showcase how to do it. Suffering for one another is giving glory to Christ. We are not our own, friends!
 

9/29/24 - The End of Prejudice - Ephesians 2:11-22 - Pastor Jason Fritz

"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…" Ephesians 2:13-14

 

Have you ever asked, “Where does all of the world’s separation come from?" The answer is not social or cultural, it is spiritual.

 

In Ephesians 2, the apostle Paul addresses the deep divisions that existed in the world of his time, much like those we see today. He highlights the profound separation between Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing the animosity that characterized their relationship. Paul explains that these divisions are not merely social or cultural but have a spiritual root. Gentiles were particularly distant from God, lacking access to the covenants and promises given to Israel, leaving them isolated and without hope.

 

Paul introduces the remedy for this alienation, which is found in Jesus Christ. Through His death on the cross, Jesus broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" that separated Jews and Gentiles, creating a new humanity where all believers, regardless of background, are united through the ministry of their Savior. This reconciliation is not achieved through external actions or laws but through a transformation of the heart. Paul emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles now have equal access to God through the Spirit, making them one body in Christ and abolishing any grounds for division.

 

The death of Jesus ends prejudice and builds a new race.

 

Paul describes this new unity using the imagery of a city, a family, and a building. He explains that believers are now citizens of heaven, members of God's household, and are being built together into a holy temple with Christ as the cornerstone. This temple, founded on the teachings of the apostles and prophets, is where God dwells among His people. Paul urges believers to embrace this new identity and unity in Christ, rejecting any barriers of pride or prejudice, and to live out the peace and reconciliation that Jesus has made possible.

9/22/24 - Living Out God’s Masterpiece - Ephesians 2:1-10 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In this Sunday’s message from Ephesians 2:1-10, I am reminded of the struggles that so many in the world face today—work anxiety, family stress, political division, social media pressure, and the overwhelming pace of life. These challenges can often make people feel like something is fundamentally wrong as if we are all searching for peace but can never quite find it. The Apostle Paul speaks directly to this condition, showing us that the world’s unrest is not just a result of external pressures, but a reflection of a deeper spiritual reality.

 

Mankind is without Christ, in a state of spiritual death, and disconnected from the life God intended for us.

 

This truth can be difficult to accept, especially when we compare ourselves to others and think, "I'm not that bad." But Paul doesn’t allow for such distinctions; we are all in the same boat at birth, spiritually dead because of our trespasses and sins.

 

Yet, Paul doesn’t leave us in this dark valley. Just as someone might stand on the peak of Mount Whitney and look down to the depths of Death Valley below, Paul shows us the contrast between where we are without Christ, and where we can be with Him. Despite the bleak picture of spiritual death, Paul immediately shifts the narrative with two powerful words: "But God." Here, we see the heart of our faith—God’s mercy and love for us, even when we are at our worst. It’s not about what we can do to earn His favor, but about what He has already done for us through Jesus. This grace is not just a lifeline; it’s a complete transformation, bringing us from death to life, from despair to hope.

 

As we reflect on these verses, it’s important to realize that this is not just a theological truth; it's deeply personal. God’s grace is not something abstract—it’s His active work in our lives, shaping us, restoring us, and giving us a new purpose. We are His workmanship, created to reflect His love in everything we do. When we grasp this truth, we can live with confidence, knowing that our lives have meaning and that we are called to do good works, not to earn God’s love but to respond to it. As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to walk in the good works He has prepared for us. Perhaps the greatest of these works is sharing this incredible message of grace with others so that they too can experience the life that only God can give.

9/15/24 - Open The Eyes of Our Hearts! - Ephesians 1:15–23 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This Sunday's message dives into the Apostle Paul’s powerful prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23, where he expresses his gratitude for the faith and love this church has for all believers. Notice the word “all.” If you’re not irritated by someone at Illuminate, you’re not attending Illuminate. The fact is, some are harder to love than others and yet, this is our charge - to love everyone. After giving praise to them, he prays for them. Paul prays that they would understand the incredible blessings they possess in Christ. He emphasizes three key gifts: the hope of their calling, the riches of God's glorious inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of His power toward believers. This prayer is rooted in Paul's deep affection for the Ephesians and his desire for them to grasp the spiritual wealth they already have.

Christian, do you realize all that you have in Christ? If you’re like me, too often you ask God for what you don’t have.

Paul's prayer highlights the importance of spiritual insight and understanding, asking God to grant the Ephesians the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. This wisdom, imparted by the Holy Spirit, enables believers to see the world through the lens of their faith, transforming their lives and relationships. Paul emphasizes the need for Christians to recognize the hope, forgiveness, and daily guidance that come from their relationship with Christ. He also points out that they are God's prized possession, His inheritance, and that they have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead. This is astounding!

Finally, Paul underscores the exalted position of Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of God, far above all earthly powers. He reminds us that Jesus is the head of the church, and that we, as His body, share in His victory and are empowered to fulfill our mission on earth. He concludes with a call to embrace the blessings already given in Christ, to grow in faith and love, and to live under Christ's authority, reflecting His glory and advancing His kingdom. What a great encouragmement for us today!