In the concluding message of "The Domino Effect" series, Karl Ihfe explores Ephesians 6 where Paul instructs believers to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). Ihfe draws a parallel between the Mandalorian creed "This is the way" and the early Christians who were known as followers of "the Way" before the term Christian was coined.

Ihfe explains that Paul's description of the armor of God—the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit—isn't merely preparation for battle but a way of life. This armor represents different aspects of Christian living that Paul has been teaching throughout Ephesians. The real enemy, Paul emphasizes, is not "flesh and blood" but spiritual forces working against God's kingdom. Prayer completes the armor, keeping believers connected to God's strength and aligned with His heart.

https://bwaychurch.org

Karl Ihfe continues the "Domino Effect" series by examining Ephesians 4, focusing on the pivotal decision of who we choose to follow. Drawing from Paul's letter, Ihfe contrasts two paths: the way of the Gentiles, characterized by "futility of thinking," darkened understanding, and insatiable desires, versus the way of Jesus, which leads to renewal and transformation.

Ihfe explains that following Jesus means "putting off the old self" and "putting on the new self" as described in Ephesians 4:22-24. This transformation manifests in practical ways: speaking truthfully, managing anger appropriately, working honestly to share with others, using words that build up rather than tear down, and replacing bitterness with kindness and forgiveness. Ihfe challenges the congregation to become "radical encouragers" who reflect God's character in their daily interactions, reminding them that their decision about who to follow will impact every aspect of their lives and relationships.

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In this sermon on unity from the "Domino Effect" series, Karl explores how Paul's letter to the Ephesians reveals unity as God's plan from the beginning. Drawing from Ephesians 1:10, he explains that God's purpose was "to bring unity to all things in heaven and earth under Christ." While the world naturally tends toward division and decay, Christ came to create "one new humanity" (Ephesians 2:15) by breaking down barriers between people.

Karl emphasizes that unity doesn't mean uniformity—like four-part harmony in singing, unity harnesses our differences for God's kingdom. Paul instructs believers to "keep the unity of the Spirit" (Ephesians 4:3) through humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love. The challenge for Christians today is to prioritize unity over being right, to speak truth in love, and to remember that our unity is built not on opinions or preferences but on our shared identity in Christ, who is the "one Lord" over all.

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In this installment of the "Domino Effect" series examining Ephesians, Karl Ihfe explores Paul's vision of prayer as revealed in three prayers found in chapters one, three, and six. Ihfe contrasts our often limited, comfort-focused prayers with Paul's expansive prayers that remind believers of the extraordinary power available to them—"the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead" (Ephesians 1:19-20). Paul prays for spiritual wisdom, enlightened hearts, and a deep understanding of Christ's love that surpasses knowledge.

Ihfe challenges us to consider whether our prayers reflect an awareness of this resurrection power or if we've settled for prayers centered on comfort and entertainment. Drawing from his recent travels to Kenya and North Africa, he shares how believers in challenging contexts are experiencing God's transformative work despite difficulties. He invites the Broadway church to pray with kingdom perspective, asking God to use them to make a difference in Lubbock rather than limiting what God might do through them.

https://bwaychurch.org