Walking in the Light A progressive reading of Ephesians 5, 6, 20 on the Daily Bible refresh with Dr.

Brad Miller.

Hello my good friends.

Dr.

Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.

This is your daily reading of the New Testament from a progressive perspective.

We read from the Revised Common Lectionary.

We're in year C of a three year cycle, the Pentecost season.

We read the selected verse for this very day in a way that is understandable.

We read from the message version relatable.

We give you some points to ponder, applicable, give you an action step to take.

And we do all of that in under 10 minutes or so with a prayer.

It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com that is our website where you can find the daily Bible study resource called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide.

Here's today's reading.

Ephesians 5, 6, 20 Reading from the Message don't let yourselves get taken in by religious smooth talk.

God gets furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but want nothing to do with Him.

Don't even hang around with people like that.

You groped your way through that Merc once, but no longer.

You're out in the open now.

The bright light of Christ makes your way plain.

So no more stumbling around.

Get on with it.

The good, the right, the true.

These are the actions appropriate for daylight hours.

Figure out what will please Christ, then do it.

Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busy work.

The barren pursuits of darkness.

Expose these things for the sham they are.

It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see.

Rip the COVID off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.

Wake up from your sleep.

Climb out of your coffins.

Christ will show you the light.

So watch your step.

Use your head.

Make the most of every chance that you get.

These are desperate times.

Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly.

Make sure you understand what the Master wants.

Don't drink too much wine that cheapens your life.

Drink the spirit of God, huge drafts of him.

Sing hymns instead of drinking songs.

Sing songs from your heart to Christ.

Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father.

In the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.

Oh, what an incredible reading from Ephesians.

And this is a powerful selection here that speaks to authenticity, awareness and engagement with our faith.

Let's talk about some points to ponder.

The first has to do with authentic faith over religious performance.

This passage begins with a warning against religious smooth talk.

You've heard it, you recognize it.

It's a critique that remains relevant today in progressive Christianity.

We understand this is a call to move beyond performative religion and empty platitudes.

True faith isn't about maintaining appearances or following rigid rules, but about genuine transformation and meaningful action.

Second point to ponder is about awakening to consciousness and justice.

The metaphor is used here of light versus darkness.

It isn't about some moral absolutism, but rather about an awareness versus ignorance.

When the text speaks of Christ light, we can understand this is an awakening to truth, justice, compassion.

The illumination helps us see systems of oppression, inequality and environmental destruction that we're called to address.

The third point is about a community of collective joy.

The final verses are talks about singing and celebration and reminds us that progressive faith isn't just about isn't just about serious social work.

It's also about finding joy and community.

The alternative to drinking wine isn't puritanical restriction, but finding deeper satisfaction in spiritual community and purposeful living.

Here's your action Step Practice Quote Walking in the light by identifying one system or structure in your life or community that needs examination.

This could be a workplace policy, a community practice, or even a personal habit.

Ask yourself does this align with values of justice, compassion and inclusion?

And take one concrete step towards positive change.

We'll come back with a closing prayer after this word that we have a great resource for you called the ABC 123 Bible study method.

We just invite you to go to our show notes@voiceofgoddaily.com you'll find links there that will take you right to this resource that's for you called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible study method that you use in coordination with the daily readings we have here on Daily Bible Refresh.

You find it@voiceofgoddaily.com let's pray.

O God, you are a divine source of love and justice.

Wake us from your comfortable sleep.

Open our eyes to see truth more clearly and our hearts to feel more deeply.

Give us courage to examine our lives honestly, wisdom to recognize where change is needed and strength to take action for the common good.

Help us to find joy and community, purpose and service in the spirit of love and hope.

Amen.

Well, it's so good to be with us to be with you here on Daily Bible Refresh.

Just like to share with you.

This is a completely listener sponsored podcast.

If you'd like to support us with your gift, Please go to voiceofgodddaily.com you scroll to the bottom of the place the page and you'll find a place to make your donation to the Daily Bible.

Refresh through our website, Voice of God Daily.

My name is Dr.

Brad Miller.

We're here with you every day.

We have a mission to get the voice of God, the audible voice of God, into two millionaires, a million people by 2028.

You help us to do that by subscribing to the podcast, listing it and sharing it with some other.

So pass it along if you will.

Until tomorrow, friends.

We're here every day.

Remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.

His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.