10.02.22 | Onward We Stumble
Apathy
Tony Pyle
Ephesians 1
At the core of Christianity, we have been called to love God and love others. How can you consistently pursue this calling when the circumstances of life might leave you feeling stagnant or apathetic? Pastor Tony Pyle reminds us that none of us are immune to the emotional and spiritual peaks and valleys of life, but that God is with us through all of it. Whether you’re in a season where you can see God’s work in your life, or if you’re wondering if He even cares anymore, God knows you, He loves you, and He calls you His own.
- Live Notes
Advocates say they’ve noticed significant apathy and disengagement among the young adults they work with in thinking about their post-high school lives, the likely results of lingering trauma and isolation. – Newsweek Article
The year opened with a resounding, This? Still? Call it apathy, call it
indifference, call it the Great Whatever. It was the dominant vibe with which this year began. – Time Magazine 2022
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
“Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus: Thus says the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary.
But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.
One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
“If you love me, you will keep my commands. The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him…If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy
Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.
Do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk — not as unwise people but as wise — making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Be filled by the Spirit… giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
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