Immanuel Baptist Church (Madrid)

Immanuel Baptist Church (Madrid) The oldest English language Church in Madrid

We seek to be a community of faith where Jesus is honored as Lord and Savior, where His Holy Spirit is free to accomplish His convicting, healing, saving work in all hearts, where Scripture is the beloved norm that informs all our faith and practice, where people of all races, ages, and cultures find themselves drawn into God's presence, where discipleship to Jesus is intentional and opportunities

to grow and serve abound, where Christ's Great Commission is taken as seriously as His commandment to love.

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark June 10, 2026Read: Psalm 40Watch: https://bibleproject.com/videos/slow-to-anger/Psalm 40:1 ...
10/06/2026

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark June 10, 2026

Read: Psalm 40
Watch: https://bibleproject.com/videos/slow-to-anger/

Psalm 40:1 1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.

How many of us can say with pure honesty, I have waited patiently for the Lord?

Most of us would readily confess we struggle with the opposite, impatience. We seem to want what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. This Psalm of David is a confessional prayer-statement. I waited for the Lord, and He heard my cry, AND He helped me.

Not only did the Lord hear, but He lifted David out of despair, mud, and mire. Even more, the Lord placed him on solid ground, steading his walk. What are the results? “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise!” The result? Many will see, not only be amazed at what the Lord has done, but put their trust in Him!

Isn’t this the pattern of sharing our story, our testimony? We wait patiently on the Lord, we experience His provision, His providence, His rescue! Then we praise Him in word and song, a hymn of praise to our God!

In the rest of David’s song of praise and confession to the goodness of God, he declares the joy of those who trust in the Lord. He states he cannot even count all the blessings, wonders, and plans of the Lord! He states the Lord does not need animal sacrifice, He takes joy in His children doing His will and having His Word written on our heart. The result, we cannot keep from sharing His Good News! We cannot help but share God’s faithfulness and power to save. How great is our God? So great that we can never sing and shout of His unfailing love and faithfulness… though we will try… and spend eternity singing a hymn of praise to our God!

Pray: Lord, I wait upon you! Please hear my cry! Rescue me! Cause me to sing a hymn of praise to you! May I proclaim and declare your goodness and share with all your Word that is written on my heart! How great you are, my God! I praise you!

Discussion Questions:

The Reality of Impatience
Most of us struggle with impatience, wanting things “what we want, when we want it, and how we want it.” Where is the tension of impatience showing up most in your life right now (e.g., in a relationship, a career transition, a prayer request, or a personal struggle)? What makes waiting so difficult in that specific area?

Identifying Your “Mud and Mire”
The devotional mentions that God doesn’t just hear us; He lifts us out of “despair, mud, and mire” and places us on solid ground. Sometimes our “mire” is an external circumstance, but often it is an internal state of mind. What does the “mud and mire” look like for you today, and what would it look like for God to “steady your walk” in the midst of it?

The Power of a “New Song”
David’s patience resulted in a “new song to sing, a hymn of praise,” which caused others to see, be amazed, and trust in the Lord. Think about a time when God brought you through a season of waiting and rescue. Have you shared that “song” with anyone, or are you keeping that testimony to yourself? Who in your life right now might benefit from hearing your rescue story?

Desiring Obedience Over Ritual
God doesn’t need “animal sacrifices” or rigid religious rituals; instead, He takes joy in His children doing His will and having His Word written on their hearts. What is the difference between simply “going through the motions” of faith and actually having God’s Word written on your heart? How can you practice the latter this week? (See below).

A Word about “Hiding His Word in our Heart.”

This “Summer of Psalms” we are challenging everyone to memorize portions of the Word. Plant the seeds of the Gospel in your heart, so that a harvest of praise will result.
In June, we are asking everyone to memorize Psalm 51:1-12 (Please note: children are being asked to memorize verses 10-12). For consistency and clarity, and understanding we are using the New Living Translation (NLT). Here is Psalm 51:1-12 for you to copy and paste.

Psalm 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.
2 Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.
3 For I recognize my rebellion;
it haunts me day and night.
4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just.[a]
5 For I was born a sinner—
yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
6 But you desire honesty from the womb,[b]teaching me wisdom even there.
7 Purify me from my sins,[c] and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice.
9 Don’t keep looking at my sins.
Remove the stain of my guilt.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
11 Do not banish me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit[d] from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Dr. Mark John Bennett
Pastor - IBC Madrid

Happy New Week!Swipe left to read our Scripture of the week from Psalm 131.True peace doesn't come from having all the a...
08/06/2026

Happy New Week!

Swipe left to read our Scripture of the week from Psalm 131.

True peace doesn't come from having all the answers, but from a heart humbled before God.

This week, let’s lay down our pride, quiet our anxious striving, and rest in the perfect sovereignty of our Savior.

Wishing you a blessed week!

⚠️ Important Metro Service Alert for This Sunday, June 7th Heading to church this Sunday morning?Please plan your route ...
05/06/2026

⚠️ Important Metro Service Alert for This Sunday, June 7th

Heading to church this Sunday morning?

Please plan your route ahead of time!
Due to an event in central Madrid, several central Metro stations will remain closed from the start of service until 10:00 AM.

Trains will pass through these stations without stopping during these hours.

🛑 Affected Stations: Bilbao, Tribunal, Plaza de España, Noviciado, Ópera, Sol (limited connection), Sevilla, Banco de España, Retiro, Príncipe de Vergara, Serrano, Colón, and Chueca.

Check the flyer for specific details on Sol, give yourself some extra travel time.

And, we'll see you for service!

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark June 03, 2026Read: Psalm 131 & Matthew 5:1-12Watch: Bible Project: 2 SamuelThe Summer of Ps...
03/06/2026

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark June 03, 2026

Read: Psalm 131 & Matthew 5:1-12
Watch: Bible Project: 2 Samuel

The Summer of Psalms: Through the Eyes of Jesus

This summer, we will analyze a different psalm each week written by the ancient psalmists. Together, we will identify a central theme and explore how Jesus lived out and taught that very concept to His followers.
Our goal as apprentices of Jesus is to learn to walk in these ancient ways. To be a healthy disciple (R2B), we must learn alongside Jesus, taking on and living out these Christ-like attributes.

This Week’s Attribute: Humility

In Psalm 131, David declares in humility: “My heart is not proud, my eyes are not arrogant.” Instead, he writes, “I have learned to calm and quiet myself.” How did he achieve this? By putting his absolute trust in the Lord.

How did David learn this valuable lesson?
In the lonely fields, watching sheep and singing to the Lord.
By crying out to Almighty God while being hunted by Saul.
Through confession and repentance when the weight of his sin was exposed.
Through years of keeping his heart and mind focused on Yahweh.
David was far from a perfect man, but he humbled himself by continually confessing, crying out, and keeping his focus attuned to his Great Shepherd.

The Perfect Example
Jesus was perfect, yet He still humbled Himself to His Father’s will (Philippians 2:8). As the Good Shepherd, Jesus embodied quietness and calmness even as He was betrayed, accused, beaten, scorned, mocked, and crucified.

How did Jesus do this? By emptying Himself, willingly giving up His rights, and placing total trust in His Father.

Living It Out
How can we exhibit this same humility? We do it the exact same way David and Jesus did: by placing complete and utter trust in the Lord, our Shepherd. As we learn to quiet ourselves and calm our fears and frustrations, we must surrender and submit our proud, arrogant tendencies to our Loving Father. When we do, we come under the protection, care, and safety of knowing our God is entirely trustworthy.

No matter my circumstances, no matter the messages of this world, no matter the lie—I am safe in my Savior’s hands. He is my Shepherd; I have everything I need!

Pray: Lord, You are my Shepherd, my primary care provider! I am safe in You. Today, I humble myself and submit completely to Your will and Your Kingdom. Amen.

Discussion Questions:

1. The “Wilderness” School of Humility
David learned humility in tough, lonely places—watching sheep, being hunted by Saul, and facing his own brokenness.

Discussion Question: When you look back at your own life, have you learned more about reliance on God during seasons of comfort or seasons of “wilderness” (loneliness, trial, or failure)? Why do you think comfort often breeds pride, while the wilderness breeds humility?

2. The Noise vs. The Quiet (Psalm 131)
David talks about “calming and quieting” his soul like a content child. In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded by notifications, news, and internal anxieties.

Discussion Question: What is currently the loudest “noise” or anxiety in your life that is keeping your soul from being quiet? What practical, daily boundary can you set this week to intentionally silence that noise and sit with your Great Shepherd?

3. Yielding Our “Rights” (Philippians 2:8)
The text mentions that Jesus practiced humility by “willingly giving up His rights.” In our culture, we are taught to demand our rights, defend our reputations, and ensure our own comfort.

Discussion Question: In what area of your life right now (in a marriage, a workplace conflict, a friendship, or an unmet expectation) is God asking you to lay down your “right” to be correct, vindicated, or in control, and instead trust His protection?

4. God as the “Primary Care Provider”
The closing prayer refers to God as our “primary care provider,” declaring, “I have everything I need.”

Discussion Question: If someone closely monitored your calendar, your thought life, and your spending habits over the last month, would they conclude that you believe God is your primary provider, or that you are? What is one specific worry you need to officially hand over to His “primary care” today?

Dr Mark John Bennett
Pastor - IBC Madrid

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark May 27, 2026Read: Ephesians 6:18-24Watch: The Holy Spirit (BibleProject)Pray in the Spirit ...
27/05/2026

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark May 27, 2026

Read: Ephesians 6:18-24

Watch: The Holy Spirit (BibleProject)

Pray in the Spirit at all times!

Stay alert, and be persistent. After teaching the Ephesian believers what it looks like to live together in Christ—and how to put that faith into practice—Paul leaves them with this final, vital admonition: Pray in the Spirit.

But how exactly do we “pray in the Spirit?”
We do it by humbly entering into Trinitarian union with the Spirit of God. God created you for relationship with Himself. When you were adopted into the Kingdom of God, you were immersed into this divine fellowship. You were brought out of darkness (sin) and into His marvelous light (righteousness) so that you may live in the strength of His power.

When we pray, “Holy Spirit, breathe on me… breathe on me, Breath of Life,” we are humbly calling on Almighty God to continuously send His life-giving presence to fill us with His glory. This is a high and holy prayer. We must approach Him in complete surrender, submission, and humility, seeking His grace and mercy.

Oh, What Joy!
This intimacy is exactly what He desires for us. God wants to pour out His Spirit upon us! So we ask, and He answers.

Residing within us is the Paraclete—our Counselor, Comforter, Encourager, and Advocate. We carry the very energy, influence, strength, and power of Creator-God. With every physical breath and every heartbeat, we can unceasingly call upon, trust in, and depend on His presence. Just as breathing and a heartbeat sustain our physical bodies, immersing ourselves in the Holy Spirit sustains our spiritual lives, giving us life abundant and eternal.

Our Prayer for the Week: Come, Holy Spirit, come! And His faithful answer to us is always peace, love, and grace.

Discussion Questions:
1. The Shift from Independence to Interdependence Praying in the Spirit requires “complete surrender and submission.” In a culture that highly values self-reliance and control, what makes surrender feel so difficult or uncomfortable? What is one practical area of your life this week where you need to shift from trying harder to surrendering more?

2. Recognizing the Paraclete in the Mundane The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, Comforter, Encourager, and Advocate. Looking back at your past week, in which of these four roles did you most need the Spirit? How might actively reminding yourself that the Spirit’s “energy and power” resides within you change how you handle daily stress or difficult conversations?

3. Spiritual “Breathing” We are challenged to unceasingly depend on the Holy Spirit just as automatically as our bodies rely on a heartbeat and breath. What does “breathing in” the Holy Spirit look like for you in the middle of a busy, chaotic day? What are the spiritual “pollutants” or distractions that tend to disrupt your connection to His peace, love, and grace?

Dr Mark John Bennett

We are so excited for this coming Sunday!Mark your calendars for Pentecost Sunday on May 24th. Every year, we celebrate ...
22/05/2026

We are so excited for this coming Sunday!

Mark your calendars for Pentecost Sunday on May 24th.
Every year, we celebrate the beautiful, diverse family that God has brought together here at Immanuel Baptist Church on Pentecost Sunday.

To honor the day, we’re inviting everyone to wear their native attire or traditional clothing.

Let’s fill the sanctuary with all the colors, patterns, and stories that represent where we come from. It’s going to be a beautiful sight and a wonderful time of worship together.

See you at 10:00 AM!

📍 Where to find us: C/ Hernández de Tejada 4, 28027 Madrid

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark May 20, 2026Read: Ephesians 6:10-17Watch: BibleProject: Gospel Acts (Part 1)How big is your...
20/05/2026

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark May 20, 2026

Read: Ephesians 6:10-17

Watch: BibleProject: Gospel Acts (Part 1)

How big is your God?

Remember the old childhood song? “My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty; there’s nothing my God cannot do!” Lately, we have been praying through Ephesians 3:16-17:

“…from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots grow down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love and keep you strong.”

Today’s Admonition: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power!

How R we 2B strong in the Lord? By trusting and obeying. By surrendering and submitting. By imitating Jesus and continually being filled with the Holy Spirit—just to name a few! These disciplines speak to our active participation with God as we strip off our old, sinful nature and clothe ourselves with Christ. Think of this as our spiritual undergarment: a radiant robe of light.

Therefore, put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand! Note that it is His armor. We follow a warrior-God who equips us with His very own weapons so that we may stand firm in the power of His strength.

Understanding the Battle

Remember, this is spiritual warfare. We are not fighting against flesh and blood, even though it sometimes feels that way. Our true war is against the forces of evil in the spiritual realm.

Ask yourself today:

Have you buckled on the belt of His truth?
Have you secure the breastplate of His righteousness?
Are your feet fitted with the shoes of His peace?
Have you taken up the shield of His faith and the helmet of His salvation?
Are you wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is His Word?
Are you standing your ground, claiming His Kingdom and His will in your life?
When we have done all of this—humbly submitting ourselves to God and to one another—we are able to stand firm. The God of Angel Armies is the victor! Sin has been conquered, death is defeated, and Jesus is ruling and reigning. We stand with Him!

Pray with Me

Jesus, I stand firm today. I clothe myself with Your truth, Your righteousness, Your peace, Your faith, and Your salvation. I stand and fight with Your Word. Thank You that I am never alone, and that the ultimate battle belongs to You. Amen.

Discussion Questions:

1. The “Undergarment” of Grace &. The Armor of God
Discussion Question: Why is it essential that we are “clothed with Christ” before we attempt to put on the armor of God? What happens when we try to fight spiritual battles (using the armor) without first surrendering and submitting to Him (the undergarment)?

2. Identifying the True Enemy in Daily Conflicts
War is not against other people, though it often feels that way. In the heat of a disagreement or difficult season, it is incredibly easy to view people as the enemy.

Discussion Question: Think of a recent conflict or stressful situation in your life. How does the realization that “our war is with evil in the spiritual realm” shift your perspective on that situation? How does it change the way you pray for or interact with the people involved?

3. Relying on “His” Resources, Not Our Own
The scripture passages emphasize that the armor belongs to Him, and the strength comes from His unlimited resources, not our own willpower.

Discussion Question: Which specific piece of God’s armor (Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, or the Word) do you find hardest to rely on, and why? What does “standing your ground” practically look like this week in an area where you feel weak?

Dr. Mark John Bennett
Pastor - IBC Madrid

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark May 13, 2026Prepare Your HeartRead: Ephesians 5:21–33 & 6:1–9Watch: Agape Love (The Bible P...
13/05/2026

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark May 13, 2026

Prepare Your Heart

Read: Ephesians 5:21–33 & 6:1–9
Watch: Agape Love (The Bible Project)

The Call to Mutual Submission

Almighty and Sovereign God holds complete authority, and all creation is subject to His rule (Romans 8:20, Hebrews 2:8). Even Jesus, the Son of God, modeled humility by submitting Himself both to His earthly parents and His Heavenly Father (Luke 2:51, Philippians 2:8). When Jesus began His ministry, His teaching was a radical invitation to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 3:2, 4:17, 10:7).

This invitation offered a total transformation of our loyalty, values, and status. By our very nature—our state of sin—we exist outside of a relationship with God. However, by accepting the free gift of grace to enter His Kingdom, we are brought under His loving dominion. As Paul wrote:

“God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church” (Ephesians 1:22).

When we enter the Kingdom of God, we renounce our loyalty to our old life and its ties. We come under the reign of King Jesus. Just as He modeled submission to the Father, we surrender, humble ourselves, and live under His rule.

Submission as Worship -

When Paul turns his focus to relationships within the Body of Christ, he illustrates a pattern of mutual submission. Every instruction that follows in his letters must be viewed through this lens: we are to submit to one another in all our relationships as an act of worship.

Crucial Distinction: Biblical submission never implies inferiority; rather, it highlights functional order within a framework of equal worth.

The Main Point -

When we are in a right-functioning relationship with God—loving Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matthew 22:37)—we are finally empowered to enter into loving relationships with others.

As I humble myself and submit my thoughts, words, and actions to Jesus, I begin to interact with you (as a bearer of the Spirit of Christ) as if I am dealing directly with the Lord Himself. Because I see “Christ in you,” I treat you as I would treat Christ. This standard must define every relationship in our lives.

Is This Possible? -

Does this sound difficult? It certainly can be. Does it sound impossible? Never. Scripture reminds us that “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) and that “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3). You are already equipped for this calling.

Pray: Jesus, help me to love others as much as You love me. Help me to see You in others and to treat them with the same grace and honor with which I would interact with You. Amen.

Discussion Questions:

1. The Identity Shift: From Independence to Citizenship
Entering the Kingdom requires a “change of loyalty, values, and status.” In our modern culture, we are taught to value independence and “being our own boss.”

The Question: Which area of your life—your finances, your career ambitions, or your private thought life—is currently the most difficult to “surrender” to the rule of King Jesus? What specific fear keeps you from fully renouncing your “previous loyalty” in that area?

2. The Mirror Test: Seeing Christ in the “Difficult” Other
We should interact with others as if we are dealing directly with Christ because we see “Christ in them.” This is relatively easy with people we like, but much harder with those who frustrate or oppose us.

The Question: Think of a person in your life who is currently difficult to love or respect. If you truly viewed your next interaction with them as an interaction with Jesus Himself, how would your tone, your patience, and your hidden heart posture have to change?

3. The Worth vs. Function Paradox
“Biblical submission never implies inferiority; it highlights functional order within equal worth.” In a world that often equates “submission” with “weakness” or “lesser value,” this is a counter-cultural radicalism.

The Question: In your various roles (at home, at work, or in the church), do you find it harder to submit to those in authority or to lead those under your care with the humility of Christ? How does the truth of your “equal worth” in God’s eyes give you the security to function in your specific role without pride or resentment?

Dr Mark John Bennett
Pastor - IBC Madrid

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark May 06, 2026Read: Ephesians 5:15–21Watch: Holiness (BibleProject)Pay Attention to How You L...
06/05/2026

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark May 06, 2026

Read: Ephesians 5:15–21

Watch: Holiness (BibleProject)

Pay Attention to How You Live

“Be careful.” “Have a care.” “Take care.” These are common expressions we use to tell someone to watch out or look ahead. Paul uses this same tone of exhortation regarding how we live within the Kingdom. Continuing his contrast between light and dark, he gives us a clear choice in how we spend our days:

The Way of Darkness:

Living like a fool.
Acting thoughtlessly.
Being drunk with wine—a path that leads to a ruined life.
The Way of Light:

Living with wisdom.
Making the most of every opportunity.
Understanding what the Lord wants you to do.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Filling your heart with the music of God.
Giving thanks to God for everything in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Desire of the Heart

Again, I ask: which list of character traits do you desire to be known by?

Personally, I don’t want to be the fool who acts without thought, or the one who allows a substance to control and ruin my life. Instead, I desire to be a person of wisdom who sees Jesus’ hand in every situation—someone who listens to the Lord and is filled with the Holy Spirit, evidenced by a harvest of spiritual fruit. I want a heart filled with the “music of heaven,” producing a life of gratitude for everything that comes from the hand of God through Jesus Christ.

The Great Reset

So, pay attention to how you live! Where is your focus? What is the joy of your heart? In whom—or what—do you put your trust? If the answer to any of these is anything other than Jesus, it’s time for a reset.

Being filled with the Spirit isn’t a one-time event; it means intentionally focusing and re-focusing your heart, mind, and will on Jesus. It is a daily cooperation with God’s power. As James 4:8 says, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” Or as we pray in the Lord’s Prayer: “Your Kingdom come (in my life), Your will be done (in my heart).”

Pray: Holy Spirit, Light and Glory of God, breathe on me! Fill me with Yourself so that my heart sings with joy as I give thanks for everything to You. Amen.

Discussion Questions:

The Gratitude Reset: Verse 20 says to give thanks for everything.
Is there a difficult circumstance in your life right now where you find it nearly impossible to give thanks? How does “filling your heart with the music of God” change your perspective on that specific struggle?

The “Time” Audit: Paul tells us to “make the most of every opportunity” (or “redeem the time”). If you looked at your phone’s screen-time report or your weekly calendar, would it look like you are redeeming the time or just consuming it?
What is one “wise” shift you can make this week?

The Filling vs. The Feeling: Being “filled with the Spirit” is contrasted with being “drunk with wine.” Both involve being under the influence of something.
What is the difference between waiting for a “feeling” of the Spirit and intentionally “cooperating” with the Spirit through prayer and worship?

Dr. Mark John Bennett
Pastor - IBC Madrid

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark April 29, 2026Read: Ephesians 5:1–14Watch: 1-3 John (BibleProject)Live as People of LightIn...
29/04/2026

Weekly Word with Pastor Mark April 29, 2026

Read: Ephesians 5:1–14

Watch: 1-3 John (BibleProject)

Live as People of Light

In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light!” This wasn’t the sun; that didn’t come into being until the fourth day. This was a reflection of God Himself, for God IS light.

Jesus proclaimed, “I AM the light of the world” (John 8:12). Then, He made a startling declaration to His followers: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). By following Jesus, we no longer have to stumble in the shadows; we have the Light that leads to life—both eternal and abundant.

The Contrast: Light vs. Darkness

In Ephesians 5, Paul draws a sharp line between darkness and light. He began this teaching with the command to be “imitators of God,” which leads to the natural conclusion: Live as people of light.

The Apostle John expands on this, declaring: “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Thinking back to the lists we made two weeks ago, these verses help us distinguish the “dark” from the “light.” Paul is clear—let there be no:

Sexual immorality or impurity
Greed (which is idolatry)
Obscene stories
Foolish talk or coarse joking
Quick check: Are you currently struggling with or participating in any of these?

The Result of the Light

Instead of those dark behaviors, Paul tells us to let there be thankfulness to God. He summarizes it simply: “Now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!”

When we live in God’s light, He dispels the darkness. The blood of Christ washes us clean, and the Holy Spirit—our effervescent “Glory-Fire”—shines within us and bursts out of us! Evil and sin cannot remain where light is present; God’s light (which is pure, clean, good, and right) naturally dispels all darkness.

So, what do you choose today? Will you dabble in the shadows, or will you live fully as a person of light?

Pray: Jesus, I choose You! You are my Lord and my light. I choose to walk with You in the light of God’s holiness and His love. Amen.

Discussion Questions:

1. The “Sunlight” Test
In the natural world, light reveals what was previously hidden in the shadows. When you think about the list Paul provides (greed, coarse joking, impurity), these are often things we try to keep in the “private” corners of our lives. If the “Light of the Lord” were to shine fully into your private thoughts or digital habits this week, what would be the first thing He would ask you to “put off”? How does knowing His blood cleanses us (1 John 1:7) change how you feel about that exposure?

2. Distinguishing “Good” from “Light”
Pastor Mark mentions that “God is light” and that light was created before the sun. Sometimes we confuse being a “good person” with being a “person of light.” What is the difference between simply trying to be “moral” or “nice” (human goodness) and living as an “imitator of God” (spiritual light)? Can you think of a time when your “light” came from your connection to Jesus rather than just your own effort?

3. The Atmosphere of Thankfulness
Paul contrasts “foolish talk” and “coarse jokes” directly with thankfulness. Why do you think a heart of gratitude is the best weapon against a “dark” mouth? In a world that is often cynical, sarcastic, and coarse, how can your intentional thankfulness this week serve as a “Glory-Fire” that dispels the darkness in your workplace or family?

Dr Mark John Bennett
Pastor - IBC Madrid

Dirección

Calle Hernández De Tejada, 4
Madrid
28027

Horario de Apertura

Miércoles 10:00 - 14:00
Jueves 10:00 - 14:00
Viernes 10:00 - 14:00

Teléfono

+34914074347

Notificaciones

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