In this thoughtful and pastoral talk, Eliot explores Romans 13:11–14, setting it within the wider story of the early church in Rome — a community shaped by division, disruption, and deep disagreement.

As Jewish and Gentile believers struggled to live together following years of exile and return, the church faced questions that feel strikingly familiar today: How do we live faithfully in a divided world? What really matters? And how should Christians be seen by those around them?

Eliot unpacks Paul’s call to “wake up from our slumber”, reminding us that salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. He challenges us to live with urgency and purpose — not fearfully, but intentionally — putting aside deeds of darkness and “clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Drawing on the imagery of light, armour, reputation, and reconciliation, the talk connects Romans 13 with Romans 14 and the Beatitudes, showing that Christian maturity is not about winning arguments, but about reflecting Christ through character, humility, and love.

This message encourages us to:

• Live visibly as people of light

• Be mindful of our witness and reputation

• Avoid causing others to stumble

• Choose reconciliation over division

• Act like Christ in everyday life

A timely and grounding reminder that following Jesus means living differently — not withdrawing from the world, but reflecting Christ within it.

In this message from Colossians 1:1–14, Larry explores how a real and secure inheritance in Christ reshapes the way believers live today. Using the idea of inheritance as a hook, he contrasts fleeting earthly wealth with the sure hope laid up in heaven—and shows how that hope fuels faith in Christ, love for others, and perseverance in everyday life.

Larry unpacks Paul’s opening thanksgiving for the Colossian church, highlighting how genuine gospel faith produces visible fruit: love for the saints, endurance through hardship, and joyful gratitude rooted in God’s grace. He reminds us that Christian growth is not driven by self-effort, programmes, or knowledge alone, but by hearts transformed through the gospel.

The talk also walks through Paul’s “forever prayers” for believers—being filled with the knowledge of God’s will, strengthened with God’s power for patience and endurance, and joyfully giving thanks in all circumstances. Together, these prayers offer a timeless vision of a fruitful Christian life grounded in what God has already done through Jesus.

A thoughtful and challenging message that calls us to live now in light of the unshakeable hope we have in Christ.