Well, good-day folks. Thanks for joining us for the Church of the City, New York

podcast. It's such a joy to have you here. This time of year, our whole church is beginning

to look back and remember what it is that God has done and look forward to what he has for us

in the future. And one of the most surprising thing that's happened this year

is the realization of how many folks like yourself

are tuning in each week as a part of our online family.

Our podcast audience has grown remarkably this past year.

And so we wanted to take a moment to say thank you

for trusting us with your theological development and spiritual

formation every week. We consider it an honor to be able to share what God's doing in our church

through our church into your world. And we just wanted to take a moment to let you know this

really matters to us. It is not just a podcast we put on. It is a joy to know that we're walking

alongside you and helping being a part of equipping you for where you are. We did want to take a

moment just to say thank you for being with us. And it is really an honor to share God's word

with you every week. Okay, let's get back to the podcast.

Today's teaching text comes out of Ephesians 5 versus 15 through 21.

Be very careful then how you live.

Not as unwise, but as wise.

Making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.

Instead be filled with the spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit,

sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything

...