19 - How Should Christians Live? - (Pastor Brad Bigney)

Overview

Pastor Brad Bigney teaches from Paul’s letter to the book of Ephesians, arguing that the second half of the letter—its “if this, then this” logic—shows how Christians must live differently because they have received:

• A new kingdom
• New identity
• New spiritual perception

Key Argument: “Therefore” Links Belief to Behavior

Bigney highlights Paul’s repeated use of “therefore” beginning in Ephesians 4. He argues this word functions as gospel implications: once someone belongs to Christ, they cannot keep living the same way.

He emphasizes that while Christian life changes should naturally follow salvation, Christians still struggle and may fall at times.

What Christians Should Do: “If This, Then This”

Bigney focuses especially on Ephesians 5 (and related passages) to explain that Christians should live out their new reality:

• They have a changed identity: they were “darkness,” but are now “light.”
• Because of this, they should walk as children of light, producing visible “fruit of light” and discerning what pleases the Lord.
• They should avoid participating in “unfruitful works of darkness,” not by withdrawing in hatred, but by “exposing” darkness through engagement and persuasion.

Main Practical Point: Expose Darkness Through Close, Relational Engagement

Bigney argues that “exposing” does not mean only denouncing unbelievers. Instead, the underlying idea is to:

• persuade
• convince
• engage
• show

This requires close contact, including:

• getting near people
• listening (people often won’t care until they feel heard)
• stepping into their world
• building normal friendships and shared interests
• then looking for opportunities to point them to Christ

He warns against a “Christian ghetto mentality”—where believers isolate so thoroughly they lose non-Christian friendships and can’t even name unbelievers they spend time with. He calls this spiritually dangerous and ineffective.

Jesus as the Model (and Corinth as the Clarification)

Bigney uses Jesus’ example of eating with sinners and tax collectors to justify Christian involvement “at close range.” He notes critics accused Jesus of associating with wrong people, but Jesus did it out of love.

He also addresses an overreaction by referencing Paul’s correction in 1 Corinthians 5:

• Paul did not mean believers must completely cut social contact with immoral people outside the church.
• Rather, the instruction targets church discipline—someone who is a professing believer remaining in unrepentant, knowingly persistent sin.

He also describes how quickly some Christians lose friendships after conversion, using that as evidence against total withdrawal.

“Salt and Light” Requires Closeness to Real Darkness

Bigney connects the call to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–17) to the need for Christians to move near where decay and darkness exist. Light changes darkness by being present in it.

Framework for Engaging Culture: Tourist / Immigrant / Ambassador

Bigney adopts Tim Keller’s three models:

• Tourist: uses culture briefly, complains, and is not committed.
• Immigrant: settles in and adapts for material benefit.
• Ambassador: retains true citizenship and mission, learns culture deeply, communicates effectively, and aims to connect people to the true king.

He argues Christians are ambassadors heading to another country. They should learn why people do what they do so they can communicate the gospel clearly—without being clueless or needlessly offensive.

The “New View of History” and Time/ Mission

Bigney says Christians should see their era as God’s purposeful “season”:

• “the days are evil” but also
• “for such a time as this”

Believers should seize opportunities rather than treat outreach as optional.

He also notes that doing this often means practicing less rushed efficiency—building margin into daily life so real encounters can happen.

Supernatural Help: Being Filled with the Spirit

Bigney ties Christian effectiveness to the command:

• not to get drunk with wine
• but to be filled with the Spirit

He explains “Spirit-filling” as:

• continuous dependence on God (not a one-time event)
• Spirit-filling heightens awareness and reality
• it doesn’t numb judgment like alcohol can

“Ministry of Reconciliation”: What Christians Are Tasked With

From 2 Corinthians 5, Bigney emphasizes:

• Salvation creates a new identity (“new creation”).
• God gives believers a ministry of reconciliation and a message to carry.
• Christians are not commissioned to spread denunciation; they are meant to represent Christ and offer reconciliation.

He stresses that God values people and sent Christ so they can be brought into relationship with God.

Big Conclusion: How to Live as an Ambassador

Bigney provides a practical, repeatable outreach pattern:

1. Step toward darkness / don’t isolate: go where people already are (gym, classes, coffee shops, local events).
2. Notice individuals (not crowds): move toward lonely or “odd” people.
3. Engage personally: start conversations and build connection.
4. Learn and use names: write names down and call people by name to show care.
5. Pray by name.
6. Wait for opportunities to serve and speak about Christ—without forcing results.
7. Trust God to open doors over time, using relationship as the pathway.

He illustrates with personal stories of building rapport with unbelievers, listening, then eventually inviting them for walks, dinners, and gospel conversations—often using Scripture or simple teaching resources at the right moment.

Presenters / Contributors

• Pastor Brad Bigney (primary speaker)