In our previous study of Ephesians we looked at the free gift of grace all who profess Christ as Lord and Savior receive. In 2:11 - 22 Paul tells us how we should act toward one another because of this gift. This morning we will look at the first part of this passage. Verse 11 starts with the word "therefore" and it signals to us that because of what we just heard we are to act on it. Paul tells the Gentiles (ALL people other than Israelites) to remember that we were once in the flesh, separated from Christ, alienated from Israel, strangers to the covenant of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. What a bleak place to be! Verse 13 starts with that awesome word from Scripture "but." But now we have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Verse 14 tells us that Christ Himself is our peace and He has made us both one by breaking down the wall of hostility. How did He do this? By abolishing the commandments that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace and reconciling us both to God in one Body (the Church) through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. You see brothers and sisters, there is to be no hostility in the body of Christ because we are all One in Christ. God has reconciled all of His people through the blood of Christ, and that means there is to be love, peace and unity among His followers. We need to put aside man-made differences that cause friction and separation of the body. Our focus should be on reaching the lost, not arguing over denominational differences. All those who profess Christ as Lord and Savior and believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God are members of the Body. There should not be ANY hostility within the Body. So, let us all work together to serve our Lord and Savior and spread the Good News of Christ.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 12:33:54 +0000
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