For some, the church is irrelevant. “I can do just fine without ‘organized religion,’” they say. Paul has a much higher vision of the God’s church. He has written us the letter to the Ephesians to describe the grand purposes he has for his body. In recent sermons I have shared how the church is the fullness of Christ. It is also where he demonstrates his grace.
In Ephesians 2:11-22 we discover another grand purpose for the church. It is God’s passion to end hostility between groups of people. There is way too much enmity in this world today. There is hatred between religious groups, ethnic groups, political leanings and scores of other categories. God’s plan is to bring people into unity and peace as they form a new entity—the body of Christ. Redeemed people extinguish the anger and hatred as we gather together as the church. Our sins are forgiven and we find our new identity centered in Jesus. Old animosities die as we become one in the kingdom.
This informs us of a major work the church should be involved in. Since God is drawing separated people and reconciling them to God and one another, that should be at the forefront of the church’s work. Every church should be a place where diverse people are dwelling together with love. I challenge you to be a reconciler!
In Ephesians 2:11-22 we discover another grand purpose for the church. It is God’s passion to end hostility between groups of people. There is way too much enmity in this world today. There is hatred between religious groups, ethnic groups, political leanings and scores of other categories. God’s plan is to bring people into unity and peace as they form a new entity—the body of Christ. Redeemed people extinguish the anger and hatred as we gather together as the church. Our sins are forgiven and we find our new identity centered in Jesus. Old animosities die as we become one in the kingdom.
This informs us of a major work the church should be involved in. Since God is drawing separated people and reconciling them to God and one another, that should be at the forefront of the church’s work. Every church should be a place where diverse people are dwelling together with love. I challenge you to be a reconciler!
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