We are one in Christ

We Are One In Christ (Ephesians Series)

Is the culture influencing the church, or is the church influencing the culture?

Therefore remember that previously you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the people of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace; and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. - Ephesians 2:11-22

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Look how Paul describes the church in Ephesians 2:19.

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household. - Ephesians 2:19

We have a kingdom of God citizenship.  We are saints and family of God members.  As the world around us falls apart and culture becomes darker by the day, we never lose our distinctiveness as the Church, the family of God.

Paul preached to both Jews and Gentiles.  They became one in Christ, but they were two different groups with different styles and preferences.  Division is not of God among the people of God.  

In verse 18, Jesus brings Jew and Gentile together. 

As Christ followers and fellow members of the church, together we are cleansed by His blood.  We are in His broken body.  We have the Holy Spirit.  We come to worship as we now have peace with God. 

What makes us distinct from the world?  Our foundation. 

The authority of scripture is our guide.  Jesus is our cornerstone.  He joins us together.  We are the holy temple in the Lord.

In the days of old, people went to the temple to worship God.  Today, we are the temple.  God dwells with us and in us.

Jesus has made us one.

Lord, make us one so that we may reach many.

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We are one in Christ.