YouVersion Logo
Search Icon

Ephesians: Tear Down These WallsSample

Ephesians: Tear Down These Walls

DAY 1 OF 23

In my country of birth—South Africa—people greeted me by saying "Howzit”? In Australia, it’s "G’day!” or “gidday-mate-howzit-goin”!

Our world is full of beautiful and diverse greetings from mano in the Philippines, to hongi (touching noses) in New Zealand, and bowing in Japan. 

The Apostle Paul uses his customary greeting “Grace and peace” in the opening verses of his letter. 

“Grace and peace” is actually a mash-up of two greetings—the Christian grace plus the Hebrew shalom (peace). Grace is God’s saving initiative, and peace (shalom) is the wholeness, rest, and unity that results from God’s saving initiative. 

This is more than a simple greeting. It’s a prayer! A prayer that the Ephesians would experience grace and peace. Or more accurately, more of it! That they would enjoy relationally what was theirs positionally. 

Friends of ours spent many years serving travelling hippies and spiritual seekers in India and Thailand. My friend, Brendan, told me about a seeker who, after a lifelong search for peace, had eventually found it in Jesus.  It struck Brendan, that since this person had received the peace of Christ, he ought to be the most peaceful person in their village! It ought to be noticeable to all those hungry for peace, that the Christians embodied the very thing they longed for.

We have peace with God, through the grace of Christ. Take a deep breath. Soak that truth in. And live from that reality today.

Day 2

About this Plan

Ephesians: Tear Down These Walls

Join us as we explore God's vision for a new humanity in the letter to the Ephesians. We'll see what God has done in Jesus to deal with the divisions that keep us apart and create one new humanity. This plan will help you see your new identity in Christ and live into God's purpose for your life.

More