Chosen: A Study in Ephesiansনমুনা
What does it say?
God built His church with Jesus as the cornerstone.
What does it mean?
God took His people from the Jews and Gentiles and made both groups one to build His church, just as a bricklayer would build a house on a firm foundation, with each brick laid carefully in alignment with the cornerstone. Jesus is the true and trustworthy cornerstone so believers can line up according to His example. The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with God’s people carefully placed to form one strong and sturdy building. When Paul wrote this letter, it was common for Jews not to associate with Gentiles, but Paul reminded both groups that they were one in Jesus’ church.
How should I respond?
Have you ever thought about how diverse God’s family is? He has children of different ages living on every continent and coming from different backgrounds. God wants us to break down barriers and work together as a unified group to carry out the work and life of His church. How willing are you to work side by side with people who are different from you to accomplish the work of God? Will you reach across the wall of separation that could divide you socially and show the love of God to your neighborhood and community? As you do, Christ’s church will be strong and sturdy.
Scripture
About this Plan
Written by Paul in prison, Ephesians beautifully describes the vast reality of the gospel. Chosen before the foundation of the earth, God’s eternal plan of redemption takes spiritually dead men and women and raises them to life in Christ. Ephesians reminds us the gospel is all of God, all of grace, and all purposed “to show the immeasurable riches of His grace towards us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7).
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