Wherever human beings gather, there is the potential (perhaps the likelihood) of disagreement and division. The letter to the Ephesians promises that Jesus is able to break down barriers and bring reconciliation.
Worship this week: Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in Chapel, Worship with Holy Communion
Sunday – 9:30 a.m. –Worship with Holy Communion
10:30 a.m. – Special Meeting of the congregation
Building the Church
August 18, 2013
Ephesians 2:11-22
Key Verse: “For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” Ephesians 2:14
Time: about 62 A.D.
Background: Christians in Ephesus were divided, primarily into Jewish Christians and non-Jewish Christians. Those with a Jewish background still demanded physical circumcision as a rite of belonging. Those without a Jewish background did not generally practice circumcision, which was a source of division in the early church. Paul knew that division would not build the church. He wrote about Christ’s work of breaking down barriers to encourage peace. He emphasized peace and unity, rather than arguments and disagreements.
Community: Upon what gifts is your community of faith built? What gifts are lacking? What do you bring to the community? How might you use your gifts to make your community more whole?
At Home: No one can possess all the gifts God offers. What are some gifts or traits you do not possess that can be filled by others who do possess those gifts? In other words, who and how might your deficiencies be made whole by others?
Read This Week:
Monday: Cleansing the Temple, Luke 19:44-48
Tuesday: Moral Standards, Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Wednesday: Moral Standards, Ephesians 5:3-20
Thursday: Christian Household, Ephesians 5:21-33
Friday: Christian Household, Ephesians 6:1-9
Saturday: Peace, Ephesians 6:21-24
Next Week: Unity of the Church, Ephesians 4:1-16
