One people in Christ

For Christ himself has brought us peace by making Jews and Gentiles one people. With his own body he broke down the wall that separated them and kept them enemies. He abolished the Jewish Law with its commandments and rules, in order to create out of the two races one new people in union with himself, in this way making peace. (verses 14,15)

Read Ephesians 2:11-22

At one time the Gentiles were separated from Christ. They didn’t belong to God’s people. But the good news was preached to both Jews and Gentiles, so that by grace through faith in Christ the two became one people in him.

When we confess our faith in the words of the creed, we say, ‘I believe in the holy Christian church, the communion of saints’. The invisible church consists of all those who believe in Christ, regardless of race, nationality or colour. The visible church is my local congregation. Whenever and wherever the good news is shared, there will be people who have peace because of their saving faith in Christ.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you, as a member of the holy Christian church, to love all people of every nation. Try to live in peace with your fellow members of the Christian church.

Lord, revive your church, beginning with me. Fill me with love for all people of all races. Amen.

by Paul Albers, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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