Reconciliation Through Christ: Unity, Peace, and Love
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound theme of reconciliation through Christ, as illustrated in Ephesians 2:13. We began by acknowledging the brokenness and struggles within family units, both inside and outside the church community. However, in Christ, we find a unique opportunity for reconciliation that cannot be achieved through any other means. Christ draws us near in three significant ways: to the Father, to each other, and as a body of believers to the Holy Spirit.
Firstly, Christ bridges the chasm of sin that separates us from God the Father. Sin creates a vast divide, but through Christ's sacrifice, we are brought near to the Father, achieving peace and reconciliation. This is beautifully encapsulated in Ephesians 2:18, which states that through Christ, we have access to the Father by the Spirit.
Secondly, Christ breaks down the barriers of hostility that exist between individuals and groups. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians addresses the division between Jews and Gentiles, illustrating how Christ's sacrifice unites them into one new humanity. This message is still relevant today as we witness various forms of hostility and division in our world, from family conflicts to international disputes. Christ's love and forgiveness enable us to reconcile and embrace one another, breaking down walls of hostility.
Lastly, Christ draws us together as a church community, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Paul emphasizes the plural "you" in Ephesians, indicating that Christ dwells within all of us collectively as a church body. We are living stones, with Christ as the chief cornerstone, united in our faith and mission. This unity is exemplified by our LAMP ministry group, which is set to share Christ's love with the community in Muskrat Dam, Ontario.
In conclusion, Christ's reconciliation brings us peace with God, peace with one another, and unity within the church. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of this profound reconciliation and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
### Key Takeaways
1. Reconciliation with the Father: Sin creates a vast chasm between us and God, but through Christ's sacrifice, we are brought near to the Father. This reconciliation is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that allows us to experience peace with God. Christ's death and resurrection bridge the gap, making it possible for us to have a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father. [01:56]
2. Breaking Down Hostility: Christ's sacrifice breaks down the barriers of hostility that exist between individuals and groups. Whether it's family conflicts or international disputes, Christ's love and forgiveness enable us to reconcile and embrace one another. This unity is a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love, which can heal even the deepest divisions. [03:27]
3. Unity in the Church: Christ draws us together as a church community, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s use of the plural "you" in Ephesians emphasizes that Christ dwells within all of us collectively. We are living stones, united in our faith and mission, with Christ as the chief cornerstone. This unity is essential for the church to fulfill its mission in the world. [08:43]
4. Christ as the Source of Peace: True peace can only be achieved through Christ. While human efforts at reconciliation and peace are commendable, they are ultimately insufficient without Christ. He is the one who brings peace to our homes, our church community, and the world. This peace is a gift that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in our relationship with Christ. [08:02]
5. Living Out Reconciliation: As believers, we are called to live out the reconciliation we have received through Christ. This involves actively seeking to reconcile with others, sharing Christ's love, and working towards unity within the church. Our actions should reflect the peace and reconciliation we have experienced, serving as a witness to the transformative power of Christ's love. [09:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - Introduction to Ephesians 2:13
[01:56] - Reconciliation with the Father
[03:27] - Breaking Down Hostility
[04:26] - Hostility in the World
[06:08] - Historical Context of Jew and Gentile Division
[07:03] - Modern Examples of Hostility
[08:02] - Christ as the Source of Peace
[08:43] - Unity in the Church
[09:23] - Living Out Reconciliation
[10:04] - Conclusion and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:13-18 (ESV): "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:13, what has Christ's blood accomplished for those who were once far off?
2. How does Ephesians 2:14 describe the way Christ has made peace between different groups?
3. What does Ephesians 2:18 say about our access to the Father?
4. In the sermon, what are the three ways Christ draws us near? ([00:57])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "brought near by the blood of Christ" in a practical sense for believers today? ([00:57])
2. How does the breaking down of the "dividing wall of hostility" apply to modern conflicts and divisions, both within families and in the broader world? ([03:27])
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in our reconciliation with the Father and with each other, according to Ephesians 2:18 and the sermon? ([01:56])
4. How does the concept of being "living stones" with Christ as the chief cornerstone shape our understanding of church community and unity? ([08:43])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you experience being "brought near" through Christ? What steps can you take to maintain that closeness? ([00:57])
2. Think about a current conflict or division in your life. How can you apply the principle of Christ breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" to seek reconciliation? ([03:27])
3. In what ways can you actively contribute to the unity of your church community, recognizing that Christ dwells within all of us collectively? ([08:43])
4. How can you share the peace of Christ in your home and community, especially in situations where human efforts at reconciliation have failed? ([08:02])
5. The sermon mentioned the LAMP ministry group going to Muskrat Dam, Ontario. How can you get involved in similar outreach efforts to share Christ's love and reconciliation with others? ([09:23])
6. During the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of Christ's reconciliation. How can this sacrament inspire you to live out reconciliation in your daily interactions? ([10:04])
7. Identify one person with whom you need to reconcile. What specific actions can you take this week to begin that process, relying on Christ's example and strength? ([03:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Reconciliation with the Father
In our journey of faith, we often encounter the reality of sin, which creates a vast chasm between us and God. This separation can leave us feeling distant and disconnected from our Heavenly Father. However, through Christ's sacrifice, we are brought near to the Father, experiencing a profound reconciliation. This is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality that allows us to experience peace with God. Christ's death and resurrection bridge the gap, making it possible for us to have a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father. This reconciliation is beautifully encapsulated in Ephesians 2:18, which states that through Christ, we have access to the Father by the Spirit. [01:56]
Ephesians 2:18 (ESV): "For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt distant from God. How can you embrace the reconciliation offered through Christ to draw near to Him today?
Day 2: Breaking Down Hostility
Hostility and division are prevalent in our world, manifesting in various forms, from family conflicts to international disputes. Christ's sacrifice breaks down these barriers of hostility, enabling us to reconcile and embrace one another. This unity is a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love, which can heal even the deepest divisions. Paul's letter to the Ephesians addresses the division between Jews and Gentiles, illustrating how Christ's sacrifice unites them into one new humanity. This message remains relevant today as we witness various forms of hostility and division in our world. [03:27]
Ephesians 2:14 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."
Reflection: Identify a relationship in your life where there is hostility or division. How can you take a step towards reconciliation and peace through Christ's love today?
Day 3: Unity in the Church
Christ draws us together as a church community, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s use of the plural "you" in Ephesians emphasizes that Christ dwells within all of us collectively. We are living stones, united in our faith and mission, with Christ as the chief cornerstone. This unity is essential for the church to fulfill its mission in the world. As a body of believers, we are called to support and uplift one another, working together to share Christ's love with the world. This unity is exemplified by our LAMP ministry group, which is set to share Christ's love with the community in Muskrat Dam, Ontario. [08:43]
1 Peter 2:5 (ESV): "You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and mission of your church community this week? What specific actions can you take to support and uplift your fellow believers?
Day 4: Christ as the Source of Peace
True peace can only be achieved through Christ. While human efforts at reconciliation and peace are commendable, they are ultimately insufficient without Christ. He is the one who brings peace to our homes, our church community, and the world. This peace is a gift that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in our relationship with Christ. As we navigate the challenges and conflicts of life, we are reminded that Christ is our ultimate source of peace, guiding us towards reconciliation and harmony. [08:02]
John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need Christ's peace today? How can you invite Him to bring His peace into those situations?
Day 5: Living Out Reconciliation
As believers, we are called to live out the reconciliation we have received through Christ. This involves actively seeking to reconcile with others, sharing Christ's love, and working towards unity within the church. Our actions should reflect the peace and reconciliation we have experienced, serving as a witness to the transformative power of Christ's love. By living out this reconciliation, we become ambassadors of Christ's peace, demonstrating His love and forgiveness to the world around us. [09:23]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: How can you actively live out the reconciliation you have received through Christ today? What steps can you take to share His love and forgiveness with those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "In Christ, we have that opportunity for reconciliation that we really can't achieve in any other means. Because Christ is the one that brings out the hugs. Christ is the one that allows us to say, you are forgiven. I bring you back. I draw you near. You're drawn near and you're given a hug by Christ himself." [00:00] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christ brings us near to one another by breaking down this wall of hostility. Now in the case of Ephesians, Paul is writing to him about the disagreement and the hostility between Jew and Gentile that existed at his time. And Paul was, of course, sent to the Gentiles, but yet who did he always go to first? The Jews, because it was his brothers. He wanted to bring his brothers back to the fold of Christ." [02:56] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We know that we see such hostility in this world. And yet we know that it is Christ who can look through all this hostility with the eyes of compassion. And bring us actually an opportunity for peace." [05:26] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Peace can only occur through one vehicle. And that's through Christ. Christ is the one who can bring peace to this world, who can bring peace in our home, who can bring peace in our church community. Because strife will continue to exist in all those fronts. But it is because of Christ that we can reconcile, that we can forgive each other, that we can come to a state of peace." [08:02] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Now, life wasn't always good for Christ, right? It was pretty tough. And some days that can be the same for you. Some days your head may be delivered to someone else on a platter, right? Some days you may not even be accepted in your own town, as Christ was in Nazareth, not. But some days you are fed the bread of life with 5,000 others to taste the great benefit of the kingdom of God coming to reign on this earth." [10:04] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "What I'd like to speak to you about is that there are three ways that Christ draws us near. Three areas of focus. One is he draws us near to the Father. Next, he draws us near to each other. And next, he draws us as a body of believers to be near to the Holy Spirit who works in us and through us." [01:17] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christ who died for us, he created that bridge that by his death, of course, he paid the price, the reconciliation for our sin, so that we could be at once again in a relationship with the Father." [01:56] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And then he says, not only does Christ allow us to be reconciled, made in a right relationship with God, made in a right relationship with one another, but that through the Holy Spirit, Christ dwells within his church. If we look at the text in Ephesians chapter 2, the word you is used a lot. Paul says, you, you, you. And yet the you is a plural. So Christ dwells plurally, not just within you, but within all of us as a church body." [08:43] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have a group going out that we're going to be commissioning today. And it's the LAMP ministry group that's going to Muskrat Dam, Ontario. They could actually go to my pond in Jeddah. I have a lot of muskrats, by the way. They're wrecking my dam. But anyway, they're going to witness the love of Christ to a group of children and adults in Muskrat Dam. And I think the population is about 300 in that ballpark. So that is a great way for us to share the peace of Christ with others and the love of Christ." [09:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Now may the peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts in this Christ who draws you near to God the Father, who draws you near to one another, and draws us together as a church community. In his name, amen." [10:04] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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