Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Jesus Christ who includes All

Ephesians 2:11-22

Verse 13 - But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Who were you before you became a Christian? Do you remember the things of your past or how others viewed you? Maybe there was a time when other Christians didn’t think you were truly a Christian or as good a Christian as them?  This is how Paul begins this passage in verse 11.  The Gentiles were the uncircumcised or “not true members” of God’s family.  They did not practice the manmade symbol of circumcision so therefore they were unholy.  As we read the passage, Paul begins to explain that the Spiritual true circumcision is something only God can provide. We will see Paul begin explaining in verse 13 that this separation on the basis of circumcision ends because of Jesus.  Through Him, all people can believe and be Christian.  No one can be excluded and we all have the opportunity to be a part of God’s family.
In verse 12, Paul wants us to remember how things were before we truly knew God.  First, we were separated from Him. Our relationship and love for God did not exist. We had no true fellowship or connection with other Christians.  God's promises were foreign to us. We had "no hope" prior to knowing Christ and God was not in our world.  
From verse 13 onwards, Paul describes that Jesus Christ’s blood provides the passage for us to be close to God.  Jesus is peace and therefore when we are with Him we know peace and there is no division amongst each other.  We are saved by Christ’s grace which provides salvation and communion with God and His people.
Our good works, best efforts and intentions will not be enough to earn salvation.  We are all marked of sin and are required to be separated from God.  Only through Christ’s mercy and Grace can we be saved and there is no room for separation amongst believers.  We are all unworthy and saved by the same kindness and love.
During this Lent season, think about how things would have been if Jesus did not come to sacrifice Himself for us.  Would there still be different classes of believers? Could we be absolutely sure that Heaven would be a possibility for us?  
 
Prayer
Dear God, we thank you sending your Son to die for our sins.  We thank you for providing us with an opportunity to join your family and celebrate salvation with all believers equally.  Help us to acknowledge this gift and share your love so others can see and be welcomed.  Especially be with our children as they face all the world’s challenges.  Let their hearts be true to your teachings and give them the strength to stand firm. Please forgive us of our sins. We thank you and love you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
 
Thought for the Day
When we attend church, let’s remember we are all in God’s family.  Let’s make sure that Christ’s peace is in our hearts so God’s presence can provides true fellowship that transcends all understanding.  We can all be one with Christ and worship unconditionally.  This is what God expects. 
 
Bobby C. Mathew
Sehion Mar Thoma Church, Dallas, TX

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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