Ephesians 2:11-13
By: Alexander Rico
I once read this story about several churches in the South who decided to hold union services. The leader was a Baptist and proud of his denomination. “How many Baptists are here?” he asked on the first night of the revival. All except one little lady raised their hands. “Lady, what are you?” asked the leader. “I’m a Methodist,” meekly replied the lady. “Why are you a Methodist?” queried the leader. “Well,” replied the little old lady, “my grandparents were Methodists, my mother was a Methodist, and my late husband was a Methodist.” “Well,” retorted the leader, “just supposing all your relatives had been morons, what would that have made you?” “Oh, I see.” The lady replied meekly, “A Baptist, I suppose.”
Here in the second chapter of Ephesians, Paul points out a very important fact, which many times we tend to, forget. You see, each one of us are different, are unique. If you were to go into town, you’d quickly notice that everyone around you has something that seems to separate us from one another. Whether it is the color of a person’s skin, their habits, culture, psychical or mental handicaps, belief, and mannerisms; we are all different. We cannot in anyway change those differences. Sure, some have tired. You see people walking around and talking like another culture, or race; however, they are still the same they had been since birth. However, as Christians, as followers of Christ, we have a common ground. Through Christ’s blood there is unity.
At Victor Valley College in Victorville, California there are many different types of people. Many times that can become apparent just by simply looking out upon those who attend the meetings; although, other times, such as in leadership it is apparent through their styles of how they present the gospel message to those within the club. Allow me to give you an example. One week, I could teach on Salvation of the Lost using scriptures, personal examples, and jokes; however, another leader might take that same study and expound on it using various visuals, jokes, examples, and scriptures. Yet still, someone else might simply use scriptures alone.
If you were to come into a club meeting, you would find diversity among each person; yet also, unity. Same is true for churches across our nation. You walk into them, and there is not a specific type of race that is present there, but a large variety. They do not go around and fit you into your own separate categories and seating because of your diversity. No instead, because we are believers, we gather together to worship our father in heaven, God, and fellowship with one another.
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:5, NKJV)
I want to share with you a few points that God had given to me throughout the week while studying for this very lesson. Point one, we are all different. We are all made uniquely by God. “But now, O Lord, you are the Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8, NKJV) Recall the account in Genesis of God’s creation of man and woman. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being […] And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a Woman and He brought her to the Man.” (Genesis 2:7; 21-22, NKJV). As well look over this account, we can see how special and how important each one of us is to our father in heaven. Why do I say this? Well, before in the creation account, God simply spoke everything into being; however, when He formed man, He took a more active approach and actually formed man and woman by His hands. I find this most intriguing and at the same time, this gives me a new insight as to how God viewed us; and, how he still views us to this day. His creation, his workmanship is seen in all of us through our diversity.
Secondly, we all have a talent and or gift that God has given to us to use in this body. When the Lord created Adam, what did he do with him? He put him in the midst of the garden to do what? Tend and keep it. God has placed each one of us within this diverse body for a reason. We all have something that can be utilized for the furthering of God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).
Some of us may be able to play a musical instrument (guitar, piano, etc.) Others may be able to teach the Word of God in such a way that others can understand it; while yet, others may be able to build things using their hands. We all serve a purpose, we all have a talent or gift; but, because of our differences we can many times feel that no one will accept our abilities and talents. We need to get out of that mode of thinking, and know that we are all united; and, what we have to offer is acceptable and in fact, welcome in the family of God.
Thirdly, we have all sinned, and have fallen under that same condemnation as Adam and Eve, death. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NKJV) No matter the color of our hair, or how we may dress; we are all under this condemnation. However, we are not left that way. See, God being the loving father, creator, and powerful being that He is; gave to us a method or way of redemption. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, NKJV).
Through Jesus Christ, we have forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal life with him. No matter what race, culture, or manners; God sent his one and only son to take on the burden of our sins and to set us free from it. From this, we have unity as believers.
Today, please do not switch off your computer without first believing in the testimony that God has given to us through His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. As the Bible states, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13, NKJV) Sure, I am not going to lie, the road ahead will be bumpy; however, it will be a great blessing that you nor anyone else could ever experience on this world.
If you’d like to accept Christ today; then, by all means please join me in this simple prayer asking Jesus into your heart, mind, and soul. Repeat after me,
“Lord Jesus, I ask you to forgive me of all my sins. Come into my heart and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Lord, I ask that you help me to be that witness, that light in my community for you from now on. Help me to turn away from the ways of the world, and get my focus directly on you. In your precious name I pray, Amen.”
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