Words of Encouragement

We hear a lot pf things in the media, see a lot on social media. We are inundated with so much info. On my heart, I feel that we need some words of reality and encouragement. We’re going to stay in Ephesians 2:11-22.

Let’s read It first then unpack it…piece by piece, in expository fashion. In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul said to the church of Ephesus… Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

<<EXPAND>> Let’s unpack this...

First off…we are gentiles. The word Gentile is Hellenes,” in Greek, which literally meaning any non-Jewish nation. As it says in verse 12… remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But...we are beloved. We are chosen. Like the series, The Chosen. Jesus brought the good news to the Jews first the, the Greek (Hellenes).

<<EXPAND>>

Second…We are given the gift, and choice, of accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The dividing wall is broken by Jesus. We are no longer different than anyone else in Christ Jesus. We have access to Jesus…US!!! We were once not considered clean or worthy.

<<EXPAND>> When you were a kid, do you remember ignoring as kid who was different? Well, we’re that kid. Doesn’t feel good,but, we are

Third...we are no longer strangers, we are related. Do you remember the parable of the Vine and the branches? We are grafted in. As we are, we have continual access to Jesus’s Spirit, we’re never alone. Jesus said In John 15:26… “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

We need nothing else to help us. Imagine if you were still your old self rely ing on your own wits and knowledge. YIKES!!! Not pretty or easy. But when you have the Holy Spirit with you to help you, even when it is hard, you will have guidance.

<<EXPAND>> Have you ever gone back to see the old friends and try to the the same stuff you did before. How did it feel? You can answer if you’d like, no judgement here…EVER. That’s the conviction from the Holy Spirit. It kinda stinks, is hard to enjoy and quite uncomfortable. This is what those who don’t abide in Jesus but are born again might call their conscience.

Fourth…Jesus is the cornerstone. verse 20 states… having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,

This faith we have is on solid ground as described. This book, the Bible, is divinely inspired. Every word is carefully chosen and written for a reason. Sometimes we’ll read some verses and get e meaning. Another time later, we’ll read the same verses and something else will come out.

Fifth...We have a Father we can trust. In Proverbs 3:5-7, Solomon said… Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Sound advice from him. The things in the Bible that seem trivial are very important. Every story, every parable, every tragedy…has a lesson in it. It is our instruction manual. Without it, we’ll crash and burn…literally. But with it, we can walk in victory.

Sixth… we have eternal life because He died for our sins. In John 3:16, Jesus says… “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Last but not least...Seventh… We are Free!!! PRAISE GOD!!! John 8:36… “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. How great is that. The world does not hold us unless we let it.

Eighth…we are all one Body of Christ. Paul said in Ephesians 4:4… There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;

Beloved, always be encouraged that we are redeemed, YOU ARE REDEEMED, bought and paid for by the blood of Christ, saved from death, overcomers, healed in may ways, and loved immeasurably. I know that you all know these things, but, we do need to be reminded every once in a while. Hold onto this, the days coming will get rough. And remember…we can do all things through Christ who strengthen us.

Let’s pray…