One Family, One Future

06/22/2025

One Family, One Future

International Festival – Large Choir  – International service

Text: Ephesians 2:17–19 (CSB) Overarching Question: How can people from every nation become one family?

Ephesians 2:17-19 addresses the question of how people from every nation can become one family by emphasizing the unifying work of Christ. These verses describe how Jesus broke down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, creating peace and reconciliation[1][2]. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers from all backgrounds are brought near to God and to each other, becoming part of God's household and fellow citizens with God's people[2][3]. This unity extends beyond just Jews and Gentiles to include people of all races, nationalities, and backgrounds[1][2]. Paul uses the metaphor of a building to illustrate this unity, with Christ as the cornerstone and believers being built together into a dwelling place for God[2][4]. This new unity in Christ transcends previous divisions, creating "one new humanity" and reconciling diverse groups both to each other and to God[4][5].

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 25. [2] Tyndale, Chronological Life Application Study Bible, ed. Susan Perlman, Second Edition (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2023), 1746. [3] Alfred Poirier, The Peacemaking Pastor: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2006), 98. [4] Richard J. Erickson, “Ephesians,”in Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, vol. 3, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995), 1025. [5] Gary M. Burge and Andrew E. Hill, eds., The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012), 1361.

How can people from every nation become one family?

1. Through the Peace of Christ

“He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” (v. 17)

Jesus didn’t just come for one people group—He came for those far away (Gentiles, outsiders) and those near (Jews, insiders).

The good news is that we don’t have to earn peace with God—it’s a gift Jesus gives through His cross.

Many cultures long for peace: peace from war, division, poverty, or shame. But Jesus offers something deeper—peace with God, and peace with one another.

In Christ, people who were once enemies can now embrace each other as family.

2. By the Presence of the Spirit

“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” (v. 18)

It’s not our culture, language, or customs that give us access to God—it’s the Holy Spirit.

The same Spirit who lives in a Congolese worshiper lives in a Korean believer, a Hispanic child, or a Nepali grandmother.

There are no “second-class citizens” in the kingdom of God—we all come to the Father by the same Spirit.

Application: The Holy Spirit unites us. He teaches us to worship together, serve one another, and live as one body.

3. As Part of God’s Family

“You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household.” (v. 19)

In Jesus, you don’t just get forgiveness—you get family.

You are no longer a stranger in the church, even if your accent is different or your customs are new.

The church is a household—God’s house! In this house, we eat together, sing together, pray together, and help one another.

In God’s family, belonging comes before behavior—we welcome first, and walk together in growth.

Closing encouragement: Whether you've been here for years or just arrived, you’re not a guest. In Christ, you’re home.

Final Thought:

“God is building one people, one body, one family from every language, nation, and tribe. We are a preview of heaven today!”