Sabbath – Introduction

Imagine you are someone from a different country, and you've recently come to believe in the God of the Bible. You used to worship many gods, but now you follow the one true God. One day, you visit the magnificent Jerusalem temple, excited to worship God there. However, you encounter a barrier with a warning that foreigners like you are not allowed inside. You feel shut out and alienated.

In the book of Ephesians (specifically Ephesians 2:11-22

KJV ¹¹ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; ¹² That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; ¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; ¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: ¹⁷ And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. ¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; ²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; ²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: ²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. CEV ¹¹ Don't forget that you are Gentiles. In fact, you used to be called “uncircumcised” by those who take pride in being circumcised. ¹² At that time you did not know about Christ. You were foreigners to the people of Israel, and you had no part in the promises God had made to them. You were living in this world without hope and without God, ¹³ and you were far from God. But Christ offered his life's blood as a sacrifice and brought you near God. ¹⁴ Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave his own body ¹⁵ to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when he united us in peace. ¹⁶ On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body. ¹⁷ Christ came and preached peace to you Gentiles, who were far from God, and peace to us Jews, who were near God. ¹⁸ And because of Christ, all of us can come to the Father by the same Spirit. ¹⁹ You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God. ²⁰ You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone. ²¹ Christ is the one who holds the building together and makes it grow into a holy temple for the Lord. ²² And you are part of that building Christ has built as a place for God's own Spirit to live.
), the apostle Paul talks about how the cross of Jesus brings significant changes, breaking down barriers and walls. The cross not only reconciles humans with God (vertically) but also reconciles people with each other (horizontally). This means that people who were once enemies can become friends through the cross of Jesus. The Jews and Gentiles, who had a history of hatred and name-calling, can now become one new united family in Christ.

What does this truth mean for us today?

Sunday – Brought Near in Christ

In this passage (Ephesians 2:1-3

KJV ¹ And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; ² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: ³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. CEV ¹ In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. ² You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn't obey God. ³ Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.
Ephesians 2:11-12

KJV ¹¹ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; ¹² That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: CEV ¹¹ Don't forget that you are Gentiles. In fact, you used to be called “uncircumcised” by those who take pride in being circumcised. ¹² At that time you did not know about Christ. You were foreigners to the people of Israel, and you had no part in the promises God had made to them. You were living in this world without hope and without God,
), Paul describes the past of the people who are now believers in Christ. He wants them to remember how they were once separated from God and His people, Israel. They didn't know about the promises of salvation from God. They felt hopeless and without God in the world.

Paul reminds them that they were also caught up in a feud with the Jews, and both sides insulted each other. But something changed through Jesus. He brought them near to God and to each other through His blood.

It's essential for us to remember where we were before we found Jesus. We were lost and separated from God. But Jesus brought us close to Him and to others who believe in Him. This should make us grateful and encourage us to build friendships across different backgrounds.

Monday – Reconciliation: God’s Gift From the Cross

Paul explains in Ephesians 2:14-16

KJV ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; ¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; ¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: CEV ¹⁴ Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave his own body ¹⁵ to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when he united us in peace. ¹⁶ On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body.
that Jesus, through His death on the cross, brought peace and reconciliation. He removed the enmity and hostility between Jews and Gentiles. Jesus wanted to bring everyone together and make them one united family in God.

Reconciliation means making peace and restoring relationships. Imagine if you had a big fight with your best friend, and you stopped talking to each other. Reconciliation would be like forgiving each other, saying sorry, and becoming friends again. Through Jesus, we can experience this kind of peace with God and with others.

We might have disagreements or conflicts with friends or even people from different backgrounds. But Jesus shows us that we should try to reconcile and make peace. We should be peacemakers and work towards unity and understanding.

Tuesday – Breaking Down the Dividing Wall

In Ephesians 2:14-15

KJV ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; ¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; CEV ¹⁴ Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave his own body ¹⁵ to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when he united us in peace.
, Paul talks about how Jesus broke down the wall that separated Jews and Gentiles. There used to be rules and laws that made Gentiles feel unwelcome in the temple. But through Jesus, those barriers were removed, and Gentiles could worship God freely.

Paul clarifies that he doesn't mean the Ten Commandments or the Sabbath were abolished. He respects the importance of God's law. Instead, he is talking about the rules that were misused to create division and exclude others.

We might see divisions and barriers in our institutions or communities. Jesus wants us to break down these walls and treat everyone with love and respect, no matter where they come from or what they believe. We should embrace diversity and celebrate our unity in Christ.

Wednesday – Jesus, Preacher of Peace

Paul describes Jesus as the bringer of peace in Ephesians 2:17-18

KJV ¹⁷ And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. CEV ¹⁷ Christ came and preached peace to you Gentiles, who were far from God, and peace to us Jews, who were near God. ¹⁸ And because of Christ, all of us can come to the Father by the same Spirit.
. Jesus preached peace to both Gentiles and Jews. He not only wanted them to have peace with God but also to live peacefully with each other.

Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it's about having wholeness and well-being in our relationships. Jesus showed us how to live in peace with others through His teachings and His example.

We can follow Jesus' lead and be peacemakers in our workplaces, schools, families, and friendships. We can spread kindness and understanding, resolving conflicts in a loving way. Let's be messengers of peace just as Jesus was.

Thursday – The Church, a Holy Temple

Paul uses the metaphor of a temple to describe the unity between Jews and Gentiles in the church (Ephesians 2:19-22

KJV ¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; ²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; ²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: ²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. CEV ¹⁹ You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God. ²⁰ You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone. ²¹ Christ is the one who holds the building together and makes it grow into a holy temple for the Lord. ²² And you are part of that building Christ has built as a place for God's own Spirit to live.
). Before, Gentiles were excluded from the temple, but now they are part of God's family and the new temple.

The church is not just a building; it's a community of believers. When we come together as one, we become a powerful witness to God's plan to unite all people in Christ.

We are part of this incredible temple called the church. Our unity with other believers is essential. We should treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of our backgrounds. Let's remember that we are all one family in God's eyes.

Friday – Further Thought

As we study Ephesians 2:11-22

KJV ¹¹ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; ¹² That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; ¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; ¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: ¹⁷ And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. ¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; ²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; ²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: ²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. CEV ¹¹ Don't forget that you are Gentiles. In fact, you used to be called “uncircumcised” by those who take pride in being circumcised. ¹² At that time you did not know about Christ. You were foreigners to the people of Israel, and you had no part in the promises God had made to them. You were living in this world without hope and without God, ¹³ and you were far from God. But Christ offered his life's blood as a sacrifice and brought you near God. ¹⁴ Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave his own body ¹⁵ to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when he united us in peace. ¹⁶ On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body. ¹⁷ Christ came and preached peace to you Gentiles, who were far from God, and peace to us Jews, who were near God. ¹⁸ And because of Christ, all of us can come to the Father by the same Spirit. ¹⁹ You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God. ²⁰ You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone. ²¹ Christ is the one who holds the building together and makes it grow into a holy temple for the Lord. ²² And you are part of that building Christ has built as a place for God's own Spirit to live.
, let's remember that it's about more than just unity between Jews and Gentiles. God's plan is to unite all people in Christ, and our church should reflect this grand purpose.

Discussion Questions

How can we apply the principles in Ephesians 2:11-22

KJV ¹¹ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; ¹² That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; ¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; ¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: ¹⁷ And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. ¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; ²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; ²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: ²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

CEV ¹¹ Don't forget that you are Gentiles. In fact, you used to be called “uncircumcised” by those who take pride in being circumcised. ¹² At that time you did not know about Christ. You were foreigners to the people of Israel, and you had no part in the promises God had made to them. You were living in this world without hope and without God, ¹³ and you were far from God. But Christ offered his life's blood as a sacrifice and brought you near God. ¹⁴ Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave his own body ¹⁵ to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when he united us in peace. ¹⁶ On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body. ¹⁷ Christ came and preached peace to you Gentiles, who were far from God, and peace to us Jews, who were near God. ¹⁸ And because of Christ, all of us can come to the Father by the same Spirit. ¹⁹ You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God. ²⁰ You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone. ²¹ Christ is the one who holds the building together and makes it grow into a holy temple for the Lord. ²² And you are part of that building Christ has built as a place for God's own Spirit to live.

to build better relationships with people from different backgrounds?

Why is it important for the church to address conflicts and divisions between different racial and ethnic groups?
What can you do to promote unity and peace in your community, workplace or school?