Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, April 3, 2022

Ephesians 2:11-22

He is Our Peace

Introduction:  Paul addresses in this passage the hostility that had existed between Jews and Gentiles. But through Christ these great rivals, people who had hated each other, became great friends. How is that possible? Because Christ Jesus Himself is our peace. So, this is a foundational text for Christian community: church, we need to hear this today.

1. Remember, we were alienated. (2:11-12)

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh… remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Today we are God’s people as the Church. But before our salvation, we were alienated from God and from the people of God, we had no Messiah, no promises, and no hope. We were outsiders and excluded.

Father, thank You that we are no longer outsiders, that we now have a relationship with You and Your people! Please help us always to remember to praise You for changing our story from lost to saved!

1. Remember, we are now reconciled. (2:13-18)

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility… [and reconciled] us both to God in one body…

The blood of Christ changed everything. By way of His cross He knocked down the wall of hostility. Now both Jews and Gentiles can have peace with God and peace with one another. The blood of Christ reconciles us to God, and brings together people of every nation, race, and class into His body, His Church.

Father, thank You for the blood of Christ to set us free from hatred and hostility. Please break down any wall of hostilities in our hearts, and help us live and proclaim peace through Christ our peace.

1. Remember, we are now unified. (2:19-22)

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God… In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Jewish and Gentile believers now belong to a new community. We are all unified with God and with one another in the local church and in the universal Church. We are fellow citizens of His kingdom, brothers and sisters in His family, and stones in His living temple where He dwells. None of us is more important than another. Every one of us matters. We need one another.

Father, thank You for the unity You have given us in Christ. Please work for Your great glory through the unity You have given us in our local church!