Volume 2 Post/Email 10 – Ephesians 4:6
I wanted to share a few final Scriptures on the concept of union with God.
May each verse enlighten and encourage a stronger awareness of God's presence and God's desire to be everything in our lives.
Christ can permeate and transform our lives and relationships, binding us ever closer to one another in love, peace and unity!
We can trust that our Father is over us, through us, and in us!
We are accepted; approved, forgiven; claimed; preferred; loved!
After stating there is one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, and baptism, Paul continues in Ephesians 4:6- "one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Paul writes in Colossians 3:11 - "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."
This verse is worthy of meditation and consideration.
Think of the diversity mentioned in this one verse! The Greek tradition was polytheistic, whereas, the Jewish monotheistic. Barbarians were not considered civilized, and Scythians were known for their brutality, being considered just a little better than wild animals. Slaves were not treated as those who were free, much less, as wealthy aristocrats.
Now, think of the many ways we make distinctions - socially, racially, religiously, morally, etc. Paul states that "Christ is all, and is in all".
It isn't that we do not recognize our diversity in the body of Christ. It is that we recognize that Christ is superior to our cultural and traditional differences! Christ transcends the barriers, and unites all cultures and people of faith in Him!
Paul states in Ephesians 3:6 - "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
How broad is your circle of Christian fellowship? What differences do you see Scripture deeming significant enough to divide?
Is the church family you most closely identify with and involve yourself described most accurately as being judgmental, self-righteous and sectarian, or described most accurately as being loving, accepting, and unified?
Is Jesus all and in all in your church fellowship? Is Jesus all and in all in the dynamics of your personal relationships?
Jesus came to bring people of diversity together!
Faith in Christ unites!
The greatest expression of this togetherness and oneness is supposed to be the church!
Ephesians 1:22-23 reads, "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."
-Brian
