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In these verses, we see that Paul isspeaking to the Gentiles, specifically telling them how by the blood of Christ thatthey have now been able to make peace not only with God, but with the Jewishbelievers also in the church. They have been brought together to be one. Veryimportant. God wants His church to be one. One in Christ. Despite our culturaland religious and other backgrounds that could cause tremendous enmity, division,and strife, God wants us to be one. Ourpreferences often divide us in the church over music, rituals, ceremonies anddifferent things that might take place. But God wants us to be one. Jesus said,"By this shall all men know that you are my disciples because you loveone another." It was the love of Christ that gave us oneness with Godthrough Christ Jesus and His blood on the cross. My friend, it's the love thatwe can have for God and for others that can help us to set aside ourpreferences and our differences and love one another in such a way that theworld sees this great reconciliation between those who are at enmity. Inever forget that in my first years of ministry, I was out visiting and stoppedalongside a country road to talk with a man from our church. While were talkingwe were accosted by a man who actually began to beat up my friend. When I sawthe drunk man coming down his driveway with a crowbar in his hand, I told myfriend we should drive down the road to get away from him. I drove down the roadbut my friend felt he had the right to stay where he was and the drunk man beganto beat up my friend. My friend went and reported it to the police, of course,and there were some issues that took place. A few years later on a Sundayevening, at a new members gathering, was a man who had gotten saved because hischildren had come to church and gotten saved. I'll never forget this because theman that got saved said, "See that man over there?" He said, "Iremember beating him up and having a terrible situation with him. Would youtell him I want to ask him to forgive me for the way I acted and what I did tohim?" It was a wonderful experience that night to watch two men who hadbeen at enmity, had been in a terrible altercation, now making reconciliationbecause of the blood of Jesus Christ and the peace that God had brought intotheir hearts. It was a great testimony to watch them over the next years they becamegood friends and worked together maintaining buses for our outreach ministry. Thiskind of peace and reconciliation is only possible through Jesus Christ. Sowe see that in this passage of scripture we're at enmity with God before oursalvation. Enmity with God began in the Garden of Eden when sin entered thepicture. When Adam and Eve sinned, they were separated from God. That's whatscripture teaches. They experienced death. Death is separation. They wereseparated from God. Their first two children, Cain and Abel, they experiencedenmity, deep-seated hatred to the point that Cain killed Abel, the first two brothersthat were ever born on planet earth. Sincreated this enmity between human beings and only God can reconcile us. Then wefind that violence came into the earth because of the enmity between oneanother. The earth was filled with violence in Genesis chapter 6 and the floodtook place. But then even after the flood, men tried to make peace with eachother by building the Tower of Babel so that they can have unity. Yet this didnot bring unity. God scattered the nations and gives them the curse oflanguages that separated them. Myfriend, there has always been this enmity because of sin. The only answer forsin is the blood of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 describes the ministryof reconciliation. Please take time to read these verses!God bless!
Ialso wanted to remind you of the grand opening tomorrow of the GO Center therein Bonsack, Virginia, right outside Roanoke, Virginia at 9:30am. You're morethan welcome to attend this grand ribbon cutting ceremony opening up the GOCenter. You can read more about this in my Pastor's Chat. Again, thank you somuch for your prayers and being a part of this ministry with us at Pastor MikeImpact Ministries. Today,we are continuing to look at Ephesians 2. We've been talking about how Paulhere in verse 11 begins to address specifically the Gentiles in the church. Anamazing thing took place when of course the Gentiles began to get saved. BeforeActs 11, there was no conflict in the church at Jerusalem. The conflict, strifeand contention, appears in the church when the Gentiles started getting saved inActs chapter 10. This is when Peter went to speak to Cornelius the centurionand brought him to faith in Christ. It was then in Acts 11 we begin to see thisconflict between the Jewish believers concerning circumcision and the Gentiles.Of course, even at the church at Ephesus, because there are both Jewishbelievers and Gentile believers, this conflict possibly was continuing. No doubtthat is why here in Ephesians 2 Paul is writing about the greatest peacemission that has ever taken place on planet earth. That's the peace JesusChrist came to make between us and God, and to make between us and others. Especiallybetween other believers that we might be one. AsI was reading through these verses 11-22, the word one keptcoming up. I circled it. It is important to note that God came to make us onewith Himself through Christ and make us one with one another. Rememberthat was the prayer of Jesus in John 17. Now in Ephesians 2:11. Paul had remindsthe Gentiles that before their salvation, they were without God. They werewithout hope. They were without Christ. They were alienated and strangers tothe commonwealth of Israel, separated from the Jews. Verse13 begins with: “But now”. This“But now” parallels the “But God” in verse 4, “Whois rich in mercy with His great love”. “But now in Christ,you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Jesus Christ.”He goes on to write. We're going to read through verse 18. “For HeHimself is our peace, who has made both one and has broken down themiddle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity,that is the law of commandments contained in the ordinances, so as to create inHimself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that Hemight reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross,thereby putting to death the enmity. He came and preached peace to youwho are far off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have accessby one Spirit to the Father.” Howpowerful is that? So, we see a key word here is enmity. The word enmitymeans a deep-seated hatred between people or groups. It's often long-lasting.We see this enmity going on in America today between the left and the right inpolitics and the hatred that the left has for our president. We see thisenmity. It's long-lasting. That there seems to be no reconciliation or peace.We see in this passage of scripture the enmity between the Jews and theGentiles, between sinners and God. But thank God we see that Jesus Christ hascome with the greatest peace mission in history, there is only reconciliationbetween Jews and Gentiles, between God and man through Jesus Christ. Haveyou made peace with God through Jesus Christ? I trust that it will encourageyou to know only through Christ you can receive reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). Godbless!
Paul talks about some definite things that have brought these twogroups together who usually were at odds with one another. In the first versesof this chapter Paul is addressing both the Jews and the Gentiles. Paul tells bothJews and Gentiles that God has made alive those who were dead in trespasses andsins. Remember that a Gentile is anyone who is not born of Jewish descent. Paulreminds them and us how before salvation in Christ we are all dead in ourtrespasses and sins because sin works against us. We're disobedient. We'redepraved, and we're doomed, and we are children of wrath. But God, but God whois rich in His mercy with a great love that He's loved us. And with that loveHe has now brought us salvation and reconciliation and redemption by His graceand through our faith in Christ (vv. 4-9). God has a plan for our life and weare His workmanship, land He has before ordained before the foundation of theworld that we should walk in these wonderful works of God, the good works thatonly He can do through us and let the light of Christ shine out of us andthrough us to a dark world. Nowwe come to verse 11. Here Paul is particularly addressing theGentiles, those who are not of Jewish descent. First, He reminds them, you'recalled uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision (the Jews) made in theflesh by the hand. The Jews look down upon the Gentiles, calling them the uncircumcision.The Gentiles were like dogs in many cases for most of the Jewish people. Inverse 12 Paul points out that the Gentiles were without Christ being aliensfrom the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promisehaving no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you whowere once a far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. The one wordthat best describes the Gentiles is without. They were “outside” in severalrespects. They were without Christ. They're without citizenship in the nationof Israel without the covenants. The covenants were given to Abraham and to hisseed. BothJews and Gentiles were without hope. Historians tell us that a great cloud ofhopelessness covered the ancient world. Philosophies were empty; traditionswere disappearing; religions were powerless to help men face either life ordeath. People longed to pierce the veil and get some message of hope from theother side, but there was none (1 Thes. 4:13-18). Theywere without God. The heathen had gods aplenty, as Paul discovered in Athens(Acts 17:16-23). But the pagan, no matter how religious or moral he might have been,did not know the true God. The writer of Psalm 115 contrasted the true God withthe idols of the heathen. Itis worth noting that the spiritual plight of the Gentiles was caused not by Godbut by their own willful sin. Paul said the Gentiles knew the true God butdeliberately refused to honor Him (Rom. 1:18-23). Religious history is not arecord of man starting with many gods (idolatry) and gradually discovering theone true God. Rather, it is the sad story of man knowing the truth about Godand deliberately turning away from it! It is a story of devolution, notevolution! The first eleven chapters of Genesis give the story of the declineof the Gentiles; and from Genesis 12 on (the call of Abraham), it is the storyof the Jews. God separated the Jews from the Gentiles that He might be able tosave the Gentiles also. "Salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22). Godcalled the Jews, beginning with Abraham, that through them He might revealHimself as the one true God. With the Jews He deposited His Word, and throughthe Jews He gave the world the Savior (Rom. 9:1-5). Israel was to be a light tothe Gentiles that they too might be saved. But sad to say, Israel became likethe Gentiles, and the light burned but dimly. This fact is a warning to thechurch today. When the church is least like the world, it does the most for theworld.
Ephesians 2:8-13 with Pastor Greg Denham
Today's episode is a lecture I gave at the 2025 Inspire Lectureship at Harding University. The topic for this lecture was "Unity in the Body," going along with the theme for Lectureship, Oneness: An Ancient Vision for Unity.
I'm so thankful for your prayers these past couple weeks while we'vebeen on tour in Jordan and in Egypt. It was a wonderful, wonderful tour. Everyoneon it was tremendously blessed. We met new friends. We built new relationships.We saw some exciting things that reminded us that our God is God. He is the Godof all the earth. He is the God of all the nations. Despite the fact there's somuch division, strife, hurt, pain in the Middle East, I'm telling you, God isat work there in a marvelous way in the lives of so many people. People arelooking for peace. Peace, even there in all the areas of these countries. We'reso thankful for your prayers during this trip. We're glad to be back. Also,I want to announce, if you live in the Roanoke or Lynchburg area of Virginia,we'd love to invite you to come to the GO Center this coming Saturday. Therewill be a ribbon breaking ceremony for the Grand Opening at 9:30. The GO Centerwill be open to help encourage people to go into all the world with the gospelof Jesus Christ. To go in prayer, to go on mission trips, to go with theirgiving. This facility was designed to get an experience of being on the missionfield right there in Bonsack Virginia at the GO Center. You can look up moreinformation at the www.gpartners.orgwebsite. I trust that you will plan on coming. That is this Saturday, November1st at the GO Center. I think it's going to be a great way that people aregoing to be touched to be on mission with God and for getting a new view ofwhat missions is really all about. That's what the GO Center is about, toencourage, also enlighten people about missions. That's really what the Bibleis about. It's about the heart of God who loves the world and how He preparedin eternity past a plan to bring redemption and reconciliation to every person. That'swhat Paul is talking about here in Ephesians 2:10-22 that we are presentlylooking at. We see that this chapter is telling us that God is on a great peacemission to reconcile the world to Himself through Jesus Christ. I love theseverses. We've already gone down through verse 10 talking about how we can besaved by grace. We who were dead in sins now can be made alive in Christ Jesus.We have been redeemed. We've been forgiven. We find that all through the bloodof the Lord Jesus Christ. Inverses 11-13, Paul writes to the Gentiles in the Church at Ephesus, "Thereforeremember that you once Gentiles in the flesh." Remember he's writing tothe church at Ephesus who mainly were made up of Gentiles, non-Jews, who arecalled uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision, made in theflesh by hands. That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens fromthe commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having nohope, without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once faroff have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Actually,in these next verses through verse 22 at the end of the chapter, we see thatthree words summarize what this chapter is about: Separation, reconciliationand unification. The Gentiles were separated from God. They were separated fromthe covenant. They were separated from Christ. They were separated fromcitizenship in the holy nation. They were separated, without hope, without God.That's the condition of every sinner, both Jew and Gentile. This includes everyonethat has never accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. We'reseparated from Him. My friend, only God can reconcile us to Himself through Hisson Jesus Christ. Again,thank you for your prayers and tomorrow we will update you on my brother. Godbless!
Ephesians 2:8-9"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: Hurricane Melissa has exploded into a Category 4 storm and could reach Category 5 strength as it bears down on Jamaica and Haiti. We'll have the latest on evacuations, damage reports, and where it's headed next. Plus, President Trump continues his Asia diplomacy tour — meetings in Japan and China could shape a new trade framework and ease tensions over tariffs, Taiwan, and TikTok. FOCUS STORY: An incredible testimony — a woman once married to a Hamas member who grew up hating Christians and Jews shares how Jesus miraculously transformed her life. WATCH EX-HAMAS WIFE INTERVIEW: https://youtu.be/Avl4vRkjbS8 MAIN THING: Deportations are ramping up under the Trump administration, and ICE officials in Chicago are warning that anti-ICE networks are growing more aggressive. Homeland Security reporter Anna Giaritelli joins Madison Seals to break it down. LAST THING: Ephesians 2:8 — “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com SHOW LINKS Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630
ONE: A Study On EphesiansThe book of Ephesians reveals God's great plan. Through Jesus Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension, God is saving a people for Himself. This community is saved by the grace of God and is called to live out a redeemed and restored life. God equips His people with every spiritual blessing so that they can live as a new humanity, shining the light of the gospel to the world. As we walk through this book, we will discover God's revealed will for our lives and our church and we can be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.Pastor Kenny White preaches from the Prior Lake Campus.
ONE: A Study On EphesiansThe book of Ephesians reveals God's great plan. Through Jesus Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension, God is saving a people for Himself. This community is saved by the grace of God and is called to live out a redeemed and restored life. God equips His people with every spiritual blessing so that they can live as a new humanity, shining the light of the gospel to the world. As we walk through this book, we will discover God's revealed will for our lives and our church and we can be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.Pastor Matt Clausen preaches from the Shakopee Campus.
From Solomon's temple to the coming of Jesus, God has always desired to dwell with His people. God's presence was never meant to dwell in buildings alone—but in His people through the Spirit. Now, as His dwelling place, we are sent to carry His presence into every corner of the world.Catch the sermon Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or bridge.tv/sermons.Support the show
Jim Osman examines four Reformation gospel truths essential for understanding God's glorious grace in Ephesians 2:1-10. These biblical truths expose the fundamental divide between Protestant and Catholic theology. First, man is spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, enslaved to the world, Satan, and fleshly lusts, unable to please God or work toward salvation. Second, God demonstrates His rich mercy by making spiritually dead sinners alive in Christ through sovereign grace. Third, salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone, not by works, leaving no room for human boasting. Fourth, good works follow salvation as evidence, not as a means of earning favor with God. ★ Support this podcast ★
As we continue our series on prayer, we unpacked the impact of forgiveness as we see Jesus praying, "forgive us our debt". Understanding forgiveness begins with understanding our debt and need for it.For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life
Join use this week as Mike discusses how we are a New Humanity in Christ. Believers are encouraged to find their identity in Christ, promoting unity in diversity. The message calls for dismantling barriers and uniting in Christ to shine as a light in the community. Watch or listen on our website, Youtube, or your […]
Stillwater Reformed Presbyterian Church Podcasts: Preaching and Teaching.
The Church is the Temple of God. Therefore, as living stones, build on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone.
Message from Billy Zwart on October 26, 2025
Peter speaks to us from Ephesians 2
The post Amazed By Grace (Ephesians 2:11-13) appeared first on Calvary Baptist Church.
A podcast of sermons presented to BCCC English, the English congregation of Brisbane Cantonese Christian Church. We hope the Spoken word of God, according to the Written word of God, will point to the Living word of God. Find out more at en.bccc.au
Send us a textToday, we discuss Ephesians 2Check us outgraceintheshadowsor.orgdrjonathan@graceintheshadowsor.org(251) 244-4645*If you are searching for a clinical counselor and you live in Alabama, Virginia, South Carolina or North Carolina, Dr. Jonathan Behler would be happy to see you as a client! He does all counseling virtually through a secure portal. He will also work with you on payments - don't let finances keep you from getting counseling!Donate to support a church/school multipurpose building and a motorcycle for the missionary to the Maassia tribe. https://www.purecharity.com/fundraisers/sc-africa-talley (We only need to raise about $4000 for this mission.)Support the show
Daily Evening Prayer (10/22/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 108-109; Wisdom 18; Ephesians 2To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/
Daily Evening Prayer (10/22/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 108-109; Wisdom 18; Ephesians 2To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/
Ephesians 2:1-4 with Pastor Greg Denham
October 19, 2025 Pastor Paul Titus
10.19.25//Jake Rainwater
|| ABOUT THIS MESSAGE || In yesterday's message from our Ephesians series, Pastor Emmanuel talked about how God's grace doesn't just bring us close to Him but also connects us to each other. In a world that feels divided and suspicious, we were reminded that we're meant to belong together for a purpose, to be God's new temple where heaven and earth meet. He shared how God wants to redeem the world by grace, help us reconcile with “the other,” and reconnect the world to Himself through His Church. It wasn't just about unity, it was about stepping into our calling to be living bridges between the holy and the everyday.|| ABOUT BEACH CHURCH || We exist to reach, raise up, and release followers of Jesus who change the world. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone is welcome to learn about a relationship with God, whether you're curious or confident in your faith.|| GET CONNECTED || Here at Beach, we are most passionate about seeing people come into a relationship with Jesus! Head over to our website to get connected https://www.beachchurchjax.com/im-new|| FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ||@beachchurchjax|| SCRIPTURE REFERENCES ||Ephesians 2
Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Sam Marr are answering a question from Romans 11:6, which is in the section of Romans where Paul is dealing with Israel. Is this verse parallel to Ephesians 2:8-9 or Galatians 2:16? All the passages in question refer to faith, works, justification, salvation, etc.
October 19th, 2025
Rev. Douglas J. Early: Sermons from Queen Anne Presbyterian Church
Recorded on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Other scripture cited: Isaiah 53:3-5; John 17:20-23.Support the show
Sunday morning message from our Elder, Justin Sytsma.
As we embark on our journey through the Old Testament prophet Haggai, we're going to make an equipment stop in Ephesians 2, where we see that the finished work of Christ reconciles enemies and forms the church, which is a spiritual temple where God dwells.
You can give to this ministry via(1) cashapp: $GregChacon(2) PayPal: @Holistic235You can follow me on (1) Instagram: prophetic_discipleship_94(2) YouTube: @ProphetGreg94(3) TikTok: greg.david.chacon
On Episode 27, host Steven Crawford dives into Ephesians 2:4-5. CHRIST DIED FOR US KNOWING WE WERE STILL SINNERS!! IT IS BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED!After the Red Letters Portion of the podcast, Steven is joined by good friend and public land animal Blake Ledger; Blake shares his success story of his public land stud he killed on October 3, and previews the next couple weeks in October. As the temps drop, things are going to heat up in the whitetail woods!!SUBSCRIBE AND ENJOY! LIVE FOR JESUS Y'ALL!
Jeremiah - Jeremiah's message for Zedekiah. Warning of Jerusalem's fall. Messages about the kings. Ephesians - Make alive in Christ.
Randy's message focuses on identity and hearing from God, referencing Genesis and emphasizing the importance of scripture. He speaks on the role of believers in Christ, highlighting the significance of the full armor of God for spiritual protection. In closing, Randy shares how the passage encourages unity, love, and the transformative power of forgiveness, culminating in the essence of true faith in Jesus for salvation.
In this message, Pastor Steven unpacks how Christ tears down the “dividing wall of hostility” that once separated Jew and Gentile, near and far, insider and outsider. Through His death, Jesus fulfills the law, brings peace, and gives all believers full access to the Father. Now, we are no longer strangers, but one people—fellow citizens and members of God's household, being built together into a living temple where God Himself dwells.
Rev. Douglas J. Early: Sermons from Queen Anne Presbyterian Church
Recorded on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Other scripture cited: Genesis 1:1-5; John 5:24-25.Support the show
Sunday Service: 10/27 | Equipped to Serve | Lets live out of the treasure of our transformation (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Pastor Eugene Park
In a world increasingly divided by algorithms, politics, and social media echo chambers, the gospel offers something radically different: true unity through Christ. Pastor Stephen Mizell shows how Jesus tears down walls and creates one new family from strangers and outsiders. Key Points: Algorithms divide us, but the cross unites us Remember you were once an outsider—stay humble Christ's death reconciles us to God AND to each other The church isn't optional—we need community to find our purpose A brick alone is a weapon; together we're God's temple Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22 If this encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share! Connect With Us: Website: visitopendoor.com Service Times: 9am & 10:45am Location: Open Door Church, Edenton, NC #Unity #Ephesians #ChurchFamily #BiblicalTeaching
10/12/2025 - Taking Up Residence (11am) - Ephesians2:19-22 - Dr. Mark Hitchcock
In this series, we explore one of H2O's core values—Community—through the lens of the book of Ephesians. This letter paints a rich picture of who the people of God are and what it means to live as one body in Christ. Borrowing insights from Henri Nouwen's Life of the Beloved, we'll reflect on what it means to be Chosen, Blessed, Broken, and Given—not just as individuals, but as a unified people shaped by grace. From God's decision to form a community of blessing, to the call to love, serve, and stand together against the powers of this world, Ephesians tells the story of a people brought together in Christ for the sake of the world. Join us as we rediscover the beauty, challenge, and purpose of being the people of God—together.