Reconciled Together: Mark Vroegop on Eph. 2:11–12 [TGC Podcast Ep. 394]

Well friends, take your Bibles and let's Well friends, take your Bibles and let's go to Ephesians chapter go to Ephesians chapter go to Ephesians chapter 2 2 2 11-22. Ephesians 11-22. Ephesians 11-22. Ephesians 2 verses 11- 22. Here is God's word. Therefore remember that at one time you Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh called the Gentiles in the flesh called the Gentiles in the flesh called the uncircumcision by what is called the uncircumcision by what is called the uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision which is made in the flesh circumcision which is made in the flesh circumcision which is made in the flesh by hands. Remember that you were at that by hands. Remember that you were at that by hands. Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated time separated from Christ, alienated time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and from the commonwealth of Israel and from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, strangers to the covenants of promise, strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the having no hope and without God in the having no hope and without God in the world. world. world. Are you ready for what comes Are you ready for what comes Are you ready for what comes next? But now in Christ Jesus, you who next? But now in Christ Jesus, you who next? But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near once were far off have been brought near once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself by the blood of Christ. For he himself by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one, is our peace, who has made us both one, is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down in his flesh the and has broken down in his flesh the and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing dividing wall of hostility by abolishing dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in the law of commandments expressed in the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in ordinances, that he might create in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in the place of the himself one new man in the place of the himself one new man in the place of the two, so making peace, and might two, so making peace, and might two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body reconcile us both to God in one body reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the through the cross, thereby killing the through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached hostility. And he came and preached hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace peace to you who were far off and peace peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him to those who were near. For through him to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one spirit to the

we both have access in one spirit to the we both have access in one spirit to the father. So then you are no longer father. So then you are no longer father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens but are fellow strangers and aliens but are fellow strangers and aliens but are fellow citizens with the saints and members of citizens with the saints and members of citizens with the saints and members of the household of God built on the the household of God built on the the household of God built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. foundation of the apostles and prophets. foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ himself being the Jesus Christ himself being the Jesus Christ himself being the cornerstone in whom the whole structure cornerstone in whom the whole structure cornerstone in whom the whole structure being joined together grows into a holy being joined together grows into a holy being joined together grows into a holy temple in the Lord. temple in the Lord. temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together In him you also are being built together In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the into a dwelling place for God by the into a dwelling place for God by the spirit. This is the word of the Lord. spirit. This is the word of the Lord. spirit. This is the word of the Lord. Would you say with me, thanks be to God. Friends, imagine a sea of God. Friends, imagine a sea of people standing in front of Jesus. people standing in front of Jesus. people standing in front of Jesus. Everyone is wearing white robes and Everyone is wearing white robes and Everyone is wearing white robes and they're holding palm branches in their they're holding palm branches in their they're holding palm branches in their hands. Their anthem rolls like a hands. Their anthem rolls like a hands. Their anthem rolls like a crashing wave as the crowd shouts, crashing wave as the crowd shouts, crashing wave as the crowd shouts, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits "Salvation belongs to our God who sits "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the on the throne and to the on the throne and to the lamb." With one voice, they offer a lamb." With one voice, they offer a lamb." With one voice, they offer a glorious tribute to their savior.

glorious tribute to their savior. glorious tribute to their savior. Jesus stands alone as the victor. Sin is Jesus stands alone as the victor. Sin is Jesus stands alone as the victor. Sin is defeated. Satan is banished. Redemption defeated. Satan is banished. Redemption defeated. Satan is banished. Redemption accomplished. The ark of God's accomplished. The ark of God's accomplished. The ark of God's redemptive plan from creation fall. redemptive plan from creation fall. redemptive plan from creation fall. Redemption has now reached its Redemption has now reached its Redemption has now reached its consummation. But what makes this scene consummation. But what makes this scene consummation. But what makes this scene so compelling is not just its so compelling is not just its so compelling is not just its celebration. It is the composition of celebration. It is the composition of celebration. It is the composition of the the the crowd. This eternally assembled crowd. This eternally assembled crowd. This eternally assembled multitude are the redeemed saints from multitude are the redeemed saints from multitude are the redeemed saints from every nation and tribe and people and every nation and tribe and people and every nation and tribe and people and languages. Think of this. Men and women languages. Think of this. Men and women languages. Think of this. Men and women from all walks of life. Think of what it from all walks of life. Think of what it from all walks of life. Think of what it would look like. Just get it in your would look like. Just get it in your would look like. Just get it in your mind's eye. The landscape of various mind's eye. The landscape of various mind's eye. The landscape of various hues beaming as they gaze upon the King hues beaming as they gaze upon the King hues beaming as they gaze upon the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Imagine this of Kings and Lord of Lords. Imagine this of Kings and Lord of Lords. Imagine this assembled people in the presence of the assembled people in the presence of the assembled people in the presence of the King of Kings, African and Hispanic and King of Kings, African and Hispanic and King of Kings, African and Hispanic and Asian and Native American and European Asian and Native American and European Asian and Native American and European and South American and Pacific Islander.

and South American and Pacific Islander. and South American and Pacific Islander. And they're all praising the name of And they're all praising the name of And they're all praising the name of Jesus. Imagine Hutu and Totsis from Jesus. Imagine Hutu and Totsis from Jesus. Imagine Hutu and Totsis from Rwanda. Imagine white, black, Latino, Rwanda. Imagine white, black, Latino, Rwanda. Imagine white, black, Latino, Asian-Americans. Imagine Brahmans and Asian-Americans. Imagine Brahmans and Asian-Americans. Imagine Brahmans and Shrudas from India. Imagine white and Shrudas from India. Imagine white and Shrudas from India. Imagine white and black South Africans all proclaiming black South Africans all proclaiming black South Africans all proclaiming their allegiance to the risen their allegiance to the risen their allegiance to the risen Christ. Standing before the throne of Christ. Standing before the throne of Christ. Standing before the throne of God is a global, diverse, and unified God is a global, diverse, and unified God is a global, diverse, and unified multitude rescued by a Jewish carpenter multitude rescued by a Jewish carpenter multitude rescued by a Jewish carpenter named Jesus. This was God's plan from the Jesus. This was God's plan from the beginning. The aim of the death and beginning. The aim of the death and beginning. The aim of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the redemption of people from every nation. redemption of people from every nation. redemption of people from every nation. The book of Revelation looks forward to The book of Revelation looks forward to The book of Revelation looks forward to this glorious day where this beautiful this glorious day where this beautiful this glorious day where this beautiful group of people will gather before the group of people will gather before the group of people will gather before the throne of God. It is an unbelievable throne of God. It is an unbelievable throne of God. It is an unbelievable compelling vision of the future. But is it future. But is it limited just to limited just to limited just to heaven? Is it limited only within the heaven? Is it limited only within the heaven? Is it limited only within the book of book of book of Revelation? And the answer of Revelation? And the answer of Revelation? And the answer of course is no.

course is no. course is no. The book of Ephesians shows us that our The book of Ephesians shows us that our The book of Ephesians shows us that our glorious redemption through the death, glorious redemption through the death, glorious redemption through the death, resurrection, and the return of our Lord resurrection, and the return of our Lord resurrection, and the return of our Lord Jesus certainly results in a beautiful Jesus certainly results in a beautiful Jesus certainly results in a beautiful future. But Ephesians makes the case future. But Ephesians makes the case future. But Ephesians makes the case that that future should be displayed and that that future should be displayed and that that future should be displayed and evident. evident. evident. Now we find in Ephesians the rich Now we find in Ephesians the rich Now we find in Ephesians the rich theology of chapter 1 and the first part theology of chapter 1 and the first part theology of chapter 1 and the first part of chapter 2 lead listen carefully to a of chapter 2 lead listen carefully to a of chapter 2 lead listen carefully to a new identity in Christ that gets new identity in Christ that gets new identity in Christ that gets underneath all other identities in underneath all other identities in underneath all other identities in life. Gospel identity. This gospel life. Gospel identity. This gospel life. Gospel identity. This gospel identity identity identity undermines worldly undermines worldly undermines worldly categories along which our culture is categories along which our culture is categories along which our culture is divided and the lines along which human divided and the lines along which human divided and the lines along which human culture has always been culture has always been culture has always been divided. This theological vision creates divided. This theological vision creates divided. This theological vision creates a transformative understanding of who we a transformative understanding of who we a transformative understanding of who we are such that the vision is the creation are such that the vision is the creation are such that the vision is the creation of a new society.

of a new society. of a new society. And every seven days, this new society And every seven days, this new society And every seven days, this new society gathers together on the first day of the gathers together on the first day of the gathers together on the first day of the week to celebrate the week to celebrate the week to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and to resurrection of Jesus Christ and to resurrection of Jesus Christ and to remember who they really remember who they really remember who they really are. The church of are. The church of are. The church of Christ is a new society, a people Christ is a new society, a people Christ is a new society, a people foundationally shaped by the gospel. The foundationally shaped by the gospel. The foundationally shaped by the gospel. The church of our Lord has a radical new church of our Lord has a radical new church of our Lord has a radical new identity that is meant to declare identity that is meant to declare identity that is meant to declare something powerful. It's meant to say something powerful. It's meant to say something powerful. It's meant to say something otherworldly about the power something otherworldly about the power something otherworldly about the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus. of the death and resurrection of Jesus. of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Ephesians 2:1-22 helps us see the power Ephesians 2:1-22 helps us see the power Ephesians 2:1-22 helps us see the power of this redemption and its results. And of this redemption and its results. And of this redemption and its results. And Paul wants his readers, he wants us to Paul wants his readers, he wants us to Paul wants his readers, he wants us to be sure that we don't forget this be sure that we don't forget this be sure that we don't forget this vision because the gospel is too vision because the gospel is too vision because the gospel is too important and the results are too important and the results are too important and the results are too transformative. transformative. transformative. 20 years ago, Don Carson wrote the 20 years ago, Don Carson wrote the 20 years ago, Don Carson wrote the following words. And by the way, if you following words. And by the way, if you following words. And by the way, if you were here for Pastor John's message, I'm were here for Pastor John's message, I'm were here for Pastor John's message, I'm quoting a book, not Chat GPT, in this quoting a book, not Chat GPT, in this quoting a book, not Chat GPT, in this moment. So I told John afterwards, I moment. So I told John afterwards, I moment. So I told John afterwards, I didn't have John Piper quoting Chat GPT didn't have John Piper quoting Chat GPT didn't have John Piper quoting Chat GPT on my conference bingo card. That was on my conference bingo card. That was on my conference bingo card. That was that was a moment, wasn't it? That was a that was a moment, wasn't it? That was a that was a moment, wasn't it? That was a moment. And then he just brought that moment. And then he just brought that moment. And then he just brought that point home like, point home like, point home like, "Wow, you use chat GPT to convict me. I "Wow, you use chat GPT to convict me. I "Wow, you use chat GPT to convict me. I didn't see that coming." But here's what didn't see that coming." But here's what didn't see that coming." But here's what a book says. Okay, here it is. Don a book says. Okay, here it is. Don a book says. Okay, here it is. Don Carson. What binds us together is not Carson. What binds us together is not Carson. What binds us together is not common education, common race, common common education, common race, common common education, common race, common income levels, common politics, common income levels, common politics, common income levels, common politics, common nationalities, common accents, common

nationalities, common accents, common nationalities, common accents, common jobs, or anything of the sort. jobs, or anything of the sort. jobs, or anything of the sort. Christians come together not because Christians come together not because Christians come together not because they form a natural collocation, but they form a natural collocation, but they form a natural collocation, but because they have been saved by Jesus because they have been saved by Jesus because they have been saved by Jesus Christ and they owe him a common Christ and they owe him a common Christ and they owe him a common allegiance. allegiance. allegiance. In light of this common allegiance, in In light of this common allegiance, in In light of this common allegiance, in light of the fact that they have been light of the fact that they have been light of the fact that they have been loved by Jesus himself, they commit loved by Jesus himself, they commit loved by Jesus himself, they commit themselves to doing what he says and he themselves to doing what he says and he themselves to doing what he says and he commands them to love one another. And commands them to love one another. And commands them to love one another. And in this light, they are a band of in this light, they are a band of in this light, they are a band of natural enemies who love one another for natural enemies who love one another for natural enemies who love one another for Jesus's sake. This is a glorious reality of the sake. This is a glorious reality of the gospel. It was true. It will be true. gospel. It was true. It will be true. gospel. It was true. It will be true. It is true. And Paul is calling the It is true. And Paul is calling the It is true. And Paul is calling the Ephesians is calling for us to remember Ephesians is calling for us to remember Ephesians is calling for us to remember our redemption and its our redemption and its our redemption and its results. So if you're a notetaker, that results. So if you're a notetaker, that results. So if you're a notetaker, that is my big idea and my outline all at is my big idea and my outline all at is my big idea and my outline all at once to once to once to remember one, our redemption point two, remember one, our redemption point two, remember one, our redemption point two, and our and our and our results.3. Let me unpack this for you.

results.3. Let me unpack this for you. results.3. Let me unpack this for you. First First First remember verse 11 begins therefore remember verse 11 begins therefore remember verse 11 begins therefore remember. Therefore remember therefore remember. Therefore remember therefore remember. Therefore remember therefore is there because verse 11 connects the is there because verse 11 connects the is there because verse 11 connects the previous section verses 1-10 which is a previous section verses 1-10 which is a previous section verses 1-10 which is a deeply theological summary of the way in deeply theological summary of the way in deeply theological summary of the way in which God has rescued his people through which God has rescued his people through which God has rescued his people through Christ. These verses verses 1-10 help us Christ. These verses verses 1-10 help us Christ. These verses verses 1-10 help us understand that we have been delivered understand that we have been delivered understand that we have been delivered from our former lives. our former lives from our former lives. our former lives from our former lives. our former lives that were marked by spiritual deadness, that were marked by spiritual deadness, that were marked by spiritual deadness, following the ways of the world and following the ways of the world and following the ways of the world and lives that are characterized by lives that are characterized by lives that are characterized by disobedience. When we read that text, we disobedience. When we read that text, we disobedience. When we read that text, we see ourselves. We see a mirror. But the see ourselves. We see a mirror. But the see ourselves. We see a mirror. But the hope was that God being rich in mercy hope was that God being rich in mercy hope was that God being rich in mercy pours out upon his people grace such pours out upon his people grace such pours out upon his people grace such that they are not only alive, but they that they are not only alive, but they that they are not only alive, but they are seated with Christ. And all of this are seated with Christ. And all of this are seated with Christ. And all of this is in order to show the immeasurable is in order to show the immeasurable is in order to show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward riches of his grace in kindness toward riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ. Or to sum it up, Ephesians us in Christ. Or to sum it up, Ephesians us in Christ. Or to sum it up, Ephesians 28-10 says, "We have been saved by grace 28-10 says, "We have been saved by grace 28-10 says, "We have been saved by grace through faith. We are his workmanship, through faith. We are his workmanship, through faith. We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works."

created in Christ Jesus for good works." created in Christ Jesus for good works." In other words, we are alive and we are In other words, we are alive and we are In other words, we are alive and we are alive together. alive together. alive together. What's interesting is that this section What's interesting is that this section What's interesting is that this section that we're in would surely not have been that we're in would surely not have been that we're in would surely not have been new information for the people at new information for the people at new information for the people at Ephesus. Paul is not educating them. Ephesus. Paul is not educating them. Ephesus. Paul is not educating them. They knew this to be true. The risk for They knew this to be true. The risk for They knew this to be true. The risk for this church was not that they didn't this church was not that they didn't this church was not that they didn't know information. The risk was them was know information. The risk was them was know information. The risk was them was that they would not be ignorant of the that they would not be ignorant of the that they would not be ignorant of the power. The risk was not that they would power. The risk was not that they would power. The risk was not that they would just simply disconnect themselves from just simply disconnect themselves from just simply disconnect themselves from this reality. The risk was that they this reality. The risk was that they this reality. The risk was that they would fail to remember who they actually would fail to remember who they actually would fail to remember who they actually are. He calls them not to learn, not to are. He calls them not to learn, not to are. He calls them not to learn, not to be educated, not to inform. No, he calls be educated, not to inform. No, he calls be educated, not to inform. No, he calls them to remember. Remember, remember them to remember. Remember, remember them to remember. Remember, remember what? Well, we'll see this explained in what? Well, we'll see this explained in what? Well, we'll see this explained in more detail, but he's going to call them more detail, but he's going to call them more detail, but he's going to call them to remember who they really are. And he'll remind are. And he'll remind them, inviting them, I want you to them, inviting them, I want you to them, inviting them, I want you to remember what this really means. remember what this really means. remember what this really means. So remember remember what first he So remember remember what first he So remember remember what first he reminds them about how other people reminds them about how other people reminds them about how other people identified them and then he reminds them identified them and then he reminds them identified them and then he reminds them about their previous spiritual about their previous spiritual about their previous spiritual condition. So in this section what condition. So in this section what condition. So in this section what Paul's going to do he's going to talk Paul's going to do he's going to talk Paul's going to do he's going to talk about horizontal relationships and then about horizontal relationships and then about horizontal relationships and then he's going to identify the vertical.

he's going to identify the vertical. he's going to identify the vertical. That horizontal first and then the That horizontal first and then the That horizontal first and then the vertical is important because you're vertical is important because you're vertical is important because you're going to see later in the text he's going to see later in the text he's going to see later in the text he's going to flip it and he's going to talk going to flip it and he's going to talk going to flip it and he's going to talk about the vertical and how it affects about the vertical and how it affects about the vertical and how it affects the horizontal. But Paul starts with the the horizontal. But Paul starts with the the horizontal. But Paul starts with the horizontal to talk about the vertical. horizontal to talk about the vertical. horizontal to talk about the vertical. So the vertical then informs the So the vertical then informs the So the vertical then informs the horizontal. That's what he's doing. The doing. The gospel is so powerful and so gospel is so powerful and so gospel is so powerful and so transformative that it not only creates transformative that it not only creates transformative that it not only creates clean hearts. The gospel creates a new culture. It not only leads to a right culture. It not only leads to a right standing with God, the gospel leads to standing with God, the gospel leads to standing with God, the gospel leads to right relationships with one right relationships with one right relationships with one another. Or at least it should do another. Or at least it should do another. Or at least it should do that. In verse 11, we see that these that. In verse 11, we see that these that. In verse 11, we see that these believers are identified as quote believers are identified as quote believers are identified as quote Gentiles in the flesh. He's he's Gentiles in the flesh. He's he's Gentiles in the flesh. He's he's highlighting a distinction between highlighting a distinction between highlighting a distinction between Gentiles and Gentiles and Gentiles and Jews, a physical, earthly, and real Jews, a physical, earthly, and real Jews, a physical, earthly, and real division. He's not ignoring the Gentile division. He's not ignoring the Gentile division. He's not ignoring the Gentile Jew dynamic. What he's going to do is Jew dynamic. What he's going to do is Jew dynamic. What he's going to do is he's going to transform he's going to transform he's going to transform it. What's more, we see that this it. What's more, we see that this it. What's more, we see that this division is amplified with an division is amplified with an division is amplified with an emotionally loaded term. The Gentiles emotionally loaded term. The Gentiles emotionally loaded term. The Gentiles are called a name. They are called the are called a name. They are called the are called a name. They are called the uncircumcision. As usually happens in uncircumcision. As usually happens in uncircumcision. As usually happens in human history, differences can lead to human history, differences can lead to human history, differences can lead to divisions which then can lead to divisions which then can lead to divisions which then can lead to derision. There is a gravitational pull derision. There is a gravitational pull derision. There is a gravitational pull within our broken human society along within our broken human society along within our broken human society along the lines of this difference, division,

the lines of this difference, division, the lines of this difference, division, derision. derision. derision. What Paul is going to do here though is What Paul is going to do here though is What Paul is going to do here though is help us understand that this physical help us understand that this physical help us understand that this physical reality is not the only reality. There reality is not the only reality. There reality is not the only reality. There are sweeping spiritual implications that are sweeping spiritual implications that are sweeping spiritual implications that are in play here. And these vertical are in play here. And these vertical are in play here. And these vertical implications of who they are in Christ implications of who they are in Christ implications of who they are in Christ will affect the horizontal and they are will affect the horizontal and they are will affect the horizontal and they are massively significant. He lists five massively significant. He lists five massively significant. He lists five realities that he wants them and us to realities that he wants them and us to realities that he wants them and us to remember. Quickly here they are. He's remember. Quickly here they are. He's remember. Quickly here they are. He's looking back. He reminds them that they looking back. He reminds them that they looking back. He reminds them that they were separated from Christ. This first were separated from Christ. This first were separated from Christ. This first statement is probably the most important statement is probably the most important statement is probably the most important and serves as a summary of the whole and serves as a summary of the whole and serves as a summary of the whole list that they were outside of Christ. list that they were outside of Christ. list that they were outside of Christ. They were not in him. They had no They were not in him. They had no They were not in him. They had no Messiah. They were separated from Messiah. They were separated from Messiah. They were separated from Christ. Secondly, they were alienated Christ. Secondly, they were alienated Christ. Secondly, they were alienated from the commonwealth of Israel. They from the commonwealth of Israel. They from the commonwealth of Israel. They were outsiders of God's community. They were outsiders of God's community. They were outsiders of God's community. They weren't citizens. They had no spiritual weren't citizens. They had no spiritual weren't citizens. They had no spiritual rights, no privileges. They weren't rights, no privileges. They weren't rights, no privileges. They weren't included in the Jewish way of life. They included in the Jewish way of life. They included in the Jewish way of life. They were out. They were third, strangers to were out. They were third, strangers to were out. They were third, strangers to the covenants of promise. To make this the covenants of promise. To make this the covenants of promise. To make this point clear, we see that they had no point clear, we see that they had no point clear, we see that they had no connection or no standing in the future connection or no standing in the future connection or no standing in the future promises from God. They were strangers promises from God. They were strangers promises from God. They were strangers to those covenants. They were fourth to those covenants. They were fourth to those covenants. They were fourth having no hope. They were in a continual having no hope. They were in a continual having no hope. They were in a continual state of spiritual hopelessness. And now state of spiritual hopelessness. And now state of spiritual hopelessness. And now we find a summary term at the end. The we find a summary term at the end. The we find a summary term at the end. The fifth one, they were without God in the fifth one, they were without God in the fifth one, they were without God in the world. So while Gentiles had all kinds world. So while Gentiles had all kinds world. So while Gentiles had all kinds of idols and so-called gods, they were of idols and so-called gods, they were of idols and so-called gods, they were godless because they didn't know the one godless because they didn't know the one godless because they didn't know the one true God. They were without true God. They were without true God. They were without God. It's quite a list, isn't it? Paul

God. It's quite a list, isn't it? Paul God. It's quite a list, isn't it? Paul unpacks the vertical dynamic. William unpacks the vertical dynamic. William unpacks the vertical dynamic. William Hendrickson describes their condition Hendrickson describes their condition Hendrickson describes their condition this way. They were Christless. They this way. They were Christless. They this way. They were Christless. They were stateless. They were friendless. were stateless. They were friendless. were stateless. They were friendless. They were hopeless. They were godless. They were hopeless. They were godless. They were hopeless. They were godless. And this is the reality into which Paul And this is the reality into which Paul And this is the reality into which Paul speaks. He wants them to remember this. speaks. He wants them to remember this. speaks. He wants them to remember this. He desires for them to reflect on the He desires for them to reflect on the He desires for them to reflect on the vertical nature of their relationship vertical nature of their relationship vertical nature of their relationship because he's going to inform the because he's going to inform the because he's going to inform the horizontal nature of their lives. He horizontal nature of their lives. He horizontal nature of their lives. He picks up this historical division picks up this historical division picks up this historical division between Jew and Gentile and he points to between Jew and Gentile and he points to between Jew and Gentile and he points to the spiritual realities that are the spiritual realities that are the spiritual realities that are actually underneath it. So you take the actually underneath it. So you take the actually underneath it. So you take the most pronounced division in that day, most pronounced division in that day, most pronounced division in that day, Jew and Gentile and Paul is going to Jew and Gentile and Paul is going to Jew and Gentile and Paul is going to show us how the gospel actually gets show us how the gospel actually gets show us how the gospel actually gets underneath that in a way that is revolutionary. He reasons this way revolutionary. He reasons this way because we are going to see how a because we are going to see how a because we are going to see how a spiritual identity spiritual identity spiritual identity change to be placed in Christ. change to be placed in Christ. change to be placed in Christ. This This This vertical radical shift affects how we vertical radical shift affects how we vertical radical shift affects how we relate to each other. The vertical relate to each other. The vertical relate to each other. The vertical affects the horizontal. Or to put it affects the horizontal. Or to put it affects the horizontal. Or to put it this way, a biblical identity becomes this way, a biblical identity becomes this way, a biblical identity becomes more foundational than any other more foundational than any other more foundational than any other identity so that Christ transforms us so identity so that Christ transforms us so identity so that Christ transforms us so that we can be that we can be that we can be together. This is the power of a together. This is the power of a together. This is the power of a different kind of identity.

different kind of identity. different kind of identity. This happens in so many spaces in our This happens in so many spaces in our This happens in so many spaces in our human human human experience. Identities have experience. Identities have experience. Identities have power. I'll give you the most recent power. I'll give you the most recent power. I'll give you the most recent identity marker that I have identity marker that I have identity marker that I have embraced. I am now and have been for two embraced. I am now and have been for two embraced. I am now and have been for two years a years a years a grandpa. I've embraced it. Okay. Now, grandpa. I've embraced it. Okay. Now, grandpa. I've embraced it. Okay. Now, but here's the thing about being a but here's the thing about being a but here's the thing about being a grandpa. I was grandpa twice and about grandpa. I was grandpa twice and about grandpa. I was grandpa twice and about to be with two more. Of course I have to be with two more. Of course I have to be with two more. Of course I have four grandkids in about total of 6 weeks four grandkids in about total of 6 weeks four grandkids in about total of 6 weeks here. But what happened when I announced here. But what happened when I announced here. But what happened when I announced that I was going to be a grandpa? that I was going to be a grandpa? that I was going to be a grandpa? Suddenly I had this rush of a particular Suddenly I had this rush of a particular Suddenly I had this rush of a particular question which question which question which was well what are you going to be was well what are you going to be was well what are you going to be called? And I don't know where I missed called? And I don't know where I missed called? And I don't know where I missed this thing about name choosing but this thing about name choosing but this thing about name choosing but people were like you got to choose a people were like you got to choose a people were like you got to choose a name. Like what are your grandkids going name. Like what are your grandkids going name. Like what are your grandkids going to call you? I'm like I I don't know to call you? I'm like I I don't know to call you? I'm like I I don't know dude. um you know, cool guy, you know, dude. um you know, cool guy, you know, dude. um you know, cool guy, you know, and I have a Dutch heritage, so there's and I have a Dutch heritage, so there's and I have a Dutch heritage, so there's Dutch words that could be used like Opa Dutch words that could be used like Opa Dutch words that could be used like Opa sound kind of cool. I felt a lot of sound kind of cool. I felt a lot of sound kind of cool. I felt a lot of pressure to choose a name. In fact, one pressure to choose a name. In fact, one pressure to choose a name. In fact, one of our staff members developed a of our staff members developed a of our staff members developed a spreadsheet with all the suggestions spreadsheet with all the suggestions spreadsheet with all the suggestions that we received from people and one was that we received from people and one was that we received from people and one was actually my favorite. I was really actually my favorite. I was really actually my favorite. I was really tempted because there's a a Dutch tempted because there's a a Dutch tempted because there's a a Dutch grandfather name. It's this Groot grandfather name. It's this Groot grandfather name. It's this Groot Vader. I was like, "Yeah, that's pretty Vader. I was like, "Yeah, that's pretty Vader. I was like, "Yeah, that's pretty cool." Groot Vader. I imagine my kids cool." Groot Vader. I imagine my kids cool." Groot Vader. I imagine my kids coming, my grandkids coming in the coming, my grandkids coming in the coming, my grandkids coming in the house. Groot Vader, Groot Vader. Nah, it house. Groot Vader, Groot Vader. Nah, it house. Groot Vader, Groot Vader. Nah, it sounds too much like Star Wars. So I sounds too much like Star Wars. So I sounds too much like Star Wars. So I dumped that. But so eventually one of my

dumped that. But so eventually one of my dumped that. But so eventually one of my kids just left me off the hook. Let me kids just left me off the hook. Let me kids just left me off the hook. Let me off the hook and he's like, off the hook and he's like, off the hook and he's like, "Dad, could you just go with "Dad, could you just go with "Dad, could you just go with grandpa?" I was like, "Cool. Yeah, let's grandpa?" I was like, "Cool. Yeah, let's grandpa?" I was like, "Cool. Yeah, let's go with that. That's awesome." But go with that. That's awesome." But go with that. That's awesome." But beyond the name, grandpa has transformed beyond the name, grandpa has transformed beyond the name, grandpa has transformed my identity. There are songs that I love my identity. There are songs that I love my identity. There are songs that I love that would have been kind of weird for that would have been kind of weird for that would have been kind of weird for me to sing a number of uh or two years me to sing a number of uh or two years me to sing a number of uh or two years ago. For instance, if you heard me in ago. For instance, if you heard me in ago. For instance, if you heard me in the elevator humming an itsy-bitsy the elevator humming an itsy-bitsy the elevator humming an itsy-bitsy spider, you might think I'm a little spider, you might think I'm a little spider, you might think I'm a little odd, but if I'm a grandpa, it makes odd, but if I'm a grandpa, it makes odd, but if I'm a grandpa, it makes sense. Or if I'm rehearsing the song The sense. Or if I'm rehearsing the song The sense. Or if I'm rehearsing the song The Bibl, yes, that's the book for me. Or Bibl, yes, that's the book for me. Or Bibl, yes, that's the book for me. Or the wheels on the bus go round and the wheels on the bus go round and the wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round. And I find round, round and round. And I find round, round and round. And I find myself singing these songs with great myself singing these songs with great myself singing these songs with great joy and silliness for the delight of my joy and silliness for the delight of my joy and silliness for the delight of my grandchildren. I even love Miss Rachel. grandchildren. I even love Miss Rachel. grandchildren. I even love Miss Rachel. How about How about How about that? This identity has that? This identity has that? This identity has power. All identities have power. And power. All identities have power. And power. All identities have power. And what Paul is arguing is the gospel what Paul is arguing is the gospel what Paul is arguing is the gospel getting underneath all other identities getting underneath all other identities getting underneath all other identities has an enormous power. And he wants us has an enormous power. And he wants us has an enormous power. And he wants us to remember to remember to remember that. Remember secondly our redemption.

that. Remember secondly our redemption. that. Remember secondly our redemption. Look at verse 13. Verse 13 begins with Look at verse 13. Verse 13 begins with Look at verse 13. Verse 13 begins with the two most important words in the two most important words in the two most important words in Ephesians. It is the words but now. Ephesians. It is the words but now. Ephesians. It is the words but now. These words reflect the hope of the These words reflect the hope of the These words reflect the hope of the gospel that we believe in a message that gospel that we believe in a message that gospel that we believe in a message that candidly acknowledges the problem namely candidly acknowledges the problem namely candidly acknowledges the problem namely our sin and separation while pointing us our sin and separation while pointing us our sin and separation while pointing us to the hope that we have in Christ. But to the hope that we have in Christ. But to the hope that we have in Christ. But now is a glorious pivot point. It really now is a glorious pivot point. It really now is a glorious pivot point. It really is a rallying cry for those who are in is a rallying cry for those who are in is a rallying cry for those who are in Christ. We are all but now kind of Christ. We are all but now kind of Christ. We are all but now kind of people. And what follows in this section people. And what follows in this section people. And what follows in this section is another glorious cristocentric is another glorious cristocentric is another glorious cristocentric celebration of the gospel. Paul's celebration of the gospel. Paul's celebration of the gospel. Paul's expanding on what he talks about in expanding on what he talks about in expanding on what he talks about in chapters 1 and two regarding the chapters 1 and two regarding the chapters 1 and two regarding the centrality of Christ and our redemption. centrality of Christ and our redemption. centrality of Christ and our redemption. And he uses this but now language in And he uses this but now language in And he uses this but now language in order to highlight this because but now order to highlight this because but now order to highlight this because but now doesn't matter if you're not in Christ. There's a new category Christ. There's a new category Christian. You're in Christ. But the Christian. You're in Christ. But the Christian. You're in Christ. But the question is, do you know what that question is, do you know what that question is, do you know what that means? Vertically and horizontally.

means? Vertically and horizontally. means? Vertically and horizontally. Martin Luther said this to a spiritually Martin Luther said this to a spiritually Martin Luther said this to a spiritually desparing man in 1530. When the devil desparing man in 1530. When the devil desparing man in 1530. When the devil throws our sins up to us and declares we throws our sins up to us and declares we throws our sins up to us and declares we deserve death and hell, we ought to deserve death and hell, we ought to deserve death and hell, we ought to speak thus. I admit that I deserve death speak thus. I admit that I deserve death speak thus. I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of and hell. What of and hell. What of it? Luther's getting in the devil's it? Luther's getting in the devil's it? Luther's getting in the devil's grill. Sounds like, does this mean that grill. Sounds like, does this mean that grill. Sounds like, does this mean that I shall be sentenced to eternal I shall be sentenced to eternal I shall be sentenced to eternal damnation? By no means. For I know one damnation? By no means. For I know one damnation? By no means. For I know one who suffered and made satisfaction on my who suffered and made satisfaction on my who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, the behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, the behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, the son of God. That's what it means to be son of God. That's what it means to be son of God. That's what it means to be in Christ. So where do we see this in in Christ. So where do we see this in in Christ. So where do we see this in Christ sort of perspective? Verse 13, Christ sort of perspective? Verse 13, Christ sort of perspective? Verse 13, there's five Christ centered statements there's five Christ centered statements there's five Christ centered statements regarding redemption. Paul is just regarding redemption. Paul is just regarding redemption. Paul is just hammering this, hammering this, hammering this, hammering this, hammering this, hammering this, hammering this. Number one, in Christ, hammering this. Number one, in Christ, hammering this. Number one, in Christ, those who are far off have been brought those who are far off have been brought those who are far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. So union near by the blood of Christ. So union near by the blood of Christ. So union with Christ in Christ is only possible with Christ in Christ is only possible with Christ in Christ is only possible because of the death of Jesus, the blood because of the death of Jesus, the blood because of the death of Jesus, the blood of Christ. So the cross created the of Christ. So the cross created the of Christ. So the cross created the means by which a person is made new and means by which a person is made new and means by which a person is made new and brought into fellowship with God and brought into fellowship with God and brought into fellowship with God and with other with other with other Christians. Number two, he himself is Christians. Number two, he himself is Christians. Number two, he himself is our peace. I love this. Jesus personally our peace. I love this. Jesus personally our peace. I love this. Jesus personally purchased by his death peace with God purchased by his death peace with God purchased by his death peace with God and thus making peace with others and thus making peace with others and thus making peace with others possible.

possible. possible. The peace is not merely theoretical or The peace is not merely theoretical or The peace is not merely theoretical or philosophical. It's philosophical. It's philosophical. It's personal. Jesus broke down the dividing personal. Jesus broke down the dividing personal. Jesus broke down the dividing wall and fulfilled the requirements of wall and fulfilled the requirements of wall and fulfilled the requirements of the law so that peace is possible for the law so that peace is possible for the law so that peace is possible for anyone who puts their faith and trust in anyone who puts their faith and trust in anyone who puts their faith and trust in him. Friends, Jesus didn't just bring him. Friends, Jesus didn't just bring him. Friends, Jesus didn't just bring peace. He is our peace. peace. He is our peace. peace. He is our peace. This isn't just a thing he does. This is This isn't just a thing he does. This is This isn't just a thing he does. This is who he is for us. His identity. Who he who he is for us. His identity. Who he who he is for us. His identity. Who he is created an identity for you. Who you is created an identity for you. Who you is created an identity for you. Who you are, who he is is who you are, who he is is who you are, who he is is who you are. He himself is our are. He himself is our are. He himself is our peace. Third verses 15 and 16, he peace. Third verses 15 and 16, he peace. Third verses 15 and 16, he created in himself one new man. Paul created in himself one new man. Paul created in himself one new man. Paul presses this. Jesus creates a new man, a presses this. Jesus creates a new man, a presses this. Jesus creates a new man, a new people. Or you could think of it new people. Or you could think of it new people. Or you could think of it again as a new category, a new identity. again as a new category, a new identity. again as a new category, a new identity. The gospel with this identity gets The gospel with this identity gets The gospel with this identity gets underneath our most pronounced and underneath our most pronounced and underneath our most pronounced and powerful categories in life and culture powerful categories in life and culture powerful categories in life and culture and society. This is why Paul says this and society. This is why Paul says this and society. This is why Paul says this in Colossians 3. You've put on the new in Colossians 3. You've put on the new in Colossians 3. You've put on the new self which is being renewed in the self which is being renewed in the self which is being renewed in the knowledge after the image of its knowledge after the image of its knowledge after the image of its creator.

creator. creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, Here there is not Greek and Jew, Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised, uncircumcised, barbarian, circumcised, uncircumcised, barbarian, circumcised, uncircumcised, barbarian, schyian, slave or free, but Christ is schyian, slave or free, but Christ is schyian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all. So to be in Christ means all and in all. So to be in Christ means all and in all. So to be in Christ means that the identity of Jesus becomes your that the identity of Jesus becomes your that the identity of Jesus becomes your foundational identity. It's the floor of foundational identity. It's the floor of foundational identity. It's the floor of who you are. This is one of the many who you are. This is one of the many who you are. This is one of the many ways that Christ transforms culture and ways that Christ transforms culture and ways that Christ transforms culture and how the church becomes an outpost of how the church becomes an outpost of how the church becomes an outpost of heaven. because beyond all the heaven. because beyond all the heaven. because beyond all the categories of life in Christ has the categories of life in Christ has the categories of life in Christ has the power to change them and as a result power to change them and as a result power to change them and as a result actually make reconciliation actually make reconciliation actually make reconciliation possible. Actually, he's already made possible. Actually, he's already made possible. Actually, he's already made that a reality. The church is already a that a reality. The church is already a that a reality. The church is already a new man. We don't become a new man. It's new man. We don't become a new man. It's new man. We don't become a new man. It's already true. It's just a matter of already true. It's just a matter of already true. It's just a matter of whether or not we look like it. whether or not we look like it. whether or not we look like it. Now, fourth, he preached peace to both. Now, fourth, he preached peace to both. Now, fourth, he preached peace to both. This new society was not accidental. This new society was not accidental. This new society was not accidental. Jesus preached peace to both groups. To Jesus preached peace to both groups. To Jesus preached peace to both groups. To those who were far, he preached peace. those who were far, he preached peace. those who were far, he preached peace. To those who were near, he preached To those who were near, he preached To those who were near, he preached peace. This is a message about one peace. This is a message about one peace. This is a message about one mediator, one body, one spirit, one mediator, one body, one spirit, one mediator, one body, one spirit, one baptism, one faith, one Lord. He baptism, one faith, one Lord. He baptism, one faith, one Lord. He heralded the same gospel to both groups.

heralded the same gospel to both groups. heralded the same gospel to both groups. Five, through him we have access in one Five, through him we have access in one Five, through him we have access in one spirit to the father. Verse 18, not only spirit to the father. Verse 18, not only spirit to the father. Verse 18, not only is the temple curtain torn, but the is the temple curtain torn, but the is the temple curtain torn, but the barrier that limits Gentiles has been barrier that limits Gentiles has been barrier that limits Gentiles has been removed. Jesus created access. The idea removed. Jesus created access. The idea removed. Jesus created access. The idea that's connected to an ancient king or a that's connected to an ancient king or a that's connected to an ancient king or a court and being presented by someone who court and being presented by someone who court and being presented by someone who is trusted. But notice we all have is trusted. But notice we all have is trusted. But notice we all have access in one access in one access in one spirit. One spirit. John Sto says it is spirit. One spirit. John Sto says it is spirit. One spirit. John Sto says it is the spirit who regenerates and seals and the spirit who regenerates and seals and the spirit who regenerates and seals and indwells people who witnesses with our indwells people who witnesses with our indwells people who witnesses with our spirits that we are God's children. We spirits that we are God's children. We spirits that we are God's children. We are all God's children because of Jesus. are all God's children because of Jesus. are all God's children because of Jesus. And then even here we have an example of And then even here we have an example of And then even here we have an example of the trinity. We have the father, the the trinity. We have the father, the the trinity. We have the father, the son, and the spirit right in this text. son, and the spirit right in this text. son, and the spirit right in this text. And this is not by accident. Paul is And this is not by accident. Paul is And this is not by accident. Paul is showing us that the very nature of the showing us that the very nature of the showing us that the very nature of the unified but diverse godhead is at work unified but diverse godhead is at work unified but diverse godhead is at work here. This one new man is meant to say here. This one new man is meant to say here. This one new man is meant to say something vertically about what God is something vertically about what God is something vertically about what God is like. It's a stunning image, is it not?

like. It's a stunning image, is it not? like. It's a stunning image, is it not? Just think of what we have considered. Just think of what we have considered. Just think of what we have considered. Verses Verses Verses 13-8 reflect a Christc centered trinity 13-8 reflect a Christc centered trinity 13-8 reflect a Christc centered trinity proclaiming, gospel saturated, hope proclaiming, gospel saturated, hope proclaiming, gospel saturated, hope creating and redemption rooted vision of creating and redemption rooted vision of creating and redemption rooted vision of what it means to be in what it means to be in what it means to be in Christ. This text heralds what the Christ. This text heralds what the Christ. This text heralds what the gospel is and what it does. This this gospel is and what it does. This this gospel is and what it does. This this new society, this new man, this global new society, this new man, this global new society, this new man, this global and diverse community is at the heart of and diverse community is at the heart of and diverse community is at the heart of the scriptures and what it means to be a the scriptures and what it means to be a the scriptures and what it means to be a Christian. And this is not a new plan. Christian. And this is not a new plan. Christian. And this is not a new plan. This was the plan from the beginning in This was the plan from the beginning in This was the plan from the beginning in creation. The trinitarian God created creation. The trinitarian God created creation. The trinitarian God created man and woman in quote our likeness. In man and woman in quote our likeness. In man and woman in quote our likeness. In Genesis 12, we see God's plan to bless Genesis 12, we see God's plan to bless Genesis 12, we see God's plan to bless the world through Abraham. In Exodus 9, the world through Abraham. In Exodus 9, the world through Abraham. In Exodus 9, we see a deliverance from Egypt and we see a deliverance from Egypt and we see a deliverance from Egypt and God's aim is to proclaim his name in all God's aim is to proclaim his name in all God's aim is to proclaim his name in all the earth. In Exodus 12, we learn of a the earth. In Exodus 12, we learn of a the earth. In Exodus 12, we learn of a mixed multitude that left Egypt. We read mixed multitude that left Egypt. We read mixed multitude that left Egypt. We read of names like MelkiseDC and Jethro and of names like MelkiseDC and Jethro and of names like MelkiseDC and Jethro and Rahab and Ruth who were Gentiles but Rahab and Ruth who were Gentiles but Rahab and Ruth who were Gentiles but grafted in to God's people. It's the grafted in to God's people. It's the grafted in to God's people. It's the Psalms in Psalm 87 that celebrate the Psalms in Psalm 87 that celebrate the Psalms in Psalm 87 that celebrate the nations being welcomed into the city of nations being welcomed into the city of nations being welcomed into the city of God. Isaiah prophesied about the spirit God. Isaiah prophesied about the spirit God. Isaiah prophesied about the spirit being poured out on all nations and that being poured out on all nations and that being poured out on all nations and that God's people would be a highway for the God's people would be a highway for the God's people would be a highway for the nations to come to him. The prophet nations to come to him. The prophet nations to come to him. The prophet Habach tells of a day when the earth Habach tells of a day when the earth Habach tells of a day when the earth would be full of the knowledge of God would be full of the knowledge of God would be full of the knowledge of God like the water covers the sea. In the like the water covers the sea. In the like the water covers the sea. In the New Testament, we see disciples coming New Testament, we see disciples coming New Testament, we see disciples coming from different places, different from different places, different from different places, different occupations, different instincts. We see occupations, different instincts. We see occupations, different instincts. We see his followers are men and women, wealthy his followers are men and women, wealthy his followers are men and women, wealthy and poor, powerful and marginalized. We and poor, powerful and marginalized. We and poor, powerful and marginalized. We hear the great commission in Matthew 28 hear the great commission in Matthew 28 hear the great commission in Matthew 28 to go and to preach the gospel to all of

to go and to preach the gospel to all of to go and to preach the gospel to all of the nations. In the Pentecost, we see the nations. In the Pentecost, we see the nations. In the Pentecost, we see the outpouring of the spirit. In Acts, the outpouring of the spirit. In Acts, the outpouring of the spirit. In Acts, we read of the Gentile and Samaritan we read of the Gentile and Samaritan we read of the Gentile and Samaritan Pentecost. In Romans, we read of God's Pentecost. In Romans, we read of God's Pentecost. In Romans, we read of God's power to reach both the Jew and the power to reach both the Jew and the power to reach both the Jew and the Greek. We see Peter in Acts 10 see the Greek. We see Peter in Acts 10 see the Greek. We see Peter in Acts 10 see the sheet that comes down where God tells sheet that comes down where God tells sheet that comes down where God tells him to take and eat. And we him to take and eat. And we him to take and eat. And we learn of a church in learn of a church in learn of a church in Antioch in Acts chapter Antioch in Acts chapter Antioch in Acts chapter 11. A multithnic church that was so remarkable. So remarkable that people remarkable. So remarkable that people didn't know what to do about it. They didn't know what to do about it. They didn't know what to do about it. They didn't know what to call it. You see, didn't know what to call it. You see, didn't know what to call it. You see, Antioch was a thriving metropolitan city Antioch was a thriving metropolitan city Antioch was a thriving metropolitan city with scores of people from various with scores of people from various with scores of people from various ethnicities and backgrounds. ethnicities and backgrounds. ethnicities and backgrounds. And like so many Roman cities, Antioch And like so many Roman cities, Antioch And like so many Roman cities, Antioch was segregated by design. It was founded was segregated by design. It was founded was segregated by design. It was founded in 300 BC and it was divided with a wall in 300 BC and it was divided with a wall in 300 BC and it was divided with a wall that separated Syrians from Greeks. And that separated Syrians from Greeks. And that separated Syrians from Greeks. And as Roman domination grew, 18 different as Roman domination grew, 18 different as Roman domination grew, 18 different ethnic groups characterized its divided ethnic groups characterized its divided ethnic groups characterized its divided population. But here is a city where a population. But here is a city where a population. But here is a city where a church was planted. And it's here in church was planted. And it's here in church was planted. And it's here in this city where a new kind of work this city where a new kind of work this city where a new kind of work begins. While Jerusalem played a pivotal begins. While Jerusalem played a pivotal begins. While Jerusalem played a pivotal role in the spread of the gospel, role in the spread of the gospel, role in the spread of the gospel, Antioch becomes the epicenter for the Antioch becomes the epicenter for the Antioch becomes the epicenter for the book of Acts and the missionary journeys book of Acts and the missionary journeys book of Acts and the missionary journeys of Paul and the planting of churches.

of Paul and the planting of churches. of Paul and the planting of churches. Here the ministry at Antioch was Here the ministry at Antioch was Here the ministry at Antioch was strategic, but it was also strategic, but it was also strategic, but it was also transformative. You see, the thing was transformative. You see, the thing was transformative. You see, the thing was Antioch wasn't Jewish and it wasn't Antioch wasn't Jewish and it wasn't Antioch wasn't Jewish and it wasn't Gentile. It was both. It wasn't just Gentile. It was both. It wasn't just Gentile. It was both. It wasn't just free. It was slaves. The unity of this free. It was slaves. The unity of this free. It was slaves. The unity of this gospel took root in the church such that gospel took root in the church such that gospel took root in the church such that the walls of culture and ethnicity no the walls of culture and ethnicity no the walls of culture and ethnicity no longer separated them. and their common longer separated them. and their common longer separated them. and their common love for Jesus and one another created a love for Jesus and one another created a love for Jesus and one another created a community of people that the world had community of people that the world had community of people that the world had no category for them. They weren't no category for them. They weren't no category for them. They weren't Jewish. They weren't Greek. What are Jewish. They weren't Greek. What are Jewish. They weren't Greek. What are these people? They had to come up with a these people? They had to come up with a these people? They had to come up with a new name. And guess the name that they new name. And guess the name that they new name. And guess the name that they chose? chose? chose? Christian. They called them Christian. They called them Christian. They called them Christian. Because the category under Christian. Because the category under Christian. Because the category under all the categories transformed their categories. In the book of Galatians, we categories. In the book of Galatians, we read there is neither Jew nor Greek, read there is neither Jew nor Greek, read there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave or free. There is no male or slave or free. There is no male or slave or free. There is no male or female for you are all one in Christ female for you are all one in Christ female for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Oneness in Christ became the Jesus. Oneness in Christ became the Jesus. Oneness in Christ became the hallmark of this church. Underneath the hallmark of this church. Underneath the hallmark of this church. Underneath the most visible and tangible demarcations most visible and tangible demarcations most visible and tangible demarcations of division, a more fundamental reality of division, a more fundamental reality of division, a more fundamental reality emerged. The gospel changed people's emerged. The gospel changed people's emerged. The gospel changed people's hearts which changed relationships.

hearts which changed relationships. hearts which changed relationships. Jesus brought people Jesus brought people Jesus brought people together. And can I remind you it was at together. And can I remind you it was at together. And can I remind you it was at Antioch that Paul confronted Peter. when Antioch that Paul confronted Peter. when Antioch that Paul confronted Peter. when Peter out of fear of the Jews began Peter out of fear of the Jews began Peter out of fear of the Jews began rearranging the tables not wanting to rearranging the tables not wanting to rearranging the tables not wanting to sit with Gentiles like he had before and sit with Gentiles like he had before and sit with Gentiles like he had before and Paul on puts it on record that he Paul on puts it on record that he Paul on puts it on record that he confronted Peter because quote his confronted Peter because quote his confronted Peter because quote his conduct was not in step with the truth conduct was not in step with the truth conduct was not in step with the truth of the of the of the gospel. You see if the gospel is gospel. You see if the gospel is gospel. You see if the gospel is powerful enough to change our eternal powerful enough to change our eternal powerful enough to change our eternal destiny then surely it is powerful destiny then surely it is powerful destiny then surely it is powerful enough to change our dinner tables. We not only need gospel- centered books We not only need gospel- centered books and gospel- centered sermons and gospel- and gospel- centered sermons and gospel- and gospel- centered sermons and gospel- centered movements and gospel- centered centered movements and gospel- centered centered movements and gospel- centered churches, beloved, we need gospel- churches, beloved, we need gospel- churches, beloved, we need gospel- centered dinner tables. The unity of the church across cultural The unity of the church across cultural divisions, it confounded the world. And divisions, it confounded the world. And divisions, it confounded the world. And this wasn't an accident. The nature of this wasn't an accident. The nature of this wasn't an accident. The nature of redemption and the work that Jesus redemption and the work that Jesus redemption and the work that Jesus accomplished, it makes it all possible.

accomplished, it makes it all possible. accomplished, it makes it all possible. This is what the gospel does. Redemption This is what the gospel does. Redemption This is what the gospel does. Redemption creates a new society. creates a new society. creates a new society. TGC at its essence and its core has two TGC at its essence and its core has two TGC at its essence and its core has two documents. We call them the foundational documents. We call them the foundational documents. We call them the foundational documents. One is a confessional documents. One is a confessional documents. One is a confessional statement and the other is a theological statement and the other is a theological statement and the other is a theological vision for ministry. They form the vision for ministry. They form the vision for ministry. They form the essence of what it means to have a essence of what it means to have a essence of what it means to have a centerbound set. The essence of who we centerbound set. The essence of who we centerbound set. The essence of who we are spreads from these two documents. are spreads from these two documents. are spreads from these two documents. Our confessional statement reads as Our confessional statement reads as Our confessional statement reads as follows. Christ Jesus is our peace. He follows. Christ Jesus is our peace. He follows. Christ Jesus is our peace. He has not only brought about peace with has not only brought about peace with has not only brought about peace with God but also peace between alienated God but also peace between alienated God but also peace between alienated peoples. His purpose was to create in peoples. His purpose was to create in peoples. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity, thus making himself one new humanity, thus making himself one new humanity, thus making peace and in one body to reconcile both peace and in one body to reconcile both peace and in one body to reconcile both Jew and Gentile to God through the cross Jew and Gentile to God through the cross Jew and Gentile to God through the cross by which he put to death their by which he put to death their by which he put to death their hostility. The church serves as a sign hostility. The church serves as a sign hostility. The church serves as a sign of God's future new world when its of God's future new world when its of God's future new world when its members live for the service of one members live for the service of one members live for the service of one another and their neighbors rather than another and their neighbors rather than another and their neighbors rather than for self-focus. The church is the for self-focus. The church is the for self-focus. The church is the corporate dwelling place of God's spirit corporate dwelling place of God's spirit corporate dwelling place of God's spirit and the continuing witness to God in the and the continuing witness to God in the and the continuing witness to God in the world. Our theological vision for world. Our theological vision for world. Our theological vision for ministry says this. Because the gospel ministry says this. Because the gospel ministry says this. Because the gospel removes fear and pride, people should removes fear and pride, people should removes fear and pride, people should get along inside the church who could get along inside the church who could get along inside the church who could never get along outside. Because it never get along outside. Because it never get along outside. Because it points us to a man who died for his points us to a man who died for his points us to a man who died for his enemies. The gospel creates enemies. The gospel creates enemies. The gospel creates relationships of service rather than relationships of service rather than relationships of service rather than selfishness. Because the gospel calls us selfishness. Because the gospel calls us selfishness. Because the gospel calls us to holiness. The people of God live in to holiness. The people of God live in to holiness. The people of God live in loving bonds of mutual accountability loving bonds of mutual accountability loving bonds of mutual accountability and discipline. Thus, the gospel creates

and discipline. Thus, the gospel creates and discipline. Thus, the gospel creates a human community radically different a human community radically different a human community radically different from any society around it. Beloved, the church is a one new man. Beloved, the church is a one new man. The church is a reconciled community. The church is a reconciled community. The church is a reconciled community. The church is a place of peace. The The church is a place of peace. The The church is a place of peace. The church is a place where this new church is a place where this new church is a place where this new identity, who we are in Christ, creates identity, who we are in Christ, creates identity, who we are in Christ, creates a subversive effect that transforms a subversive effect that transforms a subversive effect that transforms every other relationship. And when that every other relationship. And when that every other relationship. And when that identity is understood and embraced, it identity is understood and embraced, it identity is understood and embraced, it says something powerful to the world says something powerful to the world says something powerful to the world about the power of the gospel. The idea about the power of the gospel. The idea about the power of the gospel. The idea is the world will look at the church and is the world will look at the church and is the world will look at the church and go that doesn't work anywhere out here. go that doesn't work anywhere out here. go that doesn't work anywhere out here. How does it work How does it work How does it work here? And we could here? And we could here? And we could say because of a resurre a resurrected say because of a resurre a resurrected say because of a resurre a resurrected savior named Jesus. savior named Jesus. savior named Jesus. So we might So we might So we might ask about the present witness of the ask about the present witness of the ask about the present witness of the church in this church in this church in this space. Is the church of Jesus Christ a space. Is the church of Jesus Christ a space. Is the church of Jesus Christ a model to the watching world about how model to the watching world about how model to the watching world about how transformative the gospel can be?

transformative the gospel can be? transformative the gospel can be? Is it patently obvious that our primary Is it patently obvious that our primary Is it patently obvious that our primary identity, what defines us, what we identity, what defines us, what we identity, what defines us, what we really love, what really motivates us, really love, what really motivates us, really love, what really motivates us, is primarily theological, who we are in is primarily theological, who we are in is primarily theological, who we are in Christ. Or is it possible that we are Christ. Or is it possible that we are Christ. Or is it possible that we are allowing other cultural markers to allowing other cultural markers to allowing other cultural markers to divide us and become more foundational divide us and become more foundational divide us and become more foundational than even the reality of the gospel than even the reality of the gospel than even the reality of the gospel itself. itself. itself. Beloved, it takes no creativity or Beloved, it takes no creativity or Beloved, it takes no creativity or redemptive power for divisions to emerge. Again, John Sto, men still build emerge. Again, John Sto, men still build walls of walls of walls of partition. Divisiveness is a constant partition. Divisiveness is a constant partition. Divisiveness is a constant characteristic of every community characteristic of every community characteristic of every community without without without Christ. Biblical unity and diversity is Christ. Biblical unity and diversity is Christ. Biblical unity and diversity is a a a miracle. But thank God, we believe in a miracle. But thank God, we believe in a miracle. But thank God, we believe in a miracle worker. who is the son of God miracle worker. who is the son of God miracle worker. who is the son of God and who made the miracle of redemption and who made the miracle of redemption and who made the miracle of redemption possible. Look, I get it. It's hard.

possible. Look, I get it. It's hard. possible. Look, I get it. It's hard. It's complicated. It's uncomfortable. We It's complicated. It's uncomfortable. We It's complicated. It's uncomfortable. We just got to ask ourselves, what does it just got to ask ourselves, what does it just got to ask ourselves, what does it say to a watching world if you live in a say to a watching world if you live in a say to a watching world if you live in a community that's very diverse, but your community that's very diverse, but your community that's very diverse, but your church just looks very different than church just looks very different than church just looks very different than the rest of the society around you? It's the rest of the society around you? It's the rest of the society around you? It's one thing if your church just resembles one thing if your church just resembles one thing if your church just resembles the community and the community the the community and the community the the community and the community the church look the same. But if your church church look the same. But if your church church look the same. But if your church is a bastion of a particular homogeneous is a bastion of a particular homogeneous is a bastion of a particular homogeneous group and the rest of your community group and the rest of your community group and the rest of your community doesn't look anything like this, we have doesn't look anything like this, we have doesn't look anything like this, we have to ask ourselves, what does that say? to ask ourselves, what does that say? to ask ourselves, what does that say? And I know it's complicated. I know it's And I know it's complicated. I know it's And I know it's complicated. I know it's hard. I know it's challenging. And hard. I know it's challenging. And hard. I know it's challenging. And there's lots of questions. I'm just there's lots of questions. I'm just there's lots of questions. I'm just saying that witness, that opportunity saying that witness, that opportunity saying that witness, that opportunity seems like we are one new man. And seems like we are one new man. And seems like we are one new man. And somehow someway we ought to find ways somehow someway we ought to find ways somehow someway we ought to find ways to with the authority of Christ to with the authority of Christ to with the authority of Christ ask is there a way for the redemptive ask is there a way for the redemptive ask is there a way for the redemptive power of Christ to transform how we power of Christ to transform how we power of Christ to transform how we think about who we think about who we think about who we are. So it is a redemption that we are are. So it is a redemption that we are are. So it is a redemption that we are to remember and then there are results. to remember and then there are results. to remember and then there are results. Here we go verses 19- Here we go verses 19- Here we go verses 19- 22 Paul gives us another list six 22 Paul gives us another list six 22 Paul gives us another list six summary statements about groups. how we summary statements about groups. how we summary statements about groups. how we gather. He talks about a about kingdom, gather. He talks about a about kingdom, gather. He talks about a about kingdom, about family, and about about family, and about about family, and about temple. Verse 19, here's the results. We temple. Verse 19, here's the results. We temple. Verse 19, here's the results. We are no longer strangers and aliens. He are no longer strangers and aliens. He are no longer strangers and aliens. He tells Gentiles what they are not. They tells Gentiles what they are not. They tells Gentiles what they are not. They are no longer outsiders, no longer are no longer outsiders, no longer are no longer outsiders, no longer outcasts, no longer the other. They outcasts, no longer the other. They outcasts, no longer the other. They belong. They belong. They belong. They belong. They belong. They belong. They belong. They belong. They belong. They belong. Christ's redemption created a belong. Christ's redemption created a belong. Christ's redemption created a vertical change in their relationship vertical change in their relationship vertical change in their relationship with God. But it created also a change with God. But it created also a change with God. But it created also a change with other with other with other believers so that God's spiritual

believers so that God's spiritual believers so that God's spiritual acceptance created a social acceptance. acceptance created a social acceptance. acceptance created a social acceptance. They were out, now they're They were out, now they're They were out, now they're in. Next, their fellow citizens. Verse in. Next, their fellow citizens. Verse in. Next, their fellow citizens. Verse 19, they belong to God's kingdom. Go. 19, they belong to God's kingdom. Go. 19, they belong to God's kingdom. Go. Paul is writing here to a people who Paul is writing here to a people who Paul is writing here to a people who understood citizenship. They understood understood citizenship. They understood understood citizenship. They understood kingdom. They understood empire. Rome kingdom. They understood empire. Rome kingdom. They understood empire. Rome dominated everything. And they were a dominated everything. And they were a dominated everything. And they were a part now of a kingdom within the part now of a kingdom within the part now of a kingdom within the kingdom. They are members number three kingdom. They are members number three kingdom. They are members number three of the household of God. Listen, they of the household of God. Listen, they of the household of God. Listen, they are home. They are family. They're are home. They are family. They're are home. They are family. They're brothers and sisters. They are part of brothers and sisters. They are part of brothers and sisters. They are part of the community marked by love and care the community marked by love and care the community marked by love and care and affirmation. They no longer need to and affirmation. They no longer need to and affirmation. They no longer need to knock at the door or ring the doorbell. knock at the door or ring the doorbell. knock at the door or ring the doorbell. They just walk in because they're They just walk in because they're They just walk in because they're home. Number four, they're built on the home. Number four, they're built on the home. Number four, they're built on the foundation of the apostles and the foundation of the apostles and the foundation of the apostles and the prophets with Christ himself being the prophets with Christ himself being the prophets with Christ himself being the cornerstone. Paul now shifts his cornerstone. Paul now shifts his cornerstone. Paul now shifts his metaphor to worship and specifically now metaphor to worship and specifically now metaphor to worship and specifically now to the temple. So, we've gone kingdom, to the temple. So, we've gone kingdom, to the temple. So, we've gone kingdom, we've gone family, now we're going to go we've gone family, now we're going to go we've gone family, now we're going to go temple. Paul's reaching a crescendo temple. Paul's reaching a crescendo temple. Paul's reaching a crescendo here. These believers are connected to here. These believers are connected to here. These believers are connected to something historic. There is a something historic. There is a something historic. There is a construction project taking place and it construction project taking place and it construction project taking place and it is built on nothing less than the is built on nothing less than the is built on nothing less than the apostolic teaching passed down by the apostolic teaching passed down by the apostolic teaching passed down by the apostles and Christ Jesus apostles and Christ Jesus apostles and Christ Jesus himself. Five, this whole structure himself. Five, this whole structure himself. Five, this whole structure being joined together is now growing being joined together is now growing being joined together is now growing into a holy temple in the Lord. Verse into a holy temple in the Lord. Verse into a holy temple in the Lord. Verse 21, this metaphor shift continues with 21, this metaphor shift continues with 21, this metaphor shift continues with the idea that there's something organic, the idea that there's something organic, the idea that there's something organic, something growing that is both connected something growing that is both connected something growing that is both connected and it's alive. So their togetherness and it's alive. So their togetherness and it's alive. So their togetherness isn't just the fruit of their spiritual isn't just the fruit of their spiritual isn't just the fruit of their spiritual lives. No, the joining together fuels

lives. No, the joining together fuels lives. No, the joining together fuels the growth. They're not going to grow the growth. They're not going to grow the growth. They're not going to grow unless they're together. That's the idea unless they're together. That's the idea unless they're together. That's the idea here. The union then creates, listen, a here. The union then creates, listen, a here. The union then creates, listen, a new kind of temple, a place for worship new kind of temple, a place for worship new kind of temple, a place for worship and communion and fellowship before the and communion and fellowship before the and communion and fellowship before the Lord. And sixth, and finally, in him you Lord. And sixth, and finally, in him you Lord. And sixth, and finally, in him you are being built together into a dwelling are being built together into a dwelling are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the spirit. Here's the place for God by the spirit. Here's the place for God by the spirit. Here's the trinity again that shows up at the end. trinity again that shows up at the end. trinity again that shows up at the end. The final description that both The final description that both The final description that both summarizes the message, creates a summarizes the message, creates a summarizes the message, creates a crescendo, and brings the truth of this crescendo, and brings the truth of this crescendo, and brings the truth of this text to a close. In Christ, this ongoing text to a close. In Christ, this ongoing text to a close. In Christ, this ongoing construction project, creates a new construction project, creates a new construction project, creates a new dwelling place for the spirit of God, dwelling place for the spirit of God, dwelling place for the spirit of God, father, son, and spirit. And we catch an father, son, and spirit. And we catch an father, son, and spirit. And we catch an echo of what will appear in Revelation echo of what will appear in Revelation echo of what will appear in Revelation 21 when John writes, "I saw a new heaven 21 when John writes, "I saw a new heaven 21 when John writes, "I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and the and the first earth passed away, and the and the first earth passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw a holy city, sea was no more. And I saw a holy city, sea was no more. And I saw a holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned from God, prepared as a bride adorned from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud for her husband. And I heard a loud for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, voice from the throne saying, "Behold, voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.

the dwelling place of God is with man. the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will He will dwell with them, and they will He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be be his people, and God himself will be be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God." Listen. with them as their God." Listen. with them as their God." Listen. Revelation 21 is our future home. This Revelation 21 is our future home. This Revelation 21 is our future home. This is where the arc of biblical is history is where the arc of biblical is history is where the arc of biblical is history is headed. It is why Jesus died. It's is headed. It is why Jesus died. It's is headed. It is why Jesus died. It's why he's been raised from the dead. This why he's been raised from the dead. This why he's been raised from the dead. This is the conclusion of the story. God is the conclusion of the story. God is the conclusion of the story. God dwelling with his people. I can hardly dwelling with his people. I can hardly dwelling with his people. I can hardly wait for that day. And it's supposed to wait for that day. And it's supposed to wait for that day. And it's supposed to be that every time the church of Jesus be that every time the church of Jesus be that every time the church of Jesus Christ gathers, we get a little reminder Christ gathers, we get a little reminder Christ gathers, we get a little reminder that that day is coming. And we get a that that day is coming. And we get a that that day is coming. And we get a little taste now. Amen. little taste now. Amen. little taste now. Amen. There's coming a day, friends, when all There's coming a day, friends, when all There's coming a day, friends, when all who know and love the King of Kings will who know and love the King of Kings will who know and love the King of Kings will enter into this biblical scene from enter into this biblical scene from enter into this biblical scene from Revelation 7. I looked, and behold, a Revelation 7. I looked, and behold, a Revelation 7. I looked, and behold, a great multitude, and no one could number great multitude, and no one could number great multitude, and no one could number from every nation and peoples and from every nation and peoples and from every nation and peoples and languages, standing before the throne languages, standing before the throne languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white and before the Lamb, clothed in white and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their robes, with palm branches in their robes, with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out with a loud hands. And they cried out with a loud hands. And they cried out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb." And sits on the throne and to the Lamb." And sits on the throne and to the Lamb." And the angels are standing around the the angels are standing around the the angels are standing around the throne. on the elders and the four throne. on the elders and the four throne. on the elders and the four living creatures. They fell on their living creatures. They fell on their living creatures. They fell on their faces before the throne. They worshiped faces before the throne. They worshiped faces before the throne. They worshiped God and they said, "Amen. Blessing and God and they said, "Amen. Blessing and God and they said, "Amen. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God honor and power and might be to our God honor and power and might be to our God forever." On that day, Jesus will stand forever." On that day, Jesus will stand forever." On that day, Jesus will stand as the victor. Sin will be defeated.

as the victor. Sin will be defeated. as the victor. Sin will be defeated. Satan will be banished. Redemption will Satan will be banished. Redemption will Satan will be banished. Redemption will be accomplished. The ark of God's plan be accomplished. The ark of God's plan be accomplished. The ark of God's plan will be completed. And every seven days will be completed. And every seven days will be completed. And every seven days when the church of Jesus Christ gathers, when the church of Jesus Christ gathers, when the church of Jesus Christ gathers, we celebrate that spiritual reality that we celebrate that spiritual reality that we celebrate that spiritual reality that makes that vision makes that vision makes that vision possible. But beloved, that vision is possible. But beloved, that vision is possible. But beloved, that vision is not just supposed to be in the future. not just supposed to be in the future. not just supposed to be in the future. We are an outpost of heaven right now. We are an outpost of heaven right now. We are an outpost of heaven right now. Our gatherings are a foretaste of what Our gatherings are a foretaste of what Our gatherings are a foretaste of what is to come. We get glimpses, hints that is to come. We get glimpses, hints that is to come. We get glimpses, hints that we could see the beauty of what is a we could see the beauty of what is a we could see the beauty of what is a reality vertically and also reality vertically and also reality vertically and also horizontally. So can I call you to this horizontally. So can I call you to this horizontally. So can I call you to this I hope compelling call to action while I hope compelling call to action while I hope compelling call to action while the world keeps fracturing and struggles the world keeps fracturing and struggles the world keeps fracturing and struggles to find a path forward when it comes to to find a path forward when it comes to to find a path forward when it comes to anything that is characterized by anything that is characterized by anything that is characterized by togetherness. As the world is scrambling togetherness. As the world is scrambling togetherness. As the world is scrambling to figure out what do we do with this to figure out what do we do with this to figure out what do we do with this problem? What if in this moment the problem? What if in this moment the problem? What if in this moment the church of Jesus Christ stepped into that church of Jesus Christ stepped into that church of Jesus Christ stepped into that space in our generation with biblical, space in our generation with biblical, space in our generation with biblical, theological, theological, theological, historical and relational historical and relational historical and relational truth? What if the church, this one new truth? What if the church, this one new truth? What if the church, this one new man, began to live out our identity of man, began to live out our identity of man, began to live out our identity of being alive together? And every seven being alive together? And every seven being alive together? And every seven days we saw that reality manifested as days we saw that reality manifested as days we saw that reality manifested as people gathered, the vertical and the people gathered, the vertical and the people gathered, the vertical and the horizontal. Because the church of Jesus horizontal. Because the church of Jesus horizontal. Because the church of Jesus Christ

Christ Christ has a new identity. We have a new has a new identity. We have a new has a new identity. We have a new identity that gets underneath all other identity that gets underneath all other identity that gets underneath all other categories. It transforms everything categories. It transforms everything categories. It transforms everything else around us. We are already a new else around us. We are already a new else around us. We are already a new society. We are alive together such that society. We are alive together such that society. We are alive together such that the church of Jesus Christ can look like the church of Jesus Christ can look like the church of Jesus Christ can look like heaven right now because it's not that heaven right now because it's not that heaven right now because it's not that we're just going to be alive together in we're just going to be alive together in we're just going to be alive together in the future. We are alive together now. the future. We are alive together now. the future. We are alive together now. Praise God. Yes sir. And so Lord Jesus, let it Yes sir. And so Lord Jesus, let it be. Let it be in communities all around be. Let it be in communities all around be. Let it be in communities all around the world and in our nation and even the world and in our nation and even the world and in our nation and even here in this assembly. Let it be that we here in this assembly. Let it be that we here in this assembly. Let it be that we are a new kind of people, a new are a new kind of people, a new are a new kind of people, a new man. Lord, we thank you that this vision man. Lord, we thank you that this vision man. Lord, we thank you that this vision given to us by the death, burial, and given to us by the death, burial, and given to us by the death, burial, and resurrection of your son is as true resurrection of your son is as true resurrection of your son is as true today as it was in today as it was in today as it was in Antioch. And we would pray that in some Antioch. And we would pray that in some Antioch. And we would pray that in some ways we might take strides and steps in ways we might take strides and steps in ways we might take strides and steps in our local communities, in our churches, our local communities, in our churches, our local communities, in our churches, in our in our in our relationships, in our dinner tables.

relationships, in our dinner tables. relationships, in our dinner tables. that we could embrace the vision of what that we could embrace the vision of what that we could embrace the vision of what it means to be this new society. God, it means to be this new society. God, it means to be this new society. God, help us. This is a complicated space. help us. This is a complicated space. help us. This is a complicated space. It's fraught with many trials and It's fraught with many trials and It's fraught with many trials and dangers. It's fraught with dangers. It's fraught with dangers. It's fraught with uncomfortability. and how we pray that uncomfortability. and how we pray that uncomfortability. and how we pray that you would grant us grace to persevere you would grant us grace to persevere you would grant us grace to persevere with a dream of the church living out with a dream of the church living out with a dream of the church living out its calling to live in the light of this its calling to live in the light of this its calling to live in the light of this gospel and in its implications. And we gospel and in its implications. And we gospel and in its implications. And we pray this in the name of our resurrected pray this in the name of our resurrected pray this in the name of our resurrected king in Jesus name. Amen. king in Jesus name. Amen. king in Jesus name. Amen. [Music]