United to One Another

Ephesians 2:19–22

In Christ, we move from being strangers to being part of God’s family. The church is like a spiritual house, based on the teachings of the apostles and prophets. Christ is the main stone that holds everything together, making it holy. Even though we might struggle to live up to this sacred calling, Ephesians gives us hope for change, guiding us towards becoming a place where God’s Spirit lives.

1. What we were

Ephesians 2:19 talks about feeling spiritually lost, comparing life without God to being outsiders and strangers. This feeling of spiritual homelessness, which comes up often in the Bible, matches some views that suggest deep loneliness and feeling out of place are part of being human. But the good news is that through Jesus Christ, we can find our true home in God, turning feeling lost into feeling loved.

2. What we are

Paul uses metaphors like citizens, family members, and stones in a temple to show how deep our connection with God and other believers can be. Even though our family and culture can shape us a lot, it’s the message of Jesus Christ that can truly transform us, creating a strong bond among Christians from all walks of life. This unity requires more than just going to church. It asks for honesty, responsibility, deep friendships, shared hardships, welcoming others into our lives, and a shared sense of spirituality within the Christian community.

3. How we can really become what we are

Unity is a natural outcome for those changed by the gospel, but it needs to be cared for and shown. Seeing Jesus as the main stone in our lives strengthens our bond with other believers because we’re all shaped by His teachings. Remembering God’s deep love and welcoming nature, shown through Jesus’ sacrifice, should guide us to live a life focused on love and community, which last forever.