- [00:00:00] It’s once again a blessing to be here. It is a huge privilege for me to worship with you, brothers and sisters from all over the world, from different people groups. I have been learning a lot from many of you. As you just heard, I’m from the Congo, and I want to begin there. There is a book I recently read called *In Praise of Blood* by Canadian journalist Judy River. In her book, she writes, “Violence is never abstract for the victim or the perpetrators.” - [00:00:44] Since the 1990s, especially in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where I’m from, there has been great political unrest. Using the language of this author, it has been a never-ending cycle of violence. Peace has become an illusion. People wonder, “Will we ever have peace at all?” Instead of the gospel of peace, a gospel of revenge and a culture of violence continue to wreak havoc. As things stand now, over 10 million people have lost their lives. Many have been forcibly displaced; they have lost their homes and livelihoods. And as I speak, my parents are still in that region, so this is very personal for me. - [00:01:36] So, what do we do? I remember speaking with an expert on conflict in Eastern Congo and the Great Lakes region of Africa. I say “Great Lakes” because in America, we have the Great Lakes; over there, they have a region with the same name. This expert told me that the gospel is a tool that strengthens the powerful. I told him, “No, I believe the gospel is actually the solution to the conflict in the DRC.” Knowing that he had attended a Roman Catholic seminary before his PhD studies, I specifically mentioned Ephesians 2:1-22, especially the passage we read today. - [00:02:20] Guess what he said? “Well, this passage has been used by colonizers to dominate in Africa. This cannot help us.” So I asked, “What is the solution?” He said, “No, people must fight for their unity.” I responded, “Really? Trust me, I know it won’t work, because it hasn’t worked for many years now.” I said this because I believe we need the gospel of the Prince of Peace, Jesus. If true peace is to be experienced, both victims and perpetrators, the oppressed and the oppressors, need it. It’s not about “Oh, I’m a victim, therefore I’m virtuous,” or “I’ve been a perpetrator, so there is no hope for me.” We need to come to the Lord’s table and realize that all these categories have been shattered. Then we can say, “Oh, I can also come.” That’s the only thing that can truly bring peace. - [00:03:44] In response, this scholar made it clear that he believed the gospel would not work. But I want to say to all of you that the gospel is the greatest equalizer I know. Why? Because the gospel is for the so-called privileged and the unprivileged. It is for both majority and minority. It’s for both rich and poor, young and old, great and small. It’s for the smallest and greatest of castes, tribes, and ethnic groups. The gospel is for you—no matter which category you find yourself in, whether you think of yourself as an insider or outsider, American or non-American, immigrant or non-immigrant. You can keep adding to the list. This gospel is for you. - [00:05:19] But we must first realize that our value is not in our families of birth, our positions, possessions, power, or even ethnic groups and castes. We must abandon the view that these things define us. Instead, we must humbly realize that our value, dignity, and identity are found in Christ Jesus by grace through faith. Only this gospel—the good news—can bring us together. Those who were once enemies do not just become friends who live together; they become family members in Christ. Christ, as we will see, creates a new humanity. That is what we are right now, and it will be even more complete when He returns. - [00:06:12] Our passage today, Ephesians 2:1-22, reminds us that when we become children of God in Christ, members of this Christ-created new humanity, we can be different in our backgrounds yet one in Christ. Why? Because in Christ we become eternal brothers and sisters. We become fellow heirs with Christ and fellow citizens of this new country—the church. - [00:07:02] For that reason, we do not view ourselves or make decisions about which church to attend, whom to marry, or with whom to associate based on worldly, tribal, ethnic, or cultural categories. Instead, we view ourselves according to Christ, in whom we are brought into union and fellowship with the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So the title of our message today is: *In Christ, You Are Members of God’s New Family.* We have three points today, which I realize many of you love—especially Presbyterians—three points. If you want to remember them, it’s the three Rs: Remember, Realize, Reconcile. - [00:07:56] Remember, you were far away. Realize, Christ has brought you near. Reconcile, as members of God’s new family. This all happens because you are in Christ. - [00:08:43] Before we continue, let us pray. Father, we thank You for Your Word and its power to change lives. We pray You would enlighten our hearts and minds, shaping and molding us into the image of Your Son. May Your Spirit fill us now, granting humility and boldness as we receive Your Word. Open the eyes and ears of our hearts that we may see You as You are and hear Your voice clearly. Today, may we be edified and motivated to glorify You in all we do. We pray this trusting in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. - [00:09:30] Thank you. Just a reminder: the message is *In Christ, you are members of God’s new family.* Three points: Remember, Realize, Reconcile. First point: Remember, you were far away. This refers to relational distance and alienation. We were far off from God and His people. - [00:11:06] One thing I love about Paul is his logical approach. In Ephesians 2:11, Paul says, “Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called the uncircumcision…” To understand why Paul says “therefore,” we need to look back. Throughout Ephesians chapters 1 and 2, there is repetition of the phrase “in Christ.” Even in Colossians and other letters, similar expressions appear. This is because all spiritual blessings believers have are “in Christ.” In Christ, we have been chosen before the foundation of the world and made God’s children in His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. - [00:12:59] But that didn’t happen because we belonged to a privileged family. It happened because of God’s great mercy and grace. Chapters 2:1-10 describe that we were dead in our trespasses and sins, but God saved us by grace through faith in Christ, making us His children to do good works prepared beforehand. - [00:13:54] Therefore, Paul says, remember that at one time Gentiles were called “uncircumcision,” a term made in the flesh by hands. This meant they were separated from God, alienated from Israel’s commonwealth, strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. Paul acknowledges that it’s easy to forget this unless we remember what it meant to be unprivileged. Salvation is the greatest blessing, but we must remember where God brought us from. - [00:14:41] The Ephesians, who were Gentiles, were called “uncircumcised” by Jews. Imagine bearing that name—viewed as outsiders, unclean. Circumcision was supposed to point to a spiritual reality, but many Israelites missed that, keeping only the ritual. They viewed people by this external mark rather than the spiritual reality it symbolized—Christ who was to come. This created division between circumcised and uncircumcised, clean and unclean. - [00:16:19] One commentator summarizes this by saying the Gentiles were “Christless, stateless, friendless, hopeless, and godless.” That’s not a hopeful situation. Being outside God and His people plunges one into relational darkness and distance. - [00:17:13] This alienation was more relational than physical. They had no sense of belonging. In such situations, we are powerless. Only God can intervene. Isaiah 8 ends in gloom and darkness, describing this relational alienation. Thankfully, God does not want us to remain in this state. He desires to bring us to a place where we know we are loved and belong. - [00:18:00] Isaiah 9 brings the famous Christmas message: the Prince of Peace brings light where there was gloom and anguish. Christ, the light of peace and life, came to end relational darkness and bring God’s presence. Isaiah 9:1-2 says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” This darkness is relational, not physical. Jesus came to end this darkness. - [00:19:38] On the cross, there were three hours of darkness as Jesus died. He cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” This cry was not for Himself but for those He represented. This was the ultimate relational forsakenness in history. Because Christ had eternal fellowship with the Father, He could come to the heart of our alienation and end it. Through His forsakenness, we become accepted by God and fellow believers. - [00:20:24] Because He suffered for your sin and mine, now I can bear with you when you sin against me, and you can bear with me when I sin against you. We can forgive one another—not because we are good, but because Christ is good and died for us. - [00:21:14] Let us now look at what Christ did on the cross. Point two: Realize that Christ has brought you near. This refers to relational nearness. Christ reconciles us to God and His people. Often, preachers focus on God and man’s relationship, which is central, but here Paul emphasizes that Christ brings us into His community—a community of believers. - [00:22:06] Verses 13-18 describe this shift: “But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Notice it’s “but now” and always “in Christ.” The Westminster Catechism reminds us that all privileges believers receive are only “in Christ.” Jesus was not scared by the great distance between God and us because He had what it takes to remove it—His blood. - [00:23:43] We are often scared of war because it involves shedding blood and possible death. Jesus shed His blood to end our relational darkness and grant access to the Father from whom all humanity was alienated since the fall. - [00:24:24] Why is blood so important? Hebrews 9:22b says, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” The penalty of sin is death. Leviticus says life is in the blood. Blood symbolizes death; only the blood of someone perfect in holiness can be accepted by God. Jesus is that perfect man and God. Because of this, He took our sin and overcame death on our behalf. - [00:25:59] Through Christ’s blood, our sin is removed as far as the east is from the west. We are declared righteous as if standing in Christ’s place. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake God made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Having become righteous, we have peace with God—the relational distance is removed. - [00:26:46] When you have conflict with a loved one, it feels like war. Some may be feeling that distance from God today because of sin or what others have done to them. But the good news is you are never too far from God for Christ not to bring you near. Those far off have been brought near by Christ’s blood. - [00:27:34] Isaiah 57:18-19 says, “I have seen his ways… I will heal him… peace to the far and to the near.” This peace is the healing of broken relationships, not just for those born into Christian homes but for everyone. This is the only thing that can restore broken relationships. - [00:28:52] When you realize what Christ has done in bringing us who were far off near, it changes how I view you. You are my brother, my sister—not just in this life but for eternity. So I have a genuine interest in seeking reconciliation with you because I am not condemned—neither by myself nor by you. I know you love me, even if imperfectly. - [00:29:39] Paul applies Isaiah’s words to Jesus, “He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.” Now we have the solution: Christ is peace. Maybe this is your first time at church or even your first time hearing this message. You are welcome here, no matter what you have done. God’s gospel extends welcome even to the worst of sinners. You are more loved than you can imagine, and that is what brings peace. - [00:31:18] Remember, this cost Christ His life so that by faith you may freely access your Father and your brothers. You don’t have to pretend everything is okay or talk badly about your brother behind his back. Cry out in faith, like a newborn baby cries out in its first seconds on earth. Christ will grant you peace. - [00:32:14] Verse 14 says, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” Peace is a person before it is an activity or sermon. Because Christ is the embodiment of God’s peace, He can make peace and proclaim peace. Look to Jesus, who put His life on the line. He died so that you and I can be at peace—not just with God, but with one another. - [00:33:44] What is peace? It is not just a feeling of calm by the water. Biblical peace, or *shalom*, is well-being, prosperity, and security—rooted in God’s presence among His people through Christ. There can be no peace for the wicked. Peace comes from having right standing with God through Christ. - [00:34:27] Through Christ’s death and resurrection, what was impossible has been accomplished: both Gentiles and Jews have peace with God and with one another. Paul calls the combined people “the Israel of God,” meaning both Jews and Gentiles are one new nation, God’s people. - [00:35:13] Christ abolished the wall of hostility, both physical and spiritual, that separated Jews and Gentiles. The temple in Jerusalem had courts separated by walls; Gentiles were cut off, unable to approach or even see the temple. There were warning signs that trespassers would be executed. - [00:36:49] Christ was not scared of this separation or death. He said, “It’s worth dying for this,” so that all people—different tribes, colors, and ethnicities—can come together in worship and peace. In Christ, Jews and Gentiles become one new humanity, people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. - [00:38:32] Verses 15-16 say, “Christ abolished the law of commandments expressed in ordinances that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, making peace and reconciling both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” - [00:39:12] This does not mean there is no law or that we don’t obey God. Rather, Christ fulfilled the ceremonial laws and shattered the notion that one must obey the law perfectly to belong to God’s community. He became both the offering and the High Priest. - [00:40:40] Unity and diversity are possible because God is one but also three persons—the Trinity. This gospel is the only way to true reconciliation. We cannot manufacture it ourselves; anything we do falls short. Christ was slain but was also the slayer—He killed the enmity between us and God and each other. - [00:41:27] One commentator says, “Christ in His death was slain, but the slain was the slayer too.” Paul calls this a mystery: that Jews and Gentiles become fellow members of the same body and partakers of God’s promises. - [00:42:12] This mystery is profound because humans tend to love only their small groups. I know this from my country, where people are categorized by tribe more than by country. The world keeps categorizing us by these features, misusing God’s good creation. - [00:43:36] But Christ says, “No. You are human beings created in God’s image. You have sinned and need to be defined, not by your tribe, but by the work I have done.” - [00:44:16] Now we can marry, associate, and offer jobs not based on tribe or nationality, but based on who we are in the Lord. This does not require strategies or human effort; God, who knows our frailty, intervenes. - [00:45:04] Verse 18 says, “For through Him [Jesus Christ] we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” This trinitarian unity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is the foundation of our reconciliation. We cannot do it alone; we need supernatural intervention. - [00:46:27] Reconciliation is a trinitarian miracle, not something the UN or human efforts can produce. We must first be restored to God through Christ; then the Spirit brings us together. - [00:47:11] So, don’t try to manufacture reconciliation in your own power. Don’t be a peace-breaker; be a peacemaker. Christ has made peace with God and with you. - [00:47:51] The last point: Reconcile as members of God’s new family. To illustrate, I share my own experience. I have been a student both in Uganda and here in the US. My visa always said “non-immigrant alien,” reminding me I didn’t belong. Maybe you have felt that way too. - [00:48:32] Even permanent residency isn’t as permanent as we think. But Paul’s point is that we already have the best status: we are citizens of the heavenly city. That defines us. - [00:49:16] Having lived as a stranger in many countries, I sometimes felt unwelcome. But in the church, when I meet you and your families, I am reminded you are my brothers and sisters in Christ. Christ has brought us together. Reconciliation needs to remain in this eternal context. - [00:50:00] We must consider earthly citizenships but realize that Christ’s citizenship is better, defining everything we do. We are no longer strangers and aliens but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. - [00:50:54] We are not Christless, stateless, friendless, or hopeless. We have God with us. It doesn’t matter if you belong to a minority or majority group. You are God’s beloved son or daughter, because of God’s beloved Son who died for you. - [00:51:40] The universal church is your state. Wherever you go, it’s the Father’s world; you belong sincerely and truly. Ephesians 2:20 tells us the foundation of this unity is Christ, the cornerstone. We are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets who pointed to Him. Christ is the hero of the story—neither I nor Pastor JP nor you are the center. God is. - [00:52:28] We are one in Christ. Let us rejoice that Christ has made peace with God and with each other. We are being built together into a dwelling place for God the Father by the Spirit. - [00:53:01] The categories we built will remain. You will still speak your language, remember your tribe or ethnic group. But you will say, “I have something better with my brothers and sisters here.” You meet Christian brothers at work and say, “Yes, in Christ we are one.” It won’t be political techniques—it will be Christ who helps us realize this. - [00:53:48] So the call is to reconcile. It begins with realizing we were far off, that Christ has done what we cannot do. Then we can be assured that when conflict arises with a brother or sister, we can speak honestly, not pretend everything is okay. - [00:54:33] I come from a non-Western culture where we often avoid direct confrontation and gossip instead. But God calls us to humility and honesty with one another so we can be true peacemakers like our Savior and Lord. - [00:54:51] It will be hard but it’s worth it because this unity will last until Christ returns—and it will get better. We need God’s help. Just as the Trinity brings us together into God’s one family, the Trinity must maintain this unity. - [00:55:00] We must rely on Him by faith through Christ. We cannot do this on our own. Please pray for us so that together we may become peacemakers in Christ. Amen.