Ephesians 2:11-22
Paul's message, that we are all one in Christ, was pretty revolutionary at the time he was delivering it. But when I read Ephesians 2:11-23 today, it doesn't seem that way to me because things have changed over the years. All I've ever been taught or known is that we are one in Christ and there are no distinctions. Even so, it is so easy to let our prejudices (and yes, we all them) slip in and get in the way. Our mindset should be--one big happy family.
So are you with me on this? What are you going to do with what you learned in Ephesians 2:11-23? Tami W.
it is gud tor ealise that once we are born again there is no demecation btwn all children of God the old has gone and the new has come and as children of God we should not view ourselves highly than others but helps us to approach lyf with a humble attitude and sprit
It seems that there is some confusion in what Dr. Kroll says about "doing" something for salvation. His overall point is quite biblical, however, when he criticizes the question of what to do to be saved, in the very next statement he asks if we have done something (i.e. asked Christ into our hearts).
Is not "asking" the act of doing? If so, perhaps not all "doing" is as wrong as Dr. Kroll teaches.
Perhaps this distinction may be considered "splitting hairs", but it is imperative that we "do" something in order to accept the free gift of salvation from God.
I am now a member of this whole family - however, as a member, I need to remember to welcome all who join, not just ones "I" want to join. After all, I'm not the head of the family so I'm not in charge of "sending out the invitation". ;-)
I am sure that there are some of you that remember when the Berlin Wall was removed and the freedom that gave to both East and West Germany. I see this, as the same type of picture that Paul is painting here, no longer is there anything that allows some to have a relationship with Christ and His gift of salvation. It is not an exclusive gift for some, but for all that will just acknowledge it. It does require that we do something—we must accept the gift and acknowledge that it is not because of who we are or where we come from; we do not receive it because of doing things that man commanded us to do. We do not get it because we were born a certain race. It is free to all and knows no borders, no walls, no color, and no class it belongs to everyone. And I am so thankful that I have accepted the gift He gave to me and want everyone to also accept his or her gift of Salvation and all the other things that that gives to us. If someone you loved gave you a gift, just because they loved you, would you not accept it and open it with wonder and anticipation?