I invite you to turn to the morning text, found in Ephesians chapter 2

verses 11 through 22. If you're looking in the pew Bible that's page 1, 390.

Ephesians chapter 2,

11 through 22.

Therefore, remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by the

so-called circumcision, which is performed in the flesh by human hands, remember that you were

at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the Commonwealth of Israel,

and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For he himself is our peace who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall by abolishing

in his flesh the enmity which is the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in himself he might make the

two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through

the cross by it having put to death the enmity.

And he came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

For through him we both have our actions. and peace to those who are near.

For through him we both have our access in one spirit to the Father.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the Saints and are of God's

household, having been built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets.

Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building being fitted together is growing into a holy temple

in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the spirit.

Last week we saw from Ephesians chapter 1, verse 23, that the destiny of the church, the body of Christ,

is to be the fullness with which Christ fills all in all.

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