Thorburn-Sutherland's River Pastoral Charge

Let us bow our heads in prayer and ask that our Holy Father gives us peace and stillness this morning to receive his message for us. Send us your Holy Spirit, O God, to prepare us to receive your Word. Silence in us any voice but your own, that hearing you, we may obey your will and follow your ways in the example of Jesus Christ, the Living Word. Amen.

It’s common nowadays, when so many churches are losing members or closing altogether, to hear it said that the church is only a building and that’s it’s the people inside which are the true church. It is true that the people are God’s church, however, we must always remember that while the church is a building, it is also the place where we gather together to worship God and to strengthen each other in the faith. And it’s important that we always do so for the church is a place for the family of God to come together to worship him and to take the time to learn more about his presence in our lives as we build our faith together.

And in today’s lesson from the book of Ephesians we’ll hear how the Apostle Paul addresses that idea. His insights offer a deep understanding that continues to ring true today in our journey of faith. So, let’s have a look at what Paul has to teach us this morning.

He begins by saying, “So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.” Now here Paul is talking about the culture of his time. In that era the Christian church was made up of two groups, Jews and Gentiles. The Jews were those people who worshipped the God of Israel, who is also the God of our Christian faith. The Gentiles, before we they were reconciled to God, were all those who worshipped other gods, or no god at all.

The Holy Spirit, and the grace of God, working through the apostles, and other early believers, brought the two groups together through their common bond of their belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Saviour of mankind. Through him they were to have forgiveness of sins and the promise of life eternal. But, as is always the case, the cultural differences between the Jews and the Gentiles were causing divisions within the church. Each of the two groups had different opinions on how best to worship God and they both thought they were right in what they believed, and this was causing a rift between them.

Not unlike the Christian church in our time, there were many points of contention between different dominations. Fortunately, that is becoming less and less as we realize the most important part of Christianity is to follow the example of Jesus as he leads us closer and closer to God.

It’s important to note that at this point in the scriptures, Paul was being held prisoner in Rome and it had been four years since he had last seen the elders of the Ephesian church face to face, yet word had gotten back to him about the problems which had the potential to divide the church in half. There was so much animosity amongst the members that Paul was fearful that all the work he had done to bring the people of Ephesus to Christ would be for nought.

So, Paul writes to them, speaking a message of peace, reminding them that Jesus had come preaching a message of peace, and of reconciliation and unity. Paul reminds them that, “through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father”. Through the work of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit all believers have access to God the Father. This message of peace was promised by Jesus to his disciples on the night of the Last Supper, when he said to them, “‘But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you.’” (John 14:26-27)

What Paul is telling them is that Jesus’ work brings peace and access to God for all believers, regardless of their background. And this unity and peace is available to all people. Paul puts into words the idea of mending relationships and the opportunity to engage in spiritual unity, which can be obtained through faith. It's a reminder of the possibility for harmony and understanding in a world that often seems divided. This passage serves as an invitation to embrace a sense of community and shared humanity, encouraging individuals to find common ground in the pursuit of peace and spiritual fulfillment. It's a call to look beyond our differences and to recognize the deeper connection that we all share in God.

Therefore, because of that, Paul is able to promise them, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God,” In saying this he speaks to the idea that through faith, individuals are not only accepted, but are also built into something greater than themselves, with a strong foundation laid by the teachings and sacrifices of those who came before them. Through faith in Jesus, believers are no longer outsiders or foreigners but are now part of God’s family. Every person has a place and purpose within this spiritual building, contributing to its strength and continuity.

Paul clearly tells us that this household of God is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.” The cornerstone was the first stone to be placed at a construction site when a building got under way. Its function was to set the pattern for the building as a whole. Jesus is seen as the cornerstone for our Christian faith, and he ensures the stability and integrity of the structure, much like the cornerstone in construction that holds the building in alignment. Christ is thus given priority and is the one who sets the standard for all who follow.

And the Apostle Paul says, Christ himself is the chief cornerstone. When you build a building, you place the cornerstone. And all the measurements of that building are taken from that cornerstone. Everything relates to it. The whole building ties together because of the cornerstone. Paul describes Jesus as having that relationship with us, the cornerstone of our church and faith as God’s family.

Paul then summarizes his thoughts with these words, “In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.”

Here Paul speaks to the unity and growth of believers as they come together to form a spiritual home for God. The 'whole structure' mentioned is the body of the church, joined and growing in harmony, symbolizing how we, as of followers of the faith, are all interconnected.

Paul’s words, “in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God,” reinforces this idea, emphasizing that this spiritual building is not made of stone and mortar, but of the faithful, who are bonded together through their shared belief and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This reminds us that the church is not merely a place, but a people, united in purpose and spirit, forming a living, breathing testament to their faith and commitment to God and each other. And what we must make note of is that this building is not finished. It is in the process of growing and will continue to grow as the knowledge of God is passed on to others. Our relationship with God is the most important part of our lives, and as the church family of God, it is up to us to continue building up not only our own faith but helping others find their faith as well.

In this passage from Ephesians Paul gives us three different truths about what it means to be a Christian. First, he talks about the kingdom of God, when he says that we are “fellow citizens with the saints.” Then he speaks of us being a family, we are, “members of the household of God”. And thirdly is the structure, or building, in which we meet to give glory to God, “a holy temple ... for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit”.

These three things paint a picture of a place where believers are united as citizens in a divine kingdom with Jesus Christ as its head. Everything is “in Christ,” “in him,” “by him,” “through him.,” All things come to us in Christ. If we do not have Jesus, there is no way we can have fellowship with God. As Jesus said to his disciples on the night of the Last Supper, “‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’” (John 14:6-7) So it is all built on Christ. He is the great cornerstone of our faith. And yet we are all members of it, stones being joined together through God’s love for us. We are part of God’s church and family, with Jesus as our cornerstone.

Let us Pray:

Dear God,

Grant us the strength to be the church, not just within these hallowed walls, but out in the world where hearts ache, where hope is fragile, and love is needed.

Help us be the church that listens, that hears the silent cries of those around us, and offers compassion without judgment.

Guide us to be the church that serves, not for recognition or applause, but because service is an act of worship, and love is best expressed through action.

And, Lord, may we be the church that loves, not just with words, but with deeds, embracing all as brothers and sisters, for in love, we find our true identity.

Amen.