One in Christ
Ephesians 2:11-21
July 22, 2018
The early church was faced with the challenge of preaching the saving Gospel to Jews and non Jews who had vastly different cultures, vastly different values, and incompatible religious backgrounds. Additionally the non Jews had few morals. Traditionally the Jews were extremely xenophobic –that is they were distrustful of foreigners. “They had their enemies list --- often with justification. They were also ethnocentric --- they felt that they were inherently better than other people-- that is their ethnicity was superior. Think about their attitudes towards the Samaritans for example.
Looking at the first century Roman/pagan/Greek activities it is understandable how this, non Biblical, attitude existed. For the most part the Jews lived in their own world even as they moved out of Israel and dispersed to other areas such as Ephesus. They had possession of the Law for over 1500 years. And they had the teachings of the prophets. Many zealously and legalistically tried to live by this law even after departing from Israel. This is a factor in some segments of Judaism today. Christian congregations -that is faith Communities – were a mixture of Jewish and Gentile believers at that time..
The practice of circumcision was a dividing point in many early congregations. The Jewish followers of Christ felt that the gentile converts should also be required to be circumcised before they were accepted into the church. The Apostles and church Elders met in Jerusalem ( Acts 15: ) and, led by the Holy Spirit, they agreed that circumcision should not be a requirement. They agreed that it would be a burden for the new gentile believers. They sent a letter to the churches listing the minimal requirements for them to follow. They were asked to refrain from eating food offered to idols , from eating blood, and from eating food obtained from animals that have been strangled. Additionally, they were to abstain from sexual immorality – conduct commonly practiced by gentiles ---- but clearly sinful and particularly offensive to Jews. Circumcision, as a requirement, was excluded. Some stubbornly continued to still include the circumcision requirement for conversion causing Paul to write in Galatians 5: “ I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!.“ Even Saint Paul was frustrated by the rehashing of issues that divide the congregations and interfere with the true work of the church. It is no wonder mere mortals-- like us -- become frustrated when divisive issues are constantly revisited.
Paul reminds the gentile believers that they were once separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise. They had no hope and they were without God in the world. On their own efforts they were far off—actually lost. However, they were brought near by the blood of Christ. Christ is our peace. There is no other path to the Father –no special deals – Christ has made the Jewish believers one with the gentile believers. Where there was once a wall of hostility there is now a bridge of unity. By abolishing the law of commandments, that is those precepts that separated Jews from gentiles, not the ten commandments, God has created a new man in place of the two, making peace and reconciling both Jew and Gentile. This reconciliation through Christ gives access in one spirit to the Father with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. Jews and gentile believers are both citizens with the saints and members of God's household. This whole structure joined together grows into a Holy Temple of the Lord. God's unified believers are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the spirit. Paul says it well in Galatians 3: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for you are all one in Christ.
How does this apply to us today at Mount Olive. It is not highly likely that Jewish believers will show up at our door. In my home town the Jewish population that once supported two synagogues has dwindle down to only a few. Both synagogues are gone. After merging together the new congregation, that was formed, eventually closed. I sense that this is what other smaller communities have experienced. In sixteen years here, I have only spoken with a Jewish visitor on two occasions. Of course there could be others that have not revealed their backgrounds.
To the Greek speaking gentiles in Ephesus there would have been many obstacles to becoming Christians. The dominant religion was the pagan temple dedicated to the worship of the pagan goddess Artemis, sometimes called Diana. There were many zealous followers of this pagan – actually Satanic -- religion. You can read about the riot against Paul in support of Artemis in Acts 19: The temple of Artemis with its large staff of Temple prostitutes, and zealous community support, was a strong competing force.
What belief systems are out there in our communities? What walls separate us from potential believers. Why do once active members drift away? What notions about the vast number of unchurched people in this community do we not understand. Are there areas that we have made mountains out of molehills and built walls instead of bridges? Are there ways that we are like the legalistic early Jewish Christians majoring in minors? What subtle prejudices do we harbor. What negative body language or facial expressions do we exhibit that sends a message to a visitor that we do not approve of them. Personally, I know that I need to smile more.
There is a man I know who frequents a fast food restaurant were I also visit. He is big in a muscular way, he shaves his head, he has tattoos every where including on his head. You should hear the comments others make about him and the looks he attracts. This person is hard working and drug free. He is thoughtful and friendly. He is the nicest guy in the place yet attracts comments and looks. He was actually told to leave the restaurant one day by the owner. There are, I am certain, churches, where “Tattoo Man” would not be made to feel welcome. Have we unintentionally erected barriers to fellowship?
It appears that the dominant “pagan religions” in many of our communities are consumerism and sports. How is this affecting our church? What other forces in the world are affecting our church?
During much of my career I worked most Sundays. I wasn't a strong church attender these years, so combined with low motivation and the job, I dropped away . Often when a person is contacted about attendance, the problem is a Sunday work schedule. Could a midweek service be provided? I know we tried that and it wasn't a huge success. Well sometimes things take time to develop and we give up early. Once a month could be a start. It could possibly be promoted by email and social media etc to remind people when the service is. Phone tree systems are available for automatically reaching any contact with a phone. Or, volunteer members could contact those members not having smart phone or computer access. I have seen these methods be effective in other places. As I was working on this sermon yesterday, I received Emails, Face book Messages, and a phone call reminding me of a social event going on Saturday afternoon. I am sure that if I owned a smart phone, I would have been notified by this option also. Church worship opportunities and other activities could be promoted in this fashion.
People shop on Sundays. Sundays for some people are just another day – nothing special. When I worked in a hospital on Sundays and holidays I felt useful. People were sick. They weren't there for recreation. When I worked retail pharmacy on Sundays I observed that there were few instances where prescriptions had to be filled that day. Most of the business coming in could have waited until Monday. True emergencies could have been accommodated by a call out rotation of staff.
There is commercialism in churches. People like to shop. Some will attend churches for a variety of consumer driven motivations. They will attend wherever they see the best deal or they will cherry pick the religious item they need. Let's call Mt Olive for the Baptism – they do babies. Or I remember my Lutheran Catechism training. Lets send Jr there. He can get the training, We will attend for awhile then we can all return to the “Fun Church” we like with all the “hip music and cool leaders.” People think lets join Mt Olive so we can have our wedding service there. We can use their hall for our wedding reception. It is convenient. Consumerism – the best deal for the least amount of money.
I feel compelled to mention that wedding receptions almost always contain pagan traditions.
Sunday morning sporting events seem to be a major competitor. All kinds of events and practices are now scheduled for Sunday morning. No one wants to be the “mean parent” who forces the family to go to church instead of the soccer game. No child wants to be thrown off of the team by an uncompromising coach who runs his team like a cult. It's hard to tell your
boss no when finally asked to join his Sunday morning golf foursome. When did this start? In what ways have we facilitated this take over. Sports, peer pressure, and acquiescence from churches have opened the door. Now we try and share Sunday mornings. Some Churches have capitulated and have Saturday evening worship effectively opening the door for more Sunday morning activities.
The apostle Paul talks about partners in the Gospel in Philippians 1:
Partners attend regularly. They support the church generously with time, talent and treasure. They are willing to help in areas where they are experienced and gifted. They attend and lead Bible studies. They attempt to let the Holy Spirit work in their lives to allow them to grow as disciples. They know most of the members and help others when needed. They live lives in unison with our Mission Statement taken from Romans 12: and grow as followers of Christ rather than exist as fans observing from the bleachers. Partners support the Pastor and each other in good times and bad.
Some are senior partners where this comes naturally. Some are Junior partners growing as followers of Christ. And thankfully the Holy Spirit works in the lives of our “customers “ and they grow as disciples and become partners.
Like the Ephesians we live in an increasingly pagan world. Satan has provided us with lots of ,temple of Diana like, competitors. In spite of this, Like the Ephesians, Christ has made us to be His one body.
Apart from Christ we are nothing. There are no other paths to the Father. Christ has made one sacrifice for all sins . By this single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. The writer of Hebrews cautions us in ( Heb 10:26) not to reject this gift by continuing to deliberately sin. Christ in the book of Revelation has a warning for the Ephesians that also applies to many current congregation. Quoting Revelation 2:4-5: “But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place, unless you repent.”
