Sermon Series: 30 Day of Prayer & Fasting
Welcome to First United Methodist Church! We are excited to embark on a 30-day spiritual adventure together. Join us as we dive into the book of Ephesians, exploring how Jesus Christ profoundly impacts every aspect of our lives. Prepare to be inspired and challenged as we uncover God’s transformative power. This Sunday, we will delve into the impact of the Gospel on the community of Ephesus, drawing wisdom from the Book of Acts. Let this message ignite your faith, encouraging you to pray big prayers and expect great things from our limitless God. Blessings await you on this incredible journey of faith.
October 1, 2023 – Ask and Imagine – Week 5: “Unity of Christians?”
Ephesians 2:11-22; 4:1-6
Ephesians 2:11-22
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
One in Christ
11 So then, remember that at one time you gentiles by birth,[a] called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us, 15 abolishing the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both to God in one body[b] through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.[c] 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone;[d] 21 in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually[e] into a dwelling place for God.
Ephesians 4:1-6
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Unity in the Body of Christ
4 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: 4 there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.[a]