Read: Ephesians 2:11-19
Watch: https://bibleproject.com/videos/gospel-acts-3/
From Outsider to Heir: Our New Reality
Think back to where you started. The Bible is strikingly clear about our condition before we met Jesus. You were an outsider. You were living apart from Christ, excluded from citizenship in His Kingdom. You were a stranger to the covenants and the promises of God.
To put it plainly: you lived in this world without God and without hope.
“Hopeless” and “helpless” are the only words that truly fit. Even if you don’t remember that time—perhaps you grew up in the church—the reality remains: there is no salvation, no citizenship, and no true peace apart from Christ.
But God…
Those are the two most important words in history.
Through the sacrifice and the blood of Jesus Christ, the “wall of hostility” was demolished. God didn’t just bring peace between different groups of people; He brought peace into your life.
Jesus brought the Good News of peace to those who were far away and to those who were near. Because of Him, you are no longer a foreigner or a stranger. You are a fellow citizen with all of God’s holy people. You are a cherished member of the Family of God!
Your All-Access Pass
Because of what Christ has done, you now have 24/7, 365-day access to the Father through the Holy Spirit. The veil is torn; the door is open.
- Do you regularly use your access? * Do you seek the Lord’s heart in your daily decisions? * Do you routinely “check in” with Jesus? If your prayer life feels like an occasional long-distance call rather than a constant conversation, it might be time to reset your priorities.
Finding Your Place in the Family
In every healthy family, everyone has a role. What is your role in this spiritual family? What is God calling you to contribute to His church?
If you aren’t sure, now is the time to start the conversation—with Him in prayer, and with your brothers and sisters in Christ. This is exactly why we gather: to build up the Body of Christ until we reach a place of perfect unity with Him and with one another.
Pray: “Father, thank You for bringing me in from the outside. Help me to live like a citizen of Your Kingdom today. Show me my role in this family and give me the courage to step into the work You have prepared for me. Amen.”
My Response: From Outsider to Family
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” — Ephesians 2:19
1. Reflect: Remember the Bridge
Take a moment to look back at your “Before” (without Christ) and your “After” (in Christ).
- Action: Write down one specific way your life has more hope today because of Jesus.
2. Connect: Use Your All-Access Pass
We have 24/7 access to the Father, yet we often live like orphans.
- The 5-Minute Reset: This week, set a timer for 5 minutes each morning. Don’t ask for anything; simply sit with Jesus and acknowledge His presence as your Father.
- Check-in: Ask Him, “Lord, what is on Your heart for me today?”
3. Evaluate: From Spectator to Family Member
In the family of God, there are no “guests,” only members with unique roles.
- The TC/MD Challenge: Look at the leadership roles we have looked at (Ministry Directors, Deacons, Team Coordinators).
- Ask: “Am I currently helping to build up the Body, or am I just watching it be built?”
- Next Step: Identify one ministry area where you could move from a “foreigner” to a “participant.”
4. Participate: The Deacon Nomination
Our church is currently seeking to affirm (Amen!) those whom God has “set apart” for service.
Nominate: Is there someone you see who consistently models “Good News Peace”? Are they already serving and have the character? Nominate them.
Action: Pray specifically about the Deacon nomination process.
Additions:
Leadership At IBC, Madrid
Thursday’s 20:00-21:30