Fixing the Walls around Us: Part II

19 Feb Fixing the Walls around Us: Part II

February 18, 2025

Fixing the Walls around Us: Part II

Read Ephesians Chapters 1-4 & Psalms 91

Last week, we started our series on Fixing the walls around us. We started in Isaiah 58, where the Lord talks to Israel about fasting, how he wants things done, and the results of doing things His way.

God wants not just His chosen people, Isreal, the Jewish nation saved, but all men to be saved.  Acts 10:34-36 “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:). “This week, we will be in Ephesians and Psalms 91. 

Unity 

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.  Ephesians 2:14 NLT

The book of Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul from a prison cell in Rome, saying that God’s purpose and plan was for Jews and Gentiles to be reconciled together in one body and that we all have access to God by one Spirit.  Some theologians believe the Apostle Paul wrote this letter because that unity was not happening. The newly converted Jews were acting exclusive and separating themselves from the Gentiles, who had accepted Christ.  It is impossible to get things done when a spirit of division is in operation, or one person(s) feels they are better and more important than another.  

The Proverb “Honor and Respect cannot be demanded, it must be earned!” is true.  There are ranks and positions in the military, family, business, ministry, government, etc., that are due honor and respect, but the person who holds the position is a just man/woman, like the parking lot attendant or the person who gets up at 5 AM to make the donuts at your favorite bakery. Galatians 3:26-29says, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” This promise, the covenant God made with Abraham that makes us heirs, and this unity in Christ must be operating in the body of Christ. We need each other in everyday life, to survive and advance the kingdom; we must work in one accord. 

Putting on Christ

How do we achieve and maintain this unity in the body of Christ that spills over into every facet of life?  The answer is we put on Christ.  In chapter two of Ephesians, we see that we all have the same history. “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:”

When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we put on Christ. We become His followers and disciples in the true sense of the words.  We take off the old man and put on the new man, walking and being led by the Spirit of God being salt and light in the earth.  Living from the inside out with Christlike virtues, like patience, forgiveness, and Love, even when you have a justifiable problem with a person.   Keep your peace and joy, and let people always see Jesus in us. As Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Started reading/review the Epistles written by the Apostle Paul they teach doctrine and practical life application for Christians.

Abiding 

God has established walls/ boundaries to keep us safe and to bless us. In Psalms 91 the writer calls it the secret place of the most High.  Look at the opening three verses of this Psalms “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.”

To dwell means you reside or live there, as it is described as a secret place, which means you are privileged to know the location and have access.  But the place is not yours, for its owner is God himself. Just like children have access to their parent’s homes and are welcome, the deed is in the name of the parents.  It’s a safe place; like the homeland embassy for citizens in a foreign country, it is the place of refuge, like a fortified city with military support surrounded by impenetrable walls that, once behind them, no one knows you’re there because the presence of God is there. It is like a song that says God’s banner is over us. That banner is Love; we know from I Corinthian 13 that love covers, can be trusted and is the greatest gift. The key is to take advantage of this remarkable place God has prepared and provided for us. Let’s settle in, don’t act like a visitor with a temporary pass lets come in and stay forever.

When we fix the walls around us, we need to know whether we are maintaining, building, or tearing down. We have touched on some of these instances this week, but fixing these walls can also be tied to your kingdom assignment. That’s where we will pick up next week.

Theresa Woodard