Opened Eyes. Strengthened Hearts. · Sunday, October 11, 2026
One New Humanity
Pastor Chris Officer · Ephesians 2:11–22
The dividing wall is down. Far-off people are brought near by the blood of Christ. He Himself is our peace, and the church is the household God is building.
Series prayer
Lord, open our eyes to what we already have in Christ.
Strengthen our hearts to live what we already are.
Verse from this message
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.
Ephesians 2:14
Remember you were far off
Paul will not let the church forget what it was. Strangers to the covenant. Without hope. Then, brought near.
He Himself is our peace
Peace is not a mood we keep in the lobby. It is Jesus, making one new humanity out of people who used to be enemies.
A dwelling for God
The church is not a club with a cross on it. It is a holy temple, built together. Journey's welcome has to be wide enough for that.
For the table
- Who still feels far off in this room — and have we treated that as normal?
- Where are you still standing on the old side of a wall Christ already tore down?
- What would it mean for this church to be a dwelling, not a weekly event?
Practices
- Learn the name of someone you do not usually sit with, and pray for their household.
- Read Ephesians 2:14 each morning: He Himself is our peace.