Ephesians 2:17-22
He also came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him, we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. So then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. You have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the Cornerstone. In him, the whole building is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him, you too, are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for bringing us peace, and this is not as the world knows but an even greater peace. For all who believe and trust in you are restored to the Father. As Paul wrote, we have access to the Father by one Spirit. There is only one God and Lord, in which you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are one. You are the only way that someone comes to God; John recorded your words, and you said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” Your suffering and death on the cross removed our tremendous debt of sin, which caused us to be separated from you, our God.
Moreover, by trusting in you, your suffering, and death, we are no longer strangers but citizens of heaven. As Paul wrote, we are a part of something great; by faith, we are a part of your Church, and your kingdom is in all whom your spirit dwells. Believers are connected to one another through your Holy Spirit living in us. Just as there are three persons of the trinity but only one God, we are one Church joined together in faith.
We pray that you would give us the courage to share the good news of our citizenship with one who does not know you so that they will know and believe in your forgiveness and be reunited with you. May your Spirit work in their hearts through your Word and sacraments. So that through faith, they would grow into the temple of the Lord. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Jesus suffered and died on the cross for the forgiveness of all your sins; you are forgiven. Peace is knowing you are restored to God because your sins are removed, and Jesus restored your citizenship in heaven.