Former Pharisee, Paul, had undergone a total revamping of his faith: the history of his people, the Law of Moses, the current Sabbath Laws, the Rabbinic interpretation of the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah, things pure, things impure, along with the value of the rite of circumcision. He ministered among groups of Gentiles, those ‘others,’ planting churches and encouraging their hearts. During an imprisonment in Rome, he wrote an exquisite account of the glorious, exalted, saving work of Jesus, that ancient Plan ‘A,’ which brought God’s love story with mankind to its fullness.

Ephesians 2:1-22

1. vv. 1- 5 – Jews and Gentiles, different, yes, ______________

2. vv. 6-15 – Former outsiders _________________________________

3. vv. 16-22 – All welcomed ____________________________

Salvation, as it is articulated in Christ, is the message that God spoke from the beginning, and it was confirmed again and again by those who heard him. The delightful resolve of God in every sign, miracle, and diffusion of Holy Spirit bears joint-testimony of the magnificence of this salvation. Hebrews 2:3b,4 MIRROR
Consider this amazing love the Father has lavished upon us; this is our defining moment: we began in the agape of God – the engineer of the universe is our Father. 1 John 3:1a, MIRROR