No Longer Strangers

Ephesians 2 begins with people who are dead in sin, separated from Christ, and without hope in the world. By the end of the chapter, everything has changed. Through Jesus Christ, those who were far off have been brought near. In Ephesians 2:19–22, Paul gives us three pictures of this new reality: we are fellow citizens with the saints, members of the household of God, and stones being built together into a holy temple.

This changes the way Christians understand both Christ and His church. We have not simply been given individual access to God. Christ has brought us into a family. That family will not always be easy because it is made up of sinners who are still being sanctified, but Christ is joining His people together. We are called to patience, forgiveness, service, and lives that are genuinely open to one another. At the center of it all stands Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. Everything about the church must be aligned with Him.

We belong because Jesus Christ shed His blood to bring us home. And the work is not finished. Christ is still saving sinners, sanctifying His people, and building His church. If you would like to learn more about Christ or what it means to belong to His people, we would be glad to have you join us at Refuge Church - Centralia.