During the next few weeks, we will be traveling through the book of Ephesians as we look at the message Paul gave to the early church.  He talked to the Ephesians about what a diverse group they were -- some were Jews and some were Gentiles -- and how that sometimes makes for difficult conversation.  Paul knew that there needed to be some "ground rules" that had to be put into place for those who were choosing to follow Jesus.  This was his opportunity to remind them of all that had been done on their behalf long before their lives came into being....God had already decided how the story should go.

We know how that can be.... trying to talk with other persons from different cultural/racial/sexual/political backgrounds than we are sometimes seems to be an impossible task.  We believe what we think we know is right and that is the only opinion that matters in the conversation.  You know the adage we live by......"my way is the right way" kind of thinking.

Paul's message to the early church (and a reminder to the current church) was/is not an easy one but it is an important one.  There are different "kinds" of people in the world -- diversity was intentional -- and the sooner we understand and accept that, the closer we will be to reflecting the beloved community God intended.

Paul takes us back to step one in the faith journey and reminds us of the basics....we are destined for greatness.  Each of us......every single one of us.....has the opportunity to be in closer relationship with God.  We are destined to be God's living reflection in the world.  How we do that is different for each of us, but it is the same goal.  As children of God, we are different in many ways, but with the same purpose and goal.  We are indeed "Destiny's Child".  We may not be able to sing as well, but it most definitely is our claim to the beloved community.

Join us in person or on YouTube every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m..