One

I have been studying and preparing (Ephesians 3-4) for Monday morning men's bible study (BMCF) at McDonalds. My blogs will tackle the struggles and the confusion of the subject material during this study. There will be moments when I have a tough time discerning or understanding what life is throwing my way and there will be the times when I need to share my awe of God and the things that make me smile and laugh. I am looking forward to sharing my journey with you. Looking forward to enjoying the time we have together.

In the Book of Ephesians there are three images which help us think about the church. They are a body, a family and a holy temple. Ephesians 4:1–6 mentions aspects of our oneness: one hope, one Lord, one faith. What about the person who claims to have the divine life, but whose beliefs differ from mine? The Jew and the Gentile each turned from sin but still retained cultural differences. Is the "One" mentioned by Paul in Ephesians meant to be inclusive or exclusive? I can accept and ignore many differences but what about the doctrinal differences?

In Christ my brother and I are one. My life with him must affirm, not deny, a unity that God says is. This passage of scripture speaks of the mystery that "the gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." Eph 3:6. I am thinking that the oneness Paul speaks of lies somewhere in the meaning of this mystery. I am a work in progress in attempting to understanding scripture and what it's application is for my life, what ministry and mission field God is leading me into and discovering God's plan for my life. He said "I know the plans for you..."