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Ephesians 2:14 - Peace on Earth?

Ephesians 2:14 (KJV) For he is our peace, 
who hath made both one, and hath broken down the 
middle wall of partition between us;  

INTRODUCTION

   Christ has destroyed the barriers people 
build between themselves. Because these walls have 
been removed, we can have real unity with people 
who are not like us. This is true 
reconciliation. Because of Christ's death, we are all one 
(2:14); our hostility against each other has been 
put to death (2:16); we can all have access to 
the Father by the Holy Spirit (2:18); we are no 
longer strangers or foreigners to God (2:19); and 
we are all being built into a holy temple with 
Christ as our chief cornerstone (2:20, 21). 
   There are many barriers that can divide 
us from other Christians: age, appearance, 
intelligence, political persuasion, economic status, race, 
theological perspective. One of the best ways to stifle 
Christ's love is to be friendly with only those 
people that we like. Fortunately, Christ has 
knocked down the barriers and has unified all 
believers in one family. His cross should be the focus 
of our unity. The Holy Spirit helps us look 
beyond the barriers to the unity we are called to 
enjoy. [Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   For as long as I can remember there have 
been innovative ideas for bringing peace to this 
earth. Organizations have been created, much money 
and time have been spent, treaties have been 
signed, books have been written - all in an effort 
to find a formula that would bring peace on 
earth and good will to men. 
   World War I was called 'the war to end 
all wars," but it wasn't. Whether men shoot and 
fight one another or not, there is "warfare" in 
the home: warfare between husband and wife, 
between parents and children, between brothers and 
sisters, between neighbors, between boss and 
employee. 
   What can be done? It sounds almost 
simplistic to say we need to turn to God - but that is 
the only lasting solution. Only God can remove 
the poisons of greed and hatred and jealousy in 
our hearts, and replace them with contentment 
and compassion and forgiveness. Only He can 
subdue the violence and anger that rage within us, 
and replace them with His peace and love. 
   Whatever wars rage in your life, lay them 
at the foot of the Cross and ask Jesus to give 
you His peace. 
   No matter how hard we seek peace in our 
homes, community, and in our world, lasting peace 
only comes through Christ. [Hope for Each Day by 
Billy Graham] 

CLOSING PEARL

   My writing desk today is a patio table in 
the screen house on the deck. Our quiet 
neighborhood seems especially silent today because the 
road in front of our house is closed to through 
traffic while the county resurfaces the asphalt a 
few miles to the north. A soft breeze is 
blowing. The only conflict within sight is a war 
between two cardinals and a blue jay. The cardinals 
are winning.  
   It is a place of peace. The gardens 
growing at a pace I can almost hear. My Bibles 
open in front of me. Peace.  
   But I might not recognize the external 
serenity if it werent for my internal serenity. 
Despite deadlines, projects waiting for me, family 
health needs yet unresolved - more than a few 
pockets of uncertainty - peace reigns in my soul 
because the Word of God is true: Jesus is our peace. 
 
   That thought will never cease to amaze 
me. Its an anyway peace. And thats 
what amazes others too.  
   Why arent you rattled? Have you 
been listening to the news?  
   Peace anyway. 
   How can you be so calm? You must be in 
denial about whats happening.  
   No. Peace anyway. I have Jesus. I have 
peace.  
   Its not a trite saying. Ask a person 
of faith who has weathered a crisis without 
collapsing. Ask a caregiver who keeps pressing on in 
love. Ask someone whos followed Jesus a 
lifetime - a lifetime thats drawing to an end. 
Peace anyway. Because He is our peace. by Cynthia 
Ruchti  
   Faith Step: Find a spot today - inside or 
outside - that represents peace. Capture the image 
and make it the wallpaper for your phone or the 
screen saver on your computer. Sketch the scene as 
a reminder that Jesus is our anyway 
peace. [Mornings With Jesus 2020 Devotional by 
Guideposts and Zondervan] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY 

John 14:27 - Peace Like No Other.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220723-0834.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Steps to Peace by Billy Graham: 
https://stepstopeace.org/ 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study 
Guides: 
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible 

Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/  

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657