Sunday February 1, 2026

Sermon Title: From Strangers to Family

Scripture: (Ephesians 2:11-22)

Series Big Idea: God unites and transforms believers in Christ’s Church 

Sermon Big Idea: Christ transforms strangers into one united redeemed family

Introduction: 

There are deep divisions present in our world, whether social, political, or cultural, but the Gospel of Jesus alone has the power to remove these barriers and create a new people. The church is not as a human creation, but God’s own work, where former enemies become united family through Christ.

We Were Once Separated Without Christ: 

Paul reminds the believers that they were once spiritually cut off and alienated from God, His promises, and without hope. Remembering this lostness deepens our gratitude for grace and keeps us humble.

Christ Brought Us Near by His Blood: 

Through the sacrifice of Jesus, distance and hostility are replaced with nearness and peace, as all are reconciled to God by His blood. Our unity is rooted in Christ's work on the cross, not in our preferences or backgrounds.

We Now Share One Access to the Father: 

Now, every believer regardless of background has the same access to God the Father through Jesus and by the Spirit. At the foot of the cross, all stand equal; no one is superior or second-class in God’s family.

We Belong to One Household and Holy Temple: 

Christ’s work forms us into a new family and a living temple, joined together by faith in Him. The church is where God’s presence dwells and is displayed to the world as His unified people.

Conclusion: 

Ephesians 2 calls us to remember how God's grace has changed our spiritual position, our relationships, and our very purpose as the church. The invitation is clear: whether lost, disconnected, or needing to commit, all are invited to come to Christ and find their place in God’s redeemed family.

Ephesians 2:11-22 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.

Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, eds. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Snodgrass, Klyne. Ephesians. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.

Vaughan, Curtis. Ephesians. Founders Study Guide Commentary. Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, 2002.

Cole, Steven J. Ephesians. Steven J. Cole Commentary Series. Dallas: Galaxie Software, 2017.

Hoehner, Harold W., Philip W. Comfort, and Peter H. Davids. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. Vol. 16. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.

Osborne, Grant R. Ephesians: Verse by Verse. Osborne New Testament Commentaries. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017.

Merida, Tony. Exalting Jesus in Ephesians. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014.

Barry, John D., Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

Dockery, David S., ed. Holman Concise Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.

Water, Mark. Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible. AMG Publishers, 2003.

Brannan, Rick, and Israel Loken. The Lexham Textual Notes on the Bible. Lexham Bible Reference Series. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Handbook. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Radmacher, Earl D., Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. The Tyndale Reference Library. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

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