BIBLE READING: EPHESIANS 2: 17-22
He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
REFLECTION
It's Tuesday 19th January and on this Foundations podcast we continue our reflections on Paul's letter to the Ephesians. What is the fresh word from this bible reading God has for you and me today. Five amazing verses to ponder but a particular one to reflect upon today.

(V17) He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

‘Peace’ is a word that sums up all the blessings Jesus brings to our lives. Christ came and preached ‘peace’ to everyone (v.17). Today, you and I can experience and enjoy God's peace as we go about our day. Listen to these truths...

Without Jesus... ‘strangers or outsiders’ (v.19, MSG).

With Jesus...  ‘access to the Father by one Spirit’ (v.18). ‘fellow-citizens with God’s people’ (v.19). ‘members of God’s household’ (v.19) ‘a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit’ (v.22).

It is through Jesus that we can know God in our lives today; that we can know he Holy Spirit at work in us today bringing forgiveness, Grace, joy, love, and peace.

Over these past few weeks at STC at our morning Gatherings we have been considering the question 'Who is Jesus?'; the answer to this question is the foundation of our lives. Our teaching revealed that Jesus is good - many outside the church believe that; Jesus is God - many inside the church believe that, but the New Testament goes further. It is clear in its proclamation that Jesus is indeed good and God but also that Jesus is Lord. As Lord he has supreme authority over his church and in the lives of his disciples - you and me.

What does this mean to us today? Three things; as Lord,  Jesus brings us provision - all we need he will provide. As Lord, Jesus brings us protection -  he stands with us and defends us in the battles and storms of life. Knowing that Jesus is our provider and protector means we can live each day in a third great truth - Jesus brings us peace.

(V17) He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

How wonderful to know that each day Jesus brings us his peace, a peace which this world cannot give. A confidence to live each day with his arms around me, his voice speaking directing me and his joy within me - now that's peace!
PRAY
Jesus, I welcome you afresh into my life today as my Lord and Saviour. Thank you that you are my provider, my protector and my peace. Help me to remember this wonderful truth as I step into, and enjoy this amazing day! Amen