Scripture: Ephesians 2:11–22
Speaker: Ian Ashby
Sermon Series: Grace: At Home in God's Family
Date: October 18, 2026
Introduction
Why do differences in culture, race, politics, and background so often divide us? And what would it look like to belong to a community where those differences are not merely tolerated but genuinely valued?
In Ephesians 2, the apostle Paul describes God's extraordinary vision for humanity: through Jesus Christ, people who were once separated from God and from one another are brought together into one family. In this message, Ian Ashby explores why reconciliation is central to the gospel and how the church is called to demonstrate that unity in a divided world.
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Sermon Summary
Jesus Came to Reconcile Us to God and One Another
At the heart of Ephesians 2:11–22 is the theme of reconciliation.
The Bible describes how humanity's rebellion against God shattered the peace and harmony of creation. Our relationship with God was broken, and division entered our relationships with one another. Fear, pride, hostility, and conflict became part of the human experience.
But God's purpose has always been to restore what was broken. Ephesians 1:9–10 reveals His ultimate plan: to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under Christ.
Through His death on the cross, Jesus makes that reconciliation possible.
Paul explains that those who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). Jesus not only restores our relationship with God but also removes the barriers separating us from one another.
This is particularly significant in the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, two groups historically separated by deep religious and cultural divisions. Through Christ, both are welcomed into God's family on equal terms.
As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:14, Christ Himself is our peace.
One New Humanity: Unity Without Losing Our Differences
Paul describes something remarkable in Ephesians 2:15: Jesus creates "one new humanity" out of those who were previously divided.
This does not mean that cultural, ethnic, or personal differences disappear. Rather, those differences no longer determine our standing before God or our belonging within His family.
In Christ, people from every nation, generation, and background share the same access to the Father through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).
Ian emphasizes that this unity in diversity is not simply a desirable characteristic of the church. It is central to God's eternal purpose.
The church is meant to be a visible demonstration of what reconciliation looks like. When people who would otherwise remain separated learn to love, serve, and worship together, they reveal something of God's wisdom and grace.
In Ephesians 3:10, Paul describes how God's multifaceted wisdom is made known through the church. Ian compares this to a beautiful diamond reflecting light in many different colors. The diversity of God's people reveals the richness of His work in the world.
Why a Multicultural Church Requires Sacrifice
Building a genuinely diverse Christian community is not always comfortable.
We naturally gravitate toward people who share our language, culture, preferences, and experiences. But Ian challenges the idea that churches should organize themselves primarily around making everyone feel culturally comfortable.
Instead, following Jesus means learning to put the interests of others before our own.
Ian shares the example of a church community in New Hampshire where English- and Spanish-speaking believers worship together. Songs, sermons, and conversations cross language barriers, requiring people from different backgrounds to make adjustments for one another.
That willingness to sacrifice personal preferences creates space for others to belong.
The same principle applies to differences in age, socioeconomic background, political perspective, and culture.
A reconciled community does not require everyone to think alike or share identical experiences. It requires humility, love, and a willingness to learn from one another.
We Need One Another to Reflect Christ
One of Ian's central observations is that every culture has blind spots.
Our backgrounds shape how we understand the world, including how we read Scripture and express our faith. This means that no single cultural perspective captures the fullness of what it means to follow Jesus.
We need one another.
When Christians from different backgrounds come together, they have opportunities to challenge assumptions, learn new perspectives, and grow in Christlikeness.
This is part of the beauty of God's design for His church.
Ephesians 2:19–22 describes believers as members of God's household, joined together into a dwelling place for His Spirit, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.
Our unity is not built on shared preferences, nationality, or cultural familiarity. It is built on Christ Himself.
And as we learn to love across our differences, we become a living witness to the reconciling power of the gospel.
Reflection Questions
What barriers might be shaping your relationships? Are there cultural, political, social, or personal differences that make it difficult for you to embrace others as brothers and sisters in Christ?
How might God be inviting you to learn from someone different from you? What perspectives, experiences, or cultural expressions of faith could deepen your understanding of Jesus?
What preferences might you need to lay down for the sake of others? How could practicing humility and hospitality help create a community where more people genuinely belong?
Come Experience City Church
City Church Boston is a multicultural Christian community in Greater Boston seeking to learn to live like Jesus together. Whether you're exploring faith, looking for meaningful community, or hoping to grow in your relationship with God, we'd love to welcome you!
Join us Sundays at 4:00 PM in Newton, Massachusetts, or learn more at citychurchboston.org
