I am blogging from Movement Day 2015 in New York City. The first plenary speaker was Dr. Timothy Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
The theme of Movement Day this year is “Bridging the Great Divide.” This relates to one of the great challenges in every major city–how to we bridge cultural, economic, and racial divides for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Dr. Keller shared his perspective from Ephesians 2:11-22.
If we are going to bridge the cultural and spiritual divides of our cities we, as the body of Christ, must supplement our words with deeds.
Ephesians 2:18-22 speaks to why we can bridge these divides.
- We are fellow citizens. This is the most fundamental thing about us. As followers of Christ, we are first and foremost citizens of heaven–kingdom citizens. We are part of a new nation and we must live somewhat differently than those around us. Yet, a king lives in the same country as his citizens.
- We are members of the same household. As members of God’s family we are all siblings, children of God. We should be accountable to each other. We should live open lives with each other to become more like Christ. A father lives in the same household.
- We are a holy temple. We are each building blocks that helps to make up the temple of God in our communities and cities. This is where the Holy Spirit inhabits his people. We are cemented together as building blocks.
Each description becomes more intense. These things are true of is as a child of God. Because we share these marks of unity we can bridge the divides–but how?
Ephesians 2:11-17 speaks to how we can bridge the divides:
What was dividing the Jew from the Gentile in the passage was the Law. The Law was a good thing–Jesus came to fulfill the Law. It is our assets that always divide us–those things that are good about us. They become identity factors. We use our differences to bolster our sense of identity. Therefore our identity becomes a source of pride and self-righteousness.
There is a two part cure rooted in the gospel:
- Those who are near and those who are far are no different. Those who are trying to live good and those who are not both need the gospel. Both are sinners. In the gospel, there s no pecking order. The very essence of sin is to be your own savior. This realization humbles you forever. This is our humility.
- On the cross, Jesus was treated as we deserved to be treated. He was slain for our hostility. When we understand this it slays the hostile feelings in our heart. Our true identity is received, not achieved. This is our security.
We can combine humility and security through Jesus and overcome our divides.
What do you think?
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