Tearing Down Walls

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

One of the most famous walls in the world is the Great Wall of China, commissioned by the First Emperor of China for protection in 220 B.C. Stretching 6,700 miles long through mountains and rugged terrain, this man-made structure took over 200 years to build, and can even be seen from space! No wonder it’s on the list of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Like that physical wall, we too have walls in our lives, visible and invisible. Consider some of the invisible walls that we create for people in our lives, while train tracks, bridges, and viaducts are more visible walls that separate people groups, cities, and neighborhoods. Walls are erected for various reasons but in the end, they separate people from one another.

When Jesus came to our earth, one of His main purposes was to break down the walls that humans had created in the name of tradition, nationalism, religion, and race.

But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups [Jew and Gentile] one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. (Ephesians 2:13–14)

Paul wanted to remind the believers in Ephesus that all of us were once on the other side of the wall, until Christ came and gave Himself as a “ransom for many.” Once we believe and become “insiders” to our Christian faith, it is not easy to forget what it was like to be an “outsider.” When we embrace the gospel, the wall of separation crumbles to the ground and what’s left is one people, one body, one church, one God.

Friend, we each have a responsibility to break down walls we or others have built. If we don’t do it, who will? So go grab your spiritual “hammer” and let’s get to work.

Listen to the sermon series: Tearing Down Walls

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

Last month, I had the privilege of speaking at Moody Radio’s very own WMBW as they celebrated 50 years of broadcasting in Chattanooga, Tennessee! It was a wonderful time of remembering as the staff and listeners from the area came together to share stories of lives changed and to usher in another 50 years! Recording artist Hope Darst capped off the evening with a time of praise and worship as we gave thanks to God for His faithfulness and goodness. I’m looking forward to the future and what lies ahead for this beacon of hope in Tennessee!