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| Volume 20 Number 4 April 2018 | Page 12 |
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| Volume 20 Number 4 April 2018 | Page 12 |
Russ Vickers
On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall, which was built in 1961, came down, and people could now cross from East to West Berlin and do it freely. The entire wall was demolished in 1990, signaling the end of the Cold War.
In Ephesians 2:15, Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” The allusion is to the “wall of partition” which separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place in Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 6:31, 35).
The Lord removed that wall of separation between Jew and Gentile so that souls from all races and nations may come into the kingdom and be one in Christ. In other words, that wall was destroyed or demolished. This barrier no longer exists. Christ provided a great commonness for all mankind. All men have the same God, the same Christ, the same salvation and the same hope (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Many first century churches were affected by ethnic issues (Acts 15; Galatians 2:11-21; Romans 3:20-31; Colossians 2:11-17; Philippians 3:2-11; 1 Timothy 2:3-7). It is true that Israel was the chosen nation through whom the Savior was to come, and therefore, its people were at an advantage due to special providence and revelation in connection with promises. God had chosen Abraham’s seed, because of Abraham’s faith, to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6; Acts 13:47; 26:23).
The demand of Scripture is that all who find themselves followers of Christ must rise above any thought of exclusion or differentiation regarding spiritual fellowship with one another. Before God, all who are in Christ are one. In the church, Jew or Gentile, Japanese or American, red, yellow, black or white make no difference.
Donald R. Fox
Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan claimed that he was heading for California, but he flew across the Atlantic Ocean accidentally. It is a kind of believe it or not situation. Whatever the truth is, Corrigan became famous for his achievement. He inherited the nickname “Wrong Way” Corrigan, and he enjoyed every bit of the limelight.
Is there a spiritual lesson here? I think so! Jesus Christ taught us that many would choose the wrong way. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). We observe that the wrong way leads to destruction, and many take that route. The “wide gate” and the “broad way” offer easy passage to do whatever one wants to do. No restrictions! Live life to the fullest, engaging in worldly, earthy, non-religious happy days with no moral laws concerning right or wrong.
It may sound great for the masses. However, we will reap what we sow. Sadly, many have chosen the wrong way, and destruction is their destiny. Our God will not be mocked! We can mark that down! May we all desire the righteous way and pursue humble service unto God Almighty.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation” (Proverbs 10:25). “The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity” (Proverbs 10:29).