“You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here.” Eph 2:19 MSG

“He created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody. Christ brought us together through his death on the Cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father. That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day” (vv. 15-21 MSG). If your children stood outside your house pleading to get in, what would you think? Wouldn’t you say, “Come in, you’re my flesh and blood. I love you, you don’t need to beg”? God is building a house, and you’re part of it. You can come before Him at any time with any need, knowing you will be received with love. God is the father you always hoped for, and you’re the child He always wanted. If you have any doubts about that, look at the cross; that’s how much God loves you. Today you belong to God!