What God is Building
Ephesians 2:11-18
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
This Ephesians’ passage contrasts the former godlessness of the Gentiles and their exclusion from the people of God with their new experience of closeness to God and inclusion in his people. This change has taken place on the basis of Jesus’ death on the cross, which resulted in the abrogation of the Mosaic covenant and the creation of a new people of God. This new humanity enjoys a relationship of peace with God and peace with one another, especially between Jews and Gentiles. - Clint Arnold
Ephesians 2:11–22 (NIV) 11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Cadet Sunday Litany 2021-2022
(based on Psalm 23, Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:13)
Leader: This year’s Cadet theme is “God’s In Control”. God’s in control of our daily provisions. God’s in control of our present and our future. God’s in control, in powerful ways, of every Cadet club around the world. God’s in control of the relationships being built between counselors and cadets as they together learn what it means to be Living for Jesus.
Leader: The Lord is my shepherd, I Iack nothing.
Cadets/Congregation: God’s in Control.
Leader: He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
Cadets/Congregation: Be strong and courageous.
Leader: He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
Cadets/Congregation: Do not be afraid.
Leader: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Cadets/Congregation: Do not be discouraged.
Leader: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Cadets/Congregation: For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Leader: Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Cadets/Congregation: God’s in Control.
Leader: In all areas of our lives; in the good times and in our struggles each of us can boldly say…
Cadets/Congregation: God’s in Control.
Leader: When I feel weak and that I can’t go on. When I feel afraid, and don’t want to take the next step. When I am discouraged and wonder why God has these plans for me. I need to refocus on God’s promises and remember …
Cadets/Congregation: God’s in Control, and I can do all this through him who gives me strength.