The Church Without Walls: The Expansive Heart of God (Video)

It has been said that the gospel is the great leveler, crossing boundaries of culture, ethnicity, and station in life, bringing unity and power to a people knit together in love by the bonds of Christ. A profound truth often overlooked in our contemporary Christian walk is the principle of inclusion, a cornerstone laid by the early church. This word “inclusion” is a buzzword used by the enemy to corrupt the souls of men, but in the beginning decades of the church, it was not so. This message explores how the boundless nature of Christ’s salvation was intended for all, challenging us to reflect on any subtle forms of exclusion that may persist within our own faith.

The Early Church and the Challenge of Inclusion

From its earliest days, the Christian church grappled with the radical notion that salvation through Jesus Christ was not exclusive to any one group (specifically the Jews). Initially, even within the Jewish community, distinctions arose, such as the preferential treatment of Hebrew-speaking Jews over Hellenized (Greek-speaking) Jews. To address this, the apostles wisely appointed seven Greek-speaking Jews to serve as “diakanos” (deacons) to ensure equitable distribution of resources to neglected Greek-speaking Jewish widows. This historical precedent highlights that the concept of inclusion, equity, and social justice, far from being a modern idea, was a foundational challenge the church confronted from its inception.

Paul’s Revelation: The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Ephesians 3:8-13 KJV

The Apostle Paul, instrumental in shaping the early church’s understanding of Gentile inclusion, eloquently articulated the tearing down of these walls as his divine mandate and calling in Ephesians 3:8-13. He understood his calling as expanding the gospel’s reach beyond the Jewish people to encompass all non-Jewish nations. Central to this expanded understanding were the unsearchable riches of Christ, the fellowship of the mystery, the manifold wisdom of God, and the eternal purpose of God.

The Greek word translated “unsearchable” (anexichniastos) in Ephesians 3:8 conveys a sense of something “past finding out” or “boundless.” It speaks of an inexhaustible, immeasurable depth that transcends human comprehension. When applied to Christ, it signifies the limitless nature of what He offers—a truth intended to break down the restrictive boundaries some Jewish believers sought to impose on salvation (Judiazers).

Modern Expressions of Exclusion

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 1 Corinthians 3:3-4 KJV

While overt forms of exclusion may seem less prevalent today in Christian culture, subtle prejudices can still manifest within Christian culture. Historically, various denominations and theological groups have condemned those with differing beliefs, sometimes even questioning their salvation. For instance, early Pentecostals were often denounced by other groups for their belief in speaking in tongues, with accusations of demonic influence. Conversely, some Pentecostal and Charismatic groups have at times questioned the salvation of “cessationist” denominations for their rejection of charismatic gifts. These underlying biases, though often subdued, can persist and militate against the unity wherewith we are called to serve the Father as members of His body and His church.

Transcending Partisan Divisions

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 1:13 KJV

Beyond theological differences, the politicization of Christian culture can also foster division. It is not uncommon to hear some believers insist that one cannot align with certain political ideologies and still claim to be a Christian. Such partisan attitudes, however understandable their origins, often betray a lack of informed understanding and can contradict the overarching message of Christ’s gospel, which transcends political allegiances. The claims of Christ call us to a unity that surpasses partisan divides, reminding us that segmenting ourselves from others in the body of Christ can be contrary to the very gospel Paul preached.

The Call to Unity in Christ

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6 KJV

Despite scriptural teachings that emphasize the church as one body in Christ, divisions persist, evidenced by the vast number of Christian denominations globally—an estimated 45,000. These divisions stem from a long history of theological disagreements, cultural adaptations, and diverse interpretations of scripture. While some might use these divisions to justify a “spiritual but not religious” stance, such aloofness can itself be a form of sectarianism, contrary to the biblical mandate for unity. The answer lies in returning to the core of the gospel, which calls us to transcend sectarianism in our own hearts and minds.

Reflection and Review

The early church’s struggles with inclusion, Paul’s radical revelation of Christ’s boundless riches for all, and our own contemporary challenges with internal divisions and segregation of our congregations all point to a singular truth: the gospel of Jesus Christ is inherently inclusive. To be clear, this does not extend to those who make moral failure a lifestyle, but inclusion in Christ does extend, nonetheless, far beyond the comfortable, cultural boundaries we live by that separate us from others in Christ. When we allow sectarianism, political biases, or denominational pride to create barriers within the body of Christ, we diminish the very message we are called to proclaim. Our call is to embrace the expansive nature of God’s love and extend grace to all who confess Christ, regardless of their background, theological nuances, or political leanings. The unity we strive for is not about uniformity, but about recognizing our shared identity in Christ, allowing His unsearchable riches to break down every wall of division.

Call to Action

• Examine Your Own Heart: Honestly assess if any prejudices or exclusive attitudes subtly influence your interactions with fellow believers.
• Embrace the Unsearchable Riches: Meditate on the boundless nature of Christ’s salvation, remembering it is for all people, without exception.
• Prioritize Unity Over Uniformity: Seek common ground with Christians who hold different beliefs, focusing on shared faith in Christ rather than minor disagreements.
• Challenge Partisan Thinking: Resist the urge to conflate political affiliations with spiritual standing, remembering that Christ’s kingdom transcends earthly politics.
• Pray for the Body of Christ: Intercede for unity among believers worldwide, that the church may truly reflect the inclusive love of God to a watching world.

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