Don’t Waste the Church, Pt. 1

Nov 1, 2026 • Mark South

Pastor Mark South explores Ephesians 2:11–16 and how the grace that reconciles us to God also unites us to one another in the church. Paul calls believers to remember how far we once were from God, restoring gratitude rather than returning to shame. Through the blood of Christ, we have been brought near, and our belonging rests on His finished work even when we feel distant. Jesus Himself is our peace: He removes dividing barriers, creates one new family, and reconciles us to God in one body through the cross. The church displays the power of grace when people with different backgrounds and preferences love one another through Christ. Rather than rebuilding the walls Jesus died to overcome, we are called to confess pride, extend forgiveness, welcome others, and refuse to make peace with hostility.

00:00 Don’t Waste the Church, Pt. 1

04:08 Scripture Reading – Ephesians 2:11–16

06:40 Introduction – A Church Living Entirely by Grace

14:00 Remember the Distance – You Couldn’t Be Farther

20:40 Remembering Restores Gratitude, Not Shame

25:30 But Now You Are Near – You Couldn’t Be Closer

29:30 Brought Near by the Blood of Christ

32:00 One Shared Story of Grace

33:15 Trusting Christ When We Feel Distant

35:50 Jesus Himself Is Our Peace

39:55 Christ Removes the Barriers

45:15 Christ Creates One New Family