The image above is a piece of a whole template. The template I had ready access to is now in full display at cccfau.org. I find this template compelling due to the simplicity of color and of design. The attraction is the piece displayed above. I love that image. Slightly cloudy, emphasis on slight, and white light beaming through. In all of creation, I look for the evidences of grace. I seek out those things that bring glory to God or speak of His nature.
The image above is a piece of a whole template. There are times when we see the surface of an image but miss the texture. The characteristic appearance of the surface are Campus Crusade for Christ At Florida Atlantic University. Campus Crusade for Christ at FAU is a piece of a whole university.
The beauty of a piece or being apart of a whole template is that you have access to the whole. As a disciple of Christ and fellow member of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12), we have full access because of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our whole template. His birth, sinless life, humble death, glorious return on the third day and ascension to the right hand of the Father.
who has made the two one
and has destroyed the barrier,
the dividing wall of hostility,
15by abolishing in his flesh
the law with its commandments and regulations.
His purpose was to create
in himself one new man
out of the two,
thus making peace,
16and in this one body
to reconcile both
of them
to God through the cross,
by which he put to death their hostility.
17He came and preached peace
to you who were far away
and peace to those
who were near. 18For through him
we both have access to the
Father by one Spirit.
Ephesians 2:14-18
One of my favorite New Testament books to read again and again is the book of Ephesians. Chapter 2 is probably my favorite chapter in that book. Paul continues in the first three chapters reminding them of the mystery of the gospel which is revealed in chapter 3. But in chapter 2, he reminds them of their position. That they were dead as dead dead.
God,
who is rich in mercy,"
Ephesians 2:4
Then continues an exposition on God is the one who raised Christ, God is the one who gives the gift of faith; and God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus which God again did in advance. Verse eleven has a "therefore" taking into consideration the previous context and bringing it together with division that current Jews and Gentiles have. Now Jesus's blood is what brings us near. Which leads to our passage, Christ brought us together. Christ reconciled a relationship that can only be repaired with perfection.
The beauty of template is that a foundation is already laid.
but fellow citizens with God's people
and members of God's household,
20built on the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself
as the chief cornerstone.
21In him the whole building is
joined together and rises to
become a holy temple in the Lord.
22And in him you too are
being built together to
become a dwelling in which God
lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Let us remember, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is beautiful. It is where we receive joy and joy only comes from the Lord. Praise God for laying the foundation. Praise God for knowing ALL the details.
