GRACE FOR LIVING DEVOTIONAL: APRIL 2026 DEEP-DIVE

THE DIVIDING WALL IS GONE FOREVER: ARCHITECTS OF UNITY

MESSAGE BY: FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH IN NIGERIA

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JUDGES 15–17; LUKE 10:1–24

FIRE SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 2:12–22

KEY VERSE: “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;” — (EPHESIANS 2:14)

I. THE ANATOMY OF EXCLUSION

As we gather on this first Saturday of April 2026, the Holy Spirit is addressing one of the most persistent shadows in the history of humanity: Division. In our Fire Scripture, the Apostle Paul paints a stark “Before and After” picture of our spiritual status.

1. The “Before” State (Verse 12)

Before Christ intervened, those of us who were not of Jewish descent were described in four devastating ways:

• Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel.

• Strangers from the covenants of promise.

• Hopeless in our outlook.

• Without God in the world.

There was a literal “middle wall of partition” in the Temple in Jerusalem—a physical barrier that warned Gentiles they would face death if they crossed into the inner courts reserved for Jews. This wasn’t just a physical wall; it was a psychological and spiritual fortress built on the pride of being “the sole custodians of God’s blessings.”

2. The Great “But Now” (Verse 13)

The beauty of the Gospel is summarized in verse 13: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” The blood of Jesus didn’t just provide a ladder over the wall; it acted as a divine wrecking ball.

II. THE END OF THE MONOPOLY

Historically, the Jewish people prided themselves on their unique relationship with Yahweh. They believed that for any other “people” to enjoy the covenant blessings, they had to undergo physical rituals like male circumcision and strict adherence to the Mosaic Law. They saw themselves as the “Elite” and others as “Dogs.”

Jesus Christ shattered this monopoly.

By His death, He abolished “in His flesh” the enmity caused by ordinances and regulations. He didn’t just make a “truce” between Jews and Gentiles; He created something entirely new: The One New Man. In the Kingdom of God, your DNA, your skin color, and your tribe are no longer barriers to the Holy of Holies.

III. THE NIGERIAN CONTEXT: ETHNICITY VS. ECCLESIA

While the wall between Jew and Gentile was destroyed 2,000 years ago, we must ask ourselves a difficult question in 2026: Have we rebuilt new walls?

1. The Factions of Immaturity

Sadly, in many Nigerian congregations today, we see mutual suspicions and ethnic divisions persisting. We see “Yoruba factions,” “Ibo factions,” “Hausa/Fulani factions,” and “Ijaw factions” within the same Body of Christ.

• When a church’s leadership is determined by tribal quotas rather than spiritual gifting, a wall has been rebuilt.

• When we are more comfortable with someone from our village than a brother in Christ from another region, a wall has been rebuilt.

2. The Samaritan Standard

Jesus addressed this head-on in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33–37). He showed that the “true neighbor” wasn’t the one who shared the same religious title or ethnic background, but the one who showed mercy. If a Jew and a Samaritan can be made “one” in Christ, there is no excuse for ethnic rivalry in our pews.

IV. STATISTICAL REALITY: DIVERSITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST (2026)

To understand the global impact of this “Broken Wall,” we must look at the concrete numbers of the “Household of God” today. The church is the most diverse entity on the planet:

Global Distribution: Christianity is no longer a “Western” religion. As of 2026, over 67% of all Christians live in the Global South (Africa, Asia, and Latin America).

African Growth: Nigeria remains a powerhouse of faith, with an estimated 100 million+ Christians. However, this group is split across over 250 ethnic groups. The challenge is turning that 100 million into “One Body.”

The Global Family: In the United States, multi-ethnic churches (where no one racial group makes up more than 80% of the congregation) have risen to approximately 25% of all congregations, up from only 15% a decade ago.

These numbers prove that the “Dividing Wall” is being challenged globally. When we discriminate, we are fighting against a global move of the Spirit that seeks to unite every tongue, tribe, and nation.

V. COMPREHENSIVE Q&A: NAVIGATING UNITY IN A DIVIDED WORLD

Q1: Is it wrong to have a ‘Yoruba Church’ or an ‘English-speaking Church’?

Answer: Not at all. Language is a tool for communication. Using a specific language to ensure everyone understands the Word is practical and biblical. However, the language must never become a barrier to someone of another tribe feeling welcome. A “Yoruba Church” should be a place where an Ibo man feels like a “fellow citizen,” even if he needs a translator.

Q2: How do I overcome deep-seated tribal prejudices I was raised with?

Answer: It starts with the “Mind Renewal” mentioned in Romans 12:2. You must consciously choose to see people through the lens of the Cross. When you look at someone from a “rival” tribe, tell yourself: “The same blood that saved me, saved them. We have one Spirit and one Father.”

Q3: Does ‘One New Man’ mean we lose our culture?

Answer: No. Revelation 7:9 shows a “great multitude” from every nation and tongue standing before the throne. They still had their identities, but their unity in worship was the focus. Culture is a gift to be celebrated, but it must never be worshipped or used to exclude others.

VI. REFLECTION & PROPHETIC PRAYER

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

Am I a “Wall-Builder” or a “Bridge-Builder”? When I see someone who doesn’t look like me or speak my language, do I see a “stranger” or a “fellow citizen of the saints”?

PROPHETIC DECREE FOR APRIL 4, 2026:

I decree today that every spirit of tribalism and ethnic prejudice in your heart is uprooted in Jesus’ Name! You shall no longer be limited by the narrow-mindedness of “village politics.” I decree that you are a Global Citizen of the Kingdom. In this month of April, God will bring people across your path from different races and tribes to bless you. You will not miss your miracle because of the “wall” of prejudice. You are built together with the saints as a habitation of God!

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, I thank You for breaking down the middle wall of partition. I repent for every time I have allowed ethnic pride or suspicion to color my view of my brothers and sisters. I refuse to be an instrument in the hands of Satan to rebuild the walls You destroyed. Fill my heart with Your love that transcends race, color, and tribe. Let Your Church in Nigeria and across the world be a true ‘Holy Temple’ where You can dwell comfortably. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.