Sermon Prep for Nov. 9: Ephesians 3:1-7

Week 1:  Ephesians 3.1-7

This passage deals with Paul’s joy at his own calling to preach the Gospel to Gentiles

Getting to Know You: Imagine if you were a profession. Which would you be?

1)    Astronaut
2)    Photographer
3)    Lawyer
4)    Chef
5)    Model
6)    Brick layer

Day 1:

Ephesians Re-Cap:

We’ve been doing a sermon series on Ephesians for some months, taking breaks for topical mini-series along the way. In September, we studied Ephesians 2. Consider reviewing your own notes from these sermons, catching up on sermons you missed online, re-reading Ephesians chapters 1 and 2. Below are some short sermon recaps:

In verses 1-10, Dan taught about how Identity shapes decision-making. We’ve been made alive together with Christ, the choices we make should flow from our identity as raised with Christ. This is a daily decision we need to make.

In verses 11-13, John Andrade taught us to remember that we were all once excluded. We all need Jesus. Christ destroys the barriers of inner circles so that all have access and the gospel is unleashed.

In verses 14-18, Dan taught us that you can’t separate your own salvation from your love of other people. Jesus did the work to tear down walls of hostility between us all, so we need to stop acting like the walls are still there – we need to stop harboring hostility and instead experience the salvation of God.

In verses 19-22, Dan taught us that we that believe in Christ are together the new Temple, with Christ as the cornerstone, where the Spirit of God dwells. We as the body, with Christ as the head, can meet each other’s needs, just as the Jews had all their needs met in the temple.

And now we’ll enter into Ephesians 3 for the next three weeks. . . .

Day 2:

Getting to Know the Bible: Read Ephesians 3.1-7

Try to explain what Paul means by “the commission (or stewardship) of God’s grace “ in verse 2. [the original word is “oikonomia” . . . try to unpack what that means in this context]

How would you explain in your own words what Paul’s “ understanding of the mystery of Christ” is? (vs. 4) see Ephesians 1:9-10 and 2:11-22

How do I apply myself to this message?

Are you “a prisoner for Christ”? For what reason? [see Ephesians 2:21-3:1]

Day 3:

Getting to Know the Bible: Read Acts 9.1-31

(Note: if you’ve been around church enough for the story of the Saul/Paul conversion to be familiar, try reading this in an unfamiliar translation to freshen things up)

Look at verse 11. It says of Paul, “at this moment he is praying.” What does Paul’s praying look like in that moment? How does this shape how you might consider the act of prayer?

Look at verse 15. God calls Paul an “instrument of the Lord.” How does this shape how you think about what it means for Paul to have a calling? For you to have a calling?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Read verse 31. What would it look like for you to participate in and help our church to “live in fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit”?

Day 4:

Getting to Know the Bible: Re-Read Ephesians 3.1-7

What do you think it means that Paul has become a servant of this gospel? (vs. 7)

Contrast Paul’s posture/actions towards Christians in the beginning of Acts 9 with the types of descriptors he uses in reference to himself in this section of Ephesians. What does this tell you about the nature of Christianity or being a Christian?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Read verse 7. So often I think of God’s grace as salvation, but here it seems to be a gift of employment of sorts. What is God’s gift of grace to you in particular?

Sermon Prep for Nov. 2: Luke 24:13-34

Week 5 of Breaking Bread: Luke 24:13-34

Getting to Know you: What is your favorite way to enjoy something bready? (what type of bread? What add on’s/dips? What condition – fresh out of the oven? Toasted?)

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Luke 24.13-34 (Jesus revealed on the Road to Emmaus)

How does Jesus minister to the men in this story?

What makes these men recognize Jesus?

Bonus question: Who was Cleopas? Who else is he connected to? How did they experience the resurrection?

How do I apply myself to these messages?

How does this story paint a picture of hope for you personally?

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Exodus 16 (Bread from Heaven)

Why did God start sending manna to the Israelites?

Describe the Israelites attitude and degrees of gratitude throughout the chapter.

What do you learn about God/about yourself, from the instructions about how it was to be eaten?

Do you recognize Jesus in this story?

How do I apply myself to these messages?

How does this impact how you pray about your “daily bread”? [see Matthew 6:11]

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible: Read John 6 (The Bread from Heaven)

How is this story like the one in Exodus 16? (the manna)

How is this story like the stories recounting the Last Supper? (Matthew 26.17-30; Mark 14.12-26; Luke 23.1-24)

Who do people recognize Jesus to be in this chapter [there are atleast 3 instances of recognition/identification]?

How do I apply myself to these messages?

How does this passage inform how you understand or would experience communion?

Day 4:

Getting to know the Bible: Re-read Luke 24.13-34 (Jesus revealed on the Road to Emmaus)

Why do people recognize Jesus to be in this chapter?

What does this post-resurrection story do to tell you the full historical picture/purpose of communion?

How do I apply myself to these messages?

How does this passage inform how you understand or would experience communion?

Looking for more? Check out “Shift with Louie Giglio, SESSION 3: Jesus Is Enough For Today” on Right Now Media for a great sermon about Jesus being the bread that sustains us. If you don’t have a login yet for Right Now Media, just email Lisa Wells <lisa@northharbor.org>. 

Sermon Prep for Oct. 26: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Week 4 of Breaking Bread: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Getting to Know you: What were/are the “tables” in your high school cafeteria (or an analogous setting)? [example: the jocks, the nerds, the emo kids] Which table did you sit at?

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

What is the new covenant?

How are the Corinthians dishonoring the new covenant?

How is this scene an issue of justice [or injustice as the case may be]?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Compare and contrast the way you participate in Communion with how the Corinthians were practicing it?

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible:

Pick one of these accounts of the Last Supper to read about [try a different one from what you’ve read in the previous weeks]:

Matthew 26.17-30

Mark 14.12-26

Luke 23.1-24

What strikes you? What makes you uncomfortable? What encourages you?

What is something you new you notice in the account you read this week?

What similarities do you see between the 1 Corinthians story and the account you just read of the Last Supper?

How do I apply myself to this message? 

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Genesis 17 and Ephesians 2:11-13

What is the “old covenant”?

What is the “new covenant”?

What do these covenants tell you about who God is and how He engages His creation [us]?

How do I apply myself to these messages?

What does partaking in communion do to “bring you near” and to whom? 

Sermon Prep for Oct. 19: Genesis 44:17-45:11

Week 3 of Breaking Bread: Genesis 44:17-34-45:11

Getting to Know you: Think of one of your favorite characters in a story? How do they change from the beginning of their story to the end?

Getting to Know the Bible: Read Genesis 37-50 and enjoy getting into the story. It’s a page turner! 

Get curious. Why do these brothers act this way? Who is the hero? What is God up to? What might this story have to do with communion (highlight where you see bread or wine show up and anything else you feel relates to what communion is about)?

How might you apply yourself to this message?

Sermon Prep for Oct. 12: Exodus 12.1 – 13.22

Week 2 of Breaking Bread: Exodus 12.1 – 13.22

Getting to Know you: What are some of the rituals you go through before departing for a trip? (Such as: Do you start planning weeks in advance or are you cramming things into a suitcase as the taxi waits outside? In what condition do you like to leave your house? Are there responsibilities you feel anxious to take care of? Are there habitual messes that are left or things you always forget? Do you always eat at a certain restaurant when you get on the road?)  

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Exodus 12:1-13:22

What strikes you?

What do you learn about God in this passage?

In chapter 12, verse 26, the Israelites are given instructions for how to explain to their children what is going on. What is to be their answer?

Almost uniformly in the Bible, yeast [or “leaven”] represents sin. What significance might that symbolism have in this story?

Why else was unleavened bread crucial in this experience?

How do I apply myself to this message?

What does this tell you about how we should explain our religious practices to or involve children in our community? [see also 13:14-16]

How do you see God engaging with His creation in this passage? What does that tell you about how God might be able to be working around you?

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible:

Pick one of these accounts of the Last Supper to read about [try a different one from last week]:

Matthew 26.17-30

Mark 14.12-26

Luke 23.1-24

What strikes you? What makes you uncomfortable? What encourages you?

What is something you new you notice in the account you read this week?

What connections do you see in the Last Supper to the Passover account in Exodus?

Why do you think Jesus would use Passover to communicate the message of communion?

How do I apply myself to this message?

How does this story change the relevance of the Passover story to you personally?

Survey of Community Ministry Interests

This past Sunday, Dan preached to us from Ephesians 2:19-22 about having Access to God Together. He taught us that we as the body, the new Temple, can meet each others needs, just as the Jews would have gone to the Temple building to meet all of their needs in the time of Christ. Therefore, we are compiling a map of the assets in our community to understand how we might offer our own gifts and talents to meet the needs of our fellow North Harborites as well as members of our larger community. If you didn't have a chance to fill out the survey on Sunday, or have had further thoughts since, please use the below survey to share your responses with us. Thank you in advance for the love you show in filling this survey out! 

Note to the congregation: Our church is exploring new ways of sharing God's love in word and deed with our local area. We want to learn more about your interests and experiences in outreach. We appreciate you taking time to answer these questions. You can print this out and put it in the offering box on Sunday or into the hands of a church staff person [ideally Zoë Reyes]; or you can copy and paste this text into a word document, type in your answers, save as your name_Ministry Interests survey, and email to zoefaithreyes@gmail.com.  

Name: ________________________                                                                                                

Phone:_______________   Email: _____________________                                                          

1. What aspects of community outreach are most important to you? (Check the 3 that most apply)
o Make this a better community for all residents
o Show compassion to people in need
oShare the Gospel with people
oWork for justice in our community and world
oUse my gifts, skills and time in ways that matter
oEngage in ministry together as a family
oGive thanks for what God has done for me
oGet to know people in the church and community
oDeepen my faith through service
oOther: __________________________ 

2. What might hold you back from participating in an outreach ministry? (Check all that apply)
o I’m too busy
oI'm already involved with other church ministries and activities
oThis isn't important to me
o I don’t think I’m gifted or called in this area
oI don't know what to do
oI had a bad experience in the past
oOther: __________________________ 

3. Is there a local concern or area of ministry that you feel passionate about or a kind of volunteer activity you feel particularly drawn to do?
 

 4. What skills, training, hobbies or experiences do you have that you could share in local service? (Example: skills in graphic design; training in real estate; gardening; camp counseling experience)

5. What current or past experiences have you had as a community ministry volunteer (for example, tutoring, visiting a nursing home, or serving meals at a homeless shelter)? What nonprofits or ministries have you been involved with in the Midcoast Maine area? Share what made this a positive or negative experience.
 

6. What questions might you have about why or how we can engage in local outreach ministry?
 

7.Would you like someone to follow up with you about your current ministry involvement or about specific ministry opportunities as they develop? [be sure you’ve included your name/contact info!]
o Yes                  oNo

Please Note: Kingdom Come is a new commission team exploring what poverty is and how we can help as Christians. If you have a heart for serving but want to be challenged to think differently about a healthy, Christ-like approach to poverty alleviation, this group is for you! Bring your passions; bring your ideas! The group meetis weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 at the Lilly's house in Topsham. Please email Denise Lilly <deniselilly@gmail.com> if you are interested in checking it out. 

Survey written By Heidi Unruh: Congregations, Community Outreach andLeadership Development Project. Adapted for North Harbor Community Church by Zoë Reyes, Community Development Director

Sermon Prep for Oct. 5: Acts 10

New Sermon Series: Breaking Bread, Week 1: Acts 10.1-48

Getting to Know you: Describe a memorable meal you spent with another person or other people [be it a thanksgiving gathering, a dinner party, a date, grabbing a quick bite at a café . . . anything]. Who were you with? What do you remember about the food? What made the experience significant? 

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible:
Pick one of these meals to read about:
Mark 2.13-17: Jesus eats with Levi (Matthew)
John 2.1-12: Jesus turns water into wine
Luke14:15-24: Parable of a great feast
Luke 19.1-10: Jesus eats with Zacchaeus

What strikes you?

How is a meal used to communicate the message of Christ? 

How do I apply myself to this message?

Compare and contrast this meal with how you normally eat.

Compare and contrast this scene with how you normally spend time with God.

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Acts 10

What strikes you?

What time was it and what state was Peter in when he dreamt (see vs. 10)?

How is food used to communicate the message of Christ here?

How is Peter transformed through this experience?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Who do you identify with in this story? Cornelius? Peter? The Gentiles? The Jews? Why?

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible:
Pick one of these accounts of the Last Supper to read about:
Matthew 26.17-30
Mark 14.12-26
Luke 23.1-24

What strikes you? What makes you uncomfortable? What encourages you?

Put into you own words the message you think Jesus is trying to convey in this scene.

Why do you think Jesus used a meal to communicate that message?

 How do I apply myself to this message?

What is your own experience of taking communion/the Eucharist? How does that compare and contrast with what the disciples experienced?

Day 4:

Getting to know the Bible:

Pick one of these meals to read about:

Luke 24.13-34: Jesus revealed on the Road to Emmaus

Acts 15.1-21: Jerusalem council on the inclusion of Gentiles

Revelation 19.1-10: Wedding feast of the Lamb

What strikes you?

How is a meal used to communicate the message of Christ?

What is new [since it is after the resurrection of Christ] about this meal?

How do I apply myself to this message?

After reading this passage how/why might you to give glory to God?

Partnering in Education

In effort towards community development, we are beginning to support our partners as they aim to serve the Kingdom of God with their particular gifts and talents. This could look like joining our new Commission Teams [groups working together with each other and God to be better parents of teens, better volunteers to our Surf Cove kids, and servants of our community alleviating poverty]. And it can also look like encouraging our partners in their vocations through financial support. 

North Harbor Partner, loyal Cove volunteer, and board member, Eric Funderburk pursues his vocation and serves the Kingdom of God through teaching in one of Brunswick's public 1st grade classrooms. Our community has an opportunity to encourage Eric's faithful efforts through helping to fund a better classroom reading environment for his students. The invitation to donate to Eric's fundraiser offers an opportunity to spur on a brother on in his faith, give to "the least of these" - under-resourced children in our community, faithfully steward your own gifts, and glorify God.

To learn more about how to develop your community in this way, click this link for information about the fundraiser and how to donate.  

Sermon Prep for Sept. 28: Ephesians 2:19-22

Ephesians 2.19-22: A new place of worship

            This chapter culminates in a vision of a new temple, or place of worship, which is Christ’s body.  The temple represents the place where divine and human meet for forgiveness, healing, judgment and justice. 

Getting to Know you: If you were a building, what kind of building would you be? Why? Consider sketching a picture.

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Ephesians 2:19-22

What are your initial impressions?

Based on verse 22, what is the significance/purpose of the temple?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Attempt a sketch/diagram of the household/building/temple described in vs. 19-22. Consider locating some of the principle characters, including yourself.

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible: Read John 2.13-25

How does Jesus feel about the purity of the temple?

If Jesus stepped into His Temple right now, what would His emotional/physical reaction be?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Based on Ephesians, if you have allowed Jesus to bring you near, you are being built into the temple. What are the implications from these two passages [Ephesians and John] about your significance to Christ? What are the implications for the significance of your purity? What is one way you could honor how significant you are better this week?

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible: Read 1 Peter 2.4-12

Make two columns for notes side by side. In one column, bullet point out how “those who believe” react to and experience Christ. In the other column, bullet point out how “those who do not believe” react to and experience Christ. Indicate which column you identify with. Does this passage do anything to help you to understand people who fall into the other column?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Read 1 Peter 2:1-3. Have you tasted that the Lord is good? How so?

What are the implications from these three passages [Ephesians, John, AND 1 Peter] about your significance to Christ? What are the implications for the significance of your purity? What is one way you could honor how significant you are better this week [same or new answer from the previous day when this same question was asked]?

Day 4:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Psalm 149

Based on these verses, what does it mean to be God’s people?

Where do you learn things about being God’s people in the previous passages?

How do I apply myself to this message?

How much of this psalm describes how you regularly live your life? How does it describe how you might live your life? 

Groups Starting Up!

The leaves are changing and North Harbor is full of opportunities to plug into our community and experience transformation together. If you are interested in any of the following opportunities, contact zoefaithreyes@gmail.com to learn more or sign up. 

This week, our new Communities Under Development held their first meetings. New members are still welcome to join them as they dig into the sermon content together on Tuesdays (Funderburks' home), Wednesdays (church office), and Thursdays (Whitneys' home) at 7:30pm. 

On September 24, Pastor Dan Wells will begin a new training on Scripture Meditation, the spiritual discipline practiced by most of our discipleship groups. But this training will ONLY happen IF we have sufficient sign ups, so sign up ASAP! 

Also on September 24, we launch our first Commission Team!

• NEW Commission Team: Kingdom Come
  Join us as we explore what poverty is and how we can help as Christians. We'll be using When Helping Hurts (both in book and video format); as well as, moving beyond the theoretical to practically address poverty in our own backyard and beyond. If you have a heart for serving but want to be challenged to think differently about a healthy, Christ-like approach to poverty alleviation, this group is for you! Bring your passions; bring your ideas! We'll be meeting weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 at the Lilly's house in Topsham.

Sermon Prep. for Sept. 21: Ephesians 2.14-18

Ephesians 2.14-18: A new person

Paul now lays out a vision of reconciliation between two hostile groups (Jews and Gentiles) who are now “one new person” in Christ. 

Getting to Know you: Think about your parents. List out some of the opposites the two of them embody [ex: He is quiet, she talks all the time; He is Buddhist, she is Jewish]. How do their opposites shape their relationship? Do their opposites create tension? Balance? Tragedy? Comedy?

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Ephesians 2:14-18

One of the key purposes of the Jewish law was to set the Jewish people apart from non-Jewish people [Gentiles], signifying their belonging to the Lord. In verse 14, “both groups” refers to Jews and non-Jews. How might the Jewish law and history have developed hostility between these two groups?

What do you think it would have meant to the Jews for Christ to break down the dividing wall between them and non-Jews? What might it have meant to non-Jews?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Consider one person in particular with whom you experience hostility. If Christ has “created in Himself one new humanity in place of two, thus making peace,” how might this call you to think of, feel about, or treat this one person in a new way?

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Isaiah 56:1-8

What strikes you?

What do these verses say about what God’s intentions towards non-Jewish people were before the time of Christ? How broad is God’s invitation of love?

What picture do these verses paint with regards to how reliable or constant God’s commitments are to people He brings near?

How do I apply myself to this message? Especially in the book of Isaiah, the instruction to “keep the Sabbath” has a lot to do with avoiding behavior/actions that are unjust. [see Isaiah 58] Consider verses 6-8. Could the description of “the foreigners” here apply to you? Do you feel “gathered”? How does this inform how you could live your life differently?

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Galatians 3:27-29

What strikes you?

Recall the opposites you described about your parents. Consider other dividing lines in our culture [race, 1% or the 99%, male/female, etc.]. How significant is it that Christ could make “one out of two” in all of these instances?

How do I apply myself to this message? Do you belong to Christ? What do these verses mean for you?

Day 4:

Getting to know the Bible: Re-Read Ephesians 2:14-18

What might have been the effect of these groups’ mutual access “in one Spirit to the Father”?

Have you ever seen Jesus bring reconciliation between two hostile parties? [two people, two groups?] What did that look like? How did it make you feel to witness that?

How do I apply myself to this message? Do you have an opportunity to pursue reconciliation, empowered by the peace of Christ? What steps can you make this week to act of this opportunity? 

Sermon Prep. for September 14: Ephesians 2:11-13

Communities Under Development start next week! They will be using these sermon prep study guides for discussion, but all are welcome to make use of this resource. To sign up for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday group [meeting at 7:30] email zoefaithreyes@gmail.com. 

Ephesians 2.11-13: Brought near by Christ’s Blood 

Getting to Know you: Share about a memorable move you’ve made, were you moving to be closer to something or someone? Further from something or someone?

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Ephesians 2:11-13

What are your initial impressions?

Vs. 12 says these Gentiles were strangers to the covenants of promise. God made many covenants with his people. To learn which covenant circumcision symbolized, read Genesis 17.

How do I apply myself to this message?

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Exodus 12:1-27

What are your initial impressions?

Who would the Jews have considered their king in this time?

Vs. 19 says one consequence of disobeying these instructions is being "cut off" from the congregation of Israel. In your spiritual experience, have you ever or do you feel cut off from the people of God? How have you reacted to the feeling of being cut off?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible: Read John 19

Who would the Jews have considered their king in this time?

Who does Pilate say Jesus is? How many times?

Jesus seems to be wrapping up several final loose ends in this scene, then He cries out, “It is finished,” and only because it is so clear that He is already dead, He is pierced and His blood flows. If His death had not been so apparent, His blood would not have been spilt. What is the “it” that is finished here?

How do I apply myself to this message?

If Jesus asked you, "Who do you say that I am?" How would you answer?

Day 4:

Getting to know the Bible: Re-Read Ephesians 2:11-13

What does Christ say is the new covenant? (Hint: see Luke 22:20)

How does this fit with vs. 13?

How do these verses in Ephesians connect the passages in Exodus and John?

How do I apply myself to this message? In last week’s sermon, we learned that We were dead in our relationships to everything because we were living apart from God. BUT God made us alive together (with each other) with Christ. Who is it hard to accept as someone you’ve been made alive with? (perhaps someone at church, a relative, a prominent Christian who lives or speaks in ways that embarrass you?) Another way of asking this is, (Vs. 13) To whom has the blood of Christ brought you near? How does that make you feel? What are the implications for your life with that person (or those people)?  

Sermon Prep. for Sept. 7: Ephesians 2.1-10: Saved by Grace

This coming Sunday, we will re-enter our sermon series on Ephesians. If you would like to prepare for Sunday's sermon, you are welcome to use the below study guide as a resource. This guide will also instruct our community group discussions. To join a group, contact zoefaithreyes@gmail.com.

Ephesians 2.1-10: Saved by grace

Getting to know you: Recount a memorable walk or hike you’ve taken that involved following a guide. What was the setting like? What was your guide like? What made the walk memorable?

Pray that God would open "the eyes of your innermost self" (Eph. 1:17) to God's light.

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Ephesians 2.1-10

Write down your initial impressions.

What one word sticks out to you most in this passage?

You and the Bible: From what do you need Christ to save you?

Try sketching a picture of you traveling on a road based on these verses.

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Isaiah 30.18-22

Based on this passage, how do you think God feels about showing you grace and mercy?

You and the Bible: How does this passage make you feel about walking in God’s way?

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Psalm 1

Express verse 3 in your own way [whatever suits you: write, draw, graph, sing . . .]

You and the Bible: How does this passage make you feel about the idea of walking in God’s way?

Day 4:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Luke 7.36-50

If Jesus says that in serving “the least of these,” we serve Him (Matt. 25:40), how might the woman in this story show us how to serve “the least of these?”

You and the Bible: How much have you been forgiven?

Day 5:

Getting to know the Bible: Re-Read Ephesians 2.1-10

Does a new one-word stick out to you in this passage after spending time in the others? What’s the difference between works-based-salvation and salvation-based-works?

You and the Bible: Why were you made alive? For what purpose(s)? (vs. 10)

Ramping up to re-enter the Ephesians Sermon Series

Starting in September, we will re-enter our Ephesians sermon series. You can catch up on Dan's sermons on Ephesians 1 here under "Letter to the Ephesians." And/or you can spend some time in Ephesians 1 for yourself using the following guide. 

Use as much or as little of this study guides as you find edifying. You might consider breaking up each of the following 4 sessions over 4 days of study.

Consider praying Ephesians 1:16-29 repeatedly for your community group as you anticipate (re)joining them this fall.

To learn more about our group offerings visit our Community Groups page. To sign up for a community group, please email Zoë Reyes, Community Development Director, at zoefaithreyes at gmail.com with the type of group you're interested in, the nights your available and/or a particular group leader you'd like to join. 

Session One: Ephesians

Read through the whole book of Ephesians to get an overview. Just read.

Session Two: The Wealth of His Grace

Read Ephesians 1:1-10

1) How do we form our identity in Christ? 

2) What has God delivered you from in particular? What would your life look like without the work He is doing in and for you now and throughout your life? [see vs. 4-10, esp. vs. 7] 

3) We aren't chosen for our own sake, but for the sake of what God wants to accomplish through us. In what ways might God want to bless (or how is he already blessing) others through you or your Christian community? ( N. T. Wright. Ephesians)

3b) For further study:
Read Genesis 12:1-8.  How do you see this passage relating to what Paul is talking about here in Ephesians? How do you see this passage relating to you personally?

4) What is God’s plan? (see vs. 10)

5) What do you learn in these verses about Jesus and our relationship to Him? 

Session Three: Inheritance and the Spirit

Read Ephesians 1:11-14

1) Is there a particular statement that you find particularly thought provoking or penetrating?

2) What is our promised inheritance (v. 11)? (N. T. Wright. Ephesians)

3) What do you learn in these verses about Jesus and our relationship to Him?

Session Four: Knowing the Power of the King

Read Ephesians 1:15-23

1) What do you learn in these verses about Jesus and our relationship to Him?

2) Paul doesn't imagine that all Christians will automatically be able to recognize the power of God. It will take, as he says in verse 17, a fresh gift of wisdom, of coming to see things people don't normally see. And this in turn will come about through knowing Jesus and having what Paul calls "the eyes of your innermost self" opened to God's light. What should and shouldn't using this power look like in our daily lives? How have you experienced this power in your life? (N. T. Wright. Ephesians)

3) What is the church?

4) What does it mean to be the fullness of the one who fills all in all?