During this time, we want to be wise as a church about how we gather and who we gather with. We believe this is the best way to honor God, our leaders, and love our neighbors. The CDC has advised to cancel all gatherings of 10 for the time being so we will not be able to physically gather together on Sunday or in groups. However, we want to encourage you to participate in some form of community. This may look different for everyone. For some, it will be just a family gathering. For others, it can be family, roommates, close friends, and neighbors. However it looks for you, we want to encourage you to be smart in your specific situation. We also want you to be equipped. Here is a guide to help you lead this time.
Ephesians 1
Summary: In Ephesians, Paul writes a letter that begins with a theological foundation that sets up how that theology should teach us to live practically.
Major Points:
God has chosen us! God loving us and saving us is a work of God. It is not something that we take credit for, but something that we worship God for!
God has adopted us. God has taken an orphan of the world lost in sin and brought Him to a loving family forever.
We have all been redeemed through Christ. It is the work of Christ on the cross that has redeemed every person. God’s plan to redeem sinful people deserving of wrath is through Himself being crucified, buried and resurrecting!
We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. Every believer can have confidence will see His work in them to completion because at salvation God sealed us with His Spirit. It’s not our great love for God that will sustain us, but His power inside of us!
Question Bank:
How has your week been spiritually? What has God been teaching you this week?
What sins are you struggling with that you need to confess?
Why is it important that we see it as God’s works that have saved us, and not something we have done? What does that do for your worship daily?
How can realizing we have been adopted to a new spiritual family put into perspective what God did for us on the cross?
How does knowing that we have been redeemed through Christ’s work on the cross, lead us to giving our whole life to Him? In your life now, what small decisions should you look to Christ for, and what big decisions should you look to Christ for?
How does knowing that God is in you through His Spirit and won’t forsake you keep you encouraged when things are hard? How does it give you hope beyond this world?