Join Pastor Chris and Leah Smith as they discuss their views on this Sunday's message and answer this week's questions for further reflection. 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION Read Ephesians 13:1-13.  Are there any ideas here that stand out to you?  Anything you don’t understand or wonder about?God’s plans for you are always better than your plans for yourself.  Do you agree with this statement?  Why or why not?Paul writes about the mystery of Christ.  What is this mystery (see v. 6), and why is it such a big deal? What was God’s plan for Paul? (See vv. 8-9)  Why do you think Paul was so excited about it?Why do you think the church is such an important part of God’s plan for his people?

Pastor Mark preaches pt. 5 of our series in Ephesians titled "God's Plan For His People".  We look at Paul's call to the church and His plan for their future.

Ephesians 3:1-13

Questions for Further Reflection Read Ephesians 2:11-22.  What stands out to you as you read these texts?  Anything about these verses that takes you by surprise?Is there anything in your life that has made you feel like you don’t belong?  If you are comfortable in sharing, please share.  Where did that fear come from?  Was it from humans or from God?What are ways that the church has created barriers rather than attracted others to God?Francis Chan in his book “Until Unity” writes the following:   Unity starts with repentance; Unity comes with maturity; Unity survives with love.  How does the church repent, mature and love our way through our differences with others.How do we keep ourselves from putting our faith in others to be our peace?  How has Jesus guided you through seasons of unrest into seasons of peace?

Pastor Chris preaches pt. 4 of our series in Ephesians titled "How The Church is Different?".  We look at Paul's reminder to the Gentiles of the life before Christ and the unity they with each other and with God.

Ephesians 2:11-22

Here are this week's Questions for Further Reflection: Read Ephesians 2:1-10.  What stands out to you as you read these texts?  Anything about these verses that takes you by surprise?Paul uses strong ideas to describe our lives before Christ (dead and enslavement).  Is Paul exaggerating?  Why do you think that Paul uses such strong language?  Why do you think that people choose to be enslaved to sin?  Can you name moments/seasons in your life where you noticed your self-centeredness more than others?The word hubris means pride in excess.  How does hubris impact our path to salvation?  Is it easy to boast (put our faith in) in ourselves to earn salvation?How do the words “but God” shape our understanding of walking in our faith?  (see v. 4)How does faith in Christ help you to rest?

Pastor Chris preaches pt. 3 of our series in Ephesians titled "How Are We Savedr?".  We look at Paul's reminder to the Gentiles of the life before Christ and how we can be saved into new life.

Ephesians 2:1-10

Questions for Further Reflection Read Ephesians 1:15-23.  What stands out to you as you read these texts?  Anything about these verses that takes you by surprise?What are some of the “disputable matters” of the faith that we should hold loosely?  Think in terms of doctrines that we should be close fisted about vs. open-handed.  Reflect with your group on times that you have allowed an open-handed matter to get in the way of your “love for all believers.”What is the hope of the Christian?  Is there anything more than just hope “beyond the grave?”  How do we live with (or cultivate) such hope?What struggles do you have that keep you from experiencing wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment of the heart?  In an earthly context, is there anything that you allow to get in the way of the spiritual disciplines that might lead to a lack of the “deeper stuff?”Have you ever tried to fire God for not meeting your expectations?  In what ways do we seek God as a resource (using His power) rather than seeking Him as our authority?What do you (honestly) want to be known for?  How does what you want to be known for fit into your understanding of the Christian faith?

Pastor Chris preaches pt. 2 of our series in Ephesians titled "What Are We Known For?".  We look at Paul's prayer for the saints and what Christians are know for.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

Read Ephesians 1:3-14. What stands out to you in this passage? Is there anything that you find exciting?Verses 7 & 8 speak of the riches of God’s grace, that he lavished on us. Are there riches you have received from God that you especially appreciate? If so, what are they?Verse 5 says that because God loved us, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, you are a child of God. What does that mean to you?What would you say to a person who asks you, Why should I accept Jesus? What can he do for me?

Pastor Mark preaches pt. 1 of our series in Ephesians titled "In Him".  We will look at how Jesus shapes our identity and how knowing Him radically shapes our lives.

Ephesians 1:3-14