As we start our new sermon series titled - Ephesians: Unity to all under Christ, Pastor Jackson takes us thru Ephesians 1:1-2. We begin to see the early church's inclusive nature, uniting Greek and Jewish believers through Paul's dual greeting of "grace" and "peace." This highlights the church's role as a diverse community. The assertion that personal relationships with Jesus should strengthen the church challenges the individualistic "me and Jesus" mindset, emphasizing communal faith practices. The unity in Acts 19:23-41, centered on civic opposition, contrasts with the spiritual unity in Christ that the church is called to embody. Meditating on Ephesians 1:9-10, we are reminded of God's plan to unite all things in Christ, inspiring the Philpott community to seek collective harmony and purpose in their faith journey.

Discussion Questions

1. With others, reread and reflect on Ephesians 1:1-2. What does this greeting say to us about the nature of the church? How does Paul’s combining of the Greek & Jewish greeting impact our reading of these verses today?
2. What do you think about the assertion that the church is not primarily meant to strengthen my personal relationship with Jesus but that our personal relationships with Jesus are meant to strengthen the church? How do we move away from a “me and Jesus” way of living to a “we and Jesus” reality?
3. With others, reread the story of Acts 19:23-41. What are the differences between the unity of that “ekklesia” (assembly) and the unity we are called to experience as the “ekklesia” (church) of Jesus?
4. Meditate on Ephesians 1:9-10. What do these words have to say to us at Philpott today?

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