Youth and Adult Program

THE “SOMETHING’S BREWING” BIBLE STUDY WILL BE RETURNING!

Watch the bulletins and Evangels for more details

EPHESIANS

William Barclay called Ephesians “The Queen of the Epistles.” It is a breathtaking treaty from Paul elaborating the reconciling work of God in Christ Jesus, i.e., making all human beings into one people as “the Body of Christ,” conquering the hostile cosmic powers of sin and death, the creation of a new humanity, and the creation of a new society founded and grounded in God. We approach the letter to the Ephesians “the greatest” and “most relevant of Paul’s works” properly with a sense of awe and wonder.

Most scholars agree that this letter was one of three letters (Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians) written from his prison cell in Rome some thirty years after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. The letters all address disturbing heretical difficulties that have invaded and taken root in the newly formed Mediterranean Churches.

In Ephesians, Paul elaborates on two fundamental Christian themes. The first theme (chaps. 1-3) regards faithful doctrine regarding the new life and new society in Christ which God has brought into being by the death and resurrection of His Son. The second theme (chaps. 4-6) teaches the new standards for life and relationships expected of Christian believers. This second theme takes us from theory to practice; from “This is the way things are now,” to “therefore, we are to honor God by living like this.”

Because Christ on the cross has overcome the demonic powers that have separated us in the world from the love of God and one another, our efforts toward loving unity in relationships with God and our neighbors has become central to the God fearing and faithful life.

June Study:

Open Up:

What was the very best gift you have ever received? What made it special?

Read Chapter 2, verses 1 -10 

Dig In: 

1. What does it mean to be “dead in sin?” is it Hopeless? Guilty? or Lifeless? What has caused this death?

2. What has God done to fix the problem? Why must God take the initiative? What is the point of verses 5-7 and what does it mean to you as a sinner?

3. Which is more important, Grace or Works? Why? Which is faith, a work or a gift? Why? 

Reflection: 

1. If you are climbing a ladder of “works” into heaven, what rung are you on now? Explain. 

2. According to God’s solution to our sin problem, what good works of thanksgiving do you think God has in mind for you? Why?

September - May

Music Room - 1st floor/Education Wing 

The Friendly Folks meet in the  and discuss various themes chosen by the group.