THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
Our CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CLASSROOMS ARE OVERFLOWING with many families back to church. We need you! From door greeters to group leaders to classroom subs—share the love of Jesus with children while their parents are poured into at services too! Fill out a few details here to start a conversation.
GROUP VALUES
For February, we’re focusing on the group value of PRAYER. Consider the role prayer plays in your small group, outside of the group. Discuss how your group can be a community that makes prayer for each other a regular part of your daily routine.
GROW AS A LEADER
Check out our ONLINE LEADER TRAININGS. These are incredibly valuable resources for leaders on core topics. Find trainings on reading the Bible, the Gospel and having significant conversations (Rescue Academy). Find the online training platform at learning.adabible.org.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the second week of our series called GOSPEL CHANGE. We’ll talk about three reminders the Apostle Paul gives to the Jesus-community in Ephesus.
What’s a good book, podcast or TV show that you’ve found interesting lately?
Have someone read Ephesians 2:1-10 out loud. This is often considered one of the core passages of the Christian faith. What words or phrases stand out to you?
HOW BAD IT WAS
The Apostle Paul is writing to Christians. Why do you think they need to hear what he’s writing?
How does Paul describe the believers before they gave their lives to Jesus?
What are some ways you experienced this before you followed Jesus?
It can be easy to be a bit unsettled about God’s wrath. Wrath isn’t something often viewed as positive in our culture. At the same time, God’s wrath can be reassuring. Why should we be thankful that God is a God of wrath?
Pastor Jeff Manion noted that we often get most frustrated at the sin around us, but our own sin is what will most likely be our undoing. Why do you think this is true?
HOW GOOD IT IS
What words does Paul use to describe what God did?
A dead person can’t bring themselves back to life. What are some ways death and life are powerful metaphors for where people are before and after salvation?
Paul makes it clear salvation is by faith, not by works. What do you think he means?
Why can it be so hard for us to remember we don’t have to earn salvation or that we don’t have to keep doing something not to lose it?
How can remembering that salvation is a gift from God change the way we view and treat those around us?
MASTERPIECE
Paul uses the word “works” two times in Ephesians 2:8-10. What’s the difference between the two ways he uses the word?
What do you think it means to be “God’s handiwork”?
How can understanding we were created to do good works positively impact the way we view ourselves?
WRAP UP
Today we discussed three elements of the gospel that we need to remember. Which element do you think you need to focus on remembering this week and why?