Ephesians 2:11-22
I. Remember who we were: we were separated from Christ. (v. 11-12)
This text is tailored to teach us that Christ’s blood has purchased our reconciliation with God and to others across the barriers that divide us.
I. Remember who we were: we were separated from Christ. (v. 11-12)
II. Remember what Christ has done: Christ has reconciled us to God and to one another by making peace through his blood. (v. 13-16)
III. Remember who we are together:
a. We have access to God through the Spirit. (v. 17-18)
b. We are citizens with the saints. (v. 19a)
c. We are members of God’s family. (v. 19b)
d. We are a holy temple. (v. 20-22)
IV. What does this mean for Northwood?
We aim to demonstrate that our community is united because of Christ across every barrier that could divide us.
a. We will pursue being a reconciled community first by inviting others to be reconciled to God through Christ.
b. We will pursue being a reconciled community by cultivating reconciliation among one another.
c. It is our prayerful hope that many relationships in our community will defy explanation apart from the gospel.
d. It is our prayerful hope that Northwood would increasingly give the world a glimpse of the age to come by reflecting the diversity of the Bay Area.
V. Reflection
a. How many of your relationships within our church family defy explanation apart from the gospel?
b. What are some of the identity markers in your life that make it difficult for you to cultivate friendship with someone who has a different identity marker than you?
c. How can you or are you pursuing relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ who are different than you this week out of our shared identity in Christ?
d. How does Christ’s reconciling work on the cross motivate you to pursue reconciliation?
Since we are live streaming on YouTube during this time of separation, you can also CLICK HERE to watch the entire service if you prefer!
