May 15, 2023
Ephesians 2:11-22
FOREVER FRIENDS
I received an email recently informing me that the US Surgeon General has identified an epidemic of loneliness and the health implications of loneliness compare to heavy cigarette use. We are strangers to each other. We set up walls between us. One of the powerful things that Jesus did in his earthly life and on the cross was to destroy the walls that divide us. Very interesting! 2000 years ago God knew all about our loneliness and did everything in his power to include us. Strangers, even enemies, became friends.
Listen to an audio version of the message
Songs for this week: Spotify
Ephesians 2:11-22
- Recall a time in your life when you felt ‘on the outside’. Did someone include you? Tell that story.
- v. 14 talks about a ‘dividing wall of hostility’. Describe what you know about the divisions during Paul’s time. Is there a wall of hostility in your life right now?
- Jesus ‘destroyed’ the barrier. Explain how that worked. Do Jesus’ actions on the cross have any bearing on our ‘hard to handle’ relationships?
- Paul speaks of the Church as the ‘holy temple’. What does that mean? In what ways are we ‘heaven on earth’? Where do we do that best? Where are we dropping the ball?
Share with a friend
Recent Sermons
Acts 2:40-47 - As a church, we’re taking some time to talk about our vision and strategy. We’re hoping to add clarity to why and how we do what we do in this season.
Psalm 129 is a bit of a nasty Psalm! The writer has been oppressed and doesn’t hold back in expressing what that feels like. You might think being a believer means your troubles disappear, but that has never been the case. The good news is that God is neither blind nor indifferent to our struggles.
Psalm 131 - The Psalms of Ascent have it all: anguish, anger, encouragement, and wild joy. Psalm 131 is all about contentment. Where does contentment come from? What ruins it? What does it feel like? How can I be content in an age where marketing, social media and mirrors breed discontent?
Psalm 133 - The Psalms of Ascent were songs for the journey—worshippers sang them as they travelled together toward Jerusalem and the Temple. These Psalms give voice to the sorts of things that go through worshippers' hearts as they prepare to worship.
Psalm 104 is a song of praise that marvels at the beauty and order of God’s creation. From mountains to seas, seasons to creatures great and small, it reveals a world sustained by His power and care. This psalm invites us to stand in awe, give thanks, and consider our role as stewards of His handiwork.
Psalm 121 - We humans need help! The question is, where will we turn for it? Psalm 121 invites us to look to God for true help.
