Spirituality is not declining in America, but belonging to a church is. Even those whose spirituality is grounded in the beliefs of Christianity may question the value of the church. We hear things like, I love Jesus, so why do I need the church?, or I can worship anywhere, anytime. Such thinking overlooks the great purpose of the church. Through faith in Jesus, God gives us a new identity in Christ and a new family in His church. Commitment to the church is a nonnegotiable part of Christian discipleship. By neglecting the church we will miss the great benefits that come from belonging to God’s family, and we miss God’s call for us to meaningfully serve others. In our study, we will explore Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians where we’ll see how God’s encouragement to these first-century Christians still instructs our lives today. We need the church and the church needs us!
Session 1: We Are Joined Together
Scripture: Ephesians 1:20-23; 2:8-10,19-22
The Point: When we come to Christ, we also become a part of the body of Christ.
Session 2: We Pray for One Another
Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21
The Point: The church is strengthened as we pray.
Session 3: The church is strengthened as we pray.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-7,11-16
The Point: God gives the church spiritual gifts to accomplish His work.
Session 4: We Encourage One Another
Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32
The Point: We need the encouragement of others and they need ours.
Session 5: We Strengthen One Another
Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-21
The Point: We strengthen one another to live as God desires.
Session 6: We Stand Together in Spiritual Battle
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20
The Point: We stand strong with God’s armor and the support of others.
Leave a Reply