Connected in Christ

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Connected in Christ

• Sept. 7

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What about it ?

• What kind of group or cause have you been
  interested in joining?
• Consider that church membership is actually quite
  a privilege
• It is made possible through Christ
• Today we look at how church membership is
  actually a gift from God

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Listen for the results of preaching.

• Ephesians 217-18 (NIV) 17 He came and preached
  peace to you who were far away and peace to those
  who were near. 18 For through him we both have
  access to the Father by one Spirit.

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Christ Makes Access to God Possible

• What are some possible ways to understand the
  statement that Christ preached?
• What is the result of believing the message of
  Christ?
• What does the word access imply about the needs
  of Gentiles and Jews alike, and what benefit came
  to each?
• What emotions do you experience when you think
  about our direct access to God?

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Listen for more consequences to Christs
preaching.

• Ephesians 219 (NIV) 19 Consequently, you are no
  longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens
  with God's people and members of God's household,

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Christ Makes an Outsider into An Insider

• What two images did Paul use to describe the
  advantage that came with having direct access to
  God through Christ?
• What implications are associated with each image?

Citizen Family Member

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Christ Makes an Outsider into An Insider

• How is being part of a church like being part of
  a family?
• How does the gospel break down religious and
  social barriers?
• How should churches treat foreigners and aliens?
  What if these two people showed up for our Small
  Group next week?

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Listen for a foundation described.

• Ephesians 220-22 (NIV) 20 built on the
  foundation of the apostles and prophets, with
  Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21
  In him the whole building is joined together and
  rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22
  And in him you too are being built together to
  become a dwelling in which God lives by his
  Spirit.

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Christ Joins Believers Together

• On what foundation were the Ephesian believers
  built?
• Why is a foundation and placement of the first
  corner important?
• Why would we need a spiritual foundation?
• What is the significance of Jesus as the chief
  cornerstone?

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Christ Joins Believers Together

• How was the church described as living and
  growing?
• How were the Ephesians becoming part of Gods
  dwelling?
• What is the purpose of Gods people as a
  spiritual building?

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Christ Joins Believers Together

• How is this a structure that both has been built
  and is being built?
• What does that imply about the work of God
  through Christ?

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Application

• View church membership as a gift.
• Thank God daily for the opportunity to be
  included in His family, the church

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Application

• Ask the right question
• John F. Kennedy challenged Americans, Ask not
  what your country can do for you ask what you
  can do for your country.
• Ask the church staff, What can I do for my
  church? (Watch for their surprise)
• Then do it!

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Application

• Invite others in.
• Who around you needs to be introduced to the
  gospel?
• Who needs to be included in Christs church?
  Make a list!
• Invite at least one of them to come with you to
  your Bible study group this week

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Connected in Christ

• Sept. 7