Alive with Christ – Part 3 - The Grace Message

The Grace Message

Alive with Christ – Part 3

Discovering our Spiritual Riches in Ephesians

February 4, 2024

Ephesians is overflowing with eye-opening truths about God’s grace. In this message, we’ll explore the radical concept of salvation by grace through faith, challenging the popular notion of striving to achieve closeness with God.

We’ll uncover the encouraging truth about your design, your new self, and the freedom found in realizing your closeness with Christ is not based on your efforts. You’ll also gain a fresh perspective on the unity the Gospel brings us and how this can shape your approach to church and friendships with other believers.

Don’t settle for a surface-level understanding when there’s so much more to discover about your riches in Christ!

Discussion Questions for Ephesians 2:7-22:

1. In what ways does salvation “by grace you have been saved through faith” challenge the common perspective of achieving rightness with God?

2. Discuss “not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” How does this relate to humility and your understanding of God’s grace?

3. Reflect on the phrase “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” What does this say about your design? Your new self? Your destiny?

4. Ephesians 2:12 describes Gentiles as “separate from Christ” and “without hope and without God in the world.” How does this allude to the true meaning of predestination?

5. Discuss the significance of “brought near by the blood of Christ.” How does it contrast with the popular idea of “getting closer to God”?

6. Verse 14 states, “He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one.” Who are the two groups? How does this also relate to predestination? What does it say about the Gospel and the key to unity?

7. What does it mean to you to be “built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit”? How can this shape our approach to church and friendships with other believers?

Alive with Christ – Part 9

March 17, 2024

In this final installment of our “Alive with Christ” series, we dive into Ephesians 6, the final chapter of this power-packed letter. In this message, we’ll discover why Paul is quoting the Law and how it aligns with our freedom. We’ll see the true nature of God’s discipline and how it does not provoke us to anger, the essence of praying in the Spirit, our incorruptible love for Jesus, and the power of God’s armor and its implications in our daily lives. Get ready to be encouraged and uplifted by this transformative message that will inspire you to live victoriously in Christ! Discussion Questions for Ephesians 6: 1. Why does Paul quote the Law in Ephesians 6:1-3? Does this challenge our freedom from the Law? Why or why not? 2. Read verse 4 and react to this statement: God’s discipline does not provoke us to anger. 3. What do verses 5 and 6 insinuate about the heart? 4. What does “receive back” mean in verse 8? 5. Read verses 10-17. What is the armor of God? How do we put it on? 6. Read verse 18. What does it mean to “pray in the Spirit”? 7. React to this statement: Paul says to always pray in the Spirit, so it can’t be about tongues. 8. Read verse 24 and react to this statement: I have an incorruptible love for Jesus.

Alive with Christ – Part 8

March 10, 2024

I invite you to dive into a radical, counter-cultural look at marriage. Together, we’ll uncover the heart of God and His divine design for marital union. Brace yourself for eye-opening insights as we unpack why marriage is so painful and difficult at times and what choices we can make to “give up our rights” and release our spouse, canceling their debt. This message isn’t just for husbands or wives—it’s for everyone seeking a deeper understanding of the transformative power of Christ in relationships. Watch now, and don’t miss these truths that will challenge your whole perspective on life! Discussion Questions for Ephesians 5:18-33: 1. Read verse 21. How was this idea radical and counter-cultural in its day? How about today? 2. Read verses 22-24. How could this be a challenging (even alarming) passage for wives? How does the context of verse 21 reveal God’s heart in the matter? 3. Read verse 25. How does “gave Himself up for her” relate to a husband’s treatment of his wife? Give examples. How does this not mean “be a doormat”? 4. Read verses 26-27. What is God’s view of the church? And God’s view of you? 5. Read verses 28-29. Consider all the ways we respect and care for our own bodies. Now relate those to a husband’s treatment of his wife. What is God trying to tell us? 6. Read verses 31-32. What exactly is the great mystery? (Notice the expressions “leave” and “join” and “one flesh.”) How does this mystery impact you personally?

Alive with Christ – Part 7

March 3, 2024

What does it mean to be “imitators of God”? Ephesians 5 not only ventures deep into this question but also demystifies the idea of living authentically, as opposed to putting on an act. Imagine being sinful at the core and then being asked by God to embrace holy living. Here’s a revelation: You’re not inherently flawed, striving to mask your true self with goodness. Instead, at your very core, you contain the light of Jesus, and now, God’s call is for you to walk as a child of the Light. I invite you to delve into this message as it will challenge your perspective on living a life that vividly manifests the light of Christ. Watch now and discover the essence of authentic living from the heart. Discussion Questions for Ephesians 5:1-18: 1. What does it mean to be an “imitator of God”? How is this not faking it? 2. Read verses 2-4. What are the two motivations here for upright living? 3. Read verses 5-8 and react to this summary: “You’re no longer them, so don’t act like them.” 4. Read verses 9-10. What does “the fruit of the Light” mean? What is pleasing to the Lord? 5. React to this statement: Sin is disgraceful, unwise, and doesn’t make the most of your time. 6. Read verse 17. What is “the will of the Lord”? Can we know it? 7. Read verse 18. What does it mean to be “filled with the Spirit”? How does Ephesians 3:19 help us here?