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United in Christ

Study Guide for Sermon on Ephesians 2:11-22: “United in Christ”

Opening Prayer

Begin by asking God to reveal His truth about unity, both in our relationship with Him and with others. Pray for open hearts to understand His desire for His people to be one in Christ.

Scripture Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility…”
(Ephesians 2:13-14, NIV)

Key Themes from the Sermon

  • Unity with Christ (Vertical Relationship)
    • Before Christ, we were separated from God, without hope.
    • Jesus tore down the barrier of sin, reconciling us to God.
    • “Our unity with Christ is the foundation for our unity with others.”
  • Unity in Christ (Horizontal Relationship)
    • Jesus didn’t just reconcile individuals to God but created a new people—His Church.
    • The body of Christ is strongest when we are united, just as in a rugby scrum.
    • “We are one body, not just individuals in the same place.”
  • Breaking Down Barriers
    • Jesus tore down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, and He calls us to remove walls in our own hearts.
    • “Brick by brick, stone by stone, the wall is torn down.”
  • Living as a Holy People
    • We are called to be the dwelling place of God, built together with Christ as our cornerstone.
    • “We become the very body of Christ on earth.”

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage

  • Why does Paul emphasize remembering our past separation from God?
  • What does it mean that Jesus “tore down the dividing wall of hostility”?

Applying the Message

  • How can we practically live out unity in Christ in our daily relationships?
  • What are some personal barriers that may be preventing unity with others?

Personal Reflection

  • Are there any relationships in your life where reconciliation is needed?
  • How does your unity with Christ impact the way you treat others?

Application Prompts

  • Strengthening Your Vertical Relationship
    • Spend time in prayer this week, thanking God for bringing you near to Him.
    • Reflect on how Jesus has changed your life and identity.
  • Living in Horizontal Unity
    • Consider reaching out to someone you may have drifted apart from.
    • Find ways to support and encourage fellow believers in your community.
  • Breaking Down Barriers
    • Ask God to reveal any prejudices or unforgiveness in your heart and surrender them to Him.

Prayer Prompts

  • Thanksgiving for Reconciliation
    • Thank God for making a way for you to be united with Him.
  • Interceding for Unity
    • Pray for unity in your church, asking God to strengthen relationships among believers.
  • Seeking to Live as One Body
    • Commit to being a peacemaker and encouraging unity in your relationships.
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A Church Under Pressure

Study Guide for Sermon on Acts 4:23-31: “A Church Under Pressure”

Opening Prayer

Begin with a prayer asking God to open your heart to His Word. Pray for a spirit of boldness, unity, and a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture Passage: Acts 4:23-31

“On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. ‘Sovereign Lord,’ they said, ‘you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them…

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
(Acts 4:23-31, NIV)

Key Themes from the Sermon

  • A Church Under Pressure Gathers Together
    • When Peter and John were released, they immediately returned to the church.
    • “They didn’t hide. They didn’t stay away. They gathered together—physically, in one accord.”
  • A Church Under Pressure Prays with Boldness
    • Instead of strategizing, their first response was prayer.
    • “They didn’t hold a meeting or take a vote. They simply prayed.”
  • A Church Under Pressure Stays Rooted in Scripture
    • Their prayer quotes Psalm 2, showing their biblical foundation.
    • “Feelings will betray us, but Scripture will sustain us.”
  • A Church Under Pressure Steps Out in Faith
    • They didn’t ask for protection but for boldness.
    • “They prayed for boldness, not safety.”

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage

  • Why do you think Peter and John’s first response was to gather with the church?
  • What does their prayer tell us about their view of God’s sovereignty?

Applying the Message

  • How can the church today follow their example when facing challenges?
  • What distractions keep us from bold prayer and bold faith?

Personal Reflection

  • Do you instinctively turn to prayer when facing difficulties, or do you rely on other solutions first?
  • How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill your life more fully this week?

Application Prompts

  • Commit to Gathering
    • Make church community a priority. Join a midweek prayer group or commit to attending services regularly.
  • Pray Boldly
    • Take a few minutes each day to pray for courage in sharing your faith.
  • Step Out in Faith
    • Identify one way you can be bolder for Jesus—whether in conversations, acts of kindness, or standing firm in your faith.

Prayer Prompts

  • Praise & Surrender
    • Acknowledge God’s sovereignty over your circumstances.
    • Ask Him to help you fully trust in His plan.
  • Confession & Renewal
    • Admit areas where you’ve been fearful or hesitant in faith.
    • Ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.
  • Intercession & Boldness
    • Pray for specific people who need to know Jesus.
    • Ask for boldness in sharing the gospel.

Contact Info

Hope Church Lancaster

Psalm 119:114

'You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.'

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Hope Church is a part of the Free Methodist Church UK

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