But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility . 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. Ephesians 2:13–18 Tear Down: The Wall of Hostility Rebuild: A New Humanity Built Together Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 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. Ephesians 2:19–22 • Citizenship • Households • A Cornerstone We Get to Be the Church: Built Together | Brian Suter | August 9, 2020Want to go deeper? Check out the attached discussion questions to engage more with the sermon. Bible Reading Plan Reading the Bible every day is a great way to grow in your faith. After you read, take time to journal or reflect on these questions: What does it say? What does it mean? How can I live this out today? On our website, under Publications, you can find online resources for reading through the Bible in one year: westwoodcc.org/publications Join us on the lawn! Each Sunday at 5:00pm, we offer an outdoor experience at the Chanhassen Campus called the Outdoor Get Together. We have live music, the teaching message, tons of fun, and ice cream treats for all! Social distancing is observed. Masks are optional. Bring the whole family! Do you want to be baptized? Declaring your faith publicly is an important milestone in the life of a believer. We are offering an outdoor Baptism on Sunday, August 30 at 5:00pm at the Chanhassen Campus. Learn more and register on our website. August 9, 2020We Get to Be the Church Built Together August 9, 2020 1. Do you like to read? Why or why not? Can you remember the first book you read? Share as a group. 2. What is your favorite book of the Bible? Do you have one? Why or why not? Be honest! "#$% 3. Replacing “I have to” with “I get to” helps us to positively posture ourselves. Where do you need to insert the phrase, “I get to” in your own life? 4. As we enter into the series, We Get to Be the Church, it is important to look at God’s blueprint for the church as more than a destination or a service that you attend, but that church becomes completely who we are in this world. Discuss this as a group. 5. Read Ephesians 2:13-21 as a group. What stands out to you in this passage? 6. This passage in Ephesians states that Jesus tore down the wall of hostility. Tearing down the wall established harmony and wholeness to our relationship with God and each other. Where are you experiencing separation today from walls that have been built up? Where do you need the peace of Jesus? 7. Read Ephesians 2:15 and John 17:20-21. Discuss “new humanity” and how it relates to the Body of Christ as a group. What is our call as Christians? 8. There are many barriers that can divide us as Christians; age, appearance, race, education, politics, economic status, theological perspective and more. Which barrier is the most difficult for you to step across? 9.Read Ephesians 2:19-22. Have you ever felt like a foreigner or stranger? Like you are an outsider and that you don’t fit in? Share with the group. 10. We can feel tempted to view faith through an individualistic lens…. especially in this unprecedented time of isolation and social distancing. As Christians we are all together in Christ. God has created us to BELONG to Him and to each other. Who are your people? Do you need to find people? Don’t know where to begin? Email lisa.nebel@westwoodcc.org. 11. You are not a building. You are a body. You are created to belong to God and to each other. Where is God calling you to step into this further in your journey? Next >