Opening Music:
Fellowship and Building Community:
Share your animal pictures and stories
Architectural Concepts:
Doctrine of Reconciliation
“Eph. 2: 12-17: This passage has in view the fact of Christian experience that the apparently insoluble antipathy of Jew and non-Jew can be overcome. Christ has removed the barrier (v. 14) and ‘slain’ the hostility (v. 16). . . . This is evidence of divine operation, since the gulf between Gentile and Jew was regarded in the ancient Roman Empire as more unbridgeable than the modern disparity between East and West, Communist and nonCommunist.” — The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible
The Wall That Jesus Tore Down
Diagram of the Jerusalem Temple
3D Reconstruction of Herod’s Temple
Discussion Questions:
Q2: Circumcision was a physical sign for them that God made a covenant with the Jews to be their God and to bless them and to bless all nations through them. Do you think that we have any modern-day signs that signify that we belong to God? If so, what are they?
Q2c: The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (NIV) What are ways that we can express our faith through love?
Q6: What Paul is saying about peace in each of these verses: 14, 15, 17? , How does what Paul says about “peace” change how we view people who are different from us?
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,
17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
Q7 and 8: What does verse 14 say that Jesus destroyed? What does verse 15 say was the reason, or purpose, Jesus destroyed the barrier?
—> What else do we know about what Jesus has destroyed, created, and joined together?
Q10: What does each of these terms refer to and how does that help you what the church is called to do and be, through Jesus? Cornerstone, Foundation, Building Joined Together
Q12: In what ways could the Church better grow together into One Church? In what ways do you see believers being one body of Christ?
Q18: What are some examples of the manifold wisdom of God? In what ways is this reflected in the church today, and in what ways could the church grow into it?
Whiteboard: List groups of people you would like to pray for, to be included in, loved and supported, in the body of Christ.
Closing Music:
Closing Prayer:
(using the list created above)
- O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family;
- take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts;
- break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love;
- and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth;
- that, in your good time,
[people and groups listed above],
and all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.