WEEKLY HOME GROUP GUIDE

Belong
Welcome/Opening prayer

Sept 23 Sep 29, 2012

This weeks passage teaches us that both believing Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ, and that we are part of Gods household, the church, of which Christ is the cornerstone and head. Lets pray that God will unite us as believers through Jesus work on the cross.

Become
Family Time

What did our salvation cost each of us personally? (Nothing, see Eph. 2:8, 9; It is by grace you have been saved.) Who did pay for our salvation? (Jesus, the cornerstone.) What two groups of people that were once separated by a wall of hostility, then became joined together to become one people? (believing Jews & Gentiles) Talk about the old and new covenants. What was abolished according to Ephesians 2:15? (The law with its commandments and regulations.) What effect did this have on the Jews? The Gentiles?

Kids Time

How do we get to be part of Gods family? (Romans 10:9 confess and believe in Jesus.) Another word we use for Gods family is the Church. That means that anyone who has accepted Gods free gift of salvation is part of the Church. Like our own families, each person is very different, but we all make up one family. What makes you unique in your family? What is the difference between going to church and being part of Gods family, the Church? (You can go to church and not be saved, or be a member of Gods family.)

Adult Time

Both Jews and Gentiles are saved by grace, by God's mercy and love, through Jesus Christ. What tensions do you imagine would be present with these two opposing groups coming together as one in Christ? Do you think the Jews had a leg to stand on in disagreeing with the Gentiles being brought into the kingdom along with those who were more traditionally pure (aka: the Jews)? Why or why not? Paul is writing to remind believers of what principle? (We are one in Christ Jesus.) Why do you think they needed the reminder? (The Gentiles, or former foreigners, were being offered access to God without having to do any good works.) Being saved by Gods grace should help us to extend grace to one another. What hang-ups are present in the Church today that prevent people from treating each other as one in Christ? What kinds of things divide us as the body of Christ? What do we as believers in Christ have in common? (Salvation through Christ, Holy Spirit, co-heirs with Christ, Gods adopted sons)

Prayer Time Lord, thank you that you have given us access to God through your Son, Jesus. May this be the foundation of our unity as the body of Christ. Help us to submit to you as the head and cornerstone of the Church. Amen.

Beyond
Community Calendar National Night Out is Tuesday, October 2. This is a great opportunity for you to get to know your neighbors. Visit nationalnightout.org or call your local police department for more information. Church Calendar Beach Clubs start the first week of October! Beach Clubs are for 3rd-6th graders and meet after school. Adults are needed 1 hour a week for 10 weeks to share the truth of scripture at Duff, Pope, Miller and Sherrod Elementary Schools. Contact: Marilyn Murray ext 171, beachclub@pantego.org

Pantego Bible Church