pastor resources
Pastor’s Resources
Paul (NT Wright)
Ephesians, Verse by Verse (Grant R. Osborne)
Ephesians Audio Lectures (Clinton Arnold)
Understanding Spiritual Warfare (Sam Storms & Clinton Arnold)
The Blue Parakeet (Scot McKnight)
Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women (Lucy Peppiatt & Scott McKnight)
Paul (NT Wright)
Ephesians, Verse by Verse (Grant R. Osborne)
Ephesians Audio Lectures (Clinton Arnold)
Understanding Spiritual Warfare (Sam Storms & Clinton Arnold)
The Blue Parakeet (Scot McKnight)
Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women (Lucy Peppiatt & Scott McKnight)
core group questions
Week 1: Eph. 2:11-22, Eph. 3:1-13
1. Looking Back
Paul tells the Ephesians (1:11-12) to remember who they were before Christ. When you take time to remember your life before Jesus, what emotions rise up in you — shame, gratitude, joy, something else?
2. Gratitude Check
We often grow bitter, frustrated, or apathetic toward God because we’ve forgotten how far He’s brought us. What are some practical ways you could “practice exceptional gratitude” in regards to your relationship with God this week?
3. Barriers Today
Paul (2:14) said Christ tore down the “dividing wall of hostility” between Jews and Gentiles. He may have been speaking of a literal wall around the temple that prevented people of different races from worshipping God there. What are some walls that still exist in our culture, community, or even in the Church? Which of those walls (race, culture, denomination, age, etc) do you personally wrestle with? Where do you need God’s help to live out the reality of “One New Family” more fully?
4. Messy But Beautiful
Think about some of the messiness you’ve experienced in church (hurt, hypocrisy, conflict, etc.). What has been most challenging for you? On the flip side, where have you seen the beauty of the Church shine through? How do we balance being honest about the Church’s failures while also staying faithful to Jesus’s bride?
5. The Cost of Following
Paul’s dedication to the Church cost him prison (3:1). What has following Jesus cost you so far (time, money, relationships, comfort)? Is there an area where you sense Him asking for a deeper “yes”?
6. Freedom & Confidence
Ephesians 3:12 says we can approach God with freedom and confidence. Do you feel that freedom and confidence in your relationship with Jesus? If not, what’s holding you back?
1. Looking Back
Paul tells the Ephesians (1:11-12) to remember who they were before Christ. When you take time to remember your life before Jesus, what emotions rise up in you — shame, gratitude, joy, something else?
2. Gratitude Check
We often grow bitter, frustrated, or apathetic toward God because we’ve forgotten how far He’s brought us. What are some practical ways you could “practice exceptional gratitude” in regards to your relationship with God this week?
3. Barriers Today
Paul (2:14) said Christ tore down the “dividing wall of hostility” between Jews and Gentiles. He may have been speaking of a literal wall around the temple that prevented people of different races from worshipping God there. What are some walls that still exist in our culture, community, or even in the Church? Which of those walls (race, culture, denomination, age, etc) do you personally wrestle with? Where do you need God’s help to live out the reality of “One New Family” more fully?
4. Messy But Beautiful
Think about some of the messiness you’ve experienced in church (hurt, hypocrisy, conflict, etc.). What has been most challenging for you? On the flip side, where have you seen the beauty of the Church shine through? How do we balance being honest about the Church’s failures while also staying faithful to Jesus’s bride?
5. The Cost of Following
Paul’s dedication to the Church cost him prison (3:1). What has following Jesus cost you so far (time, money, relationships, comfort)? Is there an area where you sense Him asking for a deeper “yes”?
6. Freedom & Confidence
Ephesians 3:12 says we can approach God with freedom and confidence. Do you feel that freedom and confidence in your relationship with Jesus? If not, what’s holding you back?