Read through Ephesians 2:18-22 
 
Notes & Questions:

v. 18 – Paul is writing to a church that had a wide variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They were very different and yet trying to come together. Paul is telling them that they all have access because of what Jesus has done. They key element is Jesus, not where they came from.
 
How are our backgrounds different? 
 
v. 19 – Because their relationship with God has changed, their relationship with each other has changed. We cannot just have a personal relationship with God and not have a relationship with other believers.
 
What does it mean to be a fellow citizen? 
 
What does it mean to be a member of God’s household?  
This is family language. Jesus also uses family language to describe his followers in Mark 3:33-35 & Mark 10:28-30. If Jesus and Paul both saw the church (general use meaning followers of Jesus) as a family, it is appropriate for us to view ourselves the same way.
 
v. 20 – Jesus is the cornerstone. The most important stone in a building. It holds the foundation together. Without Jesus we are just a social club, and we fall apart.
 
v. 21-22 – Through Jesus we grow together. The goal is not to just grow individually, but to grow together. A building doesn’t have gaps in between the boards or the bricks. That is a terrible building. They are joined together. The building is not complete without all the bricks in their place. As a core group is formed, every member is valuable and makes the group all it can be.
 
What are some ways Jesus can help us grow together?
How do we work in one another’s lives to help each other grow? 
 
Read through Acts 2:42-47.  
This is a picture of how the early church saw themselves and family and acted like a family.
 
What actions do we see this group doing? Make a list.
How could we do some of these same actions together? Brainstorm ideas.
Commit to doing one of them this week (Life Group idea!)