5: Horizontal Atonement: The Cross and the Church – Teaching Plan

Key Thought Paul here sees the cross of Christ as destroying walls and barriers that shut out, alienate, and separate Jews and Gentiles.
July 29, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:11,12.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What does Paul accent in his fresh description of the past?
3. Personal Application: From what condition has Jesus redeemed you? Why might it be important to remember on a regular basis where you were when He found you and where you might be if He hadn’t? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How do I get away from the forces of evil that are still prevalent in our world? They are everywhere and influence everything: politics, education, work, television, internet, sports, everything.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:14-16.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What does Paul say about the cross and how it transforms our relationships?
3. Personal Application: In what ways might you need to be reconciled to someone else? How do you go about doing it? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How important is it for the church to deal with its own internal issues and conflicts between races? Are there some issues and conflicts that reflect human selfishness, pride, and a tendency to blame others for our own shortcomings and situations in life?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:17,18.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What action did Paul say Christ took toward the “law of commandments contained in ordinances”?
3. Personal Application: What tensions among Seventh-day Adventists or other Christian members need to be confronted and overcome? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “What issues between ethnic groups exist in your community? How might the church play a positive role in unifying the church without compromising Bible truth and principles?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:19-22.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How does Paul use the metaphor of the church as a temple?
3. Personal Application: How do you treat the church? Do you look at it is a temple and show proper reverence in the presence of God? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!(0)

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