Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Bible Study Canceled
Bible Study is canceled for Thursday, April 22 and Thursday, April 29. Please join us as we resume again on Thursday, May 6th with the conclusion to Ephesians.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
For 4/15 - Ephesians 2:1 - 3:21
Hear the words of absolution: “God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith. Amen.” (ELW, p. 96) Where do these words come from? Does discovering this connection enrich your understanding of the liturgy? Of Ephesians? Of forgiveness? If so, how? Are these appropriate words for absolution? If so, why?
Read the Luther Rose note on p. 1923 of your Study Bible. What does Luther’s addition of the word “alone” add or clarify to 2:8-10? What do these verses mean for our lives as Christians?
The “dividing wall” (2:14) was a literal wall past which Gentiles could not go in the Jerusalem temple. What “dividing walls” exist in our contemporary church? In our congregation?
Consider the proposition that Ephesians was written to a new generation of Christians. On what “foundation” and “cornerstone” do we build together new generations in our church (cf. 2:19-22; 3:16-17)? How might we better be about this work? What insights does Ephesians offer?
To whom has God revealed the “mystery” – his plan for salvation (cf. 3:4ff.)? What does this mean for those of us already entrusted with this mystery? For those who don’t yet know?
Did God create the devil? Sin? Pain? Death? How does God exist in relationship with these evils? (cf. 3:9) What difference does this make for you?
The author of Ephesians believes that believers are already “in Christ” / “with Christ” in the heavenly places. In light of this, what might be the intention of his prayer in 3:17? How might this prayer be applicable to us? How might it effect us? Change us?
Read the Luther Rose note on p. 1923 of your Study Bible. What does Luther’s addition of the word “alone” add or clarify to 2:8-10? What do these verses mean for our lives as Christians?
The “dividing wall” (2:14) was a literal wall past which Gentiles could not go in the Jerusalem temple. What “dividing walls” exist in our contemporary church? In our congregation?
Consider the proposition that Ephesians was written to a new generation of Christians. On what “foundation” and “cornerstone” do we build together new generations in our church (cf. 2:19-22; 3:16-17)? How might we better be about this work? What insights does Ephesians offer?
To whom has God revealed the “mystery” – his plan for salvation (cf. 3:4ff.)? What does this mean for those of us already entrusted with this mystery? For those who don’t yet know?
Did God create the devil? Sin? Pain? Death? How does God exist in relationship with these evils? (cf. 3:9) What difference does this make for you?
The author of Ephesians believes that believers are already “in Christ” / “with Christ” in the heavenly places. In light of this, what might be the intention of his prayer in 3:17? How might this prayer be applicable to us? How might it effect us? Change us?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Ephesians 1:1-23 (for Thurs, April 8)
For Thurs. 4/8 – Ephesians 1:1-23
Read the Introductory Notes in your Lutheran Study Bible before reading the first chapter of the Letter to the Ephesians. While Ephesians is identified as a letter from Paul to the Church at Ephesus, most scholars now believe that it was probably written by one of Paul’s associates to the whole region around Ephesus. What do you think of this theory? Does it matter?
Compare the introductory structure of this letter to some of the other letters we’ve studied. Do you notice any differences or similarities?
Ephesians 1:3-14 is a description of what God has done and will do for the faithful in Christ Jesus. Sketch a timeline beginning with the foundation of the world and ending with the future redemption, highlighting the main points of God’s action for us according to these verses.
Ephesians 1:13 refers to “the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.” The Church imparts this seal liturgically at Baptism. What meaning, according to Ephesians, does this seal have? If we take this seriously, how does it change/affirm the way you think about Baptism and its meaning/purpose?
Read Ephesians 1:17-19. What things does the author pray for on account of the Ephesians? Presumably these are places that they can continue to grow and improve. Hearing these prayers in light of what God has already done for the Ephesians in 1:3-14, what word of hope do you hear for us? For you?
Compare Ephesians 1:22-23 with Psalm 8:6 (see also 1 Cor 15:28 and Heb 2:18). If you believe these words how do they change your perception of the world? Of the church?
Read the Introductory Notes in your Lutheran Study Bible before reading the first chapter of the Letter to the Ephesians. While Ephesians is identified as a letter from Paul to the Church at Ephesus, most scholars now believe that it was probably written by one of Paul’s associates to the whole region around Ephesus. What do you think of this theory? Does it matter?
Compare the introductory structure of this letter to some of the other letters we’ve studied. Do you notice any differences or similarities?
Ephesians 1:3-14 is a description of what God has done and will do for the faithful in Christ Jesus. Sketch a timeline beginning with the foundation of the world and ending with the future redemption, highlighting the main points of God’s action for us according to these verses.
Ephesians 1:13 refers to “the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.” The Church imparts this seal liturgically at Baptism. What meaning, according to Ephesians, does this seal have? If we take this seriously, how does it change/affirm the way you think about Baptism and its meaning/purpose?
Read Ephesians 1:17-19. What things does the author pray for on account of the Ephesians? Presumably these are places that they can continue to grow and improve. Hearing these prayers in light of what God has already done for the Ephesians in 1:3-14, what word of hope do you hear for us? For you?
Compare Ephesians 1:22-23 with Psalm 8:6 (see also 1 Cor 15:28 and Heb 2:18). If you believe these words how do they change your perception of the world? Of the church?
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