Real Life. Real People. Real Jesus.
Sermon Discussion Questions
7-26-26
God With Us: The Church
1. A New Identity
Scripture
Ephesians 2:14–15 (ESV)
"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility... that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace."
God With Us: The Church
1. A New Identity
Scripture
Ephesians 2:14–15 (ESV)
"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility... that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace."
Discussion Question
Where do you most naturally define your identity apart from being part of God's new humanity in Christ?
Follow-up Questions
Connection to the Sermon
The sermon emphasized that salvation doesn't simply rescue individuals—it creates one new people under King Jesus. This question helps people evaluate whether they are living from that new identity rather than old divisions or worldly labels.
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2. Created for a Purpose
Scripture
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Discussion Question
Where do you already see God at work in the places you spend the most time?
Follow-up Questions
Connection to the Sermon
Rather than creating purpose for ourselves, God has already prepared meaningful work for His people. The sermon challenged believers to see everyday life as ministry.
Where do you most naturally define your identity apart from being part of God's new humanity in Christ?
Follow-up Questions
- What identities (career, family, politics, accomplishments, failures, etc.) compete with your identity in Christ?
- When have you experienced the unity that only Jesus can create between very different people?
- What would it look like this week to live more consciously as a citizen of God's Kingdom?
Connection to the Sermon
The sermon emphasized that salvation doesn't simply rescue individuals—it creates one new people under King Jesus. This question helps people evaluate whether they are living from that new identity rather than old divisions or worldly labels.
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2. Created for a Purpose
Scripture
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Discussion Question
Where do you already see God at work in the places you spend the most time?
Follow-up Questions
- How might God be inviting you to join what He is already doing?
- What opportunities for restoration have you overlooked?
- What is one practical way you can intentionally partner with God this week?
Connection to the Sermon
Rather than creating purpose for ourselves, God has already prepared meaningful work for His people. The sermon challenged believers to see everyday life as ministry.
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3. God's Presence Through His People
Scripture
Ephesians 2:21–22 (ESV)
"In him the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
Discussion Question
When have you experienced God's presence most clearly through other believers?
3. God's Presence Through His People
Scripture
Ephesians 2:21–22 (ESV)
"In him the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
Discussion Question
When have you experienced God's presence most clearly through other believers?
Follow-up Questions
- What makes Christian community different from simply belonging to an organization?
- How has another believer helped you experience God's love or encouragement?
- How can you become someone who helps others experience God's presence?
Connection to the Sermon
The sermon teaches that God's Spirit dwells among His gathered people. This question helps the group appreciate the Church as God's dwelling place rather than simply a weekly gathering.
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4. Living as Ambassadors
Scripture
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Discussion Question
Who has God placed in your life that may need to experience His reconciliation through you?
The sermon teaches that God's Spirit dwells among His gathered people. This question helps the group appreciate the Church as God's dwelling place rather than simply a weekly gathering.
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4. Living as Ambassadors
Scripture
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Discussion Question
Who has God placed in your life that may need to experience His reconciliation through you?
Follow-up Questions
- What keeps you from initiating spiritual conversations?
- Which relationships seem most ready for encouragement or invitation?
- How can the group pray for and support you as you take a next step?
Connection to the Sermon
The message reminded us that God's new humanity exists to participate in His work of restoration by inviting others into God's Kingdom.
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5. Joining the Movement
Scripture
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Discussion Question
What would it look like for you to move from simply attending church to actively participating in God's mission this week?
The message reminded us that God's new humanity exists to participate in His work of restoration by inviting others into God's Kingdom.
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5. Joining the Movement
Scripture
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Discussion Question
What would it look like for you to move from simply attending church to actively participating in God's mission this week?
Follow-up Questions
- Where has God uniquely gifted you to serve?
- What's one area where you've been hesitant to engage?
- What specific action will you take before next week's gathering?
Connection to the Sermon
The sermon concluded by challenging believers not merely to attend church but to engage in the movement of God's Church by partnering with the Holy Spirit in bringing restoration to the world.
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Closing Prayer Prompt
Pray together that God would deepen your identity as His new humanity, fill your group with the fruit of His Spirit, and open your eyes to the people and opportunities He has already prepared for you to bring His love, reconciliation, and restoration throughout the coming week.
The sermon concluded by challenging believers not merely to attend church but to engage in the movement of God's Church by partnering with the Holy Spirit in bringing restoration to the world.
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Closing Prayer Prompt
Pray together that God would deepen your identity as His new humanity, fill your group with the fruit of His Spirit, and open your eyes to the people and opportunities He has already prepared for you to bring His love, reconciliation, and restoration throughout the coming week.
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This week's reading:
- Genesis 1–2 — God creates humanity to live in His presence in Eden.
- Isaiah 65–66 — God promises a future new creation where He restores His people.
- Revelation 21–22 — The story reaches its fulfillment as God dwells with His people forever in the new heaven and new earth.