Final Exam

Before the school year fades from memory, how about an end-of-semester test?  Don’t worry, it’s open book.  And also, your score won’t go on your permanent record – only the realities behind the answers!  From our spring Sunday School study in Ephesians:

1.  What are the Top Ten things God has done for us?

(mostly from Ephesians 1:1-13)  

We have been chosen and adopted in Christ, redeemed and forgiven and sealed through Christ, made alive and raised to heavenly status (places) with Christ, given inheritance and hope with Jesus, and been grace-filled and enlightened in Christ.  (that’s eleven – extra credit!)

2.  What’s history leading to?  What’s God’s mega-plan?

God made known to us the mystery of his will, to be put into effect when the times reach fulfillment – to bring all things, heaven and earth, to unity under Christ. (1:9-10)

3.  What does the church have to do with this plan?

   Are we more than “organized religion?”

The church is (Christ’s) body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (1:23)

4.  What’s more important –  believing or behaving?

By grace you have been saved, through faith, not by works.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (2:8-10)  So, both!  Faith opens the door for God’s saving grace, which is fulfilled in our actions.

5.  Is Jesus up to more than taking us to heaven?

He himself is our peace, who has made the two groups (Jews and Gentiles) one and has destroyed the dividing wall of hostility . . . to create one new humanity, thus making peace. (2:14-15)  Forming heavenly relationships of unity, and demonstrating the peace that the world longs for.

6.  How much does God love me?

I pray you may grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love, that you may be filled. (3:18-19)  Beyond measuring!

7.  What should our church look like?

     What makes a healthy church?