SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON ~ SEPT 26TH

God’s Power Changes Relationships

LESSON PASSAGE OUTLINE
1. Brought Together (Eph. 2:11-13)
2. Joined Together (Eph. 2:14-18)
3. Built Together (Eph. 2:19-22)

BIBLICAL TRUTH - When we are saved, we become part of God’s new people and are united with them in a new relationship.

Bible Commentary - by Kendell Easley, Professor of Christian Studies at the Germantown TN campus of Union University.

Hank has been an active member of Faith Baptist Church for 30 years. An established suburban congregation, Faith Baptist has been watching its neighborhood steadily change. Many Asian immigrants have settled in the area. Hank told me about a debate that arose in his Sunday school class on whether to introduce major change into the church’s life. Three perspectives on the matter quickly surfaced.

Some said, "We were first attracted to this church because there were so many suburbanites like our family. We were all at a similar stage of life, and our family has always preferred having church friends more or less like us. Frankly, the few Asians that have visited our church make us uncomfortable."

A second perspective went like this: "I know that we need to reach out to our new neighbors with the gospel, but wouldn’t we be more effective if we just let them use our fellowship hall to hold their own services? I’m sure they would prefer their own style of music and worship, just like we do."

The third viewpoint was different: "Wouldn’t we be more vibrant if we were more diverse as a congregation? It would be good if our church showed our community that we work hard at being inclusive. After all, heaven will have people of all ethnic groups and cultures. Shouldn’t our church services be a preview of our heavenly worship?"

 Do any of these perspectives underlie your church’s current practice? Which of these is your perspective? Why?

Sometimes when adults join a church as new members, they find open arms that welcome them. Others, however, may find tight-knit groups that subtly fence them out. Or they may even be treated unkindly. To be sure, sometimes new members may not behave well. They too may refuse to get involved in the life of the church or may complain about what they observe. None of this behavior is compatible with Christ’s death on the cross for the church. This and all similar behavior is to be rejected in favor in relating to other believers in ways that express the unity of the church.