Class Lesson for April 19, 2026

New Series: Fully Alive - A Study of Ephesians

Sermon Recap

In Ephesians 2:11–22, we see how the cross of Christ tears down the walls that once divided people — between Jew and Gentile, insider and outsider — and replaces hostility with peace. Through Jesus, those who were once far from God and one another are brought near and made into one new people. In Christ, we are no longer strangers but members of God’s family and living stones in His temple, where His Spirit dwells. Because we are united with Christ, we are called to pursue unity and reconciliation with one another as His church.

The Wall That Divided Us (v. 11-12)

Before Christ, there was a deep and painful separation, not just between people and God, but between people themselves. This hostility is one that mirrors our own racial, cultural, and political divisions today.

The Cross That Unites Us (v. 13-18)

Through His death, Jesus tears down the wall that once divided us. His blood brings those who were far near, creating peace not only between us and God but also between one another. The cross doesn’t just remove hostility; it replaces it with unity.

The Temple That Includes Us (v.19-22)

Because of Christ’s work, we are no longer outsiders — we are fully included in God’s people. Paul describes this with rich imagery: we are citizens of a kingdom, members of a family, and stones in a temple.

 

 

Ephesians 2:11-22

Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands — 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Ephesians 2:11-22.

 

Discussion Questions

What words or phrases describe who the Gentiles were before Christ?

What specific things does Christ accomplish in verses 13–18?

Where do you see division or hostility in the world today that reflects this passage?

How does the gospel address hostility between people, not just individuals and God?

Do you tend to drift toward isolation or toward biblical community? Why?

Are there subtle ways you elevate differences over unity with other believers?

What fears or barriers keep you from fully engaging in community?

 

Closing Thoughts

This passage makes it clear: the gospel doesn’t just save individuals — it creates a people. The people of God share an eternal mission in which we are called to fulfill together. The sinful nature still at work within us often hinders us from effective and collective Kingdom efforts.

 

END

Class Lesson for April 12, 2026

 New Series: Fully Alive - A Study of Ephesians

Sermon Recap

Ephesians 2:1–10 reminds us of the radical transformation that only Jesus can accomplish. We were not just struggling; we were spiritually dead in our sin and unable to save ourselves. But because of His great love and mercy, God stepped in and made us alive in Christ by grace through faith. Now, as His workmanship, we have been given new life and a new purpose to walk in the good works He has already prepared for us. Only Jesus can bring the dead to life, and that changes everything about who we are and how we live.

 

 

 

Ephesians 2:1-10

By Grace Through Faith

[1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience — [3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — [6] and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Ephesians 2:1-10

 

Discussion Questions

Why do you think Paul describes our condition as “dead” rather than just “lost” or “broken”?

What stands out to you most about God’s character in verses 4–7?

Why is it important that salvation is described as a gift and not something we earn?

In what ways do people (even Christians) try to “earn” what God has already given freely?

What does it look like practically to live as someone who has been “made alive” in Christ this week?

 

Closing Thoughts

Living on Mission

Living on mission as a group begins with remembering who we were and celebrating what God has done. Ephesians 2 reminds us that we were once dead in our sin, but God, in His mercy, made us alive in Christ — not because of our works, but by His grace. As God’s workmanship, we now live with intentionality, looking for the good works He has already prepared for us. This involves motivating individuals to regard daily environments — such as neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools — as platforms to communicate their beliefs to others.  As a group, living on mission looks like praying for specific people, caring for tangible needs, speaking the gospel with boldness, and holding each other accountable to step into obedience. We don’t go on mission to earn God’s favor — we go because we’ve already been brought from death to life, and we want others to experience that same resurrection power.

 

END

Teacher Notes:

Today we’re going to look at one of the most powerful passages in all of Scripture Ephesians 2:1-10.

It answers a question that every one of us has had to face at some point: What is my true condition apart from God… and what has God really done for me?

What can this child do to change his condition?

Click Play to Watch

This scene is powerful because we all recognize what’s happening — a completely helpless situation… and someone steps in to change it.

 

This is what God does this morning in Ephesians 2:1-10 where we read that our condition was just as serious as the little boys’.

Ephesians 2:1-3

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience — among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Paul tells us that our lives were shaped by three powerful influences:

• The world around us
• The enemy against us and
• The flesh within us

This means our problem wasn’t just what we did — it was who we were.

Looking back over your life, when did you first realize you weren’t just “off track,” but truly in need of saving?

Do you think it becomes harder or easier with age to admit our spiritual helplessness? Why?

Many people spend their lives trying to “be better,” but this passage reminds us — we didn’t need improvement, we needed resurrection.

How does the 1st (be better) miss the 2nd (resurrection)?

Ephesians 2:4-9

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  

Can you identify a moment in your life where you clearly saw “But God…” change your story?

What is the difference between serving God out of gratitude versus serving Him out of obligation?

How would your daily walk change if you truly lived as though you had nothing left to prove? 

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  

Click Play to Watch

How have you seen God use your life experiences — both joys and hardships — for His purposes?

If God has resurrected, you from death - what do you think He wants you to do with that?

No matter your stage of life, God is not finished with you. There are still steps to take, still works to walk in, still purpose to fulfill.

 

Grace doesn’t just rescue you from the past — it calls you into a meaningful future.

Class Lesson April 5, 2026

 New Series: Fully Alive - A Study of Ephesians 

There is No Class this week for Easter Sunday!

Sermon Recap

In Ephesians 1:15–23, Paul prays that believers wouldn’t just know about God but would truly know Him — deeply, personally, and transformationally. He asks God to open the eyes of our hearts so we can grasp the hope we’ve been given, the riches of God’s inheritance in us, and the immeasurable resurrection power already at work in our lives. When we truly know God, everything else in life is reframed — our fears, our identity, and our purpose come into clarity. This week, our next step is simple but profound: ask God to help you know Him more, place your hope fully in Him, and live in the power He’s already given you.

 

Our Prayer is that God Would Open Our Eyes to See:

Hope - Biblical hope is confidence, not uncertainty- are future is secure based on God’s calling on our lives in Christ. Our hope in Christ for future resurrection gives us motivation to obey, endurance through trials, and joy day to day.

Value - In Christ, we receive an inheritance of immense value, but we also are a part of God’s inheritance ourselves. God not only gives you something of priceless value, you are of priceless value- we are His own.

Power - The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives and works within the believer. We do not have weak optimism as we face the trials of this life, but resurrection power rooted in the supremacy of Jesus. If you are in Christ, you are not alone, you are not stuck in sin, and you are not helpless in the fight. In our weakness, we have the greatest and highest power.

 

Ephesians 1:15-23

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Ephesians 1:15-23.

 

Discussion Questions

What does this prayer reveal about what Paul believes we need most as Christians?

What are some ways we unintentionally replace knowing God with just knowing about Him?

How is Paul’s prayer different from the way you pray for yourself or others?

How have you personally experienced growth in your knowledge of God over time?

What is one truth you know in your head but struggle to fully believe in your heart?

How would your daily life look different if you were more anchored in eternal hope?

Closing Thoughts

Spiritual growth happens not when we do more things, but when we realize more what has already been given to us in Christ. Think what could happen if we were a church who not only prayed this prayer, but believed God will do exactly what we ask. Imagine the depth of our walk with Christ, the impact it would have on Upstate of South Carolina.

 

END

Class Lesson March 29, 2026

 New Series: Fully Alive - A Study of Ephesians 

Sermon Recap

This week, we stepped into one of the richest passages in all of Scripture. Ephesians 1:3-14 is one long, beautiful sentence. Paul erupts in praise, reminding us that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. In a world that constantly tells us we need more; Paul redirects our attention. The Christian life is not about chasing blessings. It’s about recognizing the blessing we’ve been given in Christ.

 

Ephesians 1:3-14

Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, 6 to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, 8 which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in Him. 11 In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Ephesians 1:3-14

 

 

Discussion Questions

What stands out to you most in Ephesians 1:3-14?

When you hear the word “blessing,” what do you usually think of?

How does Paul redefine blessing in this passage?

Which trust stands out to you about the identity Christians have: being chosen, adopted, redeemed, or sealed? Why?

What does it mean that you are “sealed with the Holy Spirit”?

Paul repeats, “to the praise of His glory” three times. What does that tell us about the purpose of our lives?

 

Closing Thoughts

This identity should propel us outward. Three times, Paul says our salvation is “to the praise of His glory,” which means our lives are meant to point beyond ourselves. As we live in community (loving one another, forgiving one another, walking in unity) we become a testimony to the world of what God has done in Christ. Mission is not just something we do; it is something we are together. When we live as people who are secure, forgiven, and adopted, we invite others into that same reality. A gospel-centered community becomes a living display of God’s glory, drawing others to see and savor Jesus.

END

Class Lesson for March 22, 2026

 New Series: Fully Alive - A Study of Ephesians

Fully Alive

A Study of Ephesians

The book of Ephesians reveals the breathtaking scope of God’s grace and the new identity believers have in Jesus. In this series, we’ll discover how the gospel transforms everything — from who we are, to how we live to how we relate to others. Paul reminds us that we are chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and sealed by the Holy Spirit, invited into a new life marked by hope, unity, purpose, and love.

 

As we walk through Ephesians together, we’ll see that the gospel is not just something we believe — it’s a new reality we live. From being made alive in Christ to learning how the Spirit shapes our relationships, families, church, and everyday lives, this series calls us to step fully into the life God designed for His people.

 

 

Sermon Recap

In the opening verses of Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians, he reminds believers of a foundational truth: our identity is rooted in Christ and secured by God’s grace. Before addressing practical living, Paul reminds the church who they are. Their identity does not come from culture, performance, or personal achievement — it comes from being in Christ. Because we belong to Christ, we live as blessed people, united together in a new identity given by God’s grace.

Who is Paul?

Paul’s authority is not self-made but God-given. His apostleship is rooted in grace, not his own merit or achievements (Acts 9 conversion). Paul was a Jewish Pharisee before his conversion, trained in the law of God. After his conversion, Paul became the Apostle to the gentiles. The Ephesians first met Paul in Acts 19, where his Spirit-filled preaching disrupted idol worship and shook the city’s economy. Paul writes Ephesians from prison as he is awaiting trial. Paul’s authority and message were tested in a culture hostile to Christ.

Who Are the Ephesians?

Ephesus was one of the largest and most prominent cities in the 1^st century. It was also the center of worship for the goddess Artemis, marking the city with idolatry, occultic magic, and power. Paul spent two years with the Ephesian church; Christians were a small minority to the growing population, and were often met with opposition, reviling, and persecution. During such cultural chaos, Revelation tells us of the believer’s endurance in the midst of such trials.

What Does God Offer?

In Acts 19, Ephesus was a city of chaos — economic unrest, spiritual warfare, riots, and hostility. Into that mess, Paul proclaims grace (God’s unearned favor) and peace (shalom, reconciliation with God and one another). Grace and peace aren’t just polite greetings; they are the gospel in summary form. What the world cannot manufacture and what we cannot earn are freely given in Christ.

 

Ephesians 1:1-2

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Ephesians 1:1-2.

 

Discussion Questions

Why do you think Paul starts his letter by reminding believers of who they are in Christ?

How does understanding that you are “in Christ” reshape the way you see yourself?

What are some identities people often build their lives around (career, success, reputation, relationships)? Why are those identities ultimately unstable?

Paul addresses believers as “saints.” What do you think this word means, and how is it different from how the world typically uses the term?

How might forgetting God’s grace affect the way someone approaches their faith or relationship with God?

   

Closing Thoughts

Because we are in Christ, we share a new identity and a new way of living. This new identity is not individualistic; rather, we share this identity as a collective whole. We are all connected with one another as the family of God, called to live unified in a world of sin and chaos.

 

END

Teacher Notes (Brent Egan)

Click Play to Listen

Class Lesson for March 15, 2026

Culture Wars - Living Hope (Last lesson in series.)

Sermon Recap

Peter wrote this letter to Christians scattered throughout the Roman world who were facing increasing pressure and persecution for their faith. Instead of beginning with commands about how to live, Peter starts with praise to God and reminds believers who they are and what they possess in Christ.

He tells them that because of Jesus’ resurrection, believers have been born again into a “living hope.” This is a hope that is secure and eternal because of Jesus. Christian hope is not wishful thinking or positive vibes. It is a confident expectation rooted in the finished work of Jesus. Peter describes our hope using three powerful words: imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.

 

 

1 Peter 1:3-9

Praise to God for a Living Hope

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 1 Peter 1:3-9

 

Discussion Questions

What stands out to you most in 1 Peter 1:3-9?

Why do you think Peter reminds believers of their hope before addressing their suffering?

Which description of Christian hope (imperishable, undefiled, unfading) speaks most to you right now? Why?

How does the resurrection of Jesus give us confidence in our future?

Peter says believers can experience joy even while facing trials. How have you seen God strengthen your faith through difficulty?

What are some temporary things people often place their hope in instead of Jesus?

 

Closing Thoughts

 

Speak Truth with Grace

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be both clear and compassionate. This means holding firmly to God’s design while loving people who are confused, hurting, or struggling with identity.

 

Live from Your Identity in Christ

When our identity is anchored in God’s Word and redeemed by Christ, we are freed from the pressure to define ourselves or seek validation from culture.

 

END

Teacher Notes:

Steve Harvey shares his "Don't Quit" moment in his life and how God is always coming and He is never too late.

Everybody has a turnback moment, you can go forward or you can give up.

Don’t Quit

Because God is always coming – He’s never too late!

Peter tells us this morning that these trials, these difficult, disappointing moments in our life, prove the genuineness of our faith and that they are more precious than gold.

1 Peter 1:7

1 Peter 1:3-9

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

When was there a season in your life when your faith was truly tested?

 

As you look back, how did that season strengthen your faith or deepen your hope in Christ?

 

What gives you the most hope today when you look at the future?

After all the years you’ve lived, what have you learned about the difference between things that fade and things that truly last?

Cut Flower vs Living Flower illustration

At first, they look almost identical. Both are colorful, appear healthy, and seem full of life. But there is a major difference. The cut flower is already dying.

Why?

Because it has been cut off from its source of life.

This flower continues to live because its roots remain connected to the source.

What are hopes people chase in life that look beautiful at first but eventually fade like a cut flower?

 

How is the hope we have in Christ different from those things?

Peter tells believers we have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

 

Our hope is not like a cut flower that fades when life gets difficult.

It is a living hope because it is connected to a living Savior.

Imagine someone telling you that a large sum of money has been deposited into your account at a bank.

First you are excited. But then you begin to worry.

What if the bank fails?

What if someone steals it?

What if the market crashes and it disappears?

 

Now, we know these fears are realistic. Banks fail. Investments disappear. Wealth fades. But Peter says our future is nothing like that. He tells us our inheritance is: imperishable - it cannot be destroyed, undefiled - it cannot be corrupted, and unfading - it cannot lose value.

 

And then he says something even more comforting: Our inheritance is “kept in heaven for us.”

 

It is not held in a fragile earthly institution – it’s held in a bank that cannot fail.

 

And it is secured by God Himself.

If you could sit down with a young believer who is just beginning their walk with Christ, what would you tell them about trusting Jesus through the ups and downs of life?

 

 

When you reach the end of your life and look back, what do you believe will matter most about the way you lived your faith?

Conclusion

If someone asked you today why you still have hope in the middle of all the cultural chaos and trials that come with life, what would you say?

Cultures rise and fall. Trials come and go.

But the hope we have in Christ never fades.

1Peter 3:15