The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

Series: "One More Soul" Series
Week's focus: "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges"
Scriptures: Ephesians 2:11-22
Week of: November 13, 2005

TRACKING THE WORD IN WORSHIP
Jesus makes the way for us to tear down dividing walls and build bridges of relationship in our witnessing life

These are notes from Exploring the Word in Morning Worship; message points are CAPITALIZED.

1. Jesus not only "STANDS FOR" peace, through his death and resurrection, He IS our peace. Ephesians 2:13-14

2. "Preaching peace" first means to recognize and break through PERSONAL barriers that inhibit faith and prevent OUTGOING witness. Ephesians 2:15-16

3. "Preaching peace" means to live as a FULL-FLEDGED kingdom citizen laboring in a CONSTRUCTION project alongside all God's people. Ephesians 2:17-22

GUIDED STUDY / JOURNALING / DISCUSSION
For daily personal devotions or small group discussion

1. Make a list of barriers that you perceive divide people from one another. Name as many divisive issues as you can. Now focus on just one or two of the divisions and ask: Is this a spiritual, social, economic, and/or international issue? If it is a spiritual issue, what makes it so? How do you think Jesus would address this issue? What do you think Jesus expects his followers and his church to do in response to this division?

2. Read Ephesians 2:11-13. "Circumcision" was a physical symbol/ritual that divided Jew from Gentile. What physical, outward, status, material, or other social symbols promote or reinforce division and distinction among people today? In verse 11, Paul emphasizes that circumcision is an outward act of men, not an inward grace of God. What has occurred that opens access to grace and God's promises for all people? Realizing this includes you, how might you respond to God and others? Discuss your responses in your group or journal them.

3. Read Ephesians 2:14-17. What barrier divided Jew from Gentile? How did Jesus abolish this barrier? What was Jesus' purpose in doing this? What difference do you feel this makes for you? for others? for the witness to Jesus Christ in the world? What barriers still divide people? How can Christ be the peace for these divisions?

4. Read Ephesians 2:18-22. Jesus not only breaks barriers, but He builds a bridge over which we cross into spiritual territory once reserved for "chosen" people. In these verses, Paul is trying to help us (Gentile believers) to recognize how much we belong to God and with God's people. We are not to be timid rookies or act like unwelcome guests-we are one with all God's people. Our service is needed and vital. Doing our share strengthens the whole. How does this make you feel about your place in God's family? What does it encourage you to do regarding the work of the church and witness in the world? How can we welcome others who are just now "crossing over" into spiritual freedom?

MARKINGS LEFT BY PREVIOUS TRAVELERS
Selected quotes on breaking barriers & building bridges

COMING HOME. "While we profess our faith in God's unconditional love, many of us still live in fear… Home is that sacred space-external or internal-where we don't have to be afraid; where we are confident of hospitality and love. In our society many people seek a safe place through alcohol or drugs, or security in success, competence, friends, pleasure, notoriety, knowledge, or even a little religion. They have become strangers to themselves, people who have an address but are never at home, who never hear the voice of love or experience the freedom of God's children… To those in flight, Jesus says, 'I am your home.'"-- Brennan Manning in The Ragamuffin Gospel

SUBVERSIVE HOSPITALITY "Because the practice of hospitality is so significant in establishing and reinforcing social relationships and moral bonds, we notice its more subversive character only when socially undervalued persons are welcomed. In contrast to a more tame hospitality that welcomes persons already well situated in a community, hospitality that welcomes 'the least' and recognizes their equal value can be an act of resistance and defiance, a challenge to the values and expectations of the larger community." Christine Pohl in Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

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