Hey, time to take a break from the Olympics (especially that Ice Dancing), and dive back into God’s Word. Here we go . . .

Week 2, 02/21/10, Personalized II, Ephesians 1:7-12

1) What is accomplished through redemption? In these passages, what do you see as the significance to this progression of “redemption,” “forgiveness,” “enlightenment,” and “inheritance”?

2) In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 1:30) he mentions that in Christ we have righteousness, holiness and redemption. How does redemption work in connection with holiness and righteousness? And how are they different?

3) What is the significance of being “let in” (as God’s people) on the mystery of His plan?

4) Verse 10 says that God’s plan is “to bring everything together in the Messiah;” and the verses we read in Colossians 1:20 says that God plans, “through Him (Jesus Christ) to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross—whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Many people read these passages and believe they imply that eventually everyone will be “reconciled to God,” and go to heaven. What do you think?

5) Why is it significant that God works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will? What if God didn’t do that?

6) What impact might vs. 12 have on how we approach worship on Sunday morning and the rest of the week?