The Bridge Church
Made for More
April 16, 2023
Locations & Times
Englewood SKY Academy
871 S River Rd, Englewood, FL 34223, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Our identity is found in who we belong to
We are adopted into God's family
The Bible teaches the sovereignty of God and responsibility of mankind. We believe both.
2. We are redeemed by Jesus Christ
Redeemed: "being released in return for payment or ransom."
3. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit
A seal was a mark of ownership and authenticity
Who I am is who I am in Him
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:
I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism
I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point
I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups
I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve
I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism
I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point
I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups
I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve
Dig Deeper:
1. Define the word identity. What does it mean?
2. What are some ways in which people try to find their identity? How is our world shaped by identity and seeking identity?
3. Ephesus, around 60 AD when Paul is writing his letter, is a massive city with a lot of spiritual darkness. How might our culture be similar to Ephesus?
4. Read Ephesians 1:1-3. What is the importance of saying “in Christ” in relation to our spiritual blessings?
5. Read Ephesians 1:4. Knowing that God knew you and loved you “before the foundation of the world,” does this change your view of God and His love for you? If so, how?
6. How do some people describe the doctrine of election (God choosing us) in negative terms? Why should it lead us to praise God?
7. Read Ephesians 1:5-6. How is adoption a picture of the gospel? Do people who are adopted do anything to be adopted?
8. Why should we reflect deeply on the fact that we are “adopted” by God? What practical benefit might a deep understanding of this have on our lives?
9. Read Ephesians 1:7-10. What does redemption, or being redeemed, mean?
10. How would you explain to a non-Christian what Christ did to accomplish your redemption?
11. Have you ever asked, “Can God really forgive me?”. How does our understanding of God’s ultimate, full forgiveness provide us the ability to live a new, changed life?
12. Have you ever experienced identity theft? Describe that experience. How is Satan constantly trying to undermine our identity in Christ?
13. Read Ephesians 1:13-14. How does this passage contribute to your understanding of the Trinity?
14. Using concepts from this text, explain who the Holy Spirit is and summarize His role in salvation.
15. What does it mean to be “sealed with a promise”?
16. Explain the importance of “when you believed” in verse 13, in light of the context of verses 3-14.
17. How does knowing that God works all things according to the counsel of His will affect you? Why do we need to reflect on this truth?
18. Why should this passage give us hope?
19. What does this passage say about worship? How does it move you to praise God?
20. How is finding our identity in Christ different from those who are seeking identity in other things?
Live It Out:
Who I am is who I am in Him. When we wrongly define ourselves, we function incorrectly. This week, find your identity in knowing that:
You are adopted by God. Do you know God chose you? Wants you? Came for you? Because of Jesus Christ living in you, you are accepted by God. If you’ve never let that truth sink in, pause this week to reflect on your adoption as one of God’s children. Through prayer and time with God, explain to Him what this means to you, and praise Him for what’s He’s done for you. If you struggle with this truth, reflect on why that might be.
You are redeemed by Jesus. Do you know Jesus paid for your sin with His blood? Have you understood that He has set you free by redeeming you? If you are holding on to your past mistakes or failures and wonder if God can really forgive you, release that to Him. When we come to Christ Jesus, we are no longer guilty, but we are forgiven and blameless before God. Allow God to provide you the strength to live a new, changed life where you see yourself as God sees you…forgiven!
You are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Do you understand that you are sealed and marked by the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit seals your salvation and guarantees your eternal inheritance. Out of this reality, we are to live like we are His kids! This week, spend time with God, your “Abba, Father.” Live like someone who is secure in knowing you are a child of God. Allow the Holy Spirit, who lives in you, to guide and direct your steps this week.
Reading Plan:
Monday: Ephesians 1:1-7
Tuesday: Ephesians 1:8-14
Wednesday: 1 John 4:10, Romans 8:15
Thursday: 1 John 3:1a, 1 Peter 1:18-19
Friday: 2 Timothy 2:19a, John 1:12-13
Saturday: Romans 8:28-30
1. Define the word identity. What does it mean?
2. What are some ways in which people try to find their identity? How is our world shaped by identity and seeking identity?
3. Ephesus, around 60 AD when Paul is writing his letter, is a massive city with a lot of spiritual darkness. How might our culture be similar to Ephesus?
4. Read Ephesians 1:1-3. What is the importance of saying “in Christ” in relation to our spiritual blessings?
5. Read Ephesians 1:4. Knowing that God knew you and loved you “before the foundation of the world,” does this change your view of God and His love for you? If so, how?
6. How do some people describe the doctrine of election (God choosing us) in negative terms? Why should it lead us to praise God?
7. Read Ephesians 1:5-6. How is adoption a picture of the gospel? Do people who are adopted do anything to be adopted?
8. Why should we reflect deeply on the fact that we are “adopted” by God? What practical benefit might a deep understanding of this have on our lives?
9. Read Ephesians 1:7-10. What does redemption, or being redeemed, mean?
10. How would you explain to a non-Christian what Christ did to accomplish your redemption?
11. Have you ever asked, “Can God really forgive me?”. How does our understanding of God’s ultimate, full forgiveness provide us the ability to live a new, changed life?
12. Have you ever experienced identity theft? Describe that experience. How is Satan constantly trying to undermine our identity in Christ?
13. Read Ephesians 1:13-14. How does this passage contribute to your understanding of the Trinity?
14. Using concepts from this text, explain who the Holy Spirit is and summarize His role in salvation.
15. What does it mean to be “sealed with a promise”?
16. Explain the importance of “when you believed” in verse 13, in light of the context of verses 3-14.
17. How does knowing that God works all things according to the counsel of His will affect you? Why do we need to reflect on this truth?
18. Why should this passage give us hope?
19. What does this passage say about worship? How does it move you to praise God?
20. How is finding our identity in Christ different from those who are seeking identity in other things?
Live It Out:
Who I am is who I am in Him. When we wrongly define ourselves, we function incorrectly. This week, find your identity in knowing that:
You are adopted by God. Do you know God chose you? Wants you? Came for you? Because of Jesus Christ living in you, you are accepted by God. If you’ve never let that truth sink in, pause this week to reflect on your adoption as one of God’s children. Through prayer and time with God, explain to Him what this means to you, and praise Him for what’s He’s done for you. If you struggle with this truth, reflect on why that might be.
You are redeemed by Jesus. Do you know Jesus paid for your sin with His blood? Have you understood that He has set you free by redeeming you? If you are holding on to your past mistakes or failures and wonder if God can really forgive you, release that to Him. When we come to Christ Jesus, we are no longer guilty, but we are forgiven and blameless before God. Allow God to provide you the strength to live a new, changed life where you see yourself as God sees you…forgiven!
You are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Do you understand that you are sealed and marked by the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit seals your salvation and guarantees your eternal inheritance. Out of this reality, we are to live like we are His kids! This week, spend time with God, your “Abba, Father.” Live like someone who is secure in knowing you are a child of God. Allow the Holy Spirit, who lives in you, to guide and direct your steps this week.
Reading Plan:
Monday: Ephesians 1:1-7
Tuesday: Ephesians 1:8-14
Wednesday: 1 John 4:10, Romans 8:15
Thursday: 1 John 3:1a, 1 Peter 1:18-19
Friday: 2 Timothy 2:19a, John 1:12-13
Saturday: Romans 8:28-30