Stranger's Become Heavens Citizens

Thursday, October 22, 2015
Ephesians 2:11-22 KJV 

11 Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Of what does the Apostle Paul remind Gentile believers? (v.11-13)
2) What has our Lord Jesus done for Jewish and Gentile believers? (v.14-17)
3) What has been granted every believer in the Lord Jesus (Jew and Gentile)? Why? (v.18-22) 

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Why were you a stranger to God and to His people, prior to your salvation?

LIFE LESSONS
5) Though we were once enemies of God, we have now been reconciled to Him and are citizens of heaven through belief in Christ's sacrifice on the cross for our sins.