Nuggets from Ephesians
by Flora Kuah
06 July 2021
Like most other HighPointe LifeZones (ie: connect groups), we “picked at nuggets” through the book of Ephesians over the last six weeks. The lessons from “Connected” by Thom Rainer, have truly helped me appreciate the church at a time when we are all missing each other after sixteen months of isolation. As I share my own thoughts from our lessons, I pray you be encouraged and spurred to actively seek building yourselves and the Kingdom of God.
Lesson 1: Connected in Christ (Eph. 2:17-22)
Despite being unable to come together as a church for almost a year and a half now, I am still thankful to God daily that I HAVE A CHURCH FAMILY! I belong, both to God and a spiritual family! I can still connect through technology. I can still do little things for my church family and the people around me. I am still able to speak into the lives of others I come into contact with.
Lesson 2: Connected in Unity (Ephesians 4:1-6)
Despite not being able to meet in-person, there are still ample opportunities to connect and to encourage one another through a phone call or a text message simply asking how each other is. I have received little delightful surprises that were sent to my home, like cakes, plants, Tealive deliveries and snacks. I too, have sent little gifts to others. These may seem like small gestures, but they connect us with each other. They remind us that we BELONG and are a family!
Lesson 3: Connected in Growth (Ephesians 4:11-16)
I am so glad I am in a home group. While it connects me with others, it does so much more! I learn from the input, the thoughts and the experience of others as we discuss the lessons. I realize that part of the growing process, is learning OFF one another! And together, we build the church and take positive steps toward maturity.
Lesson 4: Connected through Words (Ephesians 4:25-32)
I learnt that our words matter! I look for opportunities to use words to encourage, motivate, give hope, provide guidance or even to make someone smile! We need to avoid fake news because fake news only brings dismay and fear. As children of God, we need to propagate truth because truth sets us free! Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Lesson 5: Connected in Service (Ephesians 5:15-21)
I love the fact that I belong to a church that isn’t inward looking. We are not all about ourselves! In fact, the church’s budget report indicates that at least 37% of our income is re-routed for missions and the community! This is what church should look like – a people united in love through Christ, serving each other and the community around us in the fear of the Lord (Ephesians 5:21).
Lesson 6: Connected through Prayer (Ephesians 6:18-22)
While prayer does unite us, more importantly prayer grants us access to the power of God. It invites God not merely into impossible situations, it also ushers God into everyday situations! When we truly believe that “I’ll pray for you” is a solemn responsibility and a life-changing promise within the Body of Christ, we will start to see life-changing answers in our lives and in our church!
In closing, I’m amazed at how rich God’s Word is! How powerfully transformational it can be, if we allow it to! It is my prayer that we not just open God’s Word, but allow God’s Word to open us! There are always precious nuggets of truth that can bring refreshment, revelation and revival to parched spirits. May God continue to bless us and use us as His connected people!
