Guiding the Believer Paul wrote the letter to the ephesians to Christians in Ephesus, a pagan and multicultural city, while imprisoned for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ephesians is one of the pristine jewels of Paul’s New Testament letters, overflowing with the greatness of salvation in Jesus Christ and its practical application in the relationships that surround the believer in an unbelieving world.

Guiding the Church The letter to the Galatian church is a treatise on Paul’s interpretation of Jewish law and its relationship to a believer’s freedom from sin found in Jesus Christ. Essentially, Paul taught that the transformation received by believers initiated by the work of the Holy Spirit, applying the finished work of Christ to a person’s life, was the only action needed to secure and complete one’s salvation.

Encouraging the Believer Paul wrote this letter to the church in Philippi because he remembered them fondly and rejoiced in the relationship he had with them. He encouraged the Philippian Christians to follow Christ’s example, living out their salvation in unity, humility, and selfless service to others. He wanted them to understand the evil of the world in which they lived. He encouraged them to press onward toward the finishline forgetting that which remained behind.

Assuring the Believer In his letter to the Colossians, paul underscored that Christ is the transcendent sustainer of His creation. The language of the letter to the Colossians, is generally an expression of worship. As readers follow Paul’s thinking through these letters, spirits are lifted and hearts sing with praise. Then, walking with the exalted Christ, readers are urged to let the expression of praise be seen in their daily activities. In the confused and shifting sands of the theologies of today’s church, Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae sounds a clarion call to make Jesus Christ the center of Christian worship. This short letter is a challenge to today’s believers to again lift up Christ, exalt His name, and live with thanksgiving as an expression of their worship.

52 Bible Study Lessons for Christian Teaching and Growth

The Believers Training Handbook is a complete teaching manualdesigned to enable you to study major areas in the Bible without the expense and time required by formal institutions. It contains a balanced diet of the entire Bible. Learn about: living by faith, the end-times, fivefold ministries and different movements, hearing from God, and much more! Most importantly, it is also written to be practical. Chapters such as Soul Winning and Demonstrating the Kingdom will teach you step-by-step ways to win the lost, heal the sick, and interpret prophecy. The Believers Training Handbook will be an invaluable resource for Bible training and ministries alike!

A classic ecumenical commentary on Ephesians. In addition to detailed exegesis, Schnackenburg pays special attention to the history of interpretation of Ephesians, taking account of comparative material in the history of religion and, at the end of each exegetical section, shows how findings are relevant for today. The theological focus is the concept of the church, giving rise to ecumenical discussion about ministry and office in the church. This commentary has proved invaluable for biblical scholars, clergy and theological students.

In "The Apostle Paul with a 'P': A Biographical Study," Dr. Richard NeSmith presents a comprehensive examination of the life, ministry, and teachings of one of the most influential figures in Christian history. From his early years as Saul of Tarsus to his conversion and later work as the Apostle Paul, the book delves into Paul's experiences, struggles, and triumphs, providing insights into his character and personality. With a detailed analysis of Paul's journeys, cohorts, and doctrine, the book explores his teachings on salvation, grace, and the power of God's love. Through vivid storytelling and engaging prose, Dr. NeSmith creates a compelling narrative that will inspire readers to deepen their understanding of Paul's legacy and its significance for Christianity today. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper appreciation for the strength and impact of Paul's life and teachings. Also available in hardback or softcover: https://www.amazon.com/Apostle-Paul-Biographical-Study-Love/dp/B0C2RX98D2/

The purpose of the letter to the Ephesians is unknown. The book suggests that the purpose of Ephesians is about missions and being missional. The author of Ephesians committed the task of missions to the church. The author located the mission of the church in the redemptive plan of God. The redemptive "plan" (oikonomia) of God consists of historical epochs of missions: the mission of Israel, the mission of Christ, the mission of the disciples, the mission of the apostles, and the mission of the church. The term "missional" has been used ambiguously. The existence of a distinction between the mission of the church and missional church is demonstrated, and both expressions of mission are grounded in the biblical text of Ephesians. The mission of the church is grounded in an exposition of Eph 1-3, and the missional church is grounded in an exposition of Eph 4-6. The author of the letter intended for the mission to the nations to be continued by the church (this is the mission of the church). He intended for the members of the church to continue to reach out to their local community (this is expressed by the missional church). The mission of the church has been grounded in the Great Commission. The missional church is grounded in the values, morals, and lifestyle principles set out in Eph 4-6.

Brimming with lavish, full-color photos and graphics, the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary walks you verse by verse through all the books of the New Testament. It’s like slipping on a set of glasses that lets you read the Bible through the eyes of a first-century reader! Discoveries await you that will snap the world of the New Testament into gripping immediacy. Things that seem mystifying, puzzling, or obscure will take on tremendous meaning when you view them in their ancient context. You’ll deepen your understanding of the teachings of Jesus. You’ll discover the close, sometimes startling interplay between God’s kingdom and the practical affairs of the church. Best of all, you’ll gain a deepened awareness of the Bible’s relevance for your life. Written in a clear, engaging style, this beautiful set provides a new and accessible approach that more technical expository and exegetical commentaries don’t offer.