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OPENING UP EPHESIANS: A Study for New Christians and Young People
Peter Jeffery
Peter Jeffery is one of the clearest and ablest expounders of God's truth alive today. His books have circled the globe and been translated into several languages.
This book is intended to explain and apply the book of Ephesians for those in the formative years of their Christian life. Perfect for High School and College age Sunday School classes, New Believer's Sunday School, Bible Studies or personal study, it has several challenging questions following each chapter, plus a Digging Deeper section for those eager to search the Bible more thoroughly.
"When I hear the name Peter Jeffery, I immediately think of the author who is known for his ability to put profound biblical truth in readable, understandable and memorable language. That ability is on display again in this volume as Mr. Jeffery explains both the sublime doctrine and the practical instruction of the apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. The young people for whom this volume is intended will find Peter Jeffery's clear and perceptive style much to their liking. They are certain to come away from their reading of it with a greater understanding of the glory of salvation and with firm determination to live more for the glory of the One who graciously provided it." - Roger Ellsworth
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Author's Preface
Introduction to this Series
How to Get the Most out of this Book
Summary of Ephesians
1. A Fanfare of Truth
2. Prayer for Fellow Believers
3. By Grace Through Faith
4. One in Christ
5. The Mystery Revealed
6. Prayer for Spiritual Strengthening
7. Unity, Diversity and Effort
8. A Changed Life
9. Walk in Love, Light and Wisdom
10. Spirit Filled Relationships
11. The Armor of God
12. Ultimate Victory in Christ
Appendix: Digging Deeper into Ephesians
Jeffery Five-Pack
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Additional Information
• Table of Contents
• The Author
• Introducing the New Series
• The Author's Preface
• Sample
• Commendations
| The Author's Preface |
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I am very happy that you have picked up this book to take the first step in a journey through Paul's wonderful letter to the Ephesians. I am praying that God will use this book for whatever he has in store for your life.
This is not a commentary on Ephesians, but, as the title suggests, an attempt to open up the message of Ephesians for hungry hearts. I have sought to apply it especially to the spiritual needs of young people, but it is hoped it will benefit all ages. For over 25 years I have been writing books mainly for those beginning the Christian life, and I have tried always to be accurate, simple and brief. A pastor once said that too many Christian writers forget that they are supposed to be feeding sheep and not giraffes! My aim is to put the cookies where you can reach them. There are some glorious cookies in Ephesians and it would be a terrible shame if you were unable to benefit from them. Even so, there will be times along the way you will need to stand on your toes.
Ephesians will challenge you particularly on two fronts. First, do you know anything of the great salvation spoken of in chapter 2, and second, if so, are you taking seriously the call to radical commitment that Paul expresses so powerfully in chapters 4-6? Ephesians is not for the fainthearted or those who only want Christianity as a hobby to pick up and put down at will.
Over the years I have found in pastoring young people that some make a profession of faith that does not last very long. Don't be one of those. Let chapter 2 sink into your heart and mind and do not go on to chapter 3 until you can say with confidence that you are God's workmanship.
Many young people are genuinely saved and go on well with the Lord for a few years, but then they seem to stagnate. They become like spiritual wheel barrows, no good unless they are pushed. If you take chapters 4-6 seriously this will not happen. The battle is not easy, but the victory is assured if you keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith.
When my grandson Jonathan was four, like all three or four year olds, he loved to be told stories. He could sit and listen for hours to all the well-loved old fairy stories and the ones made up especially for him. But if he were to be asked which story he wanted read first, the answer would always be, 'Jack the Giant- Killer.' So when the school took all the four-year-olds to see the pantomime, 'Jack the Giant-Killer', he was very excited. He sat in the theater next to his mother enjoying the color and fun of the occasion. All was well until the giant appeared on stage; then he literally jumped from his seat onto his mother's lap in fear.
He could listen all day to the story of the giant. He knew the details by heart. But when confronted with the 'real thing', he was terrified. Isn't that like many Christians? We all have to face what seem to be giants in our life ö problems, weaknesses and sins that appear too great for us to cope with. We can talk to our Christian friends about them and listen to sermons on how to deal with them, but when they actually confront us we are terrified and the 'giant' triumphs yet again in our lives.
How can we become spiritual giant-killers? Do you remember the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17? The giant was very confident in his defiance of God's people. 'This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other,' he said (verse 10). No one would take up the challenge because they were all paralyzed with fear. The size of Goliath terrified them.
The giants of today still shout their challenges at God's people. We all know them and, sadly, we often feel totally inadequate and retreat in fear. What shall we do? Let us follow the example of David, who said, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord God Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied ... All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's'.
The armor of God is given to us for just such battles. Without it you will flounder, but clothed in God's invincible armor you will be assured of victory.
