40 days through the book of Ephesians

Think about what it would look like if local Christian congregations became a picture of beautiful diversity and radical unity. — Derwin L. Gray

Think about what it would look like if local Christian congregations became a picture of beautiful diversity and radical unity. — Derwin L. Gray A Revolutionary Idea By Derwin L. Gray from session one, Ephesians: 40 Days Through the Book   Welcome to Bible Study of the Week, where every Sunday we give you the free first sessions of video Bible studies from leading authors, pastors, and Bible teachers.   Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the cofounder along with his wife Vicki, and leader pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped church in the Charlotte, NC, area.   In the Ephesians study, he takes us through the book to reveal how the apostle presented the revolutionary idea that Jesus came not only to forgive sins but also to create a unified family out of a diverse people.   *   EPHESIANS 1:1–23   Of all the revolutionary ideas found in the Bible, one that should shake us and wake us up is that God turns enemies into friends and is uniting people of radically diverse backgrounds into one beautiful and loving family.   WELCOME   The Bible is full of revolutionary ideas. This should not surprise us. From the first word of Genesis to the final word of Revelation, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe is speaking. He is sovereign, all-powerful, glorious, and his ways are not our ways. When God spoke at the beginning of all things, the heavens, the earth, and all of creation sprung into existence out of nothing (see Genesis 1–2). This is stunning beyond description. One day the Spirit and the bride will say, "Come" and all of history will be rolled up like a scroll (Revelation 22:17). Amazing!   Sometimes we read the words of God contained in the pages of the Bible and forget how counter-cultural and shocking they were at the time they were written—and how shocking they still are today. Instead of being amazed, we pass over these ideas as if they are common. Because they are familiar, we forget that they are revolutionary.   Jesus said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This call runs counter to our human nature and is as shocking today as it was when Christ declared it some 2,000 years ago. John wrote, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16).   What depth of love could have moved the Father to offer his precious Son for us? James wrote, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up" (James 4:10). God's call for each of us is to put aside our own personal pride and look first to the needs of others. These words are revolutionary in the culture of our day.   We find these similar staggering words in the opening of Paul's letter to the Ephesians: "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ … he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ" (Ephesians 1:4–5, Ephesians 8–10, emphasis added).   God chose before the foundation of the world and adopted us into his own family. The Almighty Creator has made known to us the mystery of his will. And He desires to bring unity to all things under Christ. He is birthing a family of diverse people who will be a loving and united family today and forever. This vision bears the seeds of heavenly revolution!   SHARE   Think about what it would look like if local Christian congregations became a picture of beautiful diversity and radical unity. What message would this send to the world around us? What would onlookers learn about our God just by looking at us? WATCH SESSION ONE WATCH NOW Your Turn   Watch the video, come get the remaining session one study questions, and share your thoughts on this study on our blog. We want to hear from you!   Life in God's Diverse Family   Save 30% off this brand new study, releasing 12/7 + get FREE shipping on your order of $35 or more   Ephesians Study Guide plus Streaming Video   6-Session Video Bible Study with Study Guide Softcover List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $13.99 BUY NOW The message of the gospel that Paul brought to the culturally diverse city of Ephesus forever transformed its citizen's lives. But the church in Ephesus had the same problems we face today: it was a multiethnic group of believers who found it difficult to come together as one and put aside their differences...   In this six-session study (streaming video included), pastor Derwin Gray, of Transformation Church, takes you and your group through Paul's letter to the Ephesians to reveal how the apostle presented the revolutionary idea that Jesus came not only to forgive sins but also to create a unified family out of a diverse people.   This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself—a 40 Day reading plan through Ephesians with discussion and personal reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide. An individual access code to stream all six video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!). The letter to the church in Ephesus contains a message that's revolutionary to us even today—it's a message that's especially urgent now: that God desires to bring unity to all things and all peoples under Christ. This is the vision that bears the seeds of a heavenly revolution! 40 Days Through the Book series: Each of the studies in this series, taught by a different pastor or Bible teacher on a specific book of the Bible, is designed to help you more actively engage with God's Word by understanding its background and culture and applying it in a fresh way to your life. Throughout each study, you'll be encouraged to read through the corresponding book in the New Testament at least once during the course of 40 days.   Watch on any device!   Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2026. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Eligible only on retail purchases inside the United States. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside. Save 30% off the companion materials SHOP NOW *Sale prices valid through 12/31/2021, excluding eBooks and audiobooks. eBook and audiobook purchases are fulfilled by our partner, Glose. Free U.S. shipping on orders $35 or more, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.     *eBooks purchases are fulfilled by our partner, Glose. Please note that: To access your eBooks, you can download the free Glose app or read instantly in your browser by creating a Glose account using the same email address you use to purchase the eBooks. eBooks fulfilled through Glose cannot be printed, downloaded as PDF, or read in other digital readers (like Kindle or Nook). For more information about how to access eBooks purchased on this site, click here for our FAQs. You are subscribed to FaithGateway Bible Studies.

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