Senior Minister Country Club Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Kansas City, MO I heartily recommend this book for pastors needing a remarkably helpful refresher on Ephesians and for small groups or Sunday School classes that are looking for high quality materials to guide them in their Christian faith. The seven lessons that follow demonstrate a marvelous blend of pastoral concern and scholarly integrity. The opening lesson on the authorship of the letter is a marvelous example of Bob’s ability to take on a technically difficult discussion in such a way that even first time students of this letter will be wonderfully enriched. In a culture that is, as the now clichéd saying goes, a mile wide and an inch deep, it is imperative for preachers and teachers of the gospel to find engaging ways to invite the people in the pews to dive deeply into the ancient texts we call the Bible. This is an extremely important task and Bob has met that goal with this insightful collections of studies. ![]() The comments, prayers and insights of these intellectuals are worth the price of the book alone.īob hopes that readers and users of this study will move toward a more mature faith in God. I felt like I was in a conversation with Bob and his collection of brilliant friends. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging the text with these deep thinkers. This book is filled with insights from a variety of theologians, pastors, mystics, and scholars. Demonstrating remarkable skill as a communicator, Bob brings this ancient epistle to our contemporary setting in a way that both illuminates the old letter writer’s concerns and enlightens our Christian faith. ![]() Saint James Presbyterian Church, Bellingham, WAīob Cornwall combines the mind of a scholar and the heart of a pastor in this participatory study guide on Ephesians. What a gift to the reader, to help us put things even further into perspective. I’m not sure if deep in his heart of hearts Bob is more of an historian or a pastor, but it is a delight that he has included the Historical Reflections at the end of each Lesson. The Discussion Questions are thought provoking, the Exercises are intriguing (some are quite creative and fun), and the prayers are well chosen. From his pragmatic examination of Biblical authorship in Lesson One to his intentional reminder that God’s grace is with the author of this letter to the Ephesians in Lesson Four, to the helpful look, for the modern mind, at God’s Armor in Lesson Eight, Bob seems to remind the reader that we, too, are embraced by that gift of grace and called to become actively engaged in their faith. His careful explanation of the Lectio Divina is the best I’ve seen, gently drawing the reader forward into its application to the scriptures. Will the group leaders feel confident as they delve into each lesson, finding the sessions easy to follow and supplying enough data for each class/meeting?) Are the lessons challenging enough for the scholars in our midst, yet inviting and accessible for Biblical beginners? Is the information given theologically sound?īob has beautifully met each of these needs in Ephesians: A Participatory Study Guide. ![]() ![]() When I’m selecting curriculum and study materials for the people in my congregation, there are several things I must consider carefully: Is the material user friendly? (e.g.
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