FROM OUR ADVANCE REVIEWERS:
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. 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”?
Bob has beautifully met each of these needs in Ephesians: A Participatory Study Guide. His careful explanation of the Lectio Divina is the best I’ve seen, gently drawing the reader forward into its application to the scriptures. 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.” The Discussion Questions are thought provoking, the Exercises are intriguing (some are quite creative and fun), and the prayers are well chosen.
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. What a gift to the reader, to help us put things even further into perspective.
Rev. Tamalyn L. Kralman
M.A.R.E. Minister of Educational Programs
Saint James Presbyterian Church, Bellingham, WA
Bob Cornwall combines the mind of a scholar and the heart of a pastor in this participatory study guide on Ephesians. 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.
This book is filled with insights from a variety of theologians, pastors, mystics, and scholars. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging the text with these deep thinkers. I felt like I was in a conversation with Bob and his collection of brilliant friends. The comments, prayers and insights of these intellectuals are worth the price of the book alone.
Bob hopes that readers and users of this study will move toward “a more mature faith in God.” This is an extremely important task and Bob has met that goal with this insightful collections of studies. 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.
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. The seven lessons that follow demonstrate a marvelous blend of pastoral concern and scholarly integrity.
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.
Dr. Glen Miles
Senior Minister Country Club Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Kansas City, MO
I commend Robert Cornwall for producing a thoughtful study guide that does not spoon feed information to readers and supply them with trite solutions to make it through life.
John Byron, PhD
Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek,
Ashland Theological Seminary
This book is a great addition to the Participatory Study Series. Bob Cornwall has created a fabulous tool that provides excellent and accessible theological reflection on Ephesians for small groups and individuals looking for an in-depth and short term study,
Rev. Geoffrey Lentz
First United Methodist Church, Pensacola, Florida
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.
Dr. Glen Miles Senior
Minister Country Club Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Kansas City, MO
The Letter to the Ephesians
A Participatory Study Guide
By Robert D. Cornwall
Energion Publications
Gonazlez, Florida
2010
Copyright © 2010, Robert D. Cornwall
Energion Publications
P. O. Box 841 Gonzalez, FL 32560
Unless otherwise marked, scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U. S. A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scriptures marked CEB are taken from the Common English Bible, Copyright © 2010, Common English Bible.
ISBN10: 1-893729-88-5
ISBN13: 978-1893729-88-9
Library of Congress Control Number: 2010943444
eISBN: 978-1-63199-562-0
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
