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While suffering in chains, the apostle Paul exulted in the glory of God as revealed in the gospel of freedom. The result was a brief letter to the Ephesian Christians packed with theological weight and practical instruction. Here Paul reflects on pre-destination, and the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, and racial reconciliation. The apostle encourages unity among believers that collectively form the body of Christ, unity that should take concrete form in marriages and the relationship between parents and children and even masters and slaves. He wants his readers to recognize that they are involved in a spiritual battle against demonic forces, a battle that requires the Christian to wear the full armor of God. This year's Berean Study Series includes thirteen lessons covering each major section of Ephesians. Each lesson encourages Christians today to take seriously the call of God so that they may grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.

Perhaps the single most common admonition in Scripture is the call for God's people to express faithfulness in their lives and in their relationship with God. Just as Isaiah encouraged Ahaz to "stand firm in the faith or you will not stand at all" (Isa 7:9), God demands the same from each of us. The Bible is full of examples of faith, but perhaps more than any other chapter, Hebrews 11 exemplifies and extols the life of faith. Cloud of Witnesses: Ancient Stories of Faith examines the spiritual role models highlighted in this Hall of Faith roll call, looking for what is exemplary about their lives and how their stories can help us be more faithful. Of course, not all the characters mentioned in Hebrews 11 seem like prime candidates for the title "spiritual role model" (Samson, anyone? or Gideon? or Barak? Or... take your pick), so it does no one any good to pretend that these people had no faults. But according to the writer of Hebrews, these flawed individuals show us what a life of faith in a hostile world might look like, and their stories help us "look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.¿¿¿The Berean Study Series is a practical resource, consisting of a series of videos and corresponding study guides (available as a pdf, ebook, or print book) for each lesson. Each 25-minute video message can stand on its own or be used as a springboard for class discussion. These lessons have been designed to strengthen your Bible study curriculum. How? Use this resource as a congregational summer series or plug the video series in for a quarter of study in an adult Bible class or personal devotion time. May God bless you in your daily walk as you apply the teachings of Christ with much thought and practice.