Mystery Revealed
A Collaborative Study on the Book of Ephesians
The book of Ephesians is a gift. And it’s a gift we each get to open.
But sometimes just reading this gift, written by the apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus, brings up plenty of questions. Why is Paul writing to this church? What’s going on that’s serious enough for him (via the Holy Spirit) to address? And how does any of this apply to us today?
Leaders from six churches have collaborated to create this resource; it’s designed to be used as a guide for Bible studies, small groups, Sunday school classes, and independent study.
Written in plain language (no theological tome here), readers will come to appreciate the many facets of this gift of Ephesians and the mystery that has now been revealed.
D. Jay Martin (editor) serves as the Pastor of Leadership and Vision at Parker Ford Church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Julie, have four beautiful children and a puppy. Their home is filled with lots of music, sports, and good food. D. Jay grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and in the Southern Philippines. Utilizing his multicultural background and theological training, he has a passion for building bridges between various cultures and groups, both inside and outside the church. D. Jay is also passionate about helping equip Christians to navigate difficult contemporary cultural issues—like partisan politics.
God Has Invited Us Into His Story
Ephesians, chapter 1
Book editor D. Jay Martin and Netzer founder Tim Doering launch the series with a wide-ranging conversation on cultural idols, the cosmic picture of the gospel, predestination, the work of the Holy Spirit, and other key themes that shape the Christian life.
Rivalry
With Josh Park - Today, as I’m sure you are aware, we live in a world that is divided. It is a world of us versus them. Each election year, that division seems to grow wider and wider. Division isn’t a new problem, it is a problem as old as the garden of Eden when mankind was divided from God because of our sin. [podcast release: 6-11-24]
(Not) Losing Your Mind
With Joe Terreri - I have a second-place medal lying around somewhere at home collecting dust. Celebrating a second-place finish always feels silly to me. “You almost did it… but not quite.” I tend to agree with the adage that second place is the first loser. I don’t think there is a Christian around who wants Jesus to be in second place. [podcast release: 6-25-24]
Take Jesus Out of the Box
With Terrance Paul - We should be guided by biblical principles and the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than blind loyalty to one party. We ought to be open to dialogue and respectful engagement with those with different views, seeking to find common ground and work towards the common good. [podcast release: 7-9-24]
Internet Villians
With Jesse Hoffman - Name Calling, logical fallacies, and immoral arguments often occur in online debates, but that doesn’t stop many of us from diving headfirst into the flames of the comment sections, thinking we can single-handedly vanquish our “opponents” arguments. [podcast release: 7-23-24]
Vote for Someone
Besides Yourself
With Daisy Cocar - As a daughter of immigrants and as a Christian, I have witnessed firsthand how political divisions can seep into faith communities, distracting us from our core mission. [podcast release: 8-6-24]
Everyone Has a Reason
With Justin Valentine - Don’t you believe that your unsaved friends love their children too? Don’t you think that your Muslim friends want an opportunity for their sons and daughters to flourish and prosper as well? Even an atheist would like to drink clean water and live in peace. Don’t you desire these same things? [podcast release: 8-20-24]
hand drawn compass and tree graphics courtesy of shannon vining
The Music
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"At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat."