The Apostle Paul realized that he was an infant in the faith after his encounter with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. He experienced what was required to become a member of Christ's body and to walk as a mature Christian. Therefore, he wanted to share these truths with the Ephesians and with us. What does he do? First, he presents doctrine regarding the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ, and God the Father. Then, he focuses on the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Why? He knew we needed to acquire knowledge of God's Word and develop a personal relationship with the Triune God. He concludes this portion of Scripture with comforting words and stern warnings. The former assures us of attaining spiritual maturity, whereas the latter warns against the predators espousing false doctrine, trickery, cunning craftiness, and deceit, which are only overcome by an intimate knowledge of the Son of God.

The Apostle Paul realized that he was an infant in the faith after his encounter with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. He experienced what was required to become a member of Christ's body and to walk as a mature Christian. Therefore, he wanted to share these truths with the Ephesians and with us. What does he do? First, he presents doctrine regarding the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ, and God the Father. Then, he focuses on the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Why? He knew we needed to acquire knowledge of God's Word and develop a personal relationship with the Triune God. He concludes this portion of Scripture with comforting words and stern warnings. The former assures us of attaining spiritual maturity, whereas the latter warns against the predators espousing false doctrine, trickery, cunning craftiness, and deceit, which are only overcome by an intimate knowledge of the Son of God.

An inspiring look at Ephesians and the believer's asociation with Christ, the world, and Satan. Written by the saintly Chinese pastor, Watchman Nee.

An inspiring look at Ephesians, opening our eyes to the process of Christian living and maturity in three words: sit—our position in Christ; walk—our life in the world; and stand—our attitude toward the Enemy. New study guide included. An invaluable tool for the growing disciple.

Feeling overwhelmed and unproductive? The answer isn’t to do more. What image forms in your mind when you think of productivity? An assembly line? Spreadsheets? Business suits or workplace uniforms? In the ancient world, productivity didn't conjure images like these. Instead, it referred to crop yield and fruit bearing. This agrarian imagery helps us understand productivity through a biblical lens. Jesus taught, By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit (John 15:8). Who doesn’t want to have a truly productive life—to bear much fruit? But how does this happen in the places we hold dear—the home, workplace, and in our communities? We often feel overworked and overrun, defeated and discouraged. The world says be productive so that you can get all you can out of this life. The Bible says be productive so you can gain more of the next life. In Redeeming Productivity, author Reagan Rose explores how God’s glory is the purpose for which He planted us. And he shows how productivity must be firmly rooted in the gospel. Only through our connection to Christ—the True Vine—are we empowered to produce good fruit. This book shows how we can maintain the vitality of that connection through simple, life-giving disciplines. Readers will discover manageable applications like giving God the first fruits of our days. Additionally, Reagan discusses how our perspective on suffering is transformed as we see trials as God’s pruning for greater productivity.

What it means to walk with Christ ‘Walking’is a rich biblical metaphor. Figures like Enoch, Noah, and Abraham are remembered because they walked with God. Evil kings are remembered because they didn’t. All humanity is a parade one way or the other, and Christians must know the difference. The Believer’s Walk with Christ plumbs nine New Testament passages to unfold this great theme and help us live in step with the Spirit. Written in John MacArthur’s direct, accessible style, it is ideal for Bible study groups, church leaders, or individual believers who want to grow in godliness. MacArthur draws on a lifetime of scholarly and pastoral experience to demystify that process and explain clearly what Scripture says about it. He'll help you know what it means to grow in Christian maturity, and how to make it the mark of your life. About the series: This book is part of TheJohn MacArthur Study Series. It is comprised of chapters adapted from the bestselling MacArthur New Testament Commentary, which have been arranged thematically for the purpose of topical study. Accordingly, each chapter is designed to take the reader deep into a text of Scripture, while the volume as a whole addresses a specific biblical theme. This approach is ideal for anyone wanting to engage in a thorough study of what the Bible says about a given subject. It also serves as a valuable tool for pastors or Bible study leaders looking to teach a topical series.

Are you a Christian who feels as if you've lost your way but want to get back on track and help new Christians so that they will avoid your pitfalls? Learning to Walk: Taking Baby Steps to Christian Maturity shows Christians the importance of growth in the Lord, no matter where they are on their faith journey. A person can be saved but never take the next step in the process of his or her Christian walk. For older Christians it's easy to think as long as they're going to church everything is all right. But everything is not all right. The Great Commission tells us to do more than make disciples of men. It also says we are to teach new disciples the things Jesus commanded us to do. Every person who is brought to Christ has a responsibility of his or her own, but mature Christians have a responsibility to new Christians that comes from a commandment given by Jesus. As Dr. Chesher explains, mature Christians must understand the importance of Bible knowledge and applying it to daily life, having faith even during the most difficult of times, and not judging new Christians for their past lives but seeing them as new creations in Christ. New Christians can then model their lives after their faithful counterparts.