The world has been changing rapidly over the past fifty years, since the advent and progression of the electronic age. Information that formerly required waiting for the evening news, or the latest edition of the newspaper, has become instantaneous with the touch of a finger on an iPad or smart phone. There is a sense of more convenience in our lives and acute awareness of the world globally. On a spiritual level, I have seen an insidious emergence of a more overt battle for the minds of Christians. Our society that once accepted the Bible with respect and reverence, now often doubts the validity of God's Word. Apologetics in the Christian arena has become very visible to defend the tenants of our Christian faith. As members of the Body of Christ, we realize more than ever the importance of "rightly dividing" the Word of truth to be able to withstand the "wiles of the devil." Scriptures are examined using a Bible and a concordance as the basic tools required for this study. Each lesson is divided into five days. The purpose of this weekly format is to motivate the student to independently scrutinize each one of the twenty Scriptures in the book of Ephesians and elsewhere to be studied, investigate the meanings, and write the conclusions prior to reading the weekly section entitled "Author Commentary." Spaces are provided for writing answers to the questions, comments about the Scriptures, and in a section called "Gleanings" at the end of each chapter. The author's first book, "On the Way to Heaven: A Christian's Individual Road Map" and second book, "The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ: The Godman" are referenced in this Bible-study book for clarification, and you are encouraged to obtain these books to facilitate your delving into God's Word. Dr. Gail Erwin Hale has a special passion for sharing God's Word with women in all stages of spiritual growth. With over 35 years of teaching the Word in Bible studies, courses and individual tutoring, her ultimate goal is to give women encouragement that enables them to study on their own and strengthen their walk with the Lord. Dr. Hale holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Emory University. She and her husband of 44 years have five grown daughters. The Hales live just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
