The book of Ephesians contains only six chapters, 155 verses, and will take you about 20 minutes to read. Yet in this little book you will find divine beauty and power. In a world where people search for identity, this letter focuses on who we are in Christ and how we are now to live in the light of this new identity.

Ephesians offers some practical answers to basic questions about the Christian life.

Key themes:

* We have many spiritual blessings through Christ.

*  Each believer is gifted through the Spirit of God.

*  Our faith should work its way into all of our relationships.

*  Our spiritual strength comes from God through His word and our faith.

Questions to Ponder:

1. Take a moment to think about "adopt" as we understand the concept in today's world. How is the world's view of adoption similar to or different from what Paul means when he describes God's adoption of His children?

2. What does it mean to be adopted by God into Christ's kingdom? What are some of the riches you have already experienced because of being adopted into Christ's kingdom? What are some of the hopes you have for this "kingdom life" that you have been granted?

3. Reread Ephesians 1:1-14. How do the two apparent contradictions of being chosen and choosing to believe create a mystery worth knowing?

4. What does it mean that God's main purpose is to glorify Himself? According to Ephesians, what role do Christians play in that? Why do you think Paul focuses so much in this passage on God's glory?

5. What conclusions can you draw from the statement that God chose you "before the creation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4)?

6. How would you explain to a non-Christian what Christ did to accomplish your redemption?

7. How does it affect you personally to know that you are valued and chosen by God?

8. Why should Ephesians 1:1-14 give us hope?