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Life Lessons
Life Lessons: Book of Ephesians: Where You Belong
In the book of Ephesians, Paul reminds us that Jesus longs for the day he will be united with the church-his bride in all her beauty. Paul's letter celebrates the beauty of the church. Ephesians gives us wonderful examples and basic overviews of a Christian life. Paul shows us how to walk worthy of Christ as we live our life for God. Paul's focus on the beauty of the church reminds us that through salvation we become a part of God's a place where we can experience true belonging.
The Lucado Life Lessons series brings the New Testament to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational storytelling, profound reflections, and space for journaling. Revised and updated, Lucado Life Lessons continues to be one of the best-selling study guide series available for small groups and individuals.
The Lucado Life Lessons series brings the New Testament to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational storytelling, profound reflections, and space for journaling. Revised and updated, Lucado Life Lessons continues to be one of the best-selling study guide series available for small groups and individuals.
128 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 1998
167 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,195 books5,408 followersWith more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 3, 2009
Some of the questions are provocative, others seem to elicit predictable responses. I like that this study allows ample room to write and that the cross-references are limited and pertinent.
The best part of this study is not the material itself but the men I've been studying it with -- Jack, Jeff, Bill, Gary, Dennis, John B., Marshall and Eddie. The study book, for these men, is just a starting point. When we got to the part in Ephesians 3:18 that talks about "what is the breadth and length and height and depth" of God's love, Gary wondered why Paul spoke of four dimensions when we live in three dimensions. We chewed over that one for a while, then moved on. About 40 minutes later, John B. suddenly said, "I've got it. It's a paired tetrahedron."
I had to look that up when I got home. But I'll bet Max Lucado never thought of it either.
The best part of this study is not the material itself but the men I've been studying it with -- Jack, Jeff, Bill, Gary, Dennis, John B., Marshall and Eddie. The study book, for these men, is just a starting point. When we got to the part in Ephesians 3:18 that talks about "what is the breadth and length and height and depth" of God's love, Gary wondered why Paul spoke of four dimensions when we live in three dimensions. We chewed over that one for a while, then moved on. About 40 minutes later, John B. suddenly said, "I've got it. It's a paired tetrahedron."
I had to look that up when I got home. But I'll bet Max Lucado never thought of it either.
August 9, 2019
For those looking for a guided Bible study or genuine "life lessons," look elsewhere, since there isn't much here. It attempts to be heavy in application, but even that mission is distorted by poor context, some odd questions, strange idioms and cliched writing, and a weird 2nd person "Inspiration" bit in every chapter that accuses the reader of things like, "And you thought God adopted you because you were good looking" and other things the majority of Christians have never thought of.
Each chapter is broken down into several sections, several with empty space so that the reader can write in the book itself:
Reflection: While it might seem odd to start each chapter with a reflection rather than end it, these short intros set a mood/mindset of something to think about before diving into the study. Things like, "Think of a Time when you felt a true sense of belonging," and "how would you explain what it's like to be merciful to someone?" etc.
Situation: The next section is a short paragraph in each chapter giving *very basic* context to the piece. Unfortunately, this big picture view often skips over essential context relevant to the passage. For example, the "Situation" section for chapter one basically says Paul sent a letter to a bunch of churches and that he'd spent a few years with the Ephesian church, and that the purpose of the letter was to give encouragement and an overview of the Christian life. Not wrong, per se, just pretty vague. Leaving out that the Ephesian church was a mostly Gentile church, which is highly relevant to Paul's assurance that they to are included in Christ and that it was the plan of God all along, seems like some pretty crucial missing context.
Observation: This section is the chapter's passage presented in two different translations, the NCV and the NKJV. I like the use of two different translations here - they both are good translations, the NCV more an accessible thought for thought and the NKJV leaning closer to a decent word for word.
There aren't any tips on observation or aids for Bible Study, though, so this is good for those who dislike commentary in their scripture, but might be difficult for those unused to self-studying a passage.
Exploration: This is a series of application questions, some more clearly tied to the passage just read than others. Things like, "What specific changes have occurred because of Christ's presence in your life?" and "What part of the body [of Christ] are you?" This is probably the strongest section of the book as the questions are good for reflection.
Inspiration: This section is Max Lucado talking to the reader in 2nd person (you think, you know...) In this section he usually sets up a false belief, sometimes a very silly false belief (like the aforementioned 'you thought God saved you because you were good looking,') or a belief very few Christians would hold (like believing grace and mercy are somehow exclusive,) and providing the answer amid a flurry of cliches. For the most part there is little depth here, and all these sections are taken from his other books (God Came Near, The Great House of God, The Gift of Blessing, etc.)
Reaction: This is a list of questions, very similar to the Exploration section, though a few seem pretty abstract or slightly misleading. (For example, "What can you draw from the statement that God chose us from the Foundation of the World?" noteably leaves out the crucial phrase "in Christ" found in the actual verse. This could potentially cause a reader to over-individualize the verse or fail to note that God chose those "in Christ" before the foundation of the world, not God choosing individuals to become in Christ.) For the most part this is another decent section - pretty much most of the value of the book is in the questions.
Life Lessons: This is a short paragraph with basic lessons like "Everything rests on Jesus Christ" and "Without God's mercy and grace, we're stuck in imperfect." Few insights even casual readers of the Bible wouldn't come up with.
Devotion: This section is a little prayer, followed by further verses to read, and a redundant reference to the passage just read.
Journaling: The concluding section gives one question or task the reader can think on and write about. These are very application focused. Oddly, the last chapter doesn't have this journaling page and uses the spot for advertising the other "Life Lessons" books.
If you's really love somewhere to start when it comes to application, then this might be a decent read just for the questions. Otherwise, there isn't a lot of content/insight/context on the book of Ephesians itself in this.
Each chapter is broken down into several sections, several with empty space so that the reader can write in the book itself:
Reflection: While it might seem odd to start each chapter with a reflection rather than end it, these short intros set a mood/mindset of something to think about before diving into the study. Things like, "Think of a Time when you felt a true sense of belonging," and "how would you explain what it's like to be merciful to someone?" etc.
Situation: The next section is a short paragraph in each chapter giving *very basic* context to the piece. Unfortunately, this big picture view often skips over essential context relevant to the passage. For example, the "Situation" section for chapter one basically says Paul sent a letter to a bunch of churches and that he'd spent a few years with the Ephesian church, and that the purpose of the letter was to give encouragement and an overview of the Christian life. Not wrong, per se, just pretty vague. Leaving out that the Ephesian church was a mostly Gentile church, which is highly relevant to Paul's assurance that they to are included in Christ and that it was the plan of God all along, seems like some pretty crucial missing context.
Observation: This section is the chapter's passage presented in two different translations, the NCV and the NKJV. I like the use of two different translations here - they both are good translations, the NCV more an accessible thought for thought and the NKJV leaning closer to a decent word for word.
There aren't any tips on observation or aids for Bible Study, though, so this is good for those who dislike commentary in their scripture, but might be difficult for those unused to self-studying a passage.
Exploration: This is a series of application questions, some more clearly tied to the passage just read than others. Things like, "What specific changes have occurred because of Christ's presence in your life?" and "What part of the body [of Christ] are you?" This is probably the strongest section of the book as the questions are good for reflection.
Inspiration: This section is Max Lucado talking to the reader in 2nd person (you think, you know...) In this section he usually sets up a false belief, sometimes a very silly false belief (like the aforementioned 'you thought God saved you because you were good looking,') or a belief very few Christians would hold (like believing grace and mercy are somehow exclusive,) and providing the answer amid a flurry of cliches. For the most part there is little depth here, and all these sections are taken from his other books (God Came Near, The Great House of God, The Gift of Blessing, etc.)
Reaction: This is a list of questions, very similar to the Exploration section, though a few seem pretty abstract or slightly misleading. (For example, "What can you draw from the statement that God chose us from the Foundation of the World?" noteably leaves out the crucial phrase "in Christ" found in the actual verse. This could potentially cause a reader to over-individualize the verse or fail to note that God chose those "in Christ" before the foundation of the world, not God choosing individuals to become in Christ.) For the most part this is another decent section - pretty much most of the value of the book is in the questions.
Life Lessons: This is a short paragraph with basic lessons like "Everything rests on Jesus Christ" and "Without God's mercy and grace, we're stuck in imperfect." Few insights even casual readers of the Bible wouldn't come up with.
Devotion: This section is a little prayer, followed by further verses to read, and a redundant reference to the passage just read.
Journaling: The concluding section gives one question or task the reader can think on and write about. These are very application focused. Oddly, the last chapter doesn't have this journaling page and uses the spot for advertising the other "Life Lessons" books.
If you's really love somewhere to start when it comes to application, then this might be a decent read just for the questions. Otherwise, there isn't a lot of content/insight/context on the book of Ephesians itself in this.
Want to read
December 24, 2021Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. - Paul
Paul spent the first three chapters of the letter discussing God’s creation of a holy community by His gift of grace in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The members of this community have been chosen by God through the work of Christ, adopted as sons and daughters of God, and brought near to the Father through faith in His Son. All people with this faith—Jews and Gentiles alike—were dead in their transgressions and sins but have been made alive because of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Bless the name of Jesus!
Paul spent the first three chapters of the letter discussing God’s creation of a holy community by His gift of grace in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The members of this community have been chosen by God through the work of Christ, adopted as sons and daughters of God, and brought near to the Father through faith in His Son. All people with this faith—Jews and Gentiles alike—were dead in their transgressions and sins but have been made alive because of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Bless the name of Jesus!
April 23, 2021
Very practical. Takes the reader through this important New Testament epistle in an orderly, yet enjoyable manner. Very good for group sessions but can also be done alone. Does a good job of focusing on who we are in Christ and how that shows itself in our daily lives.
August 9, 2022
Used this as a tool for a short summer Bible study. I really liked the passages included within the pages, as opposed to looking them up separately. Wonderful starting place for people who want a deeper understanding of the book of Ephesians.
April 2, 2025
Another great study guide! This is my favorite books of the Bible. This study guide helped me delve deeper into the pearls of wisdom this book delivers. I thoroughly recommend this book and this series to enrich group or singular study of God’s Word!
March 8, 2019
A decent book for personal reflection, but I prefer more teaching segments.
April 11, 2020
Good study. Questions could have been better written to elicit discussion. A few I didn’t know what the author wanted as answers.
May 14, 2022
It would probably be given a higher mark if it were a study done with a group. It didn't really challenge my thinking alone.
Read
March 4, 2023"Barbara Curwen
May 2010
September 2010
Country women's bible study mostly at Elaine's"
May 2010
September 2010
Country women's bible study mostly at Elaine's"
December 11, 2024
Absolutely loved this.
October 27, 2025
Good Study resources
This is a good resource to further unpack the word of God. The lessons are clear and easy to understand.
This is a good resource to further unpack the word of God. The lessons are clear and easy to understand.
Read
May 12, 20155 copies
December 31, 2016
A good guide to Ephesians. More focused on applicability than theology
March 6, 2019
I used this book in conjunction with another study guide for Ephesians and found it useful and helpful. We didn't do all the questions, but I found it most helpful in guiding discussion.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews