Relationship Wisdom... Handwritten on Your Heart The book of Ephesians calls you to carry on with a rich understanding of God's love and the strength to serve those around you. Get ready to explore this magnificent book through the tried-and-tested inductive study method—with an added writing step to help you treasure each word!
In this exciting Bible study (complete with devotions, questions, and blank pages in the back), you will...
READ—Find out what these verses say. REFLECT—Discover what these verses mean. RESPOND—Apply these verses to your everyday life. WRITE—Rewrite these verses to better remember them.
As you dive into Ephesians you will learn how God intends for you to walk in His love and power, daily drawing closer to Him. * * * The Word Writers series helps you experience Scripture in a deeper way—on your own or with a group—through studying and writing verses word by word.
Denise J. Hughes is the author of the Word Writers series and a passionate student of the Bible. A popular conference speaker, she is also an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University and the editorial coordinator for (in)courage. She lives with her husband and three kids in the Los Angeles area. Follow her at www.wordwriters.us and on Twitter @DeniseJHughes.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a great Bible study with the added benefit of verse memorization through copying by hand. Highly recommended.
Overall this was lacking in helping or forcing the reader to dig deep into a lot of really interesting things discussed in Ephesians. She skims the surface with election mentioned in Chapter One and does the same for Chapter Five when various types of submission are discussed. I know the argument here would be “but readers can and should do that on their own”- and I agree, but oftentimes readers buy a study like this so they can get more specific direction. Even the format itself— a story from her life (typically the longest part 😬), briefly discussing the verses for that section, three or four questions, followed by a prayer and then writing 2-5 verses, makes it feel rushed. Some of the questions asked during the VERY short question section are silly and really have nothing to do with the text. If this is your first time to pick up a Bible, this study might be helpful for you. But if you are familiar with Ephesians already, I would recommend you look somewhere else.
I really enjoyed this different way of studying God’s word. I feel like when I write something down, I tend to retain it better than simply reading it. I enjoyed reading her stories and commentary. The questions given for the scripture reading/writing weren’t really all that thought provoking. But all in all, this was a fun, different way to study.
I love Bible companions, and this format is especially my favorite: read thoughts, read the Bible, answer deeper questions, write the Bible. And Ephesians is just full of solid, practical outlines to live God’s way, so it was a good read!
This bible study format was interesting. Here is a summary in the authors words, "A traditional inductive Bible study uses three key approaches to God’s Word: observation, interpretation, and application. Word Writers adds a crucial fourth dimension to the Bible study experience:saturation—the opportunity to write the Word. Because when we write it, we remember it." Each days lesson has 4 questions, 2 on context/observation and 2 on intrepretation/application, a short explanation of the text for the day or illustration to explain it, and a challenge to write the reading for the day out to remember and meditate on it. I liked this method, the explanation not pushy, too detailed or complex, the questions not overwhelming but just enough to make sure you are thinking about the word. .. a great balance! The only thing I had against this author was that she assumed everyone reading the book is born again, stating the promises of God to born again believers applied to anyone reading, but an atheist or person in habitual unrepentant sin can certainly pick up a book to read for a number of reasons and they would be misled to believe that if just they read this book, then they must be saved, but that is hardly the case. A much better approach would be to simply say instead of we/us instead say born again believers or give a disclaimer at the beginning explaining who she refer to a we/us and how to know if the reader is included in that our not. Anyway, I will certainly be making good use of this book! The nice thing about this kind of study is that you can do it over and over again, often getting more out of it each time!
This is exciting and new. If you want something that isn't cookie cutter you have come to the right place.. She sets the tone right away and then you are off. You look forward to each new day, it isn't like "ok I better go do my readings now" you know what I'm talking about, I'm preaching to the choir.Whatever you are looking for you have found it in spades.. It is understandable, it doesn't talk above you or at you, it talks with you. This book brings you closer to knowing JESUS, others and yourself. What an awesome book
I previously read and reviewed Word Writers: Philippians and in the review I explained that I did not enjoy re-writing the scripture so I didn't even attempt to try it while reading this title. With that said, I really enjoyed the daily writing even more in this selection and really looked forward to my time to read each day. I would definitely pick up another one if the author continues the series.
* I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *
This is the first Bible study I've done that involved writing out an entire book of the Bible... And I'm in love. It helps so much to remember what you read when you write it out. I found myself thinking about it throughout the day. The devotionals are short and sweet, but very good. I can't wait to do more of these!
I enjoyed this in-depth experience of Ephesians, Denise draws one closer to the the word. I love the prayers at the end of each day and the study of each key principle, it really allows one to savour each concept. At the end of the study, I felt I had a good understanding of Ephesians but also that I was closer to God and more empowered to live out the message.