In Ephesians Chapter 2 we learn that Christians are saved by grace. We also learn when we become Christians we are not who we used to be and we are filled with new life and have the blessings of God's kindness and eternal gift to us. You will also learn about how we are members of one body in this second chapter of the Book of Ephesians.

Your learning comes from reading and studying the Bible. After you have read the Daily Readings for this week's Challenge below, the Daily Studies for this week are further down the page!

What a great God we have who loves us so much! Enjoy your reading and study on the second and third chapters of the Book of Ephesians.

- Dan

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Week Two: Readings

Sunday - Chapter 2:11-22

Monday - Chapter 3:1-13

Tuesday - Chapter 3:14-21

Wednesday - Chapter 4:1-6

Thursday - Chapter 4:7-13

Friday - Chapter 2:11 to 3:21 (a review)

Saturday - Chapter 4:1-13 (a review)

** Read online HERE or listen to an audio bible HERE

Week Two: Studies

Day One:

1. Ephesians Chapter 2 starts off with the words “As for you…” in the NIV translation, which signifies a shift in focus or a comparison with the previous topic that Paul, the author, has been talking about. To what or to who are the "sinners dead in their sins" being compared?

2. Who is the ruler of the kingdom of the air?

3. From the first three verses of Ephesians Chapter 2, describe 3 things that sinners follow.

Day Two:

1. As humans beings - men and women - we will never be able to act as merciful as God, and we will never be able to demonstrate as great a love as God can. Aside from the obvious sacrifice of Jesus Christ, what is the greatest human act of mercy or love that you have witnessed or heard of in your life?

2. What’s the difference between mercy and grace? Can you have one without the other? (**use an online dictionary like THIS ONE if you need to look up the definitions)

3. In Ephesians Chapter 2, verse 2 we see the name of the devil given as the "prince of the power of the air" (NKJV), or the "ruler of the kingdom of the air" (NIV). Take a few minutes to look up some other names God gives him from the following verses not found in the Book of Ephesians?

* Matt 4:3
* John 8:44
* John 12:31
* I John 5:19
* Rev 12:9
* Rev 13:8

Day Three:

1. What are three reasons that we can have salvation based on verses 1 through 10?

2. Describe what people's lives are like before salvation based on the following list of verses. Start each with the words, “I was …” and then add the characteristic that the verses mention.

* According to verse 1
o I was...

* According to verse 2
o I was...
o I was...

* According to verse 3
o I was...
o I was...

* According to verse 5
o I was...

* According to verse 12
o I was...
o I was...
o I was...
o I was...

* According to verse 13
o I was...

Day Four:

Today is like yesterday. But this time, you'll need to describe people’s lives after salvation from the following verses from Ephesians Chapter 2. Again, start each with the words, “I am …” or “I will be …” and then add the characteristic from the verse listed.

* According to verse 5
o I am...
o I am...

* According to verse 6
o I am...
o I am...

* According to verse 7
o I will be...

* According to verse 8
o I am...
o I am...

* According to verse 9
o I am...

* According to verse 10
o I am...
o I am...

* According to verse 13
o I am...
o I am...

* According to verse 16
o I am...

* According to verse 18
o I am...

* According to verse 19
o I am...
o I am...

* According to verse 22
o I am...

Day Five:

1. If God was reading Ephesians Chapter 2, verses 8 through 10 (below) to you, which words would He emphasize?

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith (and this not from yourselves, it is my gift) not by works, so that no one can boast. For you are my workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which I prepared in advance for you to do.”

2. Based on your readings his week, how should we act towards people of different religions? Should we become friends with someone from another faith at school or as a neighbor?  What if they do not wish to hear about our God, how should we act towards them? What about people who are hostile towards Christians?