Alive in Him

"Paul's definitive declaration on church life is found in the book of Ephesians-life through, from, in, with, for, and under the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of sinners, the Redeemer, risen, reigning, and returning, now and henceforth forever, by the Father's appointment, Lord of all. The whole of this comes into focus in Gloria Furman's applicatory overview of Ephesians, which I enthusiastically commend as vitamin-packed nourishment for Christians everywhere." -J. I. Packer, Board of Governors' Professor of Theology, Regent College "Some expositions are careful, line-by-line, evenhanded explanations of the biblical text. This exposition is exuberant, irrepressible, and intoxicating. Its strength is that its author, Gloria Furman, has tasted for herself the bliss of being loved by God, and she wants her readers to drink deeply from the same fountain." -D. A. Carson, research professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; cofounder, The Gospel Coalition "Ephesians 4 tells us, 'He gave some as teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.' I am deeply grateful that God gave Gloria Furman to the church. Because geography separates us, I can count on one hand the number of times I have gotten to sit under her teaching in person. Each time I was mesmerized, thoughts whirling, unable to write fast enough. Each time I was challenged, edified, and humbled. This book yielded the same result. Alive in Him is a precious chance to sit at Gloria's feet and hear Ephesians expounded with grace and clarity. Get your pen ready." -Jen Wilkin, author, Women of the Word and None Like Him; bible teacher "Alive in Him brings together the rich reality of both the transcendence and immanence of life in Christ. The truths found within its pages remind us that relationship must always precede response. But when that relationship is rooted in the 'riches of his grace,' that treasure transforms every other relationship." -Karen Hodge, Coordinator for Women's Ministry, Presbyterian Church in America; coauthor, Transformed: Life-Taker to Life-Giver "This is a wonderfully heartwarming overview of Ephesians that will encourage and inspire even the most weary of saints. Gloria has worked hard to show how Paul's letter fits into the bigger picture of God's revelation and writes in a way that makes these foundational truths both accessible and digestible. Each chapter helps us to join the dots of God's great plan of salvation that is bringing all things together under the lordship of Christ. With well-worked illustrations and realistic applications, this book challenged me again and again to delight in the love of God and its transforming power so that I might become more like Christ and bring him greater glory." -Carrie Sandom, Director of Women's Ministry, Proclamation Trust; Associate Minister for Women, St. John's, Tunbridge Wells; author, Different by Design: God's Blueprint for Men and Women "Reading Alive in Him was like sitting down to a beautiful, soul-nourishing meal, hosted by a good friend. Gloria packs each chapter full of rich truths from Ephesians, and you can't help but be swept up into her enthusiasm for God's Word and the gospel story. Gloria is especially skilled at lifting our eyes up from out of the weeds to see the bigger picture: the glorious reality of being 'alive in Christ' and what that means to our every day. Accessible, faithful, full of contagious exuberance and joy, and rich with nourishment for your soul, I highly recommend this book." -Caroline Cobb, singer-songwriter "Alive in Him is engaging, refreshing, and marvelously surefooted. A delightful read!" -Gary Millar, principal, Queensland Theological College; author, Calling on the Name of the Lord "In the best possible way, Alive in Him is an unusual book. It is not a commentary, atomizing and analyzing each word and verse. It is not asking the reader to pick a side in a contentious current debate. It is not a greeting card-type devotional that reduces the biblical text to pious platitudes. Rather, it is an in-depth reflection on Ephesians that, in style and content, captures Paul's bounding enthusiasm in that letter for the majesty of Christ and his gospel and asks us to respond in wonder and praise to God." -Claire Smith, Bible teacher; author, God's Good Design: What the Bible Really Says about Men and Women

Gloria Furman explores the main themes in the book of Ephesians, showing us how the blessings we have received in Christ empower us to walk in a new way rooted in God's love for us in Jesus.