Reading the Bible in a Year: Ephesians

"Paul seems different than Jesus!"  Sometimes Paul says things in his letters that don't quite resonate.  In fact, they confuse, if not even offend us.  As we continue working through the Bible, one book at a time, we come to Ephesians.  We will use this letter to take up the question of what we make of Paul today, when some of the things he says seem to come from a galaxy far, far away and a long, long time ago.

1)  What are parts of the Bible you struggle with?

2)  What are ways you justify ignoring those particular parts of the Bible?

3)  What do you think of the argument that Paul did not write Ephesians or other letters in the Bible?  (Feel free to do other internet research!)

4)  When you read Paul, are there moments when you say to yourself:  "This man was truly inspired by God!"

5)  Does Ephesians 5 and what Paul says about marriage inspire you?  What can we gain from Paul regarding marriage? 

6)  What do we make of "Slaves and Masters" talk in the Bible?  What gives us permission to ignore parts of the Bible that acknowledge the reality of slavery?

7)  What might be a helpful filter for determining what we "take" from the Bible and what we "leave" as a cultural relic from a distance place?