Heather Holleman - Included in Christ: Living A New Story from Ephesians (A Bible Study)

I cant think of a better combination than a Bible study on Ephesians written by an English professor. Heathers writing style is warm and relatable while delivering the timeless truths of Scripture for which were so desperate. If youre longing to be chosen, filled, strengthened, and renewed and more, look no further than this study on Ephesians.

KELLY MINTER

Founder and Bible teacher at Cultivate Womens Events

Author of All Things New, a study on 2 Corinthians

Heather does a masterful job of bringing the book of Ephesians to life and practice. With authenticity and wisdom, she highlights seven powerful verbs that refocused me on my identity in Christ. As a ministry leader, wife, parent, and friend, I am finding that, by reflecting on those life-giving verbs, I am regaining a renewed sense of His smile and delight.

PATTY RUTTER

Cru, US Leadership Development and HR

We all yearn deeply for value and significance. Heather winsomely guides us through Ephesians to our true identitybeing included in Christ.

JENNIFER RICH

Former Cru staff and current therapist/owner at Crossroads Counseling, Ann Arbor, MI

A soul-searching, challenging, but affirming look into the book of Ephesians. Heathers tender heart and transparency leads women to embrace their unique Savior Story in a clear, personal way.

KATRINA CAMPBELL

Christian and Missionary Alliance Womens Ministries, and Alliance Peacemaking

This is the Bible study Ive been waiting for! Heather leads us to love grace more, to rest in the power of Gods Word, and to more freely and passionately follow our deeply personal Savior in the story He is writing with our lives.

BROOKE BARNETT

Area Director of Cru in Tidewater, VA

Heather Hollemans deep knowledge and application of Scripture, along with her memorable illustrations and use of contrasts, will propel you to a deepening and fulfilling relationship with Christ. You cannot complete this study without your heart and life being captivated and transformed!

MELANIE CRISTE

Director of Womens Ministry, Hunt Valley Church

Included in Christ is a fresh, applicable study for women. We all need to understand the significance of our Savior Stories and the toxicity of our Shadow Narratives. Heathers expertise in the written word helps us to learn and remember His work on our behalf so that we can live in His story with victory.

VICTORIA EVANS PEASLEY

Director of Womens Ministries, Calvary Church of Valparaiso

Get ready for a fresh look at Pauls powerful letter to the Ephesians. Be prepared to walk intimately with God along the way as He helps you see your own story from His perspective. You will love this study.

SUSIE LARSON

National speaker, talk radio host, and author of Your Powerful Prayers

Before I was even finished reading the introduction, I wanted to stand up and cheer! Gods Word is so full and alive, and seeing these familiar words from Ephesians unpacked this way excites me!

AMY GEIST

Cru at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

With refreshing openness, Heather takes us through the book of Ephesians and skillfully guides us to identify the narratives that prevent us from experiencing who we are in Christ and to exchange them with our story of redemption. Included in Christ is a life-changing study for all who long to live in the fullness God designed.

PATRICIA HUNTER

Freelance writer, and photographer of No Matter What, Its a Good Day When

A well-written study, like a good verb, can change a life. Each time I opened this beautiful book, I envisioned myself seated at a farm table interacting with Heather and Jesus, unpacking vivid verbs and journaling about what God was teaching me. I have been changed.

KOURTNEY GOERGES STREET

Director of Operations, Cru17

My heart, soul, and mind so needed the truths in this study of Ephesians. Included in Christ is for every woman who desires to get to the root of her calling and purpose. Its Scripture-saturated, honest, soul-searching, beauty!

LYNDSYE FELSMAN

By Design podcast and blogger

Belonging and acceptance hold sacred space within many of our deepest longings and most painful stories. In Heather Hollemans masterful work, we are invited into a creative and grace-filled journey toward a much sought-after place of rest, safety, grounding, and security. She has woven the gift of our stories, the power of imagery, and the elements of inductive Bible Study into a deep encounter with the metamorphic message in Ephesians that we are always and forever included.

MEGGAN HUNTOON

Pastor of women and small groups, Cornerstone Church, Boulder, CO

Heather Holleman brilliantly captures the love God has for each of us and the journey we must go on to discover the intimacy in which His love is expressed. This study helps expose the lies we fall prey to, while unfolding the tender truth Jesus wants us to declare about our personal story and relationship with Him.

TRACI HOLLINGSWORTH

Womens coordinator, Woodmen Valley Chapel

2017 by
HEATHER HOLLEMAN

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org.

Portions of Week Three, Seated, have been used with permission of the publisher from Heather Holleman, Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison (Chicago: Moody, 2014).

Published in association with the literary agency of D.C. Jacobson & Associates LLC, PO Box 80945, Portland, OR 97280.

Edited by Pam Pugh
Interior and cover design: Erik M. Peterson
Cover image of watercolor tiles copyright 2017 by petekarici/Getty Images (175523985). All rights reserved.
Author photo: BowerShots Photography

ISBN: 978-0-8024-1591-2

We hope you enjoy this book from Moody Publishers. Our goal is to provide high-quality, thought-provoking books and products that connect truth to your real needs and challenges. For more information on other books and products written and produced from a biblical perspective, go to www.moodypublishers.com or write to: