- Table View
- List View
Upward!: Wesleyan Formation in Three Movements
by Steve Harper Paul W. ChilcoteA powerful guide for new and longtime United Methodists.Upward! is a simple but brilliant course on Wesleyanism for regular people. It thoroughly and methodically guides readers through the distinctive qualities of the Wesleyan way—the theology, practices, habits, and attitudes that characterize Methodist people. Paul W. Chilcote and Steve Harper, two of Methodism’s most beloved teachers, offer this extraordinary book as an invitation to a life of wisdom and wonder in our current world. It is a book of both instruction and celebration, teaching (or reminding) us what makes the Wesleyan way most gracious and lovely. Pastors and other leaders will use Upward as their primary resource for sharing the Wesleyan approach. It can be used in a wide variety of ways and settings—as a sermon series, congregation-wide study, or for new member classes, to name a few. Individuals will use the book as a personal study, ideally in connection with others. Upward! helps leaders and readers to:- correct misconceptions about Wesleyan theology- clarify and reclaim Wesleyan theology- gain a new framework for understanding Wesleyan theology and sharing it with others
Leadership Essentials: Practical Tools for Leading in the Church
by Yvonne Gentile Carol CartmillWhere will you find your next team of capable, committed leaders for your congregation? Churches across the country search for committed people with a heart for ministry, people who are ready to use their gifts in the ministries of the church. Your best potential leaders may already be in your congregation. This resource, used as a study tool or a desk reference, will help men and women in the church find the tools, direction and inspiration they need to become the best leaders they can be. Leadership Essentials offers practical skills, worksheets, and practice exercises in areas including: What Kind of Leader Will You Be?Making DisciplesBuilding and Sustaining TeamsMeetings that WorkDeveloping Vision, Mission, and Values StatementsStrategic PlanningEffective Communication Managing Conflict Leading Change and Encouraging InnovationDeveloping the Next Generation of Leaders Keeping It All in PerspectiveLeadership Essentials offers direction distilled from years of experience in church known for its vibrant lay leadership. With tested and real-life techniques from COR's leadership development team, Carol Cartmill and Yvonne Gentile, this book can be used by individuals as a continual study or by topic or by groups who are working together to build their leadership skills. Carol Cartmill and Yvonne Gentile have created a series of valuable resources that you can use to implement more effective recruitment, training, inspiration and mentoring of lay leadership in your congregation. Their first resource, Serving from the Heart: Finding Your Gifts and Talents for Service, guides participants to find their spiritual gifts as well as their passion and talent for ministry. In the second resource, Leadership from the Heart: Learning to Lead with Love and Skill, lay leaders continue their learning experience in ten areas of servant leadership. Carol Cartmill is the Director of Leadership Development for The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. She and her team launched the spiritual gifts ministry in 1998. Carol has led workshops relating to equipping ministries on both the local and national level. She resides in Overland Park, Kansas with her husband Jim and their two teenage daughters. Yvonne Gentile is Divisional Vice President of Merchandising for Helzberg Diamonds, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company. Since joining the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in 1996, she has used her passion for equipping and developing emerging leaders by serving on the Spiritual Gifts team, the Committee on Lay Leadership, and theStrategy Team for Leadership Development. Yvonne and her husband Franklive in Overland Park, KS. What people are saying about Serving from the Heart? Discovering one’s spiritual gifts is a liberating experience. Serving from the Heart is an instrument of liberation. The creative, gifted folks at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection developed a very useable resource for congregations who want to release the God-given human resource for creativeministry.” Herb Mather, Center for Christian Stewardship
365 Devotions for Women
by Sally D. SharpeStrengthen your bond with God, one devotion at a time.As women, we have many roles and responsibilities. We are daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, caregivers, working women, leaders, teachers, pastors, and pastors’ wives, neighbors, friends—and the list goes on. Yet in all of these roles, we bring a special gift that God has given us: the gift of nurturing—helping others feel loved, appreciated, and capable of achieving all they are meant to be.We, too, however, need nurturing. Often, we forget or ignore this fact, finding ourselves overextended and drained after giving all we have without taking time for our own needs. Our lives tend to be busy, hectic, and sometimes even frenzied, leaving little time for ourselves or God. Yet God longs to wrap loving arms around us and give us rest, encouragement, hope, strength, peace, and joy. God is the only One who can fill us and make us whole.365 Devotions for Women is written to help you focus on your relationship with God. Twelve different Christian women share their reflections on what it means to be a woman of faith, walking with God day by day. As you go through the year (whether you start in January or June), encountering a different writer each month, you will find spiritual refreshment and a sense of camaraderie for the challenge of giving your relationship with God the time and attention it deserves. Though these women have diverse backgrounds, personalities, and ways of relating to God, they have a common theme: God loves you and longs to be in relationship with you.The contributors are Nell W. Mohney (January), HiRho Park (February), Cynthia Gadsen (March), Kelly Clem (April), Lillian C. Smith (May), Nancy Nikolai Shedden (June), Anne Hagerman Wilcox (July), Marie Schockey (August), Hilda Davis (September), Sallie Dye (October), Monica Johnson (November), and Ellen Gray (December)Begin today to nurture your relationship with God. It’s the most important nurturing of all!
Will Willimon's Lectionary Sermon Resource: Year A Part 2
by William H. WillimonWill Willimon is widely acclaimed as one of the top ten preachers in theworld. For each Sunday of the Christian year, Will provides just whatyou need to begin the journey toward a sermon. This guide will stoke,fund, and fuel your imagination while leaving plenty of room to insertyour own illustrations, make connections within your congregationalcontext, and speak the Word in your distinctive voice. Guidance fromWill Willimon is like sitting down with a trusted clergy friend andasking, "What will you preach next Sunday?" Year A Part 2 is part of asix-volume set that includes years A, B, and C (2 volumes per year) inthe Revised Common Lectionary. Part 1 includes the Pentecost through the end of the church year, Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday.Each week of sermon resources includes:1. Readings 2. Theme title3. Introduction to the Readings4. Encountering the Text5. Proclaiming the Text6. Relating the Text
A History of Christian Thought Volume II: From Augustine to the Eve of the Reformation
by Justo L. GonzalezA treatment of the evolution of Christian thought from the birth of Christ, to the Apostles, to the early church, to the great flowering of Christianity across the world. Beginning with Augustine, Volume 2 covers the flowering of Christian thought that characterized both the Latin West and the Byzantine East during the Middle Ages.
Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation
by William H. WillimonWatch out. God is on the way.It’s not within our own power to make a fresh start. If we’re to have a future different from the past, it must come as a gift, something not of our devising. What we need is a God who refuses to be trapped in eternity, a God who not only cares about us but is willing to show up among us and do something with us, here, now.In Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation, Will Willimon introduces you to the God who does just that, bringing heaven to earth and changing everything. In Advent we celebrate and anticipate the earth-shaking, life-transforming good news that God is coming to us. Watch out. Get ready. God is on the way.Additional components to use the book as a four-week small group study include a leader guide and DVD/Video Sessions featuring Will Willimon.
Sisters: Loving God With Heart and Soul, and Mind and Strength (Sisters: Bible Study for Women)
by John SchroederThis is the leader's guide for this study in the Sisters: Bible Study for Women series. For more information about Sisters, go to www.sisters.cokesbury.com.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible
by Wayne BarrStudy the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy, beginning with Moses and Adam numbering the people and ending with Moses' death and the Israelites continuing. Some of the major ideas explored are: identity; the blessing of God; the problems of freedom; realism, faith, and the future; following through; living with consequences; misusing the name of the Lord; observing the Sabbath; love and law; the seriousness of disloyalty; hiding from need; andadvancing toward justice.Leader Guide includes: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understandingand appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions.
40 Days with Wesley: A Daily Devotional Journey
by Rueben P. JobIn an accessible, inviting format, this forty-day devotional experience weaves inspirational readings on faith and prayer with quotes and excerpts from John Wesley. Each selection offers a simple daily pattern of reflection with a prayer, scripture, a short reading, quotes from John Wesley, and a blessing to take with you through the day. Even those new to Wesley or a daily prayer guide will find this book an easy read for reassurance and inspiration during the Lent and Easter season. Those familiar with Rueben Job's writing will be delighted to find selections of his writing from the past two decades in a new format.Packaged in a flexible, soft-cover binding with a ribbon bookmark making it perfect for gifts.
Youth Ministry: What's Gone Wrong and How to Get It Right
by David OlshineThe Youth Ministry “movement” has become a monument. Youth leaders are doing so much work, and it all seems worthy. It’s big, important stuff. But leaders across the nation quietly suspect that the more we do, the less effective we seem to be in reaching young people. All those retreats and camps, books and seminars, conferences and leadership symposiums—what difference do they make in young lives today? As technology accelerates, spiritual apathy increases. Young people are biblically illiterate, bored, and find the church to be irrelevant. Parents are frustrated. Youth leaders are burned out. And high school and college students—if they ever attended--are leaving the church by the droves. What on earth has gone wrong?Youth Ministry: What’s Gone Wrong & How to Get It Right shines a revealing light on standard youth ministry practices, and helps the reader to see what needs to change. The book is full of practical ideas that work in real churches, and includes ‘voices from the trenches’—perspectives from current youth ministry leaders.Deep down inside, young people want life to matter. The church has something important to offer, but we have to start getting it right.
The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2012
by Marvin W. CropseyThe Book of Resolutions provides models for applying an active faith to daily life in ways that can impact the world around us. It contains all current social policies adopted by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. Find positions on more than 200 subjects, organized into seven sections: The Natural World The Nurturing Community The Social Community The Economic Community The Political Community The World Community Other Resolutions
A History of Christian Thought Volume I: From the Beginnings to the Council of Chalcedon
by Justo L. GonzalezA treatment of the evolution of Christian thought from the birth of Christ, to the Apostles, to the early church, to the great flowering of Christianity across the world. The first volume introduces the central figures and debates culminating in the Councils of Nicea and Chalcedon among which the theologies of the early church were hammered out.Volume 2 #9781426721915Volume 3 #9781426721939
The Gospel of Matthew: Interpreting Biblical Texts Series (Interpreting Biblical Texts #Vol. 1)
by Donald SeniorBiblical texts create worlds of meaning and invite readers to enter them. When readers enter such textual worlds, which are often strange and complex, they are confronted with theological claims. With this in mind, the purpose of the Interpreting Biblical Texts series is to help dedicated students in their experience of reading and interpreting by providing guides for their journeys into textual worlds. The controlling perspective is expressed in the operative word of the title: interpreting. The primary focus of the series is not so much on the world behind the texts or out of which the texts have arisen as on the worlds created by the texts in their engagement with readers. In this volume, Donald Senior provides an up-to-date introduction to the Gospel of Matthew. The seven chapters of Part One focus on modern biblical scholarship and the interpretation of Matthew, discussing the sources and structure of the Gospel, its use of the Old Testament, its understanding of Jewish Law, its setting as a part of the mission of Christianity to the Gentiles, its Christology, its understanding of the nature of discipleship, and the community from which the Gospel originated. The six chapters of Part Two provide a structured guide to reading and interpreting Matthew's Gospel.
Will You Pray with Me: A Guide for Those Who Pray in Public
by Anne Williams Steven LanghoferLearn to capably lead others in prayer, in any setting, on any occasion.Leading congregations and other groups in prayer is a significant challenge for many pastors and other ministry leaders. What to say, and how to say it? Most public pray-ers have received very little training and have not had the chance to develop deep skills. Some folks attack the task with little or no preparation, simply winging it, and usually sensing they have not quite hit the mark. Others furiously try to prepare but become frustrated or overwhelmed. No wonder there’s such anxiety about this topic.Will You Pray with Me is a short course, in book form, for all who lead others in prayer. The authors teach methods and techniques for writing and leading prayers in traditional church services, special services, for hospital visits, in impromptu situations, and in many other less conventional spaces and circumstances. They include multiple examples of different types of prayer, with analysis alongside the prayer texts to help the reader understand what the methods look like in ‘real life’.The book begins with a set of basic principles, the essential skills and strategies for leading prayer. Subsequent chapters cover writing techniques, tips and habits for effective delivery of prayers aloud, and guidance for specific challenges, including prayer during times of social distancing and pandemic. Also included is a rich selection of prayers for readers to use in their own church services or other settings, or for personal devotion. Will You Pray with Me is for pastors, chaplains, congregational care ministers, ministry leaders, and students in seminary or other ministry training courses.
7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Children: Includes 25 Lessons, Plus Activities That Satisfy Different Learning Styles
by Barbara BruceThere are seven distinct ways of teaching and learning: verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, visual/spatial, body/kinesthetic, musical/rhythmic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. In 7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Children, Barbara Bruce uses these seven learning styles to show you how to meet the various learning needs of each child in your classroom. The 25 Old and New Testament lessons which are included feature warm-up exercises, scripture readings, activities, and options for tailoring the lesson to all your students' individual learning needs. Practical advice for discovering each child's learning preferences, reproducible patterns and handouts, and a teacher training session are also included. The Bible story lessons can be used independently or with existing class curriculum.
Covenant Bible Study: Trusting Participant Guide (Covenant Bible Study)
by Covenant Bible Study Christine A. Chakoian David A. DeSilva Prof. David L. Bartlett Dr Alejandro F. Botta Dr Michael Joseph Brown Dr Diane Chen Dr Stephanie Buckhanon Crowder Prof. Judy Fentress-Williams Prof. Francisco Garcia-Treto Roy Heller Prof. Matthew L. Skinner Dr Brent A. Strawn Prof. Monya Stubbs Dr Audrey West Prof. Christine R. Yoder Dr Jaime Clark-Soles Dr William P. Brown Dr Amy Erickson Prof. Linda M. Day Dr Patricia K. Tull Dr Melody Knowles Prof. Thomas B. Slater Dr Daniel L. Smith-Christopher Rev Shane StanfordThis Covenant experience will guide participants in a comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible over twenty-four weeks. Unlike the learning participants may have experienced in other groups, this in-depth study of the whole Bible emphasizes the biblical concept of covenant as a unifying pattern through all the books in the Old and New Testaments. It underscores the unique relationship that God chooses to have with us as God’s people. This relationship is grounded in the faithfulness of God’s love and on our ongoing commitment to stay in love with God while we share signs of that love with others.Each episode connects to an aspect of this covenant relationship, which is summarized in the heading of each participant guide. LIFE, AS WE ALL KNOW TOO WELL, IS IMPERFECT. Difficulties are inevitable. That’s why the final eight-weeks, Trusting the Covenant, looks at the crises that sometimes call covenant life into question, and how we are restored to trust in God when troubling things happen.This module discusses the loss of hope, and how it is restored by faithfulness in the midst of suffering. From the story of Job, to the Hebrew exile, to the apocalyptic visions in Daniel and Revelation, we learn how faithful love is at work in everything—to restore hope, freedom, and wholeness to our lives. Each participant in the group needs the Participant Guides and a Bible. The CEB Study Bible is preferred.The Trusting Participant Guide is 8 weeks long, and has a lay flat binding making it easy to take notes in the generous space provided on each page. The Trusting Participant Guide contains the following episodes: Episode 17: John; 1, 2, and 3 JohnFor John the God we meet in Jesus is the one who keeps coming into the world, going out of the way to be in relationship with us. Jesus meets his followers in whatever ways they need with new and abundant life. Jesus draws people back into community and promises the Holy Spirit to those who follow him.Episode 18: PsalmsPsalms are songs, poems, and prayers to and about God. There is diversity of authorship across the Psalms. Three major types of psalms are laments, thanksgiving psalms, and psalms of praise. The psalms are user-friendly and give voice to our conflicts, confessions, and cries for God’s rescuing help. The Psalms teach us how to pray and that God’s primary character trait is faithful love. Episode 19: JobLike the Bible as a whole, the book of Job offers a number of voices or perspectives. Job stages difficult human questions such as, “Why do human beings worship God?” or “Why do people suffer?” and even, “what is God’s role in suffering?” The book of Job also asks, “Does good behavior bring blessing?” and “Does bad behavior bring curse and suffering?”Episode 20: Jeremiah, Lamentations, EzekielJeremiah, Lamentations, and Ezekiel offer three different perspectives on the same catastrophic event: the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 587 CE and the exile of God’s people to a foreign land.These books affirm the power of lingering with sorrow so we can hear the voices of those who are suffering. Any hope found in these books remains in the promise that God will bring life to dry bones or write a new covenant on hearts in a blessed but distant future.Episode 21: Isaiah 40-66The story of how Israel gained and lost the land becomes a treasure that they carry with them into exile. The poetry in these passages is written to inspire and invite God’s homesick people in Babylon to become pioneers and return home to Israel. The God of Israel is no regional deity but is the one and only God of all, everywhere and all the time. Through fire and water, chaos and captivity, the people called by God and redeemed by God also belong to God.Episode 22: 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, NehemiahThe people returning home from exile in successive waves must rebuild their whole way of life. Ezra and Nehemiah look at the practical need for city walls and a center for worship. The Chronicler stresses the importance of “re-remembering” our story in the right way in order to understand who we are in this new
Parables: Putting Jesus's Stories in Their Place
by Josh ScottRead the stories of Jesus in a new light.When Jesus taught in parables, he was doing more than telling simple morality tales. His stories were grounded in the world in which he lived and his vision of the Kingdom of God. This book explores six parables that give us a window into Jesus’s message and movement, and, once they are heard in their own context, ask what they might mean for us today. Parables include: the New Wine and Wineskins, the Mustard Seed, the Leaven, the Wedding Party, the Workers in the Vineyard, and the Wicked Tenants.Other components for the study include a leader guide and teaching video are available.
Through Mark's Eyes: A Portrait of Jesus Based on the Gospel of Mark
by Puck PurnellIncludes Study Guide Through Mark’s Eyes invites you into the Jesus story—to walk the dusty roads, to row the boats on the Sea of Galilee, to witness healings, to stand in the Temple, and to weep at the cross. This dramatic, colorful, moving version of the Gospel of Mark is not a new translation; instead, Puck Purnell augments the New Revised Standard Version of Mark with vivid language and descriptions to reimagine the Gospel story and breathe fresh life into it. “I was spellbound by Through Mark’s Eyes. I doubt I have ever read a gospel account from start to finish without interruption or desire for one.” -Barbara Howe, Harford, CT “I very much enjoyed reading Through Mark’s Eyes. I loved that the story was easy to follow. As for my plain, honest opinion, I can see people of my age reading, enjoying, and understanding this book.” -Allison Swayne, 8th grade, Henry James Middle School, Simsbury, CT “You have managed to convey the roughness and immediacy of Mark in a more contemporary narrative mode….Your work will offer people some new points of entry into the story and will stimulate reflection and discussion.” -L. William Countryman, Sherman E. Johnson Professor in Biblical Studies, Church Divinity School of the Pacific Puck Purnell, an Episcopal priest, serves as Rector at Old St. Andrew’s Church in Bloomfield, CT. A graduate of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, he is a talented preacher and teacher. Mr. Purnell lives with his wife, Joanne Kimball, in Simsbury, CT.
Wonder of Christmas
by Peg AugustineA look at the Christmas story with the emphasis on the “wonder” of the season. Each page begins with “I wonder…” and journeys chronologically from Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem through the Wise Men’s return home. A short prayer and biblical text follow this on each page. Each facing page has the Spanish translation of the story.
Standing on the Promises or Sitting on the Premises?
by James W. MooreAre you standing on the promises or just sitting on the premises? Do you claim and embrace and celebrate the great promises of God that are underscored again and again in the Bible? Or do you sit lifelessly and listlessly on the remote edges of the church, responding halfheartedly to its message?In this new edition of his inspiring book, James W. Moore awakens us with these questions and reminds us of the awesome promises of God that are found in the Bible. On page after page of the Scriptures, God gives us generous and gracious promises that we can claim and rely on. The author shows that when we fail to lean on God and trust in these promises, we open ourselves to many frustrating, embarrassing, even painful experiences. Yet when we truly “stand on the promises,” we discover the richness and fullness that God intended for our lives.This new edition of the book includes a study guide.
The Love of a Dad: Spiritual Thoughts for Fathers
by James W. MoorePopular author James W. Moore says, "Joseph must have been a good father because Jesus called God ‘Father,’ and that was obviously a good image in his mind." In this book the author shares inspiring thoughts and stories about fathers and how they can look to God as the best example of a loving parent, one filled with grace and compassion, mercy and kindness. Chapters include "A Father’s Great Faith," "What Are You Going to Do with the Rest of Your Life?" "Teaching Our Children to Love," and others.
What Every Christian Needs to Know About Judaism: Exploring the Ever-Connected World of Christians & Jews
by Evan MofficExplore the wisdom and traditions of the Jewish faith and examine what they mean for Christians."In this extraordinary book, Rabbi Evan Moffic takes Christians on a journey through the roots of our faith, by giving insight into the history and tradition that Jesus would have observed. In this way, Rabbi Moffic provides the backstory to the main story. If you want to get more from your faith, this book is a must-read!" —Dave Adamson, Pastor, North Pointe Church "Rabbi Moffic is an engaging teacher who excels at communicating ancient truths for modern audiences. His insights into Hebrew scriptures and the Jewish heritage of the Christian faith will be a blessing to all who want to learn." —Steve Gillen, Pastor, Willow Creek Community ChurchWhen Christians learn about Jewish tradition and history, they see the Bible and the life of Jesus with a new and enriched perspective. Knowing more about Judaism brings them closer to Jesus because Jesus lived and died as a Jew and consistently quoted the Jewish scripture and stories. In this book Evan Moffic, popular rabbi, author, and guide to Jewish wisdom for people of all faiths, continues the What Every Christian Needs to Know About series with an exploration of the wisdom and traditions of Judaism. Rabbi Moffic provides answers to hundreds of questions he receives about Judaism to provide a deeper understanding of the roots shared by Christians and Jews. Through this book’s explorations, readers will learn insights of the great Jewish sages to live a richer and more meaningful life, soak up the wisdom and traditions of Judaism, and a develop closer relationship with God. "My hope is that these teachings can serve as a way of fostering bonds focused not on the past and the troubled history between Jews and Christians, but rather one looking forward to a future in which we share wisdom with one another." – Rabbi Evan MofficProduct Features: A popular rabbi explores Jewish wisdom and traditions for Christian readers. Topics explored include: Jewish texts, spiritual life, holidays and events, and others. Highlights intersections of the Jewish and Christian faith that give deeper meaning to reading the Bible.
Hebrews Leader Guide: Grace and Gratitude (Hebrews)
by David A. deSilvaThe Book of Hebrews helps us see the connection between God’s grace in our lives and the call to invest ourselves in God’s mission in the world. In doing so, we express gratitude for the salvation we have received and respond to God’s grace by being faithful to the One who delivers us.In Hebrews: Grace and Gratitude, author and New Testament scholar David deSilva takes you through a study of Hebrews, tracing the themes of grace and gratitude through this unique New Testament book. In the Book of Hebrews, you will discover a bold perspective on who Jesus is and what he has done, as well as a powerful reflection on the meaning and significance of his death and resurrection in light of the Old Testament. As you read and study this letter, you will receive a deeper appreciation for the salvation we have received through Christ and hear afresh God’s call to a life of gratitude and faithfulness.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1 (The Psalm 23 Mysteries)
by Debbie ViguieCindy’s church is getting ready to celebrate Easter, and Jeremiah’s Temple is preparing for Passover when Cindy literally stumbles over the body of an unknown man lying dead in the sanctuary. The church was locked, and a bloody cross necklace on the floor seems to be the only clue. The killer is likely a member of the congregation, but there are hints that similar deaths have happened in the past. Are Cindy and Jeremiah dealing with a serial killer? They have to unravel the clues before Easter Sunday arrives and more people die. Cindy and Jeremiah come from two different worlds, even though they work right next door to each other. Cindy is a strong Christian who lives a normal but somewhat dull life, working as a church secretary. Jeremiah is a Reformed rabbi with a mysterious past full of danger and excitement. But one eventful Easter/Passover week, the two find themselves working together to solve a murder and stop a serial killer from striking again. Solving the mystery should put an end to their alliance, but the church secretary and the rabbi quickly find themselves enmeshed in another mystery. Soon the two form a friendly alliance and friendship, exploring personal history and faith and growing closer with each passing adventure. Despite their differences Cindy and Jeremiah find a lot of common ground.
Christianity and World Religions Revised Edition: Questions We Ask About Other Faiths (Christianity and World Religions)
by Adam HamiltonIn Christianity and World Religions, Pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores four major world religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism—and the beliefs of each with those of Christianity. He deals openly and honestly with questions people ask about other religions like: Why are there so many different religions? How should Christians view other religions? How is God at work in other religions? What is the fate of those who earnestly pursue God through other religions?In examining these major world religions and the beliefs of their followers, Hamilton urges us as Christians to build bridges with others so that we might grow in our faith, seek peace in our world, love our neighbor, and find positive ways to share the gospel.Additional components for a six-week study include a Leader Guide to help facilitate each weekly session and a DVD featuring Hamilton in 10-15 minute segments interviewing religious leader from each tradition.