This provocative critique of the uses and abuses of Scripture in the American church shows how liberal (historical-critical) and fundamentalist (literal) approaches to biblical scholarship have corrupted our use of the Bible. Hauerwas argues that the Bible can only be understood in the midst of a disciplined community of people, where the story is actually lived out by dedicated practitioners.

We all want a faith that won't let us down in times of trouble or loss, uncertainty or fear. A faith that can pull us through the worst--and best--times in our lives. This is the kind of faith that James writes about. It is a faith that we must practice day by day. These studies by Andrew and Phyllis Le Peau on the teaching of James will help us grow a steadfast faith that can carry us through all the ups and downs of life.

With a scholar's mind and a pastor's heart, Tom Wright walks you through 1 Corinthians in this guide designed especially with everyday readers in mind. Perfect for group use or daily personal reflection, this study uses the popular inductive method combined with Wright's thoughtful insights to bring contemporary application of Scripture to life. This guide by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentary on 1 Corinthians. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you or a group more deeply into God's Word. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom.

The book of Ecclesiastes tackles one of our biggest questions: What is the meaning of life? Commonly considered the work of King Solomon, Ecclesiastes is a rich collection of profound insights that are at once poetic, philosophical, and practical. This Bible study examines the big ideas in Ecclesiastes, explains challenging concepts, and shares how we can be truly satisfied. The Wiersbe Bible Studies Series explores timeless wisdom found in God's word. Based on Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's popular "BE" series, each study provides topical, relevant insights from selected books of the Bible. Designed for small groups, this eight-week study features selected commentaries from "BE Satisfied," engaging questions, and practical applications, all designed to help you connect God's word with your life.

The book of Revelation is one of the most intriguing books of the Bible. It's also one of the most mysterious. Filled with vivid imagery, rich themes, and deep spiritual insights, it can be challenging to read and understand. Yet woven throughout Revelation's sweeping tapestry is a unifying message: The victory found in Jesus Christ. This Bible study takes an in-depth, yet practical, look at the book of Revelation, and shares how we can experience a victorious life. The Wiersbe Bible Studies Series explores timeless wisdom found in God's word. Based on Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's popular "BE" series, each study provides topical, relevant insights from selected books of the Bible. Designed for small groups, this eight-week study features selected commentaries from "BE Victorious," engaging questions, and practical applications, all designed to help you connect God's word with your life.

THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL GOD is the first book in the Apprentice Series, which along with three other titles forms 'a curriculum for Christlikeness'. THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL GOD focuses on the character of God and how we can move into a life of intimacy with him. What we believe about God is of huge importance to our lives: the path to spiritual transformation begins here. Each chapter uncovers the narratives by which Jesus lived, and includes a 'soul-training' exercise to help embed this narrative into our minds, bodies and souls. Each chapter also includes questions that can be used for individual reflection or group discussion.

Good news It was good news not only of Jesus' birth but of what he offered to men, women and children throughout his ministry. To the sick he offered healing. To the hurting, comfort. To the outcast, acceptance. In this study guide Ada Lum leads you to discover that this message of hope and joy is for you as well This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

In this major work, James D. G. Dunn brings together more than two decades of vigorous and creative work on interpreting the letters of Paul into an integrated, full-scale study of Paul's thought.

Using Paul's letter to the Romans as the foundation for constructing a fuller exposition of Paul's whole theology, Dunn's thematic treatment clearly describes Paul's teaching on such topics as God, humankind, sin, christology, salvation, the church, and the Christian life. In the process Dunn engages in a concise way what other important scholars have said regarding each area of inquiry.

"The Theology of Paul the Apostle" represents a major contribution to the ongoing discussion regarding what Paul's theology is and what its continuing relevance is to the study and practice of religion and theology.

You can't change the fact that you are getting older. And, indeed, you may not want to Age brings many gifts and opportunities for continued growth. In nine study sessions, Dale and Sandy Larsen help you discover the Bible's perspective on aging. You'll discover how God can effectively and powerfully use those who have grown wiser with the passing years. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

Of the many Bible translations available today, are some better than others? If so, what criteria can we use to determine what makes a good translation? Leland Ryken introduces readers to the central issues in this debate and presents several reasons why essentially literal--word-for-word--translations are superior to dynamic equivalent--thought-for-thought--translations.

You don't have to be a Bible scholar to recognize the need for a quality Bible translation. We all want to know that the Bible we read, study, and memorize is faithful to the original. Dr. Ryken tackles this issue and breaks it down in this concise, logical, and straightforward book, giving readers a valuable tool for selecting a Bible translation.

"Professor Ryken draws on decades of experience... to show that many modern English translations fail to meet accepted standards of excellence in accuracy, faithfulness to the words of the author, clarity, vividness, correctness...." --Dr. Wayne Grudem, Professor of Bible and Theology, Phoenix Seminary

"The persistent, detonating logic of Lee Ryken's pen will educate and convince any fair-minded person that the primary Bible for study and preaching must be an essentially literal translation." --Dr. R. Kent Hughes, Pastor, College Church, Wheaton, IL

"A masterful and convincing argument for literal, that is to say, transparent translation of the Holy Scriptures." --Dr. J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.

"An ideal guide to choosing a translation of the Word that transcends trendy words. In the process, he implicitly indicts those who settle for less." --Marvin Olasky, Editor-in-Chief, World Magazine

In every age people have felt certain that the book of Revelation described events in their time. As nations arm themselves for war, we think of Armageddon. As evil rulers grow in power, we look for the antichrist. As the powers of darkness threaten to overwhelm us, we cry, "Come, Lord Jesus " Amid the uncertainties of our age, Revelation assures us of the ultimate triumph of God.

When you need to know how to do something, a manual is the best place to start. 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus might be called "the Teacher's Manual," because so much of what they contain is about the kind of teaching that Christian leaders should--and shouldn't--be giving. Just as Timothy and Titus needed help to lead their young churches well in the midst of powerful cultural forces, we need guidance for correct leading and living in our own context. These studies on Paul's letters point us in the right direction. This guide by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you or a group more deeply into God's Word. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom.

Many Christians who know and love the Bible think they know the apostle Paul. He's a theological master, a pastoral mentor, a spiritual adviser and a missionary hero. Yet just when we think we have him in our grasp, he slips through our fingers. At the point where we suppose we have finally understood him, Paul again confounds us. But he also beckons us to explore God's ways more deeply. Michael Bird suggests that if the Paul we claim to know looks and sounds a lot like us, it's probably a warning light that we don't know him as well as we think we do. But if we let Paul be Paul, allowing him to speak for himself in his language, on his terms and for his purposes, then we stand a chance of meeting him anew. Introducing Paul is an animated and penetrating survey of Paul's life and teaching. It covers all the basics students need, while offering new insights with a light touch. Blending life and study, Bird aims to get us excited about reading Paul's letters, sharing his gospel and living the Christian life the way he thought it should be lived. For beginning students and laypeople, Introducing Paul is a valuable entrance into the contemporary study of Paul.

First impressions stick with us. Paul's first impression of the Thessalonian Christians was an especially powerful one: The gospel message he preached grasped their hearts and minds, and transformed their lives. That memory moves Paul to write to the young church that's bubbling with a sense of the power of the living God. These studies seek to open our lives to that God who leaves a lasting impression also on us. This guide by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you or a group more deeply into God's Word. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom.

About LifeGuide Bible Studies We're updating and revising our bestselling LifeGuides to make them even more effective for small group Bible study! New features of the revised LifeGuides include special options for group activities, additional questions for personal reflection, a "Now or Later" section with practical follow-up activities for use after the study or between sessions, expanded and improved leaders' notes and an attractive, redesigned format for easier reading. This guide tells the story of Israel as told in the book of Judges. As Donald Baker leads you to examine it for yourself, you may discover that it is your story as well.

They were ordinary people. Most would not make headlines in any other history book but God's. Yet the women of the Old Testament made critical choices that led to extraordinary outcomes. Through faith and strong character, they rescued their families, led people out of bondage, gave birth to kings and even saved a nation. As you explore with Gladys Hunt the stories of twelve Old Testament women, you will come to understand the far-reaching consequences of your own everyday choices and actions. Now available in IVP's revised LifeGuide Bible Study format, Women of the Old Testament features questions for starting group discussions and for personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session.

Contributors Gary L. Almy, W. Wilson Benton Jr, Edward G. Dobson, Howard Eyrich, Ronald E. Hawkins, Ed Hindson, Arnold Hyndman, Wayne A. Mack, Paul Madtes Jr, David Powlison, C. Dwayne Shafer, Chris Thurman, Edward T. Welch. Christian counselors agree that the Bible's message of salvation can radically change lives. Scripture can lead even the most unlikely people to faith but when it comes to everyday problems is the Bible really enough? Here we have more than a dozen highly trained counselors, medical experts and pastors who are highly respected in their fields. Every one has at least one doctorate relevant to the area they examine in this book. Their answers to the question stated above are enlightening, thought provoking and surprising.

Do you sometimes wish that the Bible could make your decisions for you? Donald Baker is familiar with this desire. He writes, "God has given me free will, and while I appreciate his confidence in my ability to choose, there are times when I wish that he would make the decisions for me." The Bible won't give you a direct answer to each choice--or dilemma--you face. But the Bible will teach you how to make decisions wisely, confidently and in harmony with God's will. These studies introduce you to the Bible's lessons on decisionmaking--and show you how to apply what you learn to your own decisions, big and small. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

These five Old Testament books, traditionally known simply as "the Scrolls," are among the most neglected parts of the Christian Bible. In Judaism, the Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther were eventually adopted as lectionary readings for five of the major festivals. In Christian tradition, however, no consensus has emerged about their proper use. Each book presents particular difficulties with regard to how it relates to the rest of Scripture and how it should be understood as the Word of God for us today. InFive Festal Garments Barry Webb offers a Christian interpretation of these problematic writings. He allows each book to set its own agenda, and then examines each in relation to the wider Old Testament and to the New Testament gospel with its basic structure of promise and fulfillment. In this way, Webb presents fresh and illuminating perspectives on these five "festal garments" of love, kindness, suffering, vexation and deliverance.

Life is about choices. How should we lead our families? How should we manage our finances? How should we handle relationships? God's Word provides the answers. The book of Proverbs contains the greatest collection of wisdom ever recorded, written by one of the wisest men who ever lived. This study takes a fresh look at Proverbs and offers practical insights for making sound choices in every area of life.

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series explores timeless wisdom found in God's Word. Based on Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's popular "BE" series, each study provides topical, relevant insights from selected books of the Bible. Designed for small groups, this ten-week study features excerpted commentary from "Be Skillful," engaging questions, and practical applications, all designed to help you connect God's Word with your life.

From the author of the ever popular author of A Scots Gospel comes a gospel written in Glasgow's distinctive vernacular. With the author's characteristic enthusiasm and sense of the dignity of this most beautiful of all stories, the drama unfolds-from the joy of the birth of Jesus, to the tragedy of his betrayal, and the joy of the resurrection. This is a book to be read out loud and quite simply enjoyed