'God wants people to become like Christ,' said international preacher, writer and teacher John Stott in a public address at the end of his long life. Peter Lewis is similarly passionate about the Bible's message - that God has a plan which centres on Jesus and includes each one of us. In this accessible and helpful book, he focuses on the: source of Christlikeness model of Christlikenesshelps to Christlikeness contradictions of Christlikeness an dtriumph of Christlikeness Here, the reader who wants to become like Christ will find radical - sometimes challenging - teaching, practical wisdom and warm reassurance.

A guide to learn the skills you need to understand and apply God's Word. Now revised and updated! Life is a journey, and like any journey, it requires an accurate, reliable roadmap to get us where we need to go. God has provided such a guide in his Word. But just as a navigator needs to learn how to interpret all the contours and symbols of a map, so also we need to be able to understand how the Bible communicates its directions to us. In Journey into God's Word, Second Edition reader's will: Be introduced to the Interpretive Journey, a five-step framework for understanding how to read any Bible passage Learn vital reading skills that aid in their comprehension of not just the Bible, but of any piece of literature Discover the importance of understanding historical-cultural and literary contexts Receive guidance on choosing a Bible translation for their study Be given practical tips for reading specific genres in the Bible like, Gospels, letters, Law, prophecy, poetry, and more Journey into God's Word, Second Edition helps Bible readers acquire these skills and become better at reading, interpreting, and applying the Bible to life. Based on the bestselling college/seminary textbook Grasping God's Word it takes the proven principles from that book and makes them accessible to people in the church. It starts with general principles of interpretation, then moves on to apply those principles to specific genres and contexts. Hands-on exercises guide readers through the interpretation process, with an emphasis on real-life application. This second edition has been revised and updated to match the fourth edition of Grasping God's Word with a five-step Interpretive Journey.

The bible tells us that there will indeed come a day when all that God has given to us to learn about him will be taken away. Then what we have truly taken in concerning Him will be seen and tried by fire above anything else we have accomplished in this life. At that time neither He nor His heavenly host will rejoice in your high position at work, your big house or fancy car, if you were able to send your children to a fine college, and dress your family with the best that money could buy. The day that you come before the living God, and you will, all of heaven will rejoice in one thing from you and one thing only. Was your heart bent on seeking after God? If so, then this life long seeking attitude will have left behind a legacy of your works that are in Him because of your love for him. In this God will truly rejoice because your life to Him was as sweet as taking in a tasty morsel.

"The Seven Checkpoints for Student Leaders" is more than a book; it is a ministry plan. It goes far beyond the "how to" of youth ministry and provides youth ministers, youth works, and parents with the content that students need to equip them for 'life beyond youth group." The material in this book and the companion book "The Seven Checkpoints Student Journal "reveals what Stanley calls "the irreducible minimum"--the essential principles upon which an entire youth ministry can be built. Stanley and Hall offer some unorthodox but very sensible approaches to planning and maintaining a youth group over a long period of time with a specific goal in mind. The book outlines a strategy for effectively teaching students over the course of their time in school, and this new updated edition is what every leader needs to keep up with the ever-changing challenges students face. Stanley and Hall identify seven "checkpoints" that are the most important and critical issues facing teens:

1. Authentic Faith

2. Spiritual Disciplines

3. Moral Boundaries (this section deals primarily with issues of sexual purity and dating)

4. Healthy Friendships

5. Wise Choices

6. Ultimate Authority

7. Others First

Practical application, biblical principles, and realistic approaches for facing modern challenges facilitate teaching for busy youth leaders that will make an impact for eternity.

This volume brings together 15 studies reporting the latest international research on developments and trends in religious education. Together these 15 studies illustrate recurrent themes affecting the development of religious education in diverse locations and also illustrate the distinctive trajectories of locations shaped by different histories and by different contemporary contexts. These contributions were brought together in a recent seminar convened by the International Seminar on Religious Education and Values, the leading international association for religious educators and values educators across the world. This volume has selected key contributions made to the seminar, spanning both conceptual and empirical perspectives, rooted in both religious and secular traditions.

The 'De venenis' attributed to 'Malachias Hibernicus' is a portable discussion of vices and virtues. Probably composed about 1280, originally as an aid for Franciscan preachers, it adopts the innovative metaphor that sin is a poison removed by various 'treacles'. Its argumentative mode is to adduce scientific data about venomous beasts, the sins, and the antidotes to their poisons, the 'remedial' virtues. From these 'facts' of natural history, Malachy constructs homiletic similitudines (analogical figures). These, typically of a sort designed for use in sermones ad status, he applies to vicious and virtuous activities, and perhaps particularly ones peculiar to Ireland. Although Malachy the Irishman and his On Poison have received only a handful of scholarly notices in the last century, in the later Middle Ages, his was a widely known book. A lengthy introduction presents evidence for the wide circulation of Malachy's text and the little that is known of the author. It further addresses literary issues: the work's genre, hovering between a treatise on vices and virtues, a compendium of scientific information, and a handbook for preachers; Malachy's efforts at compilation of authoritative materials; and a preliminary account of some early users, including William Langland and Robert Holcot. The introduction concludes by examining the insuperable difficulties involved in editing the text. The centre of the volume presents an annotated preliminary text and translation, together with some account of early interpolations the text received. The volume concludes with three indexes, one with all biblical citations, one of all Malachy's other citations, and a third of Malachy's similitudines, his moralised scientific information.

Traditional patterns of educating and training clergy face not only crises of increasing cost and declining enrollment, but also a crisis of identity, since at present it is the academy, not the church, that shapes formation for ministry. This collection of essays outlines a history and a new vision of the church as the primary location of ministerial formation for the future of theological education.

A resource for parents or caregivers, this book will keep the parent informed about each session. In each chapter they will read about what their high schoolers is learning as well as journal questions that will help them connect faith with sexuality and with parenting. The adult reader will have an opportunity to reflect on the same scripture that their child has reflected upon so that all involved will learn new was to think about sexuality and how faith is relevant to understanding the complexities of sexuality and the responsibilities involved. In this program both participants and parents learn and grow together.

Through this five-session small group Bible study, Hope, Faith and Luck, Andy Stanley unpacks the power of faith and the need for maintaining your confidence in Jesus Christ amid the ups and downs of daily life. Our faith in God often hinges on his activity---or inactivity---in our daily experiences. Sure, faith soars when our prayers are answered. When God s presence appears in an unmistakable way, our confidence in him is boosted. But when he doesn't come through, our confidence often wanes. It doesn't have to be that way though---and it's not supposed to be that way This five-session small group study is guaranteed to transform your thinking about FAITH. As you listen or watch you will discover the difference between faith and hope. You will be presented with a definition of FAITH that will shed new light on both the Old and New Testaments. Andy explains what we can expect of God every time we come to him with a request. In addition, he exposes the flaws in what some have labeled The Faith Movement. Faith, Hope, and Luck is not just another group study. This content is foundational for everyone who desires to be an informed, active follower of Christ. This Participant Guide is filled with helpful discussion starters, video overviews, a helpful Leader s Guide and much more. It s designed to be used with the companion Faith, Hope and Luck DVD (sold separately). When used together they provide a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth. Sessions include: 1. Better Odds 2. Betting on Hope 3. Beating the Odds 4. No Dice 5. All In"

'A brilliant introduction to prayer' Richard Rohr, Author of Everything Belongs One of America's most beloved spiritual leaders and the New York Times bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Jesus: A Pilgrimage teaches anyone to converse with God in this comprehensive guide to prayer. 'What do we need to learn? That prayer changes us-and so changes the world we live in; that God is always there before us; that it's God's action that makes the difference. Practical, comprehensive, and above all God-centered, this book is a deeply valuable companion for growing in faith.' Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury In The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, Father James Martin included a chapter on communicating with God. Now, he expands those thoughts in this profound and practical handbook. Learning to Pray explains what prayer is, what to expect from praying, how to do it, and how it can transform us when we make it a regular practice in our lives. A trusted guide walking beside us as we navigate our unique spiritual paths, Martin lays out the different styles and traditions of prayer throughout Christian history and invites us to experiment and discover which works best to feed our soul and build intimacy with our Creator. Father Martin makes clear there is not one secret formula for praying. But like any relationship, each person can discover the best style for building an intimate relationship with God, regardless of religion or denomination. Prayer, he teaches us, is open and accessible to anyone willing to open their heart.

'A brilliant introduction to prayer' Richard Rohr, Author of Everything Belongs One of America's most beloved spiritual leaders and the New York Times bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Jesus: A Pilgrimage teaches anyone to converse with God in this comprehensive guide to prayer. 'What do we need to learn? That prayer changes us-and so changes the world we live in; that God is always there before us; that it's God's action that makes the difference. Practical, comprehensive, and above all God-centered, this book is a deeply valuable companion for growing in faith.' Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury In The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, Father James Martin included a chapter on communicating with God. Now, he expands those thoughts in this profound and practical handbook. Learning to Pray explains what prayer is, what to expect from praying, how to do it, and how it can transform us when we make it a regular practice in our lives. A trusted guide walking beside us as we navigate our unique spiritual paths, Martin lays out the different styles and traditions of prayer throughout Christian history and invites us to experiment and discover which works best to feed our soul and build intimacy with our Creator. Father Martin makes clear there is not one secret formula for praying. But like any relationship, each person can discover the best style for building an intimate relationship with God, regardless of religion or denomination. Prayer, he teaches us, is open and accessible to anyone willing to open their heart.

What You Believe Drives Everything Think about the last time someone put you on the spot, and questioned what this whole Christianity thing is all about. Maybe they asked you why going to church matters, or how you could possibly believe the Bible, or how God could really care if there's so much bad happening in the world. Do you feel unsettled by questions like this? In Think Like Jesus, Randy Frazee wants to give you the confidence to know what you believe, deep down in your heart, and to help you dig into Scripture to see for yourself the biblical foundation for those beliefs. The first five key beliefs deal with our relationship with God: God is the one true God God cares about our daily lives Our salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible is God's roadmap for our lives. We receive a new identity when we embrace these beliefs. The last three key beliefs deal with our relationship with others: God accomplishes his purposes on earth through the Church God calls Christians to see people the same way he does We will be reunited with God and his family in the new heaven and new earth The bottom line is, it's not enough to know what you're supposed to believe. Jesus calls us to live differently. Living differently starts thinking like Jesus so you can act like Jesus and ultimately be like Jesus. Think Like Jesus will help you begin the process of transformation, because the way you behave, the habits you form, and the character that defines you are all driven by what you believe. Sessions include: Who Is God? Does God Care About Me? How Do I Have a Relationship with God? How Does the Bible Guide My Life? Who Am I in Christ? What Is the Purpose of the Church? How Does God Value People? What Is Eternity Going to Be Like? This study is adapted from the Think portions of the Believe Study Guide and Think, Act, Be Like Jesus by Randy Frazee (2015). Designed for use with the Think Like Jesus Video Study available on DVD or streaming video, sold separately.

The sensational small-group series Companions in Christ is now being offered in a new 5-piece Participant's Book set as well as the traditional 1-piece Participant's Book. With the same great daily exercise material and articles, the two different Participant's Book styles allow your group to use the format that best fits your time frame. The new 5-piece Participant's Book set offers groups a convenient way to take breaks between modules. The traditional 1-piece volume is still a great value for groups who will continue their study together for 28 weeks.

Sixty-Six Books. One Story. All About One Name. Encounter the living Jesus in all of Scripture. From the Passion movement, The Jesus Bible, ESV Edition, lifts Jesus up as the lead story of the Bible. Profound yet accessible study features help you meet Jesus throughout Scripture. See him in every book so that you may know him more intimately, love him more passionately, and walk with him more faithfully. Features: Introduction by Louie Giglio 66 book introductions highlight the story of Jesus in every book Six compelling essays on the grand narrative of Scripture guide you to treasure Jesus and encourage you to faithfully follow him as you participate in his story Over 300 full-page articles and nearly 700 sidebar articles reveal Jesus throughout all of Scripture Complete English Standard Version (ESV) text of the Bible Beautiful special-edition cover featuring the art of Joshua Noom Room for notes and journaling throughout ESV concordance Thumb indexed to make finding the books of the Bible easier Two ribbon markers 8.7-point type size

The Heidelberg Catechism is introduced as one of the worlds foremost and prevailing (not only Reformed, but) Christian faith documents throughout the centuries, due to its intellectual clarity as well as personal style. At the same time, the book invites the reader to engage the HC in conversation with contemporary Christian faith (Busch) while Learning Jesus Christ through the Heidelberg Catechism (Barth), understanding the HC as a book of Comfort and Joy (Kuyvenhoven) as well as a guide to Christian living (Rozema).In that sense, the tone of the book is not neutral, but rather theological/confessional. Portraying the HC throughout as Schoolbook Prayer book Lectionary Confession Compendium is aimed not only at describing its traditional uses in churches so far, but also at engaging the reader on different levels, and eventually enabling him or her to begin answering the vital question: But why are you called a Christian? The Heidelberg Catechism is one of the worlds foremost and prevailing Christian faith documents throughout the centuries, due to its intellectual clarity as well as personal style. At the same time, the book invites the reader to engage the Heidelberg Catechism in conversation with contemporary Christian faith.Margit Ernst-Habib aims not only at describing the traditional uses of the HC in churches so far, but also at engaging the reader on different levels, and eventually enabling him or her to begin answering the vital question: But why are you called a Christian?

On Sunday mornings at Grace Community Church, where John MacArthur preaches, small groups gather together in Fundamentals of the Faith classes to use this manual of thirteen lessons that blend basic biblical truths with personal obedience and service.

For the first time ever, Fundamentals of the Faith is available to everyone in book form. With topics ranging from “God: His Character and Attributes” to “The Church: Fellowship and Worship,” this study is ideal for discipling new believers or realizing afresh what it means to follow Jesus.

Each lesson is loaded with learning tools to help you engage Scripture:

• A link to 13 free downloadable messages by John MacArthur himself
• Study questions and memory verses
• Suggestions for practical application

If you are a new believer or know someone who is, Fundamentals of the Faith is the perfect resource for establishing a solid biblical foundation for the Christian life.

A collection of resources for summer - prayers, responses, liturgies, songs, poems, reflections, meditations, sermons and stories. It offers resources for groups and individuals covering the weeks from Trinity to the Feast of the Transfiguration.