Why does Bible study flourish in some churches and small groups and not in others? In this updated edition of a trusted classic, two Christian education specialists provide readers with the knowledge and methods needed to effectively communicate the message of the Bible. The book offers concrete guidance for mastering a biblical text, interpreting it, and applying its relevance to life. Its methods, which have been field-tested for twenty-five years, help pastors, teachers, and ministry students improve their classroom skills. Readers will learn how to develop the "big idea" of a passage and allow the text itself to suggest creative teaching methods. This new edition has been updated throughout and explores the changed landscape of Bible study over the past two decades. Readable and interdisciplinary in approach, this book will help a new generation of Bible students teach in a purposeful and unified way.

Candles & Conifers is a collection of seasonal resources - prayers, liturgies, poems, reflections, sermons, meditations, stories and responses - written by Iona Community members, associates, friends and others. It offers resources for groups and individuals covering the weeks from All Saints' Day to Christmas Eve, including saints' days, Remembrance Day, World AIDS Day and Advent. There are liturgies for an outdoor celebration with fireworks, a Christingle service and a longest night service, as well as Advent candle ceremonies, personal prayer practices, a series of responses and blessings and a cats' Advent calendar. A companion resource book, Hay & Stardust, covering the season of Christmastide, from Christmas Eve to Candlemas, is also available. In towns and villages In tower blocks and terraces Christ is waiting to be born In palaces and shanty-towns In high streets and back-streets Christ is waiting to be born In the vastness of the universe In the intimacy of our hearts Christ is waiting to be born Come, Lord Jesus Come into our homes Come into our lives Come and stay

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.

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.

In this six-session small group Bible study, Made to Crave, New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst helps women understand how cravings for lasting spiritual satisfaction are often mistaken for cravings for food. According to Lysa, craving isn t a bad thing. But the challenge is to realize God created us to crave so we d ultimately desire more of Him in our lives, not more food. Many of us have misplaced that craving, and overindulge in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you or someone you know is struggling with unhealthy eating habits, Made to Crave will help: * Break the I ll start again Monday cycle and start feeling good about yourself today * Stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale and make peace with the body you ve been given * Discover how weight loss struggles aren t a curse but, rather, a blessing in the making * Replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory * Eat healthy without feeling deprived * Reach a healthy weight goal while growing closer to God through the process This Made to Crave Participant Guide is designed for use with the Made to Crave DVD (sold separately). When used in together, they provide you with practical tools that can strengthen your faith. Made to Crave session titles include: 1: From Deprivation to Empowerment 2: From Desperation to Determination 3: From Guilt to Peace 4: From Triggers to Truth 5: From Permissible to Beneficial 6: From Consumed to Courageous Bonus Session: Moving the Mountain"

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.

'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.

This eight-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately) from noted teacher and historian, Ray Vander Laan, is volume three of the That the World May Know series. In it, Vander Laan illustrates how Jesus' call to follow him turned the world upside down. Journey back to the time of Jesus. Marvel at the magnificence of Herod's palace. Scramble among the ruins of Qumran. And wonder at the simplicity and wisdom of Jesus' parables. You and your group will discover how the events of Jesus' day impacted his life, ministry and communication... and then you'll learn how it affects yours. Faith Lessons is a unique video series that brings God's Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible's fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals unique insights into the Scriptures' significance for modern believers. Each lesson: Focuses on passages of Scripture explored in the DVD Includes sidebars, maps, photos and other study tools Features questions that facilitate discussion and inspire personal reflection Includes 30 personal Bible studies to help you deepen your learning experience between sessions, and turn lessons from the past into applications that impact how you live out your faith today. Filmed on location in Israel, these illuminating "faith lessons" afford a new understanding of the Bible that will ground your convictions and transform your life. The Faith Lessons video series is ideal for use in small groups, personal and family Bible studies, and adult Sunday school. Individual believers and families will gain vital insights from long-ago times and cultures through this innovative approach to Bible study. Lessons include: In the Shadow of Herod - Herodion My Rock and My Fortress - Masada The Time Had Fully Come - Filmed in Qumran No Greater Love - Filmed in Korazin/Mount of Beatitudes The Rabbi - Filmed in Gamla Language of Culture - Filmed in Sepphoris Misguided Faith - Filmed in Belvoir Living Water - Filmed in En Gedi Designed for use with the Life and Ministry of the Messiah Video Study (sold separately).

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?

'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.

This hand sized NKJV edition is the perfect travel companion for readers who like to take their Bibles with them throughout the day. Though it fits easily into backpacks and purses, you won't have to sacrifice readability or study resources. The exclusive Thomas Nelson NKJV Comfort Print (R) typeface was designed to be easy to read at any size, so you can experience deeper engagement in God's Word. This edition also includes over 73,000 cross-references, a concordance, and full-color maps so you have everything you need for serious study at your fingertips. Features include: Presentation page Red letter words of Christ 73,000+ cross-references trace the connections in Scripture Concordance Full-color maps Clear and readable 7-point NKJV Comfort Print Commissioned in 1975 by Thomas Nelson, 130 international and multi-denominational Bible scholars, church leaders, and lay Christians worked for seven years to create a completely new, modern translation of Scripture that retained the purity and stylistic beauty of the King James Version. The New King James Version is faithful to the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic text, and provides transparency to the recent research in archaeology, linguistics, and textual studies in the footnotes. The result is a Bible translation that is both beautiful and uncompromising-perfect for serious study, devotional use, and reading aloud.

How to Get Beyond Your New Year's Resolution Remember your last New Year's resolution? The last time you decided, "That's it, I'm going to change something"? And then you didn't? You wanted to see a change happen, you knew what you needed to do, but you couldn't make it stick. We do the same thing with our faith. We want to live more like Jesus lived, but just wanting to and trying harder never seems to work. So how do you transport your beliefs as a Christ-follower twelve inches from your head to your heart? You practice. You do. You act. In Act Like Jesus, Randy Frazee walks us through the spiritual workouts we need every day to develop a lifestyle of loving God and loving others, and learning to act like Jesus. To drive beliefs from our head to our heart, the first four practices help us reach up to God: We cement our confidence in God by worshiping him We have a conversation with God by praying We find God's guidance in the Bible We dedicate our whole lives to God's purpose The last four practices give us ways to reach out to others: We devote ourselves to Biblical community We exercise our spiritual gifts We give away our resources We share our faith out of love for others To become like Jesus, our beliefs need to not only inform us but also transform us. It is the practice of reaching up to God and out to others that will drive beliefs from our head to our heart. Act Like Jesus teaches the life-giving spiritual disciplines that will lead us in fulfilling our mission to love God and love our neighbor. Sessions include: How Do I Worship God? Why Do I Need to Pray? How Do I Study the Bible? How Much of My Life Does God Want? How Do I Develop Healthy Relationships? What Spiritual Gifts Has God Given to Me? How Do I Use My Money to Serve God? How Do I Communicate My Faith? This study is adapted from the Act portions of the Believe Study Guide and Think, Act, Be Like Jesus by Randy Frazee (2015). Designed for use with the Act Like Jesus Video Study available on DVD or streaming video, sold separately.

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.