In Soul Keeping, John Ortberg helps Christians rediscover their soul the best connection to God there is and find out why it s hurting and why neglecting it has set so many believers so far back spiritually.

In this six-session, video-based small group Bible study, Ortberg shows that caring for your soul is necessary for your Christian life. John shows participants what your soul is, why it is important, how to assess your soul s health, and how to care for it so that we can have a meaningful and beautiful life with God and others.

When you nurture your soul your life in this world will come to make sense again; you can find your way back to God from hopelessness, depression, relationship struggles, and a lack of fulfillment. Your soul s resting place is in God, and John Ortberg wants to take participants to that home. This study guide includes discussion questions, video notes, and in-between studies and is designed for use with the Soul Keeping DVD (sold separately).

Sessions include:

• Filling the Hole in Your Soul
• Why God Made You With a Soul
• What's Soul Got To Do With It
• Finding Your Soul's True Home
• Empty Souls and Full Garages
• Why We Have a Soul, Brothers and Sisters

It is no longer possible to regard the heterogeneous disciplines of theology in terms of a unitary and dominant thematic dictum. Nevertheless, a common perspective is essential if theological research and studies are to develop an integrated body of knowledge rather than disparate islands of understanding. Using a critical application of Schleiermacher s approach, this volume offers an encyclopedic view of the sub-disciplines of theology."

This six-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately) by noted teacher and historian, Ray Vander Laan, is volume two of the That the World May Know series. In this volume, Vander Laan explores the turbulent history of Israel's prophets and kings, and draws lessons from their stories that can help build our devotion to and trust in God today. 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. 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: Innocent Blood Part 1 - Filmed in Megiddo Innocent Blood Part 2 - Filmed in Megiddo Who Is God? - Filmed in Mount Carmel The Wages of Sin - Filmed in Lachish The Lord Is My Shepherd - Filmed in Negev God with Us - Filmed in Arad Designed for use with the Prophets & Kings Video Study (sold separately).

This five-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately) by noted teacher and historian, Ray Vander Laan, is volume eight of the That the World May Know filmed-on-location DVD and Discovery Guide series. Vander Laan illustrates how, in ancient times, nothing was bigger than Egypt... powerful pharaohs, strong armies, and a multitude of gods. God's people were no match against the Egyptians. In this volume of That the World May Know , discover how God answers the cry of his persecuted people and proclaims himself Lord to them and their oppressors. That the World May Know 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. Filmed on location in Luxor, Egypt; Deir al Medina, Ramesseum, and the Red Sea, these illuminating "faith lessons" afford a new understanding of the Bible that will ground your convictions and transform your life. The That the World May Know 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: How Big Is our God? - Filmed in Luxor, Egypt Israel in Bondage: God Heard Their Cry - Filmed at Dier al Medina Finger of God: The Plagues - Filmed at Ramesseum Watch with Me: Israel Leaves Egypt - Filmed at the Red Sea The Lord Reigns: The Red Sea - Filmed at the Red Sea Designed for use with the God Heard Their Cry Video Study (sold separately).

This seven-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately) by noted teacher and historian, Ray Vander Laan, is volume twelve of the That the World May Know series. Are you going through a difficult period of life? The loss of a loved one? Unemployment? A crisis of faith? During these desert times, it's easy to think God has disappeared. In Walking with God in the Desert you'll discover that it's only when we are totally dependent on him that we find God is closer than ever and can experience his amazing grace and provision. 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 25 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 the Sinai Desert, Wadi Nasb, Judea Wilderness, Mount Sinai, Negev and En Gedi, 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: Join the Journey - Filmed in the Sinai Desert It's Hot Here and There's No Way Out - Filmed in Wabi Nasb Help is Here - Filmed in Wadi Nasb When Your Heart Cries Out - Filmed in the Judea Wilderness They Were Not Wandering - Filmed on Mount Sinai Ears to Hear - Filmed in Negev There's Hope in the Desert - Filmed in En Gedi Designed for use with the Walking with God in the Desert Video Study (sold separately).

A valuable resource for enhancing liturgical understanding. What is the point of the Lectionary? What are the problems and opportunities that it presents to those who use it? What are its strengths and weaknesses as an aid to worship? How can it be used and communicated most effectively today? These are among the key questions Thomas O'Loughlin addresses in this stimulating and much needed liturgical guide to the design, history, theology, and purposes of the Lectionary.

In Giving Thanks to God, the fifth study in the Jesus Calling (R) Bible Study Series, you will explore what God's Word has to say about the many ways He provides for you-and why you should give thanks to Him for this abundance. Even when you are going through trials, you can have an attitude of thankfulness, for the Bible says that you have been given "every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). When you realize the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to reconcile you to Himself, it naturally causes you to want to praise Him! Each of the Jesus Calling (R) Bible studies includes devotional readings from Jesus Calling (R), selected passages of Scripture for reflection, Bible study questions, and additional questions to help you apply the material. This study can be used for personal reflection and Bible study or in a small-group setting.

A bold and unique hybrid among resources for Christian educators, students, and pastoral staff, this enterprising book blends the voices of a single author and ten contributing experts into a global conversation on Christian formation and nurture. It effortlessly transcends all ages and all cultures, as it positions Christianity vibrantly alive from cradle to grave. This introductory text on Christian education-formation includes extensive graphical illustrations and accompanying online appendixes, providing a wealth of resources not only to be used in the classroom but to be lived out in the life of the church in the world.

The discipline of preaching has undergone several evolutionary moments in the past century, focusing on its purpose as being variously persuasion, explanation, and, most recently, communication. Of particular and lingering influence has been Harry Emerson Fosdick's "preaching as counseling" model, which urged therapeutic, individualistic methods upon the pastor. In the search for a model of preaching that is apt for our postmodern moment, Kay Northcutt respectfully eschews these earlier models and suggests that the "what" of preaching should consist in spiritual formation or the practice of "spiritual direction" - pointing listeners to God. Taking an evocative, rather than "how-to," approach, Northcutt notes the gaps created by these earlier models and makes a case not only for framing preaching as an "attractive art" but also for understanding the preacher's authority as particularly religious in nature. By demonstrating the dynamics of her model of preaching as spiritual direction, the author provides readers with a new paradigm for developing their own homiletical discipline.

LEARN LEADERSHIP QUALITIES FROM THE GREATEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN AND BECOME A LEADER PEOPLE WANT TO FOLLOW

Where do you turn to learn leadership? Business experts? Management consultants? Theoreticians? The world of politics? Why not learn from the Bible—the original leadership book!

In this study, John digs deep into the Bible to teach twenty-one indispensable qualities found in the men and women who led God’s people God’s way. These essential traits will help you to lead with integrity in every area of your life.

In twenty-one lessons, John guides you to develop the core qualities all good leaders exhibit. Each lesson includes:

- THE QUALITY DEFINED: a brief description and introduction to the Quality

- CASE STUDIES: three biblical studies—including leaders such as Joshua, David, Ruth, Nathan, Esther, Elijah, Stephen, John, Titus, and Jesus—that reveal and illustrate the Quality

- STUDY QUESTIONS: reflection and application questions to help you dig into the stories of the men and women in Scripture and learn from them

- LEADERSHIP INSIGHT AND REFLECTION: questions to help you assess and improve your own leadership skills

- TAKING ACTION: practical takeaways and direction to help you incorporate the quality from each lesson into your daily life

- GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: questions to help you learn and process the Bible study material with other like-minded people who want to grow in leadership

Leadership is for everyone, because every person who accepts Christ is called to influence others. And the good news is that everyone can develop the leadership qualities exemplified by the men and women of the Bible.

This workbook has been designed to enhance readers' experience of working through John Maxwell's leadership materials and is intended both for individual use and for small groups.

This guide offers one hundred free or low-cost educational activities that inspire children age six and up to explore the world God made. 100 Ways to Motivate Kids offers challenging projects and activities for children ages six through eighteen to engage with the world in relevant, creative, faith-based, and educational ways. Dividing this guide by age group and subject area-covering math, nature, world cultures, and more-Julie Polanco includes fresh ideas that help develop twenty-first century skills through fun, developmentally appropriate experiences. In addition, 100 Ways encourages community involvement, a love for the environment, and an entrepreneurial spirit. There is no need to buy expensive kits or subscriptions because this pocket-sized book covers the same STEAM principles (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) at a fraction of the cost-and includes the humanities.

Can you imagine your life without fear? In his book Fearless, Max Lucado offers hope and calm in a time of unprecedented fear in our nation and the world. Now Max's timeless messages are also available in discussion guide and DVD (each sold separately) that can be used for individual reflection or small-group discussion. Fearless draws from Jesus' encounters with people in frightening situations giving evidence that we can trust God through these scary times. In six sessions, Max takes a close look at our greatest fears and offers scripturally based reassurance and guidance through even the toughest moments of our lives. This discussion guide can be used for personal journaling or as a prompt for open-hearted discussions with your small group. Let Max Lucado show you how to find a sense of peace and security in today's troubled world. Sessions include: Why Are We Afraid? (8:00) Fear of Not Mattering (8:00) Fear of Disappointing God (9:00) Fear of Life's Final Moments (10:00) Fear of Global Calamity (10:30) Fear of God Getting Out of My Box (9:30) Designed for use with the Fearless Video Study (sold separately).

Why does the church teach? And what should it teach? In recent years, traditional Sunday school and education programs have declined in influence and effectiveness. Education in the church is often sidelined by other competing priorities, and our efforts become haphazard and random. As a result, many Christians have not learned the fundamental doctrinal content of the faith. As a response, a growing number of church ministries have moved toward an emphasis on Christian spiritual formation. But churches must hold together education and formation, the teaching of the faith and the forming of the faithful. In this comprehensive text, Gary Parrett and Steve Kang attend to both the content and process of educational and formational ministries. They set forth a thoroughly biblical vision for intentional teaching of the Christian faith, with a holistic concern for what and whom is taught as well as how and why. Fully apprised of developments in educational theory and pedagogy, Parrett and Kang propose a core curriculum for recovering the full scope of Christian proclamation and reinvigorating the teaching ministry of the church. Their vision has implications not merely for catechesis, but for preaching, worship, children's and youth ministry, and much more. The body of Christ can become all that God intends it to be, through intentional practices that foster personal and corporate formation. Here is guidance for individuals and congregations on that journey.

In this ten-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), Faith Under Fire: Exploring Christianity's Toughest Questions, Lee Strobel hosts interviews and debates between knowledgeable and passionate experts discussing what they believe and why they believe it. This dynamic study answers tough questions about the existence of God, Christianity and Islam, the reliability of the Bible, faith and science, and many others issues. Bestselling author Lee Strobel hosts spirited discussions between well-respected Christians, people of other faiths, and people with no faith at all, on the some of the most important spiritual and social issues of our time. This study Guide will help you and your group sift through and gain understanding on controversial and relevant issues that surround the Christian faith and many of its most pertinent cultural issues. Each session includes video from the corresponding video study DVD (sold separately) in which leading Christian and non-Christian voices engage in forceful but fair debate. You and your group will consider what you've heard and discuss. Strobel provides additional comments to guide small group discussion. Sessions include: Is the Supernatural Real? Is Jesus a Prophet or the Son of God? Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? Do All Roads Lead to God? Is the Bible Bogus? Does Science Point to a Creator? Is Anything Beyond Forgiveness?Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering? The Mystery of the Trinity? Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God? Designed for use with the Faith Under Fire Video Study (sold separately).

Scripts written for youth groups have traditionally been cheesy or just simply not funny. Thankfully, the Skit Guys have refined the art of the youth group sketch. In this second volume of Skits That Teach, youth groups will find dozens of scripts to use as illustrations, discussion starters, or icebreakers. Tommy Woodard and Eddie James have tested these scripts with teenagers across the country, and they know what it takes to write a scene that is simple for teens to perform, while at the same time making a point or getting a laugh. Easy for youth pastors to hand off to a group of teenagers, these scripts address a variety of topics and offer options for monologues, duets or bigger casts to perform funny, serious or musical scenes. No matter how they use the skits, youth workers can teach students important lessons with the easy-to-perform scenes in Skits That Teach, Volume 2.

The Being With course is an introduction to Christianity with a difference. At its heart is the idea that God's greatest desire is to be with us in Jesus. Grounded in the conviction that we already have a wealth of understanding of truth, beauty and goodness that signify God's presence in our lives and everyday experiences, it aims to enable participants to discover dimensions of this presence and to live abundantly with God, with one another and with creation. This Leaders' Guide provides: * an introduction to the theological perspective underpinning the course; * an explanation of its structure and an overview of each session; * practical guidelines for leading a group; * complete materials for hosting its ten 90-minute sessions in person or online. The sessions focus on the themes of Meaning; Essence; Jesus; Church; Bible; Mission; Cross; Prayer; Suffering and Resurrection. Drawing on the practices of Godly Play, the course uses storytelling, wondering and reflection to encourage and welcome the insights that each person brings. The Being With course was devised and created by Samuel Wells and Sally Hitchiner. It is one of many initiatives of St Martin-in-the-Fields, alongside HeartEdge, the Nazareth Community, the classical music and arts programmes and work with those experiencing homelessness. Located in London's Trafalgar Square, St Martin's is a community of hope, transforming church and society through commerce, culture, compassion and congregational life.

Jesus is always at work. Mark was not one of Jesus' original disciples, but he was present at the birth of the church and had a strong relationship with Peter. After Peter was put to death during the reign of Emperor Nero, Mark decided to record everything Peter had told him about Jesus and create his Gospel account of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Mark shows us that no matter how chaotic our world becomes, we can always cling to the hope and peace that we have in Jesus. Even in the darkest of times, we can rely on the light of Christ to see us through. And while the path to following Jesus is not always easy, it is always worth it. The Jeremiah Bible Study Series captures Dr. David Jeremiah's forty-plus years of commitment to teaching the Word of God. In each study, he will help you understand what the Bible says, what it meant to the people at the time it was written, and what it means to you today. Along the way, you will gain insights into the text, identify key stories and themes, and be challenged to apply the truth you find in your life.

Jesus is the eternal King At first glance, it seems surprising that Jesus would call a man like Matthew to become one of His disciples. As a small-time tax collector, Matthew would have been despised by the Jewish people, who viewed those in the profession as traitors to Rome. But the fact that Matthew was educated, literate, and also familiar with Jewish law and customs made him the ideal candidate to not only accompany Jesus during His earthly ministry but also record all that he witnessed. The result is the Gospel we have today. Matthew shows how Jesus, as the promised Messiah, is worthy of our hope. He shows how Jesus, as the eternal King, is worthy of our complete devotion . . . and our complete submission to Him. The Jeremiah Bible Study Series captures Dr. David Jeremiah's forty-plus years of commitment to teaching the Word of God. In each study, he will help you understand what the Bible says, what it meant to the people at the time it was written, and what it means to you today. Along the way, you will gain insights into the text, identify key stories and themes, and be challenged to apply the truth you find in your life.

Jesus is the Great Physician. According to the apostle Paul, Luke was a "beloved physician" who traveled with him on several of his missionary journeys. However, Luke's real passion was in setting down an orderly account that detailed the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This was a task for which Luke was well suited, for he was both a thoughtful man of science and a great observer of people. Luke thus took great care in relating the information he collected, but he also emphasized the care that Jesus, as the Great Physician, extended to people everywhere-both Jewish and Gentile alike. Luke shows the high value Jesus places on rescuing all people from their sins-no matter how "far gone" those people might seem. And he shows how Jesus was willing to give up His place in heaven to come down to earth as a sacrifice for the sins of every person who will receive Him. The Jeremiah Bible Study Series captures Dr. David Jeremiah's forty-plus years of commitment to teaching the Word of God. In each study, he will help you understand what the Bible says, what it meant to the people at the time it was written, and what it means to you today. Along the way, you will gain insights into the text, identify key stories and themes, and be challenged to apply the truth you find in your life.