Many of us have felt the temptation to opt for a domesticated version of the gospel. We want enough to make us happy and secure, but not so much that it really affects our lives. We want ecstasy not repentance, security not selfless love and service. We may not like to admit it, but the temptation is there. It is nothing new, but perhaps it is especially strong today. Many changes in society and increasing self-indulgence all put pressure on believers to water down the gospel and its impact on our lives. The apostle Paul saw the insidious evil of similar influences in the Roman Empire of his day, and recognized that these pressures could harm the fledgling Christian community in Philippi. He couldn't visit them, but he wrote to encourage them to maintain basic Christian commitments and to be on guard against an array of dangers: temptations from within and seduction and opposition from without. In 'Basics for Believers', Don Carson opens up the life-transforming lessons of Philippians, showing us how we can put the whole gospel first, learn to live as disciples of Christ, and never give up the Christian walk.

Guide your youth in their experience of meeting the Life Changer.

There is no doubt about it: Knowing Jesus changes lives. Jesus brings hope, joy, forgiveness, and purpose to our lives. We want those things for our youth too. More than 100,000 youth have encountered and deepend their relationship with the Master through Jesus Christ for Youth. Now, this classic has been updated for a new generation. Jesus Christ for Youth integrates the life of Jesus and its meaning for youth today. Through this resource, youth will meet Jesus Christ in a personal, meaningful, and life changing way and will immerse them in Jesus' life and teachings. Ideal for younger teens and those new to Christian study. Twenty-six sessions on Jesus' life and teachings.
Benefits for your youth:
Familiarity: Youth who go all the way through this resource will explore nearly all of the teachings and events of Jesus' life. The participants in this experience will become more familiar with the Life Changer and with their Bible. Each session includes Bible study, directly from the Gospels, of aspects of Jesus' life and teachings. Connection: The resource helps connect Jesus' day with ours. You will find at least two choices in each time plan for linking the Scriptures with everyday life of teens. When the past has meaning for the present, youth see the relevance for their lives. Invitation: Each chapter includes an invitation to your co-learners (and you) to experiment with Christian living in a new way. These invitations to commitment will help the youth better understand and know Christ and what following him means. The actions suggested are specific and doable; they are small steps on the big journey. Community: Learning about Jesus Christ is important, but it is not enough. Ultimately, what changes lives is the integration of head, heart, and hands, with Christ at the center. One of his great gifts is the faith community, most frequently lived out as the church. As the Body of Christ, we love, support, and challenge one another in our faith journey and work in the world. While your teens are learning about Jesus, they are also experiencing Christian community. The activities in this resource are designed to encourage growing together spiritually as a community of faith. Contents The Growing Years
Visitors at the Manager
Visitors to the City
At the River
In the Desert
Calling the Disciples
At the Synagogue
Calling the Disciples
Jesus the Teacher
Model of a Disciple
The Secret of Worship
Finding the Kingdom
Jesus the Storyteller
The Loving Father
The Good Samaritan
Jesus and Others
Nicodemus
Men and Women
The Wealthy
The Ill
The Disciples
The Identity of Jesus
Peter's Confession
The Transfiguration
I Am
The End of the Beginning
Palm Sunday
The Last Supper
The Trial and Crucifixion
The New Beginning
Resurrection
Jesus and Thomas
The Road to Emmaus
The Great Promise

Many children today arrive as teenagers at confirmation classes without a basic grasp of key Bible stories and Christian knowledge. Based on the author's own experience as a pastor and teacher, this book lists 100 essentials of biblical and Christian knowledge that all children should know before they are confirmed. Topics covered include: Bible basics; key Old Testament stories and characters; the 10 commandments; The New Testament; The Gospels; The life and teachings of Jesus; The early Church; worship and sacraments; world religions. For each item on the list, the author provides a brief description or explanation, followed by suggestions for exploring the subject with children and young people, including at confirmation level.

Are you looking for fresh ideas to energize your small group? Here are hundreds of activities contributed by small group experts from across the United States. Tested in the field and drawn from the front lines of small group ministry, these creative ideas will help you evaluate the state of your group and enhance the five components of healthy group life. Community activities for the four stages of a group's life help you to get acquainted, go deeper with one another, process conflict, make memories and prepare for your group's ending. Whether charismatic, liturgical or somewhere in between, you'll find ideas for worship and prayer that stretch group members in these vital areas of spiritual growth. Your group will grow closer to one another as you draw near to God together. Ideas for study offer you some creative methods for Bible study and life application as well as ideas for learning through books, videos and other resources. A section on outreach helps your group to look beyond its borders and serve the needs of others. You'll find ideas for inviting others into your group and for working together in evangelism, social action and world mission. Edited by Cindy Bunch, this edition features new ideas gathered from The Small Group Network (www.SmallGroups.com) founded by Michael Mack and now directed by Dan Lentz. Whether you are a small group leader, a group coordinator or a pastor, you will return to this valuable resource again and again.

The Ark of Speech investigates the interplay of speech and silence in the dialogue between God and human beings, and human beings and the world. Ranging from the Old Testament and its depiction of God's creative word to the New Testament and its focus on the life and words of Jesus as the Word of the Father, the book shows how important it is for the believer to listen to God and to others in silence and devotion.

A series of sermons, revealing Brunner as an outstanding preacher. Few theologians of his eminence combine their understanding of the central doctrines of the Christian faith with such persuasive spiritual exposition and eloquence. "Preaching," says Brunner, "is a living occurrence which can only very imperfectly be crystallised in writing." But the most critical judges of sermons will admit that here a master preacher moves beyond the printed page into the soul of the reader. There is a personal poignancy about the FraumAnster sermons, which places them in the forefront of modern preaching. Here a great teacher of the faith proclaims the Word of God to a 'believing congregation' ' an encounter seen by Brunner as decisive for Christian communication.

Geri Scazzero knew there was something desperately wrong with her life. She felt like a single parent raising her four young daughters alone. She finally told her husband, "I quit," and left the thriving church he pastored, beginning a journey that transformed her and her marriage for the better. In this eight-session video Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), Geri provides you a way out of an inauthentic, superficial spirituality to genuine freedom in Christ. This study is for every woman who thinks, "I can't keep pretending everything is fine!" The journey to emotional health begins by quitting. Geri quit being afraid of what others think. She quit lying. She quit denying her anger and sadness. She quit living someone else's life. When you quit those things that are damaging to your soul or the souls of others, you are freed up to choose other ways of being and relating that are rooted in love and lead to life. When you quit for the right reasons, at the right time, and in the right way, you're on the path not only to emotional health, but also to the true purpose of your life. Sessions include: Quit Being Afraid of What Others Think Quit Lying Quit Dying to the Wrong Things Quit Denying Anger, Sadness and Fear Quit Blaming Quit Overfunctioning Quit Faulty Thinking Quit Living Someone Else's Life Designed for use with the Emotionally Healthy Woman Video Study (sold separately).

While We Wait takes group participants deeper into their own journey toward God by providing weekly readings and group session plans. The first two chapters focus on the questions asked by Tamar, Zechariah, and Ruth, while the later chapters focus on the questions of Elizabeth, Mary, and the Magi. Coming from a fresh angle, While We Wait provides new territory for connecting readers with their own faith questions.

While We Wait addresses Advent as God's deepening search for us. The chapters move readers into the different levels in which we engage God. Redding helps readers understand that real-life struggles and questions are a legitimate part of Advent's spiritual exploration.

While We Wait takes group participants deeper into their own journey toward God by providing weekly readings and group session plans. A complete Advent study, While We Wait offers readers a unique perspective, clear instructions for small-group use, daily scripture accompanied by questions, and spiritual disciplines.

Wood, Waterfalls and Stars is a collection of essays which takes as its central focus, the challenge of Catholic education in the new millennium. The essays are rooted in the Catholic tradition and in the lived experience of Catholic students and teachers. Fred Herron builds upon the insights of authors such as Thomas Groome, William O'Malley and Andrew Greeley. Herron takes their insights and applies them to the world of Catholic education and the lives of Catholic educators, parents and students.

Most Christians know they should be trying to tell their friends and family about Jesus. But in a post-Christendom world, personal evangelism is viewed negatively--it's offensive, inappropriate, and insensitive. Recent studies confirm that the majority of Christians rarely evangelize, worried they might offend their family or lose their friends. In How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy), author Sam Chan equips everyday Christians who are reluctant and nervous to tell their friends about Jesus with practical, tested ways of sharing their faith in the least awkward ways possible. Drawing from over two decades of experience as an evangelist, teacher, and pastor, Chan explains why personal evangelism feels so awkward today. And utilizing recent insights from communication theory, cross-cultural ministry, and apologetics, he helps you build confidence in sharing your faith, and teaches you how to evangelize your friends and family in socially appropriate ways.

Many people long for a deeper relationship with God, yearning for silence in a noisy world and a respite from busyness. Written for lay and ordained leaders who wish to bring the gift of space and silence to members who feel called to the contemplative journey, the book introduces the purpose of retreats, provides a theological and biblical understanding of the model, and offers guidance for designing and leading these gatherings. Sample retreats, a design for home retreats, and suggested resources are included.

This revised and expanded version of Godly Play founder Jerome Berryman s 1995 handbook is for current and future users of Godly Play. With this revision, the book s original formatting has been redesigned to complement the eight volumes in The Complete Guide to Godly Play series. Illustrations have also been updated, and the text now better reflects the playful spirit of Godly Play. Up-to-date research in childhood development and instruction has also been incorporated in this comprehensive update. "

Based on the parallels between St. Ignatius and Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anony-mous. These 52 meditations consist of sections from St. IgnatiusO Spiritual Exercises, followed by an exploration of both what it means and how it relates to 12-Step philosophy. At the end of each meditation is a short encapsulation, which Father Harbaugh whimsically calls a OSecond Prelude, to go.O Re-freshing and down to earth, this book will set you briskly along a new path and greater independence.

A concrete guide for churches wanting to use Godly Play with adults. Written by Rebecca McClain, a long-time "Godly Player" and member of the Godly Play Foundation Board, presents the case for the use of Godly Play with adults. Rebecca lays out four creative "courses" for adults: The Heavenly Banquet -- for preparing adults for baptism, confirmation, and reaffirmation of vows (12 weeks); Dessert Only -- for preparing families who are beginning Godly Play; Slow Cooking -- a Godly Play retreat weekend; and Coffee and Cream -- using Godly Play on Sunday Mornings (12 weeks). Requiring the use of lessons from the Complete Guide to Godly Play (which are not included in the book), Graceful Nurture offers background on Godly Play, including why and how to use it with adults, and in depth notes and suggestions for 12 key Godly Play lessons, including how to adapt them for an adult audience. The four "courses" all build on these 12 lessons.

Knowledge that Transforms Without truth, we will be subject to every wind of distraction. Without grace, our lives will ring hollow. The Grace and Truth Study Bible is designed to help you understand and be formed by Scripture. Rich passage-by-passage study notes are theologically sound, guiding you to a deep understanding of each text, while always keeping in view the transformative affirmation and goodness of God's nature and redemptive plan. Dr. R. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and one of the foremost voices for evangelicals worldwide, heads up the editorial team for the NASB Grace and Truth Study Bible. This group of scholars and pastors is committed to delivering a trustworthy and approachable guide to Scripture to Bible readers. The warmhearted and faithful notes will provide first-time Bible readers reliable guidance while simultaneously nourishing veteran students of the Word with fresh insights. Unwavering in its commitment to evangelical steadfastness, this study Bible paints a stunning canvas of the goodness of God's redemptive plan revealed in the gospel of Jesus. Universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations, the beloved New American Standard Bible, 1995 Text, is now easier to read with Zondervan's exclusive NASB Comfort Print (R) typeface. Available in a variety of sophisticated designs, the NASB Grace and Truth Study Bible gives you the translation celebrated for faithfulness to the original biblical languages in a portable, easy-to-read format. Features: The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Text Insightful and practical bottom-of-the-page study notes faithfully illuminate Scripture passage by passage Bible Book Introductions invite you into the Scripture text without overwhelming technical terms or outlines Center-column cross reference system for deeper study NASB concordance Words of Jesus in red Elegant two-color page design 16 pages of full-color Bible maps Two satin ribbon markers Thumb Indexed Project leadership by general editor Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface Print Size: 10 (Study Notes: 8.5)

It's possible to learn how to live with a faith that is so confident in God that it can't be shaken--even in the most unpredictable and chaotic times. In this five-session video Bible study, bestselling author and teacher Christine Caine invites you to move into a deeper intimacy with God than you have ever known--and let him heal your heart and take away your fear. Including video discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study material, Caine points out the way to developing a relentless faith so that the next time life throws you a curve ball--and life likely will--you will be able to navigate your way through, still living the adventure he planned for you...and maybe even a version of the adventure that's beyond what you could ever have imagined. Sessions include: Expect the Unexpected - Embracing God's control over our own. Unexpected People - Learning how to look and see what God is doing. An Unexpected Assignment - How God interrupts our carefully made plans and why. Unexpected Endings Bring New Beginnings - Focusing on what God has been up to in our lives. Unexpected Resurrection - Renewing our faith in the final hope. Many of us have been trained to fear the unexpected and want everything to be "under control," but God wants us to anticipate the unexpected with a faith-filled perspective rooted in trust. He has never been taken by surprise. This pack contains one study guide and one DVD.

Many of our experiences in life happen when several generations are together - at church, at home, in our communities. Holidays and family events are times for celebration, learning, rituals, food, and fun. This edition of Faithful Celebrations focuses on Advent, the Annunciation, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Los Posadas, Christmas and Epiphany. It includes plenty of activities to learn more about each of these sacred seasons or days in a church setting, at home, camp, or anywhere in-between. These abundance of ideas allow you to create meaningful celebrations within a faith context throughout the months of December, January, and February. Each event to be celebrated includes key ideas, a cluster of activities to experience the key ideas, materials needed, full instructions for implementation, background history and information, music, art, recipes, and prayer resources to use in a small, intimate or large multi-generational group. For children, youth, adults, or any combination of ages any of these activities can take place in any setting. While these celebrations are popular in our secular culture, all ages will reconnect with the sacred roots and traditions practiced by past generations. All can experience new celebrations that have traditionally been intergenerational events in Spanish speaking communities.

As science and politics engage in a never-ending battle over the environment, A Life of Grace for the Whole World re-claims the theology of salvation and redemption for all creation. Using the House of Bishop's Pastoral Teaching on the Environment -- the first statement on the environment from The Episcopal Church leadership -- as a guide, A Life of Grace engages participants in understanding how the call to care for Creation informs and deepens appreciation and love for God and God's work in Creation, and how that finds expression in the faith life of individuals and churches. The adult sessions use Bible study, discussion questions, reflections on sections of the Book of Common Prayer, and other activities to encourage active learning. Each week participants are asked to reflect, in different ways, on their faith communities and their own spiritual journey and how they can find a more meaningful connection with God's active work among all creation. The youth section, which parallels the adult sessions, encourages active engagement through viewing of videos, use of technology, and a range of activities. Exploratory questions for the facilitator allow for open-ended conversation and discussion of current events around environment and faith. Connecting the five-week session is the creation of a Tree of Life, which is added to during every session. Both an Adult Booklet and a Youth Booklet enhance the experience of A Life of Grace, both within and outside of the sessions, with additional content, activities, and journaling space.