Some chose to follow God. Others followed only fame and fortune. They lived through times of difficulty and times of triumph, through political and emotional turmoil, through popularity and through discontent. This ten-session LifeBuilder Bible Study focuses on the character of the Kings of the Old Testament and what we can learn from them. For over three decades LifeBuilder Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions-making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 120 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

Money and work: just the words themselves can cause anxiety. Mortgages, saving for retirement and bottom lines can easily overwhelm us to the point of despair. But God, who "gives us richly all things to enjoy," wants his people to live in freedom, trusting him and learning to manage our gifts wisely and generously. By pointing to his trustworthiness and generosity, these studies can help you rest in the peace he offers. These ten studies cover subjects such as "What is my time worth?", "What's Tempting About Power?" , "How Much is Enough?", "Does My Property Own Me?", "How Much Is Too much?", "What If I Lose It All?".

I'll never grow up. Sometimes we feel a little like Peter Pan. We'd rather be children, free of obligations and responsibilities. Sometimes we even feel that way about our Christian lives. The writers of Peter & Jude understand how difficult it is to grow into maturity. But they show us how God provides direction and comfort when we travel dark roads, and show us what it takes to be mature in Christ. This revised edition features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a 'now or later' section in each study.

God created us to thrive in one another's presence. Friends help us to mature emotionally and spiritually. Friends love us no matter what. Friends teach us about forgiveness. These 12 studies introduce us to biblical principles for friendship and to powerful stories about friends in the Bible. They will encourage you to discover the riches of godly friendship. Part of the top-selling Lifebuilder series that has helped millions of people dig deeper into the Bible, individually and in groups. Featuring questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a 'now or later' section in each study.

If we are honest, most of us struggle with our praying at least some of the time. Perhaps we have difficulty finding time to pray, or maybe we simply do not know what to say. Praying may seem simple and straightforward in theory, but in reality it can be hard work. In 'Praying' J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom offer hope to us in our efforts to pray better. They present praying as both a duty and a delight: an essential, expected practice for a follower of Christ, but also a privilege and joy. With wisdom, humility and sincerity they lead us through different moods or types of praying. Yet they do not just teach us about prayer; they also challenge and inspire us to do it by pointing us to a clearer understanding of the character of God. Here is practical help for active, honest praying that involves all of who we are - heart, hands and head - and moves us to deeper obedience, joy and intimacy with our Father.

To live in Christ is always to be resting on him, anchored to him, fixed in him, drawing from him, continually connected and in touch with him. These eight studies from the Gospel of John will draw you further into the peace, joy, love and fruitfulness of that life.

Gold Medallion award-winning author, Carolyn Nystrom, uses intriguing stories, told in the first person, to bring to life the personality and God-given mission of this well-loved Bible character. By focusing on the godly trait in the character's life, the author highlights qualities that children can learn to imitate.

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love." John 15:9 Before Jesus left this world he gave specific encouragement and instructions to his disciples on what to expect and how to live after he had gone. These words still apply to his disciples today. In Abiding in Christ, trusted guides J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom lead you through a study of Jesus' farewell to his disciples in John 14--17 to help you discover what it means to abide in Christ during the time between Christ's departure and his second coming. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP Connect's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

Gold Medallion award-winning author, Carolyn Nystrom, uses intriguing stories, told in the first person, to bring to life the personality and God-given mission of this well-loved Bible character. By focusing on the godly trait in the character's life, the author highlights qualities that children can learn to imitate.

From a very early age, many children start to notice and become curious about bodies, babies, and where they come from. Clear, informative, and child friendly, Before I Was Born is the perfect way to introduce your child to the first conversations about reproduction and pregnancy.

Before I Was Born emphasizes God’s good design for our bodies and lays a biblical foundation for understanding sexuality. Using age-appropriate language and illustrations, this book introduces children to:

• A tactful but clear explanation of the basics of sex
• The changes boys’ and girls’ bodies go through as they grow
• The science behind conception and pregnancy
• How a mother gives birth
• How breastfeeding works

Framing everything within the larger story of God’s wonderful design, your child can begin to understand that God is the giver of good gifts, including the gift of our bodies.

Designed for children ages 5 to 8.

For some Christians, listening to God is a constant inner tuning to nudges from the Spirit as we go about our day. Others seem to hear God mostly through Scripture. How did the people of the Bible, like Hagar, Moses, Solomon and John, hear God? Ten studies from the Old and New Testaments encourage us to learn about the spiritual discipline of listening to God.

Truth seems to be an outdated concept. It is considered rude to speak of right and wrong. In such a culture we need to be reminded of the biblical value of integrity. These studies invite us to find contentment in who we are and how we follow God as we become people of integrity. This Lifebuilder Bible Study in the new revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a "Now or Later" section in each study.

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.

Beginning with the new guides Miracles and Pleasing God (released in February 1999), all new LifeGuides will be presented in the new format. In addition more existing volumes will be revised every year to ensure that all our LifeGuides continue to be effective Bible study resources for the twenty-first century.

Truth seems to be an outdated concept. We need to be reminded of the biblical value of integrity. These studies invite us to find contentment in who we are and how we follow God as we become people of integrity.

"I'll never grow up." Sometimes we all feel a little like Peter Pan. We'd rather be children, free of obligations and responsibilities. Sometimes we even feel that way about our Christian lives. The writers of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude understand how difficult it is to grow into maturity. As Carolyn Nystrom leads us through these letters, we see how God provides direction and comfort when we travel dark roads. And we discover what it takes to be mature in Christ. This revised LifeGuide Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and a "Now or Later" section in each study.

"Christianity Today" 2006 Book Award Winner

"Here is superb theological journalism. The authors review Roman Catholic alterations of posture, if not of position, during the past half century; assess the overall shift as irreversible and transformational; and speculate provocatively on the significance of current Catholic/evangelical interaction in today's divided Christendom. Their thorough historical analysis will be a landmark resource for exploring the theological questions that Roman Catholic reconfiguration raises. This is an important book."--J. I. Packer, Regent College

"Noll and Nystrom have produced a volume remarkable for its intellectual maturity and depth. Not since Berkouwer's great works on Catholicism have we seen anything like this. Written with utter clarity and directness, undergirded by immense historical and theological scholarship, this volume is the best available statement of the relationship and by itself is a vital step in making informed conversation between the parties possible."--William M. Shea, College of the Holy Cross; author, "The Lion and the Lamb: Evangelicals and Catholics in America"

"To their credit, [the authors] examine deep and difficult matters with care and moderation. . . . "Is the Reformation Over?" is most successful as a systematic, historical documentation of a complicated and often contentious relationship. This is to be expected of Noll, whose outstanding works of church history are marked by careful research and well-measured opinions."--Carl E. Olson, "Touchstone"

"The Reformation is over only in the sense that to some extent it has succeeded. This book examines, with scholarly care and sensitivity, recent evangelical-RomanCatholic developments that lend credence to this possibility. This book will help all of us who are committed to exploring the common heritage, as well as the differences that still remain, between the two largest faith communities in the Christian world."--Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School; executive editor of "Christianity Today"

Seeking God's guidance is a focus for many believers. We want to know what God has planned for our lives. Are we making the right decision? Are we in his will? For some people, knowing God is guiding their lives makes them relax and enjoy the ride. But others fear making the wrong choice and find themselves paralyzed as they wait for signs from above.
J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom answer these fears with "God's Will." With solid biblical footing, they shed light on the notion of God's guidance in response to the many misunderstandings well-meaning Christians can have. Readers seeking God's will in major life decisions, as well as anyone interested in understanding how God guides us, will welcome this practical and inspiring book.

A throwaway woman A blind beggar A prison guard A doubting disciple An elderly couple They were ordinary people. Some were never even mentioned by name. Yet they were all touched by Jesus. In this ten-session LifeGuide(R) Bible Study, Carolyn Nystrom introduces you to the fascinating men and women of the New Testament. As you enter into their stories, you'll discover how you too can be touched by the Savior. This revised LifeGuide Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and a "Now or Later" section in each study. For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions--making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

Study Scripture with John Stott The gospel has power: the power to save us, the power to change the world. In Paul's letter to the Romans he explains the power we've been given to be effective witnesses, overcome sin, be wholly committed to God, handle differences in Christ's body, and be responsible Christian citizens. The truth in Romans will transform your thinking and convict your heart as you discover the power of the gospel for every area of your life and our world. John Stott was one of the world's leading and most-loved Bible teachers and preachers. In this Bible study guide you can explore Scripture under his guidance, enhancing your own in-depth study with insights gained from his years of immersion in God's Word.

Here is a daily guide through one of the most treasured books of Christian spirituality: J. I. Packer's Knowing God. Each day you'll read a Scripture and a brief passage about the glory and joy of being in relationship with God. An idea at the end of each day's reading will help you to respond to God in prayer and reflection. This could be the most significant book you will read this year--or next.

Tied for a 2001 Best Non-Fiction Book, Christian Living award in the God Uses Ink Contest If you get discouraged by your spiritual failures, you're not alone. In fact, you're in pretty good company. From the life and death of Samson to Peter's denial of Jesus, the Bible is filled with stories of people who wanted to serve God but frequently failed. And yet God still worked through these men and women for his purposes and glory. Through God's power, their points of weakness became their greatest strengths. In Never Beyond Hope J. I. Packer offers his pastoral wisdom, exploring the stories of eight imperfect people portrayed in the Bible. Packer shows you how their struggles and triumphs relate to your own experiences and highlights how God works despite your mistakes. Packer also teams up with expert Bible study writer Carolyn Nystrom, who helps you process and apply what you are learning in each chapter with study questions for personal reflection or group discussion, prayer suggestions and journaling ideas. Let this book help you discover that God's vision for your life may be far bigger than what you can see right now. Though you may be far from perfect, remember that in God's eyes you are never beyond hope.

For thirty-five years, J. I. Packer's Knowing God has revealed to over a million Christians around the world the wonder, the glory and the joy of knowing God. Now, you can discover the riches of the character of God in a devotional format. The daily reading includes Scripture, a suggestion for action or reflection, and space to journal or write out your prayers. Next to Scripture, Knowing God could be the most significant book you will read this year.