In the busyness and challenges of daily life, it's easy to put showing gratitude low on our priority list. Yet Scripture continually reveals how important gratitude is for God's people-in good times and bad. In this eight-session LifeBuilder Bible study guide, Dale and Sandy Larsen help us explore how giving thanks reminds us of what God has done, reorients us around God's grace, and helps us enjoy the gifts we have received instead of taking them for granted. Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, Gratitude encourages us to grow in trust and joy as we hold tight to God's goodness in life's ups and downs. Gratitude features questions that can be used both individually or in small groups, and its ready-to-use Bible studies are perfect for the busy homegroup leader. It is a brilliant resource for anyone wanting to understand Biblical teaching on gratitude better, and for those looking for guidance in expressing Christian gratitude and ways to give thanks.

Explores the stories of couples and marriages found in the Old Testament Leads you to discover important lessons about love, marriage, God and yourself! More than 110 titles available! Features the popular inductive study approach Includes helpful notes for group leaders Convenient workbook format for groups or individuals Approach questions help get you thinking or start group discussion Application questions help you to act on what you have learned Field-tested by individuals and groups prior to publication

This nine-session LifeBuilder Bible Study covers some of the surprising and interesting questions Old Testament characters heard from God, such as when he asked "Where are you?" of Adam and Eve. As we consider the questions God asked others, we are guided inward to reflect on the same questions in our own lives.

Many Bible studies of the book of Ruth focus on the life and character of Ruth herself. Ruth takes a more comprehensive view of the book as a whole. While the book is named for Ruth, and she is prominent in the action, other significant players populate the drama: Naomi, Elimelek, Mahlon, Kilion, Orpah, Boaz, an unnamed guardian-redeemer, reapers, elders, neighbors. All have their share of importance in the historical narrative.What does the book of Ruth have to do with us today? Although Ruth and Boaz are mentioned in the New Testament only in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), Christians have long seen in the book of Ruth a foreshadowing of our redemption through Christ. As Ruth and Naomi were destitute, with no status and no hope, we were in spiritual poverty and could not rescue ourselves. Like them, we were in need of a guardian-redeemer who would come to our aid. As Boaz in love intervened and took responsibility to save Ruth and Naomi, Christ in love has become our ultimate Redeemer who assumes the burden of our need and gives us a place in his kingdom.

This nine-session LifeGuide Bible study covers some of the surprising and interesting questions Old Testament characters heard from God, such as when he asked "Where are you?" of Adam and Eve. As we consider the questions God asked others, we are guided inward to reflect on the same questions in our own lives. 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.

This six-session LifeGuide(R) Bible Study of Ruth we meet not only Ruth herself but also other significant players who populate the drama: Naomi, Elimelech, Mahlon, Kilion, Orpah and Boaz. In addition there are other unnamed characters: a kinsman, reapers, elders and neighbors. Like us, each of these characters in their own way needs the Redeemer who is foreshadowed here.These six studies follow the popular inductive study approach that has marked LifeGuide Bible studies for the past thirty years. 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.

Nine studies concentrating on Biblical characters such as Abraham, Naaman and David, who exercised faith and dependence on God. These are complimented by studies on different aspects of faith such as asking in Jesus' name. The revised titles feature questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a 'now or later' section in each study.

Why don't I get what I pray for? Do I wait in faith for God to change a bad situation, or do I step out in faith to look for change? Why don't I feel more confident that God will help me? If you ever struggle with uncertainties about faith, you'll find good company in the pages of the Bible. Dale and Sandy Larsen lead you through nine Bible studies on people who struggled with faith to encourage you in your journey to deeper trust. 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.

A study of 10 scriptural images given to Christ - Shepherd, Lamb of God, Suffering Servant, Branch, Vine, Light of the World, Bridegroom, Head of the Church, Bread of Life, Cornerstone. Some of these come from the Old Testament, others are word-pictures that Jesus himself used. The focus of each session is on the relationship with the reality behind the image: eg the Good Shepherd remains only a sentimental picture if we do not follow him; Christ is our Cornerstone only if we allow ourselves to be built into his house. The studies in this book are: Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18) Lamb of God (Revelation 5:6-14) Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13-53:6) Branch (Isaiah 11:1-9) True Vine (John 15:1-8) Light of the World (John 1:1-9) Bridegroom (Ephesians 5:25-33) Head of the Church (Colossians 1:15-20) Bread of Life (John 6:25-51) Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4-8)

Paul must often have felt like a mother duck guiding her ducklings to safety. He had seen the enthusiasm of the Colossian Christians but knew they had no idea of the dangers they would face. Longing for them to continue growing in faith, Paul--now stuck in prison--wrote to his young flock, affirming them, warning them of hazards and pointing them to King Jesus, the supreme one who was with them and at work in them. These eight studies on Colossians and Philemon will similarly guide us toward maturity in King Jesus, who is still at work in his people today. This guide by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentary on Colossians and Philemon. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you or a group more deeply into God's Word. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom.

In his letters, John expresses delight at believers who are "walking in the truth": behaving with that integrity which reflects the gospel. This involves not just correct doctrine and proper outward behavior, but also love for God and fellow believers. It's this love, John writes, that shows that the truth of the gospel has really been grasped, not as an abstract idea but as what it is, the very life of God himself at work in his people. These nine studies from Tom Wright help us become believers who are "walking in the truth" in our own day--people in whom the very life of God is at work for all to see.

Study Scripture with John Stott The beatitudes reveal to us eight qualities that bring God's blessing: meekness and mercy, poorness in spirit and purity of heart, mourning and hunger, peacemaking and persecution. Jesus highlighted these to offer both encouragement and instruction on living distinctly as his followers in a world with values much different from God's. As we study these qualities and integrate them into our lives, we will receive the blessing Jesus promised to his followers then and now. John Stott was one of the world's leading and most-loved Bible teachers and preachers. In this newly updated 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.

You can't change the fact that you are getting older. And, indeed, you may not want to Age brings many gifts and opportunities for continued growth. In nine study sessions, Dale and Sandy Larsen help you discover the Bible's perspective on aging. You'll discover how God can effectively and powerfully use those who have grown wiser with the passing years. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

A deep look at Scripture-God's very words-is never wasted. In fact, not only is it never wasted; it's richly rewarded. The more deeply we dive into the riches of the Bible, the more deeply we can experience and serve God, the giver of all truth, wisdom, love and understanding. The new LifeGuide (R) in Depth Bible Studies help you do just that, taking you further into themes and books of Scripture than you might have gone before. As you see new connections between the Old and New Testament, gain an understanding of the historical and cultural background of passages, engage in creative exercises, and concretely apply what you've learned, you'll be amazed at the breadth of the knowledge and wisdom you gain and the transformation God can work in you as you meet him in his Word. Each session provides enough material for a week's worth of Scripture study along with a weekly group discussion guide that pulls all of the elements together. This guide is based on and includes the inductive Bible study Fruit of the Spirit from the bestselling LifeGuide (R) Bible Study Series--only now it has been expanded for a new kind of study experience. In A Deeper Look at the Fruit of the Spirit, specifically, you'll discover what your biggest barriers to joy might be what biblical writers meant by "peace" (hint: it's more than an absence of fighting) what to do when you realize you're not as nice a person as you thought you were what the Old Testament teaches us about God's gentleness and much more. If you're longing to go deeper in your understanding of God and his Word, LifeGuide (R) in Depth Bible Studies are for you. These new studies will meet your need for both rich, solidly researched content and personal application. They'll meet your need for Bible study that challenges your head and your heart. Most of all, we pray you'll meet God in them.

With a scholar's mind and a pastor's heart, Tom Wright walks you through Matthew in this guide designed especially with everyday readers in mind. Perfect for group use or daily personal reflection, this study uses the popular inductive method combined with Wright's thoughtful insights to bring contemporary application of Scripture to life. This guide by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentary on Matthew. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you or a group more deeply into God's Word. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom.

"The ultimate reason for getting to know Peter is so together we might better know Jesus. For the story of Peter is the story of Jesus. Perhaps, if you and I do our best, the same will be said of us someday"--Michael Card. In A Fragile Stone, songwriter and musician Michael Card explores the dynamic, contradictory life of the apostle Peter. The fruit of years of careful study, A Fragile Stone revisits well-known passages and discovers unexpected insights, painting a portrait of Peter that is both familiar and jarring. With a scope spanning the entire New Testament, Card reveals how the impetuous fisherman of the Gospels was transformed into the pivotal leader of the early church. The life of Simon Peter thus serves as a model for Christian discipleship, offering hope that we likewise can be changed as Jesus calls us to follow him. This companion study guide, written by Michael Card with Dale and Sandy Larsen, provides nine inductive Bible studies on the life of Peter, with discussion questions for group study or individual reflection.

"Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes," wrote Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his classic work, The Cost of Discipleship. What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? Is it enough to believe? What part does obedience play? These are the questions that Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrestled with for the whole of his life. Sorting through Bonhoeffer's questions and the answers he found will profoundly enrich your Christian life. As you work through Dale and Sandy Larsen's Christian Classics Bible Study based on Bonhoeffer's thought and teaching, you'll have the opportunity to grapple with Scripture and answer for yourself "What does it mean to be a disciple?"

None of us knows what the future holds. But in the midst of our uncertainty, God offers us real hope, a confidence in the certainty of who he is. This guide looks at the Christian's daily and eternal hope in Christ, reminding us that no matter how bad or good things are now, something far more awesome is on the way for God's people.

Discover what unity in Christ means through the Larsens' dynamic studies. And then put it into practice in relationships with other believers.

"What do you want?" "Do you see this woman?" "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord, ' and do not do what I say?" These are just some of the many questions that Jesus asked throughout the Gospels. Jesus invites us to inquire, reflect, and discuss. This nine-session LifeGuide(R) Bible Study is designed to help us dig into some of the questions that shape our view of Jesus and ourselves. 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.

With a scholar's mind and a pastor's heart, Tom Wright walks you through 1 Corinthians in this guide designed especially with everyday readers in mind. Perfect for group use or daily personal reflection, this study uses the popular inductive method combined with Wright's thoughtful insights to bring contemporary application of Scripture to life. This guide by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentary on 1 Corinthians. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you or a group more deeply into God's Word. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom.

Paul's project, he often says, is building--not building with bricks and mortar but rather with people. He lays the foundation with the shockingly good news of one true God who raised Jesus from the dead, in order to build a new family with no divisions, all of whom can call God Father. In a world of widespread ethnic rivalry and trenchant divisiveness, Paul's strong corrective message in Galatians demands to be heard and reheard. In these studies by Tom Wright, we hear once again what remains shockingly good news.

With a scholar's mind and a pastor's heart, N. T. Wright helps us learn from Paul's writing in Phillippians the art of seeing God's purposes working out through problems and difficulties, and deepen our own confidence in God's power. Includes eight sessions for group or personal study.

We live in times of insecurity. New nations are coming to birth. Social and political patterns are evolving. Violence, terrorism, and war threaten the very foundations of civilization. These external insecurities are reflected in the internal world of the mind and of the spirit. There is widespread distrust of Christian faith and a preference for agnosticism or free thought. Many church members are confused and uncertain. Against this background, to read the letters of John is to enter another world marked by assurance, knowledge, confidence, and boldness. The certainty of Christian people is twofold: objective (that the Christian religion is true) and subjective (that they have been born of God and possess eternal life). Both are expounded by John, who takes it for granted that this double assurance is right and healthy. Today we urgently need to hear and heed his teaching about the nature of these certainties and the grounds on which they are built. 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.