What would your life be like if Jesus lived it? Imagine the change you would experience in your thoughts, actions, and relationships. Think of the joy and freedom that could transform every area of your life. That s exactly what God has in mind for you You ll find out how in Growth. Through personal study and small group interaction, this study sets you on a path to live out the character of Jesus in this world as only you can. It happens not by trying hard, but by training. By cultivating spiritual disciplines--Scripture meditation, prayer, solitude, endurance, loving others--you ll discover the joy of being transformed by Christ and the freedom of living each day sustained by his power. Leader s guide included Growth group sessions are: Training to Live Like Jesus The Practice of Scripture Meditation The Practice of Solitude Simple Prayer Three Transforming Prayers The Roundabout Way And the Greatest of These Is Love"

In Fight, a five-session, video-based small group Bible study, pastor and bestselling author Craig Groeschel explores the life of Samson, helping you uncover who you really are---a man created with a warrior s heart in the image of God---and how to stand up and fight for what s right. Find the strength to fight the battles you know you need to fight---the ones that determine the state of your heart, the quality of your marriage, and the spiritual health of your family. The battles that make you dependent on God as the source of your strength. The battles that make you come alive. Craig looks at the life of Samson, showing how much we have in common with this guy. Things didn t work out so well for him in the end. But by looking at his life, you ll learn how to defeat the demons that make strong men weak. You ll become who God made you to be---a man who knows how to fight for what s right. Learn how to fight with faith, with prayer, and with the Word of God. Then, when your enemy begins to attack, fight for the righteous cause that God gave you. Draw a line in the sand. Make your enemy pay. Make sure he gets the message. Don t cross a warrior. Don t mess with this man of God. Come out fighting. And don t show up for this fight unarmed. Use the weapons God gave you, and you ll win. Can you feel it? It s inside you. It s time to fight like a man. Use this study guide to further explore the teaching found in the Fight video."

What Does It Take to Be a Godly Man? Every young boy dreams about what he wants to be when he grows up. Some have goals of becoming an astronaut, or a fireman, or a professional athlete. But what does it take to be a "man"? How does a young person get there?

In this six-session video-based curriculum, NFL All-Pro, sports analyst, and businessman Tim Brown uses experiences from his life to teach men the principles and priorities he has learned for leading a life that honors God. Through his stories of struggling with God, overcoming temptations, and discovering what it takes to be a good husband and father, he shares what true manhood is all about and what guys must do to attain it. These principles have helped Tim lead a life of honor and integrity that has made him one of the most respected men in the world of sports.

"The Making of a Man" will not only inspire men of all ages but also challenge them to measure their lives and success by a higher standard.

Designed for use with "The Making of a Man: A Video-based Study "(978-0529-11308-5)" "

Gifted--that s you Uniquely equipped to help build up the body of Christ. As a follower of Jesus, serving others is an integral part of your identity and an important key to your personal growth. But how do you cultivate a servant s heart and your spiritual gifts in ways that build up your church, your family, your friends, and your world--without wiping you out in the process? Gifts guides you to the answers. Through personal study and small group interaction, this study will help you develop a passion to be used by God. You ll find out about your unique place in the body of Christ and how to surmount the obstacles that keep you from thriving. You ll discover the joy of serving with others--doing together what you cannot do alone. And you ll learn how to abide in Christ, experiencing a freshness and vitality that grow as you give Leader s guide included Gifts group sessions are: Use Me Use My Gifts Walking into Weakness Comparison: The Killjoy of Servanthood The Ministry of the Mundane Servanthood s Bell-Shaped Curve Abide in Him"

If you've ever. . . *wondered what's in the Bible Jesus studied *promised yourself, "One of these days, I'm going to get serious about reading the whole Old Testament" *wanted a personal "guide" to lead you through unfamiliar territory in the Old Testament . . . then this book is for you! Discover the Life-Changing Relevance of the Old Testament Taking the Old Testament Challenge is an integral part of Old Testament Challenge, a dynamic program for churches. This individual reading guide brings the Old Testament up close and personal as each participant takes a life-transforming journey through the first two-thirds of the Bible. The truths of Scripture will enter deep into hearts and lives-with applications that turn lessons into lifestyles and principles into practice.

What does it mean to do everything "in Jesus name"? Is that an ideal attainable only by a few "super Christians"--or is it a way of life we can all experience? Leader s guide included Fully Devoted group sessions are: What Is True Spirituality? Grace Growth Groups Gifts Giving "We Know Him Well . . . "

You want to make a huge, lasting difference in the lives of students, right? The Be-With Factoris a powerful, practical, and sustainable mentoring approach that does just that. It s patterned after Jesus example of being with his disciples in a variety of real-life settings. It s not another program, but it s about reaching a generation by focusing on a few and doing life with them. Amazing things happen when you spend time with a student purposefully and intentionally---running an errand together, going to the store, grabbing lunch, letting ministry happen naturally. The impact of your faith, shown in everyday life, will transform students lives---and the impact on one student has the potential to reach a whole generation. Being with not only works, it s Jesus way. Set forth in careful detail by two veteran leaders who live it, the Be-With factor isn t an add-on---it s the very heart of youth ministry. This book will help train and equip you, and once you adopt the Be-With lifestyle, it will revitalize your passion to make an eternal difference in students lives."

This revised edition of Tough Questions, designed for use in any small group setting, is ideal for use in seeker small groups. Based on more than five years of field-tested feedback, extensive improvements make this best-selling series easier to use and more appealing than ever for both participants and group leaders. The Tough Questions Series How can an all-powerful God allow suffering? Is Jesus really the only way to God? Why should I trust the Bible? Tough questions. Reasonable questions. The kinds of challenging questions you, or someone you know may be asking, that are worth taking time to explore. In six sessions designed to get small groups thinking and interacting, each guide in the Tough Questions series deals frankly with objections commonly raised about Christianity. You ll engage in the kind of spirited dialog that shows the Christian faith can stand up to scrutiny. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES JESUS MAKE? Who Was Jesus? How Is Jesus Different from Other Religious Leaders? Did Jesus Really Claim to Be God? Why Focus on Jesus Death? Isn t the Resurrection of Jesus a Myth? What Difference Does Jesus Make Today?"

This revised edition of Tough Questions, designed for use in any small group setting, is ideal for use in seeker small groups. Based on more than five years of field-tested feedback, extensive improvements make this best-selling series easier to use and more appealing than ever for both participants and group leaders. The Tough Questions Series How can an all-powerful God allow suffering? Is Jesus really the only way to God? Why should I trust the Bible? Tough questions. Reasonable questions. The kinds of challenging questions you, or someone you know may be asking, that are worth taking time to explore. In six sessions designed to get small groups thinking and interacting, each guide in the Tough Questions series deals frankly with objections commonly raised about Christianity. You ll engage in the kind of spirited dialog that shows the Christian faith can stand up to scrutiny. HOW RELIABLE IS THE BIBLE? Where Did the Bible Come From? Isn t the Bible Full of Myths? What About All Those Contradictions? Hasn t the Bible Changed Over Time? Why Should I Trust the Bible? Is the Bible Really God s Book?"

This revised edition of Tough Questions, designed for use in any small group setting, is ideal for use in seeker small groups. Based on more than five years of field-tested feedback, extensive improvements make this best-selling series easier to use and more appealing than ever for both participants and group leaders. The Tough Questions Series How can an all-powerful God allow suffering? Is Jesus really the only way to God? Why should I trust the Bible? Tough questions. Reasonable questions. The kinds of challenging questions you, or someone you know may be asking, that are worth taking time to explore. In six sessions designed to get small groups thinking and interacting, each guide in the Tough Questions series deals frankly with objections commonly raised about Christianity. You ll engage in the kind of spirited dialog that shows the Christian faith can stand up to scrutiny. TOUGH QUESTIONS You ve heard them before, maybe even asked a few of them yourself. This leader s guide will help you steer your small group toward a greater understanding of the Christian faith. Together, you ll explore the power and preeminence of Jesus and the truth he brought to light. You may be leading a small group of seekers who are curious but unconvinced about Christianity. Or a small group of believers who want to become better grounded in what and why they believe. Regardless, this book will give you insights and coaching you need to engage participants in thoughtful and personally rewarding discussions about the life-changing truths of Christianity."

Jesus said more about money than just about any other topic. Clearly, it is an important issue--and a touchy one Deep down, we know it is not a matter of what we earn but how we manage what we earn that shows our ultimate priorities. Giving demonstrates how good stewardship is more than a responsibility it s an adventure. As you study the connection between your wallet and your heart, you ll learn how money management is a powerful tool for shaping your character. You ll discover how giving is as much a part of spiritual growth as prayer and Bible study. And you ll learn about the rewards of cultivating wise financial habits and a generous heart. Above all, you ll find out how a lifestyle of giving reflects the heart of God, who freely gives his best to you. Leader s guide included Giving group sessions are: Money: Why Is It So Important to God? The Open Hands of God Tithing: A Training Exercise for the Heart Behind the Scenes of Debt What Is a Biblical Lifestyle? Cultivating a Heart of Compassion The Chance of a Lifetime"

Community is God s idea. Only in community can we know and be known, love and be loved, celebrate others and be celebrated by them. And only through close, transparent relationships can we be transformed as individuals. Groups invites you to enjoy the rewards--and embrace the risks--of community. Step by step, this study will challenge and encourage you to explore the amazing potential for growth found in authentic relationships. You ll study the true nature of friendship. The power of paying attention. The path to intimacy. The encouragement of being for one another. You ll learn what it means to live out these and other simple but vital truths for being all you are, giving all you ve got, and receiving all you need as a member of God s dynamic community, the church. Leader s guide included Groups group sessions are: This Is a Friendship Love Pays Attention Knowing and Being Known When Community Breaks Down Forgiveness Building a Passionately Inclusive Church Being "For" One Another"

Many Christians have an easier time being saved by grace than they do living in grace every day. But grace is at the center of the life God calls us to--and reflects the heart of the One who calls. These studies in Grace will help you make the connection between grace as a remote biblical concept and grace as a lifestyle--a reality you experience day in, day out. Through an unfolding study of Psalm 23, you ll learn how God--our Good Shepherd--is for you, how he longs to walk with you through temptation, sorrow, and even deep regret. You ll discover God s desire to make his joy your joy. Throughout, you ll learn how enduring, powerful, and life-affirming God s work in your life can be and rediscover why it s called amazing grace. Leader s guide included Grace group sessions are: Living in Grace Grace for Regrets Sustaining Grace Delighting in Grace A Legacy of Grace Grace Forever Grace to Share"

The Walking with God series was developed as the curriculum for small groups at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Since its release in 1992, it has been used by churches and small groups to help raise up devoted disciples of Christ. Group members who work through the program will lay a solid foundation for a lifelong walk with God. While small groups may be formed for a variety of purposes, the goal of this curriculum is for groups to produce disciples-fully devoted followers of Christ-by studying God's Word in community. To this end, the goal of the study is to produce disciples who walk with God, have a personal relationship with Jesus, and live in step with the Holy Spirit. It is also to produce believers who live the Word in all areas of life and contribute to the work that God is doing in the local church. Ultimately, the goal is to develop believers who impact the world and are prepared and eager to spread the good news of Christ to others. This material will help develop these attributes in group members. Each lesson includes group Bible study and discussion questions in addition to devotions, reflections, and personal study for use by individuals between the group sessions.

The Walking with God series was developed as the curriculum for small groups at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Since its release in 1992, it has been used by churches and small groups to help raise up devoted disciples of Christ. Group members who work through the program will lay a solid foundation for a lifelong walk with God. While small groups may be formed for a variety of purposes, the goal of this curriculum is for groups to produce disciples-fully devoted followers of Christ-by studying God's Word in community. To this end, the goal of the study is to produce disciples who walk with God, have a personal relationship with Jesus, and live in step with the Holy Spirit. It is also to produce believers who live the Word in all areas of life and contribute to the work that God is doing in the local church. Ultimately, the goal is to develop believers who impact the world and are prepared and eager to spread the good news of Christ to others. This material will help develop these attributes in group members. Each lesson includes group Bible study and discussion questions in addition to devotions, reflections, and personal study for use by individuals between the group sessions.

Three bumbling contestants on a game show try to answer simple questions about the Bible. Although they know useless trivia, such as the active ingredient in Windex is Ammonia D, they don't know that Genesis was not only the name of Phil Collin's band but also a book of the Bible, that Freedom of Speech is not one of the Ten Commandments, and that an epistle is not the wife of an apostle. This sketch presents a hilarious, tongue-in-check expose of biblical illiteracy in our modern culture.

Art is relaxing on his back deck, reading the paper on a Saturday morning when in come three "businessmen." They begin to talk to Art about his day's activities with an emphasis on how he should reconsider taking the day off. They are very concerned with how it "appears" not to be working, and suggest he go into the office and send emails and voicemails with a "Saturday" stamp to show his commitment. It becomes clear these are not co-workers, but voices inside his head which are always telling him why he should be doing something other than what he's doing, and urge him to consider appearances and nuances over substance. His "handlers" constantly "interpret, spin, and posture" his every move-and everybody else's-much to his emotional and spiritual detriment. In the end, he forces them out, just as his wife comes out to join him. When she is left alone, her "handlers" show up to question her-starting the cycle all over again