As the old adage goes, you have to ask the right questions before you can get the right answers. And that's exactly what the Not Your Average Bible Study series helps you do. Rather than spoon-feeding you with individual facts, this study of Jonah coaches you on how to think through the text as a whole. Tested and proven in Bible Study Magazine, it's perfect for group and individual studies alike. Jonah was a rebel prophet. When God wanted him to preach a message of hope to Nineveh, a city in Assyria, Jonah traveled in the opposite direction. His story of failure shows us God's mercy--both to the prophet and to a people who didn't deserve it. It reminds us of God's mercy to us, and it challenges us to be ambassadors of that mercy. Each section of the guide begins with a concise introduction, providing context for the biblical passage. Next, you'll consider questions designed to prompt your own in-depth study. You'll also find specific prayer suggestions, along with ideas for further research. Experience the joy of discovering biblical insights for yourself--then apply these lessons to your everyday life. This is not your average Bible study!

As the old adage goes, you have to ask the right questions before you can get the right answers. And that's exactly what the Not Your Average Bible Study series helps you do. Rather than spoon-feeding you with individual facts, this study of Ephesians coaches you on how to think through the text as a whole. Tested and proven in Bible Study Magazine, it's perfect for group and individual studies alike. In Ephesians, Paul proclaims the love of God that has made us alive in Christ. He calls us to a life transformed by grace. Does your life display his love? Do you show the same grace? Paul inspires us to put on the new self--one "created to be like God in true righteousness"--showing us what this new life in Christ really looks like. Each section of the guide begins with a concise introduction, providing context for the biblical passage. Next, you'll consider questions designed to prompt your own in--depth study. You'll also find specific prayer suggestions, along with ideas for further research. Experience the joy of discovering biblical insights for yourself--then apply these lessons to your everyday life. This is not your average Bible study!

Heir to a great promise, Jacob should have lived a life defined by God's presence. Instead, it was often characterized by conflict, deception, and selfish ambition. Yet, Jacob's story shows us how God remained with Jacob, just as He remains with believers today. Jacob: Discerning God's Presence will help you gain insights into Jacob's story as you explore the themes, context, and cultural background of the text. Find new ways to apply Jacob's life lessons to your own life with discussion and reflection questions. A collaborative effort by editor John D. Barry and writers Derek R. Brown, Miles Custis, Douglas Mangum, and Wendy Widder, this resource will help you dig deep into the life of Joseph. Walk with Jacob, and discover what it means to know and respond to God's presence. Contents: Setting the Stage: Explore theme, literary context, and the historical and cultural backgrounds of Jacob's story. A Closer Look: Explore the narrative while considering issues of interpretation, original language, and theology. Throughout the Bible: Examine references to the narrative elsewhere in the Bible. Beyond the Bible: Consider references to the narrative in ancient documents and extracanonical texts and references and by theologians, the church fathers, and contemporary thinkers. Application: Explore the events relevance to your journey of faith.

As the old adage goes, you have to ask the right questions before you can get the right answers. And that's exactly what the Not Your Average Bible Study series helps you do. Rather than spoon-feeding you with individual facts, this study of Ruth coaches you on how to think through the text as a whole. Tested and proven in Bible Study Magazine, it's perfect for group and individual studies alike. Ruth was an outcast, yet God drew her from the outskirts of society. He incorporated her not only into the community of Israel but also into his plan of salvation. In Ruth, we find a story of love, loyalty, and compassion--both from people and from God. And we see how God works through ordinary people to achieve his great purposes. Each section of the guide begins with a concise introduction, providing context for the biblical passage. Next, you'll consider questions designed to prompt your own in--depth study. You'll also find specific prayer suggestions, along with ideas for further research. Experience the joy of discovering biblical insights for yourself--then apply these lessons to your everyday life. This is not your average Bible study!

Joseph was favored by his father. But his life took a tragic turn when his brothers sold him in to slavery. Joseph: Understanding God's Purpose will help you gain insights into Joseph's story as you explore the themes, context, and cultural background of the text. Discussion questions will help you apply what you've learned to your own life. This Bible character study, edited by Michael R. Grigoni and written by Derek R. Brown, Miles Custis, Douglas Mangum, and Matthew M. Whitehead, will help you dig deep into the life of Joseph. Walk with Joseph and discover what it means to trust God no matter what your circumstance. Contents: Setting the Stage: Explore theme, literary context, and the histrical and cultural backgrounds of Joseph's story. A Closer Look: Explore the narrative while considering issues of interpretation, original language, and theology. Throughout the Bible: Examine references to the narrative elsewhere in the Bible. Beyond the Bible: Consider references to the narrative in ancient documents and extracanonical texts and references and by theologians, the church fathers, and contemporary thinkers. Application: Explore the event's relevance to your journey of faith.

Chosen to be the mother of Jesus, Mary played a singular role in God's plan of redemption. And her life, relationships, and faith continue to hold significance for believers today. By responding faithfully to God's call, Mary began an extraordinary journey of transformation from Jesus' loving mother to one of His devoted followers. In this 8-week study, authors Miles Custis, Michael R. Grigoni, Douglas Mangum, Matthew M. Whitehead, Rebecca Brant, John D. Barry, and Elizabeth Vince help you discover new meaning in the life of Mary. Each chapter of Mary: Devoted to God's Plan is structured to maximize your study by exploring the themes, context, and background of events Mary's life, as well as offering biblical parallels, extra-biblical references, and insights into how Mary's experiences are relevant to your journey of faith. Walk through life with Mary, learning along the way how her story is like your story. Each chapter of Mary: Devoted to God's Plan is structured to maximize your study. Theme: Introduces the meaning and relevance of an event in Mary's life Literary Context: Illustrates the conditions surrounding that event Historical and Cultural Background: Presents relevant data about the ancient world A Closer Look: Gives a walk-through of the event while exploring issues of interpretation, original language, and theology Throughout the Bible: Examines discussion of the event elsewhere in the Bible Beyond the Bible: Treats references to the event in ancient documents and extracanonical texts and references and by theologians, the church fathers, and contemporary thinkers Application: Concludes the chapter by exploring the event's relevance to your journey of faith You'll also find Quick Tips offering insight into difficult passages, historical information, original language wording, and ancient thought.