It's a lovely thought that throughone's congregation we can gain, and also give to each other, help in times ofdespair. Paul wrote to his Thessalonian Christians: "Therefore encourage oneanother ... encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you aredoing" (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11). Ron Lavin illustrates this principleelegantly in the following chapters as he examines the passages in John'sgospel concerning the admonition not to despair. John quotes Jesus as saying to hisdisciples reassuring words such as, "Do not let your hearts be troubled...."Lavin covers the rest John has to say on the subject very well. Do not despairand do read on. JerryL. Schmalenberger President, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (Retired) Berkeley, California TheBible contains some of the most comforting, reassuring words in history. Manyof these timeless passages can be found in a single book: the gospel of John.Ron Lavin begins his series on the gospels by exploring John's words ofencouragement and how they still speak to us through the ages. The Eaglecan be utilized in a Bible study or support group setting. It can also be usedsimply as a lifeline for people who need a ray of light to shine in their ownpersonal darkness, carrying them on eagles' wings to the light of God'spresence. RonLavin is the award-winning author of over 25 books, including Witness, Turning Griping Into Gratitude, and the popular Another Lookseries. The former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the LutheranChurch in America, Lavin also served as the pastor of five thrivingcongregations that grew substantially under his leadership. He is a popularspeaker and church consultant on evangelism and small groups.

Ron Lavin maintains that today's Christian believers face the same critical challenge as did the first-century apostles -- the call to witness to people in a corrupt culture by declaring and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Using the book of Acts as a model, Witness takes readers on an in-depth exploration of exactly what it means to be a missional church. Lavin examines the vital importance of witnessing, and discusses how we can become vessels for God's work through prayer, repentance, hospitality, koinonia, hope, and encouragement. The call to witness can be difficult (and sometimes even dangerous) -- but planting the seeds of faith often leads to amazing results. Witness is an excellent group study resource that will stimulate discussion, group interaction, and Christian outreach.

"People Who Met Jesus is a book that will command the undivided attention of readers who yearn to know more of the significance of their relationship to the risen Lord. By delving in depth into the words and experiences of both well-known and cameo biblical characters, readers will come to a greater appreciation of the life-pervading influence of their relationship to the living Lord." (from the Introduction)
Reuben T. Swanson
Former Secretary
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
In the latest installment of his popular series examining the basics of the Christian faith, Ron Lavin takes another look at the final days of Jesus' life on earth through the eyes of the people whose lives were changed by their encounters with the Lord. Lavin examines their stories, both familiar and little-known, and highlights how their experiences intersect our lives. By telling the story of Jesus, they point us toward God.
"People Who Met Jesus" is an ideal Lenten group study resource -- each chapter includes questions for stimulating discussion. It's also excellent for adult Sunday school or new member classes throughout the year, as well as for sermon preparation or personal meditation.
Ron Lavin is the award-winning author of more than 20 books, including the CSS titles "Turning Griping Into Gratitude" (on the Psalms) and "Way To Grow " (on small group dynamics). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on evangelism and small groups.

"The Ten Commandments continue to provide both significant prohibitions and helpful invitations for living a moral and godly life in the 21st century. I did not post the Ten Commandments on my classroom wall, but they were imprinted more boldly onto my heart." (from the Introduction)
Melvin Kieschnick
Former Director of Parish Education
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
The Ten Commandments are universally acknowledged as God's blueprint for human behavior -- yet they seem to be a major focus of controversy in today's headlines. Should these commands from God be prominently featured in classrooms and courtrooms? What difference do God's laws make for multitudes of people who can't even repeat them from memory, much less integrate them into everyday behavior?
In the latest installment of his popular series examining the basics of the Christian faith, Ron Lavin takes another look at the Ten Commandments and suggests they offer a powerful biblical corrective for a society filled with ethical relativism and moral decay. But they are much more than just a list of do's and don'ts -- they are also the foundation for God's invitation to a full and abundant life.
"The Big Ten" is an ideal group study resource -- each chapter includes a "digging deeper" section plus stimulating discussion questions, and there are tips to assist small group leaders. "The Big Ten" is also great for new members, adult Sunday school, and confirmation classes, as well as for personal meditation or sermon preparation.
Ron Lavin is the award-winning author of 20 books, including "Turning Griping Into Gratitude" and "Way To Grow " (CSS). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on the dynamics of small groups and evangelism.

The Old Testament details the epic faith story of ancient people who, just like us today, seek God's answers to complex problems. In this inspiring collection of spiritually enlightening messages based on passages from the Old Testament and the Book of Acts, four master preachers demonstrate the profound lessons of the scriptures for modern living. Building on stories in which God moves ordinary people to extraordinary heights, these sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year powerfully proclaim timeless themes of justice and righteousness while reminding us that God's grace is the model for the Christian community's core values of self-giving love and forgiveness. Each thought-provoking message is filled with compelling stories and illustrations from everyday life, and challenges readers to love and serve the Lord, trusting in divine providence even in the midst of a world that sometimes seems cruel and senseless.

Ron Lavin says that we desperately need to re-examine and return to the basics of the Christian faith -- and what better source of inspiration is there than the word of God and the sacraments, God's holy pipelines from heaven?
In the latest installment of his popular "Another Look" series, Lavin explores God's Word, baptism, and communion, and demonstrates that far from being meaningless rituals, they are extremely relevant for modern living. Weaving together time-tested biblical truths with a series of vignettes about Grace Livingstone, a fictional character who is a typical church "outsider," Lavin illustrates how faithful proclamation of the Word and celebration of the sacraments can be effective tools for evangelism and outreach. The ups and downs of Grace's life, and her need for the Word and sacraments, are sure to resonate with you.
Structured in three four-session sets, "Saving Grace" is an ideal group study resource -- each chapter includes a "digging deeper" section plus stimulating discussion questions, and there are tips to assist small group leaders. "Saving Grace" is also great for new member or adult Sunday school classes, personal meditation, and sermon preparation.
"Ron Lavin's passion for the Word of God and zeal to reach humanity with the truth that Jesus is alive is a source of inspiration and hope. In Saving Grace, Lavin takes us back to the basics of our biblical and confessional heritage and shows us the interrelationship between what we confess and how we live."
Robert Wallace
Director for Evangelism
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
"Saving Grace is the story of one lonely heart's journey from uncertainty and fear into the warm comfort offered by God. Follow Grace Livingstone as she receives a gentle welcome into God's love. Saving Grace is a unique, insightful guide for those interested in helping others become part of God's community."
Barbara Coulson
President, Southern California Writers Association
Ron Lavin is the award-winning author of 19 books, including "Turning Griping Into Gratitude" and "Way To Grow " (CSS). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on the dynamics of small groups and evangelism.

This study of Jesus' parables cuts through theological code words and shows how we can apply their easy-to-understand lessons to our lives. Each chapter includes "points to ponder" and stimulating discussion questions. There's also a study guide and tips to assist small group leaders. Stories To Remember is excellent for personal inspiration, use with new member or adult Sunday school classes, small group studies, and sermon preparation.

The Lord's Prayer is the world's most well-known prayer -- yet because of its familiarity we often recite it by rote. This 8-session study helps you rediscover its spiritual power and depth. By using the term Abba, loosely translated as "Daddy," to begin the prayer, Jesus tells us that the Ruler of the universe is not just our strong, dependable Father but also a compassionate and loving Daddy with whom we can have an affectionate, intimate relationship. Stimulating discussion questions and tips to assist small group leaders are included.

Three dramas revisit the manger, cross, and tomb through interviews with the innkeeper's wife, the centurion, and Mary Magdalens -- showing the lives Jesus touched then (and now). Audiences will face the question at the heart of each presentation; "With what do you fill your empty spaces?"

Sprinkled with humor and anecdotes, each chapter in this study of the Apostles' Creed includes discussion questions and ideas for digging deeper into the biblical and historical background. Plus there's a special bonus -- in a fascinating appendix, former missionary Mel Kieschnick shares the remarkable story of how the Apostles' Creed sustained him when he found himself in the midst of the 1989 massacre at Beijing's Tienanmen Square.

Lavin provides an ideal resource for small groups who want to explore the Psalms, or for preachers who want to present an inspirational series of sermons. Discussion questions are provided at the end of each chapter, as well as a guide for leaders.