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Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible
by Robin M. Van L. MaasStudy the entire Book of Job, beginning with a look at a man named Job and ending with when God asks questions. Some of the major ideas explored are: saying the right thing at the wrong time, personal vindication and the desire for immortality, why do the wicked live, playing the last card, and God delivers the afflicted.Leader Guide includes: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today. The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions.
Daily Bible Study Summer 2021
by Stan Purdum Sue Mink Taylor W. MillsThis ongoing day-by-day Bible study series is presented in quarterly segments. Bible-based, Christ-focused, and United Methodist-approved, this resource helps individuals develop the discipline of studying the Bible every day. It coordinates with the lesson themes of Adult Bible Studies listed on the facing page. Each lesson includes: a one-page Bible study for each day of the quarter, along with introductory reflection questions and Commentary on the daily Scripture passage, Life Application, and a concluding prayer group study. Summer theme: RESPONDThe three units of Bible lessons in this quarter unify around the theme, Respond. The lessons move through various responses people of faith are called to make as they live out their faith in both good times and difficult ones. Unit 1: Intended for Good The Genesis story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the great stories from the Bible, with forgiveness and grace among its underlying themes. As the story stretches over several chapters of Genesis, the four weeks of this unit give us ample time to explore it and see how the meaning of its events changed as Joseph recognized God at work behind the scenes. Scriptures: Genesis 37:5-28; Genesis 39:1-21; Genesis 41:1-16, 25-32; Genesis 45:1-15 Spiritual Practice: Forgiveness Unit 2: The People Next Door “Neighbor” is an important theme in both the Old and New Testaments, and so this four-lesson unit delves into it from several perspectives. The first lesson (Lesson 5 in this quarter) gathers various verses from Proverbs on that topic. The second lesson, using a passage from the book of Ruth, invites us to think about what it means to be a neighbor to immigrants. The third lesson looks in the book of Acts for how the early church leaders incorporated neighborliness into the church’s structure. And the fourth lesson takes us to Mark’s Gospel for an example of four individuals who were true neighbors to a man in need. Scriptures: Proverbs 3:27-30; 6:1-5; 25:20-23; Ruth 2:4-16; Acts 6:1-7; Mark 2:1-12 Spiritual Practice: Scripture Unit 3: The Five Stages of Job As suffering in some form comes to most of us at some point (or points) in life, it is useful to consider how Job, who suffered greatly, responded to it, and to learn from his experience. The five lessons of this unit show us five diverse ways Job responded to his calamities: worship, resignation, protest, angry despair, and acceptance. While not suggesting that all of these are useful in every case, the lessons help us recognize what may be going on in our spirits when suffering overtakes us. Scriptures: Job 1:8-20; Job 1:21-22, 2:7-10; Job 19:1-6, 13-19; Job 30:16-23; Job 40:1-5; 41:1-10; 42:1-6 Spiritual Practice: Lament
The Journal Letters and Related Biographical Items of the Reverend Charles Wesley, M.A., Second Edition
by Frank Baker, Richard P. Heitzenrater and Randy L. MaddoxCharles Wesley’s Journal is crucial to an understanding of the beginnings of the Wesleyan/Methodist movement.As a primary record of one of the founders of the Wesleyan/Methodist movement, Charles Wesley’s Journal is crucial to an understanding of the beginnings of that movement. It is an indispensable interpretive companion to John Wesley’s Journal, diaries, and letters. Since it provides essential background to the context of Charles Wesley’s lyrical theology expressed in sacred poetry, it is likewise essential for anyone who wants to understand the context out of which Wesleyan theology, worship, spirituality, hymnody, and conferencing emerged. For a church or movement which avers that “it sings its theology,” Charles Wesley’s Journal is an imperative.This volume is part of a series dedicated to providing a complete and accurate published collection of Charles Wesley’s manuscript items beyond his sermons and verse. The various items in the series constitute crucial primary texts for studying Wesley’s life, his ministry, and his increasingly contentious position within Methodism in his later years. The first two volumes of the series were devoted to Charles Wesley’s Manuscript Journal, a single-bound item held at the Methodist Archives and Research Centre. The present volume gathers a number of scattered items (the majority also held at MARC), many of which are earlier—and more complete—drafts of material in the Manuscript Journal. The third major component of the series is the publication of all of Charles Wesley’s surviving personal correspondence, which is replete with material of biographical and larger historical interest. This second edition adds journal letters and records from December 1716–January 1717 (Accounts of “Old Jeffrey”) and May 12–June 14, 1746.Praise for the First Edition“It’s a great day in the life of a student of the Wesleys when we get a fresh volume of material scarcely known to previous generations. So it is with this collection of Charles Wesley’s journal letters from the period 1738–1756 and similar letters up to 1778 that describe his sons’ musical careers and in fact reveal a great deal about his life. This will be relished by all concerned with the heritage of the Wesleys, and we’re especially blessed to have it in a very well annotated critical edition.”—Ted A. Campbell, Professor of Church History, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX“The publication of Charles Wesley’s Journal Letters helps expand our knowledge of his life and ministry and enrich our understanding of the wider evangelical revival. This is an essential text for scholars of early Methodism edited by renowned experts in the field.” —Geordan Hammond, Senior Lecturer in Church History and Wesley Studies and Director of the Manchester Wesley Research Centre, Nazarene Theological College, Manchester, UK
The Progressive Planter: A Handbook for Ecclesial Entrepreneurs
by Joe GravesDiscover how to launch an inclusive Church for today’s world.Equip new church start pastors, sending churches and denominational leaders with the essential tools to establish an inclusive, theologically healthy church that will impact its community. Learn about crafting a vision, recruiting leaders, working with parent churches and denominations, marketing, reclaiming evangelism, and cultivating generous givers.With the purchase of The Progressive Planter, you will receive access to supplemental digital download templates and tools for starting a church, including a board manual, job descriptions, core values, surveys, prayer guides, and more.
Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land 35011
by Joseph E. LoweryFrom the earliest meetings of the Civil Rights Movement to offering the benediction for the first African American President of the United States, Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery has been an eyewitness to some of the most significant events in our history. But, more important, he has been a voice that speaks truth to power--inspiring change that moves us forward.In Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land, you will find Dr. Lowery's most enduring speeches and messages from the past fifty years including Coretta Scott King's funeral and the benediction given at President Obama's inauguration. This book, however, is not simply a collection of words. It is the heart of a movement and a call to a new generation to carry the mantle--for all people.
Underdogs and Outsiders [Large Print]: A Bible Study on the Untold Stories of Advent
by Tom FuerstThere’s something about underdogs that makes us cheer them on. And stories about outsiders always make a good movie script or book. Maybe it’s because we know how it feels to be in last place or left out. We may never win a trophy or become a hero, but as Matthew shows us, God uses people like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Uriah’s wife—and of course Mary—in unexpected ways. This five-session study looks at the lives of these five women and will help you see how even underdogs and outsiders can play a pivotal role in God’s purposes. You’ll uncover new dimensions of familiar stories and be reminded to look for God in unanticipated places during this Advent season.Designed to be used by individuals and small groups. In addition to the main content, each chapter offers questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, and a focus for the week. The weekly focus emerges from the chapter content and encourages the readers to engage a spiritual practice or do something specific that will help them grow in faith."Tom Fuerst is one of the most effective communicators I know. He writes as he preaches, with clarity and compassion. Rarely is one able to communicate solid scholarship with effective 'popular' writing. Tom does that exceptionally well. This book is a valuable asset for pastor and lay person alike, to make Advent rich in understanding and meaning." - Maxie Dunnam, author and chancellor of Asbury Theological Seminary; pastor emeritus Christ United Methodist Church - Memphis, TN; vice-chairperson World Evangelism of the World Methodist Council."Tom Fuerst is one of the most talented pastors and writers with which I have had the privilege of working. His new book is not only well written but an important windows into the Advent journey."- Dr. Shane Stanford, Senior Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church - Memphis.
Groove: I Am Leader Guide (Groove)
by Tony AkersDiscovering and embracing one’s identity has proven to be a long,lonely, rough, and at times, dangerous road for today’s teenagers. It’slikely you’ve chosen this study to use with your youth group because youcare deeply and want the teenagers within your sphere of influence tofind the answers to their identity questions in Jesus Christ. TheI Am study is not a quick fix for your teenagers’ needs. It is ahandcrafted tool that, when used by compassionate, caring, and committedadults, will ignite their imagination and excitement for whom theirCreator says they are and the purpose for which they were designed.I Am will likely raise more questions than it answers, and that’sintentional. Don’t feel the need to make sure all the loose ends aretied up at the conclusion of your youth gathering. Allow your teens theopportunity to leave with ideas and truths on which to reflect andwrestle as they use the daily devotionals provided in the Groove: I Am Student Journal.The Groove Bible study series invites teens to learn theessentials of their faith, own their story, and engage the world inserving Jesus. Each topical study consists of four weekly sessions thatare easy to lead and relate to life issues teens face. With up to 48weeks available, Groove is great for Sunday and mid-week gatherings forboth large and small groups as well as retreats. The leader guide contains everything needed to lead teens through a Groove study, including teaching outlines, leader notes, Bible background, reflections, and parent communication.
Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go (Forgiveness)
by Adam Hamilton"If your enemies are starving, feed them some bread; if they are thirsty, give them water to drink." Proverbs 24:17 (CEB) There is nothing more crippling than holding on to anger. Anger, more than any other emotion, has the power to consume all aspects of our lives, distort our sense of purpose, and destroy our relationship with God. In the passionate and life-changing book Forgiveness: Finding Peace Though Letting Go, bestselling author Adam Hamilton brings the same insight that he applied in the bestseller "Why?" to the challenge of forgiveness. Hamilton argues that revelation comes when we realize that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves rather than to someone else. He also contends that only when we learn to forgive others and ourselves can we truly receive forgiveness from God."Adam Hamilton not only reminds us about the importance of reconnecting the broken pieces of our lives, but shows how the process of grace and forgiveness is possibly our most complete picture of God."--Shane Stanford, author of Making Life Matter: Embracing the Joy in the Everyday"The heartbeat of the gospel is grace. With practical insight, Hamilton makes grace understandable--both for seeking and for granting forgiveness. I highly recommend this book."--Melody Carlson, author of Healing Waters: A Bible Study on Forgiveness, Grace, and Second Chances"Adam Hamilton’s book offers clear guidance for believers struggling with the practical application of our biblical imperative to forgive. It is a must-read for both Christian counselors and every person who has something or someone to forgive."--Jennifer Cisney Ellers, author of The First 48 Hours: Spiritual Caregivers as First Responders"Deeply rooted in the Bible’s testimony about God’s extravagant mercy, this fine little book explores the Christian call to practice both repentance and forgiveness in the image of God. Straightforward and practical, Hamilton vividly sketches the habits of the heart that discipleship requires in our daily relationships with spouses and intimate life partners, family members, friends and strangers."--Patricia Beattie Jung, Professor of Christian Ethics, Saint Paul School of Theology
Numbers - Women's Bible Study Participant Workbook: Learning Contentment in a Culture of More (Numbers)
by Melissa SpoelstraSomething in us aches for more—more hope, more joy, more freedom. All around us people are dancing to the steps of bigger, better, and faster, and we can easily join in without even realizing it. Before long complaining and comparing accompany our desire for more, yet we’re not any closer to filling the ache inside. God offers us another way. In this study of the Book of Numbers, we’ll find a group of people that wandered in the desert for forty years, unable to enter the Promised Land because of their complaining, grumbling, and lack of faith. The New Testament tells us that their story was written to warn us (1 Corinthians 10:6) so that we would not make the same mistakes and suffer the same consequences. God sent his only Son to die to buy our freedom from the sin that leads to discontentment, and we find our own promised land of peace and contentment in the life he gives us. By exploring Numbers we can come to identify the reasons for our complaining, learn contentment while being authentic about the difficulties of life, accept short-term hardship in light of the greater good of God’s ultimate deliverance, recognize the relationship between complaining and worry, and discover how to realign with God’s character and promises.Together we will learn contentment as we discover more of our incredible God who truly is more than enough. Only God can fill that ache inside and help us focus on his provision and purpose in the midst of life’s joys and pains.The participant workbook includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study’s components).
The Grad's Pocket Guide to Greatness
by Jenny YoungmanThis is a collection of uplifting, encouraging, and inspirational thoughts for the graduate. This little book mixes Scripture and the wisdom of some of the most thoughtful people in history, including St. Francis, Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa, John Wooden, Eleanor Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Julian of Norwich, and many others. Many literary greats are represented, including A.A. Milne, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Emily Dickinson, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare. It is perfect for casual reading, or whenever the new graduate needs a bit of encouragement or some timeless wisdom to face a new challenge.
The Difficult Words of Jesus Leader Guide: A Beginner's Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings (The Difficult Words of Jesus)
by Amy-Jill LevineExamine the most difficult teachings of Jesus with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine.Jesus provided his disciples teachings for how to follow Torah, God’s word; he told them parables to help them discern questions of ethics and of human nature; he offered them beatitudes for comfort and encouragement. But sometimes Jesus spoke words that followers then and now have found difficult. He instructs disciples to hate members of their own families (Luke 14:26), to act as if they were slaves (Matthew 20:27), and to sell their belongings and give to the poor (Luke 18:22). He restricts his mission (Matthew 10:6); he speaks of damnation (Matthew 8:12); he calls Jews the devil’s children (John 8:44).In The Difficult Words of Jesus, Amy-Jill Levine shows how these difficult teachings would have sounded to the people who first heard them, how have they been understood over time, and how we might interpret them in the context of the Gospel of love and reconciliation.The Leader Guide includes session outline for each group meeting with Scripture, prayer, opening activity, discussion questions, activity, and ending call to action.
New Wine, New Wineskins: How African American Congregations Can Reach New Generations
by F. Douglas Powe JR.God wants to do a new thing in the African American Church.Author, Douglas Powe suggests that the African American church, while once the bedrock of the community, is no longer on the radar for many. During the Civil Rights movement African American churches initiated and even shaped transformation for an entire country, well beyond their own walls. In this post-Civil Rights era the power of many African American churches remains mired in the assumptions and practices of the past, thereby making them invisible to their surrounding communities. New Wine, New Wineskins helps African American congregations understand and benefit from the cultural shifts we are now experiencing. Many African American churches once thought they were immune to the cultural shock waves in our streets and neighborhoods. They simple argued that they have always been all about participation and being relational; yet like many churches, their numbers continue to decline. African American churches must find a way to reclaim their missional orientation, while at the same time remaining true to their historical identity and witness of speaking truth to power. The worthy goals of justice and bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ in this time, requires new practices and fresh ideas—new wine. The old framework just won’t work any more. We need new wine skins.
Body Connections: Body-based Spiritual Care
by Michael S. KoppelA new articulation of pastoral theology, care, and counseling.Too often we think and teach in ways that reinforce a mind-body split. This can lead people to self-alienation, impeding holistic, healthy relationships between people, God, and each other. Body Connections takes a different approach, teaching us to see the connections between our embodied experience and faithful spiritual care.Author Michael Koppel focuses on the human body and its relationship to faith and spiritual care. He engages religious texts and traditions as well as scientific insights, offering accessible theology and spiritual practices for healing and care of the body.Our bodies are amazing resources, but we are too often unaware of their power, or unable to harness it in helpful ways for our own good. This remarkable book empowers pastors, counselors, chaplains, seminarians, and caregivers to understand and provide the ministry of care in an entirely new, life-giving way.This book is highly useful for individuals and groups. It is for clergy, chaplains, spiritual directors, seminarians, clinical educators, lay people in churches, and those who are institutionally unaffiliated but care deeply about fostering a holistic spiritual path.Praise for Body ConnectionsEverything we think, feel, and do comes through the body. But practices of spiritual care tend to downplay the body as a source of knowledge and a tool for responding to others and to God. Koppel’s book reclaims that wisdom, coaching us to strengthen our abilities to read, listen, and think with the body. I can’t wait to teach this practical, wise, and convicting book, which addresses embodied emotion, grief, silence, trauma, and more. Koppel’s seasoned, pastoral voice offers a rich synthesis of sources and insights that demonstrate the body’s place at the center of ministry.--Duane Bidwell, professor of practical theology, spiritual care, and counseling, Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, CABody Connections provides new insights into the voice and language of the body. Koppel crafts a "body theology" that encourages spiritual care practitioners to be proactive in their spiritual practices of listening, adapting and responding to our bodies and to the bodies of those to whom we offer care. Using the image of "body as storyteller" and other metaphors, Koppel captures and defines the healing power of the body in clear and profound ways.--Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, D.Min., Presiding Bishop, Fifth Episcopal District, The CME ChurchMichael Koppel returns the body to its rightful place at the center of each person’s story and the center of the Christian story. He calls readers home to their bodies and gently challenges escapes from the body into hasty fixing, detached rationalizing, anxious dithering, or addictive numbing. At a time when the COVID pandemic has underscored the vulnerability of bodies, Koppel’s focused, healing, deep body consciousness paints a portrait of health far beyond mere absence of disease. Don’t just read this book: absorb it, practice it, and let it heal you.--Douglas M. Thorpe, PhD, is Executive Director of the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care and a past president of the American Association of Pastoral CounselorsIt is surprisingly difficult, even confusing: to have a body; to be a body; to touch, talk and listen to, even read a sensing body; to honor and restore the body’s wounds, traumas, and shame while celebrating its healing and resilience… Koppel is a wise guide and caregiver for those seeking to embrace the sacredness of a human body and its unique story. Body Connections empowers a reader to discover body knowledge anew. It deepens trust in the most intimate relationship one has, the relationship with one’s body.--Jaco J. Hamman, professor of religion, psychology, and culture, and director of the Program iin Theology and Practice, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Design Matters: Creating Powerful Imagery for Worship
by Len Wilson Jason MooreMany churches use visual technology in worship. Yet simply adding a screen and projector in a sanctuary doesn't automatically translate into growth and revitalization. This book helps worship-screen producers learn to "speak" a visual language. These time-tested design principles provide a basic framework for developing a visual literacy. The accompanying DVD includes graphic tutorials for creating art in Adobe Photoshop/Elements, time-saving techniques for achieving special effects, and helpful websites. To view a sample of the DVD, click here.To view the Midnight Oil seminar schedule, click here.
Hope for Hard Times: Lessons on Faith from Elijah and Elisha (Hope for Hard Times)
by Magrey deVegaWe’ve all been there. Rock bottom. The end of our rope. The last straw. During hard times, it often seems like the only option is to throw in the towel.In Hope for Hard Times, author Magrey deVega examines the lives of the great biblical prophets Elijah and Elisha and reveals a consistent message in their stories: Don’t give up, and don’t lose hope. Trust that God will help you find a way.When you look closely at the accounts of Elijah and Elisha from 1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 8, you will find amazing stories of God’s provision. God provides for Elijah, as he faces down opposition in a mountaintop showdown and when he feels alone and ready to give up while hiding in a cave listening for God’s still, small voice. God provides for Elisha, when he brings healing to Naaman and when he is surrounded by enemies and praying for spiritual eyes to be opened to hope.There is hope for you in hard times. Your story of hurt, heartache, and hopelessness has been heard, and God has a message for you. Read these stories, pray through them, and listen as you receive encouragement and guidance for whatever you are facing today. Open your eyes, and open your hands. For just like ravens at the Brook Cherith, God is with you, giving you everything you need.Components for this 4-session study will include a book, leader guide, and four streaming videos available online featuring Magrey outlining each topic in an accessible and engaging way.Sessions Include: When the Odds Seem Against You (1 Kings 17 and 18) When You Feel Down and Out (1 Kings 18-21) When Life Takes a Turn (2 Kings 2) When All Seems Lost (2 Kings 4-8)
Remember: God's Covenants and the Cross
by Susan RobbRemember the God who remembers us.God’s covenants throughout the Old Testament show the character of God’s promises to the people of Israel. In this book, Susan Robb leads readers through the covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, followed by the new covenant established on Maundy Thursday. The Lenten story culminates with an examination of the cross as another example of God’s promise for a new world.Susan Robb teaches readers the basic lessons of the covenants through a mixture of biblical history and personal stories. Her pastoral character and warm tone provide a basis for understanding God’s promises through history and the role of Jesus’s passion and crucifixion in the history of the covenants.Remember can be read alone or used for a six-week group study and church wide Lenten program. Components include a comprehensive Leader Guide and video teaching sessions featuring Susan (with closed captioning).
From Members to Disciples: Leadership Lessons from the Book of Acts
by Michael W. FossThe book of Acts serves as our playbook for ministry as it prepares us for the active presence of God.Studying the book of Arts takes us back to the future. It shows the church how to trust in the active presence of God and inspire people to move from being mere members to bold disciples. As members become disciples of faith, they experience the unstoppable power of disciplined growth and divine purpose in Christian living.
Witness: Systematic Theology Volume 3
by James Wm. McClendon JR.Ethics, the first volume of McClendon’s Systematic Theology, explored the shape of life in the Christian community. Doctrine, the second volume, investigated the teaching necessary to sustain that life. Witness, the third and final volume of the work, considers the wider context in which that life takes place. It asserts that the church’s identity is established not only by how it lives and what it teaches but also by how it enters into conversation and connects with systems of thought and social structures outside itself. McClendon continues here his exploration of “the baptist vision,” a tradition of the church’s understanding of itself, its relation to Scripture, and its place in the larger society, which flows from the Radical Reformation of the 16th century. He employs that vision to engage in conversation with three principal partners: other theologies; current philosophy; and culture, including science and letters, the fine and performing arts, and politics—in short, what Scripture calls “the world.”
Teaching Children Bible Basics: 34 Lessons for Helping Children Learn to Use the Bible
by Barbara BruceTeaching Children Bible Basics is a book of 34 Old and New Testament lessons that helps children ages 8–10 learn how to use the Bible. The lessons and activities are designed to teach children how the Bible came to be, how to use this important book, about the Torah, and about the important stories of the Hebrew and Christian Testaments. Key Features: Features 16 Old Testament and 20 New Testament lessons; Provides 30- to 45-minute experiential lessons that teach children how to use the Bible; Each lesson accommodates the needs of various learning styles; Each lesson highlights a specific desired result (for example, students will discover and retell the creation story day by day); Each lesson includes a lesson focus, a Scripture text, a section listing materials needed, various learning activities, discussion questions related to the Bible topics being “discovered,” and a closing prayer. Key Benefits: Teachers will be enabled to teach children aged 8–10 basic Bible skills through interactive Bible lessons that stimulate creativity and critical thinking; Teachers will find practical help and guidance in how children can gain a working knowledge of the structure of the Bible, the organization of the books of the Bible, and the significance of the Bible to Christians; Can be used with any Bible translation.
The Wisdom Literature: Interpreting Biblical Texts Series (Interpreting Biblical Texts)
by Richard J. CliffordIn this volume, Richard J. Clifford seeks to make the biblical wisdom literature intelligible to modern readers. It is easy to quote the occasional proverb, say a few things about "the problem of evil" in Job, or quote "vanity of vanities, " but far more rewarding to read the whole book with an appreciative and informed eye. Opening chapters of The Wisdom Literature comment on the striking similarities between ancient and modern "wisdom literature" and on the comparable literature from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Canaan. Thereafter, a chapter is devoted to each biblical wisdom book (Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Sirach, and Wisdom of Solomon), studying not only its content but also its rhetoric -- how it engages the reader.
Invocations and Benedictions for the Revised Common Lectionary
by John DrescherInvocations and Benedictions for the Revised Common Lectionary is an ideal resource for worship leaders and planners. Materials related to the full three-year cycle of the Revised Common Lectionary are included in this one resource, making it an excellent addition to an existing library of lectionary resources. Invocations and Benedictions for the Revised Common Lectionary supplies one invocation and one benediction for each Sunday of years A, B, and C of the lectionary. In addition, worship material for 14 special occasions and seasonal celebrations is included. A scripture index provides assistance with locating invocations and benedictions related to specific biblical passages.
The Gospel of John: A Beginner’s Guide to the Way, the Truth, and the Life
by Amy-Jill LevineUnlock the hidden depths of John’s Gospel.John’s Gospel offers readers a new language—of being born anew, of living water, of wind and spirit, of the “I am”—that enhances how we understand the divine, how we experience the world, and how we participate in the mystery of faith. With her characteristic wit and charm, Amy-Jill Levine introduces readers to the world of the Gospel of John by unpacking the stories in their original context, along with examining how the text is read today. This book considers the Gospel of John in its entirety, moving through the Gospel and exploring the prologue, the wedding at Cana, the Samaritan woman at the well and the woman caught in adultery, the healing of the man at the pool and the man born blind, foot washing, Mary Magdalene and Doubting Thomas, and the Lamb of God.Components available to use this book in a small group study include a leader guide and video available on DVD.
Converge Bible Studies: Fasting (Converge Bible Studies)
by Ashlee AlleyFasting has been called the forgotten spiritual discipline. Although it is found throughout Scripture, it is often neglected by modern Christians. Is there power in fasting? Does it really make a difference? How does fasting relate to prayer? In this study, Ashlee Alley considers the biblical basis for fasting and explores ways modern Christians can make this ancient discipline part of their faith walk. Converge Bible Studies is a series of topical Bible studies based on the Common English Bible. Each title in the series consists of four studies on a common topic or theme. Converge can be used by small groups, classes, or individuals. Primary Scripture passages are included for ease of study, as are questions designed to encourage both personal reflection and group conversation. The topics and Scriptures in Converge come together to transform readers’ relationships with others, themselves, and God.
Making Disciples: Coordinator's Guide
by William H. WillimonMaking Disciples is a 13-session mentor-based confirmation program that pairs confirmands with adult mentors and guides them through a variety of learning experiences that will strengthen the student's understanding of the faith while connecting him or her with the community of believers in a personal way. It can be used as a stand-alone program, or in conjunction with your current curriculum as a special experiential unit. This is a confirmation program that is more like a process and less like a reading assignment, more engaging and congruent with the nature of the Christian faith than existing programs. Using an "apprenticeship" approach to confirmation Will Willimon produced a series of learning experiences where adult mentors and confirmands are both teachers and learners at the same time.This time-tested approach has been extensively revised and updated for usage in today’s churches that take seriously Christ’s command to be engaged in disciple making The Coordinator’s Guide can be used by the pastor, if that is how your congregation chooses to oversee and support the process of confirmation. However, it’s good to involve as many laypersons as possible in mentoring and guiding. This Coordinator’s Guide is designed to be easily used by a lay coordinator to support the mentors as they guide their confirmands through the journey toward confirmation.Topics explore the basics of Christian faith: •God •Jesus •the Holy Spirit •worship •the Bible •gifts •ministry •baptism •spiritual life •death and resurrection •the church
Barth: His Life From Letters And Autobiographical Texts (Abingdon Pillars of Theology #No. 30)
by Eberhard BuschAccording to Eberhard Busch, Karl Barth's theology is "characterized by being...in constant movement and transformation." And a Christian's path is marked by self-correction in order to learn how to live out the same thing again and again in a better and more appropriate way. Likewise the church, like her God, is always on the move.