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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.
We Believe: How the Nicene Creed Can Deepen Your Faith
by Michael CarpenterWe believe in one God.Discover how the ancient Nicene Creed can transform your spiritual journey in Michael Carpenter's empowering book, We Believe: How the Nicene Creed Can Deepen Your Faith. Personal anecdotes and practical insights guide you to a profound connection with God. Dive into six chapters, covering the Nicene Creed sequentially, that unpack the essence of it, enriching reader's faith and deepening their understanding of Christian beliefs.In addition to the book, other study components include a Leader Guide and video available on DVD.
Pastoral Care in the Small Membership Church
by James L. Killen JR.An introduction to pastoral care for pastors of small membership churches.“If you spend your whole life serving small membership churches and doing it well, yours will have been a life well spent.” Small membership churches have a real advantage when it comes to incorporating people into a fellowship where they are known and where their needs are met. These churches and their pastors have an opportunity for excellence in this area, and should make the most of it. Good pastoral care can be the key to effectiveness in all of the other ministries of the church.From getting acquainted with your congregation, weddings and funerals, picking up on subtle cues in a conversation to not-so-subtle conflicts, Killen shares insights from years of ministry in a small membership church setting.James L. Killen, Jr. is a retired elder of the Texas Conference, contributor to Circuit Rider, and author of Who Do You Say That I Am? A Personal Reader.
Ecclesiology in the New Testament (Core Biblical Studies)
by E. Elizabeth JohnsonThe earliest Christians thought of themselves in communal terms. They did not simply make individual commitments to Jesus as God's messiah; they constituted themselves as communities shaped by the in-breaking of God's realm. They likely learned to do so from Jesus himself. When he summoned an inner circle of his followers and numbered them twelve, he signaled that his ministry had the character of a reform movement within Israel.In his work of preaching, healing, exorcism, and prophetic sign actions, Jesus shaped his followers into what would eventually become the church. By transgressing contemporary religious and social boundaries in his ministry, he planted the seeds of the church's later inclusion of non-Jews.This book will investigate New Testament texts about the church from a comparative standpoint. That is, the various authors adopt different metaphors for their communities-family, assembly, nation, priesthood, and so on--to make varying claims about how they ought to live together and how they ought to live among their neighbors. In their descriptions of themselves as the church, Christians implicitly and explicitly describe their theology but also the Roman empire, the Jerusalem temple, the synagogue, popular philosophical circles, and first-century domestic order.
Paws to Reflect: 365 Daily Devotions for the Animal Lovers Soul
by Devon O'Day Kim McLeanSometimes human communication falls short in conveying spiritual truth. God speaks through whatever means He chooses and often he chooses animals. Dogs teach unconditional love. The purr of a kitten can bring peace. Horses show us how to harness our strength with grace. Paws to Reflect offers gentle daily reflections for those who seek to grow spiritually by observing the animal kingdom and all the lessons it teaches.
Portable Faith: How to Take Your Church to the Community
by Sarah CunninghamHelp church members to talk their faith into their everyday worlds. Portable Faith provides simple but effective ways to help people go public with their faith. Author Sarah Cunningham provides samples of activities and exercises that encourage people to meet others in the community—for example: begin by mapping out where your church members live; create a fellowship meal of ethnic foods that come from the church's surrounding community; start a reading group at work; or simply participate in a neighborhood watch. These activities are flexible and workable even with small budgets. They can be done by individuals, Bible study groups, Sunday morning classes, or by the entire church. By the end of the book, Sarah Cunningham hopes that readers will look at their church community with new eyes.
Lecciones Cristianas libro del maestro trimestre de verano 2020: Comunidad
by Aida Irizarry Fernandez Lucia Martinez Betty GonzalezLecciones Cristianas está escrito especialmente para las clases de adultos de habla hispana. Tiene como propósito ayudar a las personas adultas a crecer en su comprensión de la Biblia y la relación que tiene con la vida. El libro del líder provee sugerencias, preguntas para discutir y actividades importantes que ayudarán a hacer mejor la enseñanza de cada lección. Nuevas lecciones cada trimestre. Lecciones Cristianas helps Hispanic adults grow in their knowledge of the Bible and how it relates to their lives. The content of this excellent quarterly study is written especially for Spanish-speaking churches. The leader guide provides valuable suggestions for teaching the class, discussion questions, and class activities.
Christianity's Surprise: A Sure and Certain Hope
by C. Kavin RoweAt its beginning Christianity was surprising, powerful, creative, world-shaking.Today in the West it is many times familiar, common, andexpected, losing its power to surprise and transform. We have developedsocietal amnesia and ignorance of what Christianity originally was – andwhat it still can be. We need to recover the surprise of Christianity. Weneed to ask the same fundamental questions as the early Christians, whichwill help us rediscover the surprising power of Christianity in our midst.Focusing on the surprise of the gospel message takes us into the heart ofwhat it is to understand Christianity at all, and thus what it is to rememberand relearn the life-giving power and witness that went with being Christianat the beginning. This remembering and relearning can, in turn, surprise usall over again and chart a course for our witness today.
Messy People - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: Life Lessons from Imperfect Biblical Heroes (Messy People)
by Jennifer CowartGod can turn your messy life into a masterpiece.Every life gets messy at times. Sometimes these messes are literal, like a house that would be easier to condemn than to clean. But sometimes they are intangible messes such as illness, conflict, depression, abuse, bankruptcy, divorce, and job loss. And these messes can be painful, hurting our hearts and our homes. But as we see in the Bible, God loves to use messy people!In this six-week study, we will dig into the lives of biblical heroes who were messy people just like us but who were used by God in powerful ways. Together we will examine the stories of five wonderful but messy people and one messy parable character: Rahab, the Prodigal Son, Josiah, Mary, David, and Daniel. From their stories, we will learn how God can use broken people, restore damaged hearts and relationships, give us power to handle our critics, and help us deal with the hard moments of life. Along the way we’ll discover that we don’t have to just endure messy lives but can actually learn to thrive with God’s guidance and help. In the hands of God, our messes can become His masterpieces!The Leader Guide, to be used along with the study's workbook and DVD, contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and more—plus leader helps for facilitating a group.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, and DVD with six 10-15 minute sessions.
A History of Christian Thought Volume III: From the Protestant Reformation to the Twentieth Century
by Justo L. GonzalezA treatment of the evolution of Christian thought from the birth of Christ, to the Apostles, to the early church, to the great flowering of Christianity across the world. The final volume begins with the towering theological leaders of the Protestant Reformation and traces the development of Christian thought through its encounter with modernity.Volume #2 9781426721915Volume #1 9781426721892
Immersion Bible Studies: John
by Carol J. MillerJourney inside the pages of Scripture to meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work from the inside out. Shaped with the individual in mind, Immersion encourages simultaneous engagement both with the Word of God and with the God of the Word to become a new creation in Christ. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation—the Common English Bible—stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they’ll be able to discover God’s revelation through readings and reflections.
Preaching for Church Transformation
by Bill EasumBefore he was one of the best-known church consultants in the country, Bill Easum served a lengthy pastorate in San Antonio, Texas. When he arrived at the church it was in serious decline, with the possibility of having to close its doors beginning to loom over it. By the time he left it was the most vibrant, fastest-growing congregation in its city and region. Shortly after he arrived, Easum preached a series of sermons on the book of Acts that challenged the congregation to become an authentic New Testament church. He called on parishioners to step out of their comfort zones, stop expecting their pastor to be a personal chaplain, and join together to reach their city with the message of Jesus. Preaching for Church Transformation provides updated versions of the sermons Easum preached as he issued this challenge to the congregation shortly after his arrival. Interspersed with the sermons is commentary telling the reader how to adapt them for her or his own situation. Anyone wanting to lead a congregation from the status quo to growth and faithful witness will find Preaching for Church Transformation an indispensable resource.
Namesake: When God Rewrites Your Story (Namesake)
by Jessica LaGroneThe core themes of the Namesake study are transformation—the transformation God works in an individual’s life—and revelation—how God reveals Himself progressively in Scripture. Each week focuses on the story of a different biblical character or characters: Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, Naomi, Daniel, Peter. and the woman caught in adultery. The study's Leader Guide contains six session guides plus leader helps for conducting a successful study. Other available components, each available separately, include a Participant Workbook, a DVD with six 22-27 minute sessions (with closed captioning), and boxed Leader Kit containing one of each component.
Prayers for a Privileged People
by Walter BrueggemannIn Prayers for a Privileged People, this much-published author sculpts—as carefully as if with chisel—prayers on behalf of those who are people of privilege and entitlement—the haves—at an urgent moment in our society. The privileged face, on the one hand, the seduction of denial or, on the other, the temptation of despair. These prayers of wisdom and prophetic power remind us that when things go wrong , when we are afraid , and when we feel prodded by those who lack voice, there is a conversation we can have—a conversation situated amid the promises and commands of God.
Moses Youth Study Book: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet (Moses Series)
by Adam HamiltonRetrace the life of Moses from his modest birth and rescue as a baby to the courts of Pharaoh, from herding flocks in Midian to leading his people out of Egypt.Join Adam Hamilton as he travels from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile, the Red Sea and the wilderness exploring the sites of Moses' life. Using historical information, archaeological data, and biblical text, Hamilton guides us in the footsteps of this reluctant prophet who grew in his relationship with God and by the end of life had successfully fulfilled the role he was given.Turn your own reluctance into boldness as you examine the significant challenges facing Moses and how God shaped his character and life in powerful ways.Additional components for a six-week study include the book, a comprehensive Leader Guide for adults, a children's leader guide and a DVD featuring author and pastor Adam Hamilton.This Youth Study Book takes the ideas presented in Adam Hamilton’s book and interprets them for young people grades 6-12.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Horace R. WeaverStudy the entire Book of Luke, beginning with a review of Jesus’ birth and boyhood and ending with him experiencing Calvary and resurrection. Some of the major ideas explored are: keys to Jesus public ministry, Jesus being recognized as the Messiah, the life of discipleship, use and abuse of power, and Jesus’s response to difficult questions.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.
Will Willimon's Lectionary Sermon Resource: Year B Part 2 (Lectionary Sermon Resource)
by William H. WillimonWill Willimon is widely acclaimed as one of the top ten preachers in the world. For each Sunday of the Christian year, Will provides just what you need to begin the journey toward a sermon. This guide will stoke, fund, and fuel your imagination while leaving plenty of room to insert your own illustrations, make connections within your congregational context, and speak the Word in your distinctive voice. Guidance from Will Willimon is like sitting down with a trusted clergy friend and asking, "What will you preach next Sunday?" Year B, Part 2 is part of a six-volume set which includes years A, B, and C in the Revised Common Lectionary. The sermon resources include:1. Readings 2. Theme title3. Introduction to the Readings4. Encountering the Text5. Proclaiming the Text6. Relating the Text
Hit the Bullseye: How Denominations Can Aim the Congregation at the Mission Field (The Convergence eBook Series)
by Paul D. BordenThis book is not an attempt to offer hope, help, or even advice on what denominations need to do. However, it is a book about a significant turn-around of a middle-level administration of justice in one Protestant denomination and it does offer hope that other like administrations might be able to experience a better and more effective existence. Everyone's experience is unique and therefore cannot be replicated. However, the implementation of foundational all-encompassing principles, the development of new strategies, and the performance of specific tactics that are successful in one situation does offer hope to others that their modeling of the principles, adapting the strategies, and creating specific tactics to fit their context can bring change."Thisbook is a gutsy look at denominational life, leadership and vision, and offersnew paradigms for the local church, middle judicatories and nationaldenominational life. A must-read for anyone interested in bringing renewal tothe local church and our denomination. Clearly, Borden has hit the bull's-eyewith regard not only to our denomination's needs but also how renewal begins inthe local church." - ABE NewsForewordto Hit the Bullseye byLeith AndersonJuly 2003"Somelook at things that are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were and askwhy not?"--George Bernard ShawThere are approximately 400,000 churches in the UnitedStates and the vast majority of them belong to denominations. Some are healthy, vibrant, and growing. Most are tired, struggling, not growing, and don’t know what to do.Plenty of critics and cynics take surveys, analyze data,and write books about what is wrong with the churches of America. As if following the theology ofChicken Little they are convinced that the sky is falling and there is little wecan do except seek cover. Proposals for renewal often are offered by theoristswho tell practitioners what to do but have never actually done it themselves.What if?What if there was a way to help declining churches to grow? What if we could teach pastors how to lead their congregations tospiritual renewal? What if thousands of churches changed from maintenance tomission? What if a movement beganwith 200 churches that grew to 200,000 churches? What if millions of unchurched people came into lasting relationshipswith Jesus Christ and the church? Whatif the denominations of America with all of their people, property, andpotential became the epicenter of this spiritual earthquake that became known asthe Great Awakening of the 21st Century?Maybe all this sounds too good to be true. Well, it has already begun. Centeredin the earthquake zone of northern California, the American Baptist Churches ofthe West have demonstrated that a plateaued and declining region of mainlinecongregations can become a model of healthy and growing congregations. They have overcome the usual excuses that “our churches are toosmall,” “we have too many older people and congregations,” and “propertyhere is too expensive.” Theyfollowed a powerful formula of biblical strategies, courageous leadership, andmuch hard work. What is mostamazing is that the turnaround took less than five years.Why not?Here is the dream. Denominationalleaders, executive ministers, bishops, district superintendents, regionaldirectors, seminary teachers, pastors, and lay leaders will discover what Godhas done in northern California and say, “Why not here?” “With a few creative adaptations we can do the same thing in ourdenomination and in our churches.” They will start small and multiply. They will risk their traditions, finances, staff, and jobs. They will respond to misunderstanding with teaching and take criticismwith grace. Then there will be onesuccessful church transformation—new vision, new faith, new people, and newexcitement. One will become ten andten will become one hundred. Churchby church, region by region, denomination by denomination—a true reformationwill bring a great new era to the people and churches of our generation. It can be done. Ithas been done. Thi
Out of the Depths: Your Companion Through Depression and Anxiety
by Matt Kelley James E. HightowerThe Out of the Depths series addresses common pastoral crises in a faithful, encouraging, and factual manner that provides support to parishioners in crisis beyond the initial pastoral conversation. These inexpensive 64-page booklets can be given out to parishioners when they bring their recent diagnosis, crisis, or trauma to the pastor as a way to continue to provide care throughout the difficult season. Each booklet begins with a thoughtful consideration of the topic at hand, which is followed up by 30 brief devotions. These devotions are designed to be manageable in an overwhelming time, encouraging, and honest. This Depression and Anxiety edition is authored by Jim Hightower and features insightful devotions by Matt Kelley. The Out of the Depths booklets are essential care resources to be given out by pastors, Stephen Ministers, and congregational care teams.