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Genesis to Revelation Minor Prophets Leader Guide: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Gene M. TuckerWhat does the Bible say? What does it mean? How does it relate to my life? Genesis to Revelation, a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible, will strengthen your understanding and appreciation of the Scripture by helping you engage on these three levels. Newly revised, these Abingdon classics are based on the NIV translation and are presented in an easy-to-read format. Each of the volumes includes thirteen sessions.Study the books of Jeremiah and Lamentation, beginning with some reference articles and timelines to help better under Jeremiah, and then moving through Lamentations. Some of the major ideas explored are: speaking for God, desire for revenge, being angry with God, covenants, human nature, what to hope in, and power. The meaning of the selected passages is 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.The Leader Guide includes the additional information you need to lead: 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.
How Is It With Your Soul: Director's Guide for Use With This Day (How Is It With Your Soul)
by Denise StringerHow Is It With Your Soul? is a complete, stand-alone session guide for use by pastors and directors of Wesleyan Class Meeting groups to train Class Leaders. The ten training sessions are designed to create group support among the Class Leaders and also strengthen the relationship between the pastor or director and the Class Leaders they oversee. Dr. Denise Stringer, author of How Is It With Your Soul?, developed the Director's Guide for use in providing a training seminar for Class Leaders while in the process of training Class Leaders in her own congregation.
Church Leadership: Vision, Team, Culture, Integrity, Revised Edition
by Lovett H. Weems JR.Much has changed since the first edition of Lovett Weems’s seminal work Church Leadership appeared in 1993. In that time a substantial literature about leading the congregation has appeared, written from a broad variety of perspectives. But in some ways, little has changed in that time. The need for leadership in the church—defined as discovering the faithful future into which God is calling the congregation, and walking with the congregation into that future—is just as pressing as it ever was. And for that reason, the need for clear, insightful thinking about leadership is just as great as it ever was. In this revised edition, Weems draws on the best new ideas and research in organizational leadership, yet always with his trademark theological grounding foremost in mind. Anyone who guides the life of a congregation, be they clergy or laity, will find Church Leadership the indispensable tool with which to follow their calling to be a church leader.
Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials, Revised Edition
by Ted A. CampbellIn this concise, accessible book, Dr. Ted Campbell provides a brief summary of the major doctrines shared in the Wesley family of denominations. Writing in concise and straightforward language, Campbell organizes the material into systematic categories: doctrine of revelation, doctrine of God, doctrine of Christ, doctrine of the Spirit, doctrine of humanity, doctrine of "the way of salvation" (conversion/justification/sanctification), doctrine of the church and means of grace, and doctrine of thing to come. He also supplies substantial buy simplified updated references in the margins of the book that allow for easy identification of his sources.John Wesley distinguished between essential doctrines on which agreement or consensus is critical and opinions about theology or church practices on which disagreement must be allowed. Though today few people join churches based on doctrinal commitments, once a person has joined a church it becomes important to know the teachings of that church's tradition. In Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials, Ted Campbell outlines historical doctrinal consensus in American Episcopal Methodist Churches in a comparative and ecumenical dialogue with the doctrinal inheritance of other major families of Christian tradition. In this way, the book shows both what Methodist churches historically teach in common with ecumenical Christianity and what is distinctive about the Methodist tradition in its various contemporary forms. For more information, please see the author's website: http://tedcampbell.com/methodist-doctrine/
Voices for Good Friday: Worship Services with Dramatic Monologues Based on the Gospels
by Amanda BurrThese interpretive, dramatic monologues give voice to selected minor characters from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Presented in a reproducible, copy-friendly format, the monologues provide a creative way to present Good Friday/Tenebrae services and to tell the gospel story of Jesus Christ. The monologues can be presented as a collective work or can be used individually as sermon helps, Bible study presentations, and in other creative ways in worship settings. There are three sets of narratives, one each based on Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In addition, each set is individually titled, has a central theme woven throughout its narratives, and contains a suggested worship service outline. Each set contains 3 to 5 monologues that are 7 to 10 minutes long when performed. These monologues can be memorized or presented in reader’s-theater style. Dialogue and stage directions are provided to allow for easy stage setup, shorter prep time, and require fewer rehearsals than those for a full-production drama. This offers those watching and participating a fresh perspectives of the gospel story.
She Dreams - Women's Bible Study Guide with Leader Helps: Live the Life You Were Created For (She Dreams)
by Tiffany BluhmSay yes to the dreams God has planted in your heart. Every woman was born to dream—to live a life of beauty, passion, adventure, and purpose. No matter how big or how small they are, our dreams push us to become women of courage, grace, and grit. God in His goodness breathes new dreams within our hearts and revives the dreams that have died, inviting us to trust Him as we dream impossible dreams that only He can bring to pass—because God not only gives dreams; He fulfills them. In this six-week study we will look at Moses’ journey to live out the God-sized dream given to him, exposing the ancient wisdom and truth God offers for every woman with a dream beating in her heart. With timely truth and encouraging accounts of God’s heart and hand in the life of Moses as well as in the lives of ordinary women, author Tiffany Bluhm will dare you to dream the impossible dreams the Lord is stirring in your heart, reclaim any broken dreams, and trust God for the victory. Throughout the study you will identify: The role of prayer as you grow into your dreams. The importance of obedience as you pursue what God has for you. Why your dreams are a blessing not only to you but also to others. How your failures can be a gift that help your dreams become a reality. The life-changing love, power, and wisdom of the Dream Giver. Get ready to discover the role you are designed and destined to play as you partner with God for the impossible! She Dreams Bible Study Features: Encourages readers to discover and follow their God-given dreams. Learn how to live a life of dreams with this study of prayer, obedience, and the wisdom of God. Helps readers discover the role they are destined to play through partnership with God. An encouraging account of Moses’ journey to live out the God-sized dream given to him. Book can be a stand-alone resource, or combined with the Leader Guide and DVD for a six-week study. Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include the She Dreams book, and DVD.
Recruiting Volunteers (The Abingdon Press & The Church of the Resurrection Ministry Guides)
by Dan EntwistleThe Abingdon-Church of the Resurrection Ministry Guides are the first choice for recruiting, motivating, and developing lay leadership for specialized ministries from A to Z—from adult ministries to ushering. Each inexpensive, 64-page Guide brings together Church of the Resurrection’s can-do attitude with Abingdon Press’s ministry of empowering church leaders. The result is a series that is user-friendly, encouraging, and most important, practical. The passion to help churches experience how many things they can do to encourage participation drives these Ministry Guides. Each Guide is concise, conversational, and current, full of ideas you’ll be able to implement immediately, with little or no budget. Recognizing that volunteers are busy people who work hard, the Guides will be the first place to turn when you’re new to a topic, to help you feel empowered, prepare quickly, and get up and running with confidence and creativity. You’ll find eye-catching icons and features that help you move directly to practical, fun, and effective solutions. An excerpt from the Circuit Rider review: "This little guide, another in the series out of The Church of the Resurrection in Leawood Kansas, will be helpful to churches large, medium and small desiring to develop and expand lay participation in all aspects of congregational life and work. Dan Entwistle, managing executive director for programs and ministries at The Church of the Resurrection, writes out of years of experience in recruiting, training and deploying laypeople for ministry. His book will be no less valuable to UMM and UMW units, campus ministries, conference and district staff and church-related non-profits." (Click here to read the entire review.)
Matthew: The Gospel of Promised Blessings
by Matthew L. SkinnerExplore the tenderness and the tensions in the teachings of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus and his message as full of tender compassion and urgent warning. This six-part exploration of an enigmatic Gospel takes readers into the themes, topics, and tensions at the heart of Matthew's story about the life and work of Jesus. Chapters focus on blessing and comfort, judgment and retribution, the meaning of discipleship, Jesus’ vision for the Church and world, conflicts and complaints, and how the Gospel of Matthew speaks to believers today. The book can be read alone or used by small groups anytime throughout the year. Components include video teaching sessions featuring Matthew Skinner and a comprehensive Leader Guide.
Massacre at Sand Creek: How Methodists Were Involved in an American Tragedy
by Gary L. RobertsSand Creek.At dawn on the morning of November 29, 1864, Colonel John Milton Chivington gave the command that led to slaughter of 230 peaceful Cheyennes and Arapahos—primarily women, children, and elderly—camped under the protection of the U. S. government along Sand Creek in Colorado Territory and flying both an American flag and a white flag. The Sand Creek massacre seized national attention in the winter of 1864-1865 and generated a controversy that still excites heated debate more than 150 years later. At Sand Creek demoniac forces seemed unloosed so completely that humanity itself was the casualty. That was the charge that drew public attention to the Colorado frontier in 1865. That was the claim that spawned heated debate in Congress, two congressional hearings, and a military commission. Westerners vociferously and passionately denied the accusations. Reformers seized the charges as evidence of the failure of American Indian policy. Sand Creek launched a war that was not truly over for fifteen years. In the first year alone, it cost the United States government $50,000,000.Methodists have a special stake in this story. The governor whose polices led the Cheyennes and Arapahos to Sand Creek was a prominent Methodist layman. Colonel Chivington was a Methodist minister. Perhaps those were merely coincidences, but the question also remains of how the Methodist Episcopal Church itself responded to the massacre. Was it also somehow culpable in what happened?It is time for this story to be told. Coming to grips with what happened at Sand Creek involves hard questions and unsatisfactory answers not only about what happened but also about what led to it and why. It stirs ancient questions about the best and worst in every person, questions older than history, questions as relevant as today’s headlines, questions we all must answer from within.
The Gospel of Mark Leader Guide: A Beginner's Guide to the Good News
by Amy-Jill LevineDiscover the Good News in the Bible’s earliest GospelWalk through the Bible’s earliest source for the life of Jesus with scholar Amy-Jill Levine as she examines John the Baptizer, the Little Apocalypse, the Transfiguration, and several of Jesus's most notable stories and parables. The Good News of the gospel message comes alive in this book as readers see Jesus as divine and human, powerful and weak, approachable yet mysterious. The book features an in-depth study of select passages and illuminates the Gospel in its historical context and as a source for the other gospels.This comprehensive Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the study.Additional components for this 6-week study include the book, The Gospel of Mark: A Beginner’s Guide to the Good News, and DVD/Video sessions featuring Amy-Jill Levine (with closed captioning).
Common Ground - Women's Bible Study Guide with Leader Helps: Loving Others Despite Our Differences (Common Ground)
by Amberly NeeseLearn to live at peace with others even when you disagree by studying biblical stories of rivalries in Common Ground by Amberly Neese. Whether it is in politics, the professional world, a party, or a pew, we face conflict every day. As discussions get more heated and social media is deluged with opinion-spewing, hurt feelings, and broken relationships, we need hope and practical tools to navigate the tumultuous waters and live at peace with everyone.Fortunately, the Scriptures hold the key to living at peace despite our differences. In Common Ground, a four-week Bible study, Amberly Neese combines stories of sibling rivalries from the Bible with personal experience, humor, hope, and her love of God’s Word. Stories examined from the Old and New Testaments include:- Joseph and His Brothers: How to Combat Jealousy- Moses, Miriam, and Aaron: How to Work Together Despite Differences- Mary, Martha, and Lazarus: How to Appreciate the Contributions of Others- Rachel and Leah: Having Compassion for the Plight of OthersThese stories point us to peace and reconciliation in all our relationships, reassuring us that it is possible to find common ground with everyone—despite our differences. Women will find biblical and practical help for:- Facing conflict- Navigating broken relationships- Handling heated discussions (in person and on social media)- Living at peace despite differencesComponents for this four-week Bible study, each available separately, include a Study Guide with Leader Helps, and video sessions with four 20 to 25-minute segments (with closed captioning).
An Exact Likeness: The Portraits of John Wesley
by Richard P. HeitzenraterFaces are more than a montage of organs that see, breathe, speak, hear, eat, sing, smell, and yell. As Josephine Tey points out in her mystery novel, The Daughter of Time, the slant of an eyebrow, the set of a mouth, the look of the eye, the firmness of a chin, often can provide evidence of character that is as telling as a report card or a police blotter. Those features depicted on portraits of individuals can be equally telling of the person’s inner nature or perhaps of what the artist thinks (or wants the viewer to think) about the person being portrayed. Sometimes a portrait might be even more useful than a biography.While examining these portraits, the author considers three questions: what was Wesley’s attitude toward the portrait (if any), how did the public respond to these portrayals, and what was the artist attempting to convey? This book focuses on the main portraits and their derivatives, looking at them within the three main categories that developed over the years: Oxford don, Methodist preacher, and notable person. Although these types seemed to arise in chronological order, there is some overlap between categories, especially toward the end of Wesley’s life and beyond.
I Want My Life Back!: Life Management for Busy Women
by Lorraine Bosse-SmithWe live in a fast-food society and seem to live on the trend mill at warp speed. This book offers help, guidance, and encouragement to the woman on life's journey who wishes her life had more quality. And to be honest, she feels like someone has taken her life, and she wants it back!“Lorraine Bossé-Smith provides counsel, examples, and plans to help the reader find a quality of life that is enriching and rewarding. Her book is chock-full of personal testimony and positive ways of meeting and overcoming stress.” -Johnnie C. Godwin, author of Syzygy: Living a Powerfully Aligned Life “How very impressive! Bossé-Smith gives us workable, simple, and inspiring ways to take control of our lives. All of my Regional VPs will have this as required reading.” -Amy S. Harrison, CEO, Innovative Solutions for Youth, Inc.Lorraine Bossé-Smith is a consultant, coach, trainer, and writer. She is the President of Concept One located in Murrieta, California, but serves clients across the country. She helps people to enhance their communication, create stronger relationships, increase productivity, and improve the quality of their life.Lorraine is in the 2005 Who’s Who of Female Executives and the 2000 Who’s Who of Entrepreneurs. In addition, Lorraine is an AFAA Certified Fitness Instructor able to teach: Precision Cycle, Sports Conditioning, Kickboxing, aerobics, Forever Fit (seniors) and Pilates Mat. She is an active individual who loves to play tennis, hike, bike, and enjoy life to its fullest!
Listeners Dare: Hearing God in the Sermon
by William H. WillimonDiscipleship and witness are not self-sustainable. Preaching equips God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11).The gospel is news that passes from the lips of one who has heard to the ears of one who has not yet heard, then (God willing) it burrows in the soul, energizing the hands in daring response to a word received. Preaching is instigated by an astounding claim: Good news; God has spoken to us. The Christian life is what you get when ordinary folk respond: I have heard.The book (a companion to Preachers Dare) is for anyone who listens to sermons—which includes preachers, since there’s no way to preach without gaining skills as a listener. Listening is a human skill, but as God’s word is proclaimed, the hearer experiences a vocal mix of preacher, listener, and God.Praise for Listeners Dare “Books about preaching—how to research, write, and deliver sermons—are legion. But books about how sermons are heard, internalized, and acted upon by ordinary Christians in the pews are rare. Willimon addresses this elusive yet critically important task with his usual wit, acumen, and pastor’s heart. A few hours pondering this thought-filled work will pay handsome dividends come Sunday.” —Grant Wacker, Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor of Christian History, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC“There is no shortage of resources out there for how to prepare and preach a sermon, and yet faith comes from hearing. In turning our attention to the homiletical process of listening, Willimon has given clergy and laity alike a true gift. Together, we get to listen for God’s daring Word—a word that in our hearing brings about holy obedience, persistent hope, and daring discipleship.” —Karoline M. Lewis, Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching, Professor of Biblical Preaching, Luther Seminary; Program Director, Festival of Homiletics“Listening to a sermon is a spiritual discipline—that is the simple, profound insight that underpins this rich offering from Will Willimon.” —Lauren F. Winner, Associate Professor, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC
Immersion Bible Studies: From The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary (Immersion Bible Studies)
by Jack A. KellerHow can something written so long ago really speak to life today and today’s faith journey? In Immersion: Deuteronomy author Jack Keller answers that question by discussing how different interpretations have emerged in different times and through the use of different translations. During this six-week study, as a contemporary reader, individuals are freed to explore the interpretation appropriate for our time, while appreciating the various meanings that can be assigned to a verse. Easy to follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided as well as questions to facilitate class discussion. This volume is part of the Immersion Bible Studies series. Inspired by a fresh translation, the Common English Bible (CEB), Immersion stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. Whether they are using the CEB or another translation, Immersion will offer new insights into God’s Word, their own lives, and their life with God.
The First 48 Hours: Spiritual Caregivers as First Responders
by Jennifer S. Cisney Kevin L. EllersThe first 48 hours are critical to the recovery of trauma victims.First responders make the difference between life and death for trauma victims. But what is often not recognized is that when disaster strikes, spiritual caregivers are often among those first on the scene. For these caregivers response should also help propel survivors toward positive transformation. This book focuses on critical responses that are key in the aftermath of natural disaster, community violence, personal injury, and crime. These basics include: the power of presence, safety, assessment and triage, how we help, putting the pieces together, telling the story, hope, and caring in the long haul.
Walking On Water: Sermons On The Miracles Of Jesus (Protestant Pulpit Exchange)
by James O. GilliomConnecting the biblical text with contemporary ethos, 'Walking on Water' contains fourteen sermons based on the miracles of Jesus.
God Was Here and I Was Out to Lunch
by James W. MooreExplores how, due to our rigid preoccupation with our busy-ness and routines, we fail to sense or appreciate the presence of God all around us; consequently, we miss out on the chance to tap in to common sense, we miss out on the chance to love God and others, and we miss out on the chance to connect with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. In fifteen chapters, Moore highlights hallmarks of the Christian faith that are essential and life-giving for all persons, and which can be ours if only we will learn to recognize God’s majesty when it is near and open our lives to the change God offers. 15 chapters with a study guide. Appropriate for individual or group use.
Trust by Design: The Beautiful Behaviors of an Effective Church Culture
by Amy Valdez BarkerTrust is a bankable asset for leaders who direct, shape, and guide faith communities. Trust is a form of equity that fuels attitudes, behaviors, and actions in faith communities who aim to transform the world. Through a process of self-examination into the behaviors and actions that help build or break trust, leaders can step boldly into ministry where God is sending them.This guide to building trust as an asset is practical and analytical. The concepts are supported by anecdotes and stories, so that the reader is invited to share or journal with their own experiences. The book will level the playing field, so that a small group of church leaders can engage together as peers (lay and clergy) within their particular faith community. This book is useful for pastors and staff teams, the personnel committee, the administrative board or church council, and youth leaders.
The Myth of the 200 Barrier: How to Lead through Transitional Growth
by Canon Canon Martin"This is the best book I have ever read on congregational development! I wish I had written it." (Lyle E. Schaller, Parish Consultant)The common experience of large congregations getting larger and small congregations getting smaller has given rise to the belief that growing congregations tend to hit a barrier at the 150-200 attendance mark. The dividing line in American Church attendance is 150 people on an average Sunday. Churches below this seem to have a harder time growing. Above this, churches seem to have an easier time growing. Trying to grow a smaller church can feel like trying to break through what Martin calls the “200 barrier.” Martin explains that there is no barrier; there are just two different ways of being a church—the “Pastoral Size” church and the “Program” church. The “Transitional Church” is really a hybrid of these two cultures, and this dual nature produces stress and tension where the idea of a 200 barrier often becomes a self-fulfilling expectation. How does the Pastor Size church culture really work? What are the key elements of the larger American Church? How does this create a large church culture that becomes self-supporting? Martin looks at these elements and shows how the Transitional Church can avoid mistakes in their effort to grow “beyond the barrier,” and why transformation and change is so difficult. Drawing on sociological and anthropological studies about the significance of numbers in human organizations, Martin proposes practical steps that leaders of Transitional Churches will want to take.
Worship Feast: 25 Experiences of God's Great Earth (Worship Feast)
by Jenny YoungmanThis latest addition to the popular Worship Feast series takes youth outdoors to worship amid God’s wonderful (and often unpredictable) creation. This resource includes devotions, meditations, and outdoor worship services for all seasons and times of day. Youth will become mindful of how God is at work in the natural world through experiencing sights, sounds, scents, and textures. These worship experiences will encourage youth to appreciate and acknowledge God’s providence, creativity, and greatness.
Disciple I Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study: Second Edition (Disciple Ser.)
by VariousDISCIPLEis a program of disciplined Bible study aimed at developing strong Christianleaders. The study gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizingthe wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. DISCIPLE draws upon the workof scholars, the personal Bible reading and study of the participant, anddynamic group discussion to aid understanding of the Bible. Thefirst study in the program is DISCIPLE: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study,a thirty-four week overview of the entire Bible. Commitment and TimeInvolved Three and one-half to four hours of independent study each week (40 minutes daily for leaders and 30 minutes daily for group members) in preparation for weekly group meetings. Attendance at weekly 2.5 hour meetings.TeacherHelpsDiscipleI Teacher Helps guides Disciple group leaders through eachsession. Inthe front of the Teacher Helps is a section of general information oneffectively using the study manual, preparing to lead the weekly group meeting,following the proper schedule and procedure, tips for leadingdiscussion, and suggestions for creating and maintaining a caringclimate in the study group.Processsuggestions in the teacher helps enable full participation by allmembers of the group as a result of disciplined daily study. A one-page plan foreach of the weekly group sessions follows an established schedule and procedure,with an amount of time designated for each section in the plan. Each sessionplan includes suggestions for group study of a selected passage ofScripture.
The Purpose, Pattern, and Character of Worship
by L. Edward PhillipsWithin the broad range of Christianity we find diverse understandings of what makes for "good worship." The Purpose, Pattern, and Character of Worship develops a typology of Christian worship to provide a method of assessing the decisions of congregations and leaders in forming and changing the orders of their worship.Among contemporary western Protestants, we identify at least six discrete characteristics of worship:-the Revival,-the Sunday School,-the Aesthetic Revival,-the Pentecostal/holiness movement,-the Prayer Meeting,-the twentieth-century Catholic Liturgical Renewal.These patterns define contemporary expression as:-Seeker Worship,-Creative Worship,-Traditional Worship,-Praise Worship,-House Church Worship,-Word and Table Worship.Absent an overall authority for the structure of worship (such as the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer), many Protestant congregations have developed a "conflation of patterns," which often creates incoherent worship. This book helps leaders define the purpose, character, and pattern of their community’s worship.
The Grand Sweep: 365 Days From Genesis Through Revelation
by J. Ellsworth KalasStudy the whole Bible in a year with J. Ellsworth Kalas.The Grand Sweep: 365 Days from Genesis through Revelation guides adults to read through the Bible in a year, reading three to four chapters daily. The Psalms and Proverbs are scattered throughout the reading as devotional elements. Because the plan moves through the Bible in biblical sequence, readers grasp the grand weep of the Scriptures--something missed in most Bible studies that take up only a certain book or section of the Bible. Also, daily readings are manageable; someone who is just beginning a serious devotional life need not feel threatened or inadequate. By the time readers finish their year of reading, they will have a grasp of the biblical story from beginning to end. And with it, because of the daily discipline, a stronger devotional life. Kalas also provides a faithful daily summary of each day's reading, but with a devotional quality to encourage warmth of spirit as well as knowledge of mind. Congregations, study groups, and individuals can begin The Grand Sweep at any time during the year with this study. Allow at least 30 minutes daily when using this resource. Includes selected quotations from Kalas's 35 books.The book includes: Questions or directions and daily devotional summary/commentary for Days 1-7 each week call for written response to the assigned Scripture and provide a devotional element. "Prayer Time" suggests a focus for daily and weekly praying and invites you to identify persons and concerns for prayer. "How the Drama Develops" summarizes the week's Scripture and situates it in the ongoing biblical story. "Seeing Life Through Scripture" invites you to view life through the lens of Scripture in order to draw guidance and insights for living. Think of yourself in conversation with Scripture. "The Sum of It All" in a verse or verses, sums up the week's Scripture. Over the course of fifty-two weeks, the verses become a synopsis of the biblical story.The Grand Sweep is designed for personal use. The added component of a Leader Guide enables congregations and study groups to share the experience. It provides an overview of how to use the book as a study, along with specific content for weekly, monthly, or occasional group meetings.
Radical Renovation - eBook [ePub]: Living the Cross-Shaped Life
by Rev James A. HarnishRadical Renovation: Living the Cross-Shaped LifeA Lenten Study for AdultsJames A. HarnishRadical Renovation is a powerful image of what can happen in our lives during the season of Lent. Just as a house can be rebuilt after it has fallen into disrepair or devastation, author James A. Harnish says, so God can enter in to our brokenness and completely rebuild our lives, so that we can become the kind of people in whom the living Christ can take up residence, and through whom the loving purpose of God can become a tangible reality in this world. As the great cathedrals were built in the shape of a cross, the author tells us, the traditional Lenten disciplines invite us to allow the Spirit of God to reshape the way we think, act, and live into the likeness of Jesus on his way to the cross. This seven-session study, appropriate for both group and individual use, will provide one lesson for each week in Lent. Each lesson includes a Scripture reference, a brief reflection, questions for discussion or reflection, a brief prayer, and a focus for the coming week. JAMES A. HARNISH is senior pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. He is the author of Journey to the Center of the Faith: An Explorer’s Guide to Christian Living; Passion, Power & Praise: A Model for Men’s Spirituality from the Life of David; and You Only Have to Die: Leading Your Congregation to New Life, and he served as a contributor to both 365 Meditations for Young Adults and 365 Meditations for Men.Chapter titles and key Scripture verses:“Discipleship: Living the Cross-Shaped Life” Mark 8:27-38“Servanthood: A Peculiar Way to Greatness” Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45“Surrender: Nothing Short of Everything” Mark 10:17-34“Forgiveness: Rebuilding Damaged Relationships” Mark 11:25-26; Luke 23:32-34 “Love: The Radical Center” Mark 12:28-34“Sacrifice: It’s Nothing if It Costs Nothing” Mark 14:1-19“Hope: He Goes Before You!” Mark 16:1-8