Wherever you go, you will encounter conflicting messages about what it means to be human. Culture likes to tell us who we are. How are we supposed to navigate our desires, fears, and longing for purpose when culture claims that we're just born a certain way and can't help it? Western culture has become disordered, focusing on an overdeveloped concept of the self, rooted not in our embodied humanity but in individual psychology.God's Word, however, speaks differently about human nature. Explore what the Bible says about mankind's purpose and how our disconnection from the created order causes such great harm in society in (Dis)ordered: Lies about Human Nature and the Truth That Sets Us Free. Author Christopher S. Esget searches Scripture for how we can be healed from these maladies in Christ and His work of bringing human nature to its goal. A valuable and timely resource, hot-button issues, such as lust and destruction, fear of death, battling demons, and sexual identity are addressed. In investigating what God's Word says about sex, the danger of following our passions, and warnings against the lies of this world, Esget shines a light on Christ, the truth that sets us free.
For the Israelites wandering through the wilderness and us, God's manna is a gift wrapped in struggle. This example of God providing manna invites us to look at our present life-with its bittersweet beauty-and see how our Creator is blessing us with His gifts in our everyday struggles.The forty studies in this book will lead you through the Book of Exodus as the Israelites wander through the wilderness, pointing you to what God wants you to know and apply to your own life. This women's Bible study is broken up into eight weeks, with five sessions per week, for a total of forty studies.Our culture is a wilderness where our effort to satisfy our needs with things of this world leaves our hearts empty and aching for more. Every day, no matter where you wander, God invites you to take time in His Word and recenter your heart on Him. God's provision for you is personal. He meets you where you are. And He gives you what you need.
Baptism is more than just forgiveness of sins; it is a theme that weaves throughout the Old and New Testaments. Dive into baptism in this 8-unit study for churches, study groups, or individuals.With a student and leader guide in the same book, The Baptismal River is great for individuals and groups. Each unit contains instructions, Bible verses to guide study, a hymn relating to the topic, and review questions. The eight units cover:Introduction to BaptismThe FloodCreationThe Image of GodCircumcisionIsraelites in the WildernessThe Baptism of Jesus; andDiscipleship
"All of Scripture points to Christ. By examining messianic predictions, patterns, and presence in the Old Testament, authors Andrew E. Steinmann and R. Reed Lessing show how the Old Testament not only promises a Messiah to deliver and restore God's people but also identifies Jesus Christ as that promised Savior"--
Trust. Seek. Follow.That's what it takes to be a disciple. Not hours of programs and weekly meetings to make you "qualified" to be a disciple. Author Ted Doering challenges the idea of daunting discipleship with a new definition: simply trusting, seeking, and following Jesus. Discipleship might not be easy, but it can be simple.Discover how to be a disciple through your head, heart, and hands. Each chapter focuses on these three things to inspire you to live out discipleship in your community. The Spirit will push you to think in the Word so it can transform your heart and lead your hands outward to live a life filled with His love.Discipleship isn't a solitary path. This book is best used in a group setting: between you and a friend, your entire family, or even your Bible study group. At the end of each chapter there are "Discipleship in Community" portions to encourage group discussion and exercises to get your group out into the world as followers of Jesus.
Beyond God's promise of a Savior just after the fall in Genesis 3:15, do we really see much of Christ in the Old Testament? Well, if we take His New Testament words to heart, we must!"You search the Scriptures...and it is they that bear witness to me!" (John 5:39)Over eight sessions, The Messiah: Revealing Jesus in the Old Testament will lead you through the entirety of the Old Testament with daily readings, questions, and discussion prompts. After a brief introduction that reviews Christ's earthly ministry, you will dive into the heart of the Holy Books that have spiritually nourished God's people from creation to today!
Real life can be a real mess.Feelings of anxiety can overwhelm and drag us down. We want to turn away from others and rely on ourselves to escape the situation. But we alone are not enough to overcome our anxious thoughts. God will not let go of you. He will meet you in the midst of your darkness, in the place where you think you are farthest from Him.Author Lindsay Hausch is no stranger to real-life struggles with anxious thoughts. In her debut Bible study, learn that even with the power of God's grace, overcoming anxious thoughts is not as simple as praying enough or having enough faith. Instead, the struggle can be a training ground for spiritual growth. His power is made perfect in weakness.So take heart, we're made whole in His love.
You're invited to study the Book of Esther.The setting: A lavish feast in the opulent Persian EmpireThe event: a beauty contestThe plot: save a nation from annihilationGod's presence surrounds Esther throughout the entirety of her narrative. While God's name is never stated, you can easily tell how God is working and weaving His plan to fruition through Esther. His presence, even in his seeming absence, is clear.The same is true for your life: God is always present with you, even when you feel He is absent. Just because God seems hidden does not mean He is absent, but rather, that He is working faithfully behind the scenes. He never abandons His creation, and He works diligently through you to propel His plan forward.In this eight-week individual study, see that God's presence is ever-abundant in your life, and that God gives you the courage to live fearlessly as Esther did. Learn the historical context of the Book of Esther to enrich your understanding of God's Word. Questions are included in each chapter to allow for reflection on your readings as you work through the study by yourself or discuss your answers in a group women's Bible study.
"You don't have to be a pastor in a pulpit to speak God's Word. Sometimes the best word spoken happens while a mother is driving her daughter to tennis practice, when two friends are having a drink, or even when you are responding to someone's post on social media."In Speaking Boldly: Sharing God's Word Every Day, discover ways to feel more comfortable, confident, and relaxed in speaking the truth found in God's Word to other people. As Christians, we're called to speak God's Word to one another with the help of the Holy Spirit. But we often feel we could be more confident in sharing God's Word with the people in our lives. These other people are found in our homes, at our workplaces, in our churches, and are our neighbors. Learn to speak God's Law and Gospel with boldness and love with the knowledge that it is God's Word and not our own.
This study features 24 lessons, including questions and answers, that compare what each Gospel writer wrote about Jesus and presents Jesus' ministry in chronological order. Readers come away with a better understanding of the New Testament Gospel message and why it is 100 percent reliable. Both Christians and skeptics gain a better understanding of the reliability of Scripture, and in particular how the Gospel writers presented Jesus as the Savior of mankind with powerful proofs and authority.
This study features 24 lessons, including questions and answers, that compare what each Gospel writer wrote about Jesus and presents Jesus' ministry in chronological order. Readers come away with a better understanding of the New Testament Gospel message and why it is 100 percent reliable. Both Christians and skeptics gain a better understanding of the reliability of Scripture, and in particular how the Gospel writers presented Jesus as the Savior of mankind with powerful proofs and authority.
En forma muy compacta, el autor clarifica los temas que han frustrado a cristianos por muchos años. Schelske comienza su estudio analizando una de las preguntas que siempre ha intrigado al estudiante de la Biblia: ¿Fue Jesucristo -el primer misionero- enviado a establecer el reino de Dios, o vino, más bien, para fundar una iglesia? Sólo disponible en español.In a very compact way, the author clarifies the issues that have frustrated Christians for many years. Schelske begins his study by analyzing one of the questions that has always intrigued the student of the Bible: Was Jesus Christ - the first missionary - sent to establish the kingdom of God, or did he come, rather, to found a church? Only available in Spanish.
What is my calling in life?What vocation am I meant to have?Everyone struggles with these types of questions; trying to figure out exactly what God has planned. The good news is that God is already working in your life; no extra experience or skills required.Work through this eight-week women's Bible study with Catherine Duerr to see that even through your stumbles, failures, and questions, God is leading you down the path that He needs you to be on, even if that path isn't clear to you. See encouragments and guidance on every page and know that God's calling for you is important, no matter how small it might seem.This eight-week study for individuals or small groups includes daily lessons, filled with anecdotal stories to show you how God has been working in other's lives. Use each daily lesson's discussion questions and journal prompt to evaluate the path you're on and how God might be calling you in way you hadn't seen before. Each week's lessons revolve around a specific theme and memory verse, reminding you to let God guide your path wherever He may lead you.
Do you need to keep everyone happy? Are you constantly trying to make sure everyone loves you . . . likes your posts on social media . . . believes you are good enough?How can you handle all this pressure to be perfect?Stop trying. You are already enough. You, beautiful girl, are God's daughter. He chose you, claimed you, and loves you. You belong to Him forever and ever because He adores you. That's the best news in the history of the world.The world needs to hear about God's grace. He wants you to shine His brilliant love into the darkness of sin. He wants you to reflect His love like billions of pieces of brilliant, bright glitter to those who are hurting.For the next six weeks, let's talk about what God's sparkle looks like. In these pages, you will find stories, journal prompts, and discussion questions. Let's dig into His Word and find out how we can shine the Gospel of Jesus to His people.
Rejoice! Every day.Sure, we find joy in our triumphs, but not so much in the trials. Yet real joy, genuine joy, is always ours in the saving grace of Christ Jesus.This close look at Paul's Letter to the Philippians, the "letter of joy," unpacks messages of contentment, confidence, humility, and hope-all found in Christ and infused with joy-in the mountaintop moments and in the mundane.Enclosed are eight weeks of study, divided into forty short sessions, to help you realize the gifts from God's hand more fully. Ample materials are provided to make the sessions flexible for personal or group use and to accommodate changing schedules and individual needs. Targeted study, discussion and reflection questions, and life-application challenges guide you in your exploration of joy.
With so many issue swirling about and what seems to be a constant stream of negative stories about culture and society, Why Am I Joyfully Lutheran? is a bold challenge and encouragement for Lutheran laypersons to engage joyfully in being Lutheran wherever and whenever God gives them the opportunity. Addressing specific significant cultural issues such as human sexuality, gender identity, human life issues, etc., adult Lutherans will be interested to learn how the Lutheran confession of Christianity addresses a range of contemporary topics.
The Christian life is one of dualities: we are simultaneously sinner and saint, we know believers and non-believers, we interact in the left and right kingdoms, and we hear Law and Gospel. These seemingly competing dualities can frustrate Christians as they try to live out their faith. Many wonder if the Bible presents conflicting ideas - and how, in light of that confusion, can Christians be salt and light in a world that is often opposed to Christianity? But these dualities actually focus the Christian faith. As readers grow in their understanding of this knowledge, they will be encouraged to live out their faith more fruitfully, abundantly, and effectively. They will have the tools to face their struggles and return to their identity in Christ.
For Christians who are struggling to understand what it means to be pious and how to embrace the classic Christian practices of piety, Thank, Praise, Serve, and Obey shows that acts of piety are not simply rules to keep in order to be a "good" Christian, but they are how the new life in Christ is lived out in day-to-day life. This book explores how to properly hear in the Scriptures our heavenly Father summoning us to the joy and freedom of living and growing as His beloved children through Jesus Christ.
In Myth of the Millennial, authors Rev. Ted and Chelsey Doering, Millennials themselves, invite churches to stop hitting the panic button and trying anything and everything to get Millennials to stay in or come back to church. Because connecting with the Millennial generation - their generation, their peers - is simpler than it seems. And don't worry, they won't prescribe expensive building renovations or a new wardrobe for your pastor. They do, however, explore common millennial stereotypes in the hopes of helping other generations better understand this lost generation. They also offer ideas on how to build strong intergenerational relationships to better equip Boomers and Gen-Xers to engage a generation that is generally apathetic and disinterested in the Church. Because, ultimately, all this talk about Millennials and generations is not about upping church attendance for the sake of numbers; it's about one generation leading another to Christ.
Conflicteven at churchis inevitable. So how do congregations deal with conflict in a healthy way that prevents hurt and proactively addresses important topics that need to be discussed?
Why a book specifically on supporting the workers of the church? Special attention needs to be given because workers of the church are at increased risk of sadness, despair, stress, frustration, cynicism, anger, and disappointment. Written in a plain down-to-earth style this book will educate the professional church worker, thereby improving their relationship with the congregations they serve.
This book, written by a Certified Christian Conciliator with more than 20 years of experience in church reconciliation, offers practical advice for improving the spiritual health of congregations and the ministers that lead them.
Classic collection of narratives from scripture specifically for children ages 8 to 12.
Even the Bible's greatest heroes stumbled. No, really, they sinned the same way that humanity today sins. Mary and Martha doubted Christ. Moses got impatient with God. Samson was prideful and forgot His strength was from God. Jonah wanted revenge and went against God's plan. The list of less-than-perfect biblical figures goes on and on. What do they have in common? God still loved them, even with their sins, mess-ups, blunders, rebelliousness: he loved them no matter what. Zoom in on why these inspirational biblical people like Moses, Samson, Gideon, David, and Peter chose to stray from the path they knew was right. More importantly, look at how God responded to apply it to your life today. Redeemed: Our Lives as Sinners and Saints will take you through 14 shortcomings as seen in the Bible, and author Dan Hoppen's own personal examples, to show that, through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, all of creation is saved and loved, no matter how bad our sins.
As a Christian, you face the pressure and stressors of the world daily. You look for rest at every turn-rest from your job, family drama, personal struggles-but the only true rest can come from Christ. Michelle Diercks invites you to find His promised rest by studying eight different names and characteristics of God.Each week of this eight-week study will feature a new name or characteristic of God along with its pronunciation and a biblical fact about it. Learn from Michelle's personal anecdotes and biblical examples of how you can, and should, cling to God's names during times of anxiety and hardship.Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. (John 14:27)Features:Discussion Questions and Answer GuideWeekly Scripture Memory VerseWeekly Devotional Coloring PageDaily Journaling Prompts
Churches across America are constantly updating their culture to accord with the secular culture. But Authentic Christianity offers another idea: that the Lutheran tradition embodies a framework of Christianity that uniquely addresses the postmodern condition. It does so not by being "emergent" or by making up a new approach to church or to the Christian life. Rather, it does so in an unexpected way: by being confessional, sacramental, and vocational. Authentic Christianity is a collaboration between an academic of the Boomer generation and a young Millennial pastor. Coming from two very different places - different generations, different vocations, different entries into Lutheranism - authors Gene Veith and Trevor Sutton offer their unique perspectives on how Lutheran theology engages contemporary life.
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