How to Find Your Best Fit Whether you grew up going to church twice on Sundays or never set foot in a church at all, finding and sinking your roots into a church community is crucial to your spiritual well-being. Finding the right church home can be a huge challenge, and also a lot of fun. Kevin and Sherry Harney point out that, while no church is perfect, some will fit you better than others. They show what a healthy church looks like, how to handle hot issues facing churches today, and how to determine whether a church's unique worship style will inspire or distract you. Even better, the Harneys help you discover how to plug into a church and experience the joy of giving back. In the words of the authors, "Church can be one of the most joy-filled, life-giving experiences you will ever have." Practical, encouraging, and true to the Bible, this book is your road map to finding a spiritual community you can really love.
Unearth fresh insights for your life from women who lived thousands of years ago. In this DVD study participant's guide, learn how God moved in the lives of six women in the Old Testament whose struggles to live with faith and courage are not unlike your own.
Could sharing your faith be the secret to developing your spiritual maturity? For many followers of Jesus, discipleship means doing certain things to deepen our connection with Jesus Christ. But our spiritual growth checklists are often disconnected from the mission of reaching a lost world with the gospel message. Taking a holistic approach that unites evangelism and discipleship, Kevin and Sherry Harney demonstrate how God's plan for our spiritual growth is intimately connected to his mission to the world. In Organic Disciples, the couple lead ordinary followers of Jesus through seven markers of spiritual maturity, showing how simple shifts in our Bible reading, prayer, community life, giving, service, and other biblical practices can connect us with God's work of reaching people with his love. You'll learn: Why true spiritual maturity will always lead believers outward to engage the world with the good news and truth of Jesus. How to overcome the common roadblocks and false narratives that stand in the way of spiritual maturity. How to design a personal pathway of growth to be more like Jesus in character and mission. Along with the Organic Disciples book, churches and individuals can utilize a free, self-directed online tool at OrganicOutreach.com to help each person identify where they are in their growth journey. Also look for eight-session small group curriculum—Organic Disciples Study Guide (9780310139089)—to take congregations and Christians deeper on this journey.
Discover the Life-Changing Relevance of the Old Testament Stepping Out in Faith The wisest of people learn from the successes and struggles of others. Since history repeats itself, looking back on the journey of God's people and learning from their victories and pitfalls is one of the most valuable things we can ever do. As we look closely at the highs and lows of Israel's history, we will discover lessons that will transform and shape both our present and our future. Part of the Old Testament Challenge series, this teaching guide and resource book helps you craft seven messages on what the history of Israel has to say about living by faith. As never before, your congregation will discover God's unyielding commitment to lead his people forward to his plan for their present and future. A Communicator's Toolkit for Teaching the Old Testament Having the right resources gives you a powerful edge in communicating the message of the Old Testament effectively in this media-driven, sensory-intensive culture. The Stepping Out in Faith Teaching Guide helps you connect with minds, imaginations, and hearts. Designed to maximize your connection and impact, it is a communicator's toolbox for teaching your congregation lessons from the four-part Old Testament Challenge series. *Historical, cultural, and geographical backgrounds unlock the meanings of Bible passages. Transport your listeners thousands of years into the past so they can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the ancient world. *Illustrations, humorous stories, and word pictures engage the imagination and emotions, bringing home the timeless message of the Old Testament with clarity and freshness. *Creative applications help listeners make the leap from learning Old Testament lessons to living the Christian life. The genius of this teaching guide is its flexibility. Customize your messages from a treasury of resources. This revolutionary tool provides up to sixteen categories of material for each message. No need to spend countless hours doing research---a wealth of ideas and resources lies at your fingertips! Creating a New Community Teaching Guide includes: *Creative Message Ideas *Heart of the Message *Heart of the Messenger *Historical Context Notes *Illustrations *Interpretive Insights *Life Applications *Narrative on Life *Narrative on the Text *New Testament Connections *On the Lighter Side *Pause for Prayer *Pause for Reflection *Quotable Quotes *Significant Scriptures *Word Studies Other Old Testament Challenge Teaching Guides 1---Creating a New Community: Life-Changing Stories from the Pentateuch (9 Sessions) 3---Developing a Heart for God: Life-Changing Lessons from the Wisdom Books (8 Sessions) 4---Pursuing Spiritual Authenticity: Life-Changing Words from the Prophets (8 Sessions)
Often we view prayer as an activity reserved for a certain time, in a certain place, offered in a specific way. Scripture invites us to pray continually. This exhortation is an opportunity for prayer to permeate every aspect of our lives--when we're alone or in a crowd, when it's quiet and when it's chaotic, when we feel like it and when we don't.? Organic Prayer shows us how to make continuous prayer a natural part of our lives rather than something on a spiritual checklist. It helps us encounter God in new ways as we learn to:? open our eyes to see his presence and the world around us? open our ears to hear his voice guiding us? open our hearts to experience freedom and power as we pray? and open our lives as we pray for and with others and shine the light of Jesus in our dark world? Anyone desiring a richer, more transformative prayer life will welcome this fresh take on conversing with our Creator.? Anyone hungering to share the grace and goodness of Jesus in our hurting and confused world will find practical ideas for world-changing prayer.
In the Organic Disciples Study Guide, Kevin and Sherry Harney walk ordinary followers of Jesus through seven markers of spiritual maturity, showing how simple shifts in our prayers, Bible reading, giving, and other practices can connect us with God's work of reaching people with his love.
Often we view prayer as an activity reserved for a certain time, in a certain place, offered in a specific way. But Scripture encourages us to pray continually. This exhortation is an opportunity for prayer to permeate every aspect of our lives--when we're alone or in a crowd, when it's quiet and when it's chaotic, when we feel like it and when we don't. Praying with Eyes Wide Open shows us how to make continuous prayer a natural part of our lives rather than something on our daily spiritual checklist. It helps us encounter God in new ways as we learn to - open our eyes to see his presence and the world around us - open our ears to hear his voice - open our hearts to experience freedom and power as we pray - and open our lives as we pray for and with others Anyone desiring a richer, more transformative prayer life will welcome this fresh take on conversing with our Creator.
Our lives are like lumps of clay on a potter's wheel. Form, function, and beauty appear as God, the Potter, shapes us with his hands. He is in the business of molding our common lives -- even the ugly parts -- into something wonderful! In Colossians, you and your small group will discover how to place your lives in the secure hands of God. If you long to experience newness of life, this study will point the way. If you desire to see God mold and shape your spiritual life, home, workplace, church, and relationships, Colossians will teach you the pathway to a whole new you.
Discover a strategy for becoming all God wants you to be. God has a plan for your liberation, and He has provided the power needed to put this plan into action. 6 SESSIONS
In this twelve-session video Bible study (DVD/video streaming sold separately), some of today's best-loved Christian authors and speakers look at the spiritual lessons learned from twelve women in the Bible and what they mean for you today. As you look at each of these women’s lives, you will discover how to: Apply biblical lessons to your own modern-day struggles. Live through your failures as well as your successes. Draw near to God in a world filled with trials. Find lasting contentment in every situation. Overcome rejection and insecurity . . . and much more. This fresh look at these women in the Bible will help you and your group discover new insights into God's character, persevere through difficult times, and find joy in the hope that Jesus provides. This study guide includes background information on each woman, group discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions. You’ll study the lives of . . . Proverbs 31 Woman: How Not to Do It All (Karen Ehman) Deborah: Fight Like a Girl (Bianca Juarez Olthoff) Shulamite Woman: We Had God at Hello (Lisa Harper) Ruth: Staying Focused in a World of Distractions (Chrystal Evans Hurst) Puah and Shiphrah: How to Fight Your Fears (Margaret Feinberg) Esther: Letting God Be in Control (Courtney Joseph) Priscilla: Living a Life of Blessed Ordinary (Karen Ehman) Mary and Martha: Finding Life in Death (Bianca Juarez Olthoff) Bent Woman: We've Got God's Complete Attention (Lisa Harper) Woman with the Issue of Blood: When Persistence Pays Off (Chrystal Evans Hurst) Elizabeth: How to Win the Waiting Game (Margaret Feinberg) Anna: How to Live a Life Devoted to God (Courtney Joseph) Designed for use with Twelve More Women of the Bible Video Study 9780310081487 (sold separately).
Through this small group Bible study, move beyond six tough hurdles: adversity, fear, apathy, greed, lust, and sorrow. As you unite the hope and insight of Scripture with the support of the people in your group, you'll find strength to overcome the things in your life you thought would never change. 6 SESSIONS
Extend the Compassion and Grace of Jesus Jesus came to serve, sacrifice, and die. His humble lifestyle flies in the face of the conventional wisdom of a society that is fixated on getting more and scraping our way to the top. Not only did the Savior model a life of extraordinary service, he called his followers to join him in this mission. In 2 Corinthians we find a pathway to Jesus-like living. Paul calls us to align our hearts and lives with the way of the Savior and offer authentic love, amazing grace, extravagant generosity, and humble service. As we do this, we are shaped into the image of the One who served so hard he ended up on a cross.
This study will help you recognize and cooperate with God's transforming influence in your life. You'll learn proven ways of responding to God's guidance that will keep you growing closer to Him.. 6 SESSIONS
You can develop your own evangelism style--one that fits your personality like a glove. Discover the meaning and importance of sharing your faith and learn the motivation and mind-set behind evangelism. (6 sessions)
If you're ready to experience the joy of true, deep community, this study will help you move beyond your fears into the realm of knowing others and being known by them. 6 SESSIONS
God wants you to walk confidently in your new identity in Christ, serving Him with joy and energy in your various roles. This study gives you a close-up view of these different roles and equips you with the sound biblical insights you need to fulfill them. (6 sessions)
In this five-session video-based small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), Christine Caine shares her compelling personal journey and offers insight into how anyone can overcome challenges and pain putting their trust in God. Using her dramatic story, well-known author and speaker Christine Caine illustrates how God rescued her from a life of abuse – where she was unnamed, unwanted, and unqualified – into a God-filled and faith-fueled life. This compelling curriculum offers life-transforming insights about how to overcome the challenges and often painful circumstances we all experience, and to use those experiences to be a catalyst for change – in ourselves and those around us. So what are you waiting for? Be the LOVE. Be the HOPE. Be the CHANGE this world needs! Sessions include: The CALL Be the LOVE Be the HOPE Be the CHANGE The CHALLENGE Designed for use with the Undaunted Video Study (sold separately).
Learn about various kinds of love, beginning with forms of love you'll recognize--and ending with a supernatural love so awesome it can utterly transform lives. (6 sessions)
This study will help you and your spouse draw insight from one another and from the other couples in your group to build the kind of close relationship you've always wanted. (6 sessions)
Jesus knows what an overwhelming incline feels like. He carried the cross up a hill and became our model of enduring faith. Through his example we can discover practices that serve as a source of spiritual fuel to help us when we face the steep hills of life.
Learn how you can forge strong, meaningful ties with others and with God. Find out how to move beyond superficial relationships and build lasting friendships. (6 sessions)
Life as a follower of Christ is not a fifty-yard dash. It's a marathon. God offers strength for the race, cold water to quench our thirst, and fresh legs when we grow weary. We never run alone. He is always right beside us cheering us on or ahead of us leading the way. Do you need energy and refreshment for the race of life? In Philippians, you will find all you need to run with strength and confidence. If you desire joy beyond measure, perseverance, a servant's heart, hope for the future, a peace beyond understanding, and lasting contentment, look no further than Philippians. New Community Series -- a high-impact tool for experiencing the transforming power of God's Word. This cutting-edge series lets you explore life-changing topics from a biblical perspective in community with others in your small group. Challenging questions encourage you to reflect on Scripture and its impact on your life, both as an individual and as part of a community of Christ followers.
Face the Tough Times with Confidence The question is not, “Will I face challenges?” The issue is, “How will I deal with the tough times that come my way?” No one travels far down the road without confronting the sobering reality that life can be hard. The book of Nehemiah is a case study in overcoming life’s challenges. Wave after wave of pain pounded on the shores of Nehemiah’s life, but he kept standing strong. A tsunami of relational, financial, and spiritual attacks came, but he withstood it all in the power of God. As we meditate on Nehemiah’s story, we discover the hope and victory that come when we walk in God’s wisdom through the challenges of life.
Satisfy the deepest longing of your heart -- God made us to run, jump, dance, and celebrate absolute freedom. Yet too often we feel bound by past failures, sin, and guilt. What will it take for the shackles to fall to the ground? Where can we find a freedom that no one can ever take away? In the book of Romans, God points you to the path of freedom. You will discover an inexhaustible, heavenly power to break the chains that bind you. You'll find forgiveness for all moral failures, a new future where all things are made right, and the joy of living in community with God's people. In Romans, you will walk the road of freedom that will set you truly free!
This volume of 6 studies will help you grow in your understanding of what it means to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
The Old Testament Challenge (OTC) is a turn-key program to help everyone in your church understand and apply the Old Testament. Participants experience the content in multiple contexts; through sermons, group discussions and personal devotions. This 32-week series is designed for churches to teach, study, and discuss the entire Old Testament over a 9-month period.
Gain insight into six roles Jesus filled -- man, teacher, physician, servant, shepherd, and king -- to steadily arrive at a better understanding of the character and person of Christ.. 6 SESSIONS
Learn to Pray with the Master If you could ask the first disciples, “What was the Savior’s secret to living in alignment with the Father’s will and with power to face life’s challenges,” they would have answered with one word, “Prayer!” As we learn to talk with the Father, we grow strong in faith and obedience. The Lord’s Prayer is much more than a collection of words to be recited from memory. It is a Jesus-given springboard to launch us into the refreshing waters of God’s wisdom and strength. When we learn to pray with Jesus, we become like him. Will you dare to echo the plea of the first disciples, “Teach us to pray”?
Where do we find hope, strength, and comfort? Through faith in Jesus we can be connected to the heart of the Father with inseparable love. Romans chapter eight contains a message of hope-filled optimism. We are loved children and our Father will never let go of us. Nothing can separate us from the love of God...nothing.
New Community Series is a high-impact tool for experiencing the transforming power of God s Word. This cutting-edge series lets you explore life-changing topics from a biblical perspective both as an individual and as part of a community of Christ followers. Challenging questions encourage you to reflect on Scripture and its impact on your life.
New Community Series is a high-impact tool for experiencing the transforming power of God's Word. This cutting-edge series lets you explore life-changing topics from a biblical perspective both as an individual and as part of a community of Christ followers. Challenging questions encourage you to reflect on Scripture and its impact on your life.
Identify the trappings of Christianity and trade them for a vibrant faith that integrates Christian values into your everyday life. Discover the inconsistent areas of your life, proven ways to align them with the teaching of the Bible, and find a new joy that comes from growing closer to God. (6 Sessions)
New Community Series is a high-impact tool for experiencing the transforming power of God's Word. This cutting-edge series lets you explore life-changing topics from a biblical perspective both as an individual and as part of a community of Christ followers. Challenging questions encourage you to reflect on Scripture and its impact on your life.
In this new six-session small group Bible study, The Divine Conspiracy, renowned teacher and writer Dallas Willard offers a timely and challenging call back to the true meaning of Christian discipleship.
Come Close and Meet the One Who Loves You How do you jog your memory and restore your vision of God? A fresh encounter! Look into the face of the Father and see him smile with delight as he gazes adoringly at you. Open your eyes and stand amazed at the glory and intricacies of creation and remember the vastness of God’s handiwork. Peek behind the veil of eternity and get a glimpse of heavenly worship and be swept into the party of praise. The book of Psalms opens our hearts and eyes to the presence, power, and character of God. In this ancient prayer book we discover how to connect with the One who loves us more than we dare to dream.
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.