grace bible church adult bible study...
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Grace Bible Church
Adult Bible Study Resources
The purpose of this resource is to provide studies which have been approved by our church
leadership. Each group is expected to cover at least one study from each category during the
group's lifecycle.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God) These studies teach us how to have a deeper more intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father
through worship and other spiritual disciplines.
"Get Connected" (relationship with other believers) These studies help us get connected with other believers within our church to develop healthy
relationships with those around us, and to lean better how to "be the church" God intends us to be
through serving one another.
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders) These studies show us how to care for people, who are not in our church, through missions, serving
outside the church and evangelism.
Rev: 012116
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God)
These studies teach us how to have a deeper more intimate
relationship with our Heavenly Father through worship and other
spiritual disciplines.
Rev: 012116
Adult Study Resources
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God) These studies teach us how to have a deeper more intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father through
worship and other spiritual disciplines.
You and Me Forever
Workbook: Marriage in
Light of Eternity
by Francis & Lisa Chan
Francis and Lisa challenge us to think differently about some of
the most important relationships in our lives. A jealous God asks
us to pursue Him first and most. The way to have a great
marriage is by not focusing on marriage.
The Principle of the
Path
by Andy Stanley
Why is it that so many people start out with a clear mental
picture of where they want to be relationally, financially, and
professionally and yet years later find themselves far from their
desired destination? The Principle of the Path not only explains
the disappointment and regret that characterize the lives of so
many, it provides a way for you to be the exception. This
compelling principle will empower you to identify and follow the
path that leads to your desired destination and enable you to
avoid life-wasting detours along the way.
Permission to Speak
Freely
by Andy Stanley
Could it be that there is more to prayer than we thought? In this
three-part series, Andy Stanley unpacks the words of Jesus to
help us understand what God had in mind when He gave us the
ability and the opportunity to talk to Him.
Respectable Sins
by Jerry Bridges
Navigator author Jerry Bridges addresses the "acceptable" sins
that we tend to tolerate in ourselves, including pride and anger.
He goes to the heart of the matter, exploring our feelings of
shame and grief and opening a new door to God's forgiveness
and grace.
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"Get Engaged" (relationship with God)
The Power of a
Whisper
by Bill Hybels
The Power of a Whisper, vision is cast for what life can look like
when God's followers choose to hear from heaven as they
navigate life on earth. Hybels promotes passion in Christ-
followers' hearts for being wide open to hearing from God, and
for getting gutsier about doing exactly what he says to do.
Forgotten God
by Francis Chan
Breakthrough author Francis Chan rips away paper and bows to
get at the true source of the church's power—the Holy Spirit.
Chan contends that we've ignored the Spirit for far too long, and
we are reaping the disastrous results. Thorough scriptural
support and compelling narrative form Chan's invitation to stop
and remember the One we've forgotten, the Spirit of the living
God.
Get Out of That Pit
by Beth Moore
Beth's journey out of the pit has been heart-rending. But from
this and the poetic expressions of Psalm 40 has come the
reward: a new song for her soul, given by her Savior and offered
to you here, friend to friend. This is Beth's most stirring message
yet of the sheer hope, utter deliverance...and complete and
glorious freedom of God.
Crazy Love
by Francis Chan
It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe loves us
with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is
our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to
cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not, we all know
something's wrong. And once you encounter His love, as Francis
describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you're
wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.
Sacred Rhythms
by Ruth Haley Barton
Spiritual disciplines are activities that open us to God's
transforming love and the changes that only God can bring about
in our lives. Picking up on the monastic tradition of creating a
"rule of life" that allows for regular space for the practice of the
spiritual disciplines, this book takes you more deeply into
understanding seven key disciplines along with practical ideas for
weaving them into everyday life.
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"Get Engaged" (relationship with God)
The Grace of God
by Andy Stanley
From the beginning, the church has had an uneasy relationship
with grace. The gravitational pull is always toward graceless
religion. The odd thing is that when you read the New
Testament, the only thing Jesus stood against consistently was
graceless religion. The only group he attacked relentlessly was
graceless religious leaders. The story of grace is your story. And
as you are about to discover grace plays a larger role than you
imagine.
The Good and Beautiful
God by James Bryan
Smith
"God wants me to try harder." "God blesses me when I'm good
and punishes me when I'm bad." "God is angry with me." We all
have ideas that we tell ourselves about God and how he works in
our lives. Some are true--but many are false. James Bryan Smith
believes those thoughts determine not only who we are, but
how we live. In fact, Smith declares, the most important thing
about a person is what they think about God. The path to
spiritual transformation begins here.
Discover the Mystery of
Faith: How Worship
Shapes Believing
by Glenn Packiam
What if the way we worship isn't just an expression of our faith,
but is what shapes our faith? When our worship becomes a rich
feast, our faith is nourished and no longer anemic. The more our
worship speaks of Christ, the more we enter into the mystery of
faith.
Dance Lessons
by Pete Briscoe
Jesus has invited us to a freedom dance, but many of us have
turned our faith into a march of soldiers. Christ offers us
freedom from the need to obnoxiously focus on our own
goodness. Religion, however, makes us obsess over rules and
attempt to make ourselves worthy of salvation by our own
merits. How can we live righteous lives for Christ without
allowing that righteousness to overwhelm our focus?
A Personal God
by Kerry Shook
Are you moving through life doing the best you can in your own
strength while at the same time longing for purpose and
fulfillment? In this life-changing series, Pastor Kerry explores the
mystery of the Trinity and helps you learn to enjoy true
fellowship with your creator.
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"Get Engaged" (relationship with God)
The Good and Beautiful
Life: Putting on the
Character of Christ
by James Bryan Smith
"I have never met a person whose goal was to ruin his or her life.
We all want to be happy, and we want it all of the time." So
begins James Bryan Smith in The Good and Beautiful Life. The
problem is, he tells us, we have bought into false notions of
happiness and success. These self-centered decisions lead us
further into the vices that cause ruin: anger, lust, lying, worry
and judging. Eventually we find ourselves living a beautifully
packaged life of self-destruction.
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges
“Be holy, for I am holy,” commands God. But holiness is
something that is often missed in the Christian’s daily life.
According to Navigator author Jerry Bridges, that’s because
we’re not exactly sure what our part in holiness is. In The Pursuit
of Holiness, he helps us see clearly just what we should rely on
God to do―and what we should take responsibility for
ourselves.
Knowing God
by J.I. Packer
Over the past twenty years J.I. Packer's classic has revealed to
over a million Christians the world over the wonder, the glory,
and the joy of KNOWING GOD. This study guide helps groups of
Christians to understand and apply the essential truths of
KNOWING GOD.
Erasing Hell: What God
Said About Eternity,
and the Things We've
Made Up
by Francis Chan,
Preston Sprinkle
Erasing Hell takes on the topic of hell and our eternal destiny,
with a sense of humility and a deep respect for the inspired
Word of God. They will address questions such as "Will everyone
be saved?" and "Does God Get What He Wants in the End?" as
well as reviewing in depth, everything Jesus said about Hell. Chan
and Sprinkle lay all the evidence on the table and present all the
facts from Scripture, so that people can decide what to believe
for themselves.
A Quest For More
by Paul David Tripp
Paul David Tripp expertly traverses the deepest recesses of the
human heart and compassionately invites fellow Christian
travelers to journey with him into God s bigger kingdom. The
author promises readers that they will be encouraged, excited,
and motivated by hope as they learn how to set aside their little
kingdom attachments which can expertly masquerade within the
church as Christian activism, legalism, emotionalism, formalism,
creedalism, and externalism; in favor of God s expansive and soul
freeing eternal quest.
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"Get Engaged" (relationship with God)
The Gospel Project
by Lifeway Church
The Gospel Project for Adults takes men and women on a Christ-
centered journey through the storyline of Scripture. With each
session, participants will encounter God’s plan of redemption in
Scripture through study of Bible narrative, the essential doctrines
of the faith, and the call to join in God’s mission locally and
around the world.
Gospel Revolution
by J.D. Greear
You may understand the gospel. But you have let it completely
redefine your life? Through this discipleship experience, group
members will come to understand how to let the Gospel work in
their heads the way religion never has...or could.
When God's People
Pray
by Jim Cymbala
Prayer can change lives and circumstances like nothing else can.
What are the keys that unlock its power, that turn prayer from a
mere activity into a vital link with God and all his resources? In
this DVD, Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, shows
you and your small group truths about prayer that God has used
to turn his own church from a tiny, struggling inner-city
congregation into a vital, thriving community of believers who
pray with passion, focus, and faith.
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire
by Jim Cymbala
Pastor Jim Cymbala believes that Jesus wants to renew his
people―to call us back from spiritual dead ends, apathy, and
lukewarm religion. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire shows what the Holy
Spirit can do when believers get serious about prayer and the
Gospel.
Good to Great In God's
Eyes
by Chip Ingram
Are you tired of the status quo Christian life? Do you long for a
spiritual breakthrough? Are you looking to go to the next level or
get a fresh infusion of faith and spiritual passion? Great
Christians live out their faith with purpose. In Mark 10:43, Jesus
says, whoever wants to become great must...Must what? You'll
explore the idea that there are certain practices available to
every believer at every maturity level to move us from good to
great...in God's Eyes.
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"Get Engaged" (relationship with God)
Why I believe
by Chip Ingram
What happens when we die? Can miracles be explained? Is there
really a God? Answers to questions such as varied as they are
confusing, and spring from a variety of mystical belief systems.
But the fact is, we can know the truth. There are solid, logical
answers to satisfy the heart and mind of those who are seeking.
Philippians: To
Live Is Christ
to Die Is Gain
by Matt
Chandler
Using Paul's radical letter to the Philippians as his road map, Matt Chandler forsakes the trendy to invite readers into authentic Christian maturity. Chandler offers tangible ways to develop a faith of pursuing, chasing, knowing, and loving Jesus. Because if we clean up our lives but don't get Jesus,
we've lost! So let the goal be Him.
Ruthless Trust
by: Brennan
Manning
In his sequel to The Ragamuffin Gospel bestselling author Brennan Manning shows how true and radical trust in God can transform our lives.
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"Get Connected" (relationship with other believers)
These studies help us get connected with other believers within our church to develop healthy relationships with those around
us, and to lean better how to "be the church" God intends us to
be through serving one another.
Rev: 012116
Adult Study Resources
"Get Connected" (relationship with other believers) These studies help us get connected with other believers within our church to develop healthy relationships with
those around us, and to lean better how to "be the church" God intends us to be through serving one another.
Unglued: Making Wise
Choices in the Midst of
Raw Emotions
by Lysa TerKeurst
God gave us emotions to experience life, not destroy it! Unglued
will equip you to: Know with confidence how to resolve conflict
in your important relationships. Find peace in your most difficult
relationships as you learn to be honest but kind when offended.
Gain a deep sense of calm by responding to situations out of
your control without acting out of control.
Loving Our Kids On
Purpose
by Danny Silk
Loving Our Kids on Purpose combines the principles of the
Kingdom of God and revival to form a powerful strategy for
parents. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2
Corinthians 3:17). Loving Our Kids on Purpose introduces
paradigms, perceptions, skills, and ideas that will help parents
reduce fear by eliminating the tool of punishment and
strengthening the core character of their children by
empowering their self-control and value for their relationship
with their parents.
Five Things God Uses to
Grow Your Faith
by Andy Stanley
Imagine how different your outlook on life would be if you had
absolute confidence that God was with you. Imagine how
differently you would respond to difficulties, temptations, and
even good things if you knew with certainty that God was in all
of it and was planning to leverage it for good.
Groups
by John Ortberg
Community is God's idea. Step by step, this study will challenge
and encourage you to explore the amazing potential for growth
found in authentic relationships. You'll study the true nature of
friendship. The power of paying attention. The path to intimacy.
The encouragement of being for one another. You'll learn what it
means to live out these and other simple but vital truths for
being all you are, giving all you've got, and receiving all you need
as a member of God's dynamic community, the church.
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"Get Connected" (relationship with other believers)
The Ragamuffin Gospel
by Brennan Manning
Most of us believe in God's grace—in theory. But somehow we
can't seem to apply it in our daily lives. We continue to see Him
as a small-minded bookkeeper, tallying our failures and
successes on a score sheet. Yet God gives us His grace, willingly,
no matter what we've done. We come to Him as ragamuffins—
dirty, bedraggled, and beat-up. And when we sit at His feet, He
smiles upon us, the chosen objects of His "furious
love."
Love, Sex, and Lasting
Relationships
by Chip Ingram
Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships, helps readers walk a path to
true love that is more fulfilling than they ever imagined. "There's
a better way to find love, stay in love, and grow in intimacy for a
lifetime," says Chip Ingram. It's God's way. Whether single or
married, happy or searching for hope, readers will discover that
by following God's prescription, they can create a love that lasts.
A love that can be enjoyed.
Ruthless Trust
by Brennan Manning
In his sequel to The Ragamuffin Gospel bestselling author
Brennan Manning shows how true and radical trust in God can
transform our lives.
Love & Respect
by Dr. Emerson
Eggerichs
A wife has one driving need to feel loved. When that need is
met, she is happy. A husband has one driving need to feel
respected. When that need is met, he is happy. When either of
these needs isn't met, things get crazy. Love and Respect reveals
why spouses react negatively to each other, and how they can
deal with such conflict quickly, easily, and biblically.
The 5 Love Languages
by Gary Chapman
By learning the five love languages, you and your spouse will
discover your unique love languages and learn practical steps in
truly loving each other. Chapters are categorized by love
language for easy reference, and each one ends with specific,
simple steps to express a specific language to your spouse and
guide your marriage in the right direction.
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"Get Connected" (relationship with other believers)
For Men Only
by Shaunti & Jeff
Feldhahn
For Men Only, Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn reveal the eye-opening
truths and simple acts that will radically improve your
relationship with the woman you love. Now updated with the
latest scientific research to explain the fabulous female brain
plus an all-new chapter that shows how to decode her most
baffling behavior, For Men Only is your roadmap to making her
happy.
“ 40 D ays o f L o v e”
by Rick Warren
Loving God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself
were Jesus' priorities while here on earth. Learn to love like Jesus
- with patience, kindness, truth, and forgiveness.
The Good and Beautiful
Community: Following
the Spirit, Extending
Grace, Demonstrating
Love
by James Bryan Smith
Acknowledging that Christians tend to emphasize personal faith
over social justice, or vice versa, Smith shows how to bring
spiritual formation and community engagement together---
learning to live in relationship with others as apprentices of
Christ and impacting the world in which we live.
Beyond the Band Aid
by Kerry Shook
Cuts, bruises and scrapes are a part of life. Every one is unique
with its own story. What's amazing is how fast they seem to heal.
But, what about the "relationship" cuts, bruises and scrapes that
need far more attention - the ones we want healed, but they
never seem to? This powerful two-part series by Pastor Kerry will
help us learn how to move "Beyond the Band-Aide" and discover
true healing that will result in lasting and fulfilling relationships.
Angry Words
by Kerry Shook
In this eye opening 2-part series about conflict, Pastor Kerry
reveals how anger can either destroy the bonds that hold
relationships together, or it can be a building block that makes
them stronger. Learn to fight fair and speak the truth in love.
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"Get Connected" (relationship with other believers)
The Relationship
Principles of Jesus
by Tom Holladay
What would you give to radically improve, even transform, what
matters most in your relationships? How about forty days of
your time? In forty days, bring new depth and health to your
marriage, your family, and your friendships. Six weeks to explore
and implement six foundational principles that Jesus taught and
lived. You’ll be equipped with insights and a practical path for
fulfilling God’s intention for all your relationships―even the
difficult ones.
The Good and Beautiful
Life: Putting on the
Character of Christ
by James Bryan Smith
"I have never met a person whose goal was to ruin his or her life.
We all want to be happy, and we want it all of the time." So
begins James Bryan Smith in The Good and Beautiful Life. The
problem is, he tells us, we have bought into false notions of
happiness and success. These self-centered decisions lead us
further into the vices that cause ruin: anger, lust, lying, worry
and judging. Eventually we find ourselves living a beautifully
packaged life of self-destruction.
Resolving Everyday
Conflict
by Peacemaker
Ministries
Resolving Everyday Conflict is an eight-lesson study that unpacks
the amazing things the Bible has to say about conflict and
relationships. As you go through this study, you'll find the
powerful and practical answers you are looking for to forever
change how conflict looks in your life.
Peacemaker
by Ken Sande
Experience the healing power of biblical peacemaking as you
learn to apply scriptural principles to conflict in the world around
you. Parse the elements of arguments and begin to see that
there's not really any difference that can't be overcome with the
right perspective. It's practical guidance for resolving all types of
conflict and hope for relationships you thought were
unsalvageable.
It Starts at Home
by Matt Chandler
Our children can grow up smart, athletic, popular and polite but
lack a vibrant relationship with Christ. The few hours they spend
in church each week can be helpful, but it cannot nurture a faith
in our kids that will withstand the trials that are on the horizon.
Church alone cannot teach them, we must start at home. But
many parents feel ill equipped to develop the faith of their
children.
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"Get Connected" (relationship with other believers)
One.Life
by Scot McKnight
What does it look like to follow Jesus, and how will doing so
change the way we live our life—our love.life, our justice.life, our
peace.life, our community.life, our sex.life—everything about
our life. One.Life will open your eyes to the full, compelling
immensity of what it means to be a Christian. “Jesus offers to us
a kingdom dream that transforms us to the very core of our
being,” says Scot McKnight.
No Perfect People
Allowed
by John Burke
This study shows you how to deconstruct the five main barriers
standing between emerging generations and your church by
creating the right culture. What makes this book both unique
and extremely helpful is that it is filled with real-life stories of
post-Christian people becoming followers of Jesus—not just
statistics or data about them.”
Life's Healing Choices
by John Baker
The road to spiritual maturity is paved with life-changing
decisions. Travel toward wholeness, growth, and freedom by
following Jesus' signposts along the way! Drawing on the
Beatitudes, Baker reveals eight positive principles to guide you in
making wise choices---leading to hope, healing, and happiness.
Discover how to admit your needs, let go, repair relationships,
and more.
Effective Parenting In A
Defective World
by Chip Ingram
In this day and age, children face a far more defective world than
the children of previous decades. Parents are left helpless, as
every godly principle of this defective world. But the truth is, God
has a plan for effectively raising your children and you can learn
it. Chip Ingram shares the life lessons from his personal
experience of raising four children. He describes his failures and
the challenges of teenage rebellion. And he teaches the
principles for successful parenting as revealed through God's
Word.
The Gospel Project
by Lifeway Church
The Gospel Project for Adults takes men and women on a Christ-
centered journey through the storyline of Scripture. With each
session, participants will encounter God’s plan of redemption in
Scripture through study of Bible narrative, the essential doctrines
of the faith, and the call to join in God’s mission locally and
around the world.
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"Get Connected" (relationship with other believers)
S.H.A.P.E.
by Erik Rees
Erik Rees helps you discover God’s unique purpose for your life
based on the way God has shaped you. He made you
marvelously unique for a reason.
Philippians: To
Live Is Christ
to Die Is Gain
by Matt
Chandler
Using Paul's radical letter to the Philippians as his road map, Matt Chandler forsakes the trendy to invite readers into authentic Christian maturity. Chandler offers tangible ways
to develop a faith of pursuing, chasing, knowing, and loving
Jesus. Because if we clean up our lives but don't get Jesus,
we've lost! So let the goal be Him.
Rev: 012116
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
These studies show us how to care for people, who are not in our church, through missions, serving outside the church and
evangelism.
Rev: 012116
Adult Study Resources
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders) These studies show us how to care for people, who are not in our church, through missions, serving outside the
church and evangelism.
Blue Like Jazz
by Donald Miller
In Donald Miller's early years, he was vaguely familiar with a
distant God. But when he came to know Jesus Christ, he pursued
the Christian life with great zeal. Within a few years he had a
successful ministry that ultimately left him feeling empty, burned
out, and, once again, far away from God. Miller describes his
remarkable journey back to a culturally relevant, infinitely loving
God. Blue Like Jazz is a fresh and original perspective on life,
love, and redemption.
Just Walk Across the
Room
by Bill Hybels
What if you knew that by simply crossing the room and saying
hello to someone, you could change that person's forever? All
you need is a heart that's in tune with the Holy Spirit and a
willingness to venture out of your 'Circle of Comfort' and into
another person's life. Just Walk Across the Room brings personal
evangelism into the twenty-first century.
Start Becoming a Good
Samaritan
by Michael Seaton with
John Ortberg
What does it take to 'love your neighbor' in a global community?
Becoming a Good Samaritan—an unprecedented initiative to
help Christians live out Christ's love in world-changing ways right
where they live. This study takes Christians out of the pews and
into the streets where, as the hands and feet of Christ, they will
live out the gospel, positively impacting those suffering from
poverty, social injustice, pandemic diseases, and more.
Like Your Neighbor?
By Stephen W.
Sorenson
The Bible tells us that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves--
but do we like our neighbors? Do we take the time to build
relationships with people who are not Christians? This book is
about sharing your faith--and much more. Your relationships can
have eternal impact and enrich your life too!
Roaring Lambs
by Robert Briner
Christians can and ought to be the movers and shakers of social
change—'roaring lambs' who infiltrate and make an impact on
their workplace and world with their faith. Roaring Lambs was
written from Briner's personal experience as an Emmy Award-
winning television producer. It takes you into the work world
strategies anyone can use.
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"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Follow
by Andy Stanley
Regardless of what you believe, regardless of how you behave,
Jesus invites you to . . . follow.
Nehemiah
by Kelly Minter
Nehemiah's heart was so broken for those in need that he left
the comfort of his Persian palace to help them. You'll find
authentic Bible teaching, recipes, and a relational approach.
Nehemiah also includes seven video sessions and real-life ways
to put feet to your faith. Are you ready to let God break your
heart for a hurting, lost world and move you in compassion to be
the hands and feet of Jesus?
Conversation Peace
by Mary A. Kassian
Mary Kassian masterfully presents the biblical principles to help
women revolutionize their speech habits and improve their
relationships by focusing on ways to positively avoid sharing
gossip, throwing negative barbs, or snapping sarcastic replies
throughout everyday life.
Abba's Child
by Brennan Manning
Many Christians feel broken and angry but don't think they can
express these real feelings around others—or to God. So we put
on a mask to hide our identity. Author Brennan Manning
encourages you to let go of this stressful, unreal impostor
lifestyle and freely accept your identity as a child of God. Find the
rest that you long for as you grow in character and accept His
lordship.
I Am Church
by Louie Giglio
Jesus loves the Church. Established and redeemed by Christ, the
Church is an avenue through which He reveals Himself and is the
foundation on which He displays His glory.
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"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Sharing Life
by Pete Briscoe
The prospect of evangelism scares many of us. We know that we
should tell others about Jesus, but don't always feel comfortable
doing so. Have you ever tried to share your faith but felt more
like you were giving a sales pitch or struggling to remember
apologetic facts and verses? What if our approach to sharing the
gospel has been misguided all this time?
The Reasons for God
by Tim Keller
Timothy Keller, addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics and
non-believers bring to religion. Keller explains how the belief in a
Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true
believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand against the
backlash toward religion spawned by the Age of Skepticism. And
to skeptics, atheists, and agnostics he provides a challenging
argument for pursuing the reason for God.
Gospel in Life: Grace
Changes Everything
by Tim Keller
This study is about the gospel and how to live it out in everyday
life. In week one you and your group will study the city, your
home now, the world that is. Week eight closes with the theme
of the eternal city, your heavenly home, the world that is to
come. In between you'll learn how the gospel can change your
heart, your community, and how you live in this world.
Why Jesus?
by David Nassar
Culture is blurring the lines between different faiths. David
Nasser addresses the tough questions that people have about
Jesus and points them back to the scriptural truths about our
Savior. Filmed on location all throughout Israel and includes
teaching from Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, the
Garden of Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives and the Mount of
the Beatitudes.
No Plan B
by Todd Phillips
War, poverty, despair … the world's problems seem
overwhelming. Where do we even start? Bono, Oprah and other
celebrities have the resources to make a difference … should we
just leave it up to them? Or does God have a role for each of us?
Todd Phillips travels to Rwanda and the Republic of Congo to
explore how he will make a difference to people looking for hope
and help. Todd uses Biblical teaching to reveal the important role
God has for each of us to rescue the world.
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"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
When Helping Hurts
by Brian Fikkert
When Helping Hurts is a paradigm-forming contemporary classic
on the subject of poverty alleviation. Rather than simply looking
at the economics, it looks at the poverty of relationships
between man and God, man and man, man and creation, and
man and self. Utilizing free, online video lessons set both in
Africa and the United States, the Small Group Experience is the
ideal resource for small groups, Sunday school classes,
parachurch and non-profit ministries, ministry training, and even
individuals.
The Good and Beautiful
Community: Following
the Spirit, Extending
Grace, Demonstrating
Love
by James Bryan Smith
Acknowledging that Christians tend to emphasize personal faith
over social justice, or vice versa, Smith shows how to bring
spiritual formation and community engagement together---
learning to live in relationship with others as apprentices of
Christ and impacting the world in which we live.
Apologetics
by Matt Chandler
Matt Chandler provides powerful teaching from Scripture and
helps people understand why believing in God and the Bible is
not only reasonable, but also essential. And that's what
apologetics is all about. Knowing what you believe and why you
believe it, and then being able to share with others why you
think your beliefs are reasonable.
One.Life
by Scot McKnight
What does it look like to follow Jesus, and how will doing so
change the way we live our life—our love.life, our justice.life, our
peace.life, our community.life, our sex.life—everything about
our life. One.Life will open your eyes to the full, compelling
immensity of what it means to be a Christian. “Jesus offers to us
a kingdom dream that transforms us to the very core of our
being,” says Scot McKnight.
No Perfect People
Allowed
by John Burke
No Perfect People
Allowed shows you how to deconstruct the five
main barriers standing between emerging generations and your
church by creating the right culture. What makes this book both
unique and extremely helpful is that it is filled with real-life
stories of post-Christian people becoming followers of Jesus—
not just statistics or data about them.”
Rev: 012116
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Mud And The
Masterpiece
by John Burke
The reason “sinners” ran from the religious, yet ran to Jesus had
everything to do with his heart’s attitude toward people. Unlike
the Pharisees, who could only see the mud of sin, Jesus saw a
masterpiece under the mud that was so valuable, he was willing
to give his life to restore messy people to the original work of art
he created them to be. This insightful book encourages readers
to see the masterpiece beneath the mud in everyone.
Lead Like Jesus
by Ken Blanchard & Phil
Hodges
With simple yet profound principles from the life of Jesus and
dozens of stories and leadership examples from his life Ken
Blanchard guides readers through the process of discovering how
to lead like Jesus. He describes it as the process of aligning two
internal domains-the heart and the head-and two external
domains-the hands and the habits. These four dimensions of
leadership form the outline for this very practical and
transformational book.
Work As Worship
by Mark Russell
The time has come for us to see a purpose for business that goes
beyond money and that has a vision for this economy that goes
even beyond this earth. This study opens our collective eyes to
the spiritual nature and mission of our daily work. Work as
Worship creates a space for ongoing community and
conversation on these important issues.
The Gospel Project
by Lifeway Church
The Gospel Project for Adults takes men and women on a Christ-
centered journey through the storyline of Scripture. With each
session, participants will encounter God’s plan of redemption in
Scripture through study of Bible narrative, the essential doctrines
of the faith, and the call to join in God’s mission locally and
around the world.
Life On Mission
A Simple Way to Share
the Gospel
by Lifeway Church
Approximately 259 million people in the United States and
Canada do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Living a life on mission is the story of everyday, ordinary
believers leveraging whatever levels of influence they have to
bring unbelievers to faith in Christ. This five-session Bible study
will not make you into an evangelist. However, it will invite you
to connect with God's mission and equip you with tools to live a
life that matters.
Rev: 012116
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
The Gospel According
to JONAH
A New Kind Of
Obedience
by J.D. Greear
This study invites group participants into a world fraught with
missteps, disobedience, idolatry, and mistaken "identity." It's a
world most of us would recognize in our own lives. But in the
world of Jonah, we also get more than a foreshadowing of Jesus
and a God that pursues us relentlessly. Through this study,
individual participants can recognize the "Jonah" in themselves
and channel this revelation into a greater passion for asking
others into the same assurance.
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Books of the Bible
If you are going to study a particular book of the bible you can use this section to determin which category each book would
respresent.
Rev: 012116
Adult Study Resources
Old Testament - Books of the Bible
Genesis
Genesis speaks of beginnings and is foundational to
the understanding of the rest of the Bible. It is
supremely a book that speaks about relationships,
highlighting those between God and his creation,
between God and humankind, and between human
beings.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
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Exodus
Exodus describes the history of the Israelites
leaving Egypt after slavery. The book lays a
foundational theology in which God reveals his
name, his attributes, his redemption, his law and
how he is to be worshiped.
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"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Leviticus
Leviticus receives its name from the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old
Testament) and means "concerning the Levites"
(the priests of Israel). It serves as a manual of
regulations enabling the holy King to set up his
earthly throne among the people of his kingdom. It
explains how they are to be his holy people and to
worship him in a holy manner.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
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Numbers
Numbers relates the story of Israel's journey from
Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab on the border of
Canaan. The book tells of the murmuring and
rebellion of God's people and of their subsequent
judgment.
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Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy ("repetition of the Law") serves as a reminder to God's people about His covenant. The
book is a "pause" before Joshua's conquest begins
and a reminder of what God required.
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Joshua
Joshua is a story of conquest and fulfillment for the
people of God. After many years of slavery in Egypt
and 40 years in the desert, the Israelites were
finally allowed to enter the land promised to their
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
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Rev: 012116
Old Testament - Books of the Bible
Judges
The book of Judges depicts the life of Israel in the
Promised Land—from the death of Joshua to the
rise of the monarchy. It tells of urgent appeals to
God in times of crisis and apostasy, moving the
Lord to raise up leaders (judges) through whom He
throws off foreign oppressors and restores the land
to peace.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers)
Ruth
The book of Ruth has been called one of the best
examples of short narrative ever written. It
presents an account of the remnant of true faith
and piety in the period of the judges through the
fall and restoration of Naomi and her daughter-in-
law Ruth (an ancestor of King David and Jesus).
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
1 Samuel
Samuel relates God's establishment of a political
system in Israel headed by a human king. Through
Samuel's life, we see the rise of the monarchy and
the tragedy of its first king, Saul.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
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2 Samuel
After the failure of King Saul, 2 Samuel depicts
David as a true (though imperfect) representative
of the ideal theocratic king. Under David's rule the
Lord caused the nation to prosper, to defeat its
enemies, and to realize the fulfillment of His
promises.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers)
1 Kings
1 Kings continues the account of the monarchy in
Israel and God's involvement through the
prophets. After David, his son Solomon ascends the
throne of a united kingdom, but this unity only
lasts during his reign. The book explores how each
subsequent king in Israel and Judah answers God's
call—or, as often happens, fails to listen.
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2 Kings
2 Kings carries the historical account of Judah and
Israel forward. The kings of each nation are judged
in light of their obedience to the covenant with
God. Ultimately, the people of both nations are
exiled for disobedience.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
1 Chronicles
Just as the author of Kings had organized and
interpreted Israel's history to address the needs of
the exiled community, so the writer of 1 Chronicles
wrote for the restored community another history.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
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Rev: 012116
Old Testament - Books of the Bible
2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles continues the account of Israel's
history with an eye for restoration of those who
had returned from exile.
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Ezra
The book of Ezra relates how God's covenant
people were restored from Babylonian exile to the
covenant land as a theocratic (kingdom of God)
community even while continuing under foreign
rule.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Nehemiah
Closely related to the book of Ezra, Nehemiah
chronicles the return of this "cupbearer to the
king" and the challenges he and the other Israelites
face in their restored homeland.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Esther
Esther records the institution of the annual festival
of Purim through the historical account of Esther, a
Jewish girl who becomes queen of Persia and saves
her people from destruction.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Job
Through a series of monologues, the book of Job
relates the account of a righteous man who suffers
under terrible circumstances. The book's profound
insights, its literary structures, and the quality of its
rhetoric display the author's genius.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Psalms
The Psalms are collected songs and poems that represent centuries worth of praises and prayers to
God on a number of themes and circumstances.
The Psalms are impassioned, vivid and concrete;
they are rich in images, in simile and metaphor.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
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Proverbs
Proverbs was written to give "prudence to the
simple, knowledge and discretion to the young,"
and to make the wise even wiser. The frequent
references to "my son(s)" emphasize instructing
the young and guiding them in a way of life that
yields rewarding results.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers)
Ecclesiastes
The author of Ecclesiastes puts his powers of wisdom to work to examine the human experience
and assess the human situation. His perspective is
limited to what happens "under the sun" (as is that
of all human teachers).
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Rev: 012116
Old Testament - Books of the Bible
Song of
Solomon
In ancient Israel everything human came to
expression in words: reverence, gratitude, anger,
sorrow, suffering, trust, friendship, commitment. In
the Song of Solomon, it is love that finds words–
inspired words that disclose its exquisite charm and
beauty as one of God's choicest gifts.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers)
Isaiah
Isaiah son of Amoz is often thought of as the
greatest of the writing prophets. His name means
"The Lord saves." Isaiah is a book that unveils the
full dimensions of God's judgment and salvation.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Jeremiah
This book preserves an account of the prophetic
ministry of Jeremiah, whose personal life and
struggles are shown to us in greater depth and
detail than those of any other Old Testament
prophet.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers)
Lamentations
Lamentations consists of a series of poetic and
powerful laments over the destruction of
Jerusalem (the royal city of the Lord's kingdom) in
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Ezekiel
The Old Testament in general and the prophets in
particular presuppose and teach God's sovereignty
over all creation and the course of history. And
nowhere in the Bible are God's initiative and
control expressed more clearly and pervasively
than in the book of the prophet Ezekiel.
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Daniel
Daniel captures the major events in the life of the prophet Daniel during Israel's exile. His life and
visions point to God's plans of redemption and
sovereign control of history.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers)
Hosea
The prophet Hosea son of Beeri lived in the tragic final days of the northern kingdom. His life served
as a parable of God's faithfulness to an unfaithful
Israel.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers)
Rev: 012116
Joel
The prophet Joel warned the people of Judah
about God's coming judgment—and the coming
restoration and blessing that will come through
repentance.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God)
Rev: 012116
Old Testament - Books of the Bible Amos
Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah over
Judah (792-740 B.C.) and Jeroboam II over Israel
(793-753).
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Obadiah
The prophet Obadiah warned the proud people of Edom about the impending judgment coming upon
them.
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Jonah
Jonah is unusual as a prophetic book in that it is a
narrative account of Jonah's mission to the city of
Nineveh, his resistance, his imprisonment in a great
fish, his visit to the city, and the subsequent
outcome.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Micah
Micah prophesied sometime between 750 and 686
B.C. during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and
Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Israel was in an apostate
condition. Micah predicted the fall of her capital,
Samaria, and also foretold the inevitable desolation
of Judah.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Nahum
The book contains the "vision of Nahum," whose
name means "comfort." The focal point of the
entire book is the Lord's judgment on Nineveh for
her oppression, cruelty, idolatry, and wickedness.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
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Habakkuk
Little is known about Habakkuk except that he was
a contemporary of Jeremiah and a man of vigorous
faith. The book bearing his name contains a
dialogue between the prophet and God concerning
injustice and suffering.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God)
Zephaniah
The prophet Zephaniah was evidently a person of
considerable social standing in Judah and was
probably related to the royal line. The intent of the
author was to announce to Judah God's
approaching judgment.
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Rev: 012116
Haggai
Haggai was a prophet who, along with Zechariah,
encouraged the returned exiles to rebuild the
temple. His prophecies clearly show the
consequences of disobedience. When the people
give priority to God and his house, they are
blessed rather than cursed.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers)
Rev: 012116
Old Testament - Books of the Bible
Zechariah
Like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Zechariah was not only a
prophet, but also a member of a priestly family.
The chief purpose of Zechariah (and Haggai) was to
rebuke the people of Judah and to encourage and
motivate them to complete the rebuilding of the
temple.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Malachi
Malachi, whose name means "my messenger,"
spoke to the Israelites after their return from exile.
The theological message of the book can be
summed up in one sentence: The Great King will
come not only to judge his people, but also to bless
and restore them.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers)
Rev: 012116
Adult Study Resources
New Testament - Books of the Bible
Matthew
Matthew's main purpose in writing his Gospel is
to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their
Messiah. He does this primarily by showing how
Jesus in his life and ministry fulfilled the Old
Testament Scriptures.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
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Mark
Since Mark's Gospel is traditionally associated
with Rome, it may have been occasioned by the
persecutions of the Roman church in the period
c. A.D. 64-67. Mark may be writing to prepare his
readers for such suffering by placing before them
the life of our Lord.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Luke
Luke's Gospel was written to strengthen the faith
of all believers and to answer the attacks of
unbelievers. It was presented to debunk some
disconnected and ill-founded reports about Jesus.
Luke wanted to show that the place of the
Gentile (non-Jewish) Christian in God's kingdom
is based on the teaching of Jesus.
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John
John's Gospel is rather different from the other
three, highlighting events not detailed in the
others. The author himself states his main
purpose clearly in 20:31: "that you may believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that
by believing you may have life in his name."
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Acts
The book of Acts provides a bridge for the
writings of the New Testament. As a second
volume to Luke's Gospel, it joins what Jesus
"began to do and to teach" as told in the Gospels
with what he continued to do and teach through
the apostles' preaching and the establishment of
the church.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God),
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Romans
Paul's primary theme in Romans is presenting the
gospel, God's plan of salvation and righteousness
for all humankind, Jew and non-Jew alike.
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Rev: 012116
New Testament - Books of the Bible
1 Corinthians
The first letter to the Corinthians revolves around
the theme of problems in Christian conduct in
the church. It thus has to do with progressive
sanctification, the continuing development of a
holy character. Obviously Paul was personally
concerned with the Corinthians' problems,
revealing a true pastor's (shepherd's) heart.
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2 Corinthians
Because of the occasion that prompted this
letter, Paul had a number of purposes in mind: to
express the comfort and joy Paul felt because the
Corinthians had responded favorably to his
painful letter; to let them know about the trouble
he went through in the province of Asia; and to
explain to them the true nature (its joys,
sufferings and rewards) and high calling of
Christian ministry.
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"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
"Get Going" (influence with outsiders)
Galatians
Galatians stands as an eloquent and vigorous
apologetic for the essential New Testament truth
that people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ—
by nothing less and nothing more—and that they
are sanctified not by legalistic works but by the
obedience that comes from faith in God's work
for them.
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"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
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Ephesians
Unlike several of the other letters Paul wrote,
Ephesians does not address any particular error
or heresy. Paul wrote to expand the horizons of
his readers, so that they might understand better
the dimensions of God's eternal purpose and
grace and come to appreciate the high goals God
has for the church.
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Philippians
Paul's primary purpose in writing this letter was
to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent
him upon learning of his detention at Rome.
However, he makes use of this occasion to fulfill
several other desires: (1) to report on his own
circumstances; (2) to encourage the Philippians
to stand firm in the face of persecution and
rejoice regardless of circumstances; and (3) to
exhort them to humility and unity.
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Rev: 012116
New Testament - Books of the Bible
Colossians
Paul's purpose is to refute the Colossian heresy.
To accomplish this goal, he exalts Christ as the
very image of God, the Creator, the preexistent
sustainer of all things, the head of the church, the
first to be resurrected, the fullness of deity (God)
in bodily form, and the reconciler.
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1 Thessalonians
Although the thrust of the letter is varied, the
subject of eschatology (doctrine of last things)
seems to be predominant in both Thessalonian
letters. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians ends
with a reference to the second coming of Christ.
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2 Thessalonians
Since the situation in the Thessalonian church has
not changed substantially, Paul's purpose in
writing is very much the same as in his first letter
to them. He writes (1) to encourage persecuted
believers, (2) to correct a misunderstanding
concerning the Lord's return, and (3) to exhort
the Thessalonians to be steadfast and to work for
a living.
"Get Engaged" (relationship with God)
1 Timothy
During his fourth missionary journey, Paul had
instructed Timothy to care for the church at
Ephesus while he went on to Macedonia. When
he realized that he might not return to Ephesus in
the near future, he wrote this first letter to
Timothy to develop the charge he had given his
young assistant. This is the first of the "Pastoral
Epistles."
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2 Timothy
Paul was concerned about the welfare of the
churches during this time of persecution under
Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the
gospel, to persevere in it, to keep on preaching it,
and, if necessary, to suffer for it. This is the
second "Pastoral Epistle."
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Rev: 012116
New Testament - Books of the Bible
Titus
Apparently Paul introduced Christianity in Crete
when he and Titus visited the island, after which
he left Titus there to organize the converts. Paul
sent the letter with Zenas and Apollos, who were
on a journey that took them through Crete, to
give Titus personal authorization and guidance in
meeting opposition, instructions about faith and
conduct, and warnings about false teachers. This
is the last of the "Pastoral Epistles."
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Philemon
To win Philemon's willing acceptance of the
runaway slave Onesimus, Paul writes very
tactfully and in a lighthearted tone, which he
creates with wordplay. The appeal is organized in
a way prescribed by ancient Greek and Roman
teachers: to build rapport, to persuade the mind,
and to move the emotions.
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Hebrews
The theme of Hebrews is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as
mediator of God's grace. A striking feature of this
presentation of the gospel is the unique manner
in which the author employs expositions of eight
specific passages of the Old Testament
Scriptures.
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James
Characteristics that make the letter distinctive
are: (1) its unmistakably Jewish nature; (2) its
emphasis on vital Christianity, characterized by
good deeds and a faith that works (genuine faith
must and will be accompanied by a consistent
lifestyle); (3) its simple organization; (4) and its
familiarity with Jesus' teachings preserved in the
Sermon on the Mount.
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1 Peter
Although 1 Peter is a short letter, it touches on
various doctrines and has much to say about
Christian life and duties. It is not surprising that
different readers have found it to have different
principal themes. For example, it has been
characterized as a letter of separation, of
suffering and persecution, of suffering and glory,
of hope, of pilgrimage, of courage, and as a letter
dealing with the true grace of God.
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Rev: 012116
New Testament - Books of the Bible
2 Peter
In his first letter Peter feeds Christ's sheep by
instructing them how to deal with persecution
from outside the church; in this second letter he
teaches them how to deal with false teachers and
evildoers who have come into the church.
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1 John
John's readers were confronted with an early
form of Gnostic teaching of the Cerinthian
variety. This heresy was also libertine, throwing
off all moral restraints. Consequently, John wrote
this letter with two basic purposes in mind: (1) to
expose false teachers and (2) to give believers
assurance of salvation.
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2 John
During the first two centuries the gospel was
taken from place to place by traveling evangelists
and teachers. Believers customarily took these
missionaries into their homes and gave them
provisions for their journey when they left. Since
Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice, 2
John was written to urge discernment in
supporting traveling teachers
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3 John
Itinerant teachers sent out by John were rejected
in one of the churches in the province of Asia by
a dictatorial leader, Diotrephes, who even
excommunicated members who showed
hospitality to John's messengers. John wrote this
letter to commend Gaius for supporting the
teachers and, indirectly, to warn Diotrephes.
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
Jude
Although Jude was very eager to write to his
readers about salvation, he felt that he must
instead warn them about certain immoral men
circulating among them who were perverting the
grace of God. Apparently these false teachers
were trying to convince believers that being
saved by grace gave them license to sin since
their sins would no longer be held against them.
"Get Connected" (relationship with believers),
Rev: 012116
New Testament - Books of the Bible
Revelation
John writes to encourage the faithful to resist
staunchly the demands of emperor worship. He
informs his readers that the final showdown
between God and Satan is imminent. Satan will
increase his persecution of believers, but they
must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed
against any spiritual harm and will soon be
vindicated when Christ returns, when the wicked
are forever destroyed, and when God's people
enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.
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