Simon Peter


Book Description

He left everything to follow his teacher and possessed a passion that would change the world. That’s one way to describe Peter. Here’s another: poor, uneducated, quick-tempered, and full of doubts and fears. Doesn’t even sound like the same man. And that’s the point of Simon Peter, a new book and six-week adult Bible study by Adam Hamilton. Peter was just an ordinary guy who heard and followed God’s extraordinary call. Discover how you, too, have special gifts, talents, and abilities that God can use to make a difference today. In addition to the Leader Guide and DVD components for adult studies, corresponding youth and children’s resources, sold separately, can be used to create a churchwide study. Chapters Include: The Call of the Fisherman Walking with Jesus in the Storm Bedrock or Stumbling Block? “I Will Not Deny You” From Cowardice to Courage The Rest of the Story




The Difficult Words of Jesus


Book Description

As well as telling parables and stories, giving teachings on how to discern questions of ethics and human nature, and offering beatitudes for comfort and encouragement, Jesus also spoke words and flung insults that followers then and now have found difficult, to say the least. He instructs disciples to hate members of their own families (Luke 14:26), warns that unending fire awaits some people, says body parts should be cut off if they offend. He calls a foreign woman a ‘dog’, the Jews ‘offspring of vipers’ and his closest disciple ‘Satan’. Preachers often gloss over these or avoid them altogether as they are still so shocking. In The Difficult Words of Jesus, Amy-Jill Levine sheds vital light on understanding these by exploring how these sayings sounded to those who first heard them. She reveals Jewish modes of expression, humour and the long tradition of Jewish insults and what they mean, and how we might interpret these sayings today within a gospel of love and reconciliation.




Finding Peace in an Anxious World


Book Description

"Finding Peace in an Anxious World, the 2020 Spiritual Growth Study by staff of the Urban Village Church, uses the book of Proverbs and "The Serenity Prayer" as a guide to help Christians find their way through anxiety, worry, and fear and move towards God's peace that surpasses all understanding.... "The Serenity Prayer" shaped a 2015 four-part sermon series at the Urban Village Church in Chicago"--Back cover.




John


Book Description

The Gospel of John is the most deeply spiritual of the four gospels. This writing is filled with rich images and profound truths, but John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they “may have life in his name.” Adults, youth, and children alike can experience a season of spiritual growth and life-changing renewal in Adam Hamilton’s six-week, DVD-series, John: The Gospel of Light and Life. You’ll follow the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the Gospel of John and understand the context of some of the best-known verses in the New Testament. Everything you need to lead small groups of all ages is available for this special study including the entire Gospel of John in the CEB translation printed in the book.




The Bible Year Devotional


Book Description

The Bible. 365 days. You. Yes, you! Not the type to sit down and read the entire Bible? Yes, the goal is to read the whole Bible in a year, but think about it in terms of smaller, daily goals. Think about a commitment to read a short selection from the Bible plus a concise devotional every day. You can do that – especially since The Bible Year has it all mapped out for you day by day. Plus, you’ll also get summaries of key themes and ideas to help you better digest and understand your readings. So you’re not just reading verse after verse, you’re enriching your spiritual life, developing a deeper faith and forming a closer connection to God and to each other. The Bible Year is also a wonderful way for small groups or even individuals to grow closer to God, while providing a common thread that will promote new and deeper friendships among members. Additional resources sold separately include a Leader Guide with discussion questions for small groups and a Pastor's Guide for a church-wide emphasis. Daily Bible goals start here! Praise for The Bible Year When it comes to read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year programs, The Bible Year is a game changer. Packed with devotionals, discussion guides, and resources for pastors, this beautifully written book makes journeying through Scripture less daunting and more rewarding. It’s the perfect companion for those who wish to read through the Bible for the first time or those seek to go deeper in their study of Scripture together with others. – Ryan P. Bonfiglio, Director of the Candler Foundry and Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Candler Theological Seminary With a pastor’s devotion to God and the people he serves, deVega has structured a truly helpful guide for reading the Bible in the span of a year. The thoughtful format is well designed to encourage steady progress in reading, and provoke thoughtful reflection. Brief section summaries allow the reader to stay on top of the larger story line, and thoughtful questions and blank spaces support a meditative encounter. This book is a welcome gift for anyone who wants to grow in faithfulness and devotion. – Melody D. Knowles, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Old Testament, Virginia Theological Seminary




Our Membership Vows in the United Methodist Church


Book Description

A resource for both newcomers to the United Methodist Church and those who have been members for decades, Our Membership Vows is a wonderful reflection on the vows each member takes upon joining the church. Members make covenant to uphold the vows, and each one is discussed in this easy-to-read booklet. A great gift idea for churches to give to new members.




Savior


Book Description

The cross is the central symbol of the Christian faith. But what exactly did Jesus do to save us from our sins? Why was the cross necessary, and what does it mean for us today? In Savior: What the Bible Says About the Cross, Magrey deVega faithfully describes the need for reconciliation between humankind and a holy God through Jesus’ death on the cross. The Bible uses many images to understand the meaning of Jesus' death and resurrection, and deVega guides us through these images to achieve a richer understanding of the Christian faith. By exploring the mystery of salvation through the cross, we can deepen our love for God and others and strengthen our commitment to follow Jesus Components for this six-session study will include a book, leader guide, and a DVD with videos featuring deVega presenting each chapter's main ideas and themes. The leader guide will include instructions for showing and discussing these videos as an option for the group leader.







Living the Questions


Book Description

Ministers David Felten and Jeff Procter-Murphy, along with an all-star cast of Bible scholars and top church teachers, provide a primer to a church movement that encourages every Christian to “live the questions” instead of “forcing the answers.” Based on the bestselling DVD course of the same name, Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity includes commentary from such bestselling authors as Diana Butler Bass, John Shelby Spong, Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan, Brian McLaren, and others. Tackling issues of faith and controversial subjects such as the church’s position on homosexuality, Living the Questions is the most comprehensive, indeed the only survey of progressive Christianity in existence today.