Book Description

Discover the Life-Changing Relevance of the Old Testament Creating a New Community From the beginning to the end of our lives, we hunger for community. It's not just how we were created---it's why! God, who enjoys relationship within his being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, designed us to reflect his nature through loving and life-giving relationship with him and with each other. Only by participating in God's plan for community can the longing of our hearts be satisfied. Part of the Old Testament Challenge series, this teaching guide and resource book helps you craft nine messages on what the Pentateuch has to say about community. As never before, your congregation will discover God's passionate desire for intimacy with his people and among his people. 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 Creating a New Community 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 16 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 -Book 2---Stepping Out in Faith: Life-Changing Examples from the History of Israel (7 Sessions) -Book 3---Developing a Heart for God: Life-Changing Lessons from the Wisdom Books (8 Sessions) -Book 4---Pursuing Spiritual Authenticity: Life-Changing Words from the Prophets (8 Sessions)