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Jesus demonstrated the presence and power of God by performing miracles. He turned water into wine, healed the sick, calmed the storm, opened blind eyes, and raised the dead. While these beloved stories draw our attention to divine power, Christ's miracles signify something deeperthey're windows into God's grand story of human desperation and redemption. Every time we see Jesus performing a miracle, we also get a glimpse into the gift of desperation, a gift that opens us to the dramatic power of God through our desperate need for him. By explaining the meaning and significance of these miracles, Jessica LaGrone shows us their relevance for our lives today. She unpacks how understanding the meaning of Christ's miracles will help us better grasp the salvation God has brought into the world, see that our weakness is an invitation for God to work powerfully in our lives, and remind us that we need God on our best days just as much as we do on our worst.

We live in a world full of bad news. The media recounts stories of natural disasters, violence, and conflict. In the midst of all this heartbreak, we can't lose sight of the fact that God has given us good news. We call it the gospel. It reminds us that God loves us and longs to redeem our suffering. He stepped out of eternity and into time to send us His one and only Son. The gospel truths shared with the early church at Rome echo into our day, reminding us that we still have good news to embrace personally and to share with others. In this six-week study of the Book of Romans, we will be highlighting significant concepts regarding the good news about faith, grace, daily life, God's plan, relationships, and eternity. Whatever bad news we may receive, in Romans we will find good news to encourage and transform us. Join Melissa in taking a posture of listening and learning as we approach this powerful book packed with good news. Let's ask God to do a mighty work in and through us as we study so that we might be inspired with a spiritual renewal that spreads to those around us!"e;All too often, God's Word can seem intimidating and hard to understand even, especially with books like Romans. In this study Melissa helps us take in the truths of Romans in a way that makes a difference in our lives today. Getting beyond the surface of reading God's Word for feel-good feelings, Melissa helps us read to know God better and, as a result, build godly confidence that will stand no matter what may come in our lives."e; Lynn Cowell, Author of Make Your Move and Brave Beauty, and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writerIn a bad-news world, how deeply we need to bathe our hearts afresh in the good news of the Gospel! Melissa's beautiful study on Romans makes room for an invigorating encounter. Her teaching and insight caused the words to leap off the page, leaving me more deeply enthralled with this important book of God's great narrative.Allison Allen, Speaker and Author of Shine and Thirsty for More: Discovering God's Unexpected Blessings in a Desert SeasonOther components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, DVD, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

Will Willimon is widely acclaimed as one of the top ten preachers in the world. For each Sunday of the Christian year, Will provides just what you need to begin the journey toward a sermon. This guide will stoke, fund, and fuel your imagination while leaving plenty of room to insert your own illustrations, make connections within your congregational context, and speak the Word in your distinctive voice. Guidance from Will Willimon is like sitting down with a trusted clergy friend and asking, "What will you preach next Sunday?" Year A Part 2 is part of a six-volume set that includes years A, B, and C (2 volumes per year) in the Revised Common Lectionary. Part 1 includes the Pentecost through the end of the church year, Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday.Each week of sermon resources includes:1.Readings2.Theme title3.Introduction to the Readings4.Encountering the Text5.Proclaiming the Text6.Relating the Text

Victor Hugo's Les Misérables is a truly epic story. Whether you've tackled the 1,400-page 19thcentury novel, witnessed the Broadway musical (and memorized its soundtrack), or seen the several screen adaptations of it, you already know the power of its story.In the six-week Lenten study The Grace of Les Misérables, author and pastor Matt Rawle dives into six ideals found in the story--grace, justice, poverty, revolution, love, and hope--each represented by a character in Hugo's story. As these imperfect and relatable characters interact, we can see how these ideals work together (perhaps even in spite of each other) out in the world.In keeping with his previous works, Matt Rawle brings us to the intersection of Church and Pop Culture by drawing parallels between the iconic story and musical and our Christian calling, inspiring us to both understand our faith and live it out in the world.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

Explore the wisdom and traditions of the Jewish faith and examine what they mean for Christians.';In this extraordinary book, Rabbi Evan Moffic takes Christians on a journey through the roots of our faith, by giving insight into the history and tradition that Jesus would have observed. In this way, Rabbi Moffic provides the backstory to the main story. If you want to get more from your faith, this book is a must-read!' Dave Adamson, Pastor, North Pointe Church ';Rabbi Moffic is an engaging teacher who excels at communicating ancient truths for modern audiences. His insights into Hebrew scriptures and the Jewish heritage of the Christian faith will be a blessing to all who want to learn.' Steve Gillen, Pastor, Willow Creek Community ChurchWhen Christians learn about Jewish tradition and history, they see the Bible and the life of Jesus with a new and enriched perspective. Knowing more about Judaism brings them closer to Jesus because Jesus lived and died as a Jew and consistently quoted the Jewish scripture and stories. In this book Evan Moffic, popular rabbi, author, and guide to Jewish wisdom for people of all faiths, continues the What Every Christian Needs to Know About series with an exploration of the wisdom and traditions of Judaism. Rabbi Moffic provides answers to hundreds of questions he receives about Judaism to provide a deeper understanding of the roots shared by Christians and Jews. Through this book's explorations, readers will learn insights of the great Jewish sages to live a richer and more meaningful life, soak up the wisdom and traditions of Judaism, and a develop closer relationship with God. ';My hope is that these teachings can serve as a way of fostering bonds focused not on the past and the troubled history between Jews and Christians, but rather one looking forward to a future in which we share wisdom with one another.' Rabbi Evan MofficProduct Features: A popular rabbi explores Jewish wisdom and traditions for Christian readers. Topics explored include: Jewish texts, spiritual life, holidays and events, and others. Highlights intersections of the Jewish and Christian faith that give deeper meaning to reading the Bible.

In Reclaiming Church, J.J. Warren continues his call to reaffirm the Church be welcoming to all, including young people like those he led at Sarah Lawrence College who "didn't know God could love them because their churches said God didn't."The book addresses three points of importance to young people looking to be part of a church community, and a call:1. The identity and nature of God2. The role of Scripture in discerning God's call3. The author's own experience of God, church, and identityIn the final chapter, "We Are the Church," Warren focuses on practical and positive steps for joining voices, being heard, building bridges, and working together for young people to reclaim Church in their lives.Key Features- Affirms to the LGBTQ community and those who love them that the Church is for all.- Inspires younger progressive people to stay within the Church and work to renew the call of ministry.- Explores the Church's beginnings and emphasis on community.- Calls readers to focus on practical and positive steps to reclaim Church in their lives.

The Wesley Covenant Prayer has been used in Methodist services around the world on the first Sunday of the year since John Wesley introduced it in 1755. Wesley expected that people would pray this prayer as a way of remembering, renewing, and surrendering themselves in complete trust to God. When we pray it, we are to remember what living like Jesus looks like and what loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind and loving our neighbor as ourselves requires of us.In The Wesley Prayer Challenge, author Chris Folmsbee invites readers to consider words from the Wesley Covenant Prayer each day for three weeks while reflecting on their meaning in the context of the larger piece.Each day's reading will include scripture, prayer, and a challenge for daily life.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the 21-day challenge including session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

Reviewing game film is a discipline that sports teams often incorporate after each game. Teams watch game videos to identify mistakes, make adjustments, consider radical changes, and highlight successes. The goal of this analysis is to facilitate individual and team improvements that will positively affect subsequent games. The fundamental reason why a team needs adjustments is not always evident in the middle of the game. But evaluating important elements after a game gives coaches and players the opportunity to review individual plays and players in a more relaxed setting away from the time constraints and pressures of the game. So why aren't pastors and worship teams incorporating similar evaluative practices? Implementing a collaborative process of analyzing worship services or planning for upcoming services requires a deep level of humility, trust, and shared accountability. It also requires selfless leaders who are willing to sacrifice their own ideas and interests for the greater worshiping good of the congregation. Better Sundays Begin on Mondays offers foundational worship considerations to help leadership teams ask questions evaluatively rather than defensively. These weekly reflections encourage worship leaders and their teams to think beyond style to biblical and theological worship content.

His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.In Incarnation, best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores the meaning of these titles and what they tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Join him and reflect upon the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and world today!Chapter topics include: The Royal Titles: Lord and Messiah The Deliverer's Title: Savior The Incarnate Title: Emmanuel The Light of the World Epilogue: The Word Made FleshAdditional components for a four-week adult study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and a DVD featuring author and pastor Adam Hamilton as well as resources for children and youth.

His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.In Incarnation, best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores the meaning of these titles and what they tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Join him and reflect upon the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and world today!Chapter topics include: The Royal Titles: Lord and Messiah The Deliverer's Title: Savior The Incarnate Title: Emmanuel The Light of the World Epilogue: The Word Made FleshThe Children's Leader Guide contains session plans for younger and older children (grades K-2 and 3-6) including games, activities, craft ideas, and reproducible handouts.

We've all been there. Rock bottom. The end of our rope. The last straw. During hard times, it often seems like the only option is to throw in the towel.In Hope for Hard Times, author Magrey deVega examines the lives of the great biblical prophets Elijah and Elisha and reveals a consistent message in their stories: Don't give up, and don't lose hope. Trust that God will help you find a way.When you look closely at the accounts of Elijah and Elisha from 1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 8, you will find amazing stories of God's provision. God provides for Elijah, as he faces down opposition in a mountaintop showdown and when he feels alone and ready to give up while hiding in a cave listening for God's still, small voice. God provides for Elisha, when he brings healing to Naaman and when he is surrounded by enemies and praying for spiritual eyes to be opened to hope.There is hope for you in hard times. Your story of hurt, heartache, and hopelessness has been heard, and God has a message for you. Read these stories, pray through them, and listen as you receive encouragement and guidance for whatever you are facing today. Open your eyes, and open your hands. For just like ravens at the Brook Cherith, God is with you, giving you everything you need.Components for this 4-session study will include a book, leader guide, and four streaming videos available online featuring Magrey outlining each topic in an accessible and engaging way.Sessions Include: When the Odds Seem Against You (1 Kings 17 and 18) When You Feel Down and Out (1 Kings 18-21) When Life Takes a Turn (2 Kings 2) When All Seems Lost (2 Kings 4-8)

Today's culture and others' views, even those of other Christians, can present a distorted view of God. Some suggest God exudes qualities He does not possess such as being unloving or apathetic toward His creation. In a world where we find people creating God in their own image, studying God's names can remind us that we are created in His. In fact, one of the best ways to know God's true character and grow closer to Him is to study His names.In The Names of God, Melissa Spoelstra leads women on an exploration of the many names of our triune God--from El and Elohim to Yahweh and its many combinations to names such as Abba, Jesus, and Holy Spirit...and many others.As women study the names of God, their ideas about God will become more grounded in what His names tell them, and thus more personal, allowing a greater trust in Him to share the details of their lives. Whether having walked with God for many years or just starting out in a relationship with Him, by the end of this study women will not only know more about God but will know Him better--because through the discovery of God's names, they will discover Him!Components for this six-week Bible study, each available separately, include a Participant Workbook, a Leader Guide, DVD with six 25-minute segments (with closed captioning), and a boxed Leader Kit containing one of each component.A six-week study of the names of God.Inspires women to have a more personal and trusting relationship with God.DVD features dynamic, engaging teaching in six 25-minute segments.Strong, solid Bible study from popular Bible teacher and speaker Melissa Spoelstra.

The Book of Hebrews helps us see the connection between God's grace in our lives and the call to invest ourselves in God's mission in the world. In doing so, we express gratitude for the salvation we have received and respond to God's grace by being faithful to the One who delivers us.In Hebrews: Grace and Gratitude, author and New Testament scholar David deSilva takes you through a study of Hebrews, tracing the themes of grace and gratitude through this unique New Testament book. In the Book of Hebrews, you will discover a bold perspective on who Jesus is and what he has done, as well as a powerful reflection on the meaning and significance of his death and resurrection in light of the Old Testament. As you read and study this letter, you will receive a deeper appreciation for the salvation we have received through Christ and hear afresh God's call to a life of gratitude and faithfulness.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

Life in the twenty-first century presents a disturbing reality. Otherness, the simple fact of being different in some way, has come to be defined as in and of itself evil. Miroslav Volf contends that if the healing word of the gospel is to be heard today, Christian theology must find ways of speaking that address the hatred of the other. Is there any hope of embracing our enemies? Of opening the door to reconciliation? Reaching back to the New Testament metaphor of salvation as reconciliation, Volf proposes the idea of embrace as a theological response to the problem of exclusion.Increasingly we see that exclusion has become the primary sin, skewing our perceptions of reality and causing us to react out of fear and anger to all those who are not within our (ever-narrowing) circle. In light of this, Christians must learn that salvation comes, not only as we are reconciled to God, and not only as we "e;learn to live with one another,"e; but as we take the dangerous and costly step of opening ourselves to the other, of enfolding him or her in the same embrace with which we have been enfolded by God.Volf won the 2002 Louisville Grawemeyer Award in Religion for the first edition of his book, Exclusion & Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation (Abingdon, 1996). In that first edition, professor Volf, a Croatian by birth, analyzed the civil war and ';ethnic cleansing' in the former Yugoslavia, and he readily found other examples of cultural, ethnic, and racial conflict to illustrate his points. Since September 11, 2001, and the subsequent epidemic of terror and massive refugee suffering throughout the world, Volf revised Exclusion and Embrace to account for the evolving dynamics of inter-ethnic and international strife.

Christians crave a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. Spiritual disciplines are activities and practices that guide you in your daily walk through life bringing you closer to Christ. They also help you to make a difference in our world. Practicing these spiritual disciplines opens you to God's transforming love and help you experience Holy Living.The act of celebration has deep and ancient roots among God's people, who throughout their history have joyfully celebrated God's deliverance and faithfulness. In life's high and happy moments, celebration happens naturally. But what about when life's experiences are dull and flat, or worse, when they cause us to hit rock bottom? Does God expect us to celebrate then? God does, and we can. This book explores celebration not as an isolated event or an occasional occurrence but as a response to the reality that God is continually present, always faithful, and ever loving. Celebration as a spiritual practice involves a posture of living so well-anchored in the fuller story of God's involvement with people throughout history that anticipatory faith and hope, regardless of present circumstances, inform our thoughts, words, and actions. This book shows us how to embrace and live into this posture.

Wesley's message and his faith continue to speak to 21st-centuryChristianscalling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that ourworld might be changed.Join Adam Hamilton for a six-week journey as he travels to England,following the life of John Wesley and exploring his definingcharacteristics of a Wesleyan Christian. Wesley's story is our story. Itdefines our faith and it challenges us to rediscover our spiritualpassion. This is a graciousgift that we will benefit from reading. The commentary is written by asuperb preacher who has a pastor's heart and knows how to make the pastcome alive to strengthen our own experience. Prepare to be transformed.Richard P. Heitzenrater, William Kellon Quick Professor Emeritus of Church History and Wesley Studies at Duke Divinity School Adam Hamilton connects John Wesley's contribution in 18th-century England with his legacy for 21st-centuryAmerica, bringing lessons from Wesley's life and ministry to bear ondiscipleship today. This is an excellent resource for personal anddenominational revival.Scott Jones, Resident Bishop of the Great Plains area of The United Methodist Church and author of The Wesleyan Way

Throughout the Bible, God interrupts the lives of ordinary men and women, calling and empowering them to lives of service they never could have imagined on their own!Discover how to hear and respond to the unique call God is placing on your life through the stories of ordinary people found in the Bible. Called will examine the lives of the Abraham, Samuel, Esther and Mary Magdalene, Jonah, and the beloved disciple. The same God that called these unlikely characters calls you, too, to bring hope and transformation to the world. Additional components are available for purchase separately to create a six-week group study include a DVD featuring Susan Robb and a comprehensive Leader Guide.

A resource containing over 100 singable Psalms written in child-friendly language and set to familiar tunes. Each Psalm in the Revised Common Lectionary is included, which makes this an excellent resource for churches who follow the lectionary scriptures in worship. The Piggyback Psalms are great for use in intergenerational worship, children's worship, Sunday school, in children's choirs, and at home. Melody and chord symbols are included with each Psalm.

En este estudio emocionante e inspirador, Scott J. Jones ayuda a quienes buscan a Dios y a creyentes a imaginar y practicar el discipulado como una forma de vida. Al presentar el cristianismo desde una perspectiva wesleyana, Jones invita a los participantes a un compromiso más profundo, más reflexivo y más activo con Cristo. Este estudio de ocho sesiones ayuda a los participantes a enfocarse en cómo, a través del discipulado con Jesucristo, nos convertimos en parte de la obra de Dios para la transformación del mundo. Cada semana un presentador diferente comparte su experiencia de fe personal. Entre los presentadores se encuentran Adam Hamilton, Olu Brown, Felicia Hopkins, Jessica Moffat Seay, Jorge Acevedo, Rob Fuquay, y el autor, Scott Jones.

"e;If your enemies are starving, feed them some bread; if they are thirsty, give them water to drink."e; Proverbs 24:17 (CEB) There is nothing more crippling than holding on to anger. Anger, more than any other emotion, has the power to consume all aspects of our lives, distort our sense of purpose, and destroy our relationship with God. In the passionate and life-changing book Forgiveness: Finding Peace Though Letting Go, bestselling author Adam Hamilton brings the same insight that he applied in the bestseller "e;Why?"e; to the challenge of forgiveness. Hamilton argues that revelation comes when we realize that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves rather than to someone else. He also contends that only when we learn to forgive others and ourselves can we truly receive forgiveness from God.';Adam Hamilton not only reminds us about the importance of reconnecting the broken pieces of our lives, but shows how the process of grace and forgiveness is possibly our most complete picture of God.'--Shane Stanford, author of Making Life Matter: Embracing the Joy in the Everyday';The heartbeat of the gospel is grace. With practical insight, Hamilton makes grace understandable--both for seeking and for granting forgiveness. I highly recommend this book.'--Melody Carlson, author of Healing Waters: A Bible Study on Forgiveness, Grace, and Second Chances';Adam Hamilton's book offers clear guidance for believers struggling with the practical application of our biblical imperative to forgive. It is a must-read for both Christian counselors and every person who has something or someone to forgive.'--Jennifer Cisney Ellers, author of The First 48 Hours: Spiritual Caregivers as First Responders"e;Deeply rooted in the Bible's testimony about God's extravagant mercy, this fine little book explores the Christian call to practice both repentance and forgiveness in the image of God. Straightforward and practical, Hamilton vividly sketches the habits of the heart that discipleship requires in our daily relationships with spouses and intimate life partners, family members, friends and strangers."e;--Patricia Beattie Jung, Professor of Christian Ethics, Saint Paul School of Theology