Loving God Resources: Knowing God
Knowing God: Not only believing in God (creator of all things, perfect and eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) but also experiencing Him in your life.
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- Author: Lee Strobel
© 1998 Zondervan ISBN 0310209307
- Notes: Recommended for anyone looking to understand Jesus, especially for the first time. Lee Strobel was a skeptical non-believer who decided to tackle the evidence for Jesus with his journalistic style. He talks with experts, and asks honest questions such as "How reliable is the New Testament" and "Does evidence exist for Jesus outside the Bible?" If you have read A Case for Christ, consider reading A Case for Faith also.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Growth Level: Discover (Spiritual Seekers)
- Author: Philip Yancey
© 2002 Zondervan ISBN 0310205719
- Notes: Who is Jesus? Do you have images of him from your childhood - an image from a book or painting, perhaps? Philip Yancey's book gives people (even those of us who think we understand Jesus well) a fresh perspective -- a perspective that sees Christ as a the central figure of history who spoke radical words that are still to be taken seriously today.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author: Lee Strobel
© 2000 Zondervan ISBN 0310234697
- Notes: Recommended for anyone investigating Christianity. In this, Lee Strobel's follow up to A Case for Christ, he turns his journalistic style to so-called "heart" barriers to faith, including questions of evil & suffering, miracles, doubts, and church history.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Growth Level: Discover (Spiritual Seekers)
- Author: C.S. Lewis
© Numerous, including 1962 Macmilliam Publishing Co ISBN 0020868502
- Notes: C.S. Lewis, arguably a great Christian apologist, writes this book in response to the question of pain -- the question of why an all-loving God could allow people to experience suffering. In his intently philosophical and personal style, Lewis doesn't argue the hurt away, but instead talks thoughtfully about God's goodness, free will, and redemption.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Growth Level: Deepen
Reaching for the Invisible God
- Author: Philip Yancey
© 2002 Zondervan ISBN 0310247306
- Notes: How can we have a relationship with God that is active and real when we can't physically see, hear or touch Him? This book offers solid ideas into these questions that we are often afraid to ask. Instead of looking through a rose-colored lenses, this book tackles hard truth in several areas: Our longing for God, having faith when God seems absent, understanding our relationship with God, and growth. Study guide available for group use.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author: Tom Wright
© 1996 Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. ISBN 0802842836
- Notes: Tom Wright (or N.T. Wright as he is often credited in scholarly works), a Biblical scholar from England, is one of the leading researchers about the Historical Jesus. This book, which is much more readable for the average person than his scholarly works, presents a wonderful introduction to the life and teaching of Jesus. Wright shares his knowledge about first-century Jewish life in a very readable format, full of graphs, pictures, and maps to help you surround yourself with knowledge of that world. Recommended for anyone looking to understand Jesus better, anyone who has doubts about His historicity, or who wants to have a better understanding of what Jesus' message meant to his contemporaries.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author: Gateway Community Church
© 2004 Gateway Community Church
- Notes: Spend the next few weeks reading the Bible and composing your own Biography of God. As you read each day, look for some new way that you understand who God is. This is a good exercise to motivate you to daily Bible reading, and also aids in an understanding of God and reasons for worship.
- Resource Access: Download PDF
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author: Gateway Community Church
© 2004 Gateway Community Church
- Notes: Look up Bible passages surrounding some attributes of God. While this resource is primarily designed to help you understand who God is, it also includes a very helpful section about using Bible study tools.
- Resource Access: Download PDF
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
The Passion of the Christ (film)
- Tool Provider: Directed by Mel Gibson
© 2004 Fox Home Entertainment - (NA)
- Notes: This is the well-known 2004 movie depicting the final 12 hours of Jesus' life. This film is scripted almost entirely from the Gospel accounts, spoken in original languages with subtitles, and presented with graphic detail. This is not an entertaining film, but it is one that may help you understand something new about Jesus.
- Resource Access: Rent / purchase or order online
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Douglas Connelly / Life Guide
© 2002 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830065
- Bible Section: NT-John
- Notes: This study, one from the Life Guide studies on the Gospels, would be suitable for any group or individual wishing to dig deeper into the life of Jesus. The John study guide focuses on taking a fresh look at Jesus and our search for true meaning to "true life."
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 26 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually very easy to lead. The subject matter of their Gospel-based studies would make them particularly interesting to even beginning groups. However, with 20+ sessions each, any of these studies could take longer to complete than your group has patience for. A committed individual or running-partner may find such a lengthy study more achievable than a group would.
- Growth Level: Deepen
What Difference Does Jesus Make?
- Author / Series: Judson Poling / Tough Questions (Willow Creek)
© 2003 Zondervan ISBN 0310245036
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A group leader's guide based on real questions from people considering Christianity. This edition includes questions about the life of Christ, about His claims, and impact today.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Due to the potentially complex questions seekers may ask in a study on this topic, this book is recommended for leaders with a good grasp of the intellectual questions about Jesus.
- Growth Level: Discover
Jesus With Dirty Feet Discussion Guide
- Author / Series: Don Everts & Douglas Scott / Stand-Alone
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830811222
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study is designed for groups of people investigating who Jesus is. This study guide attempts to answer the question -- "Why should I care who Jesus was." Recommended especially for people in college / 20s or early 30s.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 10 sessions. This study guide is probably most suitable for groups of seekers. It covers the basics of Christianity in addition to talking about who Jesus is.
- Growth Level: Discover (Spiritual Seekers)
The Jesus I Never Knew Study Guide
- Author / Series: Philip Yancey & Brenda Quinn / Stand-Alone
© 1997 Zondervan ISBN 0310218055
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This is the study guide to accompany Philip Yancey's book by the same title (see above).
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 14 sessions. Notes are included for a leader. Great content -- best suited to a group that's willing to do homework.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Rick Richardson / Groups Investigating God
© 2002 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830820280
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This is an introductory study which explores several common paths people take to find God -- relationships, nature, morality, and pain.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Notes are included for a leader. The Groups Investigating God series is designed to be used with groups of people checking out faith. The studies are usually also quite relevant to college students or people in their 20s/early 30s.
- Growth Level: Discover (Spiritual Seekers)
Matthew: Being Discipled by Jesus
- Author / Series: Stephen & Jacalyn Eyre / Life Guide
© 2000 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830030
- Bible Section: NT-Matthew
- Notes: This study, one from the Life Guide studies on the Gospels, would be suitable for any group or individual wishing to dig deeper into the life of Jesus. The Matthew guide focuses on what you learn from Jesus about following Him.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 22 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually very easy to lead. The subject matter of their Gospel-based studies would make them particularly interesting to even beginning groups. However, with 20+ sessions each, any of these studies could take longer to complete than your group has patience for. A committed individual or running-partner may find such a lengthy study more achievable than a group would.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: James Hoover / Life Guide
© 1999 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830049
- Bible Section: NT-Mark
- Notes: This study, one from the Life Guide studies on the Gospels, would be suitable for any group or individual wishing to dig deeper into the life of Jesus. The Mark study guide focuses on the idea of Jesus as a compassionate, suffering, astonishing King.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 20 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually very easy to lead. The subject matter of their Gospel-based studies would make them particularly interesting to even beginning groups. However, with 20+ sessions each, any of these studies could take longer to complete than your group has patience for. A committed individual or running-partner may find such a lengthy study more achievable than a group would.
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author / Series: Ada Lum / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830057
- Bible Section: NT-Luke
- Notes: This study, one from the Life Guide studies on the Gospels, would be suitable for any group or individual wishing to dig deeper into the life of Jesus. The Luke study guide focuses on the good news, healing, and acceptance Jesus brings.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 26 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually very easy to lead. The subject matter of their Gospel-based studies would make them particularly interesting to even beginning groups. However, with 20+ sessions each, any of these studies could take longer to complete than your group has patience for. A committed individual or running-partner may find such a lengthy study more achievable than a group would.
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author / Series: The Navigators / Th1nk/LifeChange
© 2004 NavPress/Th1nk ISBN 1576836824
- Bible Section: NT: Mark
- Notes: The Bible has four eyewitness accounts to the life of Jesus Christ -- each from the perspective of a different person and each with a slightly different focus. The Mark's Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the true Messiah -- not the warrior king people expected, but a suffering servant here for everyone. Gain a better understanding of why Jesus came and why it matters through this study guide. Like others in this series, this book wraps together helpful background info, thoughtful questions to understand the text, and motivation to incorporate what you learn into your daily life. These books are written to be understandable by people without much Bible background, and designed to appeal to the under-30 crowd. Can be used on your own, or with a Running Partner or group.
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. This study guide works well for either groups looking to do homework and extra study combined with in-depth group discussion, or for those groups willing to do try reading the Bible on their own but who need to get together to understand it. For in-depth study, you'll need to write some discussion questions and encourage members to dig into the text. For a more basic study, just encourage people to stick with the simple homework readings and come together to discuss.
- Growth Level: Discover or Develop
- Author / Series: Cindy Bunch / Life Guide
© 2000 InterVarsity Press ISBN 083083091X
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study might be most applicable to the Easter season, though can be very interesting any time of year. Study the events that took place during Jesus' final week before His crucifixion -- Palm Sunday, Last Supper, trial, death, and resurrection. Focus on these events and gain a broader understanding of what Jesus is all about and why it matters to you.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually very easy to lead. You might be able to pick just a few of these studies to use with your group in the Easter season.
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
- Author / Series: Douglas Connelly / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830685
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study guide is designed to help you understand who the Holy Spirit it, how He changes our lives, and how He works in our world.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 10 sessions. Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead; consider the subject matter before selecting one for your group.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: J. I Packer / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 083083057X
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study works through twelve key Bible passages that teach us something about God. Use these studies to embark on your own journey of knowing God better.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead. Consider the length of the study before choosing it for your group.
- Growth Level: Develop
How Does Anyone Know God Exists?
- Author / Series: Garry Poole & Judson Poling / Tough Questions (Willow Creek)
© 1998 Zondervan ISBN 310222257
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A guide for groups (also potentially useful for running partners or individuals) based on real questions from people considering Christianity. Includes questions such as "Is Anybody Out There?" and "How Can Anyone Be Sure God Exists?" This book deals honestly with common objections to Christianity.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Due to the potentially complex questions seekers may ask in a study on this topic, this book is recommended for leaders with a good grasp of the intellectual questions about God's existence.
- Growth Level: Discover
- Author / Series: Daniel Hill / Groups Investigating God
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830820795
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This is an introductory study about how God affects your everyday living, purposes, relationships, standards, and more.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Notes are included for a leader. The Groups Investigating God series is designed to be used with groups of seekers. The studies are usually also quite relevant to college students or people in their 20s/early 30s. (also sometimes titled "Following God")
- Growth Level: Discover
- Author / Series: Douglas Connelly / Life Guide
© 2002 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830936
- Bible Section: NT-Gospels
- Notes: This study guide looks at eight people who had an encounter with Jesus that changed them forever. Look at their lives and consider how your life is changed by knowing Jesus.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead, the subject matter of this particular study should also make it relatively easy for students to understand.
- Growth Level: Develop
Jesus: Seeing Him More Clearly
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / InterActions
© 1997 or 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0310213169 or 0310265975
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This group study seeks to help the group better understand the character of Christ - through roles of Man, Teacher, Physician, Servant, Shepherd, and King.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders, especially. (Revised in 2005)
- Growth Level: Discover or Develop
Revelation: Experience God's Power
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / New Community
© 1997 Zondervan ISBN 0310228824
- Bible Section: NT-Revelation
- Notes: This study guide is not an entire in-depth treatment of the book, but instead an overview focusing on God's great power over not just the circumstances of the world, but also in your life.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suitable for both new and experienced leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Donald Baker / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830405
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: The book of Judges in the Old Testament is a story of God remaining faithful in spite of all his people do to turn away. Through this study guide, you'll examine God's faithful nature for yourself and see how that story fits your own life.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead. Consider the length of the study and the complexity of the readings before choosing any study for your group.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Douglas Connelly / Life Guide
© 1999 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830871
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: God's power is shown in the narratives of miracles presented in the Bible. How can we better understand these? How can we know God's power in our daily life? This study explores numerous passages of Scripture (mostly from the New Testament) that show God's power through what He has done.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: James W. Sire / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830804
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: No, this isn't a title for an inspirational book about reminding you with a rhyme that "Jesus it the reason for the season." Instead, it's a hard-hitting look at how Jesus Himself is the reason for believing in Christianity. This guide, suitable for both those reading about Jesus for the first time and those who seem to know the whole story already, will give you challenging new ways to think about Jesus and the Christian faith.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
Experiencing the Passion of Jesus
- Author / Series: Lee Strobel & Garry Poole / Stand-Alone
© 2004 Zondervan ISBN 0310259320
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A discussion & study book about the life of Christ. A group might study this in conjunction with watching the film "The Passion of the Christ" or discussing the life of Christ generally. The book covers topics from Christ's life and the impact it has today. A good book for both the skeptical and convinced (and for people somewhere in between).
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Consider studying along with viewing "The Passion of the Christ."
- Growth Level: Discover
- Author / Series: Life Together / Brett Eastman / Experiencing Christ Together
© 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0310249864
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: Through six sessions for group use, take a deeper look at the life of Christ. Based around five key purposes of 5 fellowship, discipleship, ministry, evangelism, and worship.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. From the same authors as the Life Together series used by most Taste of Community Groups. This study will be easy to lead, especially if you opt for the accompanying DVD. (DVD may be available to check out from the leadership library)
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Leighton Ford / Life Guide
© 1999 InterVarsity Press ISBN 083083060X
- Bible Section: NT-Gospels
- Notes: In thirteen studies from the Gospels, this study guide introduces you to Jesus' character -- His compassion, His teaching, His challenge, and more.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually very easy to lead. This study guide might be a better choice for a new group than any of the individual Gospel study guides in the Life Guide series. If 13 sessions is too many for your group, consider picking a sub-set.
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
The Art of Spiritual Listening
- Author / Series: Alice Fryling / Fisherman Resources
© 2003 Shaw Books ISBN 0877880875
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: How do you respond to God's voice amid the noise of your life? This study guide is all about learning to listen to God's voice and helping others hear it as well.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. This study is suitable for individuals or groups.
- Growth Level: Develop
Acts: Seeing God's Power in Action
- Author / Series: Phyllis J. LePeau / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830073
- Bible Section: NT-Acts
- Notes: The book of Acts in the New Testament is the story of what the early Christians did -- or more accurately -- what God did through these early Christians. Study the entire book, chapter-by-chapter, in this book study.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 24 sessions. Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead; this one is quite long, however.
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author / Series: Luci Swindoll / Women of Faith
© 1998 Zondervan ISBN 0310213398
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This is a light study for women's groups (or friends studying together) about knowing and understanding God's will. In six sections incorporating themes that resonate with women, the reader can learn more from Scripture about following God and hearing His voice.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suited to women 35+, especially busy moms looking for a casual study with friends that fits into their hectic lives.
- Growth Level: Develop
Parables: The Greatest Stories Ever Told
- Author / Series: John White / Life Guide
© 1999 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830375
- Bible Section: NT-Gospels
- Notes: "Parable" is the term for the stories that Jesus told to teach people, challenge their views, and call them to commitment. This study guide presents an instruction to 12 of these stories and their lessons.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead. Feel free to choose some sessions and omit others from this guide to for your group's needs.
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
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