BIBLE STUDY INSIDER
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ARE YOU A BIBLE STUDY INSIDER MEMBER YET? Bible Study Insider is a new way to preview the latest and best LifeWay Bible studies. As a member, you’ll receive a Bible Study Insider box twice a year. Each box contains 15-20 of our latest Bible study books for your adult, men’s, women’s, and young adult groups. Now you can take your time and personally review our studies from the comfort of your home or convenience of your church. Each box contains at least $150 worth of books and costs just $50.* Plus, each box includes a $50 voucher to apply toward your next Bible study order of $50 or more. And you get to keep all the books. So you’re building an entire library of trustworthy content to have on hand for other group leaders and future needs. Bible Study Insider is ideal for pastors, ministers of education, small group leaders, Sunday School teachers, or anyone interested in Bible study and the materials used in study groups. Check out biblestudyinsider.com to learn more.
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Become a member and get the box sent to you! Register at biblestudyinsider.com or call 800.458.2772. * Once you sign up, a box will be shipped twice a year and include your $50 voucher. You will be billed $50 for each box, which also covers shipping charges. In the box!
Studies marked with this icon in this mailer will be included in the next Bible Study Insider box.
GET THE BIBLE STUDY FOR HELPFUL ICEBREAKERS,
INSIDER APP
GROUP LEADER TIPS, AND MORE. See page 31 for details.
Stay connected to Bible Study Insider Enjoy the latest info about Bible studies, get tips and advice on how to lead a group better, and share ideas of your own. Connect with us through our blog and social media. facebook.com/biblestudyinsider twitter.com/bibleinsider biblestudyinsider.com vimeo.com/biblestudyinsider youtube.com/biblestudyinsider Have an idea for a future article in this mailer? Can we improve it somehow? How can we serve you better? Send your comments directly to biblestudy@lifeway.com
WHAT’S A STUDY COST?
On the following pages, you’ll see this icon next to every study. The Bible Study Leader Kit price is listed on top, the Bible Study Book is below.
49.95 $ .95 7
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Bible Study Leader Kit Bible Study Book
To learn more or to order a study, go to lifeway.com, call 800.458.2772, or visit the LifeWay Christian Store serving you. Pricing and availability of all products and events are subject to change without notice. Sales tax applied to event cost, if applicable.
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GROUPS MATTER by Rick Howerton
Groups matter… It’s just a fact. Dr. Thom Rainer once blogged some startling statistics—facts that only those who choose to disregard the importance of Kingdom growth are willing to ignore. In his article, “What Can New Groups Do for a Church?” Dr. Rainer penned a telling list: 1. New groups create new fellowship patterns and can thus move a church from an inward focus to an outward focus. 2. Those who are in these groups regularly are more likely to share the gospel with someone than other church members. Group members share with people how to become a Christian 2.30 times in a six-month period, versus 0.98 times for other church members. 3. Those who are in groups are similarly more likely to invite an unchurched
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person to church than other church members (3.18 times in the last six months versus 1.24 times). 4. People who spend time in the Bible are most likely to show a number of signs of spiritual growth. Groups add at least a third opportunity to study the Bible, in addition to personal study and hearing the preaching of the Word. 5. Members who are active in starting new groups are less likely to be a divisive force in the church. They are too busy doing good things with their groups.
The Three Components It is for these and other significant reasons that LifeWay is spearheading an initiative that many are praying will become a movement. The initiative has been dubbed Groups Matter. As you can see by reading the list above,
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Sunday morning groups and small groups are essential if a church is going to experience unity, growth (both individual and numeric), and be a hub for spiritual transformation. There are three equally essential components to the Groups Matter Initiative: 1) Develop My Leaders, 2) Launch New Groups, and 3) Feed My People. In order to launch new groups and feed the people in those groups a church must first develop leaders.
Develop Leaders There are leaders in every group, individuals gifted by Jesus to serve in this disciple-making role. Ephesians 4:11–13 tells us that the health of the church depends on the development and training of leaders. Group leaders who are trained are more confident and better positioned to pour into the lives of those they lead. Not only that, leaders reproduce who they are, thus equipped leaders reproduce commitment to community, discipleship, and mission into the groups they lead. In so doing, they are also instilling these principles into future leaders that will leave the group to someday start a group of their own. Because groups matter, LifeWay is asking churches to commit to the development of group leaders.
Launch New Groups Launching new groups is the second piece of the Groups Matter puzzle. (I use the overstated cliché “piece of the puzzle” very purposefully, as a church will not experience all God
intends for the church if any of the three components are left out or left undone.) LifeWay believes both Sunday morning groups (Sunday School) and small groups meeting off campus throughout the week are of equal importance. When a biblical group is functioning, no matter when or where it meets, transformation, evangelism, and life-altering community are experienced. It is for this reason that LifeWay has set a goal to see churches worldwide start 100,000 new groups in the year 2014. Why such a goal, a goal that only God can accomplish? New groups connect more people than existing groups. Whether they are believers or do not know Christ, new people are more likely to come to group with other new people as it is easier to get connected and form new relationships. Also, groups and classes matter for personal growth. Discipleship is relational, and groups make it possible for a disciple maker to know and understand the personal needs of their group members. If 100,000 new groups are started in the year 2014, a movement of God may occur like most of us have never seen in our lifetime.
Feed the People The third component of the Groups Matter initiative is Feed Your People. Community is only as strong as what it is built upon. Solid Bible study experiences foster solid disciples; weak study produces weak believers. What people study during their group time is a critical piece of the group puzzle. continued on page 24
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Bible Studies for Life Series
NEW
In John 4, Jesus connected with an outcast woman and helped her see how He alone was the answer to her greatest need. The Bible Studies for Life series focuses on real-life, topical issues that let people see how Jesus is the answer to their greatest need, too—how the Bible meets their life right where they are. $19.95 biblestudiesforlife.com/smallgroups
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$ .95
Connected My Life in the Church by Thom S. Rainer Through this study of Ephesians, see that God has placed us in our local churches to serve others, care for them, pray together, learn together, and grow together—all for the glory of God. (6 sessions) Thom S. Rainer serves as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and seven grandchildren. Dr. Rainer publishes a daily blog at ThomRainer.com and can be found on twitter at @ThomRainer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Thom.S.Rainer.
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In the box!
In the box!
Resilient Faith Standing Strong in the Midst of Suffering by Mary Jo Sharp Discover what a resilient faith looks like and how you can stand strong, regardless of what comes at you. (6 sessions)
Beyond Belief Exploring the Character of God by Freddy Cardoza Study the infinite character of God and see if your understanding of Him matches what He says about Himself. (6 sessions)
Pressure Points by Chip Henderson Learn how the pressures of life can push you deeper into your journey with Jesus, through this study of James. (6 sessions)
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What is in you controls you. What you consume has influence over you. What you hear, read, and watch—good or bad, you soak these things up like a sponge. It is essential, then, to let the living Word of God be what dwells in you. For every Christian, a deep knowledge of the Word helps make the difference between a shallow, vulnerable faith and a life of peace, trust, and obedience. What is in you will come out so . . . Let the Word dwell in you. LifeWay.com/etbstudies
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$ .95
Some people see the Bible as a collection of stories with morals for life application. But it is so much more than that. Sure, the Bible has some stories in it, but it is also full of poetry, history, codes of law and civilization, songs, prophecy, letters—even a love letter. When you tie it all together, something remarkable happens. A story is revealed. One story. The story of redemption through Jesus. gospelproject.com/tgpstudies 8
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$ .95
Hebrews
In the box!
Chapters 1–7 by David Jeremiah Find encouragement and hope as you see how the writer of Hebrews exhorts early believers to trust in Jesus in the midst of persecution and hard times. (6 sessions)
Hebrews
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Chapters 8–13 by David Jeremiah Understand how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise of a New Covenant and be encouraged to continue your journey of faith, looking to Jesus for help. (6 sessions)
God in Our Relationships by Rey De Armas Learn how love for God must overflow in love for other people, which includes parents, spouse, children, friends, neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, nameless faces, and even enemies. (6 sessions)
God First by J.D. Greear and Trevin Wax Take a theological view of our relationship with God, and understand why the God who made us, loves us, and saves us is worthy of our exclusive worship, honor, and obedience. (6 sessions) biblestudyinsider.com
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T h e L i fe of Je s u s i n Yo u
The L if e of J e s u s in Yo u #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
R IC K WA R R E N
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BASED ON THE FEATURE FILM PRODUCED BY MARK BURNETT AND ROMA DOWNEY
Son of God The Life of Jesus in You by Rick Warren What would happen if you applied the lessons from events in Jesus’ life—temptation, suffering, death, resurrection—to your own? Would you embody more completely the mission, love, and mind of Jesus? This DVD small group study, based on producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s major theatrical release, Son of God, features New York Times bestselling author Pastor Rick Warren. (6 sessions) lifeway.com/sonofgod
24.99 $ .99 7
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Rick Warren founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA, in 1980 with one family. Today it is an evangelical congregation averaging 25,000 weekly attendees. He also leads the Purpose Driven Network of churches, a global coalition of congregations in 162 countries. He is the author of the international bestselling book The Purpose Driven Life, and his book The Purpose Driven Church is listed in “100 Christian Books That Changed the 20th Century.”
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12-SESSION BIBLE STUDY KIT
In the box!
Recovering Redemption How Christ Changes Everything by Matt Chandler All of us have a sense of dissatisfaction. And we typically look for solutions in four areas: self, others, the world, and religion. But none of these will satisfy. Recovering Redemption is about recovering what is lost and broken—our relationship with Jesus—because the gospel is the remedy to fix all things: every struggle, every circumstance, every relationship, everything. (12 sessions) recoveringredemption.com
99.95 14.95
$ $
Matt Chandler serves as Lead Pastor of Teaching at The Village Church in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. He came to The Village in December 2002 and describes his tenure as a replanting effort where he was involved in changing the theological and philosophical culture of the congregation. The church has witnessed a tremendous response growing from 160 people to over 11,000 with campuses across the DFW metroplex.
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6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
Overwhelmed Winning the War Against Worry by Perry Noble Discover a life-altering plan for overcoming stress, worry, depression, and anxiety so you can be free to enjoy the abundant, joy-filled life you were created for. Available in July. (6 sessions) lifeway.com/overwhelmed
79.95
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11.95
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What Are You Afraid Of? Facing Down Your Fears with Faith by David Jeremiah Identify what you’re afraid of and the sources of those fears, then find the truth that sets you free to live the fearless life God created you to enjoy. (6 sessions) lifeway.com/afraid In the box!
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99.95 $ 11.95 $
Come Home A Call Back to Faith by James MacDonald Help believers learn what to do to bring wanderers back to Jesus and the church. (5 sessions) lifeway.com/comehome
69.95 $ 10.95 $
Gray Areas Finding Truth When Life Isn’t Black and White by Mike Glenn Work through some of the gray areas that Christians often argue about, such as divorce, sexual identity, and more. (7 sessions) lifeway.com/grayareas
49.95 9
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$ .95
In the box!
biblestudyinsider.com biblestudyinsider.com
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The Power of God’s Names
In the box!
by Tony Evans Because of God’s depth of character, He has a variety of names to reflect His different capacities of relating to humanity. For example, God is called Elohim when referenced as the allpowerful Creator. When you need provision, get to know the name Jehovah Jireh, which means God, the Provider. God has a name for any and every situation that you can find yourself in. Get to know the names of God because it is in knowing His character and His capacity that you will rest and discover both peace and power in His covenant care. (6 sessions) lifeway.com/godsnames
99.95 $ 11.95 $
Dr. Tony Evans is a pastor, teacher, author, speaker, and one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. Through his local church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, and national ministry, The Urban Alternative, Dr. Evans promotes a Kingdom-agenda philosophy that teaches God’s comprehensive rule over every sphere of life as demonstrated through the individual, family, church, and society.
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A CONVERSATION WITH
MATT CHANDLER Why did you create Recovering Redemption? My own experience had been that for people who legitimately struggled because of their past or the nature of the sin they were caught up in, the church hadn’t been a safe place for them. So I wanted us to interact with those people in a way that was biblically faithful and pressing them towards holiness, while being gracious and walking with them as long as they were willing to fight. That moved us toward a recovery ministry, which started after my first year of being pastor here. We had everything from the heroin addict and alcoholic to the guy with an anger issue or the person whose relationships kept breaking down. Any type of short circuit in people’s lives was being ministered to by the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the recovery ministry. So we wondered if we should take what we’ve been teaching in recovery— which is really just discipleship on steroids—and roll it out on Sunday morning and create small group curriculum around it.
faith. Sin is ultimately an affront against God and not just horizontal but very vertical. At this point all feedback’s been super positive and the response on the weekend has been tremendous. Overall we’ve been extremely encouraged by how God’s used Recovering Redemption here at The Village.
Talk about your biblical/theological approach to Recovering Redemption. Ultimately we want to lay before people the full panoramic of the Gospel—that you’re a broken sinner. Your only real hope is the person and work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit giving you the illuminating understanding of that person and work, and then for you to walk in an ongoing Christian ethic of confession What happens with small groups as you and repentance and prayer. That’s going to start to put together relationships have been teaching the series? and that’s going to begin to help you do On every front throughout this series, amends. I think the Lord’s really poured His So we pressed that on people in mercy out on us. We’ve seen a lot of a way that they felt safe confessing people responding and beginning to where they were coming from, safe understand that there are no little sins. unpacking their struggles, even some of Sins are going to need to be dealt with in order for us to mature and grow in the the thoughts they were having that they continued on page 22 15 biblestudyinsider.com
FOR WOMEN’S GROUPS Children of the Day
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1 & 2 Thessalonians by Beth Moore The New Testament believers carried the Spirit of God as they walked along the shores of Thessalonica, just as you carry that light today. Your circumstances and conditions are not coincidental in your journey. God’s timing is impeccable. Join Beth Moore on the Thessalonian shores as you face real crises, real medical diagnoses, real afflictions, real relationships, real doubts, real concerns, and real fears. Let the tide wash your eyes with fresh vision. Don’t let pride or timidity come between you and the presence of God. Press in tightly. (9 sessions) lifeway.com/childrenoftheday
179.95 15.95
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Beth Moore is an author and Bible teacher of bestselling Bible studies and books for women. She is the founder of Living Proof Ministries and speaker at Living Proof Live women’s events across the US. Beth’s mission is to guide women everywhere into a richer, more fulfilling relationship with the Father.
BIBLE STUDY INSIDER INFO
• Beth memorized 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and you can watch her recite it in the bonus footage. Or memorize it for yourself with her tutorial. • The first printing of Bible study books and resources that accompany Children of the Day required 1,100 gallons of ink. • Beth spent over 18 months researching and writing this study.
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Sacred Secrets A Living Proof Live Experience by Beth Moore The world is obsessed with telling secrets for the sake of sensationalism. But not all hidden things are poisonous and dark. Some secrets are forgiven, some are covered, and some are kept between you and God. Join Beth Moore for a Living Proof Live experience taped at the Greensboro, N.C. event as she explores the power of secrets in our lives. Find out what happens when we let God teach us “wisdom in the secret heart” (Psalm 51:6, ESV). (6 sessions) lifeway.com/sacredsecrets
99.95 $ .95 9
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Esther It’s Tough Being a Woman by Beth Moore Learn strong lessons of faith, providence, and hope in this story of courage that contains many modern parallels for today’s overloaded and stressed woman. (9 sessions) lifeway.com/esther
179.95 $ 15.95
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FOR WOMEN’S GROUPS 8-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
KATHLEEN NIELSON with D.A. CARSON
Rebuild A Study in Nehemiah by Kathleen Nielson Delve into one of the most compelling Old Testament narratives to learn about a courageous, prayerful leader who rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls after the exile. (9 sessions)
REBUILD A
S T U DY
I N
NEHEMIAH
49.95 $ 11.95 $
lifeway.com/gospelcoalition In the box!
WOMEN’S INITIATIVES
9-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
JEN WILKIN
SERMON MOUNT on the
WOMEN’S INITIATIVES
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Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin Take a thorough look at Jesus’ longestrecorded message and rediscover what the life of a Christ-follower should look like. (9 sessions) lifeway.com/gospelcoalition
49.95 $ 11.95 $
Gideon Your Weakness. God’s Strength. by Priscilla Shirer Learn to recognize your weakness as the key that the Lord gives you to unlock the full experience of His strength in your life. (7 sessions) lifeway.com/gideon
149.95 $ 12.95
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Hebrews The Nearness of King Jesus by Lisa Harper Journey through this bridge between the Old and New Testaments to get to the heart of the matter: Jesus is our accessible King. (7 sessions) lifeway.com/hebrews
149.95 $ 12.95
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In the box!
Devotions with Priscilla Audio CD
In the box!
by Priscilla Shirer Enjoy devotional segments from 12 of Priscilla’s popular studies while you run errands, drive to and from work, or pick up the kids. $ .00
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FOR WOMEN’S GROUPS
Family of Jesus Bible Study by Karen Kingsbury Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to grow up in Jesus’ home? In His community? What were His siblings and family members like? What traditions did the family observe? Explore the life of Jesus by examining the stories of those closest to Him. Fall in love with Scripture like never before, and see yourself in the lives of those who lived in flesh with our King. Available in July. (7 sessions) lifeway.com/familyofjesus
149.95 $ 12.95
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Number one New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s favorite inspirational novelist with more than 20 million copies of her award-winning books in print. Karen has more than a dozen novels that have hit #1 on national lists. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Don, and their five sons, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.
BIBLE STUDY INSIDER INFO
• Karen is known for her storytelling and fiction writing and this is her first Bible study with LifeWay. • Karen hopes that many of the women who read her books but might not normally participate in Bible study will be drawn to the Bible study and Scripture. • The video was taped at Karen’s home church in Franklin, Tenn. and many of her family members were present. 20
Beautiful Mess Motherhood for Every Moment by Sherry Surratt & Tracey Eyster Discover (or remember) that you are the mom God chose for your children, and you are a beautiful mom. (6 sessions) lifeway.com/beautifulmess
12.95
$
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Ready to Launch Jesus-Centered Parenting in a Child-Centered World by J.D. and Veronica Greear Become a more intentional parent as you discover how the entire Bible can be utilized as a parenting resource. Available in July. (7 sessions) lifeway.com/readytolaunch
biblestudyinsider.com
49.95 $ 11.95 $
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continued from page 15 were so embarrassed of. To create that venue really has fueled conversions and maturity at the church. You talk about sanctification and transformation as opposed to behavioral modification. I think behavioral modification is let me change my behavior to change my heart. The reality is, that’s never going to work. And it’s why so many church folk get stuck in this kind of cycle of secret sin. They keep trying to bear down on their behavior instead of really getting into the heart root issues of whether or not they actually trust God, whether or not they’re actually believers, and what’s really going on in their hearts. So I always want to push towards transformation and point out biblically that it’s not wrong to put your flesh to death. In fact you better very seriously be trying to put your flesh to death. And nothing weakens your flesh like an increasing delight in God. The more you can delight in and marvel at Jesus Christ and the goodness of God’s grace and delight in you, the better shot you have of loving those things more than you love your sin. People who just try to modify their behavior almost always take their behavior underground. They externally begin to pretend like they’re okay. But in private, they continue to wrestle with their sin. The fact that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified has already outed you as a sinner in need of help and in constant need of the grace and mercy of God. You shouldn’t feel nervous about ever saying, “hey I’ve fallen short.” There’s no room for pretending in the kingdom. So if you can be honest, and you can trust that God is who He is, then your
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affections for God begin to grow and your affections for the world begin to dim. Think of Colossians chapter 3, “Set your mind on things that are above where Christ is seated. And then put to death therefore what is in you.” Even that process in the Bible is love Jesus, put sin to death. Not put sin to death in order to love Jesus. And I think that’s the trap that many people have got themselves into and it’s just exhausting and soul shriveling. What roles do shame, guilt, fear, and anxiety play? Shame and guilt is rarely a symptom. It’s basically a root cause. This becomes kind of a perfect storm because when shame and guilt produce fruit, the fruit of shame and guilt lead to more shame and guilt. And so the reason people get really stuck and jammed up in patterns of behavior is because they either feel guilty or they feel shameful for something they’re doing which leads them to do more of what led to the shame and guilt. The same is true with fear and anxiety, which is another root. Fear and anxiety manifests itself in manipulation, in control, and a hundred other situations or symptoms that really need to be addressed at the heart level of fear and anxiety, guilt and shame. What is the benefit of a group using Recovering Redemption? I think there are multiple benefits of using the Recovering Redemption curriculum. First and foremost, I think churches have struggled to create cultures of honesty and openness. If a guy can’t be honest about where he is, then there’s no real hope for him to ever go anywhere except sit in the deceit
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continued on page 29
2015
DOCTRINE STUDY Called to Be Holy Growing in the Likeness of Jesus, Revised by Richard Melick Discover guidelines for pursuing the holiness God demands and demonstrates. This revised edition contains new learning activities and small group experiences, and serves as the 2015 Baptist Doctrine Study. (6 sessions) In the box!
lifeway.com/doctrine
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$ .95
2015
JANUARY BIBLE STUDY Deuteronomy A Challenge to a New Generation by David Dykes, Bob Bergren, and Rick Prall Remind your church, your group, or yourself that only through Christ can the curse of sin be broken and that we are called to reflect God’s holiness. (7 sessions) lifeway.com/jbs
12.95 $ .95 6
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continued from page 5 Jesus Himself taught that believers are sanctified by the truth of God’s Word (John 17:17). It is important that the studies group leaders choose be rooted in Scripture, point people to Jesus, and are relatable to the people in the group. Because groups matter, group leaders and teachers need to utilize a wise discipleship plan. In order to do this leaders and teachers must choose and utilize Bible studies that employ principles and practices that are discipleship centered.
The Possibilities If your church will embrace wholeheartedly the three components of the Groups Matter initiative—1) Develop Your Leaders, 2) Launch New Groups, and 3) Feed Your People— four things can happen. Your church is almost certain to be a more unified church. Evangelism will become an intuitive response to a world in need of Jesus. Leaders of all types will be available as many are growing to maturity and thus available to lead groups wisely. And your community will be spiritually affected as everywhere a new group is started a new mission point is established.
Rick Howerton is the Small Groups and Discipleship Specialist at LifeWay Church Resources. He has authored many small group studies, is a highly sought after trainer and speaker, and is the author of Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual as well as the revolutionary book, A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic. But Rick’s deepest passion and his goal in life is to see, “a biblical small group within walking distance of every person on the planet making disciples that make disciples.”
This is our charge. We were made for groups. To dig in. To grow. To minister. Together. Its part of His design. The heart of His bride. The drop that starts a ripple. That forms a wave. Into communities. Into the world. Because Groups Matter, I will: Develop My Leaders, Launch New Groups, and Feed My People.
BECAUSE GROUPS MATTER,
we’re challenging churches to launch 100,000 new groups worldwide. Do your part at groupsmatter.com.
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One thing impacts the spiritual growth of your congregation more than any other spiritual discipline: DAILY TIME WITH GOD. Equip the women and men in your church with a daily devotional—the starting place for spiritual growth.
Visit lifeway.com/devotionals for samples and tools to help you use devotionals in your church.
The Two-Minute Drill to Parenting Molding Your Son Into a Man
The
TWO MINUTE Drill
to PARENTING MOLDING YOUR SON INTO A MAN
In the box!
JOHN
CROYLE FOUNDER OF BIG OAK RANCH
by John Croyle Parents with a son still at home are in the “two-minute drill” of their time as the primary influence in his life. This is John Croyle’s game plan to help moms and dads make sure their sons are ready for authentic manhood. The study is based on Croyle’s life and experience parenting more than 1,800 troubled, abused, and neglected boys and girls on the Big Oak Ranch, as well as his two biological children. Through this 8-session study, with its 10- to 12-minute teaching videos, Croyle offers practical, down-to-earth advice on raising your son to be the man God created him to be. (8 sessions)
lifeway.com/twominutedrill
69.95 9
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John Croyle was an all-American defensive end at the University of Alabama during head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s legendary tenure. Faced with the decision to play professional football or to start a home for abused and neglected children, John established Big Oak Ranch in 1974. Today the outreach also includes a girls ranch and a Christian school. John has fathered more than 1800 children through Big Oak as well as his biological children—son Brodie, a former NFL quarterback, and daughter Reagan, a former D1 basketball player at the University of Alabama.
BIBLE STUDY INSIDER INFO
• Portions of the video were shot with a “Drone Cam.” When used at a football game, the crowd was much more interested in the camera than the game itself. • The whole video crew stayed on campus in one of the homes for kids. • On one of the shoots, the horses were less than cooperative. One of them actually got away and had to be tracked down.
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FOR MEN’S GROUPS 33 The Series, Volume 4 A Man and His Work by Bryan Carter, Tierce Green, and John Bryson Get insights into some of the ways men can find both their best fit and more fulfillment in their work.
(6 sessions) lifeway.com/33
74.95 $ 14.95 $
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Kingdom Man Every Man’s Destiny, Every Woman’s Dream by Tony Evans Get a kingdom understanding, perspective, and vision on your identity, along with practical steps on how to become a man who rules his world well. (6 sessions)
lifeway.com/kingdomman
99.95 $ 11.95 $
FIGHT Are You Willing to Pick a Fight with Evil? by Kenny Luck Equip yourself to respond with boldness and duty to the spiritual battle all around us. (8 sessions)
lifeway.com/fight
biblestudyinsider.com biblestudyinsider.com
34.95 $ 10.95 $
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We’re honoring the soldiers who died to give us freedom, the One who died to give us eternal life, and everyday men who are fighting battles of their own.
Join us to be inspired, challenged, and changed.
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that he’s created. And the curriculum is going to almost constantly press on the chains and the enslavement of secret life and secret feelings and dark thoughts. So I think in some sense we can help create a culture of openness and honesty. Upon that foundation other things begin to build and you’ve got a shot at legitimate repentance. Now, leaders exponentially lead better, your people feel safer at church, there begins to be an excitement about gathering because you don’t have as many of the pretty masks on of I’m okay, you’re okay, aren’t we all okay? People get to live in reality. And I’ve found as a pastor, nothing’s more helpful than people being given the permission to live in reality. The Christian life at times is going to be difficult and bad things will happen in our lives. We continue to struggle even though we would confess and say that we love Jesus Christ, and those two things aren’t at odds. I think building those type of things into the hearts and lives of your people make them better evangelists, make them feel safer, and create a maturation pathway in their lives. When those things start to happen, you get a healthy church. And healthy churches multiply, and healthy churches see people come to know Jesus Christ, and healthy churches value the Word of God, and healthy churches have healthy budgets, and on and on I could go. How can we help churches do this? The world’s an extremely broken place. And there are two ways to deal with that brokenness. The first is to rail against it and mock it and beat on it. And there’s a place for that at times. But I think the way I want to spend my life, and my hope for the way pastors would spend their lives, is by just lighting little lights in the darkness. Be a place
for those riddled with guilt and shame, those broken and busted—and they’re going to come across as proud and arrogant. Sinners are exhausting. And the cool thing about that is I’m a sinner too. So if God can be gracious to me, I want to create environments in which grace can be extended to other people who are exhausting like I’m sure I’m exhausting to the Father and to a whole slew of other people. How do people who have gone through Recovering Redemption help others? One of the things that is so exciting to see is almost all the leaders had a monumental moment themselves. I’ve been through it. My wife’s been through it. The transformation in my wife’s heart was profound. My wife’s a good girl, grew up in church, always followed the rules, so she always felt like she was falling short. When you’re talking recovery, people are thinking heroin, alcohol, drugs, same-sex attraction… Lauren was just I perpetually feel like I’m failing and that I’m not good enough because I can’t measure up to an ideal in my head. Recovery was what the Lord used to free her from all of that. It brought a ton of healing to our marriage, and it transformed how she interacted with her passions, and her relationships with her friends. It all changed walking through that recovery process.
Matt Chandler serves as Lead Pastor of Teaching at The Village Church in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. He came to The Village in December 2002 and describes his tenure as a replanting effort where he was involved in changing the theological and philosophical culture of the congregation. The church has witnessed a tremendous response, growing from 160 people to over 11,000 with campuses across the DFW metroplex.
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