LifeWay Men 2018 Magalog

MINISTRY & RESOURCE GUIDE

B E A L E R T, S TA N D F I R M I N T H E FA I T H , ACT LIKE A MAN, BE STRONG. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13

L I F E W AY 2

E s s e ntia ls of M inis t r y to M e n

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4 D o m ain s of M e n’s M inis t r y

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33 T h e S e r ie s

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4 R e a s o n s D a ds D o n’t Le a d Fa mil y D evotio n a ls

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D evotio n a l R e s o urc e s

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N ew R e s o urc e s f ro m J a m e s M a c D o n a l d

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4 Way s M e n’s Eve nt s C a n B e St r ate gic

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Eve nt s f o r M e n

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3 Q u e s tio n s to G et Co nve r s atio n G oin g in Yo ur M e n’s G ro up

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D is c ip l e ship R e s o u rc e s

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5 Q u e s tio n s Yo ur Churc h M u s t A n s we r to R e a c h Yo un g M e n

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R e s o urc e s f ro m M at t Ch a n dl e r

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R e s o urc e s f ro m To ny Ev a n s

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R e s o urc e s f ro m R o b by G a ll at y

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R e s o urc e s f ro m Er ic G e ig e r

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R e s o urc e s f ro m Er ic M a s o n

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R e s o urc e s f ro m R u s s e ll M o o re

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Pa re ntin g in To d ay’s Wo r l d

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M a r r ia g e a n d Fa mil y R e s o urc e s

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4 Pr in c ip l e s f o r Ef f e c ti ve L is te nin g

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Film R e s o urc e s

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Ad ditio n a l R e s o urc e s f o r M e n

To order any of the resources featured in this catalog, go to lifeway.com/men, call 1.800.458.2772, or visit the LifeWay Christian Store serving you.

Product pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

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CONNEC T > DISCIPLE > CHALLENGE >>> TR ANSFORM Men’s ministry takes many different shapes. In many churches, the

ESSENTIALS OF MINISTRY TO MEN

most effective strategy may not even involve a formalized men’s ministry. Healthy ministry to men connects, disciples, challenges, and ultimately witnesses men transformed by the power of Jesus.

C O N N E C T: E V E R Y M A N N E E D S G O D LY M E N .

God has not created us to live life alone. It’s essential for men to be connected in biblical community because when they’re not, they are vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Men need churches to be intentional in finding ways to connect men with other godly men.

D I S C I P L E : E V E R Y M A N N E E D S T O G R O W. Church leaders must labor, with God’s power, to lead men in Christian maturity through groups, classes, or mentoring. LifeWay Men resources are rooted in Scripture and tailored to help church leaders guide this process.

CHALLENGE: EVERY MAN HAS A MISSION. God has woven a desire for mission into the fabric of the masculine heart. When men are unsure of their mission, they pull away from the challenge God has designed for them and give themselves lesser, more worldly challenges. Churches must help men live out the mission God is calling them to—pushing back the darkness and advancing God’s kingdom.

TRANSFORM: EVERY MAN HAS A MASTER. As men are connected, discipled, and challenged, the Lord does His transforming work. Every man has a master, something or someone that he lives for. As men are transformed, the Lord rules and reigns over every aspect of their lives, with ever-increasing glory.

L I F E W AY.C O M / M E N

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K R IS D O L B ER RY, M EN’S M I N IS T RY S PEC I A L IS T Kris Dolberry is a pastor, Bible teacher, writer, and church consultant.

After serving in pastoral leadership for 16 years, Kris now leads Ministry to Men at LifeWay and serves as Executive Editor of Stand Firm, a daily devotional magazine for men. He is passionate about serving churches in their mission of making disciples. Kris is husband to Vanessa and dad to Konnor, Emma, and Brady. They live outside Nashville, Tennessee.

Fire is an incredible thing, isn’t it? Inside the confines of a stove or fireplace, it’s beautifully captivating and good for heat and cooking food. Focused the right way, it can even cut metal. But when fire gets outside those confines, it leaves pain, destruction, and even death in its wake.

Manhood is the same way. When men understand who God made them to be and wring their lives out in servant leadership at home and at church, their families, churches, and communities thrive. However, when men step outside those bounds and forego that responsibility, the fabric of those institutions flies apart at the seams.

At LifeWay, we desire to provide trustworthy Bible studies and transformational events designed to serve the church in her mission of discipling men. I believe that when men understand who God designed them to be in light of the gospel, lives will be changed, families will be strengthened, churches will be impacted, and communities will be transformed.

Thank you for your partnership. Let us know how we can help you and your church.

Kris Dolberry Men’s Ministry Specialist @ K R ISD O L B ER RY | K R IS.D O L B ER RY@ L I FE WAY.CO M | 615.251.3633

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4 DOMAINS OF MEN’S MINISTRY

BY KRIS DOLBERRY

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M I N I S T RY TO M E N I S N OT FO R T H E FA I N T O F H E A R T. B u t of te n we p l a c e th e b urd e n of b l a m e in th e w ro n g p l a c e like o n th e sh o ul d e r s of a “l a z y” p a s to r, uninte re s te d m e n, o r n o n c o m mit t a l mill e n nia ls. T h os e a re a ll sp ir it u a l p ro b l e m s.

B u t c o ul d it b e th at m a ny of th e p ro b l e m s w ith m e n’s minis t r ie s (o r a ny minis t r ie s f o r th at m at te r) a re n ot sp ir it u a l p ro b l e m s b u t s t r ate g y p ro b l e m s — p ro b l e m s w ith th e t re llis, n ot th e v in e. T hink a b o u t this: Yo ur dis c ip l e ship s t r ate g y is p e r f e c tl y d e sign e d to p ro du c e th e re s ult s it is c ur re ntl y g et tin g. I f it is n ot g et tin g re s ult s, yo u h ave th e w ro n g s t r ate g y. S o w h at is th e r ight s t r ate g y?

T h e re’s n o sil ve r b ull et s t r ate g y. At L if eWay, we s e r ve m o re th a n 8 0,0 0 0 c hurc h e s a ll ove r th e wo r l d.

In n o t wo of th os e c hurc h e s d o e s minis t r y to m e n l o o k th e s a m e. M inis t r y to m e n in s o m e c hurc h e s is w h at I wo ul d c a ll f o r m a lize d.

Fo r m a lize d minis t r ie s a re of te n in c hurc h e s w ith a w id e r a n g e of av ail a b l e minis t r ie s. T h ey h ave th e ir ow n b r a n d like G o d’s G u y s o r M a n Up. T h ey h ave th e ir ow n v isio n s t ate m e nt a n d u s u a ll y h ave a vo c atio n a l o r vo lunte e r m e n’s p a s to r.

S a d dl e b a c k Churc h of

s o u th e r n C a lif o r nia wo ul d f a ll in this c ate g o r y.

T h e n th e re a re c hurc h e s th at d o n ot h ave a f o r m a lize d m e n’s minis t r y, b u t d o b e lieve in re a c hin g, dis c ip lin g, a n d m o b ilizin g m e n. T h e s e c hurc h e s of te n d o n ot h ave a d e sign ate d m e n’s p a s to r. T h ey f o ll ow a m o re s t r ate gic a ll y sim p l e m o d e l.

In th e s e c hurc h e s, minis t r y to m e n u s u a ll y h a p p e n s w ithin th e ir e x is tin g gro up s n et wo r k (Sun d ay S c h o o l, c o m m unit y gro up s, Bib l e s t u d y f e ll ow ship s, etc .) T h ey m ay n ot h ave a f o r m a lize d m e n’s minis t r y, b u t re a c hin g m e n is n o l e s s imp o r t a nt th a n in c hurc h e s th at d o. I t ’s ju s t a p p ro a c h e d dif f e re ntl y. T his is th e c ate g o r y th at my c hurc h f a lls into.

B oth c ate g o r ie s of c hurc h e s c a n b e ef f e c ti ve at re a c hin g, dis c ip lin g, a n d m o b ilizin g m e n. T h ey simp l y t a ke dif f e re nt s t r ate gic a p p ro a c h e s. N o m at te r w hic h a p p ro a c h is t a ke n, we f in d th at th e c hurc h e s th at d o th e b e s t jo b of re a c hin g, dis c ip lin g, a n d m o b ilizin g m e n h ave d eve l o p e d a n inte ntio n a l p athw ay th at invo l ve s dis c ip lin g m e n in f o ur d o m ain s. H e re th ey a re: 1 C R OW DS T h e c rowd d o m ain u s u a ll y

h a p p e n s b et we e n 1-3 tim e s p e r ye a r. Churc h e s w h o think s t r ate gic a ll y a b o u t th e c rowd d o m ain w ill u s e it a s a n o p p o r t unit y to c a pt ure g u y s w h o a re c ur io u s a b o u t G o d a n d c hurc h. T his d o m ain a ls o s e r ve s a s a c at a l y s t to m ove m e n into th e n e x t thre e d o m ain s. At L if eWay, we p rov id e a t ail o r- m a d e c rowd eve nt c a ll e d T h e M ain Eve nt (s ee p a g e 14 f o r m o re d eta i l s).

2 CO M M U N IT I E S Churc h e s of te n of f e r c o m m unitie s o n c e p e r q u a r te r to o n c e p e r m o nth. T h ey a re d e sign e d to s u s t ain th e m o m e nt um c a pt ure d in th e c rowd d o m ain. M y f r ie n d To m K a n g of S a d dl e b a c k Churc h is th e m e n’s p a s to r th e re.

H e d o e s a q u a r te r l y a ll - m e n g ath e r in g c a ll e d M a n Up th at in c lu d e s wo r ship, a m e s s a g e, a n d, of c o ur s e, re d m e at. B u t Pa s to r To m is s av v y. H e k n ow s th at th os e thin g s a l o n e d o n ot m a ke f o r a h e a lthy c o m m unit y d o m ain. W h at m a ke s it ef f e c ti ve is l eve r a gin g th e o p p o r t unit y this c re ate s to c o n n e c t w ith th e n e x t d o m ain.

3 GROUPS G ro up s m e et b et we e n o n c e p e r m o nth a n d o n c e p e r we e k . T h e f o c u s is B ib l e s t u d y, c o m m unit y, a n d sh e p h e rdin g. Churc h e s w h o d o th e b e s t jo b at this h ave

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a c l e a r c o nte nt m a p th at invo l ve s s o m ethin g like 33 T h e S e r ie s o r D is c ip l e s’ Path. A s t r u g gl e I of te n h e a r f ro m p a s to r s is th at m os t m e n a re to o b u s y to g et invo l ve d w ith a n oth e r gro up. H o n e s tl y, a s hu sb a n d of a c a re e r w if e a n d d a d of thre e, a ll of w h o m a re invo l ve d in sp o r t s, I c a n re l ate to this. W h at I of te n a d v is e is to h a lt c o - e d gro up s a n d c re ate inte ntio n a l o p p o r t unitie s f o r th e m e n in th os e gro up s to g ath e r w ith ju s t th e m e n a n d wo m e n w ith wo m e n. I t ’s imp o r t a nt f o r eve r yo n e invo l ve d.

4 H U D D LE S In J e s u s’ minis t r y, h e h a d th e 12 dis c ip l e s w ith w h o m H e sp e nt 9 0 % of his tim e.

B u t w ithin th e 12, J e s u s h a d his in n e r c irc l e: Pete r, J a m e s, a n d J o hn. H e wo ul d of te n p ull th e m a sid e a n d sp e n d eve n m o re d e dic ate d

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tim e dis c ip lin g th e m. Yo u to o n e e d a n in n e r- c irc l e. A hu d dl e of m e n w ith w h o m th e re a re n o s e c ret s. M y hu d dl e c o n sis t s of Chr is a n d J a s o n. We m e et to g eth e r s eve r a l tim e s p e r m o nth.

O ur c o nve r s atio n s s t r ike a b a l a n c e of s t r u c t ure a n d inf o r m a lit y. T h os e g u y s k n ow th e b e s t a n d wo r s t of m e a n d I th e m. T im e s w ith th e s e m e n n o ur ish my s o ul a n d p u sh m e tow a rd J e s u s a s m u c h a s a ny thin g in my lif e.

H u d dl e s a re inv it atio n o nl y gro up s of 3 -5 m e n f o r dis c ip l e ship, a c c o unt a b ilit y, a n d iro n - sh a r p e nin g. T his is th e d o m ain w h e re th e h e a r t of m e n’s minis t r y b e at s. Yo ur s t r ate g y is in c o mp l ete w ith o u t it. Yet in m a ny c hurc h e s it is th e mis sin g link .

Pa n c a ke b re a k f a s t s a n d g a m e din n e r s a re we ll a n d g o o d. B u t h ow d o th ey f it into yo ur s t r ate g y? W hic h

d o m ain wo ul d th e b re a k f a s t f a ll into? W h at is yo ur p l a n to m ove m e n f ro m o n e d o m ain to th e n e x t? A s my f r ie n d Pat H o o d s ay s, “I f it ’s a mis t in th e p ulp it, it w ill b e a f o g in th e p ew.” His p oint is if yo u d o n’t c l e a r l y k n ow w h at yo ur s t r ate g y is, yo u c a n f o rg et c re atin g a s c a l a b l e a n d s u s t ain a b l e s y s te m f o r dis c ip lin g m e n.

Ev a lu ate yo ur c hurc h, a n d s t a r t by a sk in g yo ur s e lf th e s e q u e s tio n s: H ow a re yo u d oin g in e a c h of th e s e f o ur d o m ain s? W h at a re yo u d oin g we ll? W h at o p p o r t unitie s d o yo u h ave f o r imp rove m e nt?

K R I S D O L B E R R Y is a pastor, speaker, writer, and trainer of leaders. He leads Ministry to Men at LifeWay Christian Resources and serves as Executive Editor of StandFirm, a daily devotional magazine for men.

33 THE SERIES

THIS IS THE KIND OF STUDY THAT CAN BE LED BY ANY MAN, ANYWHERE. HERE ARE SOME WAYS MEN CAN FULLY EXPERIENCE THIS SERIES:

ONE ON ONE

Men can watch sessions together anywhere.

SMALL GROUPS

This series works well for men meeting in groups of 4 to 6 men. If your group is larger than 6, you may want to break into two discussion groups to give each man an opportunity to participate.

MEDIUM-SIZED GROUPS

A group of 12 to 30 men could meet in a church, home, workplace meeting room, or private room in a restaurant.

LARGE GROUPS

For groups with 50 or more men, find church or venue space to accommodate the crowd. To offset the cost consider charging each man a small fee. Strategize with your leadership team to help men connect without getting lost in the shuffle.

VOL . 1: A M AN AND HIS DESIGN Discover God’s clear design and definition of authentic manhood, and how to navigate the different seasons of a man’s life.

VO L . 4: A M A N A N D H IS WO R K Use a biblical blueprint to get an inspiring vision of your work, and free yourself to see it from God’s bigger perspective.

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VOL. 2: A MAN AND HIS STORY Too many men don’t truly understand their own stories. Learn how to understand your past, come alive in the present, and enjoy God’s best in your future.

VO L . 5: A M A N A N D H IS M A R R I AG E Learn how to build your marriage for His glory. These game changers will help bring new life to your marriage.

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VO L . 3: A M A N A N D H IS T R A PS Identify the deeply held idols of your heart and build a battle plan based on God’s grace to guide you in replacing them.

VO L . 6: A M A N A N D H IS FAT H ER H O O D Equip yourself with practical skills and grace-filled insights that will allow you to launch healthy daughters and sons into the world.

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4 R E ASONS DA DS DON’T L E A D F A M I LY D E V O T I O N A L S W H E T H ER O R N OT YO U A R E A FAT H ER , YO U PR O BA B LY K N OW A BO U T T H E I M P O R TA N CE O F R EGU L A R LY L E A D I N G YO U R FA M I LY

But so many fathers don’t. Teaching children about the ways of the Lord is often left up to church leaders. What children generally get from their fathers on the most important matter of all is deafening silence. So why don’t fathers lead their families in a regular devotional time? Here are four common excuses dads make: TO J ESUS.

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I D O N ’ T K N OW W H E R E T O S T A R T. You don’t need to be a Bible scholar. Your children don’t need you to have a seminary degree. You aren’t being asked to share what you don’t know. Just share whatever you do know. God

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B Y B I L L D E LVA U X will honor your attempts. A great place to start is to simply reteach what God is teaching you and read the Bible and pray together.

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I’V E TR IED IT BE FOR E , A N D IT FA I L E D. There’s no doubt it’s difficult to get back on the horse after you’ve fallen off. The reality is, however, that we learn best from our failures, not our successes. Ask the Lord what He may be trying to teach you from the failure. Ask your wife for feedback and suggestions. Ask a trusted friend for ideas. You are not alone in this. Invite others into the process.

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I CAN’T K EEP US FOCUSE D.

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

Devotional times don’t have to look like a family sitting around, hands folded, quietly listening to Dad’s monologue.

Make this time interactive, and involve the whole family.

Introduce an object lesson and pass around props. Go for a walk outside while you discuss the devotional. Ask each child (and your wife!) to tell about something that happened earlier. Try talking with children individually about the Lord. Another great option is to find an activity that illustrates something you want to teach. For example, have each kid jump off a stool into your arms, trusting that you will catch them. This is a great visual for the experience of trusting God.

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T H EY DON’T GET A N Y T H I N G O U T O F I T. First, remember that God’s Word is living and active. When we read it and speak about it, there are things happening in our children’s hearts that we don’t see, things that even they don’t understand. Secondly, do not discount the priceless value of simply being together as a family. You are

stocking their emotional cabinet with closeness and love— something that will give them a steady foundation through the turbulence of adolescence. It will also guide them into feeling loved by God. When I had two preschool daughters, I knew I had to do something with my family, determined not to repeat the silence. Yet I felt so untutored and afraid to fail. As I started daily devotionals, I made many mistakes and had to keep adjusting as they moved from children to teenagers. But looking back, now that they are both college graduates, I have no regrets about muddling through. God loves to take our muddled mess and do something miraculous!

B I L L D E LVA U X leads Landmark Journey Ministries, serves as content editor for Stand Firm, LifeWay’s devotional magazine for men, and is the author of Divided: When the Head and Heart Don’t Agree and Landmarks: Turning Points on Your Journey Toward God. He and his wife have two grown daughters and reside in Franklin, TN.

S TA N D FI R M Stay anchored in Christ by cultivating the discipline of daily Bible reading in this monthly devotional magazine for men filled with practical ways to apply biblical truths.

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D E VO H U B Help your church provide trustworthy devotional content to its members and guests no matter where they are during the week. Learn more and start your free trial at devohub. com

LifeWay.com/StandFirm 9

JAMES M AC D O N A L D James MacDonald is the founding and senior pastor of Chicago’s Harvest Bible Chapel; the host of the “Walk in the Word” radio show; and the author of several books and Bible studies including Act Like Men, Lord, Change My Attitude, When Life Is Hard; Vertical Church, Authentic, Think Differently, and more.

SEE JAMES AT THE MAIN EVENT For more information, see page 14 or visit LifeWay.com/MainEvent

NEW

VIDEO-BASED 6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY

AC T L I K E M EN Are you behaving like the man God created you to be? Following God without abandon?

Meeting the needs of those around you without hesitation? That’s the man society and the church desperately needs you to be. Undergo what James MacDonald calls “radical surgery”—a deep exploration and restoration of what it means to be a man. Walking through the five pillars of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, you’ll be encouraged and challenged to become a stronger man of God. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005802240 $12.99 Leader Kit 005399892 $79.99 LifeWay.com/ActLikeMen

T H I N K D I FFER EN T LY Learn to renew your mind in Christ as you identify and overcome the mental, familial, and self-created strongholds that enslave you. (10 sessions)

LO R D, C H A N G E MY AT T I T U D E Look to the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt to identify attitudes that dishonor God, disrupt your relationship with Him, and hinder your spiritual growth. (10 sessions)

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LifeWay.com/JamesMacDonald 10

NEW RESOURCES FROM JAMES MACDONALD

A N E XC E R P T FRO M

WHEN GOD GIVES US A CLEAR VIEW OF OUR SINFULNESS, WE ARE BEING LED INTO A T WO -PART CRISIS OF REPENTANCE: GRIEF OVER SIN AND REPULSION OVER SIN. First, grief is recognition, ownership, and deep sorrow over sin. It’s what Paul is talking about in 2 Corinthians 7:9, “For you felt a godly

grief” and in verse 10, “godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation … ” That word grief could also be translated pained, distressed, or sorrowful. [The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Revised, p. 254] FN If you’re truly repentant, you’re going to feel deep conviction about your sin. You will

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experience internal hurting and soul anguish. You’ll be grieved over the wrong choices you made.

WHEN WAS THE L AST TIME YOU WERE GREATLY DISTRESSED AND GRIEFSTRICKEN ABOUT SIN IN YOUR LIFE? WHAT RESULTED FROM THAT REALIZ ATION OF SIN? WHEN WE’RE CONVIC TED AND GRIEVED OVER SIN, HOW DO WE TRY TO INVALIDATE OR AVOID WHAT GOD IS SAYING TO US? In Scripture, some people who had a direct encounter with God felt the full weight of their sin. Job, after he realized the foolishness of his words, said to the Lord, “I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). After Abraham questioned God’s plan to destroy Sodom, he became suddenly aware of his place before the holy God. He exclaimed, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the

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Lord, I who am but dust and ashes” (Genesis 18:27). Isaiah, given a vision of God on His throne, fell on his face and said, “Woe is me ... I am a man of unclean lips … ” (Isaiah 6:5). A sense of unworthiness is the immediate result of meeting with God. Even the most righteous among us is not coming close to God’s standard of unattainable, infinite holiness.

Standing firm in the faith (last week’s lesson) includes the magnificent and overwhelming vision of God that drives us to humility and repentance.

HOW DOES YOUR VIEW OF GOD AFFEC T YOUR PRIDE AND SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS? Following hard on the heels of grief over sin comes repulsion over sin.

What was attractive and tempting earlier, now becomes ugly and sickening to us. Paul continues is 2 Corinthians 7:11, “For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you … ” The Corinthians had been shocked and saddened by the reality of their sin; now they were sickened by it. The word earnestness implies diligence, seriousness, and readiness to make changes.

I F YO U ’R E T RU LY R E PE N TA N T, YO U ’R E G O I N G TO FE E L D E E P CO N V I C T I O N A BO U T YO U R SIN.

From observation or personal experience, share some examples of how sins that were once attractive became repulsive.

WHAT HAD TO HAPPEN TO CAUSE SUCH A SIGNIFICANTLY ALTERED REAC TION TO THOSE SINS? When I’m truly repentant, I exert serious intent and energy toward putting sin behind me.

Repentance brings with it a new urgency about my relationship with God and strong negative feelings toward anything that would injure that relationship.

EVENTS FOR MEN

WAYS MEN’S EVENTS CAN BE STRATEGIC

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BY KRIS DOLBERRY

I recently heard the story of Al. Al had been a regular church attender for decades. He was religious but had never been raised from death to life by Jesus.

Two years ago, he attended a special event for men with his local church. In his pastor’s words, “God did a mighty work in Al’s life,” and recently, he was baptized. He’s now plugged into a gospel-centered Bible study with other men in his church learning what it means to thrive in relationship with Christ.

There are tons of stories I could tell you about lives being transformed at one of our events. Marriages have been restored. Those contemplating suicide have found new life in Jesus. Relationships have been reconciled. Families have surrendered their lives to take the gospel to unreached people groups. I could go on.

Al’s story reminds me that events can serve a major role not only in the lives of individuals, but also in the discipleship strategy of your church in at least four ways.

1. A S PI R I T UA L AWA K EN I N G Recently Eventbrite conducted a survey of 1,000 people who attended religious special events. The study indicated that the more often individuals attend these events, the higher their level of involvement in church and commitment to their faith. This was seen through higher congregational attendance, small group participation, personal Scripture reading and prayer, and the importance of faith in their lives overall.

2. AN ON - R AMP

We live in a day where, unfortunately, there is much skepticism of the church among non-churchgoers. A men’s event can serve as an easy on-ramp for those who are kicking the tires of God and church but are skeptical to attend a Sunday service.

You may choose to use an event as an opportunity to train men in investing in and inviting their unchurched friends. For example, one church of 250 brought 77 men—many of whom were not members of their church—to the 2016 Main Event in Nashville. They were pumped they had invited guys and then were able to see God at work in them.

3 . A C ATA LYS T

Use men’s events as jumping-off points into your strategic discipleship process. Events give men a dose of healthy momentum when it comes to things like starting new Bible study groups and moving guys into volunteer ministry roles.

4 . A U N I FI ER

If you’ve ever attended an event with a group from your church, you know there is a degree of community that is difficult to achieve in other ways. It only takes a quick survey of Acts 6 to notice that disunity is a sure way to halt the mission of your church. Acts 6 should also serve as a reminder that church leaders must be diligent to strategically build unity.

Attending an event together can help.

At LifeWay, our desire is to serve you, the Church, in your mission of making disciples. We work hard to provide experiences like The Main Event, through which God does His transforming work in individuals, families, churches, and communities.

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GET PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR EMBRACING ALL GOD CREATED YOU TO BE.

MOBILE, AL | FEBRUARY 23-24, 2018 HENDERSONVILLE (NASHVILLE), TN | AUGUST 10-11, 2018 James MacDonald, Darryl Strawberry, Rick Burgess, Ted Traylor, Robby Gallaty, Kris Dolberry, Ted Dibiase, Jason Earls, Josh Straub & More

COME EARLY FOR LEADING MEN TRAINING MOBILE, AL | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 HENDERSONVILLE (NASHVILLE), TN | AUGUST 10, 2018 Take advantage of the best prices available by bringing a group of 10 or more.

Register at LifeWay.com/MainEvent Events are subject to change. Speakers may vary per event. To register by phone, call 800.254.2022.

EVENTS FOR MEN

LEADING MEN TRAINING Are you ministering to men in your church?

Join us before The Main Event for training and encouragement from top ministry and professional leaders as you seek to influence the men in your church and community.

MOBILE, AL FEBRUARY 23, 2018 HENDERSONVILLE (NASHVILLE), TN AUGUST 10, 2018 LifeWay.com/LeadingMenTraining

JOHNNY HUNT SIMULCAST UNSPOKEN Join Pastor Johnny Hunt of First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA, to recognize struggles specific to men and learn the power that comes from speaking up.

Host the simulcast event in your church or small group, and strengthen your relationship with Christ through Bible-centered teaching.

FEBRUARY 2-3, 2018 LifeWay.com/JHuntSimulcast

MANHOOD RESTORED CONFERENCE What does it mean to be a man? Is it merely gender?

Is it linked to legal age status? Does it come with registering to vote or driving a car? Is it about power and authority, or status and significance?

The Manhood Restored Conference will help men discover how the gospel makes them new!

PHILADELPHIA, PA APRIL 13-14, 2018 LifeWay.com/ManhoodRestoredEvent

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3 QUE S T IONS TO GE T C ON V E RS AT ION GOING IN YOUR MEN’S GROUP by kris dolberry As I talk to men’s ministry leaders across the nation, stimulating group conversation is one of the most common frustrations. In groups I lead, I often ask only three questions, listen to responses and to the Holy Spirit, and then discern where the conversation needs to go from there.

W H A T DI D Y O U L E A R N A B O U T G OD ?

Hiroo Onoda was a Japanese World War II soldier who continued to fight 30 years after the war was over. Sound too outrageous to be true? It’s not. He refused to believe reports that the war had ended until his former commanding officer was brought in to officially relieve him of duty. He believed the wrong story about the war, and it had detrimental consequences for his life.

The same is true about God. The most shaping belief in our lives is what we believe about God. It’s foundational. If we believe the 16

wrong story about God, the results can be detrimental to our spiritual lives. Asking the right questions and guiding the conversation to help men believe the correct story

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W H A T DI D Y O U L E A R N A BOU T Y OURSEL F ?

In my experience as a pastor for nearly 20 years, I’ve observed, one of the enemy’s most successful attacks against a man is to convince him to live in an identity that is not his own. He did this to Jesus, too.

W hen Jesus was baptized, God the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son in whom I’m pleased.” Then, immediately the enemy began to question that identity: “If you really are the Son of God...”. At the heart of this question is the need for a man to understand more and more of whom God says he is and to stop believing the lies the enemy is feeding him about himself.

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W H A T DI D Y O U LE A RN A BOUT O THERS ?

Not only does this question help men process and discover deeper ways to orient their lives around gospel mission, it also gets at something deeper. People who’ve experienced grace see people differently and naturally begin to pour that grace out on others. In other words, a man’s answer to this question actually reveals what he really believes about others, too. For example, after years of holding a grudge, a man who finally realizes his need to forgive someone actually reveals something deeper about a man’s faith journey. It reveals that he has felt the weight of his own need for forgiveness and seen God as forgiver, resulting in him finally taking this important step.

FIND A BIBLE STUDY FOR ANY

SMALLGROUP.COM HELPS YOU MAKE A STUDY FOR ANYTHING. BECAUSE ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN A SMALL GROUP. Small group leaders are on the front lines of ministry at your church. They see it all.

They hear it all. They need a resource that can address it all. And smallgroup.com now has more than 3,000 studies on over 400 topics, covering all 66 books of the Bible.

Of course, group leaders can customize each study even further by adding video, a church logo, or additional discussion questions that fit the needs of their group.

Get a free 30-day preview at smallgroup.com

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DISCIPLESHIP RESOURCES DISCIPLES PATH IS A ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING TOOL THAT WILL NOT ONLY DEVELOP A BELIEVER AS A DISCIPLE BUT ALSO CREATE DEEP RELATIONSHIPS OVER TIME.

T H E B EG I N N I N G: A R E S O U R C E FO R N E W D IS C I PL E S Introduce to new believers the basic practices and elements of faith: the centrality of Christ, the crucial practices of prayer and Scripture reading, community, and what it means to be on mission for God. (5 sessions)

T H E C A L L: CO U N T I N G T H E COS T O F FO L LOW I N G C H R IS T Gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to follow Christ in your everyday life. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005717352 $9.99

Bible Study Book 005685160 $9.99

T H E WAY: D IS COV ER I N G C H R IS T’S PAT H O F D IS C I PL E S H I P Walk through the Gospels, following the journey of Jesus and His methods for calling, teaching, equipping, and sending His disciples. (5 sessions)

T H E M IS S I O N: J O I N I N G GO D I N H IS WO R K Discover your role in God’s mission to redeem the world, and join Him in seeing it accomplished.

(6 sessions)

Bible Study Book 005693131 $9.99

Bible Study Book 005727822 $9.99

T H E L I FE: L I V I N G T H E S PI R I T UA L D IS C I PL I N E S Explore the essential spiritual disciplines and practices that help all believers mature as followers of Christ. (6 sessions)

T H E T R U T H: EN GAG I N G T H E FO U N DAT I O NS O F FA I T H Understand the essential doctrines of the Christian faith: God as triune Creator, sin, the person and work of Christ, the kingdom of God, and the Church. (6 sessions)

Bible Study Book 005717354 $9.99

Bible Study Book 005717353 $9.99

This series is also available for teens.

LifeWay.com/DisciplesPath 18

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QUESTIONS YO U R C H U R C H MUST ANSWER TO R E AC H YO U N G M E N

BY K R I S D O LB ER RY

IN THE EARLY 1800s, four young men, students from Williams College in Massachusetts, gathered in a field near their campus to talk about what God was doing in their day. Their specific topic was how the heart of God beats for unreached people groups. As they read Scripture, talked, and prayed, it began to rain.

As the rainstorm got more and more severe, students began to take shelter under stacks of hay.

known as the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. This organization sent many of the first Christian missionaries to India, China, and Hawaii. Fast forward to today—the roots of the largest missions agency in the world, the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention can be tracked back to what God began that day in Massachusetts.

What happened next can only be explained as God-divined.

He began to bring revival on the campus of Williams College.

Gatherings began to spring up in the region. This series of revivals became known as the Haystack Revivals. But that was just the beginning. Four years later, those students formed what became

Millions upon million of people have been impacted by the gospel because of how God used those four young men. In fact, many of the major moves of God throughout redemptive history began with young men and women. But statistics tell us that the least likely demographic to engage in church today are young men, and it’s not

even close. Someone once asked Andy Stanley about the reason this phenomenon. He said, “The reason many young adults don’t attend church is because they’ve been to one.” He’s right. In many cases, churches are answering questions young men simply are not asking. I’ll bet if you think hard enough, you can think of a few right now.

A few years ago, LifeWay Research identified key issues young adults are dealing with. The findings gave us insight into five questions young men are asking and how your church must answer if you are going to reach them.

1) THE COMMUNITY QUESTION: DO YOU KNOW ME? It is no accident that this one is #1 on this list. Think about goods and

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services young men consume—Starbucks, online gaming, and social media. What do each of these have in common? They are all selling something other than their tangible products. They are selling community. Take coffee, for example.

Our parents bought coffee because they wanted coffee. Have you been in a hipster coffee shop lately? Everything about the environmental design screams “community.” If you church doesn’t intentionally create compelling environments that create community, you will not reach millennial men.

2) THE AUTHENTICITY QUESTION: CAN WE BE REAL? Young men are looking for community, yes. But they are not looking for a community bearing a facade that screams, “We have it all together.” If there is anything that the gospel makes clear, it is that none of us has it all together. We are all severely broken and in need of ferocious grace. The moment you, your church, or the environments you create communicate that you have somehow reached an admirable level of have-it-togetherness, young men will run for the hills. You may impress them by sharing your successes. But you will only connect with them by sharing your failures.

3) THE CAUSALITY QUESTION: CAN WE GO DEEP? This generation of young men is more informed and educated than any generation prior. And if they haven’t already been informed, they can find the

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information they need in seconds with their smart phones. Young men want to go below the surface. In my observation, many men’s ministries think they need to “dumb it down” or “make it simple” for men. Clear? Yes. To the point?

Absolutely. But over-simplification is a massive mistake. Refer back to #2 above.

Life is not simple. It’s messy. This is why young men want depth. They don’t want to just know the effect. They want to know the cause—to get to the root. Keep in mind, there are varying types of depth—intellectual, practical, emotional, and, of course, theological.

If your church doesn’t have at least two of these, you will likely not reach young men. The churches that do the best job of reaching and discipling millennial men have all four.

4) THE RESPONSIBILITY QUESTION: CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE? In a 2016 Gallup Survey of millennials at work, 50% of those surveyed indicated they would likely not still be in their current job one year later.

This stands in stark contrast to men of previous generations. Many of our grandfathers worked the same job for 30-40 years. So, what has changed?

Young men may actually be more committed to giving their lives away to something that matters than previous generations. And the reason for the Gallup statistic I referenced earlier is because they are still searching for that “thing.” Once they find it, they’ll rearrange their entire lives to run after it. Church, we have the greatest

mission in the world. Give young men a compelling vision that feels worthy of giving their lives to along with a practical pathway to step into it, and you won’t be able to keep them away.

5) THE CONNECTION QUESTION: WILL YOU SHOW ME? How did your great-grandfather learn how to be a man? He watched his dad while they worked the fields together.

Today most dads spend their best hours at work. Then come home exhausted.

And that’s if dad is still present.

Today’s young men are more likely to come from single-parent homes than any other generation in history. The point is that it is very possible for a young man to grow up having never had a biblical picture of manhood modeled for him. Often in the church, we teach people things that engage their mind and call that discipleship.

Renewing the mind is a massive part of the sanctification process, yes. But Jesus’ model of discipleship was equal parts impartation and imitation. Jesus knew that it’s not enough just to tell a man what he should do. We must also model it for him. Paul understood this too. This is why he said to Titus, “In all respects to be a model of good works.” (Titus 2:7) Thanks to technology, young men have the best preachers in the world at the tip of their fingers. They don’t need someone else to tell them. They need someone to show them how a Godly man operates. They don’t just need it.

They crave it.

RESOURCES FROM MAT T CHANDLER

M AT T CHANDLER Matt Chandler serves as Lead Pastor of Teaching at The Village Church in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. He went to The Village Church 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 more than 11,000 with campuses in Flower Mound, Dallas, Denton, and Fort Worth.

J A M E S: FA I T H WO R K S This is the cry of James: that faith apart from works cannot be sustained. We cannot, in our own ability, stand in the face of adversity. We cannot, in our ability, find the strength to trust without faith. Walk through the Book of James to explore the tension of faith and works. (12 sessions)

COMING JUNE 2 018

Bible Study Book 005793413 $12.99 Leader Kit 005793414 $99.99

T H E A P OS T L E S’ C R EED: TO G E T H ER W E B EL I E V E Examine the primary tenets of Christianity to understand the foundations of your faith, improve evangelistic efforts by learning the fundamentals, and gain a succinct understanding of Christianity, its origins, and its basic theology. (12 sessions)

NEW

Bible Study Book 006103003 $12.99 Leader Kit 006103004 $99.99 Bible Study Book, Teens 005791930 $11.99 Leader Kit, Teens 005791934 $59.99 LifeWay.com/ApostlesCreed 9-SESSION BIBLE STUDY

A B E AU T I FU L D E S I G N: GO D’S U N C H A N G I N G PL A N FO R M A N H O O D A N D WO M A N H O O D God created us to function according to His perfect design, and more than ever the church needs to be a safe refuge for the gender confused, the sexually broken, the single, the married, and the divorced. Discover evidence that God’s plan for man and woman is the ultimate design.

And life lived within this beautiful and unchanging design leads to our greatest joy. (9 sessions) Bible Study Book 005782093 $12.99 Leader Kit 005782094 $99.99 Bible Study Book, Teens 006104409 $11.99 LifeWay.com/BeautifulDesign 21

RESOURCES FROM MAT T CHANDLER

S T EPS: GOS PEL- C EN T ER ED R ECOV ERY This discipleship program takes people to the root of sin and suffering in order to embrace the freedom found only in Christ’s redemption. Potentially life-changing experiences are brought about by in-depth Bible study, thorough personal assessments, insightful teaching videos, and honest interactions with a group leader and mentor. (13 sessions) Bible Study Book 005644097 $14.99 Leader Kit 005644099 $179.99 LifeWay.com/Steps

R ECOV ER I N G R ED EM P T I O N: H OW C H R IS T C H A N G E S E V ERY T H I N G We typically look for satisfaction in four areas: self, others, the world, and religion. But none of these will satisfy. The gospel is the remedy to fix all things: every struggle, circumstance, relationship—everything. Learn the implications of the gospel in everyday life. (12 sessions) Bible Study Book 005784758 $14.99 Leader Kit 005784759 $89.99 LifeWay.com/RecoveringRedemption

E X PL I C I T GOS PEL Inspired by the needs of both the overchurched and the unchurched, and bolstered by the common neglect of the explicit gospel within Christianity, this is a treatise to remind us of the fullness of the gospel message. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005500792 $11.99 Leader Kit 005500793 $79.99 LifeWay.com/ExplicitGospel

LifeWay.com/MattChandler 22

RESOURCES FROM TONY EVANS

TO N Y E VA N S 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.

COMING MARCH 2018

K I N G D O M D IS C I PL E S There is a missing force in Christianity today—discipleship. Its absence has led to weak believers, disintegrating families, ineffective churches, and a decaying culture. Without discipleship we lack what we need to fully live as heaven’s representatives on earth. The power, authority, abundance, victory, and impact God has promised will come about only when we understand and align ourselves with His definition of discipleship. This study calls believers and churches back to our primary, divinely ordained responsibility to be disciples and to make disciples. Only when we take this assignment seriously will the world see heaven at work on earth. (6 sessions)

H O R IZO N TA L J E S US: H OW O U R R EL AT I O NS H I PS W I T H OT H ER S A FFEC T O U R E X PER I EN C E W I T H GO D Loving God is vertical love. Loving others is horizontal love. Jesus showed His disciples how these two loves are intertwined in practical ways. While our relationship with God is based on faith alone, He warns and encourages us to see that the way we treat people will affect our experience of Him. Apply biblical principles related to several “one anothers” in Scripture.

(6 sessions)

Bible Study Book 005469851 $12.99 Leader Kit 005469850 $99.99

LifeWay.com/HorizontalJesus

D E TO U R S: T H E U N PR ED I C TA B L E PAT H TO YO U R D E S T I N Y The biblical account of Joseph clearly demonstrates that God is at work even when life seems to be going wrong. Learn to navigate detours that may take you through trials, injustice, and even betrayal.

You will be comforted and encouraged when you learn to rest in God’s redemptive plan and the hope found in God’s sovereign will. (6 sessions)

K I N G D O M M A N: E V ERY M A N’S D E S T I N Y, E V ERY WO M A N’S D R E A M Challenge and equip yourself to fully understand your position under God as well as your position over what God has given you. This study provides concepts men can follow that will help them to actively pursue ways to maximize and develop the character qualities of biblical manhood in their lives. (6 sessions)

Bible Study Book 006104401 $12.99 Leader Kit 006104403 $99.99 LifeWay.com/Detours

LifeWay.com/TonyEvans

Bible Study Book 005644100 $12.99 Leader Kit 005644101 $99.99

Bible Study Book 005469703 $12.99 Leader Kit 005469702 $99.99 LifeWay.com/KingdomMan 23

RESOURCES FROM TONY EVANS

T H E P OW ER O F GO D’S N A M E S 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. 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)

It’s Not too Late How God Uses Less Than Perfect People

toNY eVaNs

Bible Study Book 005634003 $12.99 Leader Kit 005634204 $99.99 LifeWay.com/GodsNames K I N G D O M AG EN DA: L I V I N G L I FE GO D’S WAY The Christian message—when communicated from a comprehensive kingdom perspective—provides an agenda that can stand next to and above all other attempts to define the meaning of life, whether for the individual, the family, the church, or the nation. This Bible study can serve as a comprehensive blueprint for the Christian life and as an all-encompassing discipleship tool, offering a way to apply biblical kingdom principles to everyday realities.

(6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005558792 $12.99 Leader Kit 005558791 $99.99 LifeWay.com/KingdomAgenda

LifeWay.com/TonyEvans 24

IT’S NOT TOO LATE: HOW GOD USES LESS THAN PERFECT PEOPLE If you've ever wondered, Is it too late for God to do something with me?, this study is for you. God frequently uses broken people to accomplish His purposes on earth.

A broken person who has learned dependence on God is a force to be reckoned with. Look at three men and three women of the Bible who were used mightily by God despite their previous mistakes. You too can learn to focus on the potential of your future, not the missteps of your past.

(6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005475108 $12.99 Leader Kit 005475107 $99.99 LifeWay.com/ItsNotTooLate V I C TO RY I N S PI R I T UA L WA R FA R E: FI EL D G U I D E FO R BAT T L E Are you ready for battle? We are told how to stand against the devil's tactics, but what does it really mean to put on the full armor of God? Learn to apply God's classic strategy to our modern times. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005784762 $12.99 Leader Kit 005784763 $89.99 LifeWay.com/SpiritualWarfare

RESOURCES FROM ROBBY GALL AT Y

R O B BY G A L L AT Y Robby Gallaty is the Senior Pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN. He was radically saved out of a life of drug addiction on November 12, 2002. He is also the author of Foundations: A 260-Day Bible Reading Plan for Busy Believers, Foundations for Teens, Foundations for Kids, Growing Up, Firmly Planted, and Rediscovering Discipleship. He and his wife, Kandi, are intentional about investing in their two boys, Rig and Ryder.

SEE ROBBY AT THE MAIN EVENT IN NASHVILLE For more information, see page 14 or visit LifeWay.com/MainEvent

FO U N DAT I O NS: A 26 0 - DAY B I B L E R E A D I N G PL A N FO R B US Y B EL I E V ER S Co-Written with Kandi Gallaty Read through all 66 of the miraculous books of the Bible in one year, while still having the flexibility of reading five days per week.

KNOWING JESUS: LIVING BY HIS NAME Explore the Gospel of John and move toward a more intimate relationship with Jesus through His miracles, what He said about Himself, and what others said about Him. (6 sessions)

Paperback 005769893 $12.99

Bible Study Book 005791554 $12.99 Leader Kit 005791555 $39.99

LifeWay.com/Foundations

LifeWay.com/KnowingJesus

FORGOTTEN JESUS: HOW WESTERN CHRISTIANS SHOULD FOLLOW AN EASTERN RABBI Journey back to biblical times to rediscover who Jesus really was by seeing Him in the cultural and religious context in which He ministered.

(6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005793415 $12.99 Leader Kit 0057934163 $79.99 LifeWay.com/ForgottenJesus

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RESOURCES FROM ERIC GEIGER

ERIC GEIGER Eric Geiger serves as one of the Vice Presidents at LifeWay Christian Resources, leading the Resources Division. Eric received his doctorate in leadership and church ministry from Southern Seminary. He is also a teaching pastor and a frequent speaker and consultant on church mission and strategy. Eric authored or coauthored several books including Creature of the Word and the best-selling church leadership book, Simple Church. Eric is married to Kaye, and they have two daughters: Eden and Evie. During his free time, Eric enjoys dating his wife, playing with his daughters, and shooting basketball.

THE STORY OF GOD

ERIC GEIGER

U N FO L D ED: T H E S TO RY O F GO D Most of us know popular Bible stories, but do we know the story of the Bible? While the Bible is a collection of 66 books, the overarching theme is God’s powerful story of redemption.

All other stories ever told pale in comparison to this story of a God who loves us, wants to be known by us, and ultimately invites us into His story. Join Eric Geiger for 8 weeks of 20-minute videos that speak directly to men who want to fully understand Scripture as a whole.

(8 sessions) Bible Study Book 006103972 $12.99 Leader Kit 006103973 $99.99 LifeWay.com/Unfolded

D E S I G N ED TO L E A D: T H E C H U R C H A N D L E A D ER S H I P D E V ELO PM EN T God designed creation to be led by His covenant people, and yet many churches do not develop leaders intentionally and consistently. Churches that consistently produce leaders have a strong conviction to develop leaders, a healthy culture for leadership development, and helpful constructs to systematically build leaders. Whether in the home, marketplace, church, or community, if you’re called by God, you’re called to lead others to worship in the glory of Christ.

Hardcover Book 005777735 $22.99

LifeWay.com/EricGeiger 26

RESOURCES FROM ERIC MASON

ERIC MASON Dr. Eric Mason is the founder and lead pastor of Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the president of Thriving, a ministry for ethnic minorities.

SEE ERIC AT THE MANHOOD RESTORED CONFERENCE. For more information, see page 15 or visit LifeWay.com/ManhoodRestoredEvent

U N L E A S H ED: B E I N G CO N FO R M ED TO T H E I M AG E O F C H R IS T God’s will is not just for us to be born again but for us to grow into spiritual adults. His intent for the Christian life is for it to be a process of growth in Christlikeness. Acknowledging and utilizing the ways God uses different stages and seasons in our lives to shape us, Unleashed helps participants understand the lifelong process of spiritual growth and maximize God’s work to conform them to the image of Christ. (6 sessions)

6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY

NEW

Bible Study Book 005717348 $12.99 Leader Kit 005717349 $79.99 LifeWay.com/Unleashed M A N H O O D R E S TO R ED: H OW T H E GOS PEL M A K E S M EN W H O L E Manhood will always be in crisis until Jesus returns. But in Christ, men can be restored to the undefiled image of God. We need more than quick pragmatic conclusions to change the shape of how men are developed. We need a big God to point us in the direction of the gospel as the vision for renewal. This Bible study explores the current state of masculinity, Jesus as the prototype man, and how the gospel can recreate us into what God intended us to be. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005558737 $8.99 Leader Kit 005558736 $59.99 LifeWay.com/ManhoodRestored range to bottom edge

LifeWay.com/EricMason 27

RESOURCES FROM RUSSELL MOORE

RUSSELL MOORE Russell Moore is the president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). He leads the organization to equip pastors and local churches to confront the critical moral and ethical issues of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in systematic theology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including Onward: Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel. He and his wife, Maria, are the parents of five boys.

C H R IS T- C EN T ER ED PA R EN T I N G: GOS PEL CO N V ER SAT I O NS O N CO M PL E X CU LT U R A L IS S U E S Co-Written with Phillip Bethancourt Get equipped to address pressing cultural topics which children of all ages face, including gender issues, suicide, depression, pornography, addiction, same-sex attraction, technology, divorce, and more. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005790851 $14.99 Leader Kit 005790852 $69.99 LifeWay.com/ChristCenteredParenting R EL I G I O US L I B ER T Y: H OW T H E GOS PEL S H A PE S O U R FI R S T FR EED O M Co-Written with Phillip Bethancourt & Andrew Walker Discover what the Bible teaches about religious liberty through an exploration of specific passages and a consideration of theological foundations. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005792106 $9.99 Leader Kit 005792107 $29.99 LifeWay.com/ReligiousLiberty O N WA R D: EN GAG I N G T H E CU LT U R E W I T H O U T LOS I N G T H E GOS PEL Understand how the kingdom of God sets our priorities as believers and gives us perspective on cultural issues. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005727825 $12.99 Leader Kit 005727826 $89.99 LifeWay.com/Onward

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PARE NTI NG I N TODAY’S WORLD Every generation has faced challenges in parenting. As the culture shifts, long-standing beliefs are put to the test, and Christians are often left wondering how they are to remain faithful in the new normal. At the same time, there is no denying that Christian parents today face unique challenges in the midst of a culture that continues to put a wedge between itself and the teachings of the Bible.

As we navigate this narrow road of Christ-centered parenting, we are in danger of falling to extremes. On one side is the temptation to bow to the culture and conform. Unfortunately, far too many well-intentioned Christian parents have unwittingly

found themselves in this very ditch (or at least they would, if they took the time to notice), and this is easy to understand. Parents face nearconstant pressure to adopt the habits and beliefs of the prevailing culture when it comes to raising children.

While this pressure is often subtle—it just seems easier not to go against the grain—it is always insidious. We must not be fooled. The truth of Scripture does not change. As Paul urged in Romans 12, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (v. 2). The only conforming we are to do as Christ-followers is that of our minds to His perfect will.

On the other side of the road is legalism. This is nothing new.

Even some who saw Jesus in the flesh were guilty of falling into this ditch. The Pharisees, in their relentless effort to keep every part of God’s law down to the letter, added additional expectations to every God-given rule. If the law commanded to do no work on the Sabbath, they extended this to mean you could not lift a finger to help a friend in need. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees in Matthew 23 saying that while they kept the law externally, their hearts were far from God. A Pharisaical approach to parenting means we build up walls of protection around our kids. It is a system built on rules rather than relationship and on fear rather than faith. While that may keep our children safe in the short-term, it does not equip them

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The good news is we’re not alone in these muddy waters.

The responsibility of Christ-centered parenting falls on each of us, but thankfully it doesn’t depend solely on us. with a long-term battle plan on how to engage a culture that will continue to change throughout their lifetime.

The struggle to navigate the road between these two ditches is one of the true challenges of Christcentered parenting. On the one hand, we always want to raise our children with the right values and to be the right kind of people. While on the other hand, we desperately want to teach our children to love people and make a difference in the world.

Because of our humanness and limitations, we are regularly tempted to steer too strongly in one direction or the other. Most conservative evangelicals are readily aware of the danger of too much immersion in the culture. It can easily influence our kids away from God. So we go to great lengths to avoid this danger in our homes and in our churches.

Surely it is good to recognize that parents function as the curators of what influences the young minds God has entrusted to us. But even so, it is the other, more subtle danger that should cause us the greatest concern. If we aren’t careful and vigilant, we may be guilty of raising up little Pharisees who so imbibe the

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values we teach that they begin to use them as a weapon with which to judge others.

Unless we are actively discipling our kids, the world will disciple them for us. We cannot let the responsibility of parenting fall to the culture or to the schools. We cannot even let it fall primarily to the church, although the church should be our closest partner. If we are merely sending our kids down the church hall twice a week for Sunday School and youth group meetings, while failing to teach them the truths of Scripture in our own home, then we are guilty of forsaking our God-given role as parents. Hoping they hear it from someone else isn’t good enough.

God’s design has always been for faith instruction to take place primarily within the family (Deut.

6:4-9). God’s Word is our best weapon in this battle. His Word is our anchor in the confusing culture of tolerance and relativism.

But we can’t teach to our children what we don’t live and know. We must spend time in God’s Word.

The Scriptures instruct us to pass the faith along to our kids by

intentionally and regularly repeating God’s words to them. We must look for ways in the everyday moments of life to speak of the gospel and point our kids to Jesus. We must seek out opportunities to speak God’s Word to them.

The good news is we’re not alone in these muddy waters. The responsibility of Christ-centered parenting falls on each of us, but thankfully it doesn’t depend solely on us. We have a heavenly Father who gave the gift of the Holy Spirit who is with us forever and will teach us all things (John 14:16,26). We have the truth of Scripture to guide and sharpen us (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We have each other, the Church of Jesus Christ.

On your knees is not a bad place to begin this journey. Pray for our fallen world that those who are far from Christ would be reconciled to Him. Pray for your kids as they venture every day into a culture that opposes the message of the cross. Pray for strength from the Lord to fulfill your role in training your children in the way of truth.

Adapted from Christ-Centered Parenting: Gospel Conversations on Complex Cultural Issues by Russell Moore and Phillip Bethancourt.

MARRIAGE & FA M I LY RESOURCES

NEW

8-SESSION BIBLE STUDY

TO H AV E & TO H O L D: PR EPA R I N G FO R A GO D LY M A R R I AG E

By Byron & Carla Weathersbee Help engaged and newly married couples understand the biblical purpose for marriage to establish a foundation that provides stability and oneness in the relationship.

(8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005791139 $12.99 Leader Guide 005791140 $16.99 LifeWay.com/ToHaveAndToHold

T H E 7 R I N GS O F M A R R I AG E: PR AC T I C A L B I B L I C A L W IS D O M FO R E V ERY S E A S O N O F YO U R M A R R I AG E

By Jackie Bledsoe From the engagement ring to the years after the wedding band, each season of marriage requires renewed commitment, fresh perspective, and practical biblical wisdom. Each of the seven "rings" outlined in this study will guide couples to begin with the end in mind, ultimately leading to lasting and fulfilling relationships in every stage of marriage. Walk through the seven rings: the engagement RING (the beginning), the wedding RING (the commitment), discoveRING (the real you), perseveRING (the work), restoRING (the fixing), prospeRING (the goal), and mentoRING (the payback). (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005753519 $12.99 Leader Kit 005644102 $79.99

T H E 5 LOV E L A N G UAG E S: T H E S EC R E T TO LOV E T H AT L A S TS

By Gary Chapman What’s your love language? This popular study helps you identify your personal love language and understand the love language of your spouse. Gain practical suggestions for enriching your marriage by practicing the other love languages. This revised version provides multiple use options: a 2-session study, a 5-session study (one session per love language), or a 7-session study (introductory session, five love language sessions, and final session about the “in love” experience).

Bible Study Book 005085884 $12.99 Leader Kit 005035510 $149.99 LifeWay.com/5LoveLanguages

LifeWay.com/7Rings

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RESOURCES FOR EMERGING MEN

4 PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE LISTENING Effective listening has the potential to enrich all of our relationships but none more than our marriage relationships.

Although speaking comes more easily to some people, no communication takes place without someone listening and trying to understand. In Scripture, even James addressed “listening” before “speaking” when he said: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”JAMES 1:19

1. LISTEN ACTIVELY Listening is not a spectator’s sport, but it requires active participation. A good listener takes on half of the responsibility for keeping a conversation meaningful and effective. Do you ever feel as if you are talking to a wall?

Good listening requires inviting our spouses to share, showing understanding, exploring feelings behind the words, and using reflective listening to clarify what is meant.

In reflective listening, you speak back what you understand a person to be saying in an effort to confirm that you correctly understand the message.

Remember, through actively listening to our (future) spouses, we are best able to discern exactly how to communicate effectively when it is our turn to do the speaking.

It is vital that both partners be willing to look at their own patterns of communication and together create a new pattern of communicating—unique to them. Sometimes working through old habits or patterns can be difficult, but

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developing healthy communication skills is invaluable when seeking the oneness that God intends for a marriage.

Each partner must accept the responsibility to speak effectively and listen actively: • It is my responsibility to effectively communicate my message to my partner. If the message is not getting through, I must find another way to communicate it.

• It is my responsibility to understand what my partner is saying. If I am unclear about the message being communicated, I must ask clarifying questions and work to understand what is being communicated.

What do you need and expect from each other in terms of openness and depth of communication?

How do your needs and expectations differ?

How would you deal with a breach in trust?

2. BEGIN WITH LISTENING Most of us are usually slow to listen, quick to speak, and even faster to become angry. As one of our old pastors used to say, “Most of us do not need hearing aids; we just need aid in hearing.”

GOOD LISTENING BEGINS WITH A COMPLETE FOCUS ON THE ONE DOING T H E TA L K I N G . W E C A N B E T H E R E B U T N OT A L L T H E R E .

Good listening begins with a complete focus on the one doing the talking. We can be there but not all there. Distractions come in many forms.

Being fully present requires active listening. It demands that we reflect on what is being communicated and how it is being said. Often this includes asking the right questions—clarifying what is being said rather than judging or indicting.

3. LEARNING TO EXPRESS YOURSELF Unsuccessful communication can be similar to speaking in two different languages. If a message were clearly spoken in English to a person who only speaks Spanish, there’s a good chance the message would be misunderstood or, at best, only partially understood. A person attempting to communicate a message has the responsibility to speak in a “language” the listener understands. Too often one partner gets angry and frustrated when the other one doesn’t comprehend what’s being said despite every effort to understand.

We should each determine what we want to say, how we want to say it, and when

we want to say it. Using restraint and good judgment when communicating can make a big difference in the effectiveness of a person’s message. Proverbs 10:19 (NASB) points out the potential dangers of an uncontrolled tongue: “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

We must remember to consider the listener’s background, gender, and personality traits when deciding how to best communicate our message.

4. NEVER ASSUME We should not expect our partners to read between the lines. We have all heard the old axiom, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” We are wrong most of the time when we try to guess what another person is thinking. If we want our spouses to help with the dishes or help clean out the garage, then we need to say just that. You must not expect him or her to read your mind. My husband and I have an agreement: We have decided not to fault each other for not responding to something that was not verbalized. If I do not say it, I cannot expect my spouse to know it.

Spouses need to be careful not to speak rashly, always weighing their words before speaking them. It is also wise to pick an appropriate time and place to speak. You may wake up ready to go into heavy conversation, but your partner, who is not a morning person, may not respond in the way you would like. Avoid words like “should,” “ought,” and “must.” These are considered parenting words and can communicate a sense of arrogance, pride, or superiority. “Always” and “never” may come across as defensive words possibly resulting in a negative response from the listener. They are often not helpful when attempting to communicate a message.

Communicating will eventually become less difficult and miscommunication less frequent as a couple grows, matures, and spends years together. Good communication is the most challenging and difficult during the first years of marriage.

Adapted from To Have and To Hold by Byron and Carla Wethersbee.

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FILM RESOURCES T H E I NSA N I T Y O F O B ED I EN C E: A DVA N C I N G T H E GOS PEL W H EN FAC I N G C H A L L EN G E A N D PER S ECU T I O N

By Nik Ripken Would you cross a minefield? Would you cross the street? Those questions may not be front of mind for most Americans, but people in other parts of the world are risking their lives for Christ daily. This new Bible study— based on the documentary The Insanity of God—presents true stories of such people. You too can play a role in God’s divine mission. Inspire your group to come alongside God and partner boldly in His work, wherever it may lead you. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 006104042 $12.99 Leader Kit 006104043 $49.99 LifeWay.com/Insanity T H E BAT T L E PL A N FO R PR AY ER B I B L E S T U DY

By Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick Equip believers to develop their own prayer strategy and be specific and strategic in prayer. This study features teaching on the topics of: what prayer is and is not, why God wants us to pray, specific areas of prayer, specific strategies for prayer, and more.

(8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005728499 $12.99 Leader Kit 005644094 $79.99 Lifeway.com/BattlePlan WA R R O O M B I B L E S T U DY

By Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick Based on the blockbuster film of the same name and compiled from movie clips, participants will discover the power of prayer by discussing topics like lukewarm faith, accountability, the gospel, grace, spiritual warfare, and devising a specific and personalized prayer plan. (5 sessions) Bible Study Book 005727823 $7.99 Leader Kit 005727824 $24.99 War Room Movie DVD 006101628 $14.99 LifeWay.com/WarRoom 34

FROM THE CREATORS OF FIREPROOF THE MOVIE, FACING THE GIANTS & FLYWHEEL

MICHAEL CATT ALEX KENDRICK STEPHEN KENDRICK

T H E LOV E DA R E B I B L E S T U DY

By Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick & Michael Catt Couples are in crisis inside and outside the Church. Now is the time for the Body of Christ to rise up and communicate God’s amazing design for marriage by combining media with timeless truths from the Word of God. This powerful marriage enrichment opportunity unlike any other includes thought-provoking questions and engaging clips from the Fireproof movie. With robust Scripture studies and light-hearted icebreakers, you’ll find a unique experience with easy conversation. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005644084 $6.99 Leader Kit 005644083 $19.99 Fireproof Movie DVD 005190769 $12.99 LifeWay.com H O N O R B EG I NS AT H O M E: T H E CO U R AG EO US B I B L E S T U DY

By Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick & Michael Catt Dive deeper into biblical truths for a godly family, exploring topics such as redeeming your history, walking with integrity, winning and blessing the hearts of your children, and more.

Every session involves watching a clip from the movie Courageous to help group members engage in discussion.

(8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005371686 $7.99 Leader Kit 005325609 $49.99 Courageous Movie DVD 005488035 $12.99 LifeWay.com/Courageous

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR MEN D E VOT I O NS FO R M EN C DS Enjoy a collection of highlights from selected LifeWay Men Bible studies. Listen while you’re commuting to work, exercising, completing the “honey-do” list—anytime you need a little extra wisdom and encouragement for the challenges you face as a man.

Audio CDs 005727827 $5.00

10 MINUTE AUDIO DEVOTIONS: FINDING VICTORY OVER FEAR, STRESS, AND ANXIETY Find a little help dealing with crazy twists and turns on the road of life, especially when you’re on the road.

These audio devotions will help you navigate through fear, stress, and anxiety. Featuring some of today’s best Christian communicators, these brief messages cover topics such as renewing your mind, overcoming various fears, the role of suffering, and battling temptation. The two-disc set contains 12 devotions, each about 10 minutes in length.

LifeWay.com/DevotionsForMen

Audio CDs 005802969 $5.00

VO LU M E 1 Enjoy teaching from Tony Evans, Kenny Luck, Tony Dungy & more.

Audio CDs 005632528 $5.00 VO LU M E 2 Listen to clips from Tony Evans, David Platt, Eric Mason & more.

BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE MORE THAN ENOUGH: HOW JESUS MEETS OUR DEEPEST NEEDS

By Jeff Iorg Learn to find peace, security, and fulfillment in Jesus alone.

Bible Study Book 005756890 $6.99 Leader Kit 005756891 $19.99 6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY

SMALL GROUPS

THRIVE

LIVING IN REAL JOY

TONY MERIDA

T H R I V E: L I V I N G I N R E A L J OY

By Tony Merida Learn from this letter to the Philippians that when we focus on Christ and doing His will, joy and peace will flood our lives. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 006103914 $6.99 Leader Kit 006103915 $19.99 THE DARK SIDE: CONFRONTING EVIL

By Jeremiah Johnston Learn how to respond better to evil, threats, temptation, and fear.

Bible Study Book 005794279 $6.99 Leader Kit 005794280 $19.99 For ongoing resources for men’s groups, visit: LifeWay.com/BibleStudiesForLife LifeWay.com/TheGospelProject LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR MEN

EC H O E S O F T H E R EFO R M AT I O N: FI V E T R U T HS T H AT S H A PE T H E C H R IS T I A N L I FE

By Kevin DeYoung, R. Albert Mohler Jr., and Trevin Wax Examine the five core truths that came from the Reformation, now referred to as the solas.

(6 sessions) Bible Study Book 006104398 $12.99 Leader Kit 006104399 $59.99 J E S US A M O N G S ECU L A R GO DS: T H E Q U E S T I O NS O F CU LT U R E A N D T H E I N V I TAT I O N O F C H R IS T

By Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale Explore the claims of Christ, and discover the knowledge to articulate your faith that Jesus stands tall above all other gods. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005801713 $12.99 Leader Kit 005801715 $99.99

T H E GOS PEL GO E S TO WO R K : GO D’S B I G C A N VA S O F C A L L I N G A N D R EN E WA L

By Stephen Graves Go beyond moralism and evangelism in the workplace—and actually take the gospel to work.

(6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005793395 $12.99

GO D OW NS I T A L L: FI N D I N G FR EED O M A N D CO N T EN TM EN T I N YO U R FI N A N C E S

By Ron Blue Transform your fear and confusion about finances into confidence and peace as you obey God’s wisdom and embrace the truth that He owns it all. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005774869 $12.99 Leader Kit 005774870 $69.99

A M O N G WO LV E S: D IS C I PL E M A K I N G I N T H E C I T Y

By Dhati Lewis Explore eight movements in the Book of Matthew that help create cultures of disciple-making in our changing environments. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005793399 $12.99 Leader Kit 005793400 $39.99

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR MEN

PR AY L I K E T H IS: L I V I N G T H E LO R D’S PR AY ER

By Steve Gains Follow Jesus’ model for prayer, fall more in love with God, and grow in your desire to engage with Him. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005793411 $9.99 Leader Kit 005793412 $29.99

L E T T ER S O F T H E R E V EL AT I O N: TO T H E O N E W H O CO N Q U ER S

By D.A. Horton Gain a historical context for applying the warnings of John’s revelation. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005793179 $12.99 Leader Kit 005793182 $39.99

M A K I N G S PAC E: E X PLO R I N G PR OV ER B S FO R W H AT M AT T ER S M OS T

By Jeff Vanderstelt Turn from empty and unfulfilling busyness, and devote yourself to doing what matters most. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005799589 $12.99 Leader Kit 005799590 $59.99

T EL L S O M EO N E: YO U C A N S H A R E T H E GO O D N E WS

By Greg Laurie Simplify evangelism by starting with sharing your personal testimony. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005776124 $12.99 Leader Kit 005776125 $49.99

U N A NS W ER ED: L A S T I N G T R U T H FO R T R EN D I N G Q U E S T I O NS

By Jeremiah J. Johnston Get the answers to the challenging topics most talked about in our culture. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005717983 $12.99

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L if eWay Chr is tia n R e s o urc e s O n e L if eWay Pl a z a N a shv ill e, T N 3723 4

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