everything for your small group in one place!

Transcription

1 2007 SMALL GROUP CATALOGUE everything for your small group in one place! SAVE 20% Learn how to save 20% on everything in this catalogue. See page 2. Learn from Paul s problem-child church, the Corinthians. See page 3. New pricing buy just 2 or more and save. Best-selling DVD-based training for small groups. See page 9. Understand the relevance of the Old Testament for us today. See page 5. resources for growing small groups

2 What s on the menu for your small group? Just as there are different Bible study groups, Matthias Media has an extensive range of different small group resources. Whether you re in a new group or an established group, big or small, you ll find a quality Bible study resource to help each member grow in Christian knowledge and godly character. Pathway Bible Guides short, simple studies for groups with limited experience or time PAGE 3 Interactive Bible Studies Multimedia Studies and Training Targeted Studies our mainstream series of challenging, insightful studies for established Christians innovative studies and training that use audiovisual input alongside Bible discussion for new Christians, for men s and women s groups PAGE 4 PAGE 8 PAGE 10 Books for Reading Groups try one of these titles with discussion guides PAGE 11 Want 20%off everything in this catalogue? Here s how Spend 50 or more purchasing resources from this catalogue between now and 31 March 2007 (at our normal good-value prices), then when you order more resources from this catalogue in April or May, we ll give you an extra 20% off the regular price of those resources. So by the time you re finishing your first set of studies for the year, you ll be eligible for a big discount on your next set. (When placing your April/May orders, please mention this offer and quote the customer number you used on your earlier purchases from us. Discount does not apply to postage and handling charges.) Free downloads Want to see a sample of the study you re interested in? Left it too late to order, and need the first study tonight? No problem. Go to our online store ( find the resource you need either by browsing or doing a search on the title and for each book in this catalogue you ll find a link there to download the first study as a PDF for free. You can use that PDF to see what the studies are like, or, if you haven t ordered the books in time, you can print it off for your group members. (Don t forget to order the books for next week though!) PAGE 2 TO ORDER > FREECALL (in Sydney ) FAX (02)

3 Pathway Bible Guides Pathway Bible Guides are short, simple and straightforward studies. Yet at the same time, they are studies that do justice to the passage being studied and model good Bible-reading principles. They re ideal for following up new Christians, a lunchtime study group or a group of young Christians FOR 2+ Beginning with God Genesis 1-12 By studying the beginning of the Bible, we study the beginning of everything of creation, of humanity, of sin, and of God s amazing rescue plan FOR 2+ Getting to Know God Exodus 1-20 In these studies get to know the God who makes and keeps promises, judges, saves and triumphs. He is the God who provides for his people and teaches them his holy ways. Following Jesus 7.00 FOR 2+ Luke 9-12 Join Jesus and his disciples on the road from Galilee to Jerusalem where Jesus faces the cross and learn what following him really means. 7 studies. Peace with God 7.00 FOR 2+ Romans Takes you through all the key passages in this famous letter of Paul to the Romans, and in the process shows you the saving power of the great God in whom we trust. Church Matters 7.00 FOR 2+ 1 Corinthians 1-7 Through studying Paul s letter to the troubled church at Corinth, you will learn to see church the way that God sees it, and understand why church matters so much. Standing Firm 7.00 FOR 2+ 1 Thessalonians Like the Thessalonians, you will be challenged by Paul to stand firm in the gospel of Jesus, while also being thoroughly changed by it. Standing firm doesn t mean standing still. sales@matthiasmedia.com.au ONLINE PAGE 3

4 Interactive Bible Studies Old Testament The IBS series is now in its 18th year and includes 34 titles used by small groups all over the world. The questions and helpful input sections are written by experienced Bible teachers, and designed to stimulate interaction with the Bible, with other group members, and with God himself as you talk to him about it all FOR FOR FOR FOR 2+ Beyond Eden Genesis 1-11 Unwrap the significance of the big opening events in the Bible. Out of Darkness Exodus 1-18 The extraordinary story of God s rescue of Israel and how this story points to Christ. The One and Only Deuteronomy Come to grips with the awesome God who keeps his promises. The Good, the Bad & the Ugly Judges A guide through the turbulent history of the judges and its significance. 10 studies FOR FOR FOR FOR 2+ Famine and Fortune Ruth Renovator s Dream Nehemiah The Eye of the Storm Job The Search for Meaning Ecclesiastes Discover how God uses Ruth in his plan to save his people. 4 studies. One leader s experience of restoring holy living among God s people. 7 studies. Examine the heart of Job and what it teaches us about life. In a world obsessed with pleasure, this book challenges us to live with hope and faith. PAGE 4 TO ORDER > FREECALL (in Sydney ) FAX (02)

5 Interactive Bible Studies Old Testament 8.00 FOR FOR FOR FOR 2+ Two Cities Isaiah Understand the message of this key Old Testament prophet. Warning Signs Jonah Follow Jonah s journey to Nineveh and hear what God teaches him. Kingdom of Dreams Daniel Vivid imagery and stories teach us much about the King of kings. Burning Desire Obadiah/Malachi Learn what these prophets reveal about the unchanging character of God. Catch a glimpse of the big picture Take a step back with your group. See the big picture. Grasp its significance. Go on a whirlwind tour of the Old Testament using the 8 studies contained in Full of Promise. By fitting all the pieces together and understanding the flow of the big story, you ll start to make better sense of the individual parts. Or take some time out to study and reflect on the big biblical themes which lie at the heart of Christian belief, in the 10 studies contained in The Blueprint FOR 2+ Both study books provide an excellent foundation for future study, giving helpful introductions to biblical theology and systematic theology respectively FOR 2+ sales@matthiasmedia.com.au ONLINE PAGE 5

6 Interactive Bible Studies New Testament 8.00 FOR FOR FOR FOR 2+ The Beatitudes Unlock the meaning of some of the most famous words of Jesus. Mark Investigate the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 10 studies. Luke 24 Acts 2 Jesus is both the content of and the reason for our proclamation. Acts Explore the explosion of the Gospel into the world. 10 studies FOR FOR FOR FOR 2+ Romans 1-5 Learn how God shows us his justice and his mercy in putting us right with him. Galatians Paul helps us understand our true freedom in Christ. Ephesians Discover God s great purposes for us, and how we are to walk in them. Philippians How can Paul say that to live is Christ and to die is gain? 8.00 FOR FOR FOR FOR 2+ Colossians What should we expect the Christian life to be like? Colossians provides answers. 1 Timothy How should we live and relate together as God s holy household? 2 Timothy Encouragement to persevere as a Christian in this world. Titus How can we live a life that is pleasing to God? Titus gives us clear answers. PAGE 6 TO ORDER > FREECALL (in Sydney ) FAX (02)

7 Interactive Bible Studies NT/Topical 8.00 FOR FOR FOR FOR 2+ Hebrews Strong encouragement to remain faithful and keep our confidence in Jesus. 10 studies. James Practical advice about real life, including joy, suffering, and use of the tongue. 1 Peter Unpack some glorious teaching about our salvation in Christ. 10 studies. 2 Peter What (or who) do you need to know? 2 Peter sets out clear answers FOR FOR FOR FOR 2+ Revelation Charts a clear, life-changing course through this fascinating book. Woman of God What does the Bible say about being a woman? 8 topical studies. Money Understanding the Bible s attitude to money is a key topic for Christians to grapple with. 5 topical studies. The Blueprint Explore the great biblical themes at the heart of Christian belief. 10 topical studies. BEST- SELLER Prayer, which is the chief exercise of faith, and by which we daily receive God s benefits. (John Calvin) Despite knowing its importance, just the mention of prayer is enough to arouse feelings of guilt, failure and confusion in many Christians. In six challenging and encouraging topical Bible studies, Bold I Approach looks at the glories and struggles of Christian prayer what it is, why we do it, how we do it, and why we don t do it! Also included is an appendix of practical advice from Don Carson FOR 2+ sales@matthiasmedia.com.au ONLINE PAGE 7

8 Multimedia Studies and Training A good way of adding some variety to your small group study is with some multimedia studies or training courses. All you need is a DVD player and a workbook for each study group member. Try a Training Term As we grow in maturity as Christians, we realize that the Christian life is about service of God and of others. But that doesn t necessarily come naturally we often need training and input to be able to do it effectively. So why not designate one term in 2007 to be your small group s training term. Don t leave it to your church pastor to organize ministry training. A training term for your small group will help motivate, mobilize and train you and your group members in how to serve and minister to others better without requiring you to go to an extra church meeting each week. (NB. When you run a Matthias Media training course in your small group, you are in no way abandoning Bible study for the term. Matthias Media courses focus heavily on the Bible and learning from it.) Courses such as Six Steps to Encouragement and Six Steps to Talking about Jesus are ideal to run within a small group context. Where to, Lord? (Tony Payne) A video-based Bible study on guidance What does God want me to do with my life? Where does he want me to work? Who does he want me to marry? How can I know God s will? How do I hear his voice? These six studies on guidance will help small groups plot a course through these difficult issues. The workbook provides a roadmap for each study, with Bible passages to investigate and questions to think through. The DVD which accompanies these studies, gives extra input and helps tie together the various strands of the Bible s teaching. DVD: (22.50 for 2+) Workbook: 7.95 (7.00 for 2+) So Many Questions How to answer 17 common questions about Christianity This versatile video-based resource gives you an expert answer to common questions about Christianity. You ll be encouraged to think through the issues and reflect on how an answer can point to Christ and lead to a beneficial discussion about salvation. So Many Questions can be used: as a regular short 15-minute opener to the evening by combining several questions and having an apologetics night by choosing the top 10 questions and working through them as a four-week block DVD: (22.50 for 2+) Workbook: 6.95 (6.00 for 2+) PAGE 8 TO ORDER > FREECALL (in Sydney ) FAX (02)

9 Multimedia Studies and Training Six Steps to Encouragement (Gordon Cheng) This enormously successful course has excited Christians with the possibilities of encouraging others, and shown them simple, practical ways to get started. It s about how to do a ministry that God has given all of us to encourage other people, to speak God s truth to them in love. The course can be run over six weeks or in three longer sessions. It involves video input, Bible study, practical examples (such as welcoming newcomers, listening, rebuking, and dealing with suffering), discussions and hands-on exercises. The six steps are: 1. God the speaker 2. God s word changes us and others 3. God s fellow workers 4. What to say DVD: (28.00 for 2+) 5. How to say it Workbook: 7.95 (7.00 for 2+) 6. The place of prayer Bundle: 10 workbooks + 1 DVD for Six Steps to Talking about Jesus (Simon Manchester) Think of the people around you: your family, your workmates, the man at the newsagency, your neighbours. Is there a single one of them who doesn t need to be following Jesus? Yet like so many Christians, do you feel uneasy about reaching out to people? Perhaps you feel unsure about where to start and what to say? Six Steps to Talking about Jesus is a short course that goes back to square one, and helps you make a start. Over six interactive sessions you ll look at: the core motivation for reaching out to others; how to depend on God in prayer; how to invite people to read a book or come to an event; how to tell your own story of what God has done for you in Christ; how to explain the gospel of Jesus in a simple way. DVD: (28.00 for 2+) Workbook: 7.95 (7.00 for 2+) Bundle: 10 workbooks + 1 DVD for Other training resources See our website for more details of some of these other resources which can be used in a small group training term: Postcard from Palestine a hands-on guide to reading and using the Bible The Bible Overview a course for understanding the big story of the whole Bible Two Ways to Live a course in how to know and share the gospel Growth Groups prepare members of your group to become leaders of a new group sales@matthiasmedia.com.au ONLINE PAGE 9

10 Other Studies MEN S GROUPS The Man who makes a Difference What should a man be and do? What should define him? What should be the goal of his life? What does it mean to be a Christian man; a Christian brother, husband, father, worker? This vital set of studies looks at Paul s letter to the Ephesians and shows Christian men how they should live in a complex world. Booklet: 6.95 (6.00 for 2+) Leader s Notes: 9.95 (9.00 for 2+) WOMEN S GROUPS Fatherhood what it is and what it s for Grab a group of dads and/or potential dads, and work through this outstanding book about biblical fatherhood. Download some free discussion questions and seminar material from our online store Woman of God What does it mean to be a woman? What does it mean to be a woman who loves God and wants to serve him? Amidst all the questions, frustrations and controversies that women battle with today, these are the really key questions. And in Woman of God, you will take an exhilarating journey through the Bible to find answers FOR 2+ GROUPS FOR NEW CHRISTIANS Back to Basics This engaging seven-part course is becoming very popular for reinvigorating Christians and grounding new Christians in their understanding of God, and their love and service of others. Built around the well-known Just for Starters Bible studies which cover the Bible s teaching on seven foundational topics the course also contains stories and illustrations both from Christian history and our day, discussion ideas and skills training material FOR 2+ PAGE 10 TO ORDER > FREECALL (in Sydney ) FAX (02)

11 Guidebooks for Life READING GROUPS From magazines, to airport pageturners, to online newspapers: people are reading more than ever. But due to the many reading options people now have, the practice of reading good quality Christian material is declining. One way of arresting this slide is to start a Christian reading group with your small group or with other readers at church. By meeting to review and discuss good Christian books, you ll have a vital influence on one another and change your reading diet from junk food, to real food. Ideal for this purpose is Matthias Media s new series of Guidebooks for Life, which cover important topics and issues of the Christian life in an accessible, straightforward way. Each Guidebook also helpfully includes a discussion guide. Defending the Gospel Christian evangelist Kel Richards shares how, over the years, he has improved his ability to answer questions that non-church friends have asked about Christianity. Using the popular gospel outline Two Ways to Live, Kel shows how to anticipate a number of gospel-related questions and give clear, effective answers Encouragement: How Words Change Lives Encouragement is not only central to church life, it belongs to one of the most powerful themes in the whole of Scripture: the power of God s word to change lives. This insightful and practical book shows us what encouragement is, how it works and how we can all get involved A Sinner s Guide to Holiness Join John Chapman as he looks at what the Bible has to say about holiness. See where holiness begins, how it progresses in our lives, and why becoming holy is a vital, worthwhile goal for every Christian. Prayer and the Voice of God Prayer doesn t have to be a mystery or a burden. Phillip Jensen and Tony Payne open up what God himself says to us in the Scriptures about prayer, including what prayer really is, why we should do it and why we often don t. Guidance and the Voice of God Uncertain about what God wants you to do? Unsure if an important decision is in line with his will? God still speaks loud and clear through his Son. The real question is, are you listening? Includes case studies on work, church and marriage. sales@matthiasmedia.com.au ONLINE PAGE 11

12 POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA Roman Resources Peace with God A fast-paced highlights package of the whole of Romans (see page 3). The Free Gift of Life A more in-depth study of Romans chapters 1 to 5 (see page 6). Like to know more? The Matthias Media website and secure online store is available night and day to give you more information about our ministry resources, more sample chapters, and heaps of free online articles on a whole range of interesting topics. Plus there s our daily Couldn t Help Noticing (CHN) column, which reflects on something interesting we ve noticed in the world or the media or the Bible. Through the website you can also subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter. Matthias Media PO Box 225 Kingsford NSW