Small Group Study Top 12 Resources

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1 ADULT MINISTRIES MT. HOREB UMC Small Group Study Top 12 Resources Below is a list of "top pick" study recommendations by category. There are many other great studies also available on Media and in the Mt. Horeb Resource Library Title Author/Publisher Format # Sessions Source Description Bible Study/Books of the Bible The Story Frazee, Randy; Zondervan book and participant guide 31 Media and To understand the Bible, says Frazee, you need bifocal lenses, because two perspectives are involved. The Lower Story, our story, is actually many stories of men and women interacting with God in the daily course of life. The Upper Story is God s story, the tale of his great, overarching purpose that puts the individual stories together like panels in one unified mural. This study opens your eyes to God s master plan unfolding in the lives of the Bible s charactersand in your own life. Discover the heart of God s Upper Story, and the joy that comes as you align your story with God s. Philippians: To Live Is Christ to Die is Gain Chandler, Matt Video with 12 Media Matt Chandler walks us through this most intimate of all Paul's letters and paints a beautiful picture of what it is to be a mature Christian. The story begins in Philippi where Paul introduces three individuals that were all enslaved by the kind of things that we often choose over the gospel. True joy and Christ's love begin to live within them, giving them a life of purpose. Paul himself was enslaved and then by God's grace and mercy he could pen these popular and profound words: To Live is Christ and to Die is Gain. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 1

2 Daniel: Things to Come Nelson, Tommy Video with 12 Media and Headlines preach it, Hollywood capitalizes on it, best-selling books fictionalize it, but only one thing is sure, the end is a comin'!! Biblical prophecy has a two-fold purpose. First it educates us. We see how the end times will look, who will be involved, and what effect it will have on all of humanity. Second, it transforms us. This study of Daniel calls us all too examine who we are and how we are living today in light of eternity. A Life Well Lived: An Indepth study of Ecclesiastes Nelson, Tommy Video with 12 Media and Whether you are at the top of your world, or have just recently heard the worst news of your life, this study will level the playing field. It can be said that no other study by Tommy Nelson captures the essence of life, nor gives insight into how God taught Tommy to navigate through the toughest part of his journey. Looking through the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter by chapter, Nelson seeks, finds and shares the most rewarding approach to life. Ruth Nelson, Tommy Video with 10 Media and Ruth is a courageous woman. Boaz is a generous man. Both exemplified great character. Ruth needed a redeemer. We all need a redeemer. The Book of Ruth is simply put the greatest love story, ever. Tommy Nelson will lead us through this compelling story of Romance & Redemption. In this journey you will learn: The Character of a Great Woman, The Character of a Great Man, How to Find God's Will for Life, Your Redeemer, and Our King. Deeper Connection Series Williams, Matt Video with Taught and written by Bible professors, this unique DVD study series explores the historical background of the Bible, its text, and its application for your life today. The individual titles include: The Life of Jesus, The Prayers of Jesus, Parables of Jesus, Forgiveness of Jesus, Miracles of Jesus, and the Last Days of Jesus. Each one is weeks. 2

3 Life Lessons Series Lucado, Max workbook 12 Life Lessons with Max Lucado are twelve week studies with Reflection questions, a Bible Reading section, Discovery questions to help you explore the Bible, Inspirational thoughts from the writings of Max Lucado, Response questions for discussion, prayer, and room for journaling. Books include: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Ephesians, James, Hebrews, Galatians, Revelation and more. Warren Wiersbe "Be" Commentary Series Wiersbe, Warren book varies Breaking down each book of the Bible into topical chapters, Wiersbe writes an approachable commentary series that allows any reader to understand the biblical text in new ways. The "Be" Series is the culmination of Wiersbe's life work and includes in-depth line by line commentary of the scriptures with discussion/reflection questions at the end of each chapter. Many books of the Bible are available in this series. Warren Wiersbe Bible Study Series Wiersbe, Warren workbook varies The Wiersbe Bible Studies Series explores timeless wisdom found in God's word. Each study provides topical, relevant insights from selected books of the Bible. Designed for small groups, the studies feature excerpts from Dr. Wiersbe's commentaries, along with engaging questions and practical applications, all designed to help you connect God's Word with your life. Faith Lessons series Vander Laan, Ray varies Filmed on location where Bible events actually took place, these videos weave together historical, cultural, and geographical contexts to reveal keen insights into how people in biblical times understood God and Jesus teaching. In these challenging studies, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals keen insights into the Scriptures significance for believers today. Titles include Promised Land, Prophets & Kings, Life and Ministry of the Messiah, Life and Ministry of the Messiah, Death and Resurrection of the Messiah, The Early Church, In the Dust of the Rabbi, and many others. 3

4 CHRISTIAN LIVING How to Be Rich various by Andy Stanley Stanley, Andy Stanley, Andy Anxious for Nothing MacArthur, John book Not a Fan Gripped by the Greatness of God Idelman, Kyle DVD; participant guide Participant guide participant guide/journal or book 4 varies generally 4- varies - 9 chapters DVD - sessions MacDonald, James DVD; workbook Exploring 1 Timothy :8, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share," Stanley challenges Christians to recover the heart of generosity. It's not about how much you have, it's about what you do with what you have. With his down to earth teaching style, Andy Stanley's small group studies resonate with all types of audiences. Topics vary from parenting to evangelism. Some titles include: Discovering God's Will, Go Fish, Taking Responsibility for Your Life, Twisting the Truth, Faith Hope and Luck, Guardrails. John MacArthur, Jr. believes that peace is not only possible, it's a divine mandate. MacArthur puts aside cultural cures to uncover the source of our anxiety and stress. Based on solid Biblical insights, Anxious for Nothing shares how we can overcome uncertainty, defeat doubt, and be truly worryfree. The dictionary defines a fan as "an enthusiastic admirer." Jesus was never interested in having admirers. Twenty times in the New Testament, Jesus issues a compelling and challenging invitation to follow him. Not a Fan challenges you to consider what it really means to call yourself a Christian and to take an honest look at your relationship with Jesus. When was the last time you were really and truly gripped by God's greatness? Expounding upon Isaiah's encounters with God, MacDonald prods Christians to rediscover the wonders of God. He also shares candidly from his experiences in life and ministry where God proved Himself to be the Great I AM. This study will spur new and seasoned believers alike to detest mediocrity in their spiritual walks. 4

5 Radical Platt, David or book David Platt invites you to encounter what Jesus actually said about being his disciple, and then obey what you have heard. He challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated a God-centered gospel to fit our human-centered preferences. Grace: More than We Deserve, Greater than We Imagine Lucado, Max As believers in Christ, we claim to understand grace, but have we really taken hold of it? Or rather, has it taken hold of us? Grace isn't a nice idea. It's the radical life of Christ lived in you. Grace gives you the freedom to love the unlovable, and forgive the unforgivable, because you know how much you're loved, and know how much you've been forgiven. It's an offer to live a changed life, a call to genuine transformation and the courage to see it through. You'll Get Through This Lucado, Max Max Lucado offers refreshing assurance and reminds participants God doesn't promise that getting through trials will be quick or painless. With the compassion of a pastor, the heart of a storyteller, and the joy of one who has seen what God can do, Max explores the story of Joseph and the truth of Genesis 50:20. What Satan intends for evil, God redeems for good. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God Backaby, Henry; Blackaby, Richard; King, Claude workbook 13 For more than 15 years, God has used Experiencing God in His work, showing believers how to know Him intimately while encouraging them to step out in faith and join Him in His work with miraculous results. True Spirituality: Become a Romans 12 Christian Ingram, Chip 12 rightnow Christians today live in a world that is activity heavy and relationship light. The result is spiritual emptiness. But that was never God s idea. HIS idea of faith is not about rules or religion it s about relationship. In Romans 12, God gives us a clear picture of what Christians should look like at the root level. If you re ready to move from in to all in, then you re ready to become a Romans 12 Christian. 5

6 Gods at War Idleman, Kyle or book Kyle Idleman challenges our presumptions about sin by suggesting that all sin derives from the same source idolatry. While we don't see many "graven images" around today, Kyle argues that there are still countless gods passionately at war for the throne of our hearts. This study focuses on four in particular: the gods of love, money, pleasure, and power. Seekers, non-christians and life-long Christians alike will all be moved to grow their relationship with Christ. (Book compliments DVD study but was not designed to be used in conjunction with.) The Invisible War What in the World is Going On? Ingram, Chip Jeremiah, David 8 10 rightnow Chip Ingram takes participants on a journey inside the very folds of our Bibles that will teach us about our greatest foe, Satan, also known as Lucifer, Dragon, Serpent, and Son of the Morning Star. Although this lying thief comes to "steal, kill, and destroy," God details in His Word the battle plan to uncover Satan's cunning deceptions and to resist his sinister schemes. You'll learn how to clothe yourself with God's "spiritual armor" so you can be confident of your certain victory over the scheming enemy. The study begins where all biblical prophecy is rooted: the promises of God to Abraham and his descendants and continues with an in-depth look at biblical prophecies and the end times including the role of radical Islam, the Rapture, the role of America in prophecy, the Antichrist, a future axis of evil that will attack Israel, the world s final great battle, and the arrival of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Downpour MacDonald, James 11 The landscape of our lives has become dry and scorched. But heaven is bursting with the blessings God wants to rain down on us - not a drizzle, but a deluge. This study leads believers to lift up their eyes and return to the Lord and allow Him to heal us, revive us, and restore us.

7 Authentic MacDonald, James Participant guide What does it mean to live as an authentic follower of Jesus? Learn to follow His example by practicing the spiritual disciplines He used to maintain a close relationship with His Father. Discover how much you can grow in Christlikeness as you pursue the practices of Bible study, prayer, fasting, fellowship, service, and worship. The Circle Maker various by John Ortberg Marriage Batterson, Mark Ortberg, John or book Participant guide or book 4 varies generally 4- This video-based study will help participants gain a deeper understanding of prayer and, in turn, make a more consistent practice of prayer. It will give viewers new vocabulary and methodology to pray with a holy confidence. It will help participants dream big, pray hard and think long. A gifted story-teller, Ortberg's teaching centers around how faith in Christ can impact our everyday lives with God. He has written books on spiritual formation and Christian living including, The Life You ve Always Wanted, Faith and Doubt, The Me I Want To Be, God is Closer than you Think, and If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to get out of the Boat. Marriage Built to Last Staying in Love Ingram, Chip Stanley, Andy 4 Marriage: Built to Last isn't your typical marriage study. Throughout the series, you'll watch 24 real life couples from across the country share candidly about their struggles in communication, finances, sexual intimacy, expectations, and more. Whether you're newly married, remarried, or wanting to improve your relationship, Chip Ingram provides Biblical and practical teaching to give you tools to live intentionally and love biblically. We all know what s required to fall in love a pulse. Falling in love is easy. But staying there---that s something else entirely. In this study, Andy Stanley discusses how to stay in love once you fall in love.

8 imarriage Stanley, Andy Giddy with excitement and burning with love's fire, engaged couples are filled with desires and expectations! Then comes the marriage and if they take the wrong approach, those unrealized expectations and unmet wants can turn a lifegiving covenant relationship into a dead-end contractual agreement. In this, Andy Stanley 's teachings help you transform your expectations and look to God to experience marriage as it was designed Sacred Marriage Thomas, Gary Sacred Marriage shifts the focus from marital enrichment to spiritual enrichment in ways that can help you love your mate more. Whether it is delightful or difficult, your marriage can become a doorway to a closer walk with God. This study will equip you to love God more passionately, reflect the nature of his Son more precisely, and fulfill God's overarching purpose for your marriage. Building Blocks Art Of Marriage Eggerichs, Emerson Family Life Building Blocks DVD study features Emerson unpacking five of the life changing principles he presents at the Love and Respect conference. Each session begins with Emerson giving a minute overview of the concept, followed by a short discussion time. He then gives a minute teaching on how to apply the concept to each of the 3 Love and Respect cycles, followed by more discussion prompted by the study guide questions. Every Marriage is unique, expressed by the colorful personalities of each spouse and textured by the circumstances at play in their lives. Blending these to make marriage work is a divinely inspired art form. In this study, expert teaching is woven together with engaging stories, man-on-the-street interviews, humorous vignettes and much more to portray the hope and beauty of God's design for marriage 8

9 Who Did You Really Marry? Parenting Focus on the Family This study reveals how even opposites can get along, communicate, and resolve disagreements, and explains the five "love languages" that bring couples closer. You and your spouse or group will discover how two very different people can "become one" as God intended. Effective Parenting in a Defective World Ingram, Chip 9 In this day and age, children face a far more defective world than the children of previous decades. Every day they are bombarded with the pressures and influences of drugs, sex, and violence. Parents are left helpless, as every godly principle of this defective world. But the truth is, God has a plan for effectively raising your children and you can learn it. Parental Guidance Required Stanley, Andy Of all the assignments God will give you during your time on earth, none may be more sacred than the task of raising your children. Parental Guidance Required is designed to give you the counsel you need to help prepare your children for the future. As parents, we need to do everything we can to enhance our children s relationship with us, to influence their relationships with those outside the home, and most importantly, to advance their relationship with God. Sacred Parenting Thomas, Gary What if one of God s primary intentions for you as a parent isn t about successfully raising perfect children, but about you becoming more holy? Gary Thomas illustrates how God can transform lessons in raising children into opportunities to grow in the image of Christ. It will help you rediscover parenting from a different perspective: as a method of spiritual formation expressly designed by God to shape your soul in ways you could not imagine! 9

10 Shepherding Your Child's Heart Tripp, Tedd book and DVD 15 Grace Based Parenting Kimmel, Tim Book and videos Parenting: The Early Years Parrott, Les and Leslie Varies - book 11 chapters 3 part video series: 10,, book / videos media Many parenting books are based on hit-or-miss theories steeped in secular thinking. This one draws from Pastor Tripp's seasoned experience as a father-and from God's Holy Word. Grounded in the Bible's divine plan for parenting, this guide defines your goals as a parent and provides the Scriptural methods for accomplishing them. Grace Based Parenting is not another manual full of impossible standards; rather it is a new map for learning to see ourselves and our children through God s limitless tenderness to raise our kids the way God raises us. As we embrace the grace God offers, we begin to give it creating a sound foundation for raising morally strong and spiritually motivated children. What Kind of Parent Do You Want To Be? Who you are matters more than what you do. When your kids are all grown up, how will they remember you? Discover 10 Biblical traits that will make you a better person and a better parent. Then begin to intentionally pass on key traits to your kids. Parenting Your Teenager Men's Studies Guide to Biblical Manhood Parrott, Les and Leslie Stinson, Randy & Dumas, Dan book 4 varies Welcome to the teenager s world. Nowadays, you have to play counselor, cop, and crisis manager all rolled into one. Good parenting means using your head, your heart, and your faith. This study equips moms and dads to recognize common patterns, plan effective strategies, and build character. Features relationship experts Les and Leslie Parrott, and 24 gut-level interviews, parents and teens talking openly about rebellion, conflict, pain, and identity. How to serve your wife, how to mold men through baseball, how to make men in the and more practical theology for cultivating men of God who are doers of the Word for the sake of the Gospel. 10

11 Stepping Up: A Call to Courageous Manhood Dare to be Uncommon Family Life Dungy, Tony 10 Based on his book by the same title, Dennis Rainey, along with Matt Chandler, Bill Bennett, Tony Dungy, Robert Lewis, Voddie Baucham, Stu Weber, and others unpack what biblical manhood looks like and what it means to be a godly, courageous man in today's world. Through engaging stories, expert teaching, humorous vignettes, man-on-the-street interviews, and personal insights, men of every age will learn action tools for gospel-centered living to empower them to be true heroes in their families and communities. Tony Dungy says it s time...for every man to choose an Uncommon life! Examine your life and aspire to a life of renewed integrity influence and faith. You ll explore Scripture, engage in discussion, encounter character-building insights and uncover what it means to live a life of true significance. Quest for Authentic Manhood Lewis, Robert 24 This study is designed to help a man embrace a bolder and more noble concept of manhood by leading men along a journey toward real biblical masculinity while fostering deep spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. This study also takes a man inside himself to consider the forces that are shaping or misshaping his personal manhood. Men will learn the true, biblical meaning of manhood. The Man God Uses Blackaby, Henry and Tom This study is designed to provide spiritual direction and encouragement to men. Men are being touched by God all over our country, and men who have encountered God need to understand what He is doing in their lives and what their lives can mean when turned over to God. This interactive study of Scripture clearly shows how response should be in their personal lives, families, work,, and community. 11

12 Manhood Restored Mason, Eric This study leads men on a journey through masculinity, with Bible-study sessions on the problems men face, God's solutions, and the restorations of worldview, sexuality, vision, and family. Although this study is theologically rich, it also has very practical components to give men the steps to walk in gospel-centered manhood, including individual journaling exercises and personal interviews and testimonials included on the video. The Dudes Guide to Manhood Patrick, Darrin book varies - 12 chapters In this book, Darrin Patrick charts a course back toward real manliness, mapping out a vision to help men find significance and influence in today s broken, mixed-message culture. We need not settle for wandering aimlessly through our days. Instead, we can get back on the trail, embrace our gifts while facing our imperfections, and trust the God of new beginnings to lead us into all that we are destined to become: forgiven, connected, determined, teachable, content, heroic, and so much more. Wild at Heart Women's Studies Eldredge, John book or 8 Do you dare to be the man God created you to be--- passionate, adventurous, and free? Eldredge challenges you to pursue the purpose God has given you. Encouragement for every man who wants to walk the road least taken The Experiment: Staging Your Own Mutiny Against Excess Hatmaker, Jen 9 Jen once considered herself unmotivated by the lure of prosperity, but upon being called "rich" by a child who was living in poverty, a social experiment turned spiritual journey was born. This study will lead you through this same experiment, in seven key areas: food, clothes, spending, media, possessions, waste, and stress. What's the payoff for living such a deeply reduced life? It's the discovery of a greatly increased God a call toward Christ-like simplicity and generosity that transcends a social experiment to become a radically better existence. 12

13 One Thousand Gifts Voskamp, Ann book or 5 Voskamp ponders the question of finding joy in midst of everything from the typical grind of daily chores and deadlines to the calamity every person eventually faces. She encourages participants to take on the life-changing discipline of journaling God's gifts---to find the good in life in all circumstances. Embark on this personal, honest and fresh exploration of what it means to be deeply fulfilled, wholly happy, and fully alive. Unglued Terkeurst, Lysa book or Lysa TerKeurst aims to help women make their emotions work for them instead of against them by helping them understand how to resolve conflict and find peace in their most important relationships, identify what type of reactor they are, how to respond without regrets, and how to gain a sense of calm in circumstances out of your control. What Happens When Women Say Yes to God Terkeurst, Lysa book or Do you want to experience life in extraordinary ways? Then see what happens when you say yes to God! Embrace simple obedience and watch it transform your life. Say yes and discover the blessings God has planned for you. Living So That: Making Faith-Filled Choices in the Midst of a Messy Life Blight, Wendy book 5 chapters Living "So That" is a fresh approach to understanding God's Word, focusing on many of the powerful "so that" verses in Scripture, including Jesus Came So That...; God Spoke So That...; Pray So That...; Trials Come So That.... Through her approachable style, personal examples, and biblical teaching, Wendy Blight equips readers to take what they study in the Word of God and practically live it out in order to impact the world around them. Nehemiah Minter, Kelly Nehemiah's heart was so broken for those in need that he left the comfort of his Persian palace to help them. You'll find authentic Bible teaching, recipes, a relational approach, and real-life ways to put feet to your faith. Are you ready to let God break your heart for a hurting, lost world and move you in compassion to be the hands and feet of Jesus? 13

14 Ruth: Loss, Love and Legacy Minter, Kelly This is a women's Bible study of Ruth's journey of unbearable loss, redeeming love, and divine legacy, and delves into the virtuous character of Ruth, her unique relationship with her mother-in-law Naomi, and her blossoming love with Boaz. If you've ever felt devastated, struggled as a stranger, longed to be loved, or wept along the way, you'll find a loyal sister in Ruth. Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering Thomas, Angela In this study based on the Sermon on the Mount, Angela encourages women to rekindle their hearts by returning their lives to God. How can an imperfect life with blemishes and scars reflect back to God a true gratefulness for His love? Jesus knows you are not perfect, but He also knows that you are made perfect in Him, if only you will come and surrender to Him daily. Angela writes, "Jesus says that when you are, it's beautiful and blessed." Brave: Honest Questions Women Ask Thomas, Angela Angela speaks to participants about deep feelings that all women have at one time or another. She looks boldly at some of the fears and struggles of being a woman, and she helps us see how we can be brave in the face of those challenges. We've all got insecurities, flaws, and struggles that we're afraid to address. But if we can be brave enough to raise the questions, God will answer us. You've got questions. God's got answers. Be brave. Ask. Stronger: Finding Hope in Fragile Places Thomas, Angela Through biblical teaching and real life application, this study teaches that believers do not have to live in weakness. God is stronger than every struggle you will ever face. This study will guide women into biblical truth through exposition and story, so they live confident, transformed, Christ-radiating lives marked by His strength. 14

15 Power of a Praying Woman Omaritan, Stormie book or 10 Through Scripture and personal examples, Stormie Omartian shows you how to draw closer to God; understand his plan and purpose for your life; receive comfort, help, and strength for everyday living; and learn to pray... for your own needs! Power of a Praying series Omaritan, Stormie book varies Stormie Omartian personally connects with readers by sharing her experiences and illustrating how God transforms lives when we learn to trust in Him. Her scriptural based, transforming Power of a Praying series includes titles such as The Power Of Praying For Your Adult Children, The Power Of A Praying Wife, The Power Of A Praying Husband, The Power Of A Praying Woman, The Power Of A Praying Parent, The Power Of A Praying Teen, the Power of Praying Through the Bible, and The Prayer That Changes Everything. Sermon on the Mount Wilkin, Jennifer workbook 9 Matthew's gospel opens with three chapters containing Jesus' longest recorded message. In His sweeping depiction of kingdom citizenship, Jesus utters some of the most familiar passages in all of Scripture. Most of us have only encountered the Sermon on the Mount in fragments, but what if we navigated these three chapters as they were originally heard: as one cohesive, well-ordered message, intended to challenge us to think differently about repentance, salvation, and sanctification? 15

16 Beth Moore Women's Bible Studies Moore, Beth workbook varies - general Theologically sound and always dynamic, Beth Moore's mission is to guide women into a richer, more fulfilling relationship with the Father. Her collection of studies cover relevant topics from believing God to loving difficult people and from the Patriarchs to Revelation. Each in-depth study guides women to deepen their faith and changes their lives in the process. With the exception of 3, all involve 5 days of personal study of 30 minutes to an hour. For a complete list of available studies, go to Moore?intcmp=iTeam2-TILED-PA-BM Priscilla Shirer Women's Bible Studies Shirer, Priscilla workbook Priscilla Shirer is an inspiring Bible teacher and popular author of Bible studies and books like Jonah, One in a Million, Gideon and Discerning the Voice of God. Her desire is to see women come to a full understanding of who they are in Christ by hearing the uncompromising truth of Scripture. Her studies include video teaching and 5 days of personal study requiring approximately 30 minutes. 1

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