Download or read book An Unlikely Advent Leader Guide written by Rachel Billups and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2023-09-05 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Expect the unexpected this Christmas. This four-week Advent study focuses on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story. During this Advent season, Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study, including session plans, activities, discussion questions, and multiple format options. Additional components for the four-week small group study include the book and DVD/Video Sessions featuring Rachel Billups.

Download or read book Unexpected Jesus written by Anna Robbins and published by Cover to Cover Advent Guide. This book was released on 2020-09-15 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During Advent season, we often sing, "Come thou long-expected Jesus...". We put up the same decorations, sing the same carols, lay out the same creche; we imagine what it was like to welcome Jesus into the world on that silent night. So peaceful. So lovely. But what if everything was not as it seems? What if Jesus actually challenged everyone's expectations of what a Messiah would be like, how he should arrive, what he would do? What if he was born in a house with a family, in a noisy bustling town and not a quiet stable? What if he was more interested in those who were outside the religious and social establishment than those who were in it? What if looking closely at the scriptures overturns our expectations of Advent and Christmas in a way that changes us forever?

Download or read book Our Hope Has Come written by Lifeway Women and published by . This book was released on 2021-10 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this 5-session Advent study, take a closer look at the Christmas story and the hope revealed in the lives of people in the Bible whose obedience and yeses to God's plans, even in difficult times, gave them great joy and led to God's glory in their lives and generations to come. As we explore the hope that Jesus brings, we'll learn to trust God's care for us as His beloved children in both times of abundance and times of lament. No matter what you're facing, at just the right time, in the fullness of time, God will act on your behalf too. In fact, He already has. In the advent season, we celebrate God's kindness to us, even as we wait on the future hope to come. Features: Personal study segments with homework to complete between 5 weeks of group sessions Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups Beautiful, full-color interior to enhance the study experience Specific Advent activities for kids, students, and adults Benefits: Be encouraged to obey God despite difficult circumstances. Be reminded that God, in His sovereignty, works on behalf of His children at just the right time. Study the Christmas story and many of the individual stories of God's people in the Bible to capture the wonder of the holiday season. Consider how your testimony of faith may extend to generations in the future.

Download or read book All the Good written by Prof. Laceye C. Warner and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2021-09-21 with total page 113 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Journey Through Advent with John Wesley's Means of Grace. The season of Advent offers time and space for Christians to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas through reflecting on the story of salvation. In All the Good: A Wesleyan Way of Christmas, a group of diverse Wesleyan scholars will take you on an Advent journey guided by the practices in John Wesley’s means of grace. John Wesley’s emphasis upon practices of piety and mercy—or good works—drew from the larger Christian tradition. Such practices are often referred to as means of grace. Each chapter guides participants through one of the four weeks of Advent by reflecting on biblical passages in light of an aspect of Wesleyan means of grace highlighted by illustrations and stories. Readers will look at preparing the way for God, the impact and significance of prayer, the substance of good works and caring for others, and sharing God’s mission to the world. In this season of Advent as we await the birth of the Christ child remember and know God’s goodness and love for us. A DVD with weekly video segments and a comprehensive Leader Guide with small-group discussion questions are available separately to create a four-week study for Advent.

Download or read book The Characters of Christmas written by Daniel Darling and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2019-10-01 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn Something New This Christmas We hate to admit it, but after years, sometimes even decades, of reading the same Luke 2 story of Christmas, we get a little bored—we lose some of the awe we ought to have when discussing the greatest miracle in history. That’s why The Characters of Christmas was written, to help you take a fresh look at the Christmas story by getting to know the minor characters that played a part in Jesus’ birth, such as Zechariah and Elizabeth, the Shepherds, and Herod. As you slow down, engage your imagination, and enter into the stories of these women and men, you’ll see the most important character—Jesus Christ—with new eyes. And with discussion questions and a Christmas song suggestion at the end of each chapter, it’s perfect for engaging your whole family. Break free from the familiar, and discover something you never knew about the story you’ve always heard.

Download or read book Names for the Messiah written by Walter Brueggemann and published by Westminster John Knox Press. This book was released on 2016-08-01 with total page 98 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Isaiah 9:6, a divine utterance is given to us using four royal titles--Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Names for the Messiah ponders each title and how the people understood it then, how Jesus did or did not fulfill the title, and how Christians interpret Jesus as representative of that title. Christians have claimed from the beginning that Jesus was the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. In this study, best-selling author Walter Brueggemann tackles the questions: "What were these expectations?" and "Did Jesus fulfill them?"

Download or read book Job Leader Kit written by Lisa Harper and published by Lifeway Church Resources. This book was released on 2018-07-02 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Imagine if a really good, Godly guy was just ambling along, minding his own, well-behaved business when he fell into into a deep pit of pain, loss and suffering. Then, when he was buried up to his neck in misery at the bottom of that horrible hole, he found out God allowed his terrible tumble. Surely he would renounce his faith in a compassionate Creator-Redeemer, right? Maybe get a huge, "God is dead or at least asleep at the wheel" tattoo across his back. Well, that scenario actually happened to a guy named Job and while history is blurry about the tattoo, it's crystal clear about his unshakable faith. Despite overwhelming odds, Job clung tenaciously to the truth that God is good...even when life is unbelievably bad. This incredibly engaging and inimitable story proves that God's providence will never take us to a place where His grace will not sustain us. No matter what difficulties we're walking through, or crisis we're facing we can rest in an unlikely joy.

Download or read book An Unlikely Advent written by Rachel Billups and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2023-09-05 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Expect the unexpected this Christmas. This four-week Advent study focuses on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story. During this Advent season, Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas. Additional components to use the book as a four-week small group study include a leader guide and DVD/Video Sessions featuring Rachel Billups.

Download or read book An Unexplainable Life written by Erica Wiggenhorn and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2016-06-16 with total page 287 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What can God do with fifty days? In only fifty days Peter was radically transformed. He went from being a man in the shadows denying even knowing Jesus, to a man boldly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus in the middle of the temple courts. How did the change occur? And more importantly, can such a change occur within us—today, in the here and now? For fifty days, I invite you to dwell in the first twelve chapters of Acts. Here we meet Peter face-to-face and encounter the source of his power. We become challenged to grab hold of that power ourselves, believing that God wants to do something in and through us that is unexplainable apart from Him. Let’s give God fifty days and see what He might do. The purpose of this study isn’t simply to reiterate a message. (You can find many studies on Acts.) Our purpose is to reignite a movement of the power of the Holy Spirit in each of us individually and in our churches collectively. Are you ready? — Erica Wiggenhorn Participants will enjoy: A verse-by-verse study spread over ten weeks (5 lessons/week) Many biblical, theological, and historical insights Text-based discussion questions that truly provoke thought

Download or read book When God Comes Down written by James A. Harnish and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2012 with total page 51 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Often our Advent/Christmas journey is focused on us our memories, feelings, relationships and experiences. This study puts the focus on Gods action in Jesus Christ. It encourages participants to think more deeply in terms of the biblical, theological and spiritual meaning of the Nativity, while still applying it to their own life experience.

Download or read book Almost Christmas written by Magrey deVega and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2019-09-17 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1741, John Wesley preached his famous sermon titled “The Almost Christian” in which he encouraged people to follow Christ wholeheartedly. We should not be satisfied with being almost Christian but rather strive towards being altogether a Christian. In Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience, author and pastor Magrey deVega leads a group of authors to explore how we can make the same commitment to Christ during Advent, connecting our Wesleyan heritage with the traditional Advent themes of Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace. In this book, perfect for Advent, deVega and the other authors break down the barriers that prevent us from experiencing an “altogether” love, hope, joy, and peace in Christ in our lives and in the world around us. They demonstrate the promises God offers to us that makes those longings a reality, inviting us to claim those promises for ourselves this Advent and celebrate an altogether Christmas. Chapters include: Altogether Love Altogether Hope Altogether Joy Altogether Peace Additional components for a four-week study include a DVD featuring Magrey deVega and the other writers and a comprehensive Leader Guide, as well as nativity hymns by Charles Wesley, litanies for lighting the Advent wreath, and prayers that can be incorporated into both worship and small group settings. A daily devotional and a youth study book are also available.

Download or read book Unexplainable Jesus written by Erica Wiggenhorn and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2019-06-04 with total page 295 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When’s the last time you were captivated by Jesus? Crowds clamored, women wept in awe, disciples dared to do the impossible—all because of Jesus. Somewhere in the overly familiar we’ve lost our fascination. Whether you’re worn thin, filled with questions, or desperate for more of God, come encounter Unexplainable Jesus. Experience the culture and customs of His day and follow Him into a life unimaginable. This study features: in-depth study of Luke (40 lessons over 8 weeks) historical and cultural insights soul-searching questions access to extensive online resources Step into the streets of Jerusalem and encounter the Jewish Rabbi who turned the world upside down. After rediscovering Jesus on the pages of the book of Luke—or maybe discovering Him for the very first time—you’ll see there is no other plan, goal, ambition, or Person worth following but Jesus. Plus, check out the Unexplainable Jesus DVD, which contains hours of all-new video teaching content from Erica Wiggenhorn.

Download or read book Job A Story Of Unlikely Joy written by Lisa Harper and published by Lifeway Church Resources. This book was released on 2018-07-02 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this 7-session study, discover the redemptive facet of Job's suffering. Learn to view pain as a way to strengthen your faith, point others to the gospel, and trust in the Lord. Because His providence will never take you to a place where His grace will not sustain you.

Download or read book Who Needs Christmas Bible Study Guide written by Andy Stanley and published by HarperChristian Resources. This book was released on 2019-10-15 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rediscover the improbable story of Christmas. Four thousand years ago, God promised he would do something through the bloodline of Abraham. Two thousand years later, Jesus was born. And two thousand years after that, we’re still talking about it. Why? The story of Jesus’ birth was not what anyone expected: a baby . . . born in the armpit of the Mediterranean . . . to save us from sins that no one thought we needed saving from. This Christmas season, join Andy Stanley as he unpacks why the improbability of the Christmas story is what makes it so believable. No one could have or would have made it up. The Who Needs Christmas Study Guide includes session overviews, video teaching notes, discussion questions, personal reflection material, and a leader’s guide. Sessions include: The Story Behind the Story The Author of Life The Message of Christmas Ready or Not . . . He Is Coming Designed for use with the Who Needs Christmas / Why Easter Matters Video Study (9780310121121), sold separately. Streaming video also available.

Download or read book Making Room written by Ed Robb and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2020-09-01 with total page 115 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Often our Advent preparations have an inward focus as we prepare for the significance of God breaking into our world through the birth of the Christ child. But in a closer examination of the Advent story, we quickly learn that the focus of the coming of the newborn king is outward. In this book and Advent study, Dr. Ed Robb explores the warmth of welcome at Christmas following interactions with Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi. Just as Jesus made room in God’s kingdom for a host of people that society wanted to leave on the margins, beginning with the appearance of the shepherds, we too should be asking ourselves who we can make room for this Christmas. Perhaps it is to the people in your community, or the newly immigrated family in town that doesn’t speak your language. Or maybe it’s the next-door neighbor who just settled in from yet another corporate move? The story of Christ’s birth encourages us to widen our borders and increase our sense of community—and make room for others. Additional components for a four-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide.

Download or read book ADVENTuring to the Manger written by Betsy Haas and published by . This book was released on 2021-09-30 with total page 119 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Come along on a great ADVENTure! One that doesn't require time shopping and baking, but one that ushers in the advent of the Kingdom of God on earth. This breaking-through of the holy Presence did not get cleaned up by delivery room nurses and handed to his momma wrapped in a hospital print blanket and matching hat. No, this Presence was birthed in dirt and spent his first night on earth sleeping to the sounds of a mooing cow and a snoring donkey. The smell must have been noticeable, but he was too little and much too polite to mention it. The great ADVENTure we will embark on for these 25 days of preparation will lead us straight to that manger, where we will find ourselves standing among dirty shepherds, regal wisemen, vibrant angels, and his parents. By immersing ourselves in scripture every day, we will hear from the prophets of old and end up at the eyewitness accounts of Christ's arrival. Through our travels, we discern God's purpose for our lives as we navigate another Advent season. May this Christmas be like none other as we journey together. Looking for a small group resource? Free downloadable leader's guide for this book is available at atwatersedge.org.

Download or read book Jonah Leader Kit written by Priscilla Shirer and published by Lifeway Church Resources. This book was released on 2010-07-01 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted - DVD Leader Kit by Priscilla Shirer helps a leader facilitate this women's Bible study experience and contains all that is needed to conduct the small group time. What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! In this 7-session Bible study, Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God's invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city.Leader Kit Includes: * Two DVDs * One Member Book with leader helps