An Invitation To Explore The Bible

This work has been written to strengthen and enlarge the faith of Christians by teaching them the truth while exposing the traditions of the elders that have grown up in Reformed, Reformed Baptist, Protestant, and Baptist Church circles. It has tackled many issues, some of which have been raised inside the church and some that have come from basically an antagonistic, nonneutral, and atheistic humanity.

As Christians, we live busy and harried lives, most often because we are eager and earnest to join with God in His work in the world. In the confusion and sheer volume of opportunities and ideas vying for our attention, we must constantly return to the words of Jesus to find our focus and purpose, for the truths He spoke, when believed and applied, lead to our flourishing. Using parables and stories, Jesus spoke most often of the kingdom of God as what matters--the ways of the kingdom, the values of the kingdom, and the cultivation of the kingdom here on earth in light of its fulfillment in heaven. In other words, the kingdom of God defines who we are and what we do as Christians. Many Christians don't have a working knowledge of the kingdom and their true citizenship in a way that affects their daily lives and decisions. Seek First the Kingdom cuts through the clutter of life with the words of Jesus, urging readers to stop, think, take notice, and reorient themselves solidly around the kingdom. Features: 8 weeks of personal study to complete between 8 group sessions Leader guide to help guide group meetings Benefits: Explore the kingdom of God in-depth, learning what the kingdom of God is, and how we enter it. Embrace the life Jesus offers us within the kingdom and the way we find joy as His subjects. Understand how the ways, values, and cultivation of the kingdom of God define who we are. Learn to confront our allegiances to idols and false kings, re-ordering our worship. Identify our places in the kingdom of God and how we can join in the work that God is doing here and around the world.

This simple, gospel-centered, 365-day Bible reading plan guides children ages 6-12 through the most important passages of the Bible, helping them see and appreciate the big-picture storyline of Scripture.

Amos is often called a prophet of doom. And when you begin to read his prophecy, it doesn't take long to realize that nickname fits. On the surface, his prophecy doesn't sound like a happy formula for the good life. However, every condemnation he gives serves as an invitation, a cry for us to "seek God and live" (Amos 5:4). You'll be invited to live assured, faithful, chosen, humble, justly, prayerful, and hopeful. This kind of living will bring us and others around us peace and true prosperity. ​ Amos is promoting the God life, and, the God life is the good life! Features: Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups 7 weeks of personal study to be completed between the 8 group sessions Access to 8 teaching videos, approximately 30 minutes per session, available by redeeming a code printed in the back of the study book Benefits: Uncover the connection between the God life and the good life. Learn how God's care for us prompts us to care for others. Break hope-stealing habits to reverse self-defeating choices. Unearth the gems hidden within one of the most overlooked books in the Bible.

Experience God in a deeper way by developing how you read and study his Word. Renowned Bible teacher Henry Blackaby, and his sons Norman and Mel, believe that Bible study is far more than a study method—it's a way of life, a way of encountering our Creator and His voice in our lives. In this timeless classic of Bible study, the Blackabys will teach you how to read the Bible so that you receive the message, encounter truth, and become transformed by the Word. Studying the Bible is not just the pursuit of biblical and theological head knowledge. It is a journey for your soul into the heart of God. You'll discover: How to approach the Bible with a mindset of worship. How your encounters with Scripture can change your everyday life. How to study effectively on your own by walking through short passages from the seven types of literature in the Bible. How reading Scripture conforms you to the image of God. How to write His words on your heart so that you more fully hear His voice and walk in His ways all the days of your life. Encounter God is an invitation to approach God through His Living Word. Encounter God and make life changes because of it. Not just head knowledge, but heart change. Get ready for a brand new experience with your Bible.

An authoritative guide to accurately interpreting and applying God's Word In this second edition of Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, Andreas Kostenberger leads the reader step-by-step through the process of interpreting and applying God's Word. The primary principle is the hermeneutical triad, which consists of history, literature, and theology. Readers are equipped to explore the historical background of a biblical passage, analyze its literary genre and features, and derive its theological meaning in light of the biblical canon. Numerous examples are provided throughout to illustrate the concepts. A concluding chapter provides direction on practical application, preaching, and helpful tools for Bible study. Additional features include key words and definitions at the end of each chapter, study questions, and practical exercises for applying the material. An appendix lists numerous resources for Bible study, including recommended commentaries for every book of the Bible. The second edition updates these resources, as well as the sources cited throughout, and includes a revised chapter on the Old Testament canon. Instructors, students, pastors, and anyone who desires to interpret Scripture accurately will find this volume to be an indispensable addition to their library.