For Life Abundant

Designed to involve the individual in systematic Bible study, these twelve well-organized lessons trace the Christian life from conversion to maturity. The illustrative drawings, helpful review questions, and suggested Bible memory verses are valuable for personal research -- and for group discussions. The Abundant Life analyzes the basics of the Christian experience one at a time, picturing them as physical actions. For example, it compares Bible study to eating, prayer to talking, forgiveness to washing. These simple analogies make the material easy to understand. An effective tool for evangelism or individual study, The Abundant Life points out the how-to of obtaining and enjoying a meaningful relationship with God.

"Bass and Dykstra have written extensively and collaboratively on Christian Practices, arguing that the what Christians have done faithfully over time constitutes a life-giving way of life, and that this living of Christianity is more primary to what it means to be Christian than doctrinal confession, that our confessions spring from faithful living rather than the other way around. This book contains numerous essays that take up the question of Christian Practices and ministry--the preparation of ministers, theological education, etc. in a post-Enlightenment understanding of the relationship of practice and head knowledge. Because the book is the result of a community conversation, it doesn't have a clear thesis, but it models its conviction that reflection on theology arises from community conversation around our life in discipleship together. An extremely helpful beginning to a conversation about ministry, practices of faith, clergy preparation, etc., as the time has come to integrate the kind of learning that comes in the classroom with the kind that only comes from living the faith with others"--Amazon.com.

In this splendidly crafted work, McFague argues for theology as an ethical imperative for all thinking Christians. It can help Christians assess their own religious story in light of the larger Christian tradition and the felt needs of the planet. She shows readers how articulating their personal religious stories and credos can lead directly into contextual analysis, unfolding of theological concepts, and forms of Christian practice.

Rewire Your Brain with Truth from Scripture Have you ever felt stuck in your Christian life? Have you wondered if the abundant life Jesus promised is really available for you right here and right now? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then this book is for you. This book will help you identify the spiritual growth barriers that are keeping you stuck as well as show you the way to experience more of the abundant life: a life characterized by more love, joy, peace, and hope than you ever dreamed possible before. Ken Baugh draws us into the inner workings of the brain and the heart, which inform how we process negative and traumatic experiences, but which also can be diverted from health and wholeness by such negative experiences. How we process hard things intellectually and spiritually recalibrates us toward either health and wholeness or bitterness and defeatism. Ken helps us rewire our brains by simmering in the Scriptures that remind us whom we belong to and what God has promised us. The end result is a resilient, robust faith prepared to weather every storm and keep in step with Jesus.

Mental illness loves to tell lies. One of those lies is that you should be able to manage what you're struggling with all by yourself, but in Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don't Want to Talk About, pastor and psychotherapist Ryan Casey Waller reminds us that we don't have to suffer alone. Mental health issues aren't a symptom of a spiritual failing or insufficient faith. In fact, suffering is the very thing our Savior seeks to heal as he leads us toward restoration. And yet, as Waller has experienced firsthand, the battle can be lonely and discouraging--but it doesn't have to be. Combining practical theology, clinical insights, and deep empathy, Waller offers a rare mix of companionship and truth, inviting us to: Have shame-free conversations about mental health Discover why self-knowledge is so important to a deep relationship with God Understand the intersection of biology, psychology, and spirituality Explore varying avenues of healing in community, therapy, and medication Be equipped to support loved ones while practicing self-care Waller bridges the gap between the spiritual and the psychological in this empathetic, imminently helpful guidebook, reminding us all that we are not alone. Hope starts now. Praise for Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don't Want to Talk About: "I work with Christian leaders from all over the country and have seen firsthand how desperately we need to be talking about depression and anxiety. What prior generations considered taboo, the leaders of today and tomorrow consider essential. Whether you're new to the conversation of mental health or intimately familiar with its complexities, Waller's book has something for you. I can't wait for you to read this." --Grant Skeldon, author of The Passion Generation and Next Gen Director at Q

A Life Endured.Is Not a Life!!! As Christ-Followers we are called to do more than endure life. Created in God's image we are overcomers and more than conquerors with specific tasking from the King of kings. Yet cynicism, negativity, and the frantic pace of life send us the message that we should disengage in order to make it through. Power, riches, and pleasures call out to others and lure them down paths they were never meant to travel. Boredom and broken dreams distract others but from time to time we all see with amazing clarity: The way we are living just isn't the way things were supposed to turn out. There was supposed to be more victory, more joy, more significance; this cannot be all there is to our journey. Our vision is more than simple insight; it is a seed planted in John 10:10 when Jesus said He came to provide more than the wonderful gift of salvation: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

Think minimalism means a perfectly curated, always tidy home? Think again. Drowning in tides of toys, overflowing closets, and a crazy schedule, Rachelle Crawford assumed you had to be naturally organized to keep a tidy living space. Then she found minimalism: the messy, real-life kind, that is less about perfection and more about purpose. Thus began a journey toward decluttering her home, calendar, and soul. With empathy, grace, and humor, Crawford--who curates the popular Abundant Life with Less site--shares doable ways to own less and live more fully. Laying out practical strategies for reducing waste, curbing consumption, decluttering, and finding lots more joy, Crawford offers no-nonsense solutions for the rest of us. Learn to become a more conscious consumer, create a capsule wardrobe, inspire family members to join you, free up more time for the things that matter, and create a tidy(ish) home. The messy minimalist way is a no-judgment zone, one in which we learn sustainable habits and grace-based practices. It's about living lightly on the earth and making room for purpose. Becoming a messy minimalist is not about turning into someone else; it's about clearing away clutter and expectations to unearth who you really are. It's about carrying fewer things so that we find ourselves holding onto what truly matters.

This Leader's Guide was written as a companion to "The Abundant Life" also authored by Dr. Viehman, to assist leaders in effectively working with Christians to inspire them to understand how to live an abundant life in Christ. Everything in here, however, is just a guide. Please feel free to use the study and conduct it as the Lord leads you to. Start praying about how to lead your group now! Dr. Viehman believes that the more you pray and ask for God's help with your group, the more God will bless you both. This guide covers your first meeting, which will be an introduction and orientation session, and then reviews each week's lessons from a leader's point of view. Let's get started studying and living The Abundant Life!