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SNEAK PEEK: Future Grace DVD Study Guide by John Piper

August 14, 2012

Freedom from Sin Through the Promises of God

Click here to download chapter one of the Future Grace DVD Study Guide.

This study guide companion to the DVD version of Future Grace—the foundational book by John Piper on the expansive reach of God’s grace—will help individuals and groups understand that victory over sin comes not from a herculean effort to avoid worldly pleasures, but through fixing one’s focus on the reality that God is far more desirable than even life itself. Delighting in the bounty of God’s promises frees us from sinful patterns, to the glory of Christ!

The DVD and this guide create an ideal package for adult and youth Sunday school classes, small groups, retreats, classrooms, families, [ … ]

Being Passed Over

August 14, 2012

No one likes to be passed over. Something within each of us cries out to be noticed. Someone has suggested that most Americans suffer from a severe case of attention deprivation; we don’t know if anybody really cares about us. Some of the Bible’s saddest words are found in one of the Old Testament psalms when David cries out in a moment of extreme loneliness, “No one cares for my soul” (Psalm 142:4).

In a cold world that refuses to recognize a loving God, words such as the psalmist’s might be expected. But why do we hear these cries so often among believers? Is it possible that we have so focused our attention on those outside the church that we have neglected our responsibility to each other? God has given to us, His children, the solution to the lonely, hopeless [ … ]

Walking a New Path

August 13, 2012

Where he was, who he was with, and the circumstances of the request all combined to help determine the path Jesus would take. Do we expect any less of Christ today? How open are you to surprises? Are you willing to take paths that Jesus is blazing and follow him as he hacks a way in the wilderness?

The Spirit of Christ walked a new path with Paul and brought the Gentiles into the body of Christ.

The Spirit of Christ walked a new path with Saint Francis and brought all of creation into the body of Christ.

The Spirit of Christ walked a new path with Martin Luther and turned the altar toward the people, who are the body of Christ.

The Spirit of Christ walked a new path with John Wesley and strolled out into the streets and [ … ]

Deeds vs. Relationship

August 10, 2012

Many believers push hard to accomplish good things for Christ. They could rightfully claim hard work and perseverance as their strengths. They could get credit for refusing to tolerate evil. They could receive commendation for enduring hardships without quitting or even growing weary.

If that describes you, you are to be applauded. Jesus is pleased with you.

I can say that on the authority of God’s Word, for the Lord Jesus, through his Spirit, commended the church at Ephesus for these very things (Revelation 2:1–3).

But you know where I’m going with this discussion because you know what Jesus added to his words of approval: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (Revelation 2:4–5).

He says (if I [ … ]

SNEAK PEEK: God Gave Us Easter by Lisa Tawn Bergren

August 9, 2012

“God loved us so much he wanted us to always be with him too. That’s why God knew he’d need to give us Easter.”

Click here to download a sample of God Gave Us Easter.

As Little Cub celebrates Easter with Papa, Mama, and her brother and sister, she begins to ask her papa questions about this very special day of the year.  Papa lovingly explains God’s plans for his children, while taking Little Cub on a memorable walk through her stunning Arctic world, and he shares how Easter came about in clear, simple terms that even the littlest cubs can understand.

Click here to download a sample of God Gave Us [ … ]

Self-imposed Guilt

August 9, 2012

Some of us have an internal “guilt table” to determine how badly we should feel:

Falling asleep during the 6:00 P.M. news. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Sending store-bought cookies to school . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Forgetting to pick up child (first time). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Forgetting to pick up child (second time) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

If too many tasks and not enough time sounds like life at your house, the solution is as close as Sesame Street. Just practice [ … ]

God’s Arms

August 8, 2012

When we ignore our Father’s warnings, we forfeit the safety of His shore and plunge into the ocean of harm’s way: the undertow of over-commitment, the current of wrong choices, and the rising tide of moral danger. Perhaps that’s where you are right now. If so, there is hope. You only have to call out to God for help and He will pull you safely to shore. David cried out, “Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me” (Psalm 31:2) and “Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters” (Psalm 144:7).

“But, Sharon,” you might say, “you don’t know how far I’ve fallen. You don’t know what a mess I’ve made of my life.”

You are right. I don’t [ … ]

SNEAK PEEK: A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs

August 7, 2012

Christmas Eve 1894

Click here to download chapter one of A Wreath of Snow.

All Margaret Campbell wants for Christmas is a safe journey home. When her plans for a festive holiday with her family in Stirling crumble under the weight of her brother’s bitterness, the young schoolteacher wants nothing more than to return to the students she loves and the town home she cherishes.

Then an unexpected detour places her in the path of Gordon Shaw, a handsome newspaperman, who struggles under a burden of remorse and shame.

Click here to download chapter one of A Wreath of Snow.