The season of Advent honors our waiting. Our time spent waiting can shape us--if we let it. The virtues of hope, love, joy, and peace are the hallmarks of God's work in all of history. Advent is especially marked by these virtues, and so are we when we lean into the transformational opportunity of this unique season in the Christian calendar. Journey with Michaele LaVigne through the season of Advent in order to discover that waiting is not empty time at all. It is full of God's presence and opportunities to be changed.

This 14-week devotional book includes daily scripture readings from the Old Testament and New Testament, prayers, and each Sunday, a small sermon with journaling space. This book is specifically designed to be used, either individually or for small groups, from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost. Using the Scripture readings from Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary, a devotional reflection based on the Sunday Gospel passage begins each week and serves as the main content for Sunday school and small groups. Enhancing this devotional guide are additional resources for worship services and small-group meetings or Sunday School classes in the Ashes to Fire Year C Church Planning Kit.

The book will create an intentional and intensive fellowship with Jesus by guiding readers through worship, personal Bible study, daily devotions, and spiritual readings. In this devotional guide you will discover a breadth and depth of Bible reading, spiritual reflection, and prayer that could, if faithfully followed, inspire the transforming, life-renewing experience with Christ for which your heart hungers.

Adult Faith Connections Bible Study Guide is a Bible study exposition written by pastors, leaders, and scholars to help group members go deeper in God's Word during and after the lesson. Each week, group members will gain a greater understanding of the focus passage, as well as have the opportunity to answer reflective questions to help them take time to consider the message of that week's session.

During this study, we will explore the ways in which the early church encountered the transforming power of God and discover the way we can experience this same power in our lives today.

What is holiness? What does a holy life look like? What did God mean when he commanded his people to be holy, and what did Jesus mean when he said to be perfect? Diane Leclerc addresses these questions and more in the Holiness volume of The Wesleyan Theology Series, correcting misinterpretations and setting forth a clear and understandable ethic of holy living for Christians in the world today. Most importantly for the Christian life, Leclerc affirms that holiness is not just a theology or set of beliefs. It is a way of living that moves and breathes and compels us to Christlike action. Christians are used to hearing theological language in the church but may not feel they have adequate resources to enhance their understanding of what certain terms or concepts mean. The Wesleyan Theology Series aims to discuss Christian doctrines in accessible language that states clearly what we believe and why. Each volume is written by an author with a particular expertise who also has the ability to simplify and clarify complex ideas. The Wesleyan Theology Series is written specifically for the theologically curious layperson, student, or pastor. Topics include: the Trinity, creation, eschatology, the church, the sacraments, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, sin, grace, salvation, sanctification, Christian ethics, and atonement.

This study of the growth of the Church of the Nazarene traces the denomination's doctrinal roots to the English Reformation and then explores the church's historical, intellectual, and doctrinal development.Giving special attention to the church's distinctive belief in entire sanctification and emphasis on education, the authors colorfully retell the story of the church from its humble origins in Pilot Point, Texas, to its expansion into an international community reaching the world through a warm-hearted faith.

God created humanity in love. God placed humanity in a perfect environment with parental hopes and dreams for abundant living. Return to your roots and explore all God has in mind for you! The Holy Life Bible Study Series is a practical discipleship tool for both new and seasoned Christians. Author Frank Moore takes readers on a journey that unpacks theological truths of faith in a way that is both inspirational and motivating. He invites us to discover the incredible love of a God who empowers us to overcome any circumstance to live with joy, peace, and power--a God who calls us to take part in his divine nature. Each book in the series includes thought-provoking questions to stimulate discussion in a small-group study setting.

What are the sacraments? Why do Protestants only recognize two sacraments? What do baptism and the Lord's Supper mean? Sacramental theologian Brent Peterson answers these questions and more in this discussion of The Sacraments from The Wesleyan Theology Series. Peterson first lays the groundwork for a Wesleyan understanding of sacramental practice, then delves deeply into baptism and the Eucharist, affirming faithful practice, correcting errors and misunderstandings, and guiding Christians toward a more robust and healthy observance of the two sacraments that Jesus modeled for us in the New Testament. Christians are used to hearing theological language in the church but may not feel they have adequate resources to enhance their understanding of what certain terms or concepts mean. The Wesleyan Theology Series aims to discuss Christian doctrines in accessible language that states clearly what we believe and why. Each volume is written by an author with a particular expertise who also has the ability to simplify and clarify complex ideas. The Wesleyan Theology Series is written specifically for the theologically curious layperson, student, or pastor. Topics include: the Trinity, creation, eschatology, the church, the sacraments, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, sin, grace, salvation, sanctification, Christian ethics, and atonement.

Enrich your Bible study time with Illustrated Bible Life-a full-color resource magazine designed specifically to complement Adult Faith Connections Leader. IBL provides verse-by-verse commentary on the Bible passages for each week and includes articles addressing the cultural, historical, archaeological, and theological backgrounds of the Scripture passages being studied.

With Illustrated Bible Life, go deeper into each week's lesson by studying theological underpinnings, learning about the culture and context of Bible times, and exploring the history behind every Bible story.

Also, with the purchase of Illustrated Bible Life, you have access to FoundryLeader.com for FREE, where you can receive online access to articles for each session, verse-by-verse commentaries, weekly audio articles, and illustrations and photos.

The energy and boldness of the early Christians in the Acts of the Apostles are an example we may have a hard time following. Our articles this quarter examine some important practices that were common in those early days: healing miracles, encounters with magic and sorcery, and, of course, compassionate ministry. We'll also look at Paul's conversion and Peter's confidence after Pentecost, as well as the ancient church at Syrian Antioch, the main missionary church of the first century.

The city of Jerusalem is a travel destination for devotees of multiple religious traditions around the world. With a history spanning nearly four thousand years, the Holy City is a living museum, where layers of civilizations, peoples, and cultures have left their indelible marks-including Christ our Lord, who began his final journey toward the cross at this very city's gates. In My Cup Runneth Over, John Bowling invites us to embark on a special personal pilgrimage through the Holy City, examining the history of famous sites and landmarks alongside reflections and explorations of the time Jesus spent in and around Jerusalem in the days before his crucifixion and resurrection. Beginning with the first Sunday in Lent, join with others around the world in studying Scripture, prayers, teachings, and hymns while learning about unique and significant landmarks in Jerusalem that are tied to our Savior's pivotal last days.

The journey that God's people are called to make to the cross with Christ is not an easy one. Each year we spend forty days in reflection upon all the seasons of wilderness we know we will experience in our lives, or have already experienced. The wilderness makes us thirsty and weary, but we know we do not journey alone. Christ carries and sustains us on our way. Experience the thirst-quenching, soul-refreshing sufficiency of Jesus in a new way this Lenten season as you walk in community toward the cross with Water For the Way.

The ancient stories, poems, prophecies, and customs of the Bible have been interpreted in so many different ways for so many different contexts, times, and purposes. How can we find a stable meaning for any passage? Is biblical interpretation solely dependent on the beliefs and values of the interpreter? Stephen G. Green addresses these questions and offers a responsible approach to studying the Bible. Exploring worldviews, the value-shaping function of words, and the role of the reader, the author skillfully points the way to bridging the gap between the historical context of the Bible and the present-day context of the reader. He introduces readers to the methods and tools needed to successfully understand and embody the transforming message of Scripture. The Wesleyan Theology Series aims to discuss Christian doctrines in easy to understand language that states clearly what Christians believe and why. Each volume is written by an author with a particular expertise who also has the ability to simplify and clarify complex issues. This 12-book series is written specifically for the theologically curious layperson, student, or pastor. Join The Wesleyan Theology Series Membership and save 30% and automatic shipping on each title in the series.

Determined to return humanity to the original hopes and dreams for us, God the Father sent Jesus the Son to our world to free us from our self-inflicted bondage. Jesus came to restore our relationship with God. Encounter Jesus in new ways! The Holy Life Bible Study Series is a practical discipleship tool for both new and seasoned Christians. Author Frank Moore takes readers on a journey that unpacks theological truths of faith in a way that is both inspirational and motivating. He invites us to discover the incredible love of a God who empowers us to overcome any circumstance to live with joy, peace, and power--a God who calls us to take part in his divine nature. Each book in the series includes thought-provoking questions to stimulate discussion in a small-group study setting.

This, then, is how you should pray. The prayer Jesus taught his disciples, and that followers of Jesus have been praying for centuries, is short, simple, and familiar. But why should we keep praying it? And what are we actually asking for when we do pray it together? In Praying with Jesus, Michael Lodahl breaks down the Lord's Prayer line by line, infusing fresh meaning into these ancient words. The added biblical context, theological background, and cultural understanding will bring new life to our corporate recitations of this well-known prayer. Join Christians across the globe and down through history in Praying with Jesus to discover the power and purpose behind the prayer that Jesus has modeled for the children of God.

Adult Faith Connections Leader provides the teacher with easy-to-use methodology, discussion questions written to motivate group participation, and video/media supplements. It features the complete Bible study exposition plus teaching methodology and optional activities to help leaders adapt the session to their specific group. This resource will help teachers connect people to God's Word, enabling them to live out their faith in the world.

During this study, we will explore the ways in which the early church encountered the transforming power of God and discover the way we can experience this same power in our lives today.

Adult Faith Connections Bible Study Guide is a Bible study exposition written by pastors, leaders, and scholars to help group members go deeper in God's Word during and after the lesson. Each week, group members will gain a greater understanding of the focus passage, as well as have the opportunity to answer reflective questions to help them take time to consider the message of that week's session.

During this study, we will explore the ways in which the early church encountered the transforming power of God and discover the way we can experience this same power in our lives today.

The city of Jerusalem is a travel destination for devotees of multiple religious traditions around the world. With a history spanning nearly four thousand years, the Holy City is a living museum, where layers of civilizations, peoples, and cultures have left their indelible marks--including Christ our Lord, who began his final journey toward the cross at this very city's gates. In My Cup Runneth Over, John Bowling invites us to embark on a special personal pilgrimage through the Holy City, examining the history of famous sites and landmarks alongside reflections and explorations of the time Jesus spent in and around Jerusalem in the days before his crucifixion and resurrection. Beginning with the first Sunday in Lent, join with others around the world in studying Scripture, prayers, teachings, and hymns while learning about unique and significant landmarks in Jerusalem that are tied to our Savior's pivotal last days.

We live in a world that tells us that truth is relative, we should do what feels good, and we should expect to fall because, after all, no one is perfect. Holiness is a foreign concept. But God is calling us to join Him on an exciting journey -- to become everday saints, people who are commited to Christlikeness in every area of our lives.Everyday Saint explores what it means to live according to Christ's definition of holines -- simply to love God and to love our neighbor.Through reading this book, the reader will discover that it is indeed possible to be a holy person -- an everyday saint -- who is committed to loving God and loving their neighbor. This is the essence of holiness.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Romans has been the most influential book in the New Testament when it comes to the theology of the church. Dive into the first 7 chapters of this iconic letter from the apostle Paul to the church in Rome in order to engage with Paul's thoughts on the problem of humanity, God's response to the problem, and how the Christian life is to be lived. Romans is Paul's thorough presentation of what it means to be a Christian, making it the perfect candidate for a small group study.

Lectio divina is Latin for divine reading. The Lectio Divina for Youth books are Bible studies that call students to slow down, read Scripture, meditate on it, and prayerfully respond as they listen to God through His Word. These powerful books expand on the successful Barefoot Ministries' Ancient Faith Series. They work perfectly with either small groups or individual Bible study.Each Lectio Divina for Youth Bible study incorporates the following approach: Reading (Lectio). Quieting ourselves prior to reading the Word.Meditation (Meditatio). We dig deep and explore the meaning of the Bible passage.Prayer (Oratio). We respond to God through praise, thanksgiving, confession, and agreement.Contemplation (Contemplatio). We come to a place where we rest in the presence of God and receive what He has said to us.Each chapter ends with a set of group study questions. Questions are designed for students to think about and discuss what it means to live out the Word in their community.

Christ calls us to share his love with others--but how do we do that? For many Christians, our preconceptions about evangelism can be intimidating. Pastors Kerry Willis and Margaret Michael, with Brian Charette, challenge us to shift our focus from procedures and formulas to true connections and real relationships. With scriptural insights, testimonies, and stories of lives changed, the authors demonstrate that we don't all have to be academic theologians or dynamic crusaders to be faithful witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ. All we have to do is be sensitive and faithful to the power of presence and realize that we can change lives just by Showing Up.