The book consists primarily of interviews between Strobel (a former legal editor at the Chicago Tribune) and biblical scholars such as Bruce Metzger. Each interview is based on a simple question, concerning historical evidence (for example, "Can the Biographies of Jesus Be Trusted?"), scientific evidence, ("Does Archaeology Confirm or Contradict Jesus' Biographies?"), and "psychiatric evidence" ("Was Jesus Crazy When He Claimed to Be the Son of God?"). Together, these interviews compose a case brief defending Jesus' divinity, and urging readers to reach a verdict of their own.
Having more of Jesus in your life leads you into a world of unparalleled privilege. In Pursuing More of Jesus (previously titled My Heart's Cry), gifted Bible teacher and acclaimed conference speaker Anne Graham Lotz shows you how saturating your life with more of Jesus is the key to: restoring love to your marriage finding the antidote to fear discovering hope in your grief loving others with whom you are totally incompatible acquiring the courageous competency to speak out in a doubting world making your service to God more fruitful Doors open, angels attend, mountains move, doubts disappear, and fears fade if we simply pursue Him.
“This book will prove to be a most effective weapon… against the debunking and skeptical attitudes toward the Gospels that are so prevalent, not only in academe, but also on the street, among young people who, sadly, are leaving the Churches in droves.” – Robert Barron, author of Catholicism For well over a hundred years now, many scholars have questioned the historical truth of the Gospels, claiming that they were originally anonymous. Others have even argued that Jesus of Nazareth did not think he was God and never claimed to be divine. In The Case for Jesus, Dr. Brant Pitre, the bestselling author of Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist, goes back to the sources—the biblical and historical evidence for Christ—in order to answer several key questions, including: • Were the four Gospels really anonymous? • Are the Gospels folklore? Or are they biographies? • Were the four Gospels written too late to be reliable? • What about the so-called “Lost Gospels,” such as “Q” and the Gospel of Thomas? • Did Jesus claim to be God? • Is Jesus divine in all four Gospels? Or only in John? • Did Jesus fulfill the Jewish prophecies of the Messiah? • Why was Jesus crucified? • What is the evidence for the Resurrection? As The Case for Jesus will show, recent discoveries in New Testament scholarship, as well as neglected evidence from ancient manuscripts and the early church fathers, together have the potential to pull the rug out from under a century of skepticism toward the traditional Gospels. Above all, Pitre shows how the divine claims of Jesus of Nazareth can only be understood by putting them in their ancient Jewish context.
With a focus on Jesus Christ, Anne Graham Lotz brings clarity and understanding to the book of Revelation. Lotz explains God's faithfulness regardless of circumstance. All who feel depressed, deluded or discouraged can find hope in all of life's difficult situations: When life seems too small and problems seem too great; when personal insignificance outweighs God's significance; when overwhelmed by the ungodly majority; or when facing death or choosing life. Sharing her passion for God's word, Anne Graham Lotz leads the reader step by step through the apostle John's glorious, eyewitness account of God's plan for our future.
Why did God give us the book of Revelation? And what's more, why did He promise a blessing to those who read it and heed its words? The book of Revelation is the consummation of God's grand story that He has given to us as an anchor and a hope for our lives. Come Lord Jesus: A Woman's Walk-Spirit, Body & Soul-Through the Book of Revelation will guide you on a journey through this important book of the Bible encouraging you to experience spirit, body, and soul the Lord's message to His church. In this Bible study you will engage in worship, prayer, witness, creativity, and connection with God and others. Studying the book of Revelation is truly a blessing that the Lord has given us for our lives. Let's dive in together to know Him more!
Judah Smith digs deep to answer the most common and the most difficult questions about Jesus, a man so few understand and so many desperately need. In Jesus Is, Judah Smith explores a number of topics that reveal Jesus’ purpose for coming, what He accomplished while He was here, and what that means for us. Jesus is greatly revered, harshly criticized, and sorely misunderstood. Judah breaks down who Jesus is and explains to readers how understanding Jesus more fully will not only enrich their lives, but also give them meaning, as well as save them. The 8-week Jesus Is Participant's Guide, intended for use with the DVD-based study of the same title, will help participants discover how to have a deeper, lasting relationship with Jesus, and to commune with and grow in Him. Judah will show you that Jesus is more than a good teacher, more than an inspiring leader. He is the point of all life. Perfect for evangelism, the video sessions will help new Christians understand the person of Jesus, as well as help small group participants connect with one another.
The Story of Jesus small group video Bible study is a seven-week exploration into the life and ministry of Jesus that is adapted from the original The Story Adult Curriculum. Pulled straight from the pages of the Bible, this study provides individuals and groups of all sizes the opportunity to learn, discuss, and apply Jesus’ life, work, and teaching to their everyday lives. Pastor and author Randy Frazee presents seven ten-minute teachings on how the story of Jesus intersects with the story of our modern day lives. To understand the Bible, says author and pastor Randy Frazee, you need bifocal lenses, because two perspectives are involved. The Lower Story, our story, is actually many stories of men and women interacting with God in the daily course of life. The Upper Story is God's story, the tale of his great, overarching purpose that fits all the individual stories together like panels in one unified mural. The Story of Jesus Participant’s Guide includes DVD teaching notes, discussion questions, between session personal experiences, and also includes seven chapters of the full text of The Story hardcover book as it relates to Jesus, from his birth to the beginning of the church. Sessions include: The Birth of the King Jesus' Ministry Begins No Ordinary Man Jesus, the Son of God The Hour of Darkness The Resurrection New Beginnings Designed for use with The Story of Jesus Video Study (sold separately).
Based on Philip Yancey's Gold Medallion Book of the Year on the life of Christ, The Jesus I Never Knew Bible Study Participant's Guide is a six-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately) in which Yancey uses film portraits of Jesus and contrasts them with the Jesus of the Bible. The Jesus I Never Knew gives you fresh, uncluttered perspectives on history's central figure—his radical claims, his challenging teachings, and his effect on others . . . including you. This remarkable experience will spark discussion, interaction, application, and growth. Together, you'll share life-changing discoveries about God, the Bible, and yourself. Best of all, you'll come face-to-face with the most compelling, creative, challenging, fearless, unpredictable, and ultimately satisfying person anyone can know: Jesus Christ. This guide is filled with insights, questions for discussion, and applications that will help you discover the Jesus you never knew. Sessions include: The Jesus We Thought We Knew The Teachings of Jesus The Revolutionary Grace of Jesus The Miracles of Jesus The Death of Jesus The Resurrection, Ascension and Ongoing Presence of Jesus Designed for use with the Jesus I Never Knew Video Study (sold separately).
DVD 1: The Life of Jesus Do you ever feel dead--spiritually dead? Do you ever wonder, "If Christianity is supposed to be so great and Jesus' life was so perfect, why is my life so messed up?" It is only when we drink deeply from the life of Jesus--understanding the main events of his life and teachings--that we can then be rescued. These studies (along with "The Death of Jesus") invite us to see the behind-the-scenes truth of the main events of Jesus' life--so that his life can affect our lives...today...right where we live...in the midst of our weaknesses and failures. With maps and pictures, outlines, key scripture verses, discussion questions, plenty of room for note taking, and a personal five-day Bible study for each session, this participant's guide will help you get the most out of The Life of Jesus, both in your group and in applying what you learn to your life. TAKE A DEEPER LOOK The Deeper Connections series is unique. Unlike any other Bible study available, this visually stunning DVD series is written and taught by biblical experts--six professors with specialized areas of knowledge. Don't let the word deeper scare you. These engaging and accessible studies are for everyone who wants to deepen their understanding of God's Word and apply it more faithfully and effectively. In fact, a full one-third of each study is centered on modern application of Jesus' life and teachings. Hosted by Margaret Feinberg, who introduces each session from Israel, and filmed in locations as diverse as the Rocky Mountains, the Arizona desert, downtown Chicago, and Little Rock, Arkansas, each volume consists of six fascinating sessions. Each session is taught by a different teacher and emphasizes three components: 1. Historical and cultural background 2. An engaging, close look at the biblical text and its meaning 3. Accurate, encouraging, and challenging applications of the Bible's message to life today Are you seeking more from your Bible study? With three hours of teaching per DVD by Bible professors who know how to communicate the world of the biblical text to today's world, "Deeper Connections" will provide the depth for which you have been looking. Through alternating sections of teaching and group discussion or individual reflection, this Bible Study series will allow you to make DEEPER CONNECTIONS with three main areas: 1. Historical Background: Jewish, Old Testament, historical, social, and cultural backgrounds, along with New Testament parallels, will be examined in order to bring out the full and deeper meaning of the biblical text. 2. Biblical Text: Bible professors who teach this subject matter in Bible colleges and seminaries will teach the biblical text. This is not a study filled only with entertaining stories. It gets at the real meaning of the text through stimulating teaching. 3. Real-life Application: Challenging and accurate applications that come directly out of the biblical text will help you to live the truth of the Bible in today's difficult world. Dr. Darrell Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary Dr. Gary Burge, Wheaton College Dr. Scott Duvall, Ouachita Baptist Seminary Prof. Susan Hecht, Denver Seminary Dr. Mark Strauss, Bethel Seminary Dr. Matt Williams, Biola University
Why is there so little agreement on what it means to be a Christian? In this eight-session video-based Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), join pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley as he examines the characteristics Jesus used to define those who follow him and the implications these characteristics have for believers today. In Christian: It's Not What You Think, you'll learn: The one word that should be descriptive of every Christian. How Jesus' followers should treat those who are outside the faith. Why people love Jesus but can't stand his followers. So, what does it mean to be Christian? Curiously, the term 'Christian' was a label used by outsiders to define Jesus' followers. Jesus simply used 'disciple' to describe his followers and stressed the fact that they would be known by their love—a radical concept not only in their day, but in ours as well. Throughout these eight sessions, Andy Stanley unpacks the qualities Jesus prescribes for his followers that made them unique. What if believers today embodied these traits and put them before all others? Would the non-believing world put aside its derisive definition of 'Christian' and instead know us by our love? Sessions include: Brand Recognition Quitters Insiders, Outsiders Showing Up When Gracie Met Truthy Angry Birds Loopholes Working It Out Designed for use with the Christian Video Study 9780310693352 (sold separately).