Stuff to Study Together

 

 

 

D

eciding what to study in your A-team can be a daunting task. There is so much available in the marketplace! To give you a starting point, we have put together a list of options.

 

Stuff to Study Together is a list of resources arranged by topic. We asked current Crossroads A-team leaders to suggest studies that inspired growth and brought positive life-change within their A-teams. That’s how this list was comprised.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of what you can use, but it’s a great way to narrow down a topic. We do not have an official “what you are allowed to study list” at Crossroads. We don’t even have an “officially recommended” list. This is just a collection of resources that other teams have found worthwhile.

 

Use this as a catalyst and get feedback from the members of your team. Also feel free to just browse your local bookstore.  Many teams have found great resources simply by plugging in key words on a web bookstore’s search engine. A few sites you might want to investigate are Amazon (www.amazon.com), Christian Book Distributors (www.christianbook.com), Family Christian Books (www.familychristian.com) and Relevant Books (www.relevantbooks.com).

 

Finally, this list is a growing and expanding resource. If you and your team hit upon a study or resource that you really enjoy, please let us know. We want to incorporate your suggestions into this list so that others can grow from your experience. Email your suggestions to cbryant@crossroadscommunity.net.

 

Dig in and see what begins to grow!

 

 

Stuff about Authenticity

 

Authenticity by Bill Hybels

Zondervan Publishing, 1996. God wants you to enjoy close relationships with other believers and with Him. He wants you to have relationships that are honest and open, where you can share your successes and failures and remain confident of being loved. Authenticity helps you to identify the trappings of Christianity and trade them for a vibrant faith that integrates Christian values into everyday life. You’ll learn how to identify the inconsistent areas of your life, discover proven ways to align them with Bible teachings and find a new joy that comes from growing closer to God. Workbook format.

 

Honest to God? Becoming an Authentic Christian by Bill Hybels

Zondervan Publishing, 1990. This book offers practical, down-to-earth suggestions and guidelines for authenticity, by exploring twelve manifestations of inconsistent Christian living that are commonplace today. Underscoring the importance of Christians realizing that “Christianity is a supernatural walk with a living, dynamic, speaking, personal God,” he explores the reasons so many Christians live inconsistent, powerless lives.

 

The Real You by Bill Hybels

Subtitled: Discovering Your Identity in Christ. Zondervan Publishing, 1997. As a Christian, you have received more than God’s forgiveness; you also have a brand new identity! You are a new creation in Christ with fresh and exciting privileges and responsibilities. God wants you to confidently serve Him with joy and energy in your various roles as a son or daughter, saint, soldier, ambassador, friend, and manager of His resources. The Real You gives you a close-up view of these different roles and equips you with the sound biblical insights you need to fulfill them. Workbook format.

 

Stuff about the Bible

 

Beth Moore Bible Studies

Bible studies especially for women.  Go to www.christianbook.com and search for plug in the key words “Beth Moore.” 

 

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart

Zondervan Publishing, 2003. This is an excellent resource and should be standard reading for any small group leader. There are questions at the back of each chapter that would allow it to be used as a group study. Using this as a group study would require more preparation and study than average but the dividends are worth it.

 

Learn the Bible in 24 Hours by Dr. Chuck Missler

Nelson Books, 2002. Gives the big picture of Scripture. Each chapter is a 1-hour session. Includes historical and cultural insights into biblical passages.

 

Life Application Bible Studies – Life Application Bible Study Series and Workbook Study Series.

Tyndale House Publishers, 1998. The Study Guides provide interesting questions, the full text of the book, and an extensive commentary to help the reader understand the culture, history, and context of the Scriptural setting. Each Bible study booklet gives you the tools needed for understanding God’s Word and applying it to your life.

 

Life Lessons from the Word of God by Max Lucado

W Publishing Group, 1997-1998. Workbook Study Series. Max Lucado walks you through a book of the Bible, chapter by chapter. Throughout the study, you’ll find questions to ponder, space to journal, and inspirational excerpts. The Bible is presented in a manner that makes it understandable and applicable to your life.

 

On the Way to Jesus: A Journey through the Bible by Albert Baylis

Multnomah Publishing, 1986. This is an excellent little book that gives a general overview of the themes and content of the Old Testament and its relationship to the new. A good resource for new believers. There are questions at the end of each chapter.

 

 

Stuff about Community

 

Community 101 by Gilbert Bilezikian

Zondervan Publishing, 1997. Authentic community is essential if the church is to remain true to its God-assigned mission. As the title indicates, the two interrelated concepts of community and oneness are presented in this book. Gilbert Bilezikian lays a biblical foundation for this call to community by showing the centrality of community in the sweep of salvation history - its loss in the Fall, its reclamation through Christ, and its ultimate realization in the New Jerusalem.

 

Life on the Vine by Philip D. Kenneson

InterVarsity Press, 1999. Subtitled: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community. An in-depth look at Galatians 5:22-23, examining the “fruits of the spirit” in a Biblical context and a Christian community. An excellent book about Christian discipleship.

 

Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Harper San Francisco, 1978. Subtitled:  The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community. This story of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years reads like one of Paul's letters. It gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service is treated in simple, almost biblical, words. Life Together is bread for all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.

 

Stuff about Community Care

 

Changes that Heal by Henry Cloud

Zondervan Publishing, 1993. This book focuses on four developmental tasks – bonding to others, separating from others, integrating good and bad in our lives, and taking charge of our lives – that all of us must accomplish to heal our inner pain and to enable us to function and grow emotionally and spiritually. Book and workbook. 

 

Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn

Thomas Nelson, 2005.  Wholeness – spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical – is a gift from God.  But it's a result of our own decisions, too.  Arterburn outlines the biblical plan for opening our lives to God's divine touch, offering 10 choices we can make and 10 corresponding lies to reject as we find our way to complete health and restoration.

 

Hiding from Love by John Townsend

Zondervan Publishing, 1996.  Dr. John Townsend helps you to explore the hiding patterns you've developed in dealing with your emotions and guides you toward the healing grace and truth that God has built into safe, connected relationships.

 

How to Be a People Helper by Gary Collins

Tyndale House Publishers, 1995.  Everyone faces problems, and it is likely that we can help people more than we realize.  Best-selling author Dr. Gary R. Collins helps readers become more sensitive to the needs of others.

 

The Never Alone Church by David Ferguson

Tyndale House Publishers, 2002.  In this addition to the Never Alone series, theologian and counselor David Ferguson shows how applying fresh insights and practical, biblical principles will dramatically transform the local church into a healthy, powerful community that ministers to people's emotional needs.

 

 

Stuff about Crisis

 

A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser

Zondervan, 1996  Subtitled:  How the Soul Grows Through Loss.  In an instant, a tragic accident claimed the lives of three generations of Jerry Sittser's family: his mother, his wife, and his young daughter.  The author explores the depth of our sorrows, whether due to illness, death, or divorce, and the grace of God that can transform us.

 

Getting to the Other Side of Grief by Susan Zonnebett-Smeenge and Robert DeVries

Baker Books, 1998.  Subtitled: Overcoming the Loss of a Spouse.  Throughout Getting to the Other Side of Grief, the authors share their stories as living proof that if worked through properly, grief will lead the way to a fresh new life.  Beginning with the premise that a full resolution to grief is possible, the authors extend this lifeline to readers: Complete healing doesn't happen without intentional effort (time alone doesn't heal), and this intentional effort, for complete success, must combine Christian faith and sound mental health practices.

 

Healing Path by Dan Allender

WaterBrook Press, 2000.  Subtitled:  How the Hurts in Your Past Can Lead You to a More Abundant Life.  If we fail to respond appropriately to the wounds that life and relationships inflict, our pain will be wasted; it will numb us or destroy us. But suffering doesn't have to mangle our hearts and rob us of joy. It can, instead, lead us to life – if we know the path to healing.  Healing is not the resolution of our past; it is the use of our past to draw us into deeper relationship with God and his purposes for our lives.

 

Released from Shame by Sandra Wilson

InterVarsity Press, 2002.  Subtitled: Moving Beyond the Pain of the Past.  Often, shame comes from being raised in a family that has an impaired ability to provide its members with healthy nurturing.  As a result, we carry emotional scars into our adult lives, longing for happiness but feeling unworthy of it.  Drawing from her background, Sandra Wilson teaches us Biblical principles that have helped her and others work through painful issues and new, healthier ways to live.

 

Shame and Grace by Lewis Smedes

HarperCollins, 1994.  Subtitled:  Healing the Shame We Don’t Deserve.  One kind of shame is good--it's the natural response of an unholy creature before a holy creator. But that stomach-churning shame that grips you in the dark of the night--that's not something a child of God needs to endure. In a personal, story-filled, and sensitive way, Smedes examines true and false shame and affirms God's healing grace and power.

 

Will I Ever be Whole Again? by Sandra P. Aldrich

Howard Publishing, 1999.  This wonderfully sensitive book by Sandra Aldrich is not written from observation but from her own grueling experience with the loss of her husband to cancer. Her insight is comforting, her wisdom is soothing, and her direction is inspiring. This survival book will point the way to recovery for those who have lost a loved one to death and will guide those who want to help them.

 

Wounded Heart by Dan B. Allender

NavPress Publishing Group, 1990.  Subtitled: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse.  These powerful pages bring the realities of damaging human experience into the perspective of a loving God.  With professional skill and spiritual insight from the crucible of experience, Dr. Allender blends a keen understanding of the dynamics of sexual abuse with the practical application of Christian truth.

 

 

Stuff about Divorce Care

 

Blended Families by Maxine Marsolini

Moody Publishers, 2000.  Subtitled: Creating Harmony As You Build a New Home Life.  When re-married couples bring their families together, they face unique challenges. Somehow, they must bring unity out of diversity. Maxine Marsolini points to biblical solutions to the conflict commonly found in divorce and remarriage situations. "Growth and Application" questions make this an excellent resource for small groups or Christian counseling.

 

Fresh Start by Tom Whiteman and Randy Petersen

Tyndale House Publishers, 1997.  Subtitled: Eight Principles for Starting Over When a Relationship Doesn’t Work.  Offers eight principles that direct those who wish to rebuild or strengthen a troubled relationship. Using case studies and biblical models, readers will be able to evaluate and improve their own relational skills.

 

Making Your Second Marriage a First Class Success by Doug and Naomi Moseley

Prima Lifestyles, 1998.  Husband-and-wife therapists Doug and Naomi Moseley show you how to get past the disappointment of a broken marriage and take positive control of your romantic life. You'll learn to identify what went wrong the first time, overcome any lingering doubts or insecurities, and embrace the joys and rewards that only a successful marriage can offer. 

 

Victim of Love by Tom Whiteman and Randy Petersen

NavPress Publishing Group, 1998.  Subtitled: How You Can Break the Cycle of Bad Relationships. Victim of Love will help readers in their own lives identify danger signs and avoid or escape from bad relationships.  This book is essential for anyone seeking God's best in the area of healthy relationships.

 

 

Stuff about Faith in Christ

 

Classic Christianity by Bob George

Harvest House Publishers, 2000.  Subtitled: Life’s too Short to Miss the Real Thing. Harvest House Publishers, 1989.  This book is a real challenge for the believer to return to Biblical Christianity. This study will help enable you to establish the truths of God’s liberating love firmly in your life.  Study guide available.

 

Jesus Among Other Gods by Ravi Zacharias

Thomas Nelson, 2002.  Subtitled: The Absolute Truth of the Christian Message. Many people believe that all religions are equally true--how can you convince them otherwise? Renowned apologetics scholar Zacharias compares Christ with the founders of other world religions, revealing Jesus' supremacy and equipping you with the "blueprint for life" to share with non-Christians.

 

Know What You Believe by Paul E. Little

Cook Communications Ministries, 2003.  This is a practical discussion of the fundamentals of the Christian Faith.  This would be a good resource for new believers or seekers wanting to know more about the Christian worldview.  Using this in conjunction with the “What we believe” statement from the church is suggested.

 

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Harper Collins, 1998.  When Lee Strobel's wife became a Christian, he found that the positive changes in her were too noticeable to ignore. Since he had a law background (Yale Law School), and was an investigative reporter, Strobel decided to subject the claims of Christianity to the type of scrutiny he used in reporting on legal cases for a major newspaper. The result: a book which chronicles Strobel's journey from atheist to Christian, and offers a compelling argument for the veracity of the Christian faith. Suitable for a “book club” style of discussion more than the traditional Bible study.

 

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel

Harper Collins 2000.  The Case for Faith investigates the nettlesome issues and doubts of the hearts that can threaten anyone's faith, even if he or she believes in Jesus Christ. Strobel again seeks out the experts as an investigative reporter to uncover answers to the toughest objections to Christianity. Lends itself to a book club style of discussion.

 

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

Zondervan Publishing, 2000.  Subtitled: What on Earth Am I Here For? A Blueprint for Christian living in the 21st century. The book is a 40-day spiritual journey that will help answer the question: Why am I here? It teaches God’s purpose for our lives and covers such topics as worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism.

 

Tough Questions, study series from Willow Creek by Garry Poole and Judson Poling

Zondervan Publishing, 2003.  Seven book study on tough questions about Christianity. Leader’s guide covers all 7 books.

 

What’s So Amazing about Grace? by Phillip Yancy

Zondervan Publishing, 1997.  Award winning author, Philip Yancey explores grace at street level by offering compelling, true portraits of grace’s life-changing power. If grace is God’s love for the undeserving, then what does it look like in action? And if Christians are its sole dispensers, then how are we doing at lavishing grace on a world that know far more of cruelty and unforgiveness than it does of mercy? How can Christians contend graciously with moral issues that threaten all they hold dear? Join him in his search for the presence of grace in his own life and in the church. Study guide available.

 

 

Stuff about Family& Parenting

 

Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson

Boys should be boys, says Dr. Dobson--but in today's mixed-up culture, how can moms and dads discern what that means? In this encouraging guide, he offers parents sensible, practical advice on nurturing honesty, integrity, and true masculinity in their sons. Discover time-tested secrets for raising today's boys to be tomorrow's godly men.

 

Families Where Grace is in Place by Jeff VanVonderen

Bethany House, 1992.  Learn how to build a grace-filled marriage and to raise creative, contented, capable children without legalism or manipulation. Jeff VanVonderen presents a message about how God’s grace can transform relationships within a marriage and family.

 

How to Really Parent Your Child by Ross Campbell, M.D.

W Publishing Group, 2005.  Mothers and fathers will find tools aimed to help them build a healthy relationship with their child that meets all four basic emotional needs: to be nurtured in unconditional love, to be lovingly disciplined, to be trained in anger management, and to be protected from harmful influences. It is after these basic needs are met that a child will be able to understand and respond to spiritual things.

 

Parenting with Love & Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay

Nav Press, 1990. Subtitled: Teaching Children Responsibility. When they reach their teens, many kids seem to have no clue about making wise decisions-so they make bad ones. How can you raise mature, responsible kids? Foster Cline and Jim Fay show you how to parent "with love and logic." Once you learn to establish effective controls without resorting to anger and threats, your kids will learn to deal with the real world by solving their own problems. And you'll build a rewarding relationship built on love, trust and fun.

 

Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right by Tim Kimmel

Multnomah Publishing, 1993.  Video and workbook series are also available at 800-467-5696 or www.timkimmel.com. Every parent hopes that when their child leaves the nest, they will be ready and equipped to handle life’s challenges. There are no shortcuts to successful parenting. However, there are steps that can prepare and provide you with an effective game plan. With warmth and conviction, Tim Kimmel outlines a strategy for positive parenting--a plan that gives you reachable goals, while allowing for your personal parenting style.

 

Ready for Responsibility by Dr. Bob Barnes.

Zondervan Publishing, 1997.  Subtitled:  How to Equip Your Children for Work and Marriage. 

Today’s world is fast and furious:  will your children be ready for the complex choices and responsibilities they’ll face as adults?  The time to prepare them for successful public, personal and private lives is while they’re at home.  Find out how.

 

The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, MD.

Northfield Publishing, 1997. Are you expressing love in a language your child understands? Each child, like an adult expresses and receives love best through one of five different communication styles. Discover your child’s primary language and learn what you can do to effectively convey unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and commitment that will resonate in your child’s soul.

 

The Smart Step-Family: Seven Steps to a Healthy Family by Ron L. Deal

Bethany House, 2002. No two stepfamilies are alike, and the principles, information, illustrations, discussions questions, and activities in The Smart Stepfamily help couples focus on their specific situation to build healthy marriages and peaceful families.

 

 

Stuff about Forgiveness

 

Forgive and Forget by Lewis B. Smedes

Harper San Francisco, 1996.  Subtitled: Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve.  Move from hurting and hating to healing and reconciliation. Teaches skills to become free from undeserved guilt and pain.

 

Forgiving & Reconciling: Bridges to Wholeness and Hope by Everett L. Worthington

InterVarsity Press, 2003.  Psychologist and counselor Everett Worthington, the leading Christian researcher on forgiveness, says that forgiving is a gift we give to others. When we offer forgiveness to others as an altruistic gift, it is more effective than when we forgive only for our own benefit in an effort to "get over" the hurt. True forgiveness is accomplished through a careful process of understanding both the offense and the offender, and taking active steps to forgiveness. In this insightful and practical book, Worthington provides a clinically proven strategy and a wealth of resources for moving toward forgiveness.

 

Forgiving Our Parents, Forgiving Ourselves by Dr. David Stoop and Dr. James Masteller

Regal Books, 1996. Subtitled: Healing Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families. This book addresses those of us who desperately want to change but can't stop behaving in ways that hurt us and those we love. The authors believe you can move beyond failure to forgiveness, cancelling the indebtedness of those who have hurt you. When you understand the roots of your pain and the family patters that perpetuate dysfunction, you will be able to take the essential steps of forgiveness.

 

Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall

Charisma House, 2002.  When everything in you wants to hold a grudge, point a finger and remember the pain, God wants you to lay it all aside. You can avoid spiritual quicksand and experience the incredible freedom found in total forgiveness. Is total forgiveness easy? Of course not, but this book will give you a game plan and the encouragement to cast out areas of unforgiveness that have kept you from enjoying the best God has to offer you.

 

 

Stuff about Growth

 

Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster

HarperCollins Publishers, 1978.  Hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality, it explores the “classic disciplines” – or, central spiritual practices – of the Christian faith.  Explores how these disciplines contribute to a balanced spiritual life.  Workbook/journal available.

 

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala, Pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle

Zondervan Publishing, 1977. Subtitled: What Happens When God’s Spirit Invades the Heart of His People.  The times are urgent, God is on the move, now is the moment to ask God to ignite His fire in your soul. Jim Cymbala believes that Jesus wants nothing more than to renew and revive His people; to call us back from spiritual dead ends that lead only to apathy and lukewarm religion. Pastor Cymbala will show you how passionate, persistent prayer transforms individuals, revives churches and revitalizes communities.

 

Getting a Grip by Bill Hybels

Zondervan Publishing, 1998. Do you want a Christ-centered life that will get you where you want to go? Getting a Grip guides you toward wise choices and disciplined action in five vital areas of your life: time, health, finances, spiritual life, and relationships. As you learn what the Bible has to say about each of these, you’ll discover how eager and able Jesus is to help you obtain solid footing on the road of life.  Workbook format.

 

How People Grow by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Zondervan Publishing, 2001.  Unpacking the practical and passionate theology that forms the backbone of their counseling, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend shatter popular misconceptions about how God operates and how growth happens. Shining focused light on the great doctrines and themes of Christianity, this book shows why all growth is spiritual growth, and how you can grow in ways you never thought possible.

 

Life Together: The Classic exploration of Faith in Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Harper San Francisco, 1978.  This is the story of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years. This book gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. Discusses the role of personal prayer and worship in everyday work and what Christian service looks like.

 

Margin by Richard Swenson

Navpress Publishing Group, 1995.  Subtitled: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives.  Are you worn out? This book offers healthy living in four areas we all struggle with: emotional energy, physical energy, time, and finances, and will prepare you to live a balanced life.

 

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon McDonald

Nelson Books, 2003.  We have schedule planners, computerized calendars, and self-stick notes to help us organize our business and social lives every day. But what about organizing the other side of our lives - the spiritual side? In Ordering Your Private World, Gordon MacDonald equips a new generation to live life from the inside out, cultivating the inner victory necessary for public effectiveness. Includes study guide.

 

Serving Lessons by Bill Hybels

Zondervan Publishing, 1998. How can you identify fully devoted followers of Christ? Their servant lifestyle gives them away! Serving Lessons shows how you can break the habit of self-centeredness and experience the satisfaction of serving others wisely and effectively. You’ll discover how sharing your unique personal resources and spiritual gifts can become a source of strength to others, worship and praise to God, and a personal delight that nothing else can match!  Workbook format.

 

The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus

Thomas Nelson, 2005. This is the barbarian way: to give your heart to the only One who can make you fully alive.  To love Him with simplicity and intensity.  To unleash the untamed faith within. To be consumed by the presence of a passionate and compassionate God. To go where He sends you, no matter the cost.

 

The Journey of Desire by John Eldredge

Nelson Books, 2000.  Subtitled:  Searching for the Life We’ve Only Dreamed Of.  Examines our God-given desires and helps us discover that our hungering is God’s way to lead us into a full life with Him.

 

The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg

Zondervan Publishing, 1998.  Subtitled: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People. What does true spiritual life really look like? What keeps you from living such a life? What can you do to pursue it? If you’re tired of the status quo – if you suspect that there’s more to Christianity than what you’ve experienced, John Ortberg points to a road of transformation and spiritual vigor that anyone can take. One that leads to the life you’ve always wanted.

 

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

Navpress Publishing Group , 1996.  Bridges helps us see clearly just what we should rely on God to do and what we should accept as responsibility for ourselves. Discover how God has equipped you to live a holy life, how reason and emotion influence your will, how habits and personal discipline play a part in holy living. Can be purchased as a book or as a Bible study combined with his book The Practice of Godliness.

 

The Search for Significance by Robert McGee.

W Publishing Group, 2003. Learn how to see your worth through God's eyes, step off the "performance treadmill," and discover, through insightful self-inventory exercises, how four false beliefs have kept you from the joy of abundant life in Christ.

 

Transformation by Bill Hybels

Subtitled: Letting God Change You from the Inside Out.  Zondervan Publishing, 1997. This study will help you recognize and cooperate with God’s transforming influence in your life. Each session focuses on a critical area He has targeted for change and growth. You’ll learn proven ways of responding to God’s guidance that will keep you growing closer to Him. You’ll also discover an inspiring picture of what awaits you as a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Workbook format.

 

Worship: Honoring God in All of Life.  From the Foundations for Christian Living Series.

Navpress, 1997. We possess an inborn instinct to worship. To the degree that we are not worshipping God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we will inevitably worship other gods such as money, relationships, and work. Through this study, you will identify the tools that hinder you as you learn to cultivate a worshipful connection with the God of Glory. Workbook.

 

Waking the Dead by John Eldredge

Thomas Nelson, 2003. Subtitled: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive. To be touched by God is to be restored, to become all God meant you to be. That is why Jesus came – to make you whole, set you free, bring you fully alive.  Waking the Dead will help you find that life, see the fierce battle over your heart, and embrace all that God has for you.

 

 

Stuff about the Holy Spirit

 

Flying Closer to the Flame by Charles Swindoll

Word Books, 1993. This is a 12-week study on the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. It takes an honest and contemplative look at the purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is designed to help Christians find a more spontaneous, intimate, and dynamic relationship with God through the Spirit. It dares believers to fully embrace the Spirit of God and unleash the blessings God has in store for them.

 

The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley

Thomas Nelson Publishing, 1995.  Using human-interest anecdotes, commentary and teachings from the Bible, Stanley demonstrates how to gain a wonderful, Spirit-filled life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In the light of God’s Word you will discover the keys to Spirit-filled living, character, and service as well as how to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

 

Stuff about Intimacy with God

 

Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003.  In Donald Miller’s early years, he was vaguely familiar with a distant God. But when he came to know Jesus Christ, he pursued the Christian life with great zeal. Within a few years he had a successful ministry that ultimately left him feeling empty, burned out, and, once again, far away from God. In this intimate, soul-searching account, Miller describes his remarkable journey back to a culturally relevant, infinitely loving God.

 

Desiring God by John Piper

Multnomah Publishing, 1996 edition. Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. In this book, the author reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn’t truly exist: delight is our duty. The pursuit of pleasure is not optional; it is essential. This book also explores other life-impacting truths you have seen in the Bible, but never dared to believe.  Study guide included.

 

Experiencing God by Claude King and Henry Blackaby

Lifeway Christian Resources, 1990.  Subtitled: How to Live the Full Adventure of Knowing and Doing the Will of God.  God is not simply the subject of our Bible study. Rather, He is a person who loves and longs to enter into relationship with us. Blackaby and King will share with you how God longs to share Himself, His purposes and His ways with you so that you can more fully share in His mission to this broken world.

 

Experiencing God Workbook by Claude King and Henry Blackaby

Lifeway, 1993. Subtitled:  Knowing and Doing the Will of God.  Experiencing God, Knowing and Doing the Will of God will help you learn to hear when God is speaking to you, encourage you to find out where God is working in the world around you so that you can join him, and therefore experience Him working through you in ways only God can. A workbook that can change your life, Experiencing God leads you in an exploration of the seven vital aspects of your relationship with God: knowing, loving, hearing, joining, believing, obeying and experiencing. The workbook includes text, questions, and activities.