Search results for ""author john d. barry""

Heir to a great promise, Jacob should have lived a life defined by God's presence. Instead, it was often characterized by conflict, deception, and selfish ambition. Yet, Jacob's story shows us how God remained with Jacob, just as He remains with believers today. Jacob: Discerning God's Presence will help you gain insights into Jacob's story as you explore the themes, context, and cultural background of the text. Find new ways to apply Jacob's life lessons to your own life with discussion and reflection questions. A collaborative effort by editor John D. Barry and writers Derek R. Brown, Miles Custis, Douglas Mangum, and Wendy Widder, this resource will help you dig deep into the life of Joseph. Walk with Jacob, and discover what it means to know and respond to God's presence. Contents: Setting the Stage: Explore theme, literary context, and the historical and cultural backgrounds of Jacob's story. A Closer Look: Explore the narrative while considering issues of interpretation, original language, and theology. Throughout the Bible: Examine references to the narrative elsewhere in the Bible. Beyond the Bible: Consider references to the narrative in ancient documents and extracanonical texts and references and by theologians, the church fathers, and contemporary thinkers. Application: Explore the events relevance to your journey of faith.

Read more less

As the old adage goes, you have to ask the right questions before you can get the right answers. And that's exactly what the Not Your Average Bible Study series helps you do. Rather than spoon-feeding you with individual facts, this study of Malachi coaches you on how to think through the text as a whole. Tested and proven in Bible Study Magazine, it's perfect for group and individual studies alike.So often we affirm God's love until things go wrong. In anger, anxiety, or pain, we doubt his goodness or involvement in our lives. Like the Israelites of Malachi's day, we cry out, "How have you loved us?" But the words of the prophet Malachi comfort us with God's love, and they challenge us to reciprocate that love--even in dark times. Malachi shows us that we need a savior.Each section of the guide begins with a concise introduction, providing context for the biblical passage. Next, you'll consider questions designed to prompt your own in-depth study. You'll also find specific prayer suggestions, along with ideas for further research. Experience the joy of discovering biblical insights for yourself--then apply these lessons to your everyday life.This is not your average Bible study!

Read more less

As the old adage goes, you have to ask the right questions before you can get the right answers. And that's exactly what the Not Your Average Bible Study series helps you do. Rather than spoon-feeding you with individual facts, this study of Hebrews coaches you on how to think through the text as a whole. Tested and proven in Bible Study Magazine, it's perfect for group and individual studies alike.Hebrews was written for people like us--struggling Christians seeking to know God better. The ancient communities who first received this letter faced temptation, suffering, and doubt. When we understand God's message for them, we can better embrace God's message for his church today.Each section of the guide begins with a concise introduction, providing context for the biblical passage. Next, you'll consider questions designed to prompt your own in-depth study. You'll also find specific prayer suggestions, along with ideas for further research. Experience the joy of discovering biblical insights for yourself--then apply these lessons to your everyday life.This is not your average Bible study!

Read more less

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians with a heavy heart, wrestling to maintain his relationship with the young church that he established.The way that Paul handled this painful situation provides an example for us today. When should we reconcile, and when should we walk away? How do we cut ties with darkness--whether in ourselves or in others?In this volume from the Transformative Word series, edited by Craig Bartholomew, John D. Barry explores how we deal with such scars in light of Jesus' example.

Read more less

As the old adage goes, you have to ask the right questions before you can get the right answers. And that's exactly what the Not Your Average Bible Study series helps you do. Rather than spoon-feeding you with individual facts, this study of James coaches you on how to think through the text as a whole. Tested and proven in Bible Study Magazine, it's perfect for group and individual studies alike.We can easily become entangled in the cares of this world and forget the important things in life. When we lose sight of the big picture, James reminds us what truly matters--the gospel. He challenges us to be "doers of the Word, and not hearers only." The gospel should define how we think, feel, and act.Each section of the guide begins with a concise introduction, providing context for the biblical passage. Next, you'll consider questions designed to prompt your own in-depth study. You'll also find specific prayer suggestions, along with ideas for further research. Experience the joy of discovering biblical insights for yourself--then apply these lessons to your everyday life.This is not your average Bible study!

Read more less

Although Jesus' parables may seem simple on the surface, they convey deep and complex truths about God's Kingdom. The parables Jesus uses in his teaching aren't merely illustrations or moral tales. They are intricate stories that reveal the mysteries central to the kingdom of God. In this volume of the Not Your Average Bible Study series, John D. Barry unravels the many layers of Jesus' parables, showing us the radical truths contained within. With an eye toward practical application and personal reflection, this Bible study is the perfect way to study the teachings of Jesus on your own or in a group.

Read more less