As the holiday season ramps up, I figured I’d post one of my past Advent studies in case it might come in handy for you this year. One of my all-time favorite Christmas movies is It’s a Wonderful Life, and a few years ago I ran across a Bible study by Stephen Skelton based on the film. We definitely had fun with it in class, and I hope you do too.
Read More & DownloadMere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
At some point in your life, you’ve no doubt encountered the works of C.S. Lewis. This prolific and influential Christian author of the 20th century left behind quite a legacy – from his colorful The Chronicles of Narnia series to his well-reasoned arguments for the Christian faith in Mere Christianity.
Read More & DownloadInspired – Rachel Held Evans
Rachel Held Evans is a popular Christian author from the last decade whose life was tragically cut short in May of 2019. That year, our class decided to study one of her books – Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again. It’s a unique take on how the Bible remains relevant to us today.
Read More & DownloadToxic Charity: How the Church Hurts Those They Help and How to Reverse It – Robert Lupton
I was going through some of my lesson plans from several years back, and ran across Toxic Charity by Robert Lupton. Although published back in 2011, Lupton’s observations about the way we do “charity” are still thought-provoking.
Read More & DownloadInvitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation – M. Robert Mulholland Jr. and Ruth Haley Barton
This book by Robert Mulholland, expanded by Ruth Haley Baron, is targeted at existing Christians looking to expand their spiritual journey through traditional and personal spiritual disciplines. Full disclosure – it is not light reading!
Read More & DownloadWrestling With Doubt, Finding Faith – Adam Hamilton
Our class is currently finishing up this study of Adam Hamilton’s latest book, Wrestling With Doubt, Finding Faith. This was published late in 2023, and I had the privilege of hearing Hamilton discuss it while we both attended the United Methodist General Conference in April/May 2024. His presentation, as well as the book, were of course excellent.
Read More & DownloadThe Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings – Amy-Jill Levine
I wasn’t planning on my next post being yet another one from Amy-Jill Levine, but I found out that another Sunday School class at our church was just starting The Difficult Words of Jesus. I figured my lessons from a few years back might come in handy, so I’m posting them now.
Read More & DownloadWhen Christians Get It Wrong – Adam Hamilton
Here’s another great book from Adam Hamilton (aren’t they all?). Hamilton wrote When Christians Get It Wrong back in 2010 and revised it in 2013. Going through it again today, I find the content still very applicable. I guess that means we’re not yet getting it all right. The lesson series is only six sessions long, one per chapter, but they’re chock full of excellent discussion fodder.
Read More & DownloadSermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven – Amy-Jill Levine
Here’s another book by Amy-Jill Levine, one of my favorite authors and presenters. Levine amazes me with her compelling insights on Jesus and his message for us today, all told from the unique perspective of an accomplished University professor and practicing Jew. To me, she is a true rabbi for Christians.
Read More & DownloadHuman Gifts: Giving to Transform Ourselves, Others and the World – James Hallam
Our class just finished this book by James Hallam. It covers eighteen different laudable human characteristics (e.g., Love, Compassion, Listening, Time, and Generosity) . We finished the book in six sessions, covering multiple gifts each week. It’s an easy read, and fodder for great discussion.
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