The Church Publicity Specialists

Do you ever feel powerless?

It was not always so for the people of the early church.

Jesus transformed their lives--and they changed the world!

Acts is the extraordinary record of what these early Christian disciples did. The power that you see in action in this book is the same power that can transform your life. As Phyllis J. Le Peau leads you through the pages of Acts, you will begin to understand what the Holy Spirit can do in you and in the world.

We pray for our own needs and for the needs of others. We pray in the face of conflict, and we pray for forgiveness. And we can learn how to pray by praying and being prayed for by others. In this guide we learn from biblical examples such as Mary, Abraham, Moses and Daniel, gaining new insights and experiences in the adventure of prayer.

It is easy to be happy when things go well, but what would it be like to have a sense of joy that continued even in times of trouble? Such was the joy that the apostle Paul experienced - even in prison. His contentment was neither dependent on circumstances nor changed by difficulty. In his brief letter to the Philippians, Paul teaches us how to live joyfully in every situation.

Lydia shows us how to influence the people around us. Elizabeth's life challenges us to care for others. Other women like Herodias and Sapphira warn us against turning away from God toward bitterness and dishonesty. In meeting each of these women, you will grow deeper in your understanding of what it means to be a disciple.

They were ordinary people, most would not make headlines in any other history book but God's. Yet the women of the Old Testament made critical choices that led to extraordinary results. Through faith and strong character they rescued their families, led people out of bondage, gave birth to kings and saved a nation. Each one demonstrates the far-reaching consequences of everyday actions.

Abraham is an unforgettable portrait of faith. Daniel is a classic example of holiness. And through her willingness to risk her own life, Esther shows us what commitment means. This Bible study introduces you to twelve remarkable lives described in the Old Testament. The stories of these people from the ancient past can help you learn to live well even today.

You are unique.

You have been created and invited by God to participate in his kingdom work.

Yet, you have probably also experienced feelings of uncertainty about how to serve God, about what gifts you have to use, and about God's purpose for your life.

In these studies, R. Paul Stevens helps you to recognize your spiritual gifts and the gifts of others. And he leads you to consider how to practically use these gifts to glorify God in your relationships, your work and your world.

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, he gave them what is now known as "the Lord's Prayer."

What is the Lord's Prayer to you? Is it a formal prayer that you repeat only during Sunday morning worship? Has it become so familiar that you hardly think about its meaning? If so, you are missing out on a rich resource for your spiritual life.

In this study guide Douglas Connelly unpacks the Lord's Prayer section by section with additional texts that help you dig deeper into Jesus' teaching about how to pray.

In every age people have felt sure that the book of Revelation described events in their time. As nations arm themselves for war, we think of Armageddon. As evil rulers grow in power, we look for the antichrist. As the powers of darkness threaten to overwhelm us, we cry, 'Come, Lord Jesus!' Amid the uncertainties of our age, Revelation assures us of the ultimate triumph of God.

Jesus can change you, no matter what your life situation.

He can give you peace, hope and joy in the most desperate circumstances.

But you need a life-changing encounter with him.

Douglas Connelly examines the stories of how eight people--among them a scholar, a failure, a blind man and an adulteress--found their lives changed forever when they met Jesus Christ. Looking at their lives can give you hope when you find yoursef dealing failure or with an emptiness nothing in life seems to fill.

The good news is that Jesus is waiting to meet you and longing to offer you what you need most.

One of the greatest gifts that Christ has given us is each other. Through Christ's body, the church, we discover our unique gifts and experience worship, healing and power. In ten studies, Rob Suggs leads us to grow in community--loving and nurturing one another, and in reflecting Christ's love to the world around us.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. To be spiritually mature is to show the fruit of the Spirit of Christ in our lives. These Bible studies from Old and New Testament passages highlight each quality and inspire us to nurture the Spirit's fruit in our lives.

His majesty will fill your thoughts.

His love will soften your heart.

His holiness will purify your life.

When you meet God, you will be changed.

Meet him now as J. I. Packer, author of the bestselling Christian classic, Knowing God, leads you through twelve key passages from the Old and New Testaments. These inductive Bible studies will engage your heart and mind. And enlarge your vision of the God you worship and serve.

Once you've met Jesus, you are never the same again. His teaching challenges your thinking. His compassion softens your heart. His love turns your life around. In this Bible study, evangelist Leighton Ford leads you through thirteen studies from the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) that will open your eyes anew--or for the first time--to Jesus Christ.

What does it mean to seek first the kingdom in our relationships, values, ambitions, finances and commitment to God? Jesus' answer to these questions amazed those who first theard the Sermon on the Mount. In this guide, John Stott amazes and challenges us by the greatest sermon ever preached.

Nine studies for individuals or small groups based on the most loved part of the Bible. This well-loved Psalm touches our deepest longings and speaks to our deepest fears. This study will help readers explore the rich message of this Psalm and gain fresh insights.

The world desperately needs role models today--people who are fully human yet who exceed human expectations and point others toward God. David is such a role model. His struggles with sin are infamous, and the Psalms reveal his anguish and doubts. Yet he is also described as "a man after God's own heart"--the champion of Israel.

In this study guide, Jack Kuhatschek introduces you to David the servant and the leader, the sinner and the redeemed, the man and the instrument of God's creative purposes. As you explore David's tumultous story, you too will discover what it means to have a passionate heart for God.
 

Every day things happen to threaten our security, personally and nationally. How can we anchor ourselves to the unchanging and powerful God in a fast-changing world? "Lifebuilder: Elijah" contains eight small group Bible studies, focusing on what we can learn from Elijah about living in an increasingly threatening world. These studies demonstrate Elijah as a role model we need to learn from.
 

The Old Testament book of Joshua reads like an exciting novel--from the miraculous crossing of the Jordan to the crash of the walls of Jericho and the sun stopping in the sky. Through all the twists and turns, you'll witness God's power and faithfulness. Digging into the story of Joshua will encourage you to persevere in your own daily battles and arm you with the most powerful weapons you'll ever need--God's promises.

he Psalms show us how to relate to God as we pray our doubt, fears and anger. They show us how to respond to God in praise. Here we find the best place to explore who we are and what God means to us.

A permissive society, a power-hungry people, a nation without God. Daniel's situation in Babylon sounds quite a bit like our own. In the midst of such forces, how can we remain loyal to biblical values? How can we have a positive impact on those around us? Daniel gives us very practical and personal help.

In the New Testament Gospel of Mark, we meet Jesus, the man who is King. But this king comes to serve--not to be served. He eats with sinners rather than royalty. His crown is made of thorns instead of gold. This study guide introduces you to the compassionate, suffering, astonishing king who calls us to follow him.

Good news. It was good news, not only of Jesus' birth but of what he offered to everyone throughout his ministry. To the sick he offered healing. To the hurting, comfort. To the outcast, acceptance. In this study you will discover that this message of hope and joy is for you as well.

We all long for a full, rich, satisfying life.

But how do we fill up the empty places in our souls?

How can we quench our thirst for something deeper, more lasting, more meaningful?

In this study guide on John, Douglas Connelly urges you to take a fresh look at Jesus. Here is the opportunity to establish--or renew--your faith in the One who offers true meaning, true belonging and true life.

Sometimes our worship loses its passion. Our prayer life becomes stagnant. We forget why we are serving God. And slowly, subtly, the world's ways become our ways.

The New Testament book of Romans addresses these problems, showing us how we can break out of old patterns and become new in Christ.

Life among Christians can be great. But let's face it - it can also be exasperating! The joys of fellowship too often give way to division and debate - arguments over such things as the correct form of worship and the place of the charismatic gifts. In 1 Corinthians we see Christianity not as it was meant to be but as it often is. Yet we also find practical advice for overcoming the challenges of life together.

Broken marriages, shattered friendships, racial divisions, war between nations--we live in a fractured world. How can the pieces be put back together?

In the New Testament book of Ephesians Paul lifts the veil from the future to allow us to see God's plan to unite everyone and everything in Christ. Studying this book will renew your hope.

When we strip away what is superficial, cultural or traditional, what is the essence of true Christianity?

What qualities and beliefs characterize a living--and life-changing--faith?

The three letters of John help to answer these questions. 1, 2 and 3 John focus on the most important aspects of Christian life. As Ron Blankley leads you through the lessons of these letters, you'll discover what really matters--now and for eternity.