Loving God Resources: General

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In this general category, we recommend one activity most: gaining an understanding & love for reading/studying the Bible. Understanding the Bible is absolutely central to growing as a Christ-follower! The spiritual practice of reading the Bible is something we do to better know God and experience life-change. As an introduction to this vital concept, we recommend a Bible-Reading Plan. There are Bible Reading Plans for people at all levels -- if you've never read the Bible or if you know it well.

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Investigating the Way of Christ

Author: Gateway Community Church
© 2003-2007 Gateway Community Church
Notes: Learn about the way of life Jesus has planned for all of his followers. This personal study guide, written at Gateway, includes 16 individual lessons organized around each of the Way of Christ categories (Loving God, Loving People, Building Character, and Being the Body). Printed copies available for $5 at Gateway's bookstore (stop by on Sunday to pick one up) or click the "online" box below to download a free PDF version. The material is primarily geared towards the Discover or Develop seasons. Those in the Deepen season are encouraged to check it out as a way to understand the Way of Christ in general.
Resource Access: Check Gateway's bookstore or download PDF
Growth Level: All

The Divine Conspiracy

Author: Dallas Willard
© 1998 Harper San Francisco ISBN 0060693339
Notes: In this book, Dallas Willard calls the reader into a deeper faith -- a deeper faith that can be lived out in the everyday lives of people just like you. This book talks about being a true follower and a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The book might seem long at first, but it's very readable and engaging. (See the corresponding study guide for group use).
Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
Growth Level: Deepen

Loving God

Author: Chuck Colson
© 1997 Zondervan ISBN 0310219140
Notes: Many people consider this a classic book; it has won several book awards and is appreciated by many well-known Christian authors. The book talks about the meaning of the greatest commandment -- to love God.
Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
Growth Level: Deepen

The Purpose Driven Life

Author: Rick Warren
© 2002 Zondervan ISBN 0310205719
Notes: Go on a 40-day journey to answer the question "What on earth am I here for?" Covers 5 distinct purposes relating to the Christian life and finding your purpose. Can be studied as a group or with a friend.
Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
Growth Level: Develop

Secrets of the Vine

Author: Bruce Wilkinson
© 2001 Multnomah ISBN 1576739759
Notes: This book explores the image of the Vine & the Branches (John 15) as an illustration of the fruitful connection of a growing Christ-follower to Jesus. This is a quick and easy-to-read book in a conversational style that can help you understand what it looks like to live life in connection to Jesus.
Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
Growth Level: Develop

Memorize a key verse - Mark 12:30

Author: Mark 12:30
(NA)
Notes: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (NIV).
Resource Access: Look up the verses in your Bible or access at BibleGateway
Growth Level: Develop

Media

There are currently no resources of this type in this category.

Group Study

Loving God & Others

Author / Series: Group Publishing / Learn It Live It
© 2005 Group Publishing ISBN 0764427741
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: This study is all about the two greatest commandments - to love God and love people. This series is highly interactive and focused on living out what you learn -- not being content to just gain knowledge, but put it in practice.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Leader Notes: 8 sessions. The Learn It Live It series are easy to lead and cover good material.
Growth Level: Develop

Sermon on the Mount (part 1): Connect with God

Author / Series: Bill Hybels / New Community (Willow Creek)
© 2001 Zondervan ISBN 0310228832
Bible Section: NT-Matthew
Notes: Looking through selections from Matthew 5-7, this study guide looks at the broad topic of connecting with God -- faith and living for God's approval only.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suitable for both new and experienced leaders. Could extend this study by using Sermon on the Mount 2: Connect with Others (Loving People category)
Growth Level: Develop

Growing to Be Like Christ

Author / Series: Brett & Dee Eastman, et.al.. / Life Together
© 2002 Zondervan ISBN 0310246741
Bible Section: Topical study
Notes: A group study around topics of spiritual growth and growing deeper in faith.
Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders and Taste of Community groups.
Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)

Study Guide to the Divine Conspiracy

Author / Series: Dallas Willard, Jan Johnson, Keith Matthews / Stand-Alone
© 2001 Harper San Francisco ISBN 0060641002
Bible Section: (NA)
Notes: Includes study questions, scripture references, and discussion questions to go along with The Divine Conspiracy book.
Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
Leader Notes: (NA).
Growth Level: Deepen

James (Th1nk LifeChange)

Author / Series: The Navigators / Th1nk/LifeChange
© 2004 NavPress ISBN 1576836916
Bible Section: NT: James
Notes: The New Testament book of James is about faith in action. It's about growing up in faith, maturing in a genuine faith that's evident to the watching world. This study book guides you through the book of James with study helps (like background info and definitions), thoughtful questions, and suggestions for take what you learned to a deeper level. Suitable for individuals, running partners, or small groups. The writing style works well wtih people in their 20s or early 30s.
Leader Notes: 12 sessions. Using this study in a group requires everyone to do some homework (not too intense, but necessary), and for you to think thorugh that homework to choose suitable discussion questions. Having homework and discussion can make this work with either those looking for in-depth study, or for those who are interested in reading the Bible but need some help to understand it.
Growth Level: Develop

The Kingdom of God

Author / Series: Greg Jao / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830995
Bible Section: NT-Gospels
Notes: Read the Gospels, and you'll hear Jesus talking often about "the Kingdom of God." What is it? Why does it matter? This study guide will help you understand God's kingdom and your place in it.
Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
Leader Notes: 10 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead. Another of the more general studies based on the Gospels might be more suitable for new groups, however.
Growth Level: Develop

Sermon on the Mount

Author / Series: John Stott / Life Guide
© 2000 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830367
Bible Section: NT-Matthew
Notes: "Seek first the kingdom of God." Jesus talked about that during a teaching known as "the Sermon on the Mount." Use this study guide to dive deep into his message -- about loving God, loving others, impacting the world, and making good choices.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead. Note the length, especially for groups meeting twice a month.
Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)

Women of the Old Testament

Bible Section: OT-General
Notes: Both this study guide, and the similar study about Old Testament women introduce you to significant women of the Bible and help you learn from their lives about what it means to follow God. Old Testament women include Eve, Sarah, Miriah, Rahab, Naomi, Abigail, and Esther.
Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead. You might choose one of these guides in it's entirety, or choose a few studies based on the specific interests of your group.
Growth Level: Develop

Women of the New Testament

Bible Section: NT-General
Notes: Both this study guide, and the similar study about Old Testament women introduce you to significant women of the Bible and help you learn from their lives about what it means to follow God. New Testament women include Lydia, Elizabeth, Eudoia & Syntyche, Priscilla, and the Canaanite Woman.
Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead. You might choose one of these guides in it's entirety, or choose a few studies based on the specific interests of your group.
Growth Level: Develop

Ecclesiastes: Chasing After Meaning

Bible Section: OT-Ecclesiastes
Notes: The book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament has offered many people a wealth of material to ponder about the meaning of life. This study guide will help you look at this book and how following God brings meaning to life.
Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead. This particular book, however, is recommended for groups ready to dive into some potentially complicated material, and have time for a lengthy study.
Growth Level: Deepen

Experiencing God's Presence

Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: Includes portions for quiet reflection and group discussion. Recommended for groups of women or female running partners. Seems to work best with women in their 30s or 40s, especially mothers.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended only for women (received well by women 35+, especially with kids).
Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)