Study Guides

"When People are Big and God is Small - Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man"

by Edward T. Welch

"In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" So sings the Psalmist. But quote that to a crime victim or a junior high student and they'll tell you fear of "mortal men" can prove a formidable obstacle! Here Welch offers biblical insight and solutions for a pervasive weakness in today's church.

"Ed Welch is a good physician of the soul. This book is enlightening, convicting, and encouraging. I highly recommend it." --Jerry Bridges

"Refreshingly Biblical. Brimming with helpful, readable, practical insight." -- John MacArthur Jr.

"Need people less. Love people more. That's the author's challenge. He's talking about a tendency to hold other people in awe, to be controlled and mastered by them, to depend on them for what God alone can give. Welch proposes an antidote: the fear of God - the believer's righteous response to God's power, majesty, and not the least, His mercy." -- Dallas Morning News

"The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment"

by Tim Challies

Spiritual discernment is good for more than just making monumental decisions according to God's will. It is an essential, day-to-day activity that allows thoughtful Christians to separate the truth of God from error and to distinguish right from wrong in all kinds of settings and situations. It is also a skill—something that any person can develop and improve, especially with the guidance in this book.

Written by a leading evangelical blogger, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment is an uplifting, scripturally grounded work that explains the need for discernment, its challenges, and the steps that will cultivate it. Author Tim Challies does not do the discerning for readers; he simply shows them how to practically apply scriptural tools, principles, and wisdom so that their conclusions about everything—people, teachings, decisions, media, and organizations—will be consistent with God's Word.

"Tim Challies is one of the finest young evangelical thinkers of our day. He combines keen insight with theological maturity and spiritual depth. The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment should help form the Christian character of a new generation of evangelicals. Indeed, we must hope so." — R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Unfortunately, in our time, even among Christians, discernment is long in demand and short in supply. This is but one reason I'm so delighted to commend to you The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment. Tim Challies reminds us that the Bible commands us to cultivate discernment, but he doesn't stop there. He tells us how, biblically." — J. Ligon Duncan, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi; President, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

"The many fans Tim Challies has won through his highly regarded blog will discover in this book the motivation that drives his incisive analysis of cultural events and trends-a keen respect for truth and a passionate commitment to biblical discernment." — Nancy Pearcey, Author, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity

"This book is simple, clear, well-written, accurate, and even insightful. I read it all. I liked it all. I will recommend it often." — Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington DC; President, 9Marks

"I've simply never read a more thorough, practical, and biblically sound treatment of this subject. Anyone wanting to study biblical discernment should not miss this book." — Donald S. Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Senior Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Tell the Truth The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People - 3rd Edition

By Will Metzger

Will Metzger's training manual on the message and methods of God-centered evangelism is now in its third edition!

This revised and expanded version of the original guide published in 1981 is written to address the concern that many Christians, entrusted with the gospel message, have forgotten the message and their responsibility to accurately convey it.

The recovery of a God-centered and grace-centered gospel is imperative, says Will Metzger. In the third edition of his critically-acclaimed training manual he expands on the topics of grace and worship. And he emphasizes the centrality of sovereign, saving grace that completely exalts God. In addition, he offers a narrative approach to witnessing with the story "Come Home," training materials for Christians who want to learn God-centered evangelism, and a study guide on evangelism suitable for individuals or groups.

More than ever, Tell the Truth is ready to serve the church as a comprehensive, accessible and effective guide to God-centered evangelism.

"The Pilgrims Progress - Accurate Revised Text Edition"

by John Bunyan; Edited by Dr. Barry Horner

This Accurate Revised Text (210pp/pb) retains Bunyan's distinctive clarity of style while offering contemporary smoothness without being racy. Based upon the definitive Oxford Press text of 1960 by Wharey and Sharrock, particular attention has been given to the maintenance of the author's doctrine and purposes. A select variety of archaisms has been retained, with modern equivalent terms in brackets, since these have gained a particular quaintness and timeless quality. Chapter divisions also contribute toward ease of comprehension along with numerous classic character illustrations.

Why would Reformation Press (an imprint of Great Christian Books) publish yet another edition of the most frequently published book after the Bible itself? Well, simply, we agree with Dr. Barry E. Horner the scholar who brings us this The Accurate Revised edition, that too many versions of this classic work have been overly modernized, abridged or stripped of the gospel truths which John Bunyan labored to communicate throughout this masterful allegory of the Christian Pilgrim's life. Working from what scholars agree to be the most complete, faithful and final version of Bunyan's manuscript, Dr. Horner has judiciously crafted a modernized version which retains all the glorious and compelling doctrine that The Tinker of Bedford, (as Bunyan was called), so eloquently conveys to all who join Pilgrim in his journey to The Celestial City.

Barry E. Horner is arguably the leading evangelical scholar on the life and works of John Bunyan alive today. As a Pastor himself, he has dedicated the better part of his scholastic endeavors in the study of the literature and ministry of Bunyan. As the host of a popular seminar series on the Themes and Issues of The Pilgrim's Progress, Dr. Horner brings this classic allegory alive to audiences across the globe from the United States, to the Continent, to Australia.

"Hard to Believe"

by John MacArthur

In this powerful new work, Pastor MacArthur bypasses a superficial understanding of the Christian faith in order to explore the difficult side of Christian discipleship. As MacArthur reminds us, Jesus does not desire for his disciples to stop at simple belief, but he longs for them to follow in His steps by becoming completely obedient to God. Do not ignore this opportunity to sit under this loving, yet uncompromising teaching which calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Christ (Mk. 8:34).

Popular perception of Jesus Christ is that of a tempered, genteel man who walked the earth, offering nuggets of wisdom to His followers. But what we sometimes fail to recognize is that although Jesus Christ offered a message of forgiveness, He also spoke challenging, demanding words about what being a follower of Christ requires.

In contrast to the superficiality of much modern Christian teaching, Dr. John MacArthur serves up the unvarnished truth of what Christ taught and lived. In simple, compelling terms, he spells out what is required of those who would follow Him. Going beyond Jesus' life to include the crucifixion and resurrection, MacArthur shows readers that Jesus modeled the commitment and loving obedience He requires of us by making the ultimate sacrifice for humankind.

"Made in Our Image"

by Steven Lawson

Digital imaging can alter a picture so fast it leaves people asking, "What is reality?" Have we bought into a user-friendly, "designer" God of our own? In his eighth provocative primer on Christian living, Pastor Steven Lawson asks if we're seeing a true picture of God these days, or a distorted one designed to fit a popular image on the present cultural canvas? Lawson tackles the timely topic on the personal and greater church levels. Non-condemning, Made in Our Image alerts readers to the dangers of a socially constructed deity and inspires them to "accept no counterfeits" for the true, living, sometimes "socially incorrect" God.  

"The Gospel for Real Life"

by Jerry Bridges

What difference does the gospel make?

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the door to eternal life, but what difference does it make once we're inside God's kingdom? Jerry Bridges says the gospel is the very lifeblood of our walk with God. Without doubt it is the key to our salvation, but it is also the power for our daily progress in holiness. The Gospel for Real Life will help you:

Experience freedom from the grip of sin and know the joy of pursuing holiness

Revel in God's acceptance of you and participate in His grace as a daily reality

Expose the subtle acids of legalism in your life and enjoy the liberty of the cross

Discover how to "preach the gospel to yourself daily" and so partake of its continuous transforming power

Carry the true fullness of the gospel to a desperately needy world around you

This new paperback edition includes a study guide to help you experience every day "the unsearchable riches of Christ" that are available to us in the gospel.

• The Gospel for Real Life (with study guide)

The Book of Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs is a book of moral and ethical instructions, dealing with many aspects of life. The teachings in this book guide its readers in how to lead wise, godly lives and how to avoid the pitfalls of unwise, ungodly conduct.

It has a broad, timeless appeal because of its great variety of subjects and their relevance to everyday life. Proper and improper attitudes, conduct, and characteristics are referred to repeatedly and in succinct, penetrating ways. Proverbs is God's book on "how to wise up and live." It is His treasure book of wisdom.

Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). Vol. 1: The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (900–901). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World (Expanded Edition)

by John MacArthur

Ashamed of the Gospel bears a message the church just can't ignore: that we dare not water down the gospel or be ashamed of communicating its convicting message. It's a warning of the spiritual consequences to come if Christians continue to compromise biblical doctrine and the preaching of the Gospel. This masterful work, now in paperback, challenges the church to return to the roots of the Great Commission and encourages a steadfast preaching of the Word of God.

"Everywhere there is apathy. Nobody cares whether that which is preached is true or false. A sermon is a sermon whatever the subject; only, the shorter it is the better." Charles Haddon Spurgeon

In the late 1800s, Charles Spurgeon warned that the Church was drifting away from the purity of the Gospel. Instead of boldly proclaiming the truths of Scripture, Christians were candy-coating the Word, being careful not to offend anyone. As a result, Christianity's influence in nineteenth-century England was severely weakened.

Now, 100 years later, John MacArthur is sounding the same alarm. And it's a warning the Church just can't ignore.

The signs of compromise are all around us: Numbers have become more important than the message. Churches are offering up "Show-Time" religion instead of the "Old-Time" religion. Pastors have turned to the marketing industry to help them draw people in rather than relying on the sovereign power of God.

Until all that changes--until we return to our calling to go into all the world and preach the Gospel without shame--the Church is in danger of losing its impact on society. And that would be our generation's greatest loss.

• ISBN: 1581342888

"Trusting God"

by Jerry Bridges

WHY IS IT EASIER TO OBEY GOD THAN TO TRUST HIM?

Because obeying God makes sense to us. In most cases, His laws appear reasonable and wise, and even when we don't want to obey them, we usually concede that they are good for us, but the circumstances we find ourselves in often defy explanation. When unexpected situations arise that appear unjust, irrational, or even dreadful, we feel confused and frustrated. Before long we begin to doubt God's concern for us or His control over our lives.

Adversity is hard to endure, and can even be harder to understand. If God were really in control, why would He allow the tragic auto accident or crucial job loss? How could He permit cancer in a loved one or the death of a child? Grappling with His concern for us we ask, "Why is God allowing this?" or "What have I done wrong?"

In an effort to strengthen his own trust in God during a time of adversity, Jerry Bridges began a lengthy Bible study on the topic of God's sovereignty. What he learned changed his life, and he now shares the fruit of that study with you in Trusting God.

As you begin to explore the scope of God's power over nations, nature, and the detailed lives of individuals, you'll begin to acknowledge His loving control. As you come to know Him better, you'll find yourself trusting Him more completely—even when life hurts.

"The Practice of Godliness"

by Jerry Bridges 

WHAT MAKES A PERSON GODLY?

Scripture tells us that God has given us "everything we need for life and godliness." But what makes a Christian godly? In this book, Jerry Bridges examines what it means to grow in Christian character and helps us establish the foundation upon which that character is built. Bridges opens our eyes to see how character formation affects the way we relate to God, to ourselves, and to others.

In order to live godly lives, we need an inward foundation of God-centeredness. This book will help you establish that foundation and then build an outward structure of godlikeness.

"The Pursuit of Holiness"

by Jerry Bridges

What does holiness look like?

For starters, it doesn't look anything like perfection. And it doesn't necessarily look like victory. Mostly, it consists of effort, prayer, grace, and obedience. "Scripture speaks of both a holiness we have in Christ before God, and a holiness we are to strive after," writes the author. We can ignore neither Christ's role nor our own if we are to successfully pursue holiness. It is as simple as refusing to smudge the truth on a tax return or as complicated as forgiving the person who has most viciously hurt us.

Jerry takes holiness out of the realm of the impossible and brings it into the real world of our daily lives and decisions. Whether you're continuing your pursuit of holiness or just beginning, the principles and guidelines in The Pursuit of Holiness will challenge you to obey God's command of holiness.

"From Forgiven to Forgiving"

by Jay Adams

What do the following statements about forgiveness have in common?

Forgiveness is obtained through apologizing.

The best thing you can do is "forgive and forget".

You aren't forgiven until you feel forgiven.

Even if someone hasn't asked for forgiveness, you can still forgive them.

These statements all represent popular misconceptions about true biblical forgiveness. Because forgiveness plays such a major role in our relationships with other people, it's critical to have a clear idea of God's plan for forgiving and being forgiven. Distortions in His plan can lead to twisted thinking and further pain for those struggling with forgiveness issues.

In this book, Dr. Jay Adams carefully explores all dimensions of the process of forgiveness. He can help you understand biblical forgiveness from beginning to end, and apply that understanding to everyday situations ranging from forgiving your straying spouse or prodigal child - and being forgiven by them as well.

If you have experienced the incredible power of God's forgiveness in your life, read this book and see how forgiveness' power can change your life as you relate to others.

ISBN: 978-1-879737-12-9

Knowing God

by J.I. Packer

J. I. Packer's Knowing God has become a classic of the Christian faith. Why? While it gives us information about God with clarity and grace, it does much more---it aids us in actually knowing him, in building our relationship with him, and helps draw us closer to him in love and worship. This 20th anniversary edition of Packer's classic has new Americanized text, reader-friendly type, and a new preface. Study guide not included.