Each issue of Facts & Trends, we profile some upcoming resources we think will be helpful to you. Here are the books and Bible studies from the Spring 2014 issue.
Jesus Hates Religion
In Jesus Hates Religion Alex Himaya defines religion as a man-made path to God. “The Bible clearly lays out a design and plan for a perfect God to be able to have a relationship with an imperfect person,” writes Himaya.
“Religious leaders will try to convince you their man-made path, typically a list of ‘do’s and don’ts’ they choose to adhere to, is the only way for God to be experienced. The result is usually a life filled with frustration and guilt when that journey asks for more than it provides.”
Himaya explores the most common misinformation people equate with religion and compares it to what the Bible actually teaches.
Clout
“Clout looks different for each one of us,” writes Jenni Catron.
“Some will have grand stages, others will have small circles. It’s not about the size of the sphere of influence. It’s about stewarding whatever influence you have wisely and giving your absolute best to those people whose lives you impact.”
With Scripture and stories from her own life, Catron maps out the pitfalls and clear paths on the way toward discovering and unleashing your very own clout.
Truth Matters
What will happen when your teenager sits down for his or her first class at college and a professor immediately challenges and confronts Christian beliefs? Unfortunately, many young people are ill equipped to defend their faith.
In Truth Matters, Andreas Kostenberger, Darrell Bock, and Josh Chatraw provide solid, biblical answers to questions such as: If God is there and He cares, why is there suffering in this world? How can we trust the Bible if we only have copies? Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
Less than 200 pages, students can use the book as a quick resource to help think through challenges to their faith.
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is a book-by-book Bible study for small groups and Sunday School classes of all ages that takes participants deep into the context of God’s Word and challenges them to live it out in their own context.
The study allows adults and students to study the same passage while kids study the same book and concepts incorporating narrative elements through-out the Bible. It also includes in-depth Bible commentary, archaeological and historical background information, and discussion questions to engage your entire group.
The Power of God’s Names
Because of God’s depth of character, He has a variety of names to reflect His different capacities of relating to humanity. God is called Elohim when referenced as the all-powerful Creator. When you need provision, get to know the name Jehovah Jireh, which means God the Provider.
God has a name for any and every situation in which you can find yourself. In The Power of God’s Names, Dr. Tony Evans, pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, will help participants discover the key names of God and what they mean through this six-session study.
