The heart of Christianity is not a ritual or a structure, but a Person—Jesus Christ. But even as his followers, our vision of Jesus can get muddied by man-made theories of who he was. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or a brand new Christian, come walk in the footsteps of his first disciples to see him afresh: as Teacher, Healer, Shepherd, Servant, Savior, and Risen Lord. These six sessions lay the foundation for radical discipleship as our hearts are once again captured by who he is.Experiencing Christ Together helps your group explore the five biblical purposes that make up a high-impact Christian life —fellowship, discipleship, ministry, evangelism, and worship. Jesus perfectly lived out God’s purposes for his life, and he taught his followers how to do the same. As you walk in the footsteps of those first disciples by listening to and watching Jesus through these studies, you and your group will be transformed.One small group leader put it this way: “The Experiencing Christ Together series has motivated me more than any other Bible study that I have ever been to. This Bible study gets to the heart of the matter—my character in Christ—and that has created action on my part.”

We've all been let down by so-called community. Why is it so hard for us to connect and grow together for the long haul? Veteran spiritual director Ruth Haley Barton helps us get personal and practical about experiencing transformation together. This interactive guide allows us to grow through and by the experience of transforming community.

Church boards and other Christian leadership teams have long relied on models adapted from the business world. Ruth Haley Barton, president of the Transforming Center, helps teams transition to a much more fitting model—the spiritual community that practices discernment together.

Who is Jesus Christ? You've never met him in person, and you don't know anyone who has. But there is a way to know who he is. How? Jesus Christ-the divine Person revealed in the Bible-has a unique excellence and a spiritual beauty that speaks directly to our souls and says, "Yes, this is truth." It's like seeing the sun and knowing that it is light, or tasting honey and knowing that it is sweet. The depth and complexity of Jesus shatter our simple mental frameworks. He baffled proud scribes with his wisdom but was understood and loved by children. He calmed a raging storm with a word but would not get himself down from the cross. Look at the Jesus of the Bible. Keep your eyes open, and fill them with the portrait of Jesus in God's Word. Jesus said, "If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority." Ask God for the grace to do his will, and you will see the truth of his Son. John Piper has written this book in the hope that all will see Jesus for who he really is and will come to enjoy him above all else.

"Eight life-changing Bible studies and memory verses for growing Christians"--Description from cover

After his martyrdom at the hands of the Gestapo in 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer continued his witness in the hearts of Christians around the world. His Letters and Papers from Prison became a prized testimony to Christian faith and courage, read by thousands. Now in Life Together we have Pastor Bonhoeffer's experience of Christian community. This story of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years reads like one of Paul's letters. It gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service is treated in simple, almost biblical, words. Life Together is bread for all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.

"Each of your students is a unique creation. Some are funny, some serious, some industrious, others are more thoughtful. Together, they make up the body of Christ and are each called to serve in their own special way. Serving Like Christ Together helps students discover ways to serve God by serving others. Six sessions unpack and explain the aspects of a servant’s heart that Jesus values most: • Humility and Sacrifice: redefining what it means to be successful • Seeing Christ in Others: learning to serve God by serving his people • Compassion: seeing need and taking action • The Holy Spirit: relying on the Holy Spirit to direct and fuel service • Bondslaves: understanding what it means to be a slave to Christ • Serving Outsiders: discovering the joy of helping difficult people Service gives students a chance to discover their gifts, build friendships inside and outside the group, and refocus their priorities on something larger than themselves."