Real Change: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life

Every honest Christian knows the need for change. But how to get there? How do you move forward from struggles both big and small with your faith? And how does our faith in God impact our everyday thoughts, feelings, and actions?

This six-session small group resource gives Christians an opportunity to reflect on one particular area in their lives and then to learn more about how God changes us to become more like Jesus Christ. All of us struggle to love God and those around us, but God has promised to keep working on us. And the Lord always keeps his promises. The change that his gospel produces will make your life and your relationships truly beautiful. This self-contained resource with Leader's Notes will encourage small group participants to understand and apply a biblical view of change to their lives and relationships.

Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus

“Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus is convicting and comforting at once, reminding all true believers that God’s family is rough around the edges and held together by grace.”
―Rosaria Butterfield, Former Professor of English, Syracuse University; author, The Gospel Comes with a House Key

The story of Jesus in the Gospels includes all kinds of interesting people―some who claimed to be saints but proved to be scoundrels, as well as scoundrels who were transformed into saints. In Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus, Nancy Guthrie provides a fresh look into what shaped and motivated people such as John the Baptist, Peter, the Pharisees, Zacchaeus, Judas, Caiaphas, Barabbas, Stephen, and Paul. Join her as she reintroduces us to these biblical characters, helping us to see more clearly the ways in which they reveal the generous grace of Jesus toward sinners.

Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs

Respected theologian and author of Knowing God, J.I. Packer, explains the essentials of biblical belief and Christian doctrine in a style that can be understood easily by any follower of Jesus. With each chapter being the perfect length for busy readers, this summary of Christian teaching covers 94 beliefs from a Reformed perspective. Each one highlights a unique facet of God and His plan for us.

Packer offers precise descriptions that are accessible without sacrificing depth, including Scripture verses on each topic for further study. Thoughtfully arranged and refreshingly readable, this resource addresses:

• How predestination fits into God’s redemptive plan

• The mystery of the Trinity

• The process of sanctification

• The purpose of spiritual gifts

Whether you’re new to faith or a longtime believer who’s ready to dig deeper, discover for yourself why Christian theology is more than just a system of beliefs―it’s a way of life.

Impossible Christianity: Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World, Be an Expert in Everything, Accept Spiritual Failure, and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time

The apostle Paul described the Christian life as a race, but to many believers it feels more like a punishing obstacle course. Fearing they’ll never be able to do enough or give enough or be enough, they see themselves as spiritual failures. But Scripture offers good news: even in ordinary life, Christians can be faithful, fruitful, and pleasing to God.

Impossible Christianity reassures readers that they don’t need to feel a collective sense of guilt for sins in the past and solve every societal problem in the present. Through biblical wisdom and engaging personal stories, Kevin DeYoung challenges the misconception that we need 40 hours in the day just to be good Christians. By reflecting on what Jesus actually taught about Christian discipleship, readers will be newly encouraged to pursue single-minded devotion to God and find lasting joy in a life of sincere and simple obedience.