Books published by Abingdon Press

All of us know what it's like to be hurt or betrayed. Often it's asmall breach such as being spoken to rudely or overlooked in a time ofneed. Other times we experience lies, gossip, or harsh words that cut usto the core. Some of us have endured unspeakable pain through abuse,adultery, or abandonment. God knows the pain we cause each other andlongs to help us learn to practice forgiveness. Nowhere do we see forgiveness played out more fully in Scripture than inthe biblical story of Joseph.This six-week study explores what God has to say to us about graceand forgiveness through Joseph's story of trial and triumph found inGenesis 37-50. As we study his dreams, his betrayers, his dysfunctionalfamily, his struggle to forgive, and his journey toward reconciliation,we'll find truths that echo into our own personal situations as well aspractical help for answering common questions, such as:How do I stop dwelling on the hurt?Is forgiving someone excusing what happened?When will I stop having to re-forgive?Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?How can I forgive and still set boundaries?Is it ever okay not to forgive?Whether or not you are working through a hurtful situation right now,you can learn from Joseph how to release your past and present hurts toGod and allow Him to do a supernatural work of forgiveness in yourlife. God wants to use the very things intended to hurt you as a sourceof blessing in your life and the lives of others. The Participant Book includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer. Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

Pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton returns to one of his most popular topics, Christianity and world religions. This new, fully updated book explores four major world religions--Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism--and compares the beliefs of each with those of Christianity. He deals openly and honestly with questions people ask about other religions, such as: Why are there so many different religions? How should Christians view other religions? How is God at work in other religions? What is the fate of those who earnestly pursue God through other religions?In examining these major world religions and the beliefs of their followers, Hamilton urges us as Christians to build bridges with others so that we might grow in our faith, seek peace in our world, love our neighbors, and find positive ways to share the gospel.Additional components for a six-week study include a new Leader Guide to help facilitate each weekly session and a DVD featuring Hamilton in new 10-15 minute segments, each including an interview with followers from that tradition.

We recognize the challenges churches face in engaging high school teens in deeper faith formation. Made up of 10 4-week studies, Canvas will captivate your students as they experience and explore the theological beliefs and foundational concepts that ground their faith.By working together to learn from history, tradition, and the Bible, students will uncover a portrait of God that will be an inspirational foundation to their own journey.This undated resource is designed to empower students to lead the lessons themselves, thus drawing students to not only learn about their faith, but put it into practice by serving and teaching others.Flexible to use as a continuation of confirmation, a small group resource, or student leadership resource. Canvas will inspire your students to paint the picture of their faith.As humans, we understand that we are incredibly complex beings. We're told in Genesis 2 that God formed us with God's own hands and breathed the breath of life into our lungs, but we also know that we rebelled against God. In Canvas: A Portrait of Humanity, your students will delve into the myriad complexities of human nature and our relationship to God. Over four weeks, students will unpack what it means for humans to be made in the image of God, how that image has been distorted by our sinful nature, and why God continues to offer us a path back to redemption.

Where is God when tragedy and suffering strike?When the ground shakes, and a poor nation's economy is destroyed; when the waters rise, washing away a community's hopes and dreams; when a child suffers neglect and abuse; when violence tears apart nations; where is God; If God is all powerful, and if each one of us is a beloved child of God, then how can God allow tragedy and suffering to infest his creation?In Why?, best-selling author Adam Hamilton brings fresh insight to the age-old question of how to understand the will of God. Rejecting simplistic answers and unexamined assumptions, he lays out core ideas for comprehending God's plan for the world, including: God will not take away our free will, even when we use it to grieve him.God will never abandon us, especially in the midst of our suffering.While God is not the author of suffering, God will bring blessing out of tragedy.

We recognize the challenges churches face in engaging high school teens in deeper faith formation. Made up of 10 4-week studies, Canvas will captivate your students as they experience and explore the theological beliefs and foundational concepts that ground their faith.By working together to learn from history, tradition, and the Bible, students will uncover a portrait of God that will be an inspirational foundation to their own journey.This undated resource is designed to empower students to lead the lessons themselves, thus drawing students to not only learn about their faith, but put it into practice by serving and teaching others.Flexible to use as a continuation of confirmation, a small group resource, or student leadership resource. Canvas will inspire your students to paint the picture of their faith.The Holy Spirit is often one of the least discussed aspects of the Christian life. Sometimes the Spirit has been misunderstood, and at other times the work of the Spirit can be confusing or so quiet that it feels imperceptible. In Canvas: Holy Spirit, students will begin to understand the important role that the Holy Spirit plays in the Christian life every day. In this four-week study, they will examine the coming of the Spirit in Acts, discuss the ways the Church has experienced and talked about the Spirit throughout the centuries, and reflect on the experience of the Spirit that they have had in their own lives. They will also learn about how the Spirit invites us to work alongside God for the restoration of the world.

We recognize the challenges churches face in engaging high school teens in deeper faith formation. Made up of 10 4-week studies, Canvas will captivate your students as they experience and explore the theological beliefs and foundational concepts that ground their faith.By working together to learn from history, tradition, and the Bible, students will uncover a portrait of God that will be an inspirational foundation to their own journey.This undated resource is designed to empower students to lead the lessons themselves, thus drawing students to not only learn about their faith, but put it into practice by serving and teaching others.Flexible to use as a continuation of confirmation, a small group resource, or student leadership resource. Canvas will inspire your students to paint the picture of their faith.The Holy Spirit is often one of the least discussed aspects of the Christian life. Sometimes the Spirit has been misunderstood, and at other times the work of the Spirit can be confusing or so quiet that it feels imperceptible. In Canvas: Holy Spirit, students will begin to understand the important role that the Holy Spirit plays in the Christian life every day. In this four-week study, they will examine the coming of the Spirit in Acts, discuss the ways the Church has experienced and talked about the Spirit throughout the centuries, and reflect on the experience of the Spirit that they have had in their own lives. They will also learn about how the Spirit invites us to work alongside God for the restoration of the world.

We recognize the challenges churches face in engaging high school teens in deeper faith formation. Made up of 10 4-week studies, Canvas will captivate your students as they experience and explore the theological beliefs and foundational concepts that ground their faith.By working together to learn from history, tradition, and the Bible, students will uncover a portrait of God that will be an inspirational foundation to their own journey.This undated resource is designed to empower students to lead the lessons themselves, thus drawing students to not only learn about their faith, but put it into practice by serving and teaching others.Flexible to use as a continuation of confirmation, a small group resource, or student leadership resource. Canvas will inspire your students to paint the picture of their faith.As humans, we understand that we are incredibly complex beings. We're told in Genesis 2 that God formed us with God's own hands and breathed the breath of life into our lungs, but we also know that we rebelled against God. In Canvas: A Portrait of Humanity, your students will delve into the myriad complexities of human nature and our relationship to God. Over four weeks, students will unpack what it means for humans to be made in the image of God, how that image has been distorted by our sinful nature, and why God continues to offer us a path back to redemption.

We recognize the challenges churches face in engaging high school teens in deeper faith formation. Made up of 10 4-week studies, Canvas will captivate your students as they experience and explore the theological beliefs and foundational concepts that ground their faith.By working together to learn from history, tradition, and the Bible, students will uncover a portrait of God that will be an inspirational foundation to their own journey.This undated resource is designed to empower students to lead the lessons themselves, thus drawing students to not only learn about their faith, but put it into practice by serving and teaching others.Flexible to use as a continuation of confirmation, a small group resource, or student leadership resource. Canvas will inspire your students to paint the picture of their faith.Since the earliest days of Christianity, people of faith have been trying to comprehend the nature of Jesus. Many of the earliest debates and conflicts in Church history centered around Jesus being both fully human and fully divine. In Canvas: A Portrait of Jesus, you're students will dive into the heart of these foundational conversations to see what the early Church had to say about who Jesus was. Throughout this four-week study, students will explore the power of the resurrection, Jesus' role in creation, and why it is so important that Jesus became human and lived among us.

We recognize the challenges churches face in engaging high school teens in deeper faith formation. Made up of 10 4-week studies, Canvas will captivate your students as they experience and explore the theological beliefs and foundational concepts that ground their faith.By working together to learn from history, tradition, and the Bible, students will uncover a portrait of God that will be an inspirational foundation to their own journey.This undated resource is designed to empower students to lead the lessons themselves, thus drawing students to not only learn about their faith, but put it into practice by serving and teaching others.Flexible to use as a continuation of confirmation, a small group resource, or student leadership resource. Canvas will inspire your students to paint the picture of their faith.Since the earliest days of Christianity, people of faith have been trying to comprehend the nature of Jesus. Many of the earliest debates and conflicts in Church history centered around Jesus being both fully human and fully divine. In Canvas: A Portrait of Jesus, you're students will dive into the heart of these foundational conversations to see what the early Church had to say about who Jesus was. Throughout this four-week study, students will explore the power of the resurrection, Jesus' role in creation, and why it is so important that Jesus became human and lived among us.

We recognize the challenges churches face in engaging high school teens in deeper faith formation. Made up of 10 4-week studies, Canvas will captivate your students as they experience and explore the theological beliefs and foundational concepts that ground their faith.By working together to learn from history, tradition, and the Bible, students will uncover a portrait of God that will be an inspirational foundation to their own journey.This undated resource is designed to empower students to lead the lessons themselves, thus drawing students to not only learn about their faith, but put it into practice by serving and teaching others.Flexible to use as a continuation of confirmation, a small group resource, or student leadership resource. Canvas will inspire your students to paint the picture of their faith.From beginning to end, the Bible is the story of God. It tells us who God is, and how we should relate to this all-powerful cosmic deity. Theology is no different. The very word translates as "the study of God." In Canvas: A Portrait of God, your students will begin an adventure to encounter God and learn more about who God is and how God has been revealed both in the Bible and throughout history. Over four weeks, students will read through the Psalms, unpack the essence of the Trinity, and learn how we can talk about the God who created the universe and who loves us more deeply than we can imagine.

We recognize the challenges churches face in engaging high school teens in deeper faith formation. Made up of 10 4-week studies, Canvas will captivate your students as they experience and explore the theological beliefs and foundational concepts that ground their faith.By working together to learn from history, tradition, and the Bible, students will uncover a portrait of God that will be an inspirational foundation to their own journey.This undated resource is designed to empower students to lead the lessons themselves, thus drawing students to not only learn about their faith, but put it into practice by serving and teaching others.Flexible to use as a continuation of confirmation, a small group resource, or student leadership resource. Canvas will inspire your students to paint the picture of their faith.From beginning to end, the Bible is the story of God. It tells us who God is, and how we should relate to this all-powerful cosmic deity. Theology is no different. The very word translates as "the study of God." In Canvas: A Portrait of God, your students will begin an adventure to encounter God and learn more about who God is and how God has been revealed both in the Bible and throughout history. Over four weeks, students will read through the Psalms, unpack the essence of the Trinity, and learn how we can talk about the God who created the universe and who loves us more deeply than we can imagine.

We recognize the challenges churches face in engaging high school teens in deeper faith formation. Made up of 10 4-week studies, Canvas will captivate your students as they experience and explore the theological beliefs and foundational concepts that ground their faith.By working together to learn from history, tradition, and the Bible, students will uncover a portrait of God that will be an inspirational foundation to their own journey.This undated resource is designed to empower students to lead the lessons themselves, thus drawing students to not only learn about their faith, but put it into practice by serving and teaching others.Flexible to use as a continuation of confirmation, a small group resource, or student leadership resource. Canvas will inspire your students to paint the picture of their faith.Even when we don't deserve it, God embraces us. This is the story of grace - about how God responds to our faults and failures with patience and generosity, offering us a new life and a chance to grow forward. In Canvas: A Portrait of Grace, your students will experience what it means to be people who are covered with God's grace. Over four weeks, they will immerse themselves in the grace of God, explore what the Bible says, and then explore how the church has experienced and lived in God's grace through the centuries. Throughout all of it, they will be reminded of the awesome gift that we are given through our relationship with God.

We recognize the challenges churches face in engaging high school teens in deeper faith formation. Made up of 10 4-week studies, Canvas will captivate your students as they experience and explore the theological beliefs and foundational concepts that ground their faith.By working together to learn from history, tradition, and the Bible, students will uncover a portrait of God that will be an inspirational foundation to their own journey.This undated resource is designed to empower students to lead the lessons themselves, thus drawing students to not only learn about their faith, but put it into practice by serving and teaching others.Flexible to use as a continuation of confirmation, a small group resource, or student leadership resource. Canvas will inspire your students to paint the picture of their faith.Even when we don't deserve it, God embraces us. This is the story of grace - about how God responds to our faults and failures with patience and generosity, offering us a new life and a chance to grow forward. In Canvas: A Portrait of Grace, your students will experience what it means to be people who are covered with God's grace. Over four weeks, they will immerse themselves in the grace of God, explore what the Bible says, and then explore how the church has experienced and lived in God's grace through the centuries. Throughout all of it, they will be reminded of the awesome gift that we are given through our relationship with God.

Have you ever tried to fight worry with faith and felt you were losing the battle? Have comments like "God's got this!" or "Just pray about it" only left you feeling more burdened? We know we shouldn't worry, but the reality is that we all do at times. Whether it's personal worries about loved ones and daily circumstances or broader concerns about what's happening in the world, we long for something more than platitudes that will help us put real feet to our faith and win the worry battle.Many Christians do not have a full understanding of what it means to fight the good fight of faith. They try to live by faith but in the face of everyday trials and failures, they find themselves disillusioned and discouraged, wondering if they have done something wrong or if living by faith only works for others. The problem for most is simply a lack of understanding regarding what faith is and how it works.This book, inspired by the Book of Joshua, reviews three tools a person can develop to Fight In Faith 1) embracing God's promises, 2) courage and commitment under pressure and 3) practicing radical obedience while waiting for God to deliver your victory.Just as God gave His people victory over their enemies when they fought in faith, He promises to do the same for us. Following the footprints of bold, courageous faith that God gave His people, we'll be equipped with tools to bravely fight in faith and overcome both our daily struggles and the bigger battles we all face. Through examples of how God gave the Israelites victory over their enemies and generously blessed them, too, we'll be victorious in our fight of faith so that we not only radically transform our own lives but unequivocally impact society.

One Abingdon's most beloved studies of the Bible has been updated!

Study the books of First and Second Samuel, beginning with Samuel and ending with David's death. Some of the major ideas explored are: God's holy purpose, the nature of sin, God's awesome power, the gift of God's Spirit,obedience to God, the nature of revelation, confidence in God, and politics and faith.Leader Guide includes: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understandingand appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions.

One of Abingdon's most beloved Bible studies has been updated!

Study the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy, beginning with Moses and Adam numbering the people and ending with Moses' death and the Israelites continuing. Some of the major ideas explored are: identity; the blessing of God; the problems of freedom; realism, faith, and the future; following through; living with consequences; misusing the name of the Lord; observing the Sabbath; love and law; the seriousness of disloyalty; hiding from need; andadvancing toward justice.Leader Guide includes: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understandingand appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions.

';For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.' (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)God has made us brave, not fearful beings. In a forty-day devotional format, author and blogger Kelly Johnson invites you to consider a new way of thinking about what it means to be brave and challenges you to seek a greater intimacy with God and the people God has placed in your life. Through Scripture, stories, prayers, and thought-provoking questions, you will recognize the seeds of divinely inspired bravery and learn the strength found in community. Using letters of the word brave as a guide, Being Brave highlights what God's Word has to say about the characteristics of bravery: Bold, Resilient, Authentic, Vulnerable, and Engaged and Empowered by the Spirit. Banish the fear that holds you back. You are a brave soldier!

All Earth Is Waiting invites readers to explore the familiar Advent themes of hope, preparation, joy, and peace with the heavens and earth in mind. Through her powerful and personal reflections, author Katie Z. Dawson calls us to consider how all creation longs for the coming of Christ, taking seriously the notion that the good news of Christ is good news for all the world. Anticipating in Christ's birth the reconciliation of the heavens and the earth, Dawson highlights the responsibility to care for this earth in preparation for Christ's return. This collection of 28 Advent devotions is the perfect companion piece to the book and includes Scripture, reflections, and prayers for each day to help you prepare your heart during the season of Advent.

You've seen them, haven't you? They ride in the front seats of expensive cars and drive headlong into a brick wall. And then they do it again. And again. They're crash test dummies. Why do they keep doing the same dumb thing over and over again? Or maybe a better question is, why do we?In this study on the Book of Judges, author Talbot Davis explore the stories of the judges from the perspective of the Israelites' repeated failure to be faithful to God alone. Through his creative, quirky angle on the book, Davis highlights how the Israelites in Judges made the same mistake of apostasy over and over again. Each time God delivered them, they eventually fell back into the predictable, tragic pattern. As he explores each judge's story, Davis invites readers to consider the shape that patterns of sin take in our lives, and how God seeks to free us from them and empower us for faithful living. Readers will come to know the Book of Judges and its central characters more deeply, and they will come to appreciate this biblical book as a source of wisdom for living well. Discussion questions and a practical focus for each week will also accompany each chapter.

Renovating a house can be an exciting and rewarding experience. But the act of renovation can often leave the house in a state of disarray, causing stress and frustration. In the same way, God wants to renovate your life by altering the ';old you' and creating a ';new you' with an improved heart. It's not going to be easy, and your life might experience some disarray, but renovating with God is the opportunity of a lifetime. Using the Book of Nehemiah, popular author and pastor Jacob Armstrong explores the physical and spiritual renovation experienced by the nation of Judah. Nehemiah knew that his plan for renovating the wall and gates of Jerusalem would be hard work. But equally hard would be the spiritual renovation of the Jewish people as they returned to their homeland. Thankfully, spiritual renovation is not a do-it-yourself project. We need God's great power working through us to renovate our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. Chapters include: Never Too Late for a Renovation It Starts with Tears What to Know Before You Build When Others Don't Like Your Plans Inviting Others to Come Home The Big Reveal Additional components for a six-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and a DVD featuring author and pastor Jacob Armstrong.

The second coming of Jesus has been a topic of fascination for both scholars and lay people for centuries. The accounts of Jesus' return found throughout the Bible, especially in Revelation, are put forth with a cinematic quality that is both enrapturing and unnerving. In this study, we'll explore apocalyptic literature throughout the Bible along with what it does and doesn't tell us about Jesus' return, and the key takeaways that these scriptures have for our faith.A Deep Dive into the Story of GodFathom is a Bible study for teens that covers the Old and New Testaments in 18 4-session studies. The lessons are a blend of narrative and traditional theological approaches to understanding the Bible story. Each lesson will focus on one passage that will launch into the larger context of God's story being studied, and how that story is meant to be theirs. Fathom is suitable for groups with middle schoolers, high schoolers, and any combination of the two. But unlike many other resources, it acknowledges the differences between older and younger youth and the way they learn. It provides activities specific to each age group, as well as activities for mixed groups in which older youth have leadership opportunities. Fathom gives leaders the option to let youth take ownership of their learning through teaching and leading alongside adults. Fathom creates space and tension for teens to wrestle with how to interpret and experience the Bible.Through youthministrypartners.com, leaders will have access to planning and teaching tools, customizable content, and other supplemental content to support their use of Fathom as well as their youth ministries in general.

The second coming of Jesus has been a topic of fascination for both scholars and lay people for centuries. The accounts of Jesus' return found throughout the Bible, especially in Revelation, are put forth with a cinematic quality that is both enrapturing and unnerving. In this study, we'll explore apocalyptic literature throughout the Bible along with what it does and doesn't tell us about Jesus' return, and the key takeaways that these scriptures have for our faith.A Deep Dive into the Story of GodFathom is a Bible study for teens that covers the Old and New Testaments in 18 4-session studies. The lessons are a blend of narrative and traditional theological approaches to understanding the Bible story. Each lesson will focus on one passage that will launch into the larger context of God's story being studied, and how that story is meant to be theirs. Fathom is suitable for groups with middle schoolers, high schoolers, and any combination of the two. But unlike many other resources, it acknowledges the differences between older and younger youth and the way they learn. It provides activities specific to each age group, as well as activities for mixed groups in which older youth have leadership opportunities. Fathom gives leaders the option to let youth take ownership of their learning through teaching and leading alongside adults. Fathom creates space and tension for teens to wrestle with how to interpret and experience the Bible.Through youthministrypartners.com, leaders will have access to planning and teaching tools, customizable content, and other supplemental content to support their use of Fathom as well as their youth ministries in general.

The story of Jesus doesn't begin in a manger in Bethlehem. Instead, it first begins hundreds of years before, when God's prophets begin to preach about the coming of the Messiah who would redeem all of humanity. In this study, we will unpack that message of hope and anticipation as it's found in the prophets of Isaiah and Micah and the redeeming story of RuthA Deep Dive into the Story of GodFathom is a Bible study for teens that covers the Old and New Testaments in 18 4-session studies. The lessons are a blend of narrative and traditional theological approaches to understanding the Bible story. Each lesson will focus on one passage that will launch into the larger context of God's story being studied, and how that story is meant to be theirs. Fathom is suitable for groups with middle schoolers, high schoolers, and any combination of the two. But unlike many other resources, it acknowledges the differences between older and younger youth and the way they learn. It provides activities specific to each age group, as well as activities for mixed groups in which older youth have leadership opportunities. Fathom gives leaders the option to let youth take ownership of their learning through teaching and leading alongside adults. Fathom creates space and tension for teens to wrestle with how to interpret and experience the Bible.Through youthministrypartners.com, leaders will have access to planning and teaching tools, customizable content, and other supplemental content to support their use of Fathom as well as their youth ministries in general.