Dale Larsen

"I’ve learned I have to depend on Jesus for everything." That is what a friend going through a rough time said to us. It was an extreme statement. It sounded almost too radical. Of course believers know we have to depend on Jesus for many things: for salvation, for guidance, for forgiveness, for daily needs. But to depend on Christ for everything? Excluding nothing? It was a scary idea. It was also, we realized, a profoundly biblical idea. Biblical people who followed Christ encountered every kind of obstacle: hostility, loneliness, injustice, failure, and other seemingly impossible difficulties. Here are ten instances of biblical people learning that they could rely on Christ to see them through, even when all other avenues of help failed. Just as they discovered that Christ is sufficient for any and all circumstances, we pray that you will be encouraged to discover the same.

As believers know we have to depend on Jesus for many things: for salvation, for guidance, for forgiveness, for daily needs. But to depend on Christ for everything? Excluding nothing? It's a scary--but also a profoundly biblical--idea. In this ten-session LifeGuide(R) Bible Study, you'll explore instances of biblical people learning that they could rely on Christ to see them through, even when all other avenues of help failed. They encountered every kind of obstacle: hostility, loneliness, injustice, failure, and other seemingly impossible difficulties. Just as they discovered that Christ is sufficient for any and all circumstances, you will be encouraged to discover the same. For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions--making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

How do you picture the Holy Spirit? A vague fuzzy cloud? An invisible, impersonal force? The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit is a person. Scripture gives us strong word pictures of the Spirit as wind, fire, a counsellor, anointing oil and more - and these eight Bible studies will help us explore those. 8 sessions: Wind/Breath, Ezekiel 37:1-14 Water, John 4:1-14, 7:37-39 Fire, Acts 2:1-4 Pledge, Ephesians 1:11-14 Counsellor, John 14:15-27 Advocate, Romans 8:26-27 Anointing Oil, Luke 4:14-21 Giver of Gifts, I Corinthians 12:1-11

"What do you want?" "Do you see this woman?""Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord, ' and do not do what I say?" These are just some of the many questions that Jesus asked throughout the Gospels. Jesus invites us to inquire, reflect, and discuss. This nine-session LifeGuide(R) Bible Study is designed to help us dig into some of the questions that shape our view of Jesus and ourselves. For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions--making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

Many Bible studies of the book of Ruth focus on the life and character of Ruth herself. Ruth takes a more comprehensive view of the book as a whole. While the book is named for Ruth, and she is prominent in the action, other significant players populate the drama: Naomi, Elimelek, Mahlon, Kilion, Orpah, Boaz, an unnamed guardian-redeemer, reapers, elders, neighbors. All have their share of importance in the historical narrative. What does the book of Ruth have to do with us today? Although Ruth and Boaz are mentioned in the New Testament only in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), Christians have long seen in the book of Ruth a foreshadowing of our redemption through Christ. As Ruth and Naomi were destitute, with no status and no hope, we were in spiritual poverty and could not rescue ourselves. Like them, we were in need of a guardian-redeemer who would come to our aid. As Boaz in love intervened and took responsibility to save Ruth and Naomi, Christ in love has become our ultimate Redeemer who assumes the burden of our need and gives us a place in his kingdom.

Nine studies concentrating on Biblical characters such as Abraham, Naaman and David, who exercised faith and dependence on God. These are complimented by studies on different aspects of faith such as asking in Jesus' name. The revised titles feature questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a 'now or later' section in each study.

This nine-session LifeBuilder Bible Study covers some of the surprising and interesting questions Old Testament characters heard from God, such as when he asked "Where are you?" of Adam and Eve. As we consider the questions God asked others, we are guided inward to reflect on the same questions in our own lives.

The Old Testament is full of stories of fascinating couples: couples who live with chronic disappointment; couples who overcome obstacles to be together; a wife who risks death if she walks in on her husband unannounced; and a husband who remains faithful to his wife when she becomes a prostitute. These studies lead you to dig deeply into the Bible to learn important lessons about marriage, God and yourself. With more than 130 titles, the LifeBuilder Bible Studies series delivers sound biblical content and raises thought-provoking questions. It provides a unique Bible study experience for individuals and groups. What should we study next? We have LifeBuilder Bible Studies for . . . NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS Parables Acts Sermon on the Mount Romans The ‘I Am’ Sayings of Christ 1 Corinthians The Lord’s Prayer 2 Corinthians The Jesus Paul Knew Galatians Seven Letters to Seven Churches Ephesians Philippians NEW TESTAMENT CHARACTERS Colossians & Philemon Paul Thessalonians Peter Hebrews The Twelve Disciples 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus Women of the New Testament James New Testament Characters 1 & 2 Peter and Jude John’s Letters Revelation

This nine-session LifeGuide Bible study covers some of the surprising and interesting questions Old Testament characters heard from God, such as when he asked "Where are you?" of Adam and Eve. As we consider the questions God asked others, we are guided inward to reflect on the same questions in our own lives. For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions--making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

You can't change the fact that you are getting older. And, indeed, you may not want to! Age brings many gifts and opportunities for continued growth. In nine study sessions, Dale and Sandy Larsen help you discover the Bible's perspective on aging. You'll discover how God can effectively and powerfully use those who have grown wiser with the passing years. This LifeBuilder Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

God never gives up. When we stray or make a mistake, God continues to pursue us with a relentless love. In Hosea’s unfailing love for his wayward wife, he lived out the way God loves his people. His story is a reminder that God will never abandon us. The top-selling LifeBuilder Bible Studies have helped millions of people dig deeper into the Bible, individually and in groups.

This six-session LifeGuide(R) Bible Study of Ruth we meet not only Ruth herself but also other significant players who populate the drama: Naomi, Elimelech, Mahlon, Kilion, Orpah and Boaz. In addition there are other unnamed characters: a kinsman, reapers, elders and neighbors. Like us, each of these characters in their own way needs the Redeemer who is foreshadowed here. These six studies follow the popular inductive study approach that has marked LifeGuide Bible studies for the past thirty years. For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions--making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

A deep look at Scripture—God's very words—is never wasted. In fact, not only is it never wasted; it's richly rewarded. The more deeply we dive into the riches of the Bible, the more deeply we can experience and serve God, the giver of all truth, wisdom, love and understanding. The new LifeGuide® in Depth Bible Studies help you do just that, taking you further into themes and books of Scripture than you might have gone before. As you see new connections between the Old and New Testament, gain an understanding of the historical and cultural background of passages, engage in creative exercises, and concretely apply what you've learned, you'll be amazed at the breadth of the knowledge and wisdom you gain and the transformation God can work in you as you meet him in his Word. Each session provides enough material for a week's worth of Scripture study along with a weekly group discussion guide that pulls all of the elements together. This guide is based on and includes the inductive Bible study Fruit of the Spirit from the bestselling LifeGuide® Bible Study Series--only now it has been expanded for a new kind of study experience. In A Deeper Look at the Fruit of the Spirit, specifically, you'll discover what your biggest barriers to joy might bewhat biblical writers meant by "peace" (hint: it's more than an absence of fighting)what to do when you realize you're not as nice a person as you thought you werewhat the Old Testament teaches us about God's gentleness and much more. If you're longing to go deeper in your understanding of God and his Word, LifeGuide® in Depth Bible Studies are for you. These new studies will meet your need for both rich, solidly researched content and personal application. They'll meet your need for Bible study that challenges your head and your heart. Most of all, we pray you'll meet God in them.

A deep look at Scripture—God's very words—is never wasted. In fact, not only is it never wasted; it's richly rewarded. The more deeply we dive into the riches of the Bible, the more deeply we can experience and serve God, the giver of all truth, wisdom, love and understanding. The new LifeGuide® in Depth Bible Studies help you do just that, taking you further into themes and books of Scripture than you might have gone before. As you see new connections between the Old and New Testament, gain an understanding of the historical and cultural background of passages, engage in creative exercises, and concretely apply what you've learned, you'll be amazed at the breadth of the knowledge and wisdom you gain and the transformation God can work in you as you meet him in his Word. Each session provides enough material for a week's worth of Scripture study along with a weekly group discussion guide that pulls all of the elements together. This guide is based on and includes the inductive Bible study Sermon on the Mount from the bestselling LifeGuide® Bible Study Series--only now it has been expanded for a new kind of study experience. Drawn from John Stott's Sermon on the Mount LifeGuide Bible Study and his The Message of the Sermon on the Mount commentary, A Deeper Look at the Sermon on the Mount will help you discover how powerful meekness ishow you can influence the desolate places of society (hint: it has to do with character)how to experience God's law as delightfulhow to treat your enemies and much more. If you're longing to go deeper in your understanding of God and his Word, LifeGuide® in Depth Bible Studies are for you. These new studies will meet your need for both rich, solidly researched content and personal application. They'll meet your need for Bible study that challenges your head and your heart. Most of all, we pray you'll meet God in them.

How is it that some seniors never slow down? What keeps them going? In this new workbook, Dale and Sandy Larsen uncover the secret to the second wind. As you interact with these personal stories, Bible studies, prayers and exercises, you'll find your personal history leading you down exciting new roads.

You can't change the fact that you are getting older. And, indeed, you may not want to Age brings many gifts and opportunities for continued growth. In nine study sessions, Dale and Sandy Larsen help you discover the Bible's perspective on aging. You'll discover how God can effectively and powerfully use those who have grown wiser with the passing years. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

The mysterious presence of Jesus haunts the whole story of Acts. Jesus is announced as King and Lord, not as an increasingly distant memory but as a living and powerful reality, a person who can be known and loved, obeyed and followed, a person who continues to act within the real world. We call the book "The Acts of the Apostles," but we should think of it as "The Acts of Jesus (II)." These studies from Tom Wright help us to do so, and to see how Jesus' acts through the apostles inform our acts today.

Paul's project, he often says, is building--not building with bricks and mortar but rather with people. He lays the foundation with the shockingly good news of one true God who raised Jesus from the dead, in order to build a new family with no divisions, all of whom can call God Father. In a world of widespread ethnic rivalry and trenchant divisiveness, Paul's strong corrective message in Galatians demands to be heard and reheard. In these studies by Tom Wright, we hear once again what remains shockingly good news.

A study of 10 scriptural images given to Christ - Shepherd, Lamb of God, Suffering Servant, Branch, Vine, Light of the World, Bridegroom, Head of the Church, Bread of Life, Cornerstone. Some of these come from the Old Testament, others are word-pictures that Jesus himself used. The focus of each session is on the relationship with the reality behind the image: eg the Good Shepherd remains only a sentimental picture if we do not follow him; Christ is our Cornerstone only if we allow ourselves to be built into his house. The studies in this book are: Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18) Lamb of God (Revelation 5:6-14) Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13-53:6) Branch (Isaiah 11:1-9) True Vine (John 15:1-8) Light of the World (John 1:1-9) Bridegroom (Ephesians 5:25-33) Head of the Church (Colossians 1:15-20) Bread of Life (John 6:25-51) Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4-8)

How do you picture the Holy Spirit? Our imagination is likely to run to something like a vague fuzzy cloud. Or perhaps we think of an invisible, impersonal force. No wonder the Holy Spirit is often called "it." While Christians affirm that the Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, we struggle to think of him as a person at all. The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit is a person. But how can human beings understand who he is? Scripture helps us by giving us strong word pictures of the Spirit as wind, fire, a counselor, anointing oil and more. As you go through these eight-session LifeGuide(R) Bible Study by Dale and Sandy Larsen, you will find that your mental picture of the Spirit comes into focus. And even better, you will find that you can have a real relationship with the third person of the Trinity as you experience the power, comfort and gifts that flow out from the Spirit. For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions--making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.