LifeGuide Bible Studies: Bible Characters (14 vols.)

by Jack Kuhatschek; Dale Larsen; Sandy Larsen; Douglas Connelly; Paul Borthwick

and

6 more

Publisher:

IVP

, 1999–2014

Overview

The Bible is filled with flawed human characters. Throughout God’s story, he does amazing things in and through their lives. This collection of guides focuses on many notable leaders and on some everyday humans who lived in obscurity. Because modern Christians face many of the same challenges as men and women in Scripture, these studies help us to learn how to better follow God by their example.

Key Features

• Analyzes various methods of biblical interpretation
• Contains insights from various New Testament scholars
• Illustrates the contemporary relevance of the New Testament

Product Details

• Title: LifeGuide Bible Studies: Bible Characters
• Series: LifeGuide Bible Studies
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2001
• Volumes: 14
• Pages: 910
• Resource Type: Bible Studies
• Topic: Christian Living

Abraham

• Author: Jack Kuhatschek
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2004
• Pages: 64

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

God had promised Abraham, an old man with no children, that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Yet Abraham chose to believe God, embarking on a transforming, lifelong journey of faith and obedience. God has made promises to us as well. As Jack Kuhatschek leads you through this study of Abraham's life, you'll learn to be a person who listens to, obeys and trusts the God who always keeps his promises. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP Connect's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

Jack Kuhatschek was formerly executive vice president and publisher for Baker Publishing Group in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of many Bible study guides and the books Applying the Bible and The Superman Syndrome. He and his wife, Sandy, currently live in Deland, Florida.

Couples of the Old Testament

• Author: Dale Larsen and Sandy Larsen
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 64

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The Old Testament tells the stories of fascinating men and women in relationship: couples who live with chronic disappointment, couples who overcome all obstacles to be together, in-laws who can't stand each other, a wife who risks death if she walks in on her husband unannounced, and a husband who takes back his wife when she becomes a prostitute. There are arranged marriages, fiercely loving marriages, enduring marriages, an instant marriage, a coerced marriage and a perfect marriage--until the couple blew it! Dale and Sandy Larsen lead you to dig deeper into these relationships highlighted in the Bible to learn important lessons about marriage, God and yourself. This LifeGuide Bible Study features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with leader's notes and a "Now or Later" section in each study.

Dale Larsen is a writer living in Rochester, Minnesota. He and his wife, Sandy, have written more than forty books and Bible studies together including Living Your Legacy and more than ten LifeGuide® Bible studies. They have also coauthored eight N.T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides with Wright.

David

• Author: Jack Kuhatschek
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 64

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The world desperately needs role models today--people who are fully human yet who exceed human expectations and point others toward God. David is such a role model. His struggles with sin are infamous, and the Psalms reveal his anguish and doubts. Yet he is also described as “a man after God's own heart”—the champion of Israel. In this study guide, Jack Kuhatschek introduces you to David the servant and the leader, the sinner and the redeemed, the man and the instrument of God's creative purposes. As you explore David's tumultuous story, you too will discover what it means to have a passionate heart for God.

Jack Kuhatschek was formerly executive vice president and publisher for Baker Publishing Group in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of many Bible study guides and the books Applying the Bible and The Superman Syndrome. He and his wife, Sandy, currently live in Deland, Florida.

Elijah

• Author: Douglas Connelly
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 63

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Every day the news reinforces what you want to forget--you live in an insecure world. Elijah's times were no safer. He faced famine, murder and corruption--with both courage and fear. In these eight studies on Elijah's life, Douglas Connelly helps you look beyond the insecurity of the world to our sovereign God who reigns forever.

Douglas Connelly (MDiv and MTh, Grace Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at Davison Missionary Church near Flint, Michigan, after serving twelve years as senior pastor at Parkside Community Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan. A writer and speaker, he has written seventeen LifeGuide Bible Studies as well as several books, including The Bible for Blockheads and Angels Around Us. He and his wife Karen have three adult children and six grandchildren.

Heroes of Faith

• Author: Douglas Connelly
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 6

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Abraham and Sarah. Noah. Rahab. Hebrews 11 gives us a list of role models: ordinary people who trusted God in radical ways. These eight studies on the heroes of faith from Hebrews will encourage you, inspire you and help deepen your own trust in our great God who still keeps all his promises, so that you might live out your faith in radical ways today.

Douglas Connelly (MDiv and MTh, Grace Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at Davison Missionary Church near Flint, Michigan, after serving twelve years as senior pastor at Parkside Community Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan. A writer and speaker, he has written seventeen LifeGuide Bible Studies as well as several books, including The Bible for Blockheads and Angels Around Us. He and his wife Karen have three adult children and six grandchildren.

Joseph

• Author: Paul Borthwick
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 64

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Joseph faced hard times--more than once. He was sold into slavery by his brothers. He spent years imprisoned because of a false accusation. And yet Joseph was able to live in forgiveness and hope, and God did great things in his life every step of the way. Paul Borthwick invites you to explore Joseph's story as a way toward discovering how God's dreams might be fulfilled in and through you.

Paul Borthwick (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is senior consultant for Development Associates International and teaches global Christianity at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. Through his speaking, writing and resource ministry, Borthwick works to mobilize others to participate in world missions. Borthwick is an active speaker and teacher, having taught courses at Gordon College, Africa International University (Nairobi), Alliance Theological Seminary (Manila) and Lanka Bible College (Sri Lanka), plus a guest faculty position at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Previously he served for more than twenty years on the staff of Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts, first as youth pastor and then as minister of missions. Borthwick is the author of Western Christians in Global Missions, How to Be a World-Class Christian, Six Dangerous Questions to Transform Your View of the World, A Mind for Missions, and Great Commission, Great Compassion. He and his wife, Christie, have been married since 1979 and they live in Lexington, Massachusetts, when not traveling internationally.

Moses

• Author: Stephen D. Eyre
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 64

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

As the one called by God to lead his people out of Egypt, Moses faced some significant challenges: a stubborn ruler, a fierce army, a vast desert to cross, a people prone to complaint and idolatry. But through it all, God was faithful to guide and provide for Moses as well as shape his character in powerful ways. These studies by Stephen D. Eyre will open our hearts to the same God and help us serve with strong character in the roles he's called us to.

Stephen D. Eyre is a consultant for Church Discipleship Services, which provides guidance, coaching and resources for small groups in churches of all different sizes and denominations. He is also Minister of congregational development at Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has written many books and Bible studies, including five LifeGuide Bible studies.

New Testament Characters

• Author: Carolyn Nystrom
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 64

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

A throwaway woman, a blind beggar, a prison guard, a doubting disciple, an elderly couple, they were all ordinary people. Some were never even mentioned by name. Yet they were all touched by Jesus. In this study guide, Carolyn Nystrom introduces you to the fascinating men and women of the New Testament. As you enter into their stories, you'll discover how you too can be touched by the Savior.

Carolyn Nystrom (MA, Wheaton College) has written more than eighty books, Bible study guides, and children's titles. She coauthored Praying with theologian J. I. Packer and Is the Reformation Over with scholar Mark Noll. She is also the author of the LifeGuide Bible Studies 1& 2 Peter and Jude, Money and Work, Friendship, Listening to God and more. In addition to actively serving in her church, she has been a foster parent, an elementary schoolteacher, the stated clerk of her EPC presbytery, and a book editor. Carolyn lives in northern Illinois with her husband, and they have four grown children.

Old Testament Characters

• Author: Peter Scazzero
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 64

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Abraham is an unforgettable portrait of faith. Daniel is a classic example of holiness. And through her willingness to risk her own life, Esther shows us what commitment means. This Bible study introduces you to twelve remarkable lives described in the Old Testament. The stories of these people from the ancient past can help you learn to live well even today.

Peter Scazzero is senior pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York. He formerly served as a staff member with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Paul

• Author: Jack Kuhatschek
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 64

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The apostle Paul led a dramatic and fascinating life from his conversion on the road to Damascus to his imprisonments to his speeches in the public square. His letters shaped the believers in the early church just as they do today. In this study guide by Jack Kuhatschek we will survey both the highlights of his life and the core teachings in his writings.

Jack Kuhatschek was formerly executive vice president and publisher for Baker Publishing Group in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of many Bible study guides and the books Applying the Bible and The Superman Syndrome. He and his wife, Sandy, currently live in Deland, Florida.

Peter

• Author: Robbie F. Castleman
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 64

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Simon Peter was a follower like us--he wanted to be like Jesus, but he struggled with doubts and fears. At times he failed miserably. At other times he was used powerfully by God. This Bible study on the great apostle's life challenges and motivates us to continue to grow in Christlikeness.

Robbie Fox Castleman (DMin, University of Dubuque) is professor of biblical studies and theology at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She previously served for several years as a staff member with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, specializing in ministry to graduate students at campuses in and around Tallahassee, Florida. She is the author of the Fisherman Bible Guides Miracles, Elijah, David and King David (Shaw/Waterbrook), and the IVP Connect LifeGuide Bible Study Peter, and she is a contributor to the book For All the Saints (Knox/Westminster).

The Twelve Disciples

• Author: Douglas Connelly
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 80

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Jesus had about three years to mold a dozen fearful, faithless men into the pillars of a worldwide movement. Despite this brief window, time in Jesus' presence had a transforming effect on each of them, and they would be changed by Jesus' power. This study of Jesus' first followers will transform you too.

Douglas Connelly (MDiv and MTh, Grace Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at Davison Missionary Church near Flint, Michigan, after serving twelve years as senior pastor at Parkside Community Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan. A writer and speaker, he has written seventeen LifeGuide Bible Studies as well as several books, including The Bible for Blockheads and Angels Around Us. He and his wife Karen have three adult children and six grandchildren.

Women of the New Testament

• Author: Phyllis J. Le Peau
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 64

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Lydia shows us how to influence the people around us. Elizabeth's life challenges us to care for others. Women like Herodias and Sapphira warn us against turning away from God toward bitterness and dishonesty. As Phyllis J. Le Peau introduces twelve significant women of the New Testament, she invites you to enter into their lives and learn from them what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. This revised LifeGuide Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes.

Phyllis Le Peau worked with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for over two decades in St. Louis and the Chicago metro area. She is also the author of several Bible study guides published by InterVarsity Press and Zondervan. She and her husband Andy have four married children and thirteen grandchildren.

Women of the Old Testament

• Author: Gladys Hunt
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2014
• Pages: 63

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

They were ordinary people. Most would not make headlines in any other history book but God's. Yet the women of the Old Testament made critical choices that led to extraordinary outcomes. Through faith and strong character, they rescued their families, led people out of bondage, gave birth to kings and even saved a nation. As you explore with Gladys Hunt the stories of twelve Old Testament women, you will come to understand the far-reaching consequences of your own everyday choices and actions. Now available in IVP's revised LifeGuide Bible Study format, Women of the Old Testament features questions for starting group discussions and for personal reflection.

Gladys Hunt is a freelance writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She worked for many years, often alongside her husband, Keith, as a volunteer in student ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Her many books (more than twenty!) include Honey for a Child's Heart, Honey for a Teenager's Heart and Honey for a Woman's Heart (all Zondervan) and several titles in the Fisherman Bible study series published by Waterbrook Press.