It's easy to be happy when things go well for you. But what would it be like to have a sense of joy that continued even in times of trouble? Such was the deep joy that the apostle Paul experienced--even in prison. His contentment was neither dependent on circumstances nor changed by difficulty. In his brief letter to the Philippians, Paul will show you too how to live joyfully in every situation.

We all long for more--more wisdom, more maturity, more power, more faith. To satisfy our longings we attend seminars, go to concerts, listen to celebrity speakers and read popular books. Yet often we come away from these experiences feeling empty. The New Testament books of Colossians and Philemon were written to meet our deepest needs. As you dig into their depths of wisdom you'll discover how to find lasting fulfillment in Christ. This LifeGuide Bible Study features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection. Leader's notes are included with...

When you suffer, do you wonder if God has forgotten you? Do you wonder whether you will be with Jesus after you die? Would you like to be sure that your life is pleasing to God? At times every Christian feels anxious or insecure about life--and about faith. The Thessalonians asked many of the questions you ask today, and Paul's letters helped them find assurance. In these studies on 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Donald Baker shows how Paul's answers can help you to be certain too. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God...

Deteriorating values. Competing religions. Weakening morality. Do you feel sometimes that the world presents you with more problems than you can handle? Timothy and Titus faced all of these tough issues as young church leaders. But Paul encouraged them to put aside timidity and insecurity, and to find strength in Christ. As Pete Sommer guides you into study of these letters, you'll also find the support you need to follow through in obedience to God's Word. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal...

"What's the use?" At times of frustration or disappointment, it is tempting to ask this question. You work and work to grow to Christian maturity, but you seem to get nowhere--repeating your mistakes, neglecting your commitments, losing your motivation. The original readers of Hebrews felt the same way Yet the writer of this New Testament letter cheers for them to stay on track and never quit, so they can reach the finish line by the power of Jesus Christ. As James Reapsome leads you through thirteen studies in Hebrews, he offers you--and all of today's faith-weary Christians--the...

We all want a faith that won't let us down in times of trouble or loss, uncertainty or fear. A faith that can pull us through the worst--and best--times in our lives. This is the kind of faith that James writes about. It is a faith that we must practice day by day. These studies by Andrew and Phyllis Le Peau on the teaching of James will help us grow a steadfast faith that can carry us through all the ups and downs of life.

"I'll never grow up." Sometimes we all feel a little like Peter Pan. We'd rather be children, free of obligations and responsibilities. Sometimes we even feel that way about our Christian lives. The writers of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude understand how difficult it is to grow into maturity. As Carolyn Nystrom leads us through these letters, we see how God provides direction and comfort when we travel dark roads. And we discover what it takes to be mature in Christ. This revised LifeGuide Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal...

When we strip away what is superficial, cultural or traditional, what is the essence of true Christianity? What qualities and beliefs characterize a living--and life-changing--faith? The three letters of John help to answer these questions. 1, 2 and 3 John focus on the most important aspects of Christian life. As Ron Blankley leads you through the lessons of these letters, you'll discover what really matters--now and for eternity. Now available in IVP's revised LifeGuide Bible Study format, John's Letters features questions for starting group discussions and for personal reflection,...

In every age people have felt certain that the book of Revelation described events in their time. As nations arm themselves for war, we think of Armageddon. As evil rulers grow in power, we look for the antichrist. As the powers of darkness threaten to overwhelm us, we cry, "Come, Lord Jesus " Amid the uncertainties of our age, Revelation assures us of the ultimate triumph of God.

Do you struggle to know and follow God's call for you in the world? Genesis tells us that even the giants of faith--Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph--struggled to obey their Creator. But Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament, also reveals the amazing truth that the God who called a world and a nation into being also calls each of us to serve him.