Books of the Bible Rulers

What do you rely on to get through your day? The things we rely on are also what define us—our family, education, job, accomplishments, money. For the apostle John, nothing defined him more than the love of God in Jesus, and that is what he relied on every moment of every day. Scotty Smith takes readers through 1 John and shows how a rich understanding of the love of God prepares us to thrive in times of great stress and strengthens us for every season of life.  

Relying on God’s love brings true joy that empowers us to be faithful in the face of opposition. Discover how we are to live in this world as children of light and how the best way to defeat spiritual warfare is to be preoccupied with Jesus. Participants will learn how knowing Jesus equals loving Jesus, and loving Jesus equals loving others. Because the Father already loves us as much as he loves Jesus, he is committed to making us like Jesus. 

This small group guide includes eight in-depth lessons that include discussion questions, a short article to read, and a practical application section that can be used for one-to-one discipleship, small group, or large group settings.  

1 John: Relying on the Love of God is part of The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible series published in partnership with Serge. Each book in the series examines how the gospel story is revealed throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Josiah Bancroft guides readers in a study of Philippians, showing how a deep and abiding joy is possible in every circumstance when we understand who Jesus is and who we are in him.   

When times are hard and overwhelming, the command to “Rejoice!” can feel mocking or even cruel. How can we have joy when circumstances in our lives and those around us are so difficult? Studying the book of Philippians helps us know and understand the implications of all that Christ has done for us, in us, and among us—and how rooting ourselves in our identity in Christ can bring unshakeable freedom and joy, regardless of circumstances.  

Philippians: Finding Joy When Life Is Hard helps participants see that through the power of the gospel we can rejoice in the Lord and live confidently on earth as citizens of heaven, no matter what we face.  

• Nine lessons from the book of Philippians, including leader’s notes. 
• Easy-to-use small group resource includes discussion questions, a short article, and practical application section that can be used for one-to-one discipleship, small group, or large group settings.  

• Part of the Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible series examining how the gospel story is revealed through both the Old and New Testaments, published in partnership with Serge. 

The story of Ezra and Nehemiah plays out against a backdrop of ruins. There’s a ruined city, a ruined house of worship, ruined homes—ruined life with God. As is often the case in our own lives, the wreckage was largely their own fault. Their path to rebuilding, at its core, was a journey back to God. As you study Ezra and Nehemiah with Iain Duguid, you too will be encouraged to return to the God who is always faithful.

Duguid dives into lamenting sin, facing opposition, worshipping faithfully, and battling discouragement. This study will renew your joy in the Lord and encourage you to turn away from your own way and toward God, ultimately discovering Jesus is the one who rebuilds and brings new life where there is ruin and decay.

This small group guide with leader’s notes includes ten in-depth lessons that include discussion questions, a short article to read, and a practical application section that can be used for one-to-one discipleship, small group, or large group settings. 

Ezra and Nehemiah: Rebuilding What’s Ruined is part of The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible series published in partnership with Serge. Each book in the series examines how the gospel story is revealed throughout both the Old and New Testaments.