New Testament

Following the outlines of the Participatory Study Method, Dr. Robert Cornwall presents a study guide to the book of Ephesians that is both usable and challenging while not skirting the difficult issues. These eight lessons take you through the letter leading from the history and background to modern application and sharing in corporate study and worship.

Whether you are approaching this book as an individual, as a small group, or in a larger classroom setting, this study guide will provide you with direction, exercises, and questions for discussion and further investigation.

The Participatory Study Series from Energion Publications is designed to invite Bible students to become a part of the community of faith that produced the texts we now have as scripture by studying them empathetically and with an aim to learn and grow spiritually. The section Using this Book and the appendices are designed for the series and adapted to the particular study guide. Each author is free to emphasize different resources in the study, and individual students, group leaders, and teachers are encouraged to enhance their study through the use of additional resources.

It is our prayer at Energion Publications that each study guide will lead you deeper into scripture and more importantly closer to the One who inspired it.

132 pages.

Why Four Gospels? – Dr. David Alan Black ($11.99) Dr. Black presents the case for the early development of the gospels, beginning with Matthew, rather than Mark. Using both internal data from the gospels themselves and an exhaustive and careful examination of the statements of the early church fathers, he places each gospel in the context of the early development of Christianity. 

From Inspiration to Understanding: Reading the Bible Seriously and Faithfully  – Dr. Edward W.H. Vick ($24.99) The way in which we read the Bible grows out of what we believe the Bible to be. Thus it is impossible to discuss methods of interpretation without considering our view of inspiration, the gathering of the canon, and even the reception of the Bible by the community of faith. And so, Edward W. H. Vick starts this comprehensive discussion of hermeneutics—the interpretation of Scripture—by looking at what the Bible is, and what empowers its authority. He brings a lifetime of experience, teaching and writing to the task.

Who’s Afraid of the Old Testament God?  – Dr. Alden Thompson ($14.99)  The Old Testament God generally has a rather poor reputation, even in Christian circles. But as the author points out, The Old Testament Scriptures can remain alive and will lead us to a fresh appreciation of all that God has done for us.

Targeted to thoughtful readers, this book addresses a cluster of issues often troubling for the person who seeks to understand the Old Testament.

God’s Desire for the Nations: The Missionary Theology of John Piper – Dr. Philip O. Hopkins ($18.99)  John Piper is known for his support of missions. Many of his books devote sections to the advancement of missions, and almost all of his works have missions implications. Piper’s understanding of missions is based on his understanding of God’s glory, which flows from God’s righteousness.

Dr. Hopkins looks at John Piper’s background and thoroughly examines his written works to provide a clear and thorough discussion of Piper’s missiology and its foundation.

Who’s Afraid of the Old Testament God? (Fifth Edition) – Dr. Alden Thompson ($14.99) The Old Testament God generally has a rather poor reputation, even in Christian circles. But as the author points out, The Old Testament Scriptures can remain alive and will lead us to a fresh appreciation of all that God has done for us. Some chapter titles: Don’t Let Your New Testament Get in the Way of Your Old Testament, Could You Invite a Canaanite Home to Lunch?, The Worst Story in the Old Testament – Judges 19-21, The Best Story in the Old Testament – The Messiah.

Character of our Discontent – Dr. Allan R. Bevere ($12.99) The book grew out of the author’s conviction that pastors do not preach enough about the Old Testament. The result is 19 chapters, each of which represents a sermon on an Old Testament character.

Why Four Gospels? – Dr. David Alan Black ($11.99) Dr. Black presents the case for the early development of the gospels, beginning with Matthew, rather than Mark. Using both internal data from the gospels themselves and an exhaustive and careful examination of the statements of the early church fathers, he places each gospel in the context of the early development of Christianity.

The Sacred Journey – Rev. Chris Surber ($12.99) A collection of insights, thoughts, and personal experiences centered on and emanating from the Beatitudes of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount.

Who”s Afraid of the Old Testament God? (Fifth Edition) – Dr. Alden Thompson ($14.99)  The Old Testament God generally has a rather poor reputation, even in Christian circles. But as the author points out, The Old Testament Scriptures can remain alive and will lead us to a fresh appreciation of all that God has done for us. Some chapter titles: Don’t Let Your New Testament Get in the Way of Your Old Testament, Could You Invite a Canaanite Home to Lunch?, The Worst Story in the Old Testament – Judges 19-21, The Best Story in the Old Testament – The Messiah.

Why Four Gospels? – Dr. David Alan Black ($11.99) Dr. Black presents the case for the early development of the gospels, beginning with Matthew, rather than Mark. Using both internal data from the gospels themselves and an exhaustive and careful examination of the statements of the early church fathers, he places each gospel in the context of the early development of Christianity.

Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide is the sixth volume in the Participatory Study Series. From beginning to end, the student is invited to absorb the text and allow God’s message to change her or his life. At the same time, it maintains the series standard of providing a guide that takes account of current biblical scholarship and helps the student examine the text critically while also listening to and being guided by the Holy Spirit.

This guide contains eight lessons suitable for use by an individual student, but best used in a small group. The lessons are clearly written so that a laity-led class or small group can use them to advantage. In addition, there is a guide to using the book that provides insights into Bible study in general, and two appendices, one outlining the process of Bible study and one listing and describing useful resources.

Each lesson includes prayers, spiritual exercises, thought questions, and theological reflection. These are designed to help students learn to see the text in a new way and to realize their full potential through the power of the Holy Spirit. This book will not only impact your knowledge of scripture; it will change the way you pray, live, witness, and relate to your community of faith and the world.

Energion Publications catalog page

This study guide to Revelation is designed for individual or small group studies. Its flexible lessons are ideal for Sunday School classes, small study or prayer groups and Wednesday evening studies. The guide is based on the participatory method, developed by author Henry Neufeld to help lay people learn to understand the Bible better.

Features:

1. Clearly defined study method for individuals and groups.
2. Basic lessons with graded additional study allow you to choose the time spent on your study
3. Examination of different approaches to Revelation
4. References to study Bibles and standard reference materials
5. Emphasis on spiritual application-even if your group has problems agreeing on prophetic interpretation, you can share many spiritual lessons
6. Glossary of terms
7. Background references
8. Study questions and topics for discussion
9. Outline and notes for reference

Suggested uses:

• Personal study
• Sunday School classes

Small Group Resource

Energion Publications recommends this book as a small group resource.

This package includes all volumes to date.

Learning and Living Scripture – Geoffrey Lentz & Henry E. Neufeld ($12.99) A pastor and a teacher team up to present the Participatory Bible Study Method, an approach to Bible study that is rooted in the conviction that God can and will speak to us in scripture.

The Gospel According to St. Luke – Geoffrey Lentz ($8.99) This study guide gives the seeker historical insight and a fresh look into the Jesus Christ that Luke sought and recorded. Rev. Lentz brings his love of Church history and great thought-provoking questions into a user friendly layout that promotes lively discussions and deep-rooted growth in a group study.

Ephesians: A Participatory Study Guide – Robert D. Cornwall ($9.99)Following the outlines of the Participatory Study Method, here is a usable and challenging guide that does not skirt the difficult issues. Setting a foundation in history and background, Dr. Cornwall brings the letter into modern application and sharing in corporate study and worship.

Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide – Bruce G. Epperly (9.99) From beginning to end, the student is invited to absorb the text and allow God’s message to change her or his life. At the same time, it maintains the series standard of providing a guide that takes account of current biblical scholarship and helps the student examine the text critically while also listening to and being guided by the Holy Spirit. Each lesson includes prayers, spiritual exercises, thought questions, and theological reflection.

To the Hebrews: A Participatory Study Guide – Henry E. Neufeld ($9.99) This study guide to the book of Hebrews is designed for individual or small group studies. Its 13 lessons are ideal for Sunday School classes, small study or prayer groups and Wednesday evening studies.

Revelation: A Participatory Study Guide – Henry E. Neufeld ($9.99) This study exams different approaches to the book of Revelation. There are references to study Bibles and standard reference materials and emphasizes spiritual application-even if you may have problems agreeing on prophetic interpretation, you can share many spiritual lessons.

The Gospel of Saint Luke: A Participatory Study Guide is the newest installment to the successful Participatory Study Guide Series from Energion Publications. This series emphasizes individual and community involvement in the Bible story, inviting students to become part of God’s activity in the world by acting on and sharing what they learn.

Written by Geoffrey D. Lentz, associate pastor at First United Methodist Church, Pensacola, FL, this study guide gives the seeker historical insight and a fresh look into the Jesus Christ that Luke sought and recorded. Rev. Lentz brings his love of Church history and great thought-provoking questions into a user friendly layout that promotes lively discussions and deep-rooted growth in a group study.

Each lesson includes suggestions for prayer, exercises, thought questions, and basic background information on the passages studied. References to study Bibles and other useful resources are provided.

Useful for:

• Small group study
• Individual study
• Discussion and sharing

Small Group Resource

Energion Publications recommends this book as a small group resource.

The church is in disarray. Theologians and commentators speak of the demise of evangelicalism. Are they alarmists? Is Christianity as we know it in the process of dying?

Writer, scholar, teacher, and missionary Dr. David Alan Black thinks that the answer does not lie in the politics of the left or the right. In fact, he doesn’t think that Jesus tells us what our politics should be. He doesn’t see answers in Christian nationalism. But even further, he sees serious flaws in the very structure of our churches and denominations that prevent us from truly being obedient to the gospel.

The solution lies, not in renewal, revival, or even in reformation, but rather in restoration-a restoration of the church organized as Jesus intended it and according to the example provided by the earliest church sources in the New Testament.

To make the church and its members true servants of Jesus Christ again, we need to change our entire paradigm-to The Jesus Paradigm.

The Sacred Journey is a collection of insights, thoughts, and personal experiences centered on and emanating from the Beatitudes of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount.

Within its pages we are invited to consider the radical love with which God pursues His creation. God in Jesus Christ was determined to make a way for sinners to be forgiven at the Cross. While man had sinned and caused a divide between himself and His creator, God has insisted that those who receive the grace and mercy offered in His Son shall be forgiven of sin and reconciled unto God in eternally secure love.

God in salvation is singly focused on reconciling all who will place their trust, their faith, and their hope in that sacrifice. It is not we who make our way to God through good works, right belief, perfectly ordered creedal statements, or any other edifice of human composition. It is God who pursues us heatedly to receive the radical beauty of the violence of the Cross.

God has pursued, forgiven, and reconciled us unto Himself. Through the wrath which was poured out upon Jesus, mercy was poured out on us. Salvation is purely the work of God’s mercy and grace. We who have received Him have done so by faith when we have responded to the pull of God on our hearts. Grace rests upon us because God has loved us. What, in response to such a violent grace, should our reply to God be?

Surber, Christopher D

Chris Surber is pastor of the First Congregational Church in Peru, IL. With a B. S. degree in Religion from Liberty University and Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (Cum Laude), Rev. Surber has a passion for preaching and teaching the Bible with a focus on discipleship, evangelism, and outreach. The Sacred Journey is Rev. Surber’s second publication, following Sweet Potatoes in my Coffee (2008). Rev. Surber and his wife, Christina, have three sons and a daughter.

Author Page

This study guide to the book of Hebrews is designed for individual or small group studies. Its 13 lessons are ideal for Sunday School classes, small study or prayer groups and Wednesday evening studies. The guide is based on the participatory method, developed by author Henry Neufeld to help lay people learn to understand the Bible better.

Features:

1. Clearly defined study method for individuals and groups.
2. Basic lessons with graded additional study allow you to choose the time spent on your study
3. References to study Bibles and standard reference materials
4. Study of Old Testament quotations
5. Glossary of terms used in Hebrews
6. Background references
7. Study questions and topics for discussion
8. Translation and notes for reference

Small Group Resource

Energion Publications recommends this book as a small group resource.

“Prayer changes things.” It’s a common saying, and too often Christian discussion of prayer deals only with how we can change other things and other people through prayer. But what if prayer is much more that we imagine? What if it is also the means of correcting our relationship to the Creator and at the same time of changing our relationships with one another? Perhaps prayer can ultimately help transform our theology, what we believe about God, into character and action.

In Ultimate Allegiance, Dr. Bob Cornwall takes us to the Lord’s Prayer, a short and simple prayer that is well-known and often recited. But in each of its major petitions, he finds deep meaning that challenges us to think and to change. In fact, this prayer of Jesus brings us to the ultimate question of just where we should place our ultimate allegiance.

In Why Four Gospels? noted Greek and New Testament scholar David Alan Black, concisely and clearly presents the case for the early development of the gospels, beginning with Matthew, rather than Mark. But this is much more than a discussion of the order in which the gospels were written. Using both internal data from the gospels themselves and an exhaustive and careful examination of the statements of the early church fathers, Dr. Black places each gospel in the context of the development of the early church.

Though Markan priority is the dominant position still in Biblical scholarship, Dr. Black argues that this position is not based on the best evidence available, that the internal evidence is often given more weight than it deserves and alternative explanations are dismissed or ignored. If you would like an outline of the basis for accepting both early authorship of the gospels and the priority of Matthew, this book is for you.