Pursuing Spiritual Authenticity

Book excerpt: Discover the Life-Changing Relevance of the Old Testament Pursuing Spiritual Authenticity The words of the prophets cut through the millennia, grab us by our shoulders, and shake us from our slumber. Like a bucket of ice water, they pour over us and shock us with the message that God still speaks and is calling us to radically authentic lives. The prophets address us right where we live and call us to fresh places of spiritual growth. Part of the Old Testament Challenge series, this teaching guide and resource book helps you craft eight messages on what the prophets have to say about spiritual authenticity. As never before, your congregation will discover God's plan for stripping away counterfeit life-patterns and replacing them with authentic Christian living. A Communicator's Toolkit for Teaching the Old Testament Having the right resources gives you a powerful edge in communicating the message of the Old Testament effectively in this media-driven, sensory-intensive culture. The Creating a New Community Teaching Guide helps you connect with minds, imaginations, and hearts. Designed to maximize your connection and impact, it is a communicator's toolbox for teaching your congregation lessons from the four-part Old Testament Challenge series. * Historical, cultural, and geographical backgrounds unlock the meanings of Bible passages. Transport your listeners thousands of years into the past so they can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the ancient world. * Illustrations, humorous stories, and word pictures engage the imagination and emotions, bringing home the timeless message of the Old Testament with clarity and freshness. * Creative applications help listeners make the leap from learning Old Testament lessons to living the Christian life. The genius of this teaching guide is its flexibility. Customize your messages from a treasury of resources. This revolutionary tool provides up to sixteen categories of material for each message. No need to spend countless hours doing research---a wealth of ideas and resources lies at your fingertips! Creating a New Community Teaching Guide includes: * Creative Message Ideas * Heart of the Message * Heart of the Messenger * Historical Context Notes * Illustrations * Interpretive Insights * Life Applications * Narrative on Life * Narrative on the Text * New Testament Connections * On the Lighter Side * Pause for Prayer * Pause for Reflection * Quotable Quotes * Significant Scriptures * Word Studies Other Old Testament Challenge Teaching Guides 1---Creating a New Community: Life-Changing Stories from the Pentateuch (9 Sessions) 2---Stepping Out in Faith: Life-Changing Examples from the History of Israel (7 Sessions) 3---Developing a Heart for God: Life-Changing Lessons from the Wisdom Books (8 Sessions)