Additional Small Group Topics, DVD/VHS Based Studies from Zondervan and other sources.
(Note: The links below are for the participant guides. COS will purchase the media (DVD or VHS). Just let us know when you order the guides.)
Topical Insights: Islam: Quran vs. Holy Scriptures, a 6 session DVD study. Lessons include: The Beginning, The Five Pillars & Hadith,. The Sects, God & Allah, The Bible and the Quran, and Daily Live, Special issues. (Click here for the chapter discussion questions.)
Introduction: On the morning of September 11, 2001, the world was awakened by a sleeping giant. The hatred of a group of Islamic radicals had reached its limit, and the United States was thrust head first into a new era of terrorism. Suddenly we were bombarded with terms like Jihad, Allah and Quran. Before long, our country's soldiers were heading deep into the heart of Islam. First Afghanistan, then Iraq became the focus of our war of terrorism. And the newscasters continued to shower us with terms such as Sunnis and Shiites. We even saw our soldiers invade places like Babylon and Najif.
The Christians likewise became very interested, asking questions like who are these Muslim people? Where did they come from? Why is their culture so different than ours? What does their Quran really say about God and people?
The time has come for the Christian to educate himself about this religion that includes more than a billion people. No longer are we speaking of a people in a far off country. Today we have Muslim neighbors and mosques are being built in the next town. We are coming in contact with a people whose evangelism is powerful and commanding, and whose voice is being heard around globe.
We will meet this people who traces their roots back to the tent of Abraham. We will share a glimpse of their history, their culture and especially their holy book, the Quran. We will see that there are desperately in need of love, understanding and especially the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These are people who are traveling the path to eternal destruction. They need to hear our message.
Six Sessions on Our Relationship with God
In this six-session video, Philip Yancy probes the very heartbeat - the most fundamental, challenging, perplexing, and deeply rewarding aspect of our relationship with God: prayer. What is prayer? How does it work? And more importantly, does it work? In theory, prayer is the essential human act, a priceless point of contact between us and the God of the universe. In practive, prayer is often frustrating, confusing, and fraught with mystery. Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference? is an exploration of the mysterious intersection where God and humans meet and relate.
Faith Lessons - Ray Vander Laan
A Walk though Ancient History
Pack your bags. We're going on a journey. A quest to uncover Scripture and its meaning across history. Filmed on location in Israel and Turkey, the Faith Lessons DVD seriers is an adventrue in biblical learning. This interactive study connects history and culture to religion and geography, all while relating biblical truth to modern society. Experience the Holy Land in stunning visual imagery. Illuminate Jesus' teachings as you undertand the contest in which he lived and preached.
Volume 1: Faith Lessons on the Promised Land
Volume 2: Faith Lessons on the Prophets & Kings of Israel
Volume 3: Faith Lessons on the Life & Ministry of the Messiah
Volume 4: Faith Lessons on the Death & Ressurection of the Messiah
Volume 5: Faith Lessons on the Early Church
Volume 6: In the Dust of the Rabbi: Becoming a Disciple
Volume 7: Walk as Jesus Walked: Making Disciples
The Gospel of John (DVD link)- This three-hour epic feature film on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, draws its audience into antiquity by way of meticulous recreation of the period. The film is adapted precisely Word for Word based on the Good News Translation Bible. (6-35 minute segments). Free Study Materials: Chapters 1-4, Chapters 5-7, Chapters 8-10, Chapters 11-13, Chapters 14-17, Chapters 18-21.
Boundaries – by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend present a biblical view of what boundaries are, what they protect, and how to develope, repair, and use them. By learning to set limits, participants will become more productive, creative, and better servants of God.
Based on the bestselling, award-winning book, this DVD is designed for use with groups of all sizes and utilizes the proven "group-interactive format. With brief video dramatizatins and discussion starters, Boundaries provides everything needed to conduct nine sessions. (9 sessions)
Boundaries in Marriage – by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Help couples create marriages filled with lifelong love, intimacy, and growth by teaching spouses that the best marriages have structure and limits! In eight sessions couples will learn to set and respect personal limits, establish values that undergird a godly marriage, protect their marriage from different kinds of intruders, and interact with those who do not respect boundaries. Drs. Cloud and Townsend will lead you through each video session. (8 sessions)
Boundaries with Kids – by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Help parents take the guesswork out of raising kids to become godly, productive adults. Boundries with Kids provides practical tools and ways to set firm limits while still a loving parent.
This eight session kit can be used for an adult education class, small group sessions, or a stand-alone Boundaries with Kids class. (8 sessions)
The Bible Jesus Read - Philip Yancey
An 8-Session Exploration of the Old Testament
The Old Testament is God's biography, the story of this passionate
encounters with people and also a prequel to the story of Jesus This study uses video and group discussion to explore the sometimes shocking and cryptic writings in an effort to know better.
What's So Amazing About Grace? - Philip Yancey
This insightful exploration of grace, the most powerful force in the universa and our only hope for love and forgiveness. This 10 session study is the Winner of the Gold Medallion Bood Award, the Christian Book of the Year Award, and the Retailers Choice Award.
God is Closer Than You Think – by John Ortberg with Stephen & Amanda Sorenson
Learn how to find God where you least expect Him and how to draw closer to Him. Interactive DVD format. (6 sessions)
I Love You More – How Everyday Problems Can Strengthen Your Marriage, by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrot
Relationship experts and award-winning authors Les and Leslie Parrott believe the same forces that can tear down a marriage can become the catalyst for new relational depth and richness--provided you learn the secrets to using everyday problems to strengthen your marriage. In this book they explore how a marriage survives and thrives when a couple learns to use problems to boost their love life, to literally love each other more
If You Want to Walk on The Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat – by John Ortberg
Teaches participants the skills essential to “water-walking” in faith with God: discerning God’s call, transcending fear, risking faith, managing failure and trusting God. (6 sessions)
The Jesus I Never Knew – by Philip Yancey
A complete study guide and workbook for "The Jesus I Never Knew," this recipient of the 1996 Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year and ongoing best-seller for Zondervan will help the reader in his or her process of rediscovering Jesus. This study reveals the real Jesus beyond the stereotypes, revolutionizing the reader’s passion for Christ. (8 sessions)
The Life You’ve Always Wanted – by John Ortberg
Teaches participants the skills essential to “running the marathon” in the Christian life: slowing down, celebrating joy, practicing prayer, studying Scripture and Trusting God. (6 sessions)