How do you feel when you encounter someone with a different religious background? Are you open to the ideals of others, are you curious about their religion? A former Muslim turned Christian, Ergun Caner, Th.D., uses the Apostle Paul’s courageous defenses of the Christian faith in the Book of Acts to identify six distinctives that separate Christianity from all other belief systems. We’ll also examine the beliefs of four major world religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam—and show that those beliefs cannot stand against the truth of God’s Word. When we, as Christians encounter other belief systems, the resulting clash of ideals and deeply held beliefs constantly tests our faith. Are you prepared to respond?
Leader: John Vetter       Cost: No fee

Have you ever wondered if it was God talking or just wishful thinking? Have you spent most of your Christian life leaning on your beliefs without really experiencing them? Have you ever wondered how passionate believers can speak of stirring spiritual conversations, certain it is His voice commanding them? Through daily assignments and small group sessions you will explore your personal relationship with God and discover how He is speaking to you. Renowned Christian speaker Priscilla Shirer helps us to discover a truly intimate relationship with God. The more in depth your relationship with Him is, the easier it will be for you to discern the voice of God.
Leader: Nancy Buechler       Cost: $11.00

Men’s Fraternity-Authentic Manhood :: Winning at Work and at Home
July 9th :: What men need to know woman
July 15th :: Engaging your women successfully
July 22nd :: Staying close to the woman you love
July 29th :: Improving your sex life
August 5th :: How a man makes the money work at home
August 12th :: The “good life” and where to find it

Our human capacity for spirituality proves that we need to believe in something greater than ourselves but it also leaves us longing when we fill it with anything but God. Something that fills all of our lives is being a leader. Whether we are doing it at home, work or in the community we are all leading someone. We are certainly leading our own lives. This session is designed to nourish the spiritual lives of all those leaders. The demands placed on us can be eased with spiritual guidance. This is a powerful, down to earth session by Erwin McManus that interprets our need for intimacy, meaning and destiny, pointing us straight to fulfilling our needs with God. We can spend our whole lives trying to satisfy the one insatiable part of our being—our soul craving. Join us on the journey of identifying the longings of your soul and examining the spiritual implications. Take care of those you lead by taking care of their leader.

Come along with Beth Moore and explore the concepts of Triumphs and Tests. See how these concepts affect our lives as New Testament believers. Join Beth as she teaches and leads us through Genesis 22:1-19. She will show how God tested Abraham and how God continues to test us. She will also show us how Abraham’s response led him to triumphs when he responded. When we learn to respond with obedience triumph will follow.

Unlike any other part of creation, humanity hungers to put it all together. We want to know who we really are. We seek answers. According to scholar and apologist, Ravi Zacharias, Christianity’s definition of humanity is unlike any other world religion or philosophy in that we believe that God created us in His image. You’ll learn how this unique definition affects all aspects of what it means to be human, including moral framework, self-determination, intellect emotion and will. This is an inspiring session that will give you a spectacular vision of the biblical definition of human-kind, discovering that being human means having intrinsic worth and reflected splendor. You’ll discover the biblical definition of human-kind and see that the greatest evidence of that worth is seen in the life and love of Christ Jesus. Be ready to be inspired?

Somehow we all know that to play it safe is to lose the game. Though no one chooses a life of apathy and missed opportunity, we are so easily lulled to sleep—losing the miraculous in the midst of the mundane. In this session, Erwin McManus asserts that God crafts divine moments specific to each of us—priceless opportunities for us to actively engage in His plan. Looking at Israel’s war with the Philistines, McManus illustrates the eight characteristics of an adventurer’s heart-what he calls ‘the Jonathan factor”. In developing these traits, you will learn how to respond daily to Christ’s divine invitation, seize the power of the moment and discover a life of spiritual adventure. Embrace God’s calling to a life of purpose and adventure. Stop burning and start Chasing Daylight!

Soul stirring conversation with God, do you not long for that? Do you long to hear from God? When you talk to God do you expect him to talk back to you? Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer will discuss and illustrate how by applying her style of “the five P’s” God can speak to us through his word. Her five Ps are pore, paraphrase, pull out, pose and plan/pin. In this session we will discuss verses from the book of James 3: 8-11 and then apply the 5 Ps to it. Be prepared to hear God’s voice through these scripture verses.

What makes a good parent? Many parents face insecurity and a lack of confidence in their parenting skills. But there is hope—and help for your family! We’ll reveal simple secrets to good parenting and show you that it is possible to be a confident and a competent parent by adjusting your focus. Learn the difference between being a good parent and a controlling, interfering one. Instead of managing your kids and forcing them to keep their distance, draw them to your side and nurture their needs in a loving, trusting way. In this session, by Steve and Valerie Bell you will learn to be a “need-meeter”, build an “I’m-crazy-about-you-attachment” and establish core values for your family. It’s time that parents—and kids—start playing on the same team!