Relevance Landing Page - Warner Press

The Warner Press Relevance Group Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of topics using the whole of the Scriptures. The guides incorporate various stories and activities to introduce and apply the subject matter, with a Bible study component at the heart of each session. Our goal is to show life-long believers and those new to the faith how to know the Lord intimately while encouraging them to step out and join Him in His work with miraculous results.

These studies are ideal for any setting. We know that time is a valuable commodity in today’s society, and that’s why each book consists of five or six short lessons intended to meet the group’s scheduling needs.

While we may not all struggle with what would be clinically classified as addiction, the Scriptures teach that we do all struggle with sin. Simply put, there are issues in each of our lives that we have not had the power to fully overcome on our own.

This six-session interactive group study, rooted in biblical principles of healing and hope, offers guidance for overcoming the challenges of addiction and living free in Jesus Christ.

Author Paul Strozier says "No matter what circumstances may have brought you to this moment, the path forward is found in the One who identified himself as "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). You are loved-no matter what. And God's love for you, expressed in the person of Jesus and empowered by his Spirit, will teach you how to have the life you have imagined-living free. Paul is the Executive Pastor of Salem Church of God in Clayton, Ohio.

The Warner Press Relevance Group Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of topics using the whole of the Scriptures. The guides incorporate various stories and activities to introduce and apply the subject matter, with a Bible study component at the heart of each session. Our goal is to show life-long believers and those new to the faith how to know the Lord intimately while encouraging them to step out and join him in his work with miraculous results.

These flexible studies are ideal for any setting. We know that time is a valuable commodity in today's society, and that's why each book consists of five or six short lessons intended to meet the group's scheduling needs.

Paying Attention
In order to discern God’s will, it is more important for us to pay attention to what God is doing right now than to focus on what we are going to do down the road.
Beware of Mission Drift
As we seek to discern God’s will, we need to beware of mission drift, the tendency to confuse following our own goals with obeying God’s plan.
The Perfect Place
As we pray for God’s kingdom to come and his will to be done, we begin to loosen our grip on our own ideas of how the world should be and we become more open to God’s plan.
A Journey of Next Steps
Discerning God’s will involves faith, and faith in Jesus Christ is a journey of next steps, steps in which Jesus invites us increasingly to trust him and give him control.
A Different Purpose
As we serve God, we pour out the new life that Jesus has poured into us, and in doing so we discover a different purpose, also known as God’s will.
An Atmosphere of Giving
When we are saturated with the undeserved gift of Jesus, we can’t help but be caught up in an atmosphere of giving in order to help others get caught up in Jesus, too

David Becomes King
At the proper time, David took the reigns as the king of Israel; effective leaders must establish their credibility with accomplishment
King Solomon Seeks Wisdom
Solomon sought a most important resource for leadership; discernment (or wisdom) is an essential requirement for those who lead.
Josiah Remembers the Covenant
Josiah worked to lead the nation back to faithfulness to their covenant with God; good leadership includes fidelity to core values and mission.
Jesus Appoints Disciples
Jesus selected a small group from the masses who followed him for special instruction to continue what he began; effective leadership requires training others to multiply the work.
Choosing Special Workers
The apostles realized that we should make the best use of our specific gifts in God’s work; effective leaders adopt priorities that call on all involved to give their best
Serving One Another
Jesus washed the feet of his closest followers; godly leadership is about servanthood and intimacy.

I Am God’s Child
Because of God’s lavish love and Christ’s death on the cross for our sins and resurrection to life, we are sons and daughters of God and co-heirs with Jesus.
I Was Created for a Purpose
God has made every person on earth on purpose and for a purpose; no one is a mistake.
I Am Seen and Known
God knows us better than anyone else, even ourselves, and he pays attention to us like that because he loves us.
I Am Forgiven
God wants us to live free from the weight of our sin and from the burden of unforgiveness when others cause us pain.
I Am Gifted
God, through the Holy Spirit, has given every believer gifts as he chooses to use for the building up of the church.
I Am Loved
Our identity in Christ and all the things God does for us flow out of God’s love for us.

Apprenticeship: Following the Way of Jesus
Following Jesus means intentionally apprenticing our lives to learn the way of Jesus.
Acting Wisely, not Anxiously
Acting wisely by building on a foundation of trust frees us from anxiety and the pressure to accumulate treasure on earth.
Aligning Habits
Following Jesus requires caring for our bodies as part of fully training ourselves to honor Christ in our witness to others.
Avoiding Immorality and Idolatry
Avoiding immorality and idolatry is a sacrifice of worship and a powerful witness to the world of our trust in Christ; self-denial must be Spiritenabled to have value for transformation
Acknowledging Lordship
Acknowledging Christ’s Lordship is the wise path to prosperity and long life.
Acquiring Character and Accepting Our Calling
Our character and calling must be pursued with perseverance and empowered by grace in order to be accomplished.

Trouble between Brothers
Trickery and selfish actions can cause damage and conflict in our relationships, as they did with Jacob and his brother Esau
The Reunion
The Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers shows us the role of love, forgiveness, and God’s hand in restoring broken relationships.
The Neighbor
The Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us that a neighbor is anyone who shows mercy to us—and anyone who needs our mercy.
The Ones Jesus Loved
Jesus loved siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and he performed a miracle in which Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, was raised from the dead.
Still Friends
After a night of fishing, the disciples joined the resurrected Jesus in fellowship, and Jesus then affirmed Peter by asking him to care for Jesus’ sheep.
Don’t Play Favorites
The Book of James teaches that Christians should make no distinctions in their relationships based on the economic or social status of others.

Where Do We Start?
All authority ows from God. Some authority was given to humankind.
How Does Authority Work?
Human authority is divided among four primary realms: Individual, Family, Spiritual (Large-Group), and Civil (Large-Group). Some of these realms are divided up even further.
What About the Rejection of Authority?
Human beings have been given the gift of free will (self-determination). We can decide whether to agree with, and work within, God’s purpose or reject it and go another way.
What Was America's Approach to Authority?
“Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”1 —The Declaration of Independence
What Is Our Responsibility?
Followers of Jesus Christ have some powerful and important responsi- bilities as citizens of God’s kingdom who are also citizens of the United States of America.

Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The mind of God is too lofty for humans to comprehend, but through the teachings of the Holy Spirit we can begin to understand what God has given to us—the mind of Christ.
Who Needs the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit, who Jesus promised would be the disciples’ guide when he could no longer be with them, is still available to us today as our advocate, helper, and friend.
The Promised Gift
To believers who sometimes feel alone, uncertain, and in need of Jesus’ presence, God promises the Holy Spirit to be our guide and strength.
The Holy Spirit at Work
During Jesus’ last conversation with his disciples before his arrest, he spelled out the kind of work that the Holy Spirit, the promised helper, would do to enable them to carry out the task they faced.
The Gift-Giver
As the fruit of the spirit appeared in the lives of early Christians and spiritual gifts were bestowed on them, so those benefits are still promised to believers today when we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives.
The Holy Spirit: Past, Present, and Eternal
The Holy Spirit has always been part of the Godhead (the Trinity)—present at Creation, inspirer of Old Testament prophets as well as the early Christian church, and our guide through life and into eternity.

You Can Fight the Good Fight
Times of temptation will come, but God is faithful to provide endurance and a way out.
You Can Understand God's Word
God’s Word to us, the Bible, is important for helping us grow in our faith; the Lord wants us to understand and follow it.
You Can Be Successful
In a society in which success is worshipped and sought after, we are called to be faithful to God and to be faithful with the blessings God has given us.
You Can Be a Leader
“Leadership is a vital function in life and ministry. There are various kinds of leaders, but good leaders share responsibility and empower others to lead and serve as well.
You Can Pray
Prayer matters in many ways, and we should pray about every situation we face.
You Can Be Fruitful
As disciples of Christ, we are called to a change of character from self-centered, indulgent living to lives lled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Joseph Taken to Egypt
Hard times helped Joseph discern his destiny, and they can help us in the same way too.
Joseph in Prison
During hard times, Joseph saw that God still cared for him; God cares for us faithfully, as well.
Ruth Makes a Choice
Hard times brought some significant changes to Ruth’s life; at some point, hard times may call each of us to try a different path.
Esther Risks Her Life
Esther took a significant risk when the lives of her people were threatened; hard times challenge us to take risks for others.
Persecuted for Jesus
Despite imprisonment and beating, the apostles continued to faithfully share the news of new life in Christ; we too can proclaim Christ in the face of opposition.
Peter Escapes from Prison
Acts 12 describes Peter’s deliverance from prison; in the midst of perilous life situations, deliverance can come through prayer and sometimes even through miraculous means.

Hannah Prays for a Son
When Hannah prayed for a son, the Lord honored her prayer and gave her Samuel; God hears our cries and takes heed of our prayers.
Elijah Prays
When Elijah challenged the people to serve God, the Lord answered Elijah’s prayer to demonstrate clearly God’s power; the Lord still acts, inspiring people to praise and worship.
Jonah Runs Away
Jonah ran from God, but when he poured out his heart in prayer, God gave him another chance; the Lord hears our prayers for restoration and help.
How to Pray
Jesus taught that giving and prayer are matters between us and God, and he gave us a model upon which to base our prayers.
Jesus Prayed
Before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus prayed to receive God’s strength and to do God’s will; we should also pray for the strength and guidance of God.
Peter and Cornelius
Because of the prayers of Cornelius and Peter, God brought them into relationship with each another and brought Cornelius into relationship with Jesus.

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