Below you’ll find a curated list of resources that we’ve found helpful for a deeper dive into the Scriptures and a variety of topics. Please note that, with the exception of the Bible, we don’t endorse all of the views expressed in these materials.
Resources
Current — Series Resources
The deepest longings we have are to be known and loved. In a world where those longings are rarely met, countless people have found that the Book of Psalms speaks to them in a way that almost nothing else does. This summer, we invite you to explore an unparalleled collection of raw, unfiltered, and highly personal writings from real people, experiencing the highest of highs, the lowest of lows, and everything in between. Bring your whole self and let’s get honest with God.
We invite you to engage in the Psalms in the following five ways:
WATCH videos from The Bible Project
Click Here for a brief overview of the Book of Psalms
Click Here for a helpful video about Biblical poetry
READ selected Psalms organized by theme
Pain: Psalms 5; 6; 13; 31; 42; 77; 102
Praise: Psalms 29; 30; 47; 63; 65; 92; 95; 96; 103; 136; 138; 145; 146; 147; 148; 149; 150
Petition: Psalms 17; 32; 35; 37; 38; 51; 65; 130
Perspective: Psalms 8; 19; 24; 33; 39; 90; 102; 115; 135:15-18; 143; 144
Presence: Psalms 23; 24; 39; 91; 139
Prophecy: Psalms 22; 44; 69; 89; 110; 118
Protection: Psalms 11; 12; 16; 18; 25; 27; 31; 46; 55; 58; 59; 61; 69; 121; 125; 140
Psalm 119
Perseverance: Psalms 37; 40; 128
MEMORIZE Psalm 23
Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
LISTEN to our curated Psalms playlist
EXPLORE this outstanding guide to the Psalms
Click Here for a helpful guide to the Psalms created by The Bible Project
Other Series Resources
Book Resources
Sally Lloyd-Jones Found: Psalm 23 (Jesus Storybook Bible) Board book
From the creators of the bestselling Jesus Storybook Bible—with over six million copies sold—comes Found, a board book retelling of Psalm 23 in child-friendly language that helps little ones know they are always cared for and protected by God. And the colorful, engaging illustrations of a shepherd with his sheep will hold your child’s interest as you snuggle up and read together.
The Lord is my Shepherd. And I am his little lamb. Through words young kids can understand, and vibrant illustrations that pair perfectly with the text, your child can experience the comfort and security of Psalm 23. And the sturdy board book format makes it a story you can read together over and over again to encounter God’s Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.
Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
“ As a society, we are still obsessed with the immediate, but Peterson’s time-tested prescription for discipleship remains the same—a long obedience in the same direction.
Long obedience requires a deepening life of prayer. Peterson finds encouragement for today’s pilgrims in the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), sung by travelers on their way to worship in Jerusalem. With prophetic and pastoral wisdom, Peterson shows how the psalms teach us to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community, and blessing.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible
“First published in 1940, this classic reveals how the Psalms are essential to the life of the believer and offers Bonhoeffer’s reflections on psalms of thanksgiving, suffering, guilt, praise, and lament. Now with an introduction by Walter Brueggemann and excerpts from the Psalms, Bonhoeffer’s timeless work offers contemporary readers ancient wisdom and resources for the living of these days.”
CS Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms
In this wise and enlightening book, C. S. Lewis—the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics—examines the Psalms. As Lewis divines the meaning behind these timeless poetic verses, he makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace.
Doug O’Donnell, Psalms: a 12-Week Study
The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God’s Word.
These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) “Gospel Glimpses” highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) “Whole-Bible Connections” show how any given passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) “Theological Soundings” identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture.
With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God’s grace on every page of the Bible.
The book of Psalms powerfully resonates with the whole spectrum of human emotions and experiences, resounding with heartfelt praise, humble confession, and honest lament.
NT Wright, The Case for the Psalms: Why They Are Essential
Widely regarded as the modern C. S. Lewis, N. T. Wright, one of the world’s most trusted and popular Bible scholars and the bestselling author of Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope, presents a manifesto urging Christians to live and pray the Bible’s Psalms in The Case for the Psalms.
Wright seeks to reclaim the power of the Psalms, which were once at the core of prayer life. He argues that, by praying and living the Psalms, we enter into a worldview, a way of communing with God and knowing him more intimately, and receive a map by which we understand the contours and direction of our lives. For this reason, all Christians need to read, pray, sing, and live the Psalms. By providing the historical, literary, and spiritual contexts for reading these hymns from ancient Israel’s songbook, The Case for the Psalms provides the tools for incorporating these divine poems into our sacred practices and into our spirituality itself.
Pathways — Series Resources
What we think—about ourselves, about God, about the world—matters! Our thought patterns have the potential to lead us down extremely helpful pathways or highly destructive ones. We invite you to join us as we journey into the Scriptures. The latest discoveries in science confirm what the Bible has said all along: If we change our thinking, we can change our lives! more...
Sermon Series
Click Here to view our series on Pathways from Spring of 2024.
Pathways Books:
Soundtracks by Jon Acuff
When we don’t control our thoughts, our thoughts control us. If our days are full of broken soundtracks, thoughts are our worst enemy, holding us back from the things we really want. But the solution to overthinking isn’t to stop thinking. The solution is running our brains with better soundtracks. Once we learn how to choose our soundtracks, thoughts become our best friend, propelling us toward our goals.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving–every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard,
Helping us to understand how character is formed and where Jesus does his most significant work on our spiritual and emotional health, this book changed a generation’s mind about what it means to follow Jesus―not a matter of sin management but a matter of drawing near and letting ourselves be shaped into the eternal people of God.
Switch on your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf
Supported by current scientific and medical research, Dr. Caroline Leaf gives readers a prescription for better health and wholeness through correct thinking patterns, declaring that we are not victims of our biology. She shares with readers the “switch” in our brains that enables us to live happier, healthier, more enjoyable lives where we achieve our goals, maintain our weight, and even become more intelligent. She shows us how to choose life, get our minds under control, and reap the benefits of a detoxed thought life.
Just Show Up by Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn
In Just Show Up, Kara Tippetts and her close friend, Jill Lynn Buteyn, write about what friendship looks like in the midst of changing life seasons, loads of laundry, and even cancer. Whether you are eager to be present to someone going through a difficult time or simply want inspiration for pursuing friends in a new way, this eloquent and practical book explores the gift of silence, the art of receiving, and what it means to just show up.
Don’t Feed the Monkey Mind by Jennifer Shannon
The very things we do to control anxiety can make anxiety worse. This unique guide offers a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based approach to help you recognize the constant chatter of your anxious “monkey mind,” stop feeding anxious thoughts, and find the personal peace you crave.
The Anxiety Cure by Dr. Archibald D. HartPanic Anxiety is the number one mental health problem for women and second only to drug abuse among men. Synthetic tranquilizers can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety illnesses. However, in order to achieve lasting emotional tranquility, a significant lifestyle change must be made. The Anxiety Cure provides proven, natural strategies for overcoming panic disorder and finding an emotional balance in today’s fast-paced world.
Pathways Playlist
Romans Pathways
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Other Romans Pathways from Chapters 1-12
- I am not ashamed of the Gospel . . . it is the power of God (1:16)
- God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (5:8)
- What benefit was I getting when I was doing the things I’m now ashamed of? Those things bring death. (6:21)
- There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! (8:1)
- I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us. (8:18)
- As we inwardly groan, with the rest of creation, we wait eagerly for the redemption of our bodies. (8:23)
- The Spirit helps us in our weakness. (8:26)
- God works all things for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. (8:28)
- If God is for us, who can be against us? (8:31)
- In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us! (8:37)
- Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (8:38-39)
- He is the Potter. I am the clay. (9:20-21)
- My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. (10:1)
- How will they believe if they have never heard? (10:14)
- My love is sincere. (12:9)
- I honor others above myself. (12:10)
- I am joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. (12:12)
- I share with the Lord’s people who are in need and practice hospitality. (12:13)
- I rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (12:15)
- To the extent that it depends on me, I live at peace with others. (12:18)
- I am not overcome by evil. I overcome evil with good. (12:21)
Message Series Resources:
Not Alone by ECC
Living with anxiety, fear and worry can leave you feeling inadequate, overwhelmed and isolated. But you’re not alone. Discover how Scripture, science and hope converge as we begin to unpack this loaded Passage with a new teaching series. From a series we did in 2018, find encouragement from a deep dive into Philippians 4:4-12.
Peace of Mind by Life Church
Sometimes, we’re facing battles that no one else can see. What do we do when we don’t understand what we’re feeling and hope seems far away? In our series, Peace of Mind, we’ll learn how to fight our mental battles and find peace.
I AM | HE IS — Series Resources
Have you ever felt like you’re not enough, your needs are too big, or there’s no hope for your situation? In the seven weeks leading up to Easter, we’re going to explore seven statements that Jesus made about Himself in the Book of John. Who Jesus is just might change who you are. Here are some resources we hope are helpful. more...
Sermon Series
Click here to watch our online series on the I Am statements of Jesus from Spring 2024.
BibleProject videos:
What is the Gospel of John about in the Bible? Watch as the Bible Project teams explains its major themes and gain a deeper understanding of its place in the biblical story.
Other BibleProject resources:
This article is recommended on their website and offers a concise explanation of the book of John especially with regards to how it compares with the synoptic Gospels.
This guide to John is basically the text of the two overview videos, so if you would like to dig into the video content more or read it rather than watch it, they can do that here.
Books:
John for Everyone, Pt. 1: Chapters 1-10, by N.T. Wright
John for Everyone, Pt. 2: Chapters 11-21, by N.T. Wright
Sabbath — Series Resources
When you hear the word Sabbath, what comes to mind? You can find countless opinions, but how many of those ideas come directly from the Bible? As we begin the new year, we invite you to join us on a deep dive into what Scripture does and doesn’t say about one of the most misunderstood, ignored, necessary, and delightful commands ever given. more...
Sermon Series
Click Here to watch our online series on Sabbath from Winter 2024.
Bible Project resources:
Bible Project video on Sabbath: What is the Sabbath? Explore the biblical concepts of seventh day rest and Sabbath and see how modern Christians can adopt this important practice.” Included with this video are some questions for reflection and a list of related scriptures on sabbath.
Bible Project podcast on Sabbath: The seventh day is like a multifaceted gem. One of the main facets is the fabric of creation as leading toward a great goal where humans imitate God and join him in ceasing from work and labor. But there’s going to be another facet that’s all about being a slave to our labor. And so the seventh day is a time to celebrate our liberation from slavery so that we can rest with God.”
This is the first in a series of 14 podcast episodes about Sabbath. You can also read a transcript of each podcast episode.
Useful Bible resource apps:
Literal Word is a quick and powerful Bible app thoughtfully designed for engaging the word of God.
The Bible Project also has an app which allows for navigation to all of their videos, podcasts, and articles.
BIbleGateway.com resources:
Finding Bible references to sabbath on Bible Gateway:
Click Here and you’ll find a list of 154 references to the word “sabbath” in the Bible. Another search term that might be helpful is “rest.”
If you’d like to have a printable list of the sabbath references, click Click Here for a PDF.
Books on Sabbath:
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- The Sabbath, Abraham Joshua Heschel — In this book, Heschel, a Jewish Rabbi, explores the “architecture” of sabbath, reflecting on how the concept of sabbath formed the Jewish vision of God and the universe, and how the Jewish tradition was deeply rooted in this sabbath worldview. A classic!
- Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now, Walter Brueggemann — In this book Brueggemann, an expert on the Old Testament, reflects on how adopting the practices of sabbath will challenge the culture of our time. He especially reflects on how sabbath can challenge and encourage us to resist the economic habits of our time.
- Sabbath, Dan Allender — Allender, a well-regarded Christian therapist, explores the way that sabbath is seen in the Scriptures as a day of delight and an experience of God and his goodness. This book pushes against a legalistic vision of sabbath and calls us to see how God’s good intent for our souls is expressed through the practice of sabbath.
- The Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time, Judith Shulevitz — This book is part memoir, part religious history, and philosophy. Shulevitz reflects on her own upbringing in the Jewish tradition and how her struggle to maintain sabbath has helped her reflect on the past and the present.
- Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting, Marva J. Dawn — Dawn’s book is a call to stop seeing the sabbath as one day a week and instead to see how our whole lives are to be ordered by God’s sabbath rule in the world. This book helps us to see how sabbath can be central to our life with God and with our neighbor.
- Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World, A.J. Swoboda — The importance of this book is in helping us see that keeping sabbath is not simply about ourselves and our own spirituality, but about the community in which we live. Swoboda calls us to see sabbath as a communal practice that shapes the church’s presence in the world.
Bible Study Resources
- ESV Study Bible — About this book: The ESV Study Bible was designed to help you understand the Bible in a deeper way. Extensive study notes, charts, maps, and articles make this study Bible a valuable resource for serious readers, students, and teachers of God’s Word. Why we appreciate this resource: The ESV is a more literal translation of the Bible. It is great for digging deeper and has exceptional study notes
- NLT Study Bible — About this book: Explore the Scriptures with almost 50 of today’s top evangelical scholars. Every feature in the NLT Study Bible has been created to do more than just impart information. Ask questions, and the NLT Study Bible gives you both the words and the world of the Bible. Seek deeper understanding, and find the meaning and significance of Scripture, not just facts. Why we appreciate this resource: The NLT offers a more readable translation and also includes exceptional study notes.
- The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (IVP Bible Background Commentary Set) by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews — About this book: Providing historical, social and cultural background for each Passage of the Old Testament from Genesis through Malachi, this single volume gathers and condenses an abundance of specialized knowledge from expert scholars—-making it available and accessible to ordinary readers of the Old Testament.
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The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (IVP Bible Background Commentary Set) by Craig S. Keener — About this book: This unique commentary provides, in verse-by-verse format, the crucial cultural background you need for responsible―and richer―Bible study. It includes a glossary of cultural terms and important historical figures, maps and charts, up-to-date bibliographies, and introductory essays about cultural background information for each book of the New Testament.
Questions About Faith
Parents and Families
- The Action Bible: God’s Redemptive Story (Action Bible Series) by Sergio Cariello
- The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Jago
- Every Parent’s Guide to Navigating our Digital World, by Kara Powell, Art Bamford
- Gist: The Essence of Raising Life-Ready Kids, by Michael W. Anderson L.P., Timothy D. Johanson M.D.
- Phase Profile Summaries from Parent Cue
Outreach
Our Hope for you
We want to help you find resources that will help you grow in your faith. We hope these can be helpful to you.