Out on the risky waters of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you and offer you his Holy Spirit power that will change your life forever, deepening your faith and trust in God.

In this six-session study pastor and author John Ortberg teaches people how to trust God more fully. Using testimonial interviews to illustrate his talks, Ortberg teaches participants the skills essential for “water-walking” in faith with God. Designed for use with the video.

You're one step away from the adventure of your life. John Ortberg invites you to consider the incredible potential that awaits you outside your comfort zone. Deep within you lies the same faith and longing that sent Peter walking across the wind-swept Sea of Galilee toward Jesus. In what ways is the Lord telling you, as he did Peter, "Come"? Out on the risky waters of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you in ways that will change you forever, deepening your character and your trust in God. The experience is terrifying. It's thrilling beyond belief. It's everything you'd expect of someone worthy to be called Lord. The choice is yours to know him as only a water-walker can, aligning yourself with God's purpose for your life in the process. There's just one requirement: If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. In this Christianity Today Award-winning read, bestselling author John Ortberg pushes you to take the last step that separates you from the adventure of your life. And, as a result, you will learn to: Recognize God's presence Discern between faith and foolishness Not only expect problems, but field them when they come Reorient your thoughts about failure and see it as an opportunity to grow Wait on the Lord And, ultimately, connect more deeply with God Features discussion questions at the end of each chapter to enhance your reflection and spiritual growth. Also perfect for small group discussion.

In the six-session small group Bible study, The Life You’ve Always Wanted, John Ortberg guides you and your group through the spiritual disciplines and teaches you how they can transform your spiritual life. What does true spiritual life really look like? And what keeps you from living it? What can you do to pursue it? If you’re tired of the status quo—if you suspect there’s more to Christianity than what you’ve experienced—John Ortberg invites you to join him on a road to transformation and spiritual vigor that anyone can take. Cultivate new intimacy and confidence in prayer. Discover the freedom of secrecy. Taste the benefits of slowing life’s frenetic pace. Learn how to be guided by the Holy Spirit … and much more. As in a marathon, the secret lies not in trying hard, but in training consistently. Proven by followers of Jesus over the centuries, the spiritual disciplines are exercises that strengthen your endurance race on the road to growth. Sessions include: It’s Morphing Time Slowing Down and Celebrating Praying and Confessing Meditating on Scripture and Seeking Guidance Practicing Servanthood, Finding Freedom Going the Distance with a Well-Ordered Heart Designed for use with The Life You’ve Always Wanted: A DVD Study 9780310810506 (sold separately).

Community is God’s idea. Only in community can we know and be known, love and be loved, celebrate others and be celebrated by them. And only through close, transparent relationships can we be transformed as individuals.Groups invites you to enjoy the rewards--and embrace the risks--of community. Step by step, this study will challenge and encourage you to explore the amazing potential for growth found in authentic relationships. You’ll study the true nature of friendship. The power of paying attention. The path to intimacy. The encouragement of being for one another. You’ll learn what it means to live out these and other simple but vital truths for being all you are, giving all you’ve got, and receiving all you need as a member of God’s dynamic community, the church.Leader’s guide included!Groups group sessions are:This Is a FriendshipLove Pays AttentionKnowing and Being KnownWhen Community Breaks DownForgivenessBuilding a Passionately Inclusive ChurchBeing "For" One Another

Gifted--that’s you! Uniquely equipped to help build up the body of Christ. As a follower of Jesus, serving others is an integral part of your identity and an important key to your personal growth. But how do you cultivate a servant’s heart and your spiritual gifts in ways that build up your church, your family, your friends, and your world--without wiping you out in the process? Gifts guides you to the answers. Through personal study and small group interaction, this study will help you develop a passion to be used by God. You’ll find out about your unique place in the body of Christ and how to surmount the obstacles that keep you from thriving. You’ll discover the joy of serving with others--doing together what you cannot do alone. And you’ll learn how to abide in Christ, experiencing a freshness and vitality that grow as you give!Leader’s guide included!Gifts group sessions are:Use Me!Use My Gifts!Walking into WeaknessComparison: The Killjoy of ServanthoodThe Ministry of the MundaneServanthood’s Bell-Shaped CurveAbide in Him

What would your life be like if Jesus lived it? Imagine the change you would experience in your thoughts, actions, and relationships. Think of the joy and freedom that could transform every area of your life. That’s exactly what God has in mind for you! You’ll find out how in Growth. Through personal study and small group interaction, this study sets you on a path to live out the character of Jesus in this world as only you can. It happens not by trying hard, but by training. By cultivating spiritual disciplines--Scripture meditation, prayer, solitude, endurance, loving others--you’ll discover the joy of being transformed by Christ and the freedom of living each day sustained by his power. Leader’s guide included!Growth group sessions are:Training to Live Like JesusThe Practice of Scripture MeditationThe Practice of SolitudeSimple PrayerThree Transforming PrayersThe Roundabout WayAnd the Greatest of These Is Love

In this refreshingly candid look at what it takes to live a life of faith, John Ortberg takes an honest look at the misgivings and uncertainties that often shake our beliefs as we navigate through the highs and lows of life. Reflecting on his own bouts with doubt and uncertainty, Ortberg shares with readers his discovery that, rather than being a contradiction in terms, doubt and faith may be very much a part of each other. He challenges readers to consider how doubt can motivate us to study and learn, how questioning expands our understanding, and how uncertainty can lead to trust. These challenges point us toward the relief of being totally honest. The right kind of doubt can be a gift—an action-generating truth that actually allows us to deepen our faith and intimacy with God. Written to challenge, comfort, and inspire readers, Know Doubt reveals uncertainty as a cause for celebration.

Many Christians have an easier time being saved by grace than they do living in grace every day. But grace is at the center of the life God calls us to--and reflects the heart of the One who calls.These studies in Grace will help you make the connection between grace as a remote biblical concept and grace as a lifestyle--a reality you experience day in, day out. Through an unfolding study of Psalm 23, you’ll learn how God--our Good Shepherd--is for you, how he longs to walk with you through temptation, sorrow, and even deep regret. You’ll discover God’s desire to make his joy your joy. Throughout, you’ll learn how enduring, powerful, and life-affirming God’s work in your life can be—and rediscover why it’s called amazing grace.Leader’s guide included!Grace group sessions are:Living in GraceGrace for RegretsSustaining GraceDelighting in GraceA Legacy of GraceGrace ForeverGrace to Share

In 2005, Bob and Sallie Solis of the Phoenix area took their life savings to start a home for orphaned children in South Africa. After seeing so much suffering caused by AIDS on a family mission trip, they felt called to do something to ease the pain of children they encountered. In this book, Bob Solis movingly recalls some of the most poignant stories from an incredible journey which has given 55 children a home to call their own. Bobs strong Christian faith and commitment to service gives him deep insight into the wonderful journey that led to the founding and growth of Open Arms Home for Children. Praise for From the Darkest Places Come the Brightest Lights Bob Solis has written a book from the depths of his heart with imagination, humor, wit, compassion and unwavering trust in Divine Providence. I highly recommend this book. Reading it will enrich your life. -Father Joe Corpora, C.S.C. University of Notre Dame Coach Jim Valvano said there are three things we should do every day. Number one is laugh. Number two is think. Number three is have your emotions moved to tears. I did all three by the sixth page of this book! -Duane Kuiper, Major League Broadcaster and former big leaguer This is a beautiful book about life, love and faith. While they are too humble to admit it, Bob (aka Bobo) and Sallie are heroes at least for the children who are blessed to live at Open Arms. We have been there and it is heaven on earth for these kids. If you want to be inspired to listen carefully to your own calling, read this book. I loved it. -Addison Tad Piper, Former Chairman of the Board, Piper Jaffray Inc. This powerfully moving book is like observing a master songwriter craft his Magnum Opus it will inspire you, encourage you and most profoundly cause you to ask yourself, How can I sit in my rocking chair when the house is on fire? -Rev. Dale Hopely, Jr., Senior Pastor, The Church at Litchfield Park With Foreword by Randall McDaniel, Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame