July, 1992

Christian Education Resources
Rev. Jeff Kingswood

As we enjoy the summer weather and the somewhat more relaxed pace of this time of year, many of us are looking ahead to the coming Fall programs in our congregations. In many areas the planning is done, the materials ordered, and the workers recruited. However, just in case you have an adult Bible study class or youth group for which you still haven't found the right study material, we'd like to offer a few suggestions.

Never before have we had so many quality materials to choose from. With choice, however, comes the question of quality. You want the best for your group or your own study time. We've picked a few that we think will be profitable for you.

NavPress

The publication arm of the Navigators ministry puts out many quality books and Bible study guides that encourage Christian growth and maturity. Authors such as Jerry Bridges and Sinclair Ferguson teach fundamental doctrines such as holiness, sanctification and regeneration, in a manner that is both easy to understand and yet challenging. Although not explicitly Reformed in perspective, many of their authors are Reformed theologians and all of their materials are solidly Biblical and evangelical. Available at your local Christian book store.

IV Press

InterVarsity Press the publication arm of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is another source of good study material (although some recent publications have stirred some controversy). We would particularly recommend the Life-builder Christian series of booklets which take Education you, as a group or individual, through a book of the Bible in Resources a clear systematic way. A study guide for each study is available and a booklet entitled How to lead a small group Bible Study is available in this series. Once again, although not strictly Reformed, these studies are Biblical and evangelical (and if you are truly Biblical you'll come out Reformed). You can order these from your local Christian book store.

Group

The publishers of Group magazine put out a host of materials aimed primarily at the junior and senior high age groups. The studies are highly interactive. They get the young people involved and each lesson and activity seeks to apply a scriptural principle to the life of a teenager. The material is broadly evangelical and transdenominational. If you don't think rock music and popular movies are legitimate discussion starters, this material isn't for you. See your local Christian book store for details.

Ligonier Ministries

The teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul puts out many quality study materials on subjects from Abortion to the Holiness of God. The great doctrines of the Christian faith, social issues, and Bible studies are presented in book, audio tape, and video tape formats that are designed to be used individually or in a small group or class setting. If you are looking to find material for an adult study group from beginner to 'theologian in training' this is the place to look. The material is solidly Reformed in emphasis and comes from such noted theologians as R.C. Sproul, John Gerstner, J.1. Packer, Charles Colson and others. We can't imagine better. For a catalogue call 1-800-435-4343 and tell them you are Canadian. They have a special distributor for Canadian orders. Service is great.

RCA Resources

Our denominational resource center also offers many different materials such as CRC Publications with their I cradle to the grave range' of study material, secular and Christian films from TRAVARCA, mission studies, social issues, family life, evangelism, etc. The material is diverse as is the quality. There is good stuff to be had but you need to know what you are looking for. Service is good, problems at the border seem to have been cleared up, and you can simply call the Distribution Center at 1-800-828-8013 for information or orders.