There are two new books in the Covenant Bible Studies series from Brethren Press: “Ten Reasons to Love Leviticus” and “More Miracles of Jesus.” Also newly available from the Church of the Brethren publishing house is the 2016 camping curriculum on DVD, titled “Branching Out.”
The Covenant Bible Studies series is published by Brethren Press for people committed to living authentic Christian lives. Each 10-session study encourages small groups to reflect, pray, and learn together. Purchase one copy for each member of a study group, for $10.95 each (shipping will be added). Call 800-441-3712 or go to www.brethrenpress.com .
Ten Reasons to Love Leviticus
Written by Robert W. Neff, professor emeritus of Old Testament at Bethany Seminary and a former general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, and Frank Ramirez, senior pastor of Union Center Church of the Brethren in Nappanee, Ind., this is a unique study of a difficult Old Testament book. The authors intentionally make Leviticus inviting using humor and good biblical scholarship.
Leviticus “has become a synonym for a number of things–boredom, arcane obscurity, condemnation, repressive laws, confusing dos and don’ts (mostly don’ts), along with absurd and antiquated rituals,” the authors write. “So why are we writing a study guide about it? We love Leviticus! Why? Leviticus is the book where we live. Leviticus recognizes that we are bound together, whether we know it or not, and that our actions have consequences that either ennoble us or coarsen us…. Leviticus challenges us to live lives of integrity seven days a week.”
The study focuses on four themes: an ethical connection to food, he call to be holy as God is holy, Sabbath rest and festival living, and the Jubilee.
More Miracles of Jesus
The 10 lessons in this book by James L. Benedict, pastor of Union Bridge Church of the Brethren in Maryland, explore some of the signs, wonders, and works of power that Jesus performed and that are recorded in the New Testament.
This book is a continuation of the study of Jesus’ miracles begun in a previous Covenant Bible Study by Benedict, titled “Miracles of Jesus,” which also is available from Brethren Press.
Branching Out
This new summer camping and outdoor ministries curriculum is sold on DVD-ROM for $375. Order by Oct. 15 and save 10 percent.
“Camp lasts only one week. What campers take home from camp lasts a lifetime,” said a Brethren Press announcement of the curriculum. “This summer, remind campers they can take that camp feeling with them everywhere they go. Remind them they are connected to one another and to God by Christ.”
Bible stories in “Branching Out” encourage campers to use prayer, relationships, family, and more to stay connected throughout their lives. Included are seven days of material for each of five age levels, plus eight weeks of original Day Camp materials. Age levels are: younger children, older children, younger youth, older youth, and family/intergenerational.
Daily themes are:
Day 1: The Place Where We Camp, Joshua 4:1-9, John 15
Day 2: I Am the Vine, 1 Corinthians 11:23b-26;
Day 3: Love One Another, John 8:2-11
Day 4: I Chose You, Luke 15:11-32
Day 5: I Have Spoken to You, 1 Kings 19:11-13
Day 6: Abide with Me, Luke 24:13-35
Day 7: I Abide in You, Romans 8:35, 37-39.
Order from Brethren Press. Call 800-441-3712 or purchase from www.brethrenpress.com