Conversations with Jesus: from St John’s Gospel
£7.00 (Approx)
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Overview
What does it say on the tin?
Patrick Whitworth gives us 10 studies of conversations between Jesus and people in St John’s Gospel. We can find here Jesus in conversation with Nicodemus who came by night for a life transforming conversation, the woman at the well surprised by a stranger who appeared to know everything about her … From these and other conversations we learn about life, death, restoration, justice, courage, forgiveness and obedience. These studies are tailor made for lifegroups, homegroups or study groups in churches who wish to look more deeply into the teaching of Jesus about life in his Kingdom.
What do you get and how?
A5 book, short chapters and average 9 study questions. Short meditation at the back. Available from www.resource-arm.net and www.amazon.co.uk.
Who is it for?
Adult Christians, Growing, Beginning
Cost?
£7.00
Review
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What is the overall quality of material presentation?
Glossy A5 book with fine art picture at head of each chapter.
How clear are its aims and outcomes?
Not described. Chapters based on talks from a house party.
How accessible are the leader's notes?
No leader's notes. Just the one book, with short chapter based on Bible passage, then study questions. Presumably the passage and then chapter would be read by all before the session, and then discussed together. Alternatively, good, lively readers could present the passage and chapter to the group – 20 minutes? Accessible, friendly and engaging style, thought-provoking and theologically grounded. Undergirded with contemporary information which helps to bring the context of the conversations to life. Gentle presentation of themes.
Who could lead it?
This is good food for thought so a leader with some experience would bring the most out of it.
How helpful are the participants' resources?
Same book. Good to have individual copies, as space given to make notes with questions.
How good is any digital material?
N/A
How much prep will I have to do?
Familiarisation with upcoming chapter. Possible preparation of conversations in passage dramatised by members of group.
Is there website support? Links?
N/A
Is it dated?
No
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How well does it encourage interaction with the group?
This would be up to the leader to encourage discussion around the study questions. These questions should, however, provoke discussion.
How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?
Discussion based and reading or presentation and listening. Fine art brings image to each theme. No hands on.
How adaptable is it to my situation?
As they are conversations, this material could be brought more to life by dramatising them. But it is unlikely to suit a group which needs more interactive and varied approaches.
How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?
Not a focus, though application in questions might spark some ideas.
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How much of the material is Bible-based?
All of it: reading of passage, commentary on it and discussion around it.
How well is the biblical material presented and used?
One conversation for each chapter. Good background and context.
How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?
Good mix in questions of engaging with text and what is means for us.
Is there a particular theological perspective?
Anglican background but not dominant.
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How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?
Encourages engagement with a range of issues as they appear in the chosen conversations.
How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?
Thought-provoking angles on issues raised by biblical material. Encouragement to think through how they apply to own situation.
How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?
See notes on Use of Bible – instructive engagement with biblical material.
How well does it connect with real life issues?
Where the conversations are about these issues, then it does – e.g. the woman at the well, the raising of Lazarus.
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How well does it encourage personal evangelism?
Relevant to some of the conversations, and included in the questions
How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?
Not a focus but relevant to some themes.
How well does it connect with global issues?
Not a focus
How well does it encourage global mission?
Appears in several chapters