New Philippians Study Guide Invites Students to Let the Text Change Them

July 20, 2011 - PRLog -- Energion Publications is pleased to announce the release of Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide by Dr. Bruce Epperly on July 25, 2011. This book contains eight lessons suitable for use by an individual student, but best used in a small group. The lessons are clearly written so that a laity-led class or small group can use them to advantage. In addition, there is a guide to using the book that provides insights into Bible study in general, and two appendices, one outlining the process of Bible study and one listing and describing useful references.

Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide is the sixth volume in the Participatory Study Series, and according to Dr. Robert Cornwall, author of a previous volume, it “takes the series to a new level.” From the beginning to the end of each lesson, as well as through the complete study guide, the student is invited to absorb the text and allow God’s message to change her or his life. The study  maintains the standard of providing a guide that takes account of current biblical scholarship and helps the student examine the text critically while also listening to and being guided by the Holy Spirit.

Each lesson includes prayers, spiritual exercises, thought questions, and theological reflection. “The exercises were exceptionally challenging for my class, inviting the students to think of spiritual things in a completely new way,” said publisher Henry Neufeld, who used advance copies of this book in his own teaching before publishing it.

Rev. Geoffrey Lentz, who also authored a book in this series, says that “reading Philippians in this way will change your life.” Dr. George Carey, Professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary says he will recommend that groups in his own congregation make use of the book. (A full list of endorsements can be found on the book’s catalog page, http://energionpubs.com/books/1893729974.)

The book is 122 pages in length, including front and back matter, and will be available from Energion Direct (http://energiondirect.com) or from most online retailers. Review or evaluation copies are available from the publisher.

Rev. Bruce Epperly, Ph.D., (http://bruceepperly.com) is a teacher, spiritual guide, writer, lecturer, retreat leader, and reiki teacher. The author of twenty books, including Holy Adventure: 41 Days of Audacious Living, he is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ.

A graduate of Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California, in 1980, Bruce has served as a faculty member at Central Michigan University, Georgetown University, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Lancaster Theological Seminary. He also served as Senior Protestant Chaplain at Georgetown University. He regularly lectures, leads workshops and retreats, and gives reiki trainings throughout the United States and Canada.

Bruce is married to Dr. Katherine Gould Epperly and is the father of Matt Epperly.

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Energion Publications publishes challenging, educational, and spiritually uplifting material for the broad Christian center. We look for books that present strong views presented in such a way as to invite dialog.