The Beatitudes

by John Houghton

Published 12 February 2016
These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

Look afresh at the Beatitudes and explore Jesus' unconditional grace

The eight Beatitudes, or blessings, are not just an introduction to Jesus' groundbreaking Sermon on the Mount. They are among His best known but perhaps least understood words. Jesus speaks to the needy, the sad, the powerless, the cheated, the carers, the purists, the blamed, and indeed to all of us. His words remain as relevant today as when they were first given.

Through these challenging seven sessions:

  • Gain a fresh perspective of the eight Beatitiudes
  • Discover their relevance in our contemporary world
  • Deepen your understanding of the overwhelming grace of Jesus
  • Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    Psalms

    by John Houghton

    Published 12 November 2019
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    Discover the beauty, depth and raw emotion behind the psalms

    Right in the middle of the Bible, we find not a theological address or a great historical event, but passionate poetry. These wonderfully honest songs of life cover the full range of human emotions - including hope, joy, lament, despair and thanksgiving - while pointing to our faithful, good and eternal God.

    These seven insightful sessions help us to discover:

  • There are psalms of education, consolation, exasperation, anticipation, lamentation, contemplation and adoration.
  • The psalms are earthy and realistic in addressing our frail and fallible human condition, but show us how to live a life of faith.
  • We can be completely honest about our emotions before God, while knowing Him to forever be worthy of our praise.
  • Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    Song of Songs

    by John Houghton

    Published 12 November 2018
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    An exploration into what it means to live in the divine plan for human sexuality

    The Song of Songs - a Hebraic way of saying 'best song of all' - is a collection of erotic love poems between a wife and her husband, and is an unapologetic celebration of intimacy within the context of Christian marriage. In his reading of the poem, John Houghton explains how, whether married or single, this book of the Bible gives us something truly awesome to celebrate and proclaim.

    These seven insightful sessions help us to consider:

  • That sex and sexuality are a God-given part of His good creation, not a consequence of the Fall
  • The place and outworking of love and intimacy within Christian marriage, and the strengthening of the relationship through this
  • Biblically, our true identity is defined by relationship
  • Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    Revelation 1-3

    by John Houghton

    Published 15 March 2008
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    Christ's call to the Church

    In His letters to the seven churches of Asia, Christ reveals His will for His people at all times and in all places. The book of Revelation is from Jesus and about Jesus. John Houghton shows us how, amidst the dramatic symbolism and powerful imagery, Jesus is encouraging His people in their walk with God. Our hearts will be strengthened as we take His words to churches on board. Like John the apostle when he received the revelation, we will understand the urgency to repent where necessary. We will also catch a glimpse of Jesus, the one who loves us and has liberated us from the power of sin, in all His transcendent glory.

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    Luke

    by John Houghton

    Published 11 November 2014
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    Discover why Jesus has written a prescription for our lives

    Luke, a Greek doctor and man of learning, records in his Gospel a detailed historical account of Jesus; but he does not consign Jesus to the pages of history. Instead, he shows us how Jesus provides a prescription for living in today's world, and for the future.

    These seven sessions will:

  • Increase your appreciation of Jesus as the Son of God and the Son of Man
  • Reveal Jesus as the dynamic source of new hope, new politics, new teaching, a new society, new disciples, a new covenant, and a new age
  • Stir you with the radical impact of Jesus' message and the call to follow Him

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


  • Letter to the Colossians

    by John Houghton

    Published 12 September 2006
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    In Christ Alone

    This exciting study of Colossians will help you to grasp the immense riches you inherit through salvation in Christ. In our current society of 'pick and mix' spirituality, the centrality of Christ - His deity, His supremacy and His constant creative presence in our world - cannot be overstated. Be inspired as you ponder the mystery of these eternal characteristics, and realise that He is indeed 'the hope of glory' living within you.

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    Philippians

    by John Houghton

    Published 12 April 2007
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    Philippians - Living for the Sake of the Gospel

    Paul's joyful letter to his friends in the church at Philippi was written from prison in Rome, yet is infused with energy, hope and encouragement. In one of the clearest statements of his bold faith, unshakeable trust and radiant love for Christ, Paul instructs the Philippians (and believers everywhere) in the practicalities of living joyfully, prayerfully and contentedly - whatever their circumstances in life. Let the truths of Paul's words to the Philippians transform your walk with God.

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application and 'Seeing Jesus' sections makes this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    Isaiah 1-39

    by John Houghton

    Published 20 May 2009
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    Isaiah 1-39: Prophet to the nations

    Isaiah is the Messianic prophet above all others. He sought to address the spiritual bankruptcy and hypocrisy of God's chosen nation and to point forward to the One who would come to save all nations. He speaks of not only the first coming of Christ, but the second coming also - he is a prophet for us today! This Bible study looks at some of the main themes in the first half of the book of Isaiah, enabling individuals and groups to grasp an overall picture of this passage of Scripture, as well as grapple with key biblical concepts held within it, including holiness, atonement, salvation and evangelism.

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    Hebrews

    by John Houghton

    Published 14 February 2005
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    HEBREWS: Jesus - simply the best.

    The book of Hebrews is an invitation to deal with our uncertainties about faith in the best way possible - by looking to Jesus. Jesus is the eternal Son of God; brighter than angels; greater than Moses; He surpasses Aaron. Jesus has changed the course of history and launched a brand new era.

    Jesus also introduces a new covenant, sealed in His own blood, dealing totally with sin and its consequences and bringing about a transformed life in those who believe.

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    Jeremiah

    by John Houghton

    Published 15 November 2005
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    Jeremiah: The passionate prophet

    Jeremiah was a remarkable prophet of judgment and hope, ministering at a crucial point in world history. Divinely called as a youth, his ministry of nearly 50 years foretold and witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation to Babylon.

    Jeremiah analysed this as the judgment of God upon a nation that had abandoned its covenant with Yahweh for devotion to fertility gods.

    Jeremiah anguished over his confrontational role and what he could so clearly see coming. Yet he also anticipated the restoration of God's people and foresaw the era of the new covenant and the coming of the Messiah.

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    The Covenants

    by John Houghton

    Published 15 February 2003
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    God's promises and their relevance today

    This is an exciting study which reveals how God's character unfolds throughout the Bible in the various promises He has made to us. Although established many centuries ago, these covenants still determine the course of human history and are relevant to your life today. Be inspired as you discover the God of covenant love, the covenant of life, the covenant of providence, the covenant of faith, the covenant of law, the covenant of Kingship and the covenant of grace.

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    Letter to the Romans

    by John Houghton

    Published 14 March 2004
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS: Good news for everyone

    This intriguing study of Romans will take you on a journey through the landscape of faith, exploring the depths of human depravity and the heights of God's love. The author combines solid Bible teaching with a unique and imaginative perspective to do justice to the vivid drama and lyricism, often overlooked in other approaches to Paul's letter.

    Seven stimulating sessions lasting 1-2 hours. An introduction from the author sets the topic in context. Opening ice breakers, Bible references, discussion starters. Suggestions for personal application. Helpful notes for group leaders.


    Mary

    by John Houghton

    Published 13 April 2015
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    Uncover timeless truths from Jesus' mother, Mary

    Perhaps one of the most famous women of all time - whatever our denominational background we can celebrate Mary's life and learn from her joys and sorrows. How she reacted to the news that she would give birth to the Son of God, and how she lived and communicated during His time on earth and after His ascension, can teach us much about how God wants us to live and act today.

    These seven sessions will:

  • Go beyond tradition to see the biblical mother of Jesus
  • Display an ordinary woman living an extraordinary life
  • Help you rediscover Mary's example of lifelong servant-heartedness

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


  • Isaiah 40-66

    by John Houghton

    Published 12 April 2010
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    Isaiah 40-66: Prophet of restoration

    It looked like the end of nationhood for God's people as they faced a punishment they most surely deserved. But Isaiah saw beyond Judah's captivity by the Babylonians to a time of remarkable restoration. As part of this, they would rediscover God's purpose for them - to be His servant; a destiny that would in due course be enshrined in one Man, Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah and Savious of the world.

    This Bible study helps us to understand Isaiah's powerful message: that God is a holy God who cannot ignore sin, but One who also displays amazing grace and mercy, and a longing to enjoy restored relationship with us.

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.


    Galatians

    by John Houghton

    Published 12 November 2011
    These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.

    Enjoy freedom from both legalism and lawlessness

    The Galatian Christians were confused. Paul had brought them the gospel of Christ and the Holy Spirit was working miracles in their midst; but were they fully saved or did God require them to observe the Law of Moses as well? The path of lawlessness cannot save, nor can the way of legalism

    Unpack the sometimes complex arguments of Paul, understand the logic of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone, and discover the truth that sets us free!

    Topics covered include:

  • The Law and the Promise
  • The Slaves and the Sons
  • The Spirit and the Flesh
  • and more.

    Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.