The primary reason NavPress exists is to see people transformed through the power of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. And so, we do crazy things sometimes. We’re doing one of those crazy things next week.

 

We are so passionate about making disciples that next week, every resource (except Student Life resources) are going to be 50% off. This includes all bibles, bible studies as well as trade books. You heard that right. Next week, Monday morning through Friday night at midnight, October 1 – 5, every resource can be gotten 50% off its normal price.

 

You been thinking about buying a copy of Jerry Bridges new book True Community for every small group leader at your church or Eddie Mosley's Connecting in Communities or my own A Different Kind of Tribe, Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic? Next Monday would be a super time to do that. You been wanting to stock up on copies of The Message Bible to give to new believers or those who are considering Christ? Next week you can get any version 50% off. Are you discipling generations of believers using the 2:7 Series? Go for it! Purchase as many as you’d like. Do you want every group in your church to study a book of the bible? Pick up multiple copies of any of our studies in the LifeChange series.

 

Anything… That’s right, anything can be purchased at half the normal price. You’ll need to give this code number when you call or order online… C24S16CL3. You can order by going to www.navpress.com or calling 800-366-7788.

 

Did I mention that you could purchase ANYTHING NavPress publishes at 50% off what you’d normally pay for it? And, in case you’re wondering if there are some titles or authors that you have been wanting to read but didn’t realize they were published by NavPress, check out the list below.

 

The Need of the Hour by Dawson Trotman

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard

Real Life Discipleship by Jim Putman

Abba's Child by Brennan Manning

The J.I. Packer Classic Collection by J.I. Packer

The Message Bible (translation) by Eugene Peterson

Worldview by Greg Laurie

Becoming the Parent God Wants You to Be by Kevin Leman

The Blessing by Gary Smalley 

The Church That Prays Together by Elmer Towns

Laboring in the Harvest by Leroy Eims

Inside Out by Dr. Larry Crabb

Brave Enough to Follow by Stuart Briscoe

Turning Committees Into Communities by Roberta Hestenes


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Brad Waggoner’s book, The Shape of Faith to Come is an enlightening read, one that unveils the truth about evangelicals and their faith (and in some instances, the lack of it). This work is based on research, not just someone’s perception of what might be. Brad’s research included a sampling of 2500 Protestants who consider themselves regular church attenders. Attendance was determined as at least attending one worship service per month. This means that it is very possible that a majority of those polled are attending a Sunday School class or small group.

 

The first startling statistic that caught my attention was in response to this statement…

 

How much do you agree/disagree: Christians must continually work toward their salvation or risk losing it?

 

 

This means that, if your group is a reflection of the average evangelical community, you have a substantial percentage of group members whose hearts feel the load of performance-based faith, one of the enemy’s most dangerous weapons. These group members are consistently trying to do enough to be accepted by God. When they sin they not only feel deep, debilitating guilt, they fear they are unworthy of the home Christ is preparing for those who are His children and that they may not attain it. These individuals never feel secure in their faith and so they seldom speak of Christ and His atoning work in their lives to others. These individuals know of the gospel but don’t have a deep enough understanding of it to embrace it fully. Let’s face it, these group members are being influenced more by the deceiver than by their Savior. They are in bondage and don’t even realize it.

 

The foundational doctrine of “grace alone” must be established in the life of each of your group members. A few suggestions that may help in doing this…

 

·      Consistently speak of your own struggle with sin (sins of omission and commission) and that, even though you sometimes sin, your eternity is not based on your actions rather Christ’s actions on the cross.

·      Tie the cross into as many group studies as possible. In so doing you establish that the only act that can deal with our sin was the crucifixion of Christ and His willingness to be the final sacrifice for all of us.  

·      Study the book of Galatians with your group. A great resource for this is NavPress’s Galatians in the LifeChange Series.

·      Memorize Romans 8:1 as a group. It is a short and easily memorized verse of Scripture that anyone can learn. It simply states… “… there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”


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As I read the title of this blog post I cringe. I’ve always had a love hate relationship with ministries that sell stuff to churches. I love the outcomes of such ministries and I hate that ministries of this nature are suspect to so many. I was blindsided when God called me to Christian publishing and have been thrilled to see how NavPress manages the tension between ministry and business.

 

I have made it my goal to be certain any initiative I am involved with includes at least three wins for the church and one win for the company. After all, the church is Jesus’ bride and we are to resource her.

 

I was thrilled when I presented an idea to the NavPress team and, without hesitation, the powers that be agreed to it. Through December your group leaders can choose Bible studies from a list of 195 and get them at 50% off. All you as a pastor have to do is create a link from your website to the list (that’s three easy steps). If you’d like to see how to make this happen just click on this word… LINK.

 

The three wins for the church…

1.     50% off the normal costs of 195 Bible studies in a financially difficult season.

2.     Your group ministry has made it possible for a small group leader to easily find their next Bible study. You build your reputation as a resourcer of your leaders and they save time hunting for their next study.

3.     You, the small group point person, will not have to spend your time in conversation with group leaders guiding them to their next study.

 

The one win for NavPress… Your group ministry finds out about a plethora of resources that will be available for years to come.