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Real Change: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life
Every honest Christian knows the need for change. But how to get there? How do you move forward from struggles both big and small? And how does our faith in God impact our everyday thoughts, feelings, and actions? This six-session small group resource gives participants an opportunity to reflect on one particular area in their lives and then to learn more about how God changes us to become more like Jesus. All of us struggle to love God and those around us, but God has promised to keep working on us. And God always keeps his promises. The change that his gospel produces will make your life and your relationships truly beautiful. This self-contained resource with Leaders Notes will encourage small group participants to understand and apply a biblical view of change to their lives and relationships. Real Change: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life is based on the CCEF model of change from David Powlisons course, Dynamics of Biblical Change. The easy-to-use six lesson format and included leaders guide, guides participant's toward an honest discussion of there own struggles while providing an understanding of how a relationship with Christ brings change. Topics addressed include understanding how we typically respond to trouble, how the cross of Christ brings comfort, help, and change, and how we can grow to be like Christ in the hardest circumstances.
92 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2018
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118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 5, 2024
Read in a church group.
December 10, 2020
Such a good study to do with friends or in a small group!!
February 16, 2019
What is going on in your heart when you sin. What are your loving? What are your seeking, aiming for and pursuing. Where are your putting your hope. What are you fearing. What do you not want. What do you worry about. Where are you looking for refuge, safety and comfort. What or whom are you trusting that is not of the Lord. Whose performance or control is making life work for you. Whose opinion of you counts the most. Whom do you desire approval and fear rejection what is making you feel rich, secure and prosperous. Whose victory or success are you hoping will make your life happy? What are you thinking is your right. What do you feel entitled to. What are your praying for. What are you thinking the most. What are you obsessed with. what is important to you. What attitudes are you communicating. How your spending your time. What are your priorities. Where do you find your identity.
These questions you are faced with when it comes to dealing what is in your heart. It is only by identifying these heart conditions where change can begin. It seems like change may not be possible when we have been on the same treadmill for so long. How do we begin with real change that is for a lifetime. Change that will help us to be better in community. The change that will be in response to the love of God and to serve others purely without selfish reasons.
The study comes in two parts and it is meant to be done with others. It does not need to be done in a big group but with one other for accountability and to see growth spiritually. The first part is the study itself. Each chapter begins with an aim summary and reading exercise. A time to reflect and the context of the change. Scripture reading to discuss with questions to help in the discussion.
Each chapter deals with why do we respond the way we do and how being in Christ brings transformation A key words in this study is the Heat. These are situations we face that we respond to sinfully or in the spirit which leads to the next - The Root/Heart- this is the decision making center of who we are. How we respond to God. The next key word is Thorns- These are God-dishonoring self focused ways we respond to the heat of life. The next is Reap- These are the negative consequences of our choices. Which affects those around us. The next is Lifegiving Spirit. This is the stream of living water, the Holy Spirit. Where we meet God in our sinfulness. The next word is the Cross that represents all the promises of God's mercy and grace. The next word is Good Root where repentance and faith is the process of change. The next word is Good Fruit. These are the God-honoring ways we can respond to our circumstances and what we reap from them.
The second part is the leader's guide which was very helpful. Change is possible with intentionality, community, prayer and the holy spirit. God loves us to much to leave us in our sin but loves enough to see that there is something better. His presence. This book is not one and done but one to come back to and do a heart check. Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to New Growth Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
These questions you are faced with when it comes to dealing what is in your heart. It is only by identifying these heart conditions where change can begin. It seems like change may not be possible when we have been on the same treadmill for so long. How do we begin with real change that is for a lifetime. Change that will help us to be better in community. The change that will be in response to the love of God and to serve others purely without selfish reasons.
The study comes in two parts and it is meant to be done with others. It does not need to be done in a big group but with one other for accountability and to see growth spiritually. The first part is the study itself. Each chapter begins with an aim summary and reading exercise. A time to reflect and the context of the change. Scripture reading to discuss with questions to help in the discussion.
Each chapter deals with why do we respond the way we do and how being in Christ brings transformation A key words in this study is the Heat. These are situations we face that we respond to sinfully or in the spirit which leads to the next - The Root/Heart- this is the decision making center of who we are. How we respond to God. The next key word is Thorns- These are God-dishonoring self focused ways we respond to the heat of life. The next is Reap- These are the negative consequences of our choices. Which affects those around us. The next is Lifegiving Spirit. This is the stream of living water, the Holy Spirit. Where we meet God in our sinfulness. The next word is the Cross that represents all the promises of God's mercy and grace. The next word is Good Root where repentance and faith is the process of change. The next word is Good Fruit. These are the God-honoring ways we can respond to our circumstances and what we reap from them.
The second part is the leader's guide which was very helpful. Change is possible with intentionality, community, prayer and the holy spirit. God loves us to much to leave us in our sin but loves enough to see that there is something better. His presence. This book is not one and done but one to come back to and do a heart check. Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to New Growth Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
December 22, 2018
This is a six week study based on a model of change developed by David Powlison for a CCEF course. We have pressures and we can respond to them in two ways. One is a self-focused God dishonoring way reaping negative consequences. The other is a God honoring way. The course aims to help us allow the Spirit to bring us to repentance and change our hearts so that our response to the pressures of life are God honoring, producing good fruit and reaping positive consequences.
There is a Three Trees diagram describing the model and each lesson deals with one of the parts of the diagram. The lessons rely heavily on the diagram and the model. This is not a study of spiritual growth or change in general. It is specifically dealing with the model and the diagram.
The format of the lessons includes lots of reading, discussing, and writing. The amount of text to read is more than I have generally seen in a study like this. Participants are encouraged to discuss the material and answers to questions with one person, rather than in a group. The authors note that self reflection is an important part of the process of change. (Loc. 62/1452) They encourage participants to journal and there is a great for participants to write about. This study would be appreciated by people who like to read lots and write lots.
The first half of the book is the study while the second half is a leader's guide. It is very detailed, suggesting five minutes of discussion here, ten minutes on this topic there. The information in the leader's guide is quite informative, making me think this study would be most effective in a group setting with a leader and not by someone trying to do it on their own. Also, the leader's guide is so detailed that someone new to leading a group would find it very useful.
This study might be most useful for relatively new Christians. It is also quite focused on decisions we make and how they relate to our growth.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
There is a Three Trees diagram describing the model and each lesson deals with one of the parts of the diagram. The lessons rely heavily on the diagram and the model. This is not a study of spiritual growth or change in general. It is specifically dealing with the model and the diagram.
The format of the lessons includes lots of reading, discussing, and writing. The amount of text to read is more than I have generally seen in a study like this. Participants are encouraged to discuss the material and answers to questions with one person, rather than in a group. The authors note that self reflection is an important part of the process of change. (Loc. 62/1452) They encourage participants to journal and there is a great for participants to write about. This study would be appreciated by people who like to read lots and write lots.
The first half of the book is the study while the second half is a leader's guide. It is very detailed, suggesting five minutes of discussion here, ten minutes on this topic there. The information in the leader's guide is quite informative, making me think this study would be most effective in a group setting with a leader and not by someone trying to do it on their own. Also, the leader's guide is so detailed that someone new to leading a group would find it very useful.
This study might be most useful for relatively new Christians. It is also quite focused on decisions we make and how they relate to our growth.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 4, 2019
Do you ever feel like you're spinning your wheels, not making much progress in areas where you'd like to see change in your life? Often, change is difficult and slow going. It can be easy to get discouraged and abandon the effort. Real Change: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life seeks to come alongside believers as they pursue a personal change project, encouraging; instructing; and pointing people to Jesus.
Based on the diagram from "The Dynamics of Biblical Change" course offered by the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation, Real Change unpacks "The Three Trees Diagram" in six concise lessons, offering questions for reflection, study, and discussion, as well as, an included Leader's Guide. Users will find this guide Scripture-saturated consistent with the authors' stated goal:
"This model is not intended to supersede Scripture but to summarize Scripture. Please use the model in such a way that it encourages people to run toward the Bible rather than seeing it as a stand-alone model" (53).
For those who are familiar with the CCEF materials from which this derives it's inspiration, Real Change isn't merely a re-hashing of previously published material but takes more of a small group, Bible study approach as opposed to the lecture format of previous material. It's a welcome addition to the Three Trees "family" of resources and should prove edifying as those who utilize it examine their hearts and look to Christ, the Author of all real change.
*Many thanks to New Growth Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book! These are my honest thoughts.
Based on the diagram from "The Dynamics of Biblical Change" course offered by the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation, Real Change unpacks "The Three Trees Diagram" in six concise lessons, offering questions for reflection, study, and discussion, as well as, an included Leader's Guide. Users will find this guide Scripture-saturated consistent with the authors' stated goal:
"This model is not intended to supersede Scripture but to summarize Scripture. Please use the model in such a way that it encourages people to run toward the Bible rather than seeing it as a stand-alone model" (53).
For those who are familiar with the CCEF materials from which this derives it's inspiration, Real Change isn't merely a re-hashing of previously published material but takes more of a small group, Bible study approach as opposed to the lecture format of previous material. It's a welcome addition to the Three Trees "family" of resources and should prove edifying as those who utilize it examine their hearts and look to Christ, the Author of all real change.
*Many thanks to New Growth Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book! These are my honest thoughts.
December 10, 2018
In "Real Change", the authors, Andrew Nicholls and Helen Thorne, teach churches and small groups about biblical change--transforming their lives to become more like Christ. The study is intended to be used by at least two people, or a group that can divide by twos. It would be somewhat difficult to be used as an individual study.
There are six sessions that address various issues we either struggle with or strive for. You work with a discussion partner during the meeting and have homework between sessions. It can be used as a small group study, as mentioned above, but would work best as a mentoring tool. If you are a mentor, this book will be an excellent resource that will benefit both of you. You can go through it as quickly or as slowly as you would like. It also includes leader's notes that will help you prepare and facilitate the sessions.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from through Audra Jennings PR for New Growth Press. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
There are six sessions that address various issues we either struggle with or strive for. You work with a discussion partner during the meeting and have homework between sessions. It can be used as a small group study, as mentioned above, but would work best as a mentoring tool. If you are a mentor, this book will be an excellent resource that will benefit both of you. You can go through it as quickly or as slowly as you would like. It also includes leader's notes that will help you prepare and facilitate the sessions.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from through Audra Jennings PR for New Growth Press. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 19, 2019
This is a study guide for a six-week course on how to change for real, with God's help. The six sessions are titled CHANGE, HEAT, THORNS, CROSS, FRUIT, and REAL CHANGE. They discuss reflecting on the need for change, on ways your circumstances affect your heart, on ways which the desires of your heart drive your responses to the heat of life, on the ways Jesus' mercy impacts your past, present, and future, on the ways Jesus produces good fruit in your life, and how to persevere on a lifelong journey of change.
The course is designed to be used by two people, or a small group divided into groups of two. It goes deep into the subjects and provides a lot of food for thought in each session. There are discussions in each session, as well as homework assignments for the time between sessions. I intend to recommend this study to both of the small groups I am part of, as I think it could be very beneficial.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from through Audra Jennings PR for New Growth Press. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The course is designed to be used by two people, or a small group divided into groups of two. It goes deep into the subjects and provides a lot of food for thought in each session. There are discussions in each session, as well as homework assignments for the time between sessions. I intend to recommend this study to both of the small groups I am part of, as I think it could be very beneficial.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from through Audra Jennings PR for New Growth Press. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 29, 2019
Content is great: a distilled version of Powlison‘s three trees model. However the format of the course is a little unclear and busy. The course is designed to be run for six weeks in hour and half sessions with heavy partner discussion. I’d rather see it be a little more teaching intensive than discussion-focused. Overall great study. I’ll probably lead it two more times this year.
June 4, 2020
Worked well in our one-to-one weekly meetings. It only works though if the "student" is honest and comfortable enough to share personal struggles. You only can apply the material to your personal life, which indeed is going to make discussions vulnerable.
My leader is a very kind women so I am fortunate that I was able share very personal thoughts and so this guide was useful for us.
My leader is a very kind women so I am fortunate that I was able share very personal thoughts and so this guide was useful for us.
September 10, 2019
Good study in practical theology. We attempted this in a Sunday School setting, but found it a bit unworkable. Would be best to do with a friend. Excellent and convicting content.
December 4, 2021
I did not read the leader’s guide content, but did walk through the study with a friend. This book has given me personal tools to pursue change in my heart.
November 3, 2023
This is a great book, especially when done as a part of a group study. It shares Biblical, practical tools for growth in Christlikeness.
February 16, 2022
Excellent six-week study on responding Biblically to to life's struggles and sin. Gets at the root issues of the heart not just surface change. Perfect for small groups, Biblical counseling homework, or one-on-one discipleship.
December 21, 2020
A great study to do with a small group. Really applicable and tangible examples.
March 4, 2019
This book is a six week study focusing on biblical change, This book focused on a model of change originally developed by CCEF and taught from David Powlisons course, Dynamics of Biblical Change. What I enjoyed about this book was the clear and concise way they modeled biblical change. Each session ended with thought provoking questions to work through with a mentor or small group of 2 or 3 people. I read through each session and toke detailed notes on the questions, and as I did, I I found myself learning about some areas I struggle in and some key concepts to help me grow and change in those areas. Although this is a rather small book, this is not a book to read in a weekend. This is a book that needs to be worked through slowly with a mentor or trusted friend. To truly benefit from this book; I recommend taking the time to answer the questions and keep your Bible handy.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews