Most Popular Books by Adam Hamilton

The power and significance of the prayer Jesus taught. Most Christians know the Lord’s Prayer by heart. We pray it often, at different times and in different settings. We remember it as the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. But do we really understand and appreciate the meaning and power of its words, what we ask of God each time we pray it? When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, Jesus gave them this prayer. He likely taught it to his followers often, not just one time. He never intended the Lord’s Prayer to be a museum piece, framed and placed on a mantel or in a display case. It was Jesus teaching God’s people, through his disciples, how to pray. In The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught, pastor and bestselling author Adam Hamilton guides us to really know—and really pray—the Lord’s Prayer. He explores each of its rich lines and their meaning in the Bible, illuminating what we ask of God and what we ask of ourselves through its words. And he teaches us how to use it as a pattern for our own prayer life. Additional components for a six-week study include a DVD featuring Adam Hamilton and a comprehensive Leader Guide.

Imagine announcing a new series of sermons and seeing worship attendance increase by 1,000 people on the first Sunday of the new series. Or consider a pastor developing sermon plans two to three years out. What kind of pastor sits in a bar with a notepad just looking for ideas for sermons? Or has as his aim to preach the best prepared, best researched sermons his congregation has ever heard? All of these and more explain part of the reason the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people to over 10,000 in just thirteen years.In Unleashing the Word, Adam Hamilton helps pastors and church leaders consider the purpose, planning, and execution of excellent preaching. He offers detailed descriptions of the sermon planning, writing and preaching process behind one of the fastest growing churches in the United States. He includes numerous personal anecdotes and enough sermon ideas to keep the average pastor busy for years Finally, after you have read how sermons are planned and prepared at the Church of the Resurrection you can watch the included DVD which features four full-length sermons and other resources to help you apply what you''ve read in the book. If you only buy one book on preaching this year, this is the book you must buy

Christians are faced every day with daunting choices between difficult alternatives. What does my Christian faith have to say about the moral issues that divide our society? There are plenty of people on opposite sides of the spectrum claiming to know the will of God in these matters. It is nonetheless very difficult to find help in looking at both sides of these ethical questions and applying the biblical witness to arrive at an authentically Christian belief about them. This is precisely what Adam Hamilton proposes to do. Presented as a collection of sermons, Confronting the Controversies includes euthanasia, assisted suicide, creationism, abortion, and homosexuality. Scrupulously fair to both the positions of each side and their motivations for holding them, Hamilton offers clear, concise information on what is at stake in these explosive issues. Hamilton applies a careful, broad reading of Scripture to offer direct yet compassionate guidance on what a faithful Christian response will be. This book is set up for group study, with discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

The thought of speaking in public strikes fear in the hearts of many. But we are often called upon to speak, teach, preach, or make presentations in our work and personal lives. In Speaking Well, Adam Hamilton offers nineteen powerful tips and tactics that lead to excellent speaking in any setting. “One of today’s masters instructs us in the art of public speaking. I wish I’d had this book twenty years ago!” —Cal Turner, retired CEO of Dollar General “A great and fun book for all who speak in public . . .” —Jerre Stead, Chairman and CEO of IHS Inc. “Adam teaches us how to use the gift of words effectively and in ways that elevate and inspire those who hear them. ” —Irvine O. Hockaday Jr., retired President and CEO of Hallmark Cards (1985–2001) “This little book will improve your preparation, content, delivery, and impact.” —Patricia Farris, Senior Minister, First United Methodist Church, Santa Monica, CA “Want to be a better speaker? Read this book! It will remind you of things you know but have forgotten and will give you new practices to follow.” —O. Wesley Allen Jr., Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX “An unbelievably helpful pocket resource . . .” —Frank Thomas, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN “If you want to become a better public speaker, take lessons from a master.” —Mike Bonem, speaker, consultant, and author of Leading from the Second Chair

With Adam Hamilton, we have traced the life of Jesus from his birth The Journey, through his ministry The Way, to his death and resurrection 24 Hours That Changed the World. What happened next? Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through modern-day Greece and Turkey. Travel to the early church sites and explore Paul’s conversations with the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. In this six-week study, you are invited to experience faith through Christ’s greatest teacher and missionary. This 96-page Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through The Call Bible study program. Includes session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options. This guide centers around the book, the videos, and Scripture.

From Birth to Resurrection in the Gospel of Luke Jesus came to lift up the lowly. Throughout his ministry to his final days on the road to the cross, we find stories of his relationships with ordinary, flawed, and unexpected people. He met, dined, and traveled with people who were not perfect. Many of them were struggling, some were outsiders or even outlaws. Whoever they were, from those he healed to the outlaws with him at his crucifixion, Jesus brought the good news of God’s kingdom to those who most needed to hear it. In Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws, pastor and bestselling author Adam Hamilton explores the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Luke. Through Luke’s stories we find Jesus’ care and compassion for all as he welcomes sinners and outcasts. As we study Luke and see Jesus’ concern for those who were considered unimportant, we hear a hopeful and inspiring word for our lives today. The book can be read alone or used for a group study and church-wide Lenten program. Additional components include video teaching sessions featuring Adam Hamilton, a comprehensive leader guide, free downloadable resources for children and youth, and a digital worship and sermon helps. The book includes a link to download the free teaching resources for children and youth.

In this study, you will understand how Joseph''s place in the nativity story is much like our own. In life, we encounter circumstances that we would have never chosen for ourselves. At times it can be tempting just to walk away. Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don''t understand and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. Exchange your doubt for courage this Advent and Christmas season. Learn to accept and glorify God''s will even when circumstances make it difficult to do so. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study, including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

With Adam Hamilton, we have traced the life of Jesus from his birth The Journey, through his ministry The Way, to his death and resurrection 24 Hours That Changed the World. What happened next? Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through modern-day Greece and Turkey. Travel to the early church sites and explore Paul’s conversations with the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. In this six-week study, you are invited to experience faith through Christ’s greatest teacher and missionary. Everything needed to conduct a six-session study of Paul’s travels and teachings geared to youth, including current examples that have meaning to young people grades 6-12. Can be used with the adult-level DVD.

We’re all searching. Sometimes the search is easy: simply type a question and the answer pops up. But sometimes our questions are complicated, and the answers are difficult to see and harder to articulate. How do we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? Adam Hamilton believes that some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles’ Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. In this book, Hamilton considers important questions of life, reality, and truth. He explores not only what Christians believe, but also why they believe it and why it matters. Chapters include: God Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit The Church at the Communion of Saints The Forgiveness of Sins The Resurrection of the Body Creed: What Christians Believe and Why is also part of a six-week church-wide program that includes a Leader Guide, DVD, and youth and children resources.

In this study, you will understand how Joseph''s place in the nativity story is much like our own. In life, we encounter circumstances that we would have never chosen for ourselves. At times it can be tempting just to walk away. Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don''t understand and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. Exchange your doubt for courage this Advent and Christmas season. Learn to accept and glorify God''s will even when circumstances make it difficult to do so. This Youth Study Book takes the ideas presented in Adam Hamilton''s book and interprets them for young people grades 6-12.

Journey with Adam Hamilton as he travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem in this fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. As he did with Jesus'' crucifixion in24 Hours That Changed the World, Hamilton once again approaches a world-changing event with thoughtfulness. Using historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heart-felt as you walk along this road. Read The Journey on your own or, for a more in-depth study, enjoy it with a small group. Also available: The Journey: A Season of Reflections The Journey: DVD with Leader Guide The Journey: Youth Edition The Journey: Children''s Edition “This book may be the greatest Christmas present of the year. Adam thoughtfully, movingly walks us through what really happened when God touched this planet. The richness of the full story will touch your life as well.” John Ortberg, author of The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God’s Best Version of You “If you think you know the story of Jesus’ birth, think again! This wonderful book sets us on a journey to the times and characters of Christmas so that we experience the birth of Christ in our lives in a new way.” Joel C. Hunter, author of Church Distributed “Adam is a pastor who has clearly walked in the footsteps of the Master. This is a timely Christmas gift for a friend no matter where he or she is along ‘the journey.’” Rich Nathan, coauthor of Empowered Evangelicals

It’s a captivating story—one that has been told many times before, but never quite this way. Popular pastor, author, and speaker Adam Hamilton guides teens on a journey to experience the anxiety and anticipation that Joseph and Mary felt as they prepared for the birth of Jesus. Youth will meet familiar characters, including Elizabeth, Mary’s older relative; the lowly night-shift shepherds who were the first to hear the good news of the Savior’s birth; and many others. They will spend time in the towns surrounding the Holy Land and will travel with Mary and Joseph on that unforgettable journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. This is a journey that is meant to be shared. Take your first step now. This five-week resource for youth includes leader helps. You will need one copy for every participant as well as your leader. It also provides resources for incorporating The Journey: DVD with Leader Guide and doing a book study of Adam Hamilton’s The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem.

In this companion volume that functions beautifully on its own or as part of the churchwide experience, Adam Hamilton offers 40 days of daily devotions on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, enabling us to pause, meditate, and emerge changed forever. The reflections, ideal for use during Lent, include Scripture, reflection, stories from Hamilton’s own ministry, and prayers.

From Birth to Resurrection in the Gospel of Luke Jesus came to lift up the lowly. Throughout his ministry to his final days on the road to the cross, we find stories of his relationships with ordinary, flawed, and unexpected people. He met, dined, and traveled with people who were not perfect. Many of them were struggling, some were outsiders or even outlaws. Whoever they were, from those he healed to the outlaws with him at his crucifixion, Jesus brought the good news of God’s kingdom to those who most needed to hear it. In Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws, pastor and bestselling author Adam Hamilton explores the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Luke. Through Luke’s stories we find Jesus’ care and compassion for all as he welcomes sinners and outcasts. As we study Luke and see Jesus’ concern for those who were considered unimportant, we hear a hopeful and inspiring word for our lives today. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through a six-week study based on Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws, including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options. Additional study components include video teaching sessions featuring Adam Hamilton, free downloadable resources for children and youth, and a digital worship and sermon helps.

Experience the final hours of Jesus’ life in new ways as you take your own journey to the cross. Based on Adam Hamilton''s devotions from 24 Hours That Changed the World, this new edition contains added content to help readers prepare heart and mind for Easter: descriptions of Hamilton’s travel to the Holy Land, historical and scriptural content from each chapter of 24 Hours, links to online travel videos and photographs, as well as Scripture, prayers, and opportunities for personal journaling. Journey to the Cross is excellent for individual devotion and reflection and can also be used in a small group experience.

His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh. In Incarnation, best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores the meaning of these titles and what they tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Join him and reflect upon the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and world today! Chapter topics include: The Royal Titles: Lord and Messiah The Deliverer’s Title: Savior The Incarnate Title: Emmanuel The Light of the World Epilogue: The Word Made Flesh This Youth Study Book takes the ideas presented in Adam Hamilton’s book and interprets them for young people grades 6-12.

Turn your reluctance into boldness by walking in the footsteps of Moses.

DO NOT USE THIS COPY FOR LOVE TO STAY 2013************************************************* This small-group study is more than a small-group study. It provides the components to create a powerful small-group experience, including video presentations, a leader''s guide with activities for class sessions and home use, and a thoughtful, inspiring participant''s book written by Adam Hamilton, the dynamic young pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. But it is more than that. A Pastor''s Guide with CD-ROM provides the information and tools needed to create a congregation-wide event that will reach beyond the classroom, beyond the sanctuary, and into the community, bringing young people and families into the church who ordinarily might only stop by on Christmas or Easter. Making Love Last a Lifetime is a comprehensive program for reaching new people, creating excitement, launching new small groups, and strengthening existing classes. It includes sermon starters and illustrations, marketing materials, and outreach tools built around an eight-week study on a topic that holds great interest for singles and married persons, both inside and outside the church. Designed for use in 60-90-minute sessions. For more information about Adam Hamilton''s studies, go to www.adamhamilton.cokesbury.com.

Based on Hamilton''s, The Journey: Reflections for the Season, this new edition contains added content to create an experience of preparation of heart and mind for Christmas. Experience the Nativity story in new ways as you take your own journey to Christmas. Walking the Road to Bethlehem combines content from Adam’s travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a summary of the historical and scriptural content from each chapter of The Journey, links to travel video and photographs online, Scripture, prayers and room for personal journaling. Walking the Road to Bethlehem is excellent for individual devotion and reflection and can also be used as a small group experience.

His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh. In Incarnation, best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores the meaning of these titles and what they tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Join him and reflect upon the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and world today! Chapter topics include: The Royal Titles: Lord and Messiah The Deliverer’s Title: Savior The Incarnate Title: Emmanuel The Light of the World Epilogue: The Word Made Flesh The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

In Christianity and World Religions, Pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores four major world religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism—and the beliefs of each with those of Christianity. He deals openly and honestly with questions people ask about other religions like: Why are there so many different religions? How should Christians view other religions? How is God at work in other religions? What is the fate of those who earnestly pursue God through other religions? In examining these major world religions and the beliefs of their followers, Hamilton urges us as Christians to build bridges with others so that we might grow in our faith, seek peace in our world, love our neighbor, and find positive ways to share the gospel. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

How do we walk with Christ—daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him? In the Gospels, Jesus modeled for us the Christian spiritual life. The apostles taught it in their writings. And the Church has, through the last 2,000 years, sought to pursue this Christian spiritual life. In The Walk, Adam Hamilton focuses on five essential spiritual practices that are rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God and taught throughout the New Testament. Each of these practices is intended as part of our daily walk with Christ while also being an essential part of growing together in the church. In each chapter, Hamilton explores one of these practices, its New Testament foundation, and what it looks like to pursue this practice daily in our personal life and together in the life of the church. Deepen your walk with Christ as we explore the five essential practices of worship, study, serving, giving, and bearing witness to our faith. This Youth Study Book takes the ideas presented in Adam Hamilton’s book and interprets them for young people grades 6-12.

In his passionate and life-changing book Forgiveness: Finding Peace Though Letting Go, bestselling author Adam Hamilton shows the same insight that he brought to his popular books Why? Making Sense of God’s Will and Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. In this new book, Hamilton explores forgiveness in our relationship with God, with our spouses or romantic interests, with our parents and siblings, and with others in our lives. This comprehensive Leader Guide, when used with the DVD, provides everything you’ll need to hold a four-session study of Forgiveness with your group. Inside you’ll find session plans, discussion questions, and activities, as well as suggestions of ways to make the study a meaningful experience for any group.

How do we walk with Christ--daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him? In the Gospels, Jesus modeled for us the Christian spiritual life. The apostles taught it in their writings. And the Church has, through the last 2,000 years, sought to pursue this Christian spiritual life. In The Walk, Adam Hamilton focuses on five essential spiritual practices that are rooted in Jesus'' own walk with God and taught throughout the New Testament. Each of these practices is intended as part of our daily walk with Christ while also being an essential part of growing together in the church. In each chapter, Hamilton explores one of these practices, its New Testament foundation, and what it looks like to pursue this practice daily in our personal life and together in the life of the church. Deepen your walk with Christ as we explore the five essential practices of worship, study, serving, giving, and bearing witness to our faith. The Children''s Leader Guide contains session plans for younger and older children (grades K-2 and 3-6) including games, activities, craft ideas, and reproducible handouts.

Americans are anxious people. A recent study found that one in five of us has an anxiety disorder and we spend over $2 billion a year on anti-anxiety medications. Often our life events play a significant role in our worries and fears. In this study based on his book Unafraid, Adam Hamilton explores the most common worries and fears experienced by Americans today. He considers practical steps for overcoming these fears, and reflects upon fear in the light of Scripture and a faith that promises again and again that we don''t need to live in fear. We can live with courage and hope. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the five-week study, including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

We’re all searching. Sometimes the search is easy: simply type a question and the answer pops up. But sometimes our questions are complicated, and the answers are difficult to see and harder to articulate. How do we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? Adam Hamilton believes that some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles’ Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. In this six-week study, Hamilton considers important questions of life, reality, and truth. He explores not only what Christians believe, but also why they believe it and why it matters. Chapters include: Is There a God? Who Is Jesus? What Are the Holy Spirit and the Trinity? What Are the Holy Catholic Church and the Communion of Saints? What Do We Mean by the Forgiveness of Sins? What Are the Resurrection of the Body and Life Everlasting?

Money has great power in our lives. Used wisely, it is one key to accomplishing our goals, providing for our needs, and fulfilling our life purpose. In recent years, many of us ignored the wisdom of the past when it came to managing and spending our money. Credit card debt soared, savings rates plummeted, and our home equity became something to be tapped into and spent rather than a source of security in retirement. We felt an insatiable desire for more. And we found ourselves spending tomorrow’s money today in order to have what we hoped would satisfy. The result of all of this was not greater happiness and satisfaction, but greater stress and anxiety. Enough is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s wisdom when it comes to prudent financial practices. In these pages are found the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. This book could change your life, by changing your relationship with money. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

Retrace the life of Moses from his modest birth and rescue as a baby to the courts of Pharaoh, from herding flocks in Midian to leading his people out of Egypt. Join Adam Hamilton as he travels from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile, the Red Sea and the wilderness exploring the sites of Moses'' life. Using historical information, archaeological data, and biblical text, Hamilton guides us in the footsteps of this reluctant prophet who grew in his relationship with God and by the end of life had successfully fulfilled the role he was given. Turn your own reluctance into boldness as you examine the significant challenges facing Moses and how God shaped his character and life in powerful ways. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study, including session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

Simon Peter—an ordinary fisherman who heard an extraordinary call. This Youth Study Book takes the ideas presented in Adam Hamilton’s book and interprets them for young people grades 6-12. He left everything to follow his teacher and possessed a passion that would change the world. That’s one way to describe Peter. Here’s another: poor, uneducated, quick-tempered, and full of doubts and fears. Doesn’t even sound like the same man. And that’s the point of Simon Peter, a new book and six-week adult Bible study by Adam Hamilton. Peter was just an ordinary guy who heard and followed God’s extraordinary call. Discover how you, too, have special gifts, talents, and abilities that God can use to make a difference today. In addition to the Leader Guide and DVD components for adult studies, corresponding youth and children’s resources, sold separately, can be used to create a churchwide study. Chapters Include: The Call of the Fisherman Walking with Jesus in the Storm Bedrock or Stumbling Block? “I Will Not Deny You” From Cowardice to Courage The Rest of the Story

Wesley’s message and his faith continue to speak to 21st-century Christians—calling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that our world might be changed. Join Adam Hamilton for a six-week journey as he travels to England, following the life of John Wesley and exploring his defining characteristics of a Wesleyan Christian. Wesley’s story is our story. It defines our faith and it challenges us to rediscover our spiritual passion. This is a gracious gift that we will benefit from reading. The commentary is written by a superb preacher who has a pastor’s heart and knows how to make the past come alive to strengthen our own experience. Prepare to be transformed. Richard P. Heitzenrater, William Kellon Quick Professor Emeritus of Church History and Wesley Studies at Duke Divinity School Adam Hamilton connects John Wesley’s contribution in 18th-century England with his legacy for 21st-century America, bringing lessons from Wesley’s life and ministry to bear on discipleship today. This is an excellent resource for personal and denominational revival. Scott Jones, Resident Bishop of the Great Plains area of The United Methodist Church and author of The Wesleyan Way

The Pastor''s Guide includes a CD and instruction for sermon preparation and promotion

More and more young adults have opted out of Christianity and the church. The reason? Christians. When young adults talk about the problems they have with Christianity and the church, they often name certain attitudes and behaviors they believe are practiced too often by Christians: judging others, condemning people of other faiths, rejecting science, injecting politics into faith, and being anti-homosexual. With his familiar style, Adam Hamilton tackles these issues and addresses the how''s and why''s of Christians getting it right when it comes to being Christ in the world. When Christians Get It Wrong Leader Guide offers session goals, leader helps, activities, Scriptures, and more, and is intended to be used with the DVD.

They are simple phrases. They sound Christian—like something you might find in the Bible. We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways. Join Adam Hamilton in this 5-week Bible study to search for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found in Scripture. The clichés include: Everything happens for a reason. God helps those who help themselves. God won’t give you more than you can handle. God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Love the sinner, hate the sin.

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Adam Hamilton’s classic, The Journey. Since 2011, tens of thousands of churches and small groups have turned Adam Hamilton’s best-selling book on the birth of Christ into a classic that’s read each year. In The Journey, Adam Hamilton travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem in a fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. As he did with Jesus'' crucifixion in 24 Hours That Changed the World, Hamilton once again approaches a world-changing event with thoughtfulness. Using historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heart-felt as you walk along this road. This 64-page Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide your group through the 5-session DVD study, The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem. Inside you’ll find session plans, discussion questions, as well as multiple format options and suggestions of ways to make the study a meaningful experience for any group. Read The Journey on your own or, for a more in-depth study, enjoy it with a small group utilizing the Leader, DVD featuring Adam on-site in the Holy Land, and resources for youth and children.