Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide

Pages: 122
ISBN: 1-893729-97-4
SKU: 1893729974
Price: $9.99
Author: Epperly, Bruce G
Note: Understanding and applying the epistle in mind and spirit

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Participatory Study Series

Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide is the sixth volume in the Participatory Study Series. From beginning to end, the student is invited to absorb the text and allow God's message to change her or his life. At the same time, it maintains the series 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.

This guide 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 resources.

Each lesson includes prayers, spiritual exercises, thought questions, and theological reflection. These are designed to help students learn to see the text in a new way and to realize their full potential through the power of the Holy Spirit. This book will not only impact your knowledge of scripture; it will change the way you pray, live, witness, and relate to your community of faith and the world.

Small Group Resource

Energion Publications recommends this book as a small group resource.

Epperly, Bruce G

Rev. Bruce Epperly, Ph.D., 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.

Author Page

Reviews and Discussion

This section includes other writings by this book\'s author, other pages about the book and reviews, including the data pages on Energion.com, our web magazine.

Bruce Epperly Interviewed on Philippians
Bruce Epperly interviewed on Philippians with an emphasis on the practical — what does the book mean for my life now?
First Sunday in Advent - Comments by Bruce G. Epperly
Philippians: Vision, Promise, and Practice
Bruce Epperly begins a series on Philippians. We will link to each post here as they are published.

Praise for Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide

To read and interpret the Bible for oneself is a Protestant prerogative, but to read it well requires reliable guides. Bruce Epperly is an able co-conspirator of the Spirit and the church, leading us through Philippians to find the joy of the high calling of Christ Jesus.

Rev. Dr. George A. Mason, Senior Pastor
Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas

With practical wisdom and inspired scholarship, Bruce Epperly offers an_alluring invitation to the the adventure of biblical study._ He takes Paul's letter to the Philippians and divides it into 8 manageable lessons that combine_spirituality, exegesis, theological reflection, and active embodying of the message. The result is a solid presentation of the historical, sociological, and ideological issues that arise from reading Philippians (and all biblical texts). It is a journey worth taking alone or in a group.

Lisa Davison
Professor of Hebrew Bible
Phillips Theological Seminary

Dr. Epperly's guide to Philippians is a great addition to the Participatory Study Series. He brings a different and important perspective that adds to the theological diversity of the series. This guide is great for groups looking delve into Pauline spirituality and the healing joy that Christ brings the world. Reading Philippians in this way will change your life.

Rev. Geoffrey Lentz
First United Methodist Church, Pensacola, FL

Many left of center Christians struggle with scripture. It's not just the issue of understanding the text, but rather discerning the spiritual depths of an ancient book. For some the historical-critical study of the scripture has left the text broken into pieces, and thus it is pushed aside. But Bruce Epperly, who is a Process Theologian known for his writings on prayer and spirituality, has produced a study guide that can help such Christians wrestle with the historical-critical issues but then move deeper so as to listen to the voice of God within the text. The format of this particular series, which makes use of the lectio-divina method of reading scripture, is perfectly suited for Bruce's engagement with the text. Having written an earlier volume in this series I believe that Bruce's contribution of a guide to Philippians &mdash a text that speaks of joy from the midst of confinement in prison &mdash is a magnificent contribution that takes the series to a new level. Users of this guide will be blessed &mdash whether they are using it as individuals or in group study.

Robert D. Cornwall, Ph.D.
Pastor, Central Woodward Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)*Troy, MI
Author of Ephesians: A Participatory Study Guide

Bruce Epperly's guide to Philippians brings it all: historical and cultural information, theological perspective, and &mdash most important &mdash encouragement for profound spiritual reflection. Epperly's writing style gently guides readers into an encounter with Philippians, and his discussion questions invite honest and open group conversation. The text concludes with a valuable guide to translations, commentaries, and other resources. I will encourage groups in my own congregation to use Epperly's guide.

Greg Carey
Professor of New Testament
Lancaster Theological Seminary