Best Selling Books by Bill Hybels

In "Simplify," bestselling author Bill Hybels identifies the core issues that lure us into frenetic living--and offers searingly practical steps for sweeping the clutter from our souls. Today''s velocity of life can consume and control us . . . until our breakneck pace begins to feel normal and expected. That''s where the danger lies: When we spend our lives doing things that keep us busy but don''t really matter, we sacrifice the things that do.What if your life could be different? What if you could be certain you were living the life God called you to live--and building a legacy for those you love? If you crave a simpler life anchored by the priorities that matter most, roll up your sleeves: Simplified living requires more than just cleaning out your closets or reorganizing your desk drawer. It requires uncluttering your soul. By eradicating the stuff that leaves your spirit drained, you can stop doing what doesn''t matter--and start doing what does.

In this made-for-use guidebook, Bill Hybels provides the exact steps needed for ministry leaders to translate the principles described in his book Holy Discontent into practical and effective action. What is the one aspect of this broken world that, when you see it, touch it, or get near it, you just can’t stand? What reality is so troubling that it thrusts you off the couch and into action? This is what Bill Hybels refers to as a holy discontent: a personal “firestorm of frustration” that, although sparked by that which is terribly wrong, can catalyze fierce determination to set things right. It is often during these eye-opening, heart-hungering moments of engagement when you will hear God whisper, “I feel the exact same way about this situation. Now, let’s go solve it together!” Here are the steps and the guidance you need to make that happen. This companion to Holy Discontent includes: • Interactive processing exercises that encourage you to ask the tough questions of your ministry strategy, your supporting organizational structure, and the key people with whom you collaborate • Sidebar stories of ministry leaders who are living and leading from their holy discontent in a variety of contexts • Insightful prompts to help you act on what you learn • Space for personal reflection

Most of us have trouble finding time to pray. And then the crises hit! Time for prayer seems impossible to find. The ideas in this practical book can help us to learn to slow down to be with God as well. Also included is a helpful guide for personal and group prayer.

In this four-session small group bible study, Just Walk Across the Room, Bill Hybels equips participants with simple, practical ways to share their spiritual journey. This pack includes one softcover Participant Guide and one DVD.

"In a culture obsessed with sex, where virginity and fidelity belong only to a minority, what hope is there for sexual purity? For too much history, the church has been almost silent about sex except to say no and don''t. Today, facing a culture that says a loud yes to every kind of sexual activity, Christians have found it necessary to dig deeper: What is the purpose of sex? How can Christians avoid to seduction of sexual traps and rescue others caught in them? In Tender Love, Bill Hybels and Rob Wilkins explore the contrast between God''s design for sex and the world''s design. In modern society, rights have been emphasized and responsibilities deemphasized. Commitment is considered too time-consuming. Sex increasingly becomes an act of destruction leading to addiction, divorce, pain, perversion, depersonalization, disease and death. Tender Love speaks to the committed couple who want to remain faithful and may need to reinforcement from God''s word to overcome the obstacles and distractions to purity. It also speaks to anyone trying to understand and help others, especially to young people struggling with their own sexuality. Gripping case histories chronicle the lifelong learning process of individuals who have learned the beauty or the destructive potential of sex. A discussion guide is included for further study with your spouse, a friend, or a small group. Tender Love resolves some of the curious duality that many have about their sexuality: Pleasure and guilt, wonder and shame. The mystery and wonder of sex point to an imaginative and relational Creator-God and remind us that sexual intimacy is meant as a gift, not an idol." --Back cover of book.

Our lives are like lumps of clay on a potter''s wheel. Form, function, and beauty appear as God, the Potter, shapes us with his hands. He is in the business of molding our common lives -- even the ugly parts -- into something wonderful! In Colossians, you and your small group will discover how to place your lives in the secure hands of God. If you long to experience newness of life, this study will point the way. If you desire to see God mold and shape your spiritual life, home, workplace, church, and relationships, Colossians will teach you the pathway to a whole new you.

Modern man has come up with a host of formulas for life. You can read countless books telling you how to get rich, find love, or reach your hidden potential. But all this advice pales next to the timeless wisdom contained in God''s original set of operating instructions. Those directions are found in--of all places--the Bible. They are known as the Ten Commandments. For those who want to live life according to the manufacturer''s specifications, they are the ultimate "how-to" for life.

Exhausted. Overwhelmed. Overscheduled. Sound familiar? Based on Bill Hybels'' groundbreaking book Simplify and the companion DVD series, the Simplify Participant''s Guide leads you on a journey of discovering a simpler life. Today''s velocity of life can consume and control us . . . until a breakneck pace begins to feel normal and expected. That''s where the danger lies: When we spend our lives doing things that keep us busy but don''t really matter, we sacrifice the things that do. What if your life could be different? What if you could be certain you were living the life God called you to live--and building a legacy for those you love? If you crave a simpler life anchored by the priorities that matter most, roll up your sleeves: Simplified living requires more than just cleaning out your closets or reorganizing your desk drawer. It requires uncluttering your soul. By eradicating the stuff that leaves your spirit drained, you can stop doing what doesn''t matter--and start doing what does. In Simplify, bestselling author Bill Hybels identifies the core issues that lure us into frenetic living--and offers practical steps for sweeping the clutter from our souls. This study guide is an ideal resource for small groups, along with the Simplify DVD Experience (sold separately).

Through study of the Sermon on the Mount, discover practical ways for assessing your present level of commitment to Christ and for setting goals for its growth. (6 Sessions)

Face the Tough Times with Confidence The question is not, “Will I face challenges?” The issue is, “How will I deal with the tough times that come my way?” No one travels far down the road without confronting the sobering reality that life can be hard. The book of Nehemiah is a case study in overcoming life’s challenges. Wave after wave of pain pounded on the shores of Nehemiah’s life, but he kept standing strong. A tsunami of relational, financial, and spiritual attacks came, but he withstood it all in the power of God. As we meditate on Nehemiah’s story, we discover the hope and victory that come when we walk in God’s wisdom through the challenges of life.

Previously published as: The heart of Christmas (c1998).

Do you have trouble finding time to pray? So much clamors for your attention: work, school, friends, family, church--the list goes on and on. Time for God and time to pray often seem impossible to fit into packed days and nights. Six studies based on Bill Hybels''s Too Busy Not to Pray show you how to slow down, listen to God and find refreshment in his presence.

This is just one volume in a high-impact series for experiencing the transforming power of God''s Word in the context of community. 6 SESSIONS