| Nashville, Tenn.) – With feelings of isolation and disconnection at an all-time high, it’s more important than ever to learn to live at peace with others, even when we disagree. In her new Bible study, Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences, speaker and humorist Amberly Neese leads women in a study of sibling rivalries in Scripture so that all members of God’s family can find a safe place to come together to navigate conflict and heal relationships. Whether it is in politics, the professional world, a party, or a pew, every person faces some kind of conflict on a daily basis. It’s not only in-person interactions that can become heated—social media is deluged with opinion-spewing, hurt feelings, and broken friendships. What we so desperately need is hope and practical tools to navigate the tumultuous waters in order to live at peace with everyone. Fortunately, the Scriptures hold the key to living at peace despite our differences. In each week of the four-week Bible study, Neese combines stories of sibling rivalries from the Bible with personal experience, humor, hope, and her love of God’s Word. Common Ground provides a how-to for overcoming conflict by examining sibling relationships from the Old and New Testaments including:Joseph and His Brothers: How to Combat JealousyMoses, Miriam, and Aaron: How to Work Together Despite DifferencesMary, Martha, and Lazarus: How to Appreciate the Contributions of OthersRachel and Leah: Having Compassion for the Plight of OthersThese stories point readers to peace and reconciliation in all their relationships, reassuring them that it is possible to find common ground with everyone—despite their differences. “Obviously, in Christ, we are called to live at peace with our brothers and sisters in the faith, so although there are direct lessons we can glean for getting along with actual family members, the scope of the study is for ALL of us in the family of God,” Neese explains. Each week focuses on one story and overarching theme, exploring a primary Scripture text as well as other related passages to help give clarity on how to love one another despite differences and disagreements. Each day’s lesson starts with a Scripture Focus and Today’s Key Verses, includes questions and exercises for reflection and application, and ends with a Call to Action. Once a week, participants come together with group to discuss what they’re learning and pray together. In addition to the Common Ground study guide, which includes leader helps, four 20 to 25-minute video sessions (with closed captioning) are available. Each video message is designed to follow and complement the content that readers have studied during the week. The videos are available on DVD, via digital download from Cokesbury.com, or streaming through a subscription to Amplify Media. Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences A Study of Sibling Rivalries in the Bible By Amberly Neese Available May 4, 2021 from Abingdon Women Study Guide with Leader Helps: 9781791014506 / $16.99 DVD ISBN: 9781791014520 / $44.99 |
| Also Available from Amberly Neese |
| “According to a study from January 2020, before we were hoarding toilet paper or facing some of the political and social struggles that has marked the past year, 61% of Americans admitted to being lonely,” Neese shares. “Depression, divorce, anxiety, isolation, child abuse, and suicide all hit new highs this past year, and it is time for the body of Christ to reach out to help those who are struggling.” In The Friendship Initiative, Neese dives into the friendships and connections Jesus made to reveal 31 keys for building relationships such as: exercising grace, asking/answering questions, having compassion, exercising humility, being present, reaching out to those who are different, and more. Each devotion includes Scripture, a devotional reflection, practical application ideas, and suggestions for reflection and prayer. Readers will find encouragement and practical help for connecting with others in their everyday lives by focusing on loving others as Jesus did. The Friendship Initiative: 31 Days of Loving and Connecting Like Jesus By Amberly Neese Available May 4, 2021 from Abingdon Women Devotional: 9781791015916 / $12.99 To access a digital copy of The Friendship Initiative, click here. |
| About the Author |
| Amberly Neese is a speaker, humorist, and encourager with a passion for “GRINspiring” others. As a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host/comedienne for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally, she enjoys touching the hearts and minds and funny bones of people all over the country. The Bible says that laughter is good medicine, and she has found it’s also like glue—helping the truths of God’s Word to “stick.” Neese loves to remind women of the power and hope found in Scripture. Through a flair for storytelling and a love for Jesus, she candidly opens up her story alongside God’s Word to encourage others in their walk with Him. With a master’s degree from Biola University, Neese serves as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University and the Master Connector for Inspiring Growth, an organization developed to equip and encourage growth in leaders and businesses. She is also the author of the women’s Bible studies Common Ground and The Belonging Project as well as the devotional The Friendship Initiative. She and her husband, Scott, have two teenagers and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars. For more information, visit her website www.amberlyneese.com. She is also active on Facebook (@Amberly Neese – Comedian/Speaker), Twitter (@amberlyneese), and Instagram (@amberlyneese). |
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