The Prodigal God: Finding Your Place at the Table, Discussion Guide

by Timothy J. Keller

In this six-session small group Bible study, pastor and bestselling author Timothy Keller uses one of Jesus’ best-loved parables – the Prodigal Son – to illustrate the depth of God’s love and how his grace extends into some very unexpected places. Taking you beyond the traditional focus on the wayward younger son, Keller helps you glean insights from each of the characters in Jesus' the irreligious younger son, the moralistic elder son, and the Father who lavishes his love on both. Inside this guide, you'll explore questions for group discussion and personal reflection, and exercises that will help you experience the truths of Jesus' parable in your own life. The gospel is neither religion nor irreligion, but something else entirely. Whether you're a devout believer or a skeptic, The Prodigal God will challenge you to see Christianity in a whole new way. This Prodigal God Discussion Guide will help you uncover, personalize, and apply life-changing insights from The Prodigal God DVD and book. In six captivating sessions, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller opens your eyes to the powerful message of Jesus' best known―and least understood―parable. The Prodigal God is a revelation of the very heart of the God's radical love for sinners of every kind. This Discussion Guide is designed for use together with The Prodigal God DVD and book (both sold separately). Includes discussion questions for groups and individuals, suggested resources for further reading, Scripture references, helpful notes for leaders, and much more. When used together with the DVD this study provides users with practical tools that transform their faith. Session
1. The Parable The People Around Jesus
2. The Two Lost Sons
3. The Elder Brother
4. The True Elder Brother
5. The Feast of the Father

Genres: Christian, Christianity, God, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Faith, Theology

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For over twenty years he has led a diverse congregation of young professionals that has grown to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.

He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for faith in an urban culture. In over ten years they have helped to launch over 250 churches in 48 cities. More recently, Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 15 languages.

Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”

Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Wesley Sedlacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best analysis of the parable of the prodigal son. Tim Keller is a true master of biblical analysis and helping people apply the lessons to thier life. I've red the parable of the prodigal son so many times, but much of the significance was lost on me. If you think the parable is about a lost son who comes home to a loving and forgiving father, they you must read this book. There is so much more to the parable. In fact, perhaps the most important part of the parable is the part that may resonate with you!

[Anil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new and powerful perspective on the Prodigal Son Story.

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and great discussion guide that accompanies it.

[anonymousreader]

read

[Vanessa Florez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro profundo… confrontante. Directo a nuestros sesgos y con inclinación al arrepentimiento

[Andrew Ratnam]

PRODIGAL GOD DISCUSSION GUIDE

PRODIGAL GOD DISCUSSION GUIDE. Was needed because the book prodigal God had lots of controversy. The author was assuming a lot of things which are not told in the parable. So this book was a bit of a help.

[window · Rating 3 out of 5]

The actual book was great and the discussion guide was a nice companion piece. I wish it would have included page references to the paperback version in addition to the hard cover version. Also, it was divided into 6 "session" while the book had 7 chapters. I think it would have made more sense to have the sessions mirror the chapters or vice versa.

[Johnny Mcclean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This video and discussion guide are very well done. Great for students, non-Christians, or people jaded by religion. After watching this video one of our students said 'now I know what is so amazing about the gospel'.

[Justin Shockley]

ANOTHER MUST BUY IT WIL CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND MIND (i hope) :))

[Elliothd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book more than the discussion DVD.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favourite books. It's had a profound impact not just on my life but on ministry as well.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good study guide; somewhat repetitive.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since there were so many blank pages, it would have been nice to make the guide the same size as the book. The questions were okay but they required constant referral back to passages in the book.

[Christy Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

too simple

[Leigh Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not find the discussion guide helpful or an worthwhile addition to the wonderful book it went along with.

[Lisa Dethloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a mind-blowing and life-changing analysis of the parable The Prodigal Son. Read the book and watch the 1st video! Great great great read.

[Katy Sammons · Rating 3 out of 5]

This guide was somewhat helpful in preparing discussion questions for the small group I have been leading.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

As far as a discussion guide goes, I felt this was pretty lacking. But in all honesty, I didn't use it as a weekly group study help as it's designed for.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Keller

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I really like the book, I was less impressed with this discussion guide. The assignments were so-so. I had to pick through the questions after realizing my group could not respond to so many of them.