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Gospel in Life Study Guide: Grace Changes Everything
Join bestselling author and pastor Timothy Keller in an eight-week video Bible study on the gospel and how to live it out in all aspects of life--from your community to the world at large. The Gospel in Life study (DVD sold separately) begins with the city, your home now, the world that is. The final week closes with the theme of the eternal city, your heavenly home, the world that is to come. Throughout this eight-week ascent--from earthly work to the final revelation of grace--you'll learn how the gospel can change your heart, your community, and how you can live as a disciple of Jesus Christ in this world, right now, even as you look forward to the promise we have in him. Including discussion questions, reflections on Scripture, and commitment prayers, The Gospel in Life study guide is designed to help you and your group engage with and discuss the topics presented on the Gospel in Life DVD. Sessions Discover how grace really does change everything. Designed for use with the Gospel in Life Video Study (sold separately).
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2010
168 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
Timothy J. Keller
447 books5,791 followersLibrarian 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 22, 2011
We did this book over the course of the last eight months or so in our community group (a month a lesson rather than a week or two a lesson). I took a long vacation right in the middle, and missed a bunch of it, so I went back and read the whole book from the beginning.
This is an excellent book on missional living, how we as Christians should live to bless the city and those in it rather than withdrawing, or becoming a part of the culture. Tim Keller takes as his principal text Jeremiah 29:4-14.
He starts out with having us take a look at our hearts, and the idols in our lives that may prevent us from being the light of Christ in the lives of those around us, and even how those around us may feel because of how the idols in our lives make us act. Very convicting.
I appreciated his definition of shalom, "total flourishing in absolutely every dimension: physically, relationally, socially, and spiritually." I also appreciated his discussion of work, and sabbath rest. That was also convicting.
At the end, there is a questionnaire that Keller encourages us to fill out annually, that is a heart check on how our Gospel living has impacted our idols, and how we relate to our community and the world over the last year.
This is an excellent book on missional living, how we as Christians should live to bless the city and those in it rather than withdrawing, or becoming a part of the culture. Tim Keller takes as his principal text Jeremiah 29:4-14.
He starts out with having us take a look at our hearts, and the idols in our lives that may prevent us from being the light of Christ in the lives of those around us, and even how those around us may feel because of how the idols in our lives make us act. Very convicting.
I appreciated his definition of shalom, "total flourishing in absolutely every dimension: physically, relationally, socially, and spiritually." I also appreciated his discussion of work, and sabbath rest. That was also convicting.
At the end, there is a questionnaire that Keller encourages us to fill out annually, that is a heart check on how our Gospel living has impacted our idols, and how we relate to our community and the world over the last year.
May 14, 2023
Keller takes a look at several different areas where our hope for Christ should be shining through. He challenges Christians to take a look at their life and contemplate where they are putting their focus and hope. In Christ or in the work they are doing. The work we do will always let us down, but Jesus will not.
November 10, 2017
Good message overall but I’m just not a Tim Keller fan.
January 4, 2019
4.5 stars
Our small group met at the Longley's home weekly for eight weeks to study the Bible, watch the DVD, discuss questions on the DVD, and home studies. The home studies consisted of a series of readings, quotations, exercises, questions, and projects to delve deeper into the topic of each session.
Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything by Timothy Keller with Sam Shammas and John Lin is an intensive eight-session course on the gospel and how it is lived out in all life - first in your heart, then in your community, and then out into the world.
Session 1 opens the course with the theme of the city: your home now, the world that is. Session 8 closes the course with the theme of the eternal city: your heavenly home, the world that is to come. In between, we looked at how the gospel changes your heart ( sessions 2 and 3), changes your community ( sessions 4 and 5), and changes how you live in the world (sessions 6 and 7).
Our small group met at the Longley's home weekly for eight weeks to study the Bible, watch the DVD, discuss questions on the DVD, and home studies. The home studies consisted of a series of readings, quotations, exercises, questions, and projects to delve deeper into the topic of each session.
Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything by Timothy Keller with Sam Shammas and John Lin is an intensive eight-session course on the gospel and how it is lived out in all life - first in your heart, then in your community, and then out into the world.
Session 1 opens the course with the theme of the city: your home now, the world that is. Session 8 closes the course with the theme of the eternal city: your heavenly home, the world that is to come. In between, we looked at how the gospel changes your heart ( sessions 2 and 3), changes your community ( sessions 4 and 5), and changes how you live in the world (sessions 6 and 7).
October 10, 2025
Very short. Good points though. Good reminders that the Gospel should literally change everything.
February 26, 2013
We went through this book and video series with our Home Fellowship. It was packed with liberating and motivating truth for living life as a Christian. Tim Keller's scripture soaked perspective on personal and city ministry stimulated a lot of good conversations. I highly recommened getting a group of peops together and going through this material. The only difficulty is that there is so much to talk about and digest that you need a flexible schedule to do so (something we sturggled with at HF a bit). Also, it is hard to go deep with people you have just met, which was the case a few times at Home Fellowship. Though this material at least points you in the right direction for going deeper.
August 10, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this Bible study, which is no surprise as I'm a big fan of Keller's teaching style. Our women's bible study used it as our summer series and we all found it both challenging & convicting. Because our church recently relocated to a different part of our greater metropolitan area, this study was particularly timely for us as we seek to do kingdom work in a new community.
The accompanying videos are available on YouTube, and Keller's teaching in them really does connect the dots between the scriptural study & application of that study in your community. Watch them here: http://m.youtube.com/#/playlist?list=...
The accompanying videos are available on YouTube, and Keller's teaching in them really does connect the dots between the scriptural study & application of that study in your community. Watch them here: http://m.youtube.com/#/playlist?list=...
February 27, 2011
I am quickly becoming a fan of anything Tim Keller writes. I started this book as a study in my church. It discusses ways to serve the community that we live in and in doing so grow in relationship with God. I would highly recommend this book to any church group or Sunday School class.
NOTE: It is not a book to be read by yourself but one to be discussed in a group setting.
NOTE: It is not a book to be read by yourself but one to be discussed in a group setting.
January 9, 2016
An excellent small group bible study for new and experienced Christians alike. We ran this with our young adults (18-30s) group and it was the perfect mix of theology/teaching and practical application, showing how the gospel influences our lives and therefore the lives of those around us. Highly recommended!
June 1, 2012
It seems that Keller cannot write a bad book. The man is a gifted preacher, speaker and author.
April 6, 2015
Our small group really enjoyed this book. He made me see some things in a new light and I liked that.
March 26, 2022
Practical steps on why and how to love the city and citizens around us, show mercy and social justice in this broken world and live out the gospel so it is visible.
April 7, 2017
As always, Keller sheds light on brilliant subjects. There is no shame in the gospel, so why do we hesitate to explain the reason for our commitment to life to the fullest extent? I appreciate that Rev. Keller broaches 'religious' subjects with intellect. Anyone who risks entering into this mystery finds that it's an invitation to discovery and adventure. What a rich blessing to use this guide in a group setting--we're not alone in seeking a better way.
My only complaint of this book is the lack of contrast in the use of grey pages. Also, it really wasn't necessary to tuck 'Notes for Leaders' in the back. There's such a wealth of relevant information in this section that it's worth putting it right where all members can refer to it. I did appreciate the time layout for the sessions, as it kept us on track.
My only complaint of this book is the lack of contrast in the use of grey pages. Also, it really wasn't necessary to tuck 'Notes for Leaders' in the back. There's such a wealth of relevant information in this section that it's worth putting it right where all members can refer to it. I did appreciate the time layout for the sessions, as it kept us on track.
November 2, 2024
If you’re looking for a book to read as a part of a Bible study… I highly recommend this one! This book starts internally by addressing idols within your life and then it moves externally focusing on serving one’s community.
I found the beginning of the book on idols to be super insightful. This part helped me see many ways I need to positively grow.
I found the later part on service of community to be very important. Keller makes a huge emphasis to the point that Christians today are too absorbed by their own bubble and aren’t interacting or serving society at large enough. I completely agree.
Each chapter comes with post reading questions that were extremely good at helping you think through difficult questions and look internally. Read this as a part of my house weekly Bible study.
I found the beginning of the book on idols to be super insightful. This part helped me see many ways I need to positively grow.
I found the later part on service of community to be very important. Keller makes a huge emphasis to the point that Christians today are too absorbed by their own bubble and aren’t interacting or serving society at large enough. I completely agree.
Each chapter comes with post reading questions that were extremely good at helping you think through difficult questions and look internally. Read this as a part of my house weekly Bible study.
November 11, 2017
The material is theologically sound, and well researched, it just didn't intrigue me. I Didnt as much feel like I was exploring the wonder of the gospel as I did that I was being preached at (which I believe is more a product of the accompanying video that's the text itself). I think it's a great book for the right person, it just wasn't for me.
November 23, 2019
We did this a men's study with the companion video series.
There were a couple of chapters that stood out to me - primarily the chapter and love and service within the church community. However, I ultimately felt let down by the overall experience and will be unlikely to recommend this study to others.
There were a couple of chapters that stood out to me - primarily the chapter and love and service within the church community. However, I ultimately felt let down by the overall experience and will be unlikely to recommend this study to others.
July 2, 2019
We did this for small group. I enjoyed it but didn’t think it was as good as some of his other stuff. Obviously, it was set up for a small group format so it’s a different approach than his other books.
January 11, 2021
What a good reminder of the critical foundation of the community! From a scriptural perspective, the book guides the importance of community, how to create community, and how community influences outside the world. Community before self.
January 3, 2023
A wonderful discipleship book especially because you have to read it in group discussion forum.
This book is a guide to understand what is the gospel and how it applies in our daily lives as a follower of Christ.
This book is a guide to understand what is the gospel and how it applies in our daily lives as a follower of Christ.
January 28, 2022
Understandable but the challenge and commitment is really difficult.
February 13, 2025
Great book for community group! Inspired great discussions. Chapters widely varied in length.
August 9, 2022
Buku yang sangat baik untuk self study maupun berkelompok, disertai konten-konten audio visual (yang disematkan dalam bentuk barcode), dan uraian-uraian yang kontekstual serta pertanyaan-pertanyaan pengarah diskusi yang relevan :)
September 1, 2016
Our community group used this study of grace in everyday life beginning in January 2013 and ended in May 2013.
Keller uses the bookends of the "World that is" and the "World that is to come" to frame his study on how the gospel impacts, motivates, and shapes everyday life. In eight helpful chapters, Keller offers an insightful perspective into things like sin, the church, evangelism, mercy ministry. Each chapter is intended to be supplemented by a video series where Keller lectures for 10-15 minutes on the chapter's topic. If you're familiar with Keller's preaching and writing, you will recognize a lot of the same themes. What I appreciated about this study was its ease of use in a small group/book discussion setting. The book offers readers easily manageable chapters with further reading/study options if you have time. The questions included in the study helped our group facilitate discussion and you could easily spend a lot of time reflecting on the truths. Some chapters have optional "extra-curricular" activities that groups could easily mold to fit the needs and context of your particular setting. I think the book's value is especially found in the way Keller is able to connect our faith with the nitty-gritty of life, showing readers that the Bible is one story from Genesis to Revelation, demonstrating how Jesus and His work is sufficient for life. I walked away from this study better understanding the gospel, its claim on my heart and life, and motivated and encouraged to continue to be an alternate city within my own city, loving it by serving it and speaking truth.
Keller uses the bookends of the "World that is" and the "World that is to come" to frame his study on how the gospel impacts, motivates, and shapes everyday life. In eight helpful chapters, Keller offers an insightful perspective into things like sin, the church, evangelism, mercy ministry. Each chapter is intended to be supplemented by a video series where Keller lectures for 10-15 minutes on the chapter's topic. If you're familiar with Keller's preaching and writing, you will recognize a lot of the same themes. What I appreciated about this study was its ease of use in a small group/book discussion setting. The book offers readers easily manageable chapters with further reading/study options if you have time. The questions included in the study helped our group facilitate discussion and you could easily spend a lot of time reflecting on the truths. Some chapters have optional "extra-curricular" activities that groups could easily mold to fit the needs and context of your particular setting. I think the book's value is especially found in the way Keller is able to connect our faith with the nitty-gritty of life, showing readers that the Bible is one story from Genesis to Revelation, demonstrating how Jesus and His work is sufficient for life. I walked away from this study better understanding the gospel, its claim on my heart and life, and motivated and encouraged to continue to be an alternate city within my own city, loving it by serving it and speaking truth.
June 13, 2013
I was curious what a book by a reformed pastor, so different in theology than me, would be like. But I thought Gospel in Life was a wonderful (and practical) book about living out the gospel in our lives. And the DVDs accompanying the sessions are very compelling about how we live out the call of Jesus. Keller has some great thoughts about how we serve others, how we love, and how we live.
I love his discussion of the difference between religion and the gospel. We do good because we believe in Jesus - not because it makes us right with God. The message of the prodigal son is that "Moral conformity is not better than self-indulgence."
He also has some great things to say about community - you cannot change deeply apart from community; you cannot show the world who Jesus is apart from community.
To Keller, this is how we look at ourselves to know if we are standing apart and showing Jesus to other people:
Has the gospel made you kinder? Has it made you treat people better? Face trouble better?
Ouch. How many of us can answer "yes" to all those? (Honestly.)
Session 7 even has a wonderful overview of social justice throughout the Bible.
Overall, I thought it was a great book.
I love his discussion of the difference between religion and the gospel. We do good because we believe in Jesus - not because it makes us right with God. The message of the prodigal son is that "Moral conformity is not better than self-indulgence."
He also has some great things to say about community - you cannot change deeply apart from community; you cannot show the world who Jesus is apart from community.
To Keller, this is how we look at ourselves to know if we are standing apart and showing Jesus to other people:
Has the gospel made you kinder? Has it made you treat people better? Face trouble better?
Ouch. How many of us can answer "yes" to all those? (Honestly.)
Session 7 even has a wonderful overview of social justice throughout the Bible.
Overall, I thought it was a great book.
April 16, 2016
I'm not sure quite what to make of this one. The mixture of questions, study and DVD narrative is a greatway of appealing to numerous learning styles, however, this also risks turning some (me?) off during some segments. The material has the gospel front and centre but is also challenging with regard to the role of money, community and outreach in a Christians life. Unfortunately for me, the group context i studied this in was disjointed initially and we didn't end up completing it together. Due to the books style and content the presence of supportive friends to work through it with is fairly important, so I feel I missed out there. I'm also not completely comfortable with some of the 'interpretation' - the analogy of 'the city' whilst useful seemed strained at times. Similarly the Calvinism sometimes seemed a little over-emphasized, reducing (in my view) the impact of scripture rather than enhancing it.
June 9, 2015
Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything is a detailed study of how living a gospel-centered life can impact our communities, our work, our heart for justice, and our culture.
This would be a high impact study for small groups, and in fact the women’s studies at my church used this book last spring but since I was unable to attend I worked through it myself. It was great for personal Bible study too. Each session includes a short talk (on DVD, which you purchase separately but it is not expensive) by Tim Keller, a section of discussion questions about the talk, a section of group Bible study going into more depth about the topic, a section of Bible study for individuals to do at home, and a written passage to read at home. The whole thing is very Biblically-based and challenging.
{Read my complete review on A Spirited Mind}
This would be a high impact study for small groups, and in fact the women’s studies at my church used this book last spring but since I was unable to attend I worked through it myself. It was great for personal Bible study too. Each session includes a short talk (on DVD, which you purchase separately but it is not expensive) by Tim Keller, a section of discussion questions about the talk, a section of group Bible study going into more depth about the topic, a section of Bible study for individuals to do at home, and a written passage to read at home. The whole thing is very Biblically-based and challenging.
{Read my complete review on A Spirited Mind}
February 25, 2016
I love Timothy Keller. My church did this study together and we used the DVD also. Keller is brilliant, endearing, and very gifted at bringing out nuances in the Word which you may not pick up on on your own. If we'd had 40 hours a week together, I am still not sure we would have had time to get everything from this study that we could have. Lots of detail and layers here which you can delve into at your own pace. I have read several of TK's books and am always impressed. Seriously, he could be half as good as he is and still be really something special. Highly recommended!
November 2, 2016
I really enjoyed the contents of this book. Unfortunately, we started this study with a new group, in a new town. (There are a wide range of denominations present.) Things were taken literally and new idea's were pushed onto the group rather than presented. While I agree with the book, I feel it was best suited for groups who have a foundation of friendship, trust, and respect. So I don't recommend this study for new small groups. Though I would love to have done this study with close friends who want to go deeper into God's word and accountability.
December 14, 2019
This is my 2nd time going through this book in a small group setting. Keller lays down 8 handles that we can grab on to in order to drink in the gospel and live out the gospel. This is an excellent small group study. There is definite homework and reading involved as well as projects to do together. I have appreciated this book personally as well as how it has affected those I am going through it with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews