Mocha on the Mount

Do you cringe when you hear about yet another Bible study? Do you fear the shame of a strict school teacher reprimanding you from its pages? Sandra Glahn's Coffee Cup Bible studies are nothing like that. Her writing is like a teacher who walks from behind the desk and sits down in the back row with the rowdiest bunch. No condemnation. No gaggy preaching or lecturing. Just a shared need to learn what our heavenly Teacher is saying. But she is not without enough sense of humor to appreciate the value of a well-flung spitball toward our fellow students. So raise a mug of java to this Bible study series, which manages to keep us awake, learning, and focused on the real Author of Truth.

A rich blend of personal insight and theological training combine to make the Coffee Cup Bible series full of possibility for spiritual growth. Whether two or twenty people meet to interact with the weekly lesson and share their own answers to probing questions, everyone will appreciate the lovely format and original style. A practical, friendly tone leads to personal application of biblical truth. From Mocha on the Mount, for example, "What are some ways people demonstrate that they're enslaved to money?" Then, "List evidences that you've been affected by materialism?" Sandra Glahn reveals vulnerability as she raises questions contemporary women confront. Six lessons in each compact book contain the scripture, commentary and discussion questions (Espresso with Esther has five weeks of lessons). Planning a women's Bible study to correspond with the school year, this series lends itself to complete two studies before Christmas, then after the break, offer two more. If you do one study, you will want to complete them all. As a former BSF Teaching Leader, it's great to be able to recommend a study I know God can bless.

This is the most convicting book that I've read out of the series. This 6-week walk through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is for every women who desires to take an honest spiritual inventory on her walk with the Lord. And like the other books in this series, Sandra again breaks this passage down section by section, giving practical applications and devotional thoughts. Perfect for group study or individual devotions.

Mocha on the Mount overflows with theological wisdom and practical application. Whether you're new to studying the Bible or have many years under your belt, the questions nurture and challenge to a deeper maturity and understanding. I never fully appreciated the life-changing teachings of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount until I did this study. Sandra Glahn has encapsulated "Christ-follower: 101" in this book. Even down to the way the book is spiral-bound and includes all Bible text references makes it all the more user-oriented. Get your copy and head to the nearest coffee shop.

Relevance is the key word. I love the Coffee Cup Bible Study series. This series is written for women by a woman of wit and graciousness who has an impressive command of hermeneutics. I couldn't wait to get started with Mocha on the Mount. I've been to the place called the Mount of Beatitudes and felt as if I were back there again as the scripture unfolded. Ms. Glahn draws us into history and expands our view as she weaves other scripture and stories into the picture. We can see God's same message in other lives and other settings. She is especially effective at expounding on the Greek and Hebrew words that bring color and relevance to the lessons. It is so helpful to have the Biblical text printed in the study. I always have it with me.