Distorted Images of God

Though we say God is loving, trustworthy and all-powerful, our actions and thoughts reveal the subtle and not-so-subtle lies we're believing: that God is impossible to please, manipulative, and likely to abandon us. Written with compassion and conviction, this eight-session LifeGuide® Bible Study brings to light our distorted thinking and points us to the truth of who God is—the great healer who knows us intimately and pursues us with love.For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions—making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.



Juanita Ryan is a clinical nurse specialist with an MSN in psychiatric mental health nursing. She has taught mental health nursing at Bethel University, Rio Hondo Community College and Biola University. She is currently a therapist in private practice at Brea Family Counseling Center in Brea, California. She is the coauthor of The Twelve Steps: A Spiritual Kindergarten and the author or coauthor of over thirty InterVarsity Press Bible studies.



Dale Ryan is CEO of Christian Recovery International. He is also an assistant professor of recovery ministry and director of the Fuller Institute for Recovery Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has consulted with ministries in several countries who are seeking to develop support groups for alcoholics and addicts and their families. He is a coauthor of The Twelve Steps: A Spiritual Kindergarten, Rooted in God's Love and Bible study guides published by InterVarsity Press.

How to Get the Most Out of Distorted Images of God


1. The God of Impossible Expectations Versus the God of Compassion


Psalm 103:1-14


2. The Emotionally Distant God Versus the God of Empathy and Grace


Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:1-10


3. The Inattentive God Versus the God Who Knows Us Intimately


Psalm 139:1-18


4. The Abusive God Versus the God Who Heals Us


Matthew 20:29-34


5. The Unreliable God Versus the God Who Is Trustworthy


Psalm 145:1-16


6. The God Who Abandons Versus the God Who Pursues


Luke 15:1-7


7. The God Who Withholds Versus the God Who Provides


Matthew 6:25-34 and 7:7-11


8. The God Who Is Weak Versus the God Who Is All-Powerful


Luke 8:22-56


Leader's Notes