New books by the Rev. Rob Fuquay and the Rev. Mike Slaughter can be the basis for churchwide studies during Lent. So can a book on Passover by Rabbi Evan Moffic. The three are among nine new study and devotional books for Lent from Abingdon Press and The Upper Room.

Slaughter's Renegade Gospel: The Rebel Jesusand Fuquay's The God We Can Know: Exploring the "I Am" Sayings of Jesus can be used any time of year, but their emphasis, format and supporting materials make them especially suitable for Lent.

Renegade Gospel(Abingdon Press)

The rebel Jesus came with a renegade gospel to start a revolution, not a religion, contends Slaughter. Topics include:

• Discovering the Rebel Jesus
• Revolutionary Lifestyle
• The Most Important Question You Will Ever Have to Answer
• Seeing Jesus Today
• The Way of the Cross
• Resurrection

The book is available in a hardback edition, as a large-print book and as an eBook. Supporting resources are Renegade Gospel Leader Guide, a six-session DVD to use with the book and guides for leading studies with children and youth.

The God We Can Know (The Upper Room)

Fuquay's study and reflections on seven "I am ..." sayings of Jesus are the basis for the sections of The God We Can Know. A video filmed in the Holy Land lets viewers see where Jesus disclosed his identity and provides a context for each saying. A guide for leading adults accompanies the video. Guides for groups of youth and children can be downloaded. The website, www.TheGodWeCanKnow.com, provides other support. An eCourse and a 50-day eDevotional based on the "I am" themes will also be available. The March-April issue of The Upper Room, sermon guides and worship media will also support the study.

What Every Christian Needs to Know about Passover (Abingdon Press)

Moffic explores Passover, the final meal shared by Jesus and his disciples. He begins with the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and Jewish history to show how these inform the roots of Christianity. His understanding of the Last Supper can change how Christians celebrate Communion and prepare for Easter. The book also includes background and resources for Christians seeking to experience an authentic Jewish Passover Seder and integrate it into their preparation for Easter. The 10-chapter book is available in hardback or paperback and includes a leader's guide.

Six other new studies and devotional guides are available for Lent 2015, which begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Forty Days of Celebration (Common English Bible), Forty Days of Meditation (Common English Bible)

Both small books offer themed Bible-reading plans to encourage 40 days of Scripture reading and guided spiritual reflection. Each day begins with a one- to two-page reading from the Common English Bible followed by questions and space to record thoughts and prayers. The Rev. Libby Baxter edited Forty Days of Celebration, while the Rev. Pamela C. Hawkins was editor for Forty Days of Meditation.

Give It Up! (Abingdon Press)

Study writer the Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank reflects on things that hold one's attention, mind and time while isolating us from God and the world around us: social media, phones, the noise of life, the external and more. During the seven-week study, Escobedo-Frank urges giving up each one for a week and gaining a stronger relationship with Christ. A thematic Bible study, Give It Up! is designed for use by individuals and groups. Each chapter includes reflection and discussion questions, a prayer and a focus for the week. It is available as a paperback or an eBook.

Interruptions: A 40-Day Journey with Jesus (The Upper Room)

The Rev. Jacob Armstrong uses biblical and contemporary stories in meditations looking at the life of Jesus and providing insights on how to respond to interruptions. Looking at them from various angles, Armstrong considers:

• Interruption as an opportunity
• Living in a culture of interruptions
• Jesus' response to interruptions
• Jesus as an interrupter.

TheSanctuary for Lent (Abingdon Press)

The Sanctuary for Lent 2015 focuses on the names and characteristics of Christ in the Scriptures. The devotions, one for each of the 40 days of Lent plus Sundays, include a suggested Scripture reading, a Bible verse, a reflection and a prayer. The book is primarily for individual use and can be purchased as a paperback booklet or as an eBook. The author is Sue Mink.

The Lord Is Our Salvation (Abingdon Press)

The Rev. Katie Z. Dawson wrote this seven-session study, which explores God's saving and redeeming love through the Revised Common Lectionary Scriptures for Lent and Easter 2015. Highlighting God's redemptive action, the study calls participants to claim and celebrate the salvation offered through Christ and to embrace a new life. Designed for adult small groups, the study book — available in paperback or as an eBook — includes a study guide by the Rev. Nan Duerling.

The Rev. Kathy Noble is editor of Interpreter and Interpreter OnLine.