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Transformational Architecture: Reshaping Our Lives as Narrative
by Ron Martoia&“How Can I More Effectively Reach People of My Generation with the Message of the Gospel?&” Start the story where God starts the story. In other words, it&’s not about &“lifestyle evangelism.&” Or being cleverer than the person with whom you&’re talking. Or knowing everything there is to know about the Bible. It&’s about knowing what&’s most important to your friends, family, coworkers, and others you meet along life&’s journey. It&’s about, to use author Ron Martoia&’s words, discovering the &“story&” each of us lives every waking day of our lives. Once you know that, you&’ll know how God&’s story fits into our human stories. Jesus spread the Good News this way. He talked to people, asked them questions about who they were, what they were doing–in short, he found out what made each person get out of bed every morning. And then he shared with them a bigger story–and how they fit into it. Jesus knew that when people grasped God&’s big picture, they felt compelled–even overjoyed–to be a part of it. In today&’s increasingly individualistic, disenfranchised world, it&’s never been more important to know God&’s story and how one fits into it. Let Transformational Architecture be your guide to reaching those around you with God&’s life-changing message of hope.
Israel: God's Ensign to Nations
by Dickson AgedahWhy has such a small nation and its people--Israel and the Jews--been the target of so much hatred, for so long? Today's alarming headlines from the Middle East, and tomorrow's trajectory for the region, cannot truly be understood without knowing its complicated history. Israel has been planted as a flag, pointing the world to God. Weaving together biblical and human records, Dickson Agedah brings fresh light on the religious, political, and military roots of the ongoing unrest centered on the land of Jesus' birth. Behind the enmity to the Jewish people and their homeland, he explains, is an all-out spiritual effort to thwart God's plan for the world. A review of Israel’s tortuous and turbulent history reveals and verifies the covenant that God has with His people--an immutable promise extending to all peoples. And while sobering and surprising, this study offers an inspiring message of hope in the sure fulfillment of God's eternal victory and restoration.
Everyone's Guide to Demons & Spiritual Warfare: Simple, Powerful Tools for Outmaneuvering Satan in Your Daily Life
by Ron Phillips, DMinEveryone's Guide to Demons and Spiritual Warfare is a basic training manual for anyone who wants to understand spiritual warfare principles and know how to stand against satanic attacks. By incorporating demon-defying principles in our daily spiritual lives, we can learn to put the enemy to flight and move from bondage into freedom. The author also identifies several specific demonic spirits that attack God&’s people, and provides strategies for overcoming evil in our lives.
Teaching Through the Art of Storytelling: Creating Fictional Stories that Illuminate the Message of Jesus
by Jon HuckinsAs communicators in a culture saturated with storylines, we have the profound opportunity to invite our students into the masterful Story of God. There are a variety of ways to invite our students into this Story, but this book discusses and explores how to teach through one of Jesus' most powerful modes of communication--fictional storytelling. Rabbinical storytelling (otherwise known as Jewish Agada) embraces the narrative of Scripture and invites its listeners into understanding and participation. Our Rabbi, Jesus, employed this mode of communication through his parables. Approaching the topic as a theologian, philosopher and artist, Jon invites and teaches how to create modern-day parables that illuminate the message of Jesus. These stories do not simply illustrate the message; they are, in fact, the message. Whether hoping to articulate deep theological concepts or relevant topics, teaching through the art of fictional storytelling has the potential to engage and invite our students into The Story. In this book: •You will learn how to create your own fictional stories (modern day parables) that use a realistic setting, engaging characters and a thought provoking plot to communicate a specific topic. •You are given practical worksheets that offer guidance in developing such stories •Jon includes a variety of stories he has developed over his years of youth ministry and offers them as a resource to any youth pastor/communicator. "I found myself wrapped up in its pages and receiving personal learning. It's a rarity in youth ministry as it has the potential of impacting not only youth but also their youth leaders." --Dan Kimball - author of They Like Jesus but Not the Church
Passion and Peril (The Aftershock)
by Suzanne Brockmann Jill SorensonAcclaimed authors Suzanne Brockmann and Jill Sorenson bring you two tales of sizzling attraction...where danger is never far behind Scenes of Passion Safe and steady pretty much sums up Maggie Stanton's life. But a chance encounter stirs long-buried desires and urges her to do the unimaginable-take a risk. Shockingly, the man who convinces her to forsake predictability for passion is the full-grown version of her childhood best friend. Only, this Matthew Stone wants more and Maggie almost believes that their whirlwind romance is meant to be. Then she learns that Matthew is keeping a secret...and the consequences could change everything.... Scenes of Peril The snowstorm forecast says it's a big one, but wildlife photographer Paige Dawson is prepared. Until a terrible car accident brings a sexy stranger to her remote mountain cabin and the bad weather strands them together...for days. The heat between them is like nothing she's ever known-incendiary, undeniable. And just as she begins to hope for something real with Colin Reid, after the snow melts, he remembers what caused his accident...and it may be too late for them both.
The Gift of Church: How God Designed the Local Church to Meet Our Needs as Christians
by Jim SamraAll too many people are disappointed with the church, struggle with the church, or have already left the church. For example, Josh is the father of a young family. The demands (and illnesses) that go along with little children, traveling, friends coming for weekend visits and general busyness have kept him from getting his family very involved in church. Mason is an extremely successful businessman. He thinks the church is slow and inefficient. He shows up most weeks because his wife wants him to, but he hangs out with wealthy friends from around the country. They get together on a regular basis, pay for a speaker to come and talk to them and call it good. Jerry’s is aware that he is not supposed to stop assembling together with other believers, but that is what he is doing, so what’s the big deal? Mark is a single young adult who was coming to church and was getting involved, but his girlfriend pulled him away from church and hehas no rationale for why he should fight to stay involved. He drifted away and although people told him he needed to stay connected, he didn’t see why they were so concerned. Char is a high school girl who doesn’t like the youth group at church and only comes because her parents make her. She has asked her parents why she has to go to church and they haven’t been able to give her a good answer, except that it is something that she needs to do. In each of these cases, if they might not naturally pick up this book, Josh’s brother, Mason’s son-in-law, Mark’s friend and Char’s dad can give it to them to read. Or these who have influence with them can read it themselves to have a better understanding of the absolute necessity of active participation in a local church so that they could share verbally.Pollster George Barna claims in Revolution, that millions of American Christians are moving away from the traditional local church to alternative Christian communities or to no community at all. Leadership Journal published an article that argues that people want to turn to places other than the local church for community and teaching. The Pew Report released a study showing the number of people switching churches and those with no church affiliation has grown considerably. This is a very important and issue that needs to be addressed.This book addresses the issue so that church or parachurch small groups can read together and discuss the questions at the end of chapters. The book is designed to help readers more deeply value church and what church ought to look like. Five short chapters provide a helpful overview of the case for the church, using scripture and illustrated with stories from real life.
Luke: Small Group Study (Encounters with God)
by Henry Blackaby Richard Blackaby Melvin Blackaby Thomas BlackabyIntended as companions to the Blackaby Study Bible, these guides also stand alone as a complete study of a book of the Bible.The lessons include: Leader's Notes7 studies based on reference materials included in the Blackaby Study BibleAn explanation and interpretation of Scripture A story that illustrates the passage in focus Other Bible verses related to the theme Questions for reflection Suggestions for application in everyday life.
Believe: The Joy of Christmas
by Randy FrazeeCelebrate the joy of Christmas with this inexpensive booklet designed to focus on the joy we find at Christmastime as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. With 3 chapters from Believe – a 30-week topical experience with the NIV Bible – this Christmastime booklet explores the three topics of joy, the goodness of God, and Worship.
Assignment: Single Man (Double Destiny)
by Caroline AndersonFran Williams is at a crossroads: she's in need of space and a little TLC! Instead she accepts an assignment nursing one injured, impatient, wealthy whirlwind by the name of Josh Nicholson.Josh is everything Fran doesn't need, until she arouses his tenderness and protection and Fran finds herself in love with a committed bachelor. Should she have taken that job with Josh's G.P. instead? Except Josh has given her back her life, and the only thing that would make it complete is if he stayed in it forever...
Green Mama: The Guilt-Free Guide to Helping You and Your Kids Save the Planet
by Tracey BianchiMoms today are busier than ever. Taking care of the planet sounds like a great idea—but in the midst of taking care of your kids, it becomes just one more thing to feel guilty about not doing. Tracey Bianchi knows what it’s like to live in the middle of suburbia with a to-do list too long to write down. In this Green Mama Ebook, she brings green living within reach for every overtired, overstressed, and overwhelmed mom. Her practical suggestions help moms like you make environmentally wise choices at the grocery store, schoolyard, and kitchen table, while keeping an eye on the kids and the budget. With creative tips, tricks, and resources, she shares her stories of successes and failures in saving the planet and inspiring her kids to love God’s world. Moms need a resource like Green Mama to remind them that green living is not another chore but an invitation to a creative partnership with God. As Bianchi enthusiastically tells you, green living is more than a trend—it is God’s beautiful plan for the planet and for your life. This book and its contents are not authorized, endorsed, sponsored or approved by The Green Mama, LLC
Life Conquers Death: Meditations on the Garden, the Cross, and the Tree of Life
by John ArnoldHow can we come to understand more fully our own story of sin and redemption? This beautiful series of meditations addresses that need. Each chapter moves us one step along the path, and we’re also guided by the author’s metaphors of wood, trees, and the cross of Christ as we travel. We start in the garden of Eden, and end at the Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem.Along the way, we encounter biblical passages, pictures by Rembrandt, and insights from such great works of Russian literature as “A Tree Falls in Siberia” as the author brings important questions to our attention. John Arnold has created a series of contemplative readings that will remain with the reader long after reading them.
The Executive's Baby (Loving the Boss)
by Robin WellsLovingTheBossMEMOTo: The Single Women in the OfficeFrom: Rachel Sinclair, Bride in WaitingRe: My Ex-Flame Has Returned!I can't decide if this is the best day of my life or the worst. I thought I'd never see Nick Delaney again, but imagine my surprise when he showed up in my office declaring his need for me-as live-in nanny to his orphaned niece! I used to dream about the sexy businessman proposing marriage, but thankfully I'm over that. That is, I was-until he kissed me....Six friends dream of marrying their bosses in this delightful new series.Watch for Patricia's story in May.
The Princess Twins and the Birthday Party: Level 1 (Princess Twins #Level 1)
by Mona HodgsonA Lesson in KindnessPrincesses Abby and Emma are ready to celebrate their birthday with their friends. But where did Beth go? Can Emma convince Beth to come back to the party?This is a Level One I Can Read! book, which means it&’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. It aligns with guided reading level G and will be of interest to children Pre-K to 3rd grade.
The Script: A Hip-Hop Devotional Through the Book of John
by Fred D. Lynch IIIIt&’s the Gospel of John, but it doesn&’t sound like the version you&’re used to reading! Fred Lynch, a former rapper who has spent years working in churches with students like you, has taken John to a whole new level. And now, as you listen along to this spoken word translation of the book of John, you&’ll find yourself hearing God&’s Word in a way like never before. The Script is a devotional that allows you to listen to the Gospel of John on CD-ROM as Fred speaks it from his heart, then look into your own heart as you spend time interacting with God&’s Word through creative exercises, as well as prayer and journaling. Unlike other devotionals that exist only on paper, The Script will engage your senses, along with your mind, heart, and soul. You&’ll see (and hear) the book of John in a way you never imagined—and you may even find God&’s Word a little easier to memorize when it&’s offered to you as the poetry Fred has created it to be. Includes CD-ROM.
Together: Adults and Teenagers Transforming the Church
by Jeff BaxterDoes youth ministry in your church exist on an island, disconnected from the larger church? Does your youth ministry accomplish the church's overall goals for making disciples of teenagers? Together helps answer those questions and more. Almost since the concept of "youth ministry" came into being, churches have struggled with how to keep their twelve-to-twenty-year-olds engaged. A contemporary focus, lots of fun activities, and cool leaders seemed to be the answer. Yet large numbers of young people are still leaving, many feeling disconnected from mainstream churches. In Together, author Jeff Baxter offers a thoughtful perspective on why real change requires not just a new model for youth ministry, but a whole new congregational mindset. Using practical examples from his own experiences ministering to youth and their families, Baxter provides a detailed guide for creating an intentional, whole-church, intergenerational ministry. Effective and life-changing, this ministry focuses on connecting the generations for the express purpose of fostering discipleship and spiritual growth, and investing youth in the long-term goals of the church. Together is for anyone committed to helping young people mature into Jesus-following adults who remain invested in God's kingdom.
A Stand-Up Guy: A Novel
by Michael SnyderIn his third novel, author Michael Snyder delivers another honest, authentic, and intriguing plot carried along by quirky characters whose actions and reactions still manage to look and sound like the rest of us. It is often said that every good joke contains some basic truth. In A Stand-Up Guy, aspiring comedian Oliver Miles puts that axiom to the test when he revamps his comedy act by filling it with darkly personal truths about friends and family. But, as the edgy humor begins to attract more attention, the young comic's personal life gets more complicated. When he realizes he has managed to turn the two women he cares about most into props for his act, he wonders if his honesty on-stage is making him dishonest in life. Despite the sobering reality of his world off stage, the laughter and the success is intoxicating, even for a stand-up guy. A Stand-Up Guy is a real story about real people struggling with life's rights and wrongs. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys a uniquely-woven relational drama threaded with a little mystery and delivered with a lot of humor and insight.
Will Your Prodigal Come Home?: An Honest Discussion of Struggle & Hope
by Jeff LucasIf you have had your heart broken by a prodigal, you know the pain of being hurt or disappointed by a loved one … and the utter despair of seeing them turn away from Christ and the cross. In Will Your Prodigal Come Home? author Jeff Lucas delivers a message that is both challenging and comforting as he outlines the chaotic situations and emotions that families of prodigals face.Lucas acknowledges that every prodigal is different. Some have defied God. Some are lured by drugs, alcohol, or crime. Others have drifted until the emotional and physical distance feels unbearable. Still others are in church pews, with hearts closed to Jesus. Clearly, there are no easy answers. But through understanding, insight into the emotions that form within families, and an acknowledgement of the power of prayer, this book outlines a solid approach to help guide your prodigal home and help you keep your own faith as you wait.
Izzy's Popstar Plan
by Alex MarestaingIzzy Baxter has big plans—popstar plans. Ever since she was six, she’s dreamed of becoming the world’s next singing sensation. Now sixteen, her singing career is on the rise, and she’s been selected to compete on the hit TV show International Popstar Challenge. As Izzy performs in far off locations such as Tokyo and Paris, it seems as if her plans are coming off without a hitch. But God has plans of His own, and Izzy will soon discover that living for Him is “way cooler” than megastar fame.Presented like a daily blog, set up like a devotional, and read like a novel—this book will be an instant hit with tween girls. This cutting edge new product will meet girls where they are, and girls will love following Izzy on her incredible adventure. Plus, they’ll get daily spiritual food to equip them on their own incredible adventure with God.
Head Over Heels
by Beth HarbisonOne small-town girl and one city girl will find their true loves in two timeless romances from New York Times bestselling author Beth HarbisonDrive Me WildFor Grace Bowes, returning home feels like facing disaster. At one time she was the town’s golden girl, but now she’s a single mom just struggling to make ends meet. She knows she has to find a job, and her first interview is with none other than Luke Stewart, the man who once made her heart beat madly—before she married someone else. Luke has always been the one who made her wonder: What if...? But now she has to convince him she’s worth the risk.Midnight CravingsTo police chief Dan Duvall, Beldon’s annual "Rocky Top Chili Cook-Off" is nothing but trouble. It’s always the same story-the locals get rowdy and his sleepy little town gets overrun with tourists-and this year is no exception. This time, though, all Dan’s annoyance seems linked to one visiting New Yorker: the gorgeous and whip-smart Josephine Ross. Dan definitely isn’t looking to have his heart broken by another city girl, but something about Josie has him wondering if it’s time to take his chances.
My Name Is Russell Fink: A Novel
by Michael SnyderRussell Fink is twenty-six years old and determined to salvage a job he hates so he can finally move out of his parents’ house for good. He's convinced he gave his twin sister cancer when they were nine years old. And his crazy fiancée refuses to accept the fact that their engagement really is over.Then Sonny, his allegedly clairvoyant basset hound, is found murdered.The ensuing amateur investigation forces Russell to confront several things at once—the enormity of his family's dysfunction, the guy stalking his family, and his long-buried feelings for a most peculiar love interest.At its heart, My Name Is Russell Fink is a comedy, with sharp dialogue, characters steeped in authenticity, romance, suspense, and fresh humor. With a postmodern style similar to Nick Hornby and Douglas Coupland, the author explores reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in the midst of tragedy. No amount of neurosis or dysfunction can derail God's redemptive purposes.
What Do I Do When Teenagers Question Their Sexuality? (What Do I Do When Ser.)
by Steven Gerali"When faced with a crisis, the first words most people think are, &“What do I do…?&” In this important series of books designed for anyone connected to teenagers, Dr. Steven Gerali addresses six daunting and difficult situations that, when they do happen, often leave youth workers and parents feeling unprepared. With a background in adolescent counseling, Dr. Gerali provides valuable resources to help youth workers and parents through some of the most challenging situations they may face. What Do I Do When Teenagers Question Their Sexuality helps youth workers and parents navigate the challenging waters created by this issue, and offers tools to deal with the shifting views of sexuality in culture and in their teens&’ lives. What Do I Do When Teenagers Struggle with Eating Disorders offers insights to help youth workers and parents understand and recognize eating disorders in order to initiate helping strategies for teens dealing with this issue."
Somewhere More Holy: Stories from a Bewildered Father, Stumbling Husband, Reluctant Handyman, and Prodigal Son
by Tony WoodliefAcclaimed columnist Tony Woodlief pens the poignant and powerful story of his search for meaning in the midst of tragedy. When he and his wife lost their adored little girl, his trust in God turned to bitter anger. As he and his wife struggled to save their marriage and his faith, they discovered that home is more than just rooms and a roof. Home is a place where people are sometimes wounded or betrayed. Home is also where God is strong in the broken places. Woodlief takes readers through his house, room by room, showing that home is:•Where we cry out to God as we seek him in the small things•Where the sacred and the mundane meet•The place that makes us better than we could ever be on our own•More than the place where we eat and sleep…it is where we learn graceWoodlief’s heart-touching stories leavened with humor will appeal to a wide audience, especially those trying to reconcile the idea of a loving God in a broken world.
You Can't Take It with You
by John OrtbergWe all have stuff—and stuff is important. Our homes, jobs, hobbies, wardrobe, and toys make this life more enjoyable. But if our entire perspective is colored by our “things” we lose sight of the temporal nature of all that we have. This easy-to-read gift book leads the reader to consider what’s ultimately important and encourages a healthier perspective on the materialistic nature of our lives. Content is excerpted from When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box by John Ortberg.
Colossians/Philemon: Small Group Study (Encounters with God)
by Henry Blackaby Richard Blackaby Melvin Blackaby Thomas BlackabyIntended as companions to the Blackaby Study Bible, these guides also stand alone as a complete study of a book of the Bible.The lessons include: Leader's Notes7 studies based on reference materials included in the Blackaby Study BibleAn explanation and interpretation of Scripture A story that illustrates the passage in focus Other Bible verses related to the theme Questions for reflection Suggestions for application in everyday life.
Learn Before You Leap: 101 Case Studies for Youth Pastors
by Kevin TurnerDesigned to introduce and promote the use of case studies and strategic intentional interviews into the growing and developing of present and future youth workers, Learn Before You Leap provides an argument for the use of “problem centered learning” strategies that are common practices in the areas of the social sciences, leadership and business but not yet publicly developed or resourced in the growing field of youth ministry education. Learn Before You Leap also:Helps new youth workers process situations they’ll encounter through role play.Enables veteran youth workers to keep sharp and mentor younger youth workers and volunteers.Uses Problem Based Learning to help promote critical thinking and problem solving in the youth ministry context.Discusses the value and strategies for using interviews as a ministry development tool.Includes ten case studies each addressing issues common to youth ministry organized by topical focus and a fully developed interview worksheet on the given topic—appropriate to a formal class room setting, an online threaded discussion, an informal youth ministry network lunch, a one-on-one internship discussion over coffee, or an individual reading.