- Table View
- List View
Follow the New Way: American Refugee Resettlement Policy and Hmong Religious Change
by Melissa May BorjaAn incisive look at Hmong religion in the United States, where resettled refugees found creative ways to maintain their traditions, even as Christian organizations deputized by the government were granted an outsized influence on the refugees’ new lives.Every year, members of the Hmong Christian Church of God in Minneapolis gather for a cherished Thanksgiving celebration. But this Thanksgiving takes place in the spring, in remembrance of the turbulent days in May 1975 when thousands of Laotians were evacuated for resettlement in the United States. For many Hmong, passage to America was also a spiritual crossing. As they found novel approaches to living, they also embraced Christianity—called kev cai tshiab, “the new way”—as a means of navigating their complex spiritual landscapes.Melissa May Borja explores how this religious change happened and what it has meant for Hmong culture. American resettlement policies unintentionally deprived Hmong of the resources necessary for their time-honored rituals, in part because these practices, blending animism, ancestor worship, and shamanism, challenged many Christian-centric definitions of religion. At the same time, because the government delegated much of the resettlement work to Christian organizations, refugees developed close and dependent relationships with Christian groups. Ultimately the Hmong embraced Christianity on their own terms, adjusting to American spiritual life while finding opportunities to preserve their customs.Follow the New Way illustrates America’s wavering commitments to pluralism and secularism, offering a much-needed investigation into the public work done by religious institutions with the blessing of the state. But in the creation of a Christian-inflected Hmong American animism we see the resilience of tradition—how it deepens under transformative conditions.
Follow the Star
by T. D. JakesTime magazine has called him America's best preacher and praised his "overwhelming gift." Now New York Times bestselling author T.D. Jakes presents the perfect book for the holidays-a heartwarming collection of stories and reminiscences that will bring readers a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. Amidst the family gatherings and the exchanging of presents, the true meaning of Christmas--the birth of Jesus--tends to get lost. Now, T.D. Jakes pays homage to the miracle behind the holiday. In Follow the Star, T.D. Jakes leads a journey that makes Christmas past and present come alive through deeply personal experiences that shaped his life: family stories about finding the Christmas spirit during the worst hardships, and of the need to appreciate fellowship, love, and God-the real gifts of the holiday. With his unique insight, warmth, and wisdom, Bishop Jakes embraces fully the magnificent miracle of the birth of Christ.
Follow You, Follow Me: Why Social Networking is Essential to Ministry
by John VoelzEthical business: Subprime mortgage lenders A healthy meal: Stadium nachos Words of wisdom: Twitter We don't often associate social networking with good things. The conventional wisdom, as it were, is that Twitter, Facebook and the like are engaging and fun, maybe dangerous, and definitely a big, shallow waste of time. When it comes to faith, is there any value? Some point to horror stories of illicit behavior simplified by the connections it creates. Others point to its effectiveness as a tool for networking Christians with prayer chains and referrals. But what is really going on here? By now we can acknowledge that social networking is not going away. Maybe you have resisted all social networking, you consider tweeting a frivolous fad and your Facebook account is dusty. Maybe you post several times a day. In either case, do you understand the power and depth of this new medium--in community building, spiritual formation, and yes, even evangelism?
Follow Your Conscience: The Catholic Church and the Spirit of the Sixties
by Peter CajkaWhat is your conscience? Is it, as Peter Cajka asks in this provocative book, “A small, still voice? A cricket perched on your shoulder? An angel and devil who compete for your attention?” Going back at least to the thirteenth century, Catholics viewed their personal conscience as a powerful and meaningful guide to align their conduct with worldly laws. But, as Cajka shows in Follow Your Conscience, during the national cultural tumult of the 1960s, the divide between the demands of conscience and the demands of the law, society, and even the church itself grew increasingly perilous. As growing numbers of Catholics started to consider formerly stout institutions to be morally hollow—especially in light of the Vietnam War and the church’s refusal to sanction birth control—they increasingly turned to their own consciences as guides for action and belief. This abandonment of higher authority had radical effects on American society, influencing not only the broader world of Christianity, but also such disparate arenas as government, law, health care, and the very vocabulary of American culture. As this book astutely reveals, today’s debates over political power, religious freedom, gay rights, and more are all deeply infused by the language and concepts outlined by these pioneers of personal conscience.
Follow Your Conscience: The Catholic Church and the Spirit of the Sixties
by Peter CajkaWhat is your conscience? Is it, as Peter Cajka asks in this provocative book, “A small, still voice? A cricket perched on your shoulder? An angel and devil who compete for your attention?” Going back at least to the thirteenth century, Catholics viewed their personal conscience as a powerful and meaningful guide to align their conduct with worldly laws. But, as Cajka shows in Follow Your Conscience, during the national cultural tumult of the 1960s, the divide between the demands of conscience and the demands of the law, society, and even the church itself grew increasingly perilous. As growing numbers of Catholics started to consider formerly stout institutions to be morally hollow—especially in light of the Vietnam War and the church’s refusal to sanction birth control—they increasingly turned to their own consciences as guides for action and belief. This abandonment of higher authority had radical effects on American society, influencing not only the broader world of Christianity, but also such disparate arenas as government, law, health care, and the very vocabulary of American culture. As this book astutely reveals, today’s debates over political power, religious freedom, gay rights, and more are all deeply infused by the language and concepts outlined by these pioneers of personal conscience.
Follow Your Dreams: Wisdom and Inspiration for Graduates
by Thomas NelsonFour-plus years of classes, tests, research papers, pop quizzes, bottomless cups of coffee, and tons of late night studying have culminated in a gathering of family and friends to celebrate the graduate's solemn-and joyous-march across the platform to receive the coveted "parchment." But today's graduate, faced with fabulous opportunities and a world of uncertainty, wonders, "What does the future really hold for me?"Follow Your Dreams weaves together true-life stories, practical advice and principles, quotes, Bible verses, and a healthy dose of humor to encourage graduates to face their bright new future with a renewed sense of faith and optimism.The theme of Follow Your Dreams is developed around these topical sections of keen interest to graduates: Expressing Gratitude for Where You've Come From; Celebrating Who You Are as a Person; Cultivating Your Gifts; Feeding Your Soul; Overcoming Adversity; and Living with Faith.
Follow Your Heart
by Rosanne BittnerJude is sent by his father to have farm owners leave their farm and they will lose all they have. Things are complicated when he falls for one of the farmer's daughters. Then secrets from the past come to light, and forgiveness and grace will be needed to find forever love.
Follower: Becoming More than Just a Fan of Jesus
by Kyle IdlemanJesus calls us not to cheer for him but to chase after him.Based on his bestseller Not a Fan, author and pastor Kyle Idleman reveals that Jesus calls us not to cheer for him but to chase after him. It is becoming a completely committed follower of Jesus.With a frankness that many readers are not likely to hear in church or Sunday school class, Kyle offers an invitation to take an honest look at one&’s relationship with Jesus. His call to follow may seem radical. It is more about repentance than forgiveness, more about surrender than salvation, more about brokenness than happiness, and more about death than about life. It&’s not a comfortable and reassuring path. It&’s certainly not about just being a fan of Jesus, sitting on the sidelines cheering for his cause. It&’s about being a true follower where a person lives into their new identity in Christ.
Following: Embodied Discipleship in a Digital Age (Pastoring for Life: Theological Wisdom for Ministering Well)
by Jason Byassee Andria IrwinThis book offers theological perspectives on the challenges of discipleship in a digital age, showing how new technologies and the rise of social media affect the way we interact with each other, ourselves, and the world. Written by a Gen X digital immigrant and a Millennial digital native, the book explores a faithful response to today's technology as we celebrate our embodied roles as followers of Christ in a disembodied time.
Following at a Distance
by Kimberly Dunnam ReismanThis study will include 7 sessions, one for each Sunday in Lent, including Easter Sunday. Each session features a scripture reference, a personal reading and questions for personal reflection or group discussion; suggestions for ways to deepen the Lenten journey or a focus for the coming week may also be included.
Following The Call: Living The Sermon On The Mount Together
by Eberhard Arnold Dietrich Bonhoeffer Mother Mother Teresa Martin Luther King C. S. Lewis Wendell Berry Dorothy Day Leo Tolstoi N. T. Wright Richard Rohr Madeleine L'Engle Thomas Merton Charles E. MooreFifty-two readings to spark weekly group discussion on putting Jesus’ most central teachings into practice. Jesus’ most famous teaching, the Sermon on the Mount, possesses an irresistible quality. Who hasn’t felt stirred and unsettled after reading these words, which get to the root of the human condition? This follow-up to the acclaimed collection Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People taps an even broader array of sources, bringing together prophetic voices from every era and a range of traditions to consider the repercussions of these essential words. More than a commentary or devotional, this book is designed to be read together with others, to inspire communities of faith to discuss what it might look like to put Jesus’ teachings into practice today.
Following Christ: The Parable of the Divers and More Good News
by Stephen E. RobinsonThe groundbreaking book Believing Christ by Stephen Robinson has become a standard in understanding what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ and to be justified by faith in Him through the gospel covenant. Now, in Following Christ: The Parable of the Divers and More Good News, Brother Robinson explains what happens after we have entered the gospel covenant. He writes, "in the covenant. If being truly converted is to accept Christ as Lord and to make Him the Lord of our lives, then this must somehow be reflected in our lives -- but how? How does being born again translate into behavior after our conversion?"In the same clear, readable style of his first book, Brother Robinson explains what it means to be a member of Christ's kingdom, the relationship between faith and works, what it means to endure to the end (it does not mean "being perfect"), the nature of mortality, hazards we may encounter as we seek to endure in the Lord's service, and, finally, the importance of serving others in love.
FOLLOWING CHRIST Faith and Life Series Book Six
by Faith and Life SeriesThe Faith and Life Third Edition series is a minor update to the Revised Edition series so that all text and liturgical references conform to the implementation of the new Roman Missal. Revised Edition teachers manuals may continue to be used with the Third Edition text and activity books as the changes are relatively few. This Faith amp Life student textbook incorporates the four principal components of the Creed, the Commandments, the Sacraments and Liturgy, Prayer and Scripture. But besides giving a clear and comprehensive presentation of our faith, the student textbook is rich in artwork, both original and classical. The blueprint for a life of the law of God, especially in the Ten Commandments, and the presence of Jesus in the Holy Mass. The interaction of the challenges of God s law and his gifts of grace that help us fulfill his law. Part 1: The Ten Commandments. Forming the conscience and increasing closeness to God. Part 2: The Holy Mass. An emphasis on the Real Presence and Christ s sacrifice and explanation of the parts of the Mass. Part 3: The Last Things. Death and God s judgment of us, with an emphasis on the great happiness of Heaven. To help the sixth grade student learn to love the law as Christ did and to cherish and love the Mass as our best prayer to God, and especially to revere and adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Following Christ (Faith and Life Series, Third Edition)
by Catholics United for the FaithThe book provide schools, parishes, and families with the catechetical tools and essential elements of Catholic doctrine pivotal in the formation of young Catholics.
Following Christ in the World
by Anne W. CarrollFollowing Christ in the World provides solid knowledge to help and to support the reader who wants to live and grow in the key expressions of the Catholic Faith. This text will help the reader evangelize more effectively. With the knowledge provided here, the reader will be able to tell others about the truths of the Faith by showing the Faith's logic, coherence, and beauty. The reader will be able to use effective apologetics by showing that Catholic doctrine is reasonable and that there is complete harmony between faith and reason. This text will help the reader form a more developed conscience and act on it in daily living. The reader will be able to participate in society and practice works of mercy with a greater awareness of Catholic social principles of justice and charity. This text will help the reader appreciate better the different vocations in the Christian life, which in turn will help the reader to discern his or her personal vocation. The reader will be able to grow in the elements of the Christian life that are needed for any vocation: virtue through prayer, reception of the sacraments, mortification, and greater understanding of the workings of grace.
Following Francis: The Franciscan Way for Everyone
by Susan R PitchfordDiscover the story of a man who lived in the Italian town of Assisi nearly 800 years ago—and still offers inspiration to millions today. In a small town in Italy, in the late twelfth century, a wealthy silk merchant and his wife welcomed a baby boy. Their son lived a life of wealth and worldly pleasure, until he found himself called to something else—a life of service, poverty, charity, celebration, and song. This strange man defied every norm of his society, choosing instead to follow his own heart. And he changed the world. In Following Francis, Susan Pitchford tells the inspiring, surprising, and intriguing story of Francis of Assisi, the man who started the Franciscan order of the Catholic Church. Exploring both the history of the man and the history of his followers, and weaving in her personal experience as a Third Order Franciscan, Pitchford takes a close look at system of belief that is paradoxically devoted to a simple life and to open and joyful celebration, discovering along the way how all modern individuals, whether in a religious profession or not, can live a fuller life.
Following God: A Guide to 2 Timothy
by Susie ShellenbergerSusie Shellenberger has a pretty good idea about what's up with kids these days. The former full-time youth pastor and high teacher now fields more than 1,000 emails a month from teenage girls when she's not talking with them on her radio show or speaking to them from the stage at the Girls of Grace conferences. After penning more than 30 books, including Dear Diary, Girls Want to Know, and Girl Talk with God, she's turned her sights on the Bible. Her study guide series, written especially for girls, debuted with 1 and 2 Thessalonians and now continues to 1 and 2 Timothy. Highlighting the loving relationship between Paul, as mentor and Timothy as loyal disciple, she shows that Christianity is not just an emotional experience, but a conscious decision to engage in a trusting relationship with God. Using her own mentoring skills, she gently steers teenage girls towards a better understanding of their lives in Christ.
Following God's Direction (Jesus Always Bible Studies)
by Sarah YoungAfter many years of writing her own words in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to be more attentive to the Savior's voice and begin listening for what He was saying. So, with pen in hand, she embarked on a journey that forever changed her—and many others around the world. In Jesus Always, Sarah recounts the words and Scriptures that Jesus has laid on her heart to help her growth in faith and lead a joy-filled existence. She relates how leading a quiet life since writing Jesus Calling has helped her find little treasures that brighten her day—treasures she now shares with readers in the pages of her book.In Following God's Direction, participants will be guided through eight sessions of study that explore what the Bible has to say about the way God directs their steps, how they can embrace God's path for them in spite of obstacles, and how they can experience the life that God has intended for them as follow Him in obedience. They will discover, as King David came to realize, "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand" (Psalm 37:23–24).Each eight-session study includes readings from Jesus Always, selected Scripture and study questions, and daily reflection questions, and is designed for use in personal, small group, or classroom settings.
Following God's Guidance: Growing in Faith Every Day (Women of Faith Study Guide Series)
by Marilyn Meberg Women Of FaithThe Bible is filled with stories of people who were directly guided by God. Noah was guided to build an ark. Moses was guided to lead God's people. Mary and Joseph were guided to travel to Egypt to escape King Herod. But how does God guide us today? How do we know what He wants us to do? Is it possible to miss His guidance and mess up His plans? In Following God's Guidance, you will explore the different ways God communicates to you and how you can learn to recognize His direction. You will see how He speaks to you through the Bible, through circumstances, and through a "quiet nudging" within your Spirit. Above all, you will discover how to discover God's presence and direction in a fresh way. The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women's lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader's guide for use with small groups is also included.
Following His Way: Activity Book, Level C (Following His Way #Series 4)
by Dorothea Amey; Martha Ban; Anna Maye BoicortFollowing His Way, deviates from the thematic approach found in the previous three series. Following His Way emphasizes how a person should live as a follower of Christ and how a Christian can make wise everyday decisions. Stories illustrating the choices individuals or groups made during Bible times form the background for studying significant Scripture passages. These Bible stories, which portray decisions with both the positive and negative results, are all examined for what they teach about living as a follower of Christ.
A Following Holy Life: Jeremy Taylor And His Writings (Canterbury Studies In Spiritual Theology Series)
by Kenneth StevensonJeremy Taylor (1613 -1667) rose to prominence in the Golden Age of Anglicanism. After a time in which Calvinist influences had been dominant, a group of writers, collectively known as the Caroline Divines, could write assuredly from a position of having rejected both the claims of Rome and the reformers of Continental Europe. It was a time when a distinctive Anglican doctrine and piety could flourish and Jeremy Taylor was a key voice. His devotional books, Holy Living and Holy Dying, are spiritual classics, noted for the beauty of their prose and reflecting his celebrated preaching skills. He was a noted moral theologian and this volume draws on his large body of writings - theological and devotional - to introduce students to the breadth of his thought and his lasting influence. An introductory essay provides a biography, an exploration of his style, sources and influences and an overview of his prolific works. Chaplain to Charles I, Taylor spent the years of the Commonwealth in exile in Wales where he wrote many of his works. At the Restoration he became Bishop of Down and Connor, and Vice-Chancellor of Dublin University.
Following in the Buddha's Footsteps (The Library of Wisdom and Compassion #4)
by His Holiness the Dalai Lama Thubten ChodronThe newest volume in the bestselling series from the Dalai Lama.Delve into the substance of spiritual practice in this fourth volume of the Dalai Lama’s definitive series on the path to awakening, Following in the Buddha’s Footsteps. You’ll first hear His Holiness’s explanation of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, why they are reliable guides on the path, and how to relate to them. His Holiness then describes the three essential trainings common to all Buddhist traditions: the higher trainings in ethical conduct, concentration, and wisdom. These chapters show us how to live a life free of harm to self or others and give us detailed instructions on how to develop single-pointed concentration as well as the higher states of concentration available to an earnest practitioner. In addition, the chapters on wisdom contain in-depth teachings on the noble eightfold path and the four establishments of mindfulness for developing greater awareness and understanding of our body, feelings, mind, and other phenomena. Together, these topics form the core of Buddhist practice. This is a book to treasure and refer to repeatedly as you begin the path, progress on it, and near the final goal of nirvana.
Following Jesus (LifeGuide Bible Studies)
by Douglas ConnellyIn this study Douglas Connelly looks at various metaphors for how we grow more spiritually mature in Christ, including running a race, carrying a cross, constructing a building, fighting a battle and more. This eight-session LifeGuide Bible Study features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn. 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. PDF download with a single-user license; available from InterVarsity Press and other resellers.
Following Jesus: Finding Our Way Home in an Age of Anxiety
by Henri J. Nouwen&“Timeless wisdom for life from one of the great spiritual masters of our age.&”—James Martin, S.J., author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage The beloved author of The Return of the Prodigal Son offers an inspirational and compelling case for why Christianity is still relevant, beautiful, intelligent, and necessary in our modern world. At one of the lowest points in Henri Nouwen&’s life, he gave a series of lectures on the importance of following Jesus in an age of anxiety. Drawn from those talks, Following Jesus reveals the deep turmoil and sometimes turbulent inner life of a man who has become an icon of compassion and vulnerability for Christians and non-Christians alike. He writes eloquently about calling and purpose, fear and hope, and he explains why, with so many choices available to the twenty-first-century seeker, including atheism and secularism, the greatest reward for those looking for fulfillment is to choose belief in God. Along the way he offers warm, insightful, and practical spiritual habits to help readers navigate the narrow, sometimes arduous, but ultimately gratifying road of conviction and faith. Praise for Following Jesus &“Few writers have influenced me more than Henri Nouwen. These newly published lectures offer fresh and timely insights amid the familiar cadences of Nouwen&’s prose, written from a place of deep anxiety but even deeper hope.&”—John Inazu, professor of political science, Washington University in St. Louis, author of Confident Pluralism&“In Following Jesus, beloved pastor and spiritual mentor Henri Nouwen guides the reader on the journey he has traveled as a follower of Jesus. Without minimizing the anxieties, fears, and brokenness that touch down in every reader&’s story, Nouwen gently leads the way into a life that centers on Jesus and engulfs the follower with God&’s love, a sense of belonging, and a purpose that endures. Truly a wise and welcome word for anyone in this age of anxiety.&”—Carolyn Custis James, author of Half the Church: Recapturing God&’s Global Vision for Women and Finding God in the Margins
Following Jesus
by Rose PublishingFollowing Jesus is an easy-to-use Christian discipleship guide. It helps you mentor believers to grow in faith. This short booklet is a basic Christian discipleship curriculum that covers the key topics including "Salvation, Sin and Forgiveness, "Prayer, Bible Study & Church," "Fears, Doubts & Trust," "Spiritual Gifts, Giving & Sharing," and "Reliability of the Christian Faith."Following Jesus answers the big question for every new believer, "I'm a Christian, so now what?" Studying the handy 12-page booklet helps believers get on the right path and begin to find their place in God's family -- a family that serves the Lord and loves others. The Christian walk is not about rules, but a relationship between a loving God and his beloved children (Romans 5:6-11). The booklet also provides a list of suggested key verses for the new believer to learn and memorize. 5 Key Areas of Christian Discipleship from Following Jesus Discipleship Guide 1. Salvation, Sin & Forgiveness •How can I be sure that I'm saved? •Can God forgive me? •What if I sin again? 2. Prayer, Bible study and Church •How do I pray? •How do read the Bible? •Do need to go to church? 3. Fears Doubt and Trust •What about fears and doubts? •Can God be trusted? •What's my purpose in life? 4. Spiritual Gifts, Giving and Sharing •What are spiritual gifts and talents? •What about giving? •How do I tell others? 5. Reliability of the Christian Faith •Is the Bible reliable? •Is following Jesus the only way to be saved? •Is there evidence for the resurrection •The Journey