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Three Brothers: Memories of My Family
by Yan LiankeFrom the Franz Kafka Prize–winning author. “Full of love, sorrow, and tenderness . . . a deeply heartfelt account of his family in the 1960s and 70s.” —Xiaolu Guo, award-winning author of Nine ContinentsWith lyricism and deep emotion, Yan Lianke chronicles the extraordinary lives of his father and uncles, as well as his own during the Cultural Revolution. Living in a remote village, Yan’s parents are so poor that they can only afford to use wheat flour on New Year and festival days, and while Yan dreams of fried scallion buns, and even steals from his father to buy sesame seed cakes. He yearns to leave the village, however he can, and soon novels become an escape. He resolves to become a writer himself after reading on the back of a novel that its author was given leave to remain in the city of Harbin after publishing her book. In the evenings, after finishing back-breaking shifts hauling stones at a cement factory, sometimes sixteen hours long, he sets to work writing. He is ultimately delivered from the drudgery and danger of manual labor by a career in the Army, but he is filled with regrets as he recalls these years of scarcity, turmoil, and poverty.A philosophical portrait of grief, death, home, and fate that gleams with Yan’s quick wit and gift for imagery, Three Brothers is a personal portrait of a politically devastating period, and a celebration of the power of the family to hold together even in the harshest circumstances.“This engaging book asks readers to consider the nature of life and death, city versus country, and the impact generations can have on each other.” —Winnipeg Free Press
Not Your Parents' Offering Plate: A New Vision for Financial Stewardship
by J. Clif ChristopherPeople don’t give to church because we don’t offer them a compelling vision of the good their giving will achieve.Hearing a young attorney speak of the faithbased reasons for which he had just made a substantial monetary gift to a community youth center, Clif Christopher asked the speaker if he would consider making a similar contribution to the congregation of which he was an active member. "Lord, no they would not know what to do with it" was the answer. That, in a nutshell, describes the problem churches are facing in their stewardship efforts, says Christopher. Unlike leading nonprofit agencies and institutions, we too often fail to convince potential givers that their gifts will have impact and significance. In this book, Christopher lays out the main reasons for this failure to capture the imagination of potential givers, including our frequent failure simply to ask.Written with the needs of pastors and stewardship teams in mind, Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate provides immediate, practical guidance to all who seek to help God’s people be better stewards of their resources.
Simple Rules for Money: John Wesley on Earning, Saving, and Giving (Earn. Save. Give Ser.)
by Rev James A. HarnishWhat would it take for you to make a radical change in the way you earn, save, and spend your money? On a deeper level, what would be required for us to experience a fundamental shift in the relationship between our faith and our finances? - From the Introduction Faith and finances—these two areas of our lives sometimes seem poles apart. And yet, shouldn’t our finances be shaped by our faith? Guided by the Bible and the timeless wisdom of John Wesley, popular author James A. Harnish challenges Christians to face the issue of money head-on, with God’s help. Ideal for individual or group use, this book’s contents include: When Crisis Forces Change Gain All You Can: A New Opportunity Save All You Can: The New Frugality Give All You Can: A New Generosity
An Introduction to Christian Ethics: Goals, Duties, and Virtues
by Robin W. LovinA few years ago, the first distinction that ethicists drew was the line between Christian ethics and philosophical ethics. However, in our global context, Christian ethicists must now, in addition, compare and contrast various ethics. Christian ethics has become increasingly multivocal not only because of a plurality of faiths but also because of a plurality of Christianities. In light of these new realities, this book will introduce Christian ethics. It will lay out history, methods, and basic principles every student must know. The author also will include case studies for further explanation and application.
CEB Common English Bible Catholic Edition - eBook [ePub]
by Common English BibleTake a fresh look at the Bible while you experience a new translation. The Common English Bible is relevant, readable, and reliable. The result is a new version that the typical reader or worshipper is able to understand. 115 leading biblical scholars from 22 faith traditions and 77 reading specialists in 13 denominations worked on this translation.
God Turned Toward Us: The ABCs of Christian Faith
by William H. WillimonTalk the talk and walk the walk.The challenge of the Christian life is learning to talk Christian. Somebody has got to tell us, give us the words that open the door to the faith called Christian. Each of us is due the delight of discovery that in submitting to God’s talk to us.God Turned Toward Us: The ABCs of Christian Faith is organized by the words the church teaches us to use to talk about ordinary life apprehended by a God who is Jesus Christ–short, meditative reflections upon key concepts that guide Christians, new or longstanding.Praise for God Turned Towards Us“Reading God Turned Towards Us is like walking through a diamond mine. The opening segment on “Abortion” is itself worth the price of the book! Consider these gems: On the Cross: “The cross is a mirror that reflects who we really are as well as a window where we are given a privileged look into the heart of who God is.” On Sanctification: “The Gospels depict the disciples on a continual road trip. They journey, not only step-by-step closer to Jerusalem but also day-by day closer to Christ, that is, sanctification.” --Mike Lowry, Resident Bishop of the Central Texas Conference of The United Methodist ChurchGod Turned Toward Us: The ABCs of Christian Faith is no ordinary book about Christian beliefs and practices. Rather, it is a sometimes jarring, always interesting, consistently insightful, and persistently provocative invitation to “talk the talk and walk the walk” of Christian discipleship. Addressing topics from A (Abortion) to Z (Zaccheus), Bishop Willimon prods us to listen more attentively to the God who continues to speak amid the confusion and turmoil of our times. This is a valuable resource for individuals and groups who genuinely want to hear a word from the Lord.--Kenneth Carder, Retired Bishop of The United Methodist Church
John Wesley: A Theological Journey (The\works Of John Wesley Ser.)
by Kenneth J. CollinsJohn Wesley: A Theological Journey has been nominated for a Wesleyan Theological Society Book Award. Abingdon Press would like to congratulate Kenneth Collins on this honor. John Wesley remains a seminal figure, not only for "the people called Methodist, " but also within the larger Protestant tradition. Understanding his theology is a requirement for understanding the development of the Western Christian tradition in the modern period. In recent years much work has been done to grasp the intricacies of Wesley's theology. However, most of this work has been thematic in organization, studying Wesley's thought according to a topical or systematic outline. The weakness of this approach, argues Kenneth J. Collins, is that it fails to demonstrate the evolution and changes of Wesley's theology. What is called for is a historical presentation--one that examines the development of Wesley's theology across the span of his long and eventful theological career. Collins thus provides a chronological presentation of the development of Wesley's theology. Drawing on an extensive examination of the primary sources, and demonstrating an intimate knowledge of the different contexts and social locations in which Wesley's theology took place, John Wesley: A Theological Journey will be necessary reading for anyone wishing to understand the broad scope of the Methodist leader's theological development and contribution.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Keith SchovilleStudy the Books of Exodus and Leviticus, beginning with Moses’s story and ending with the priests and their duties. Some of the major ideas explored are: Passover and exodus, covenant laws, instructions carried out, worship and laws.Leader Guide includes: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today. The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions.
Introducción a la vida y teología de Juan Calvino AETH: Introduction to the Life and Theology of John Calvin
by Association for Hispanic Theological EducationEste libro del Dr. Salatiel P. López nos introduce en el pensamiento de Juan Calvino de una forma profunda y amena; dándonos a entender que Calvino, al igual que el resto de nosotros, "somos afectados por fuerzas y circunstancias históricas que influyen sobre nuestro desarrollo personal, intelectual y espiritual de manera significativa. Además de aquellas características individuales que nos distinguen de las otras personas, y además de aquellos factores providenciales singulares en que Dios opera de manera específica en nuestras vidas, recibimos el impacto y la influencia de factores, circunstancias y personajes de la época en que vivimos, y que contribuyen a moldear nuestra existencia, nuestro carácter y nuestra manera de pensar".This book by Dr. Salatiel P. López introduces us to the thought of Juan Calvino in a deep and enjoyable manner. It makes the reader understand that all of us, like Calvin, "are affected by forces and historical circumstances that influence our personal, intellectual and spiritual development in a meaningful way. In addition to those individual characteristics that distinguish us from other people, and in addition to those singular providential factors that God works in a specific way in our lives, we receive the impact and influence of factors, circumstances and people of the era in which we live. And these elements contribute to mold our existence, our character, and our way of thinking."
First the Jews: Combating the Worlds Longest-Running Hate Campaign
by Evan MofficFor a basic introduction to anti-Semitism past and present, the first place to turn is now Rabbi Evan Moffic's First the Jews." --Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, Celebrated Author and Chief Historian of National Museum of American Jewish History"Rabbi Moffic has written a book every Christian should read. An essential guide to making sense of the painful history and present reality of anti-Semitism. This is a truly important book." —Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection"How far the institutional church has strayed from following the rebel-rabbi Jesus! Evan shines light on the need for Christian and Jewish brothers and sisters to come together against this rising tide of hate." —Michael Slaughter, author, speaker, pastor emeritus of Ginghamsburg ChurchAre we in danger of experiencing another Holocaust?News reports of and statistics about defaced synagogues and death threats against community centers are on the rise around the world. A rise in anti-Semitism from the right side of the political spectrum has been accompanied by a different kind of anti-Semitism from parts of the left revolving around the state of Israel.Rabbi Evan Moffic provides a compelling discussion to help Christians understand this dangerous rise by working to address tough questions including: Why have Jews been the object of the most enduring and universal hatred in history? What is different between anti-Semitism in the past versus today’s culture? How, and in what forms, may it be carried out in the future?Focusing on the events since September 11, 2001, Rabbi Evan Moffic considers the twenty-first century anti-Semitism and the historical pattern of discrimination to other groups that often follows new waves of discrimination against Jewish communities. With a hopeful and collaborative tone, he suggests actions for all people of faith to combat words and actions of hate while lifting up practical ways Christians and Jews can work together.First the Jews offers new insights and unparalleled perspectives on some of the most recent, pressing developments in the contemporary world. Includes chapter responses from Amy-Jill Levine, Mike Slaughter, Justine Coleman, and Imam Hassan Selim. Visit www.AbingdonPress.com/Moffic to download the Study Guide for First the Jews.Product Features: Encouragement and calls to action from leading Christian voices close out each chapter. Helps Christians to recognize and react to anti-Semitism. Offers a look back at the recent surge of anti-Semitic incidents. Outlines the role Christians can play in encouraging positive change in interfaith relations. Provides examples of positive change to encourage future efforts. Shares insights from a Jewish perspective written for Christians.
Wonder of Easter - eBook [ePub]
by Peg Augustine Emmanuel VargasThe Wonder of Easter uses a child’s “wonder” questions to think about what it must have felt to be a part of the biblical story, and uses a prayer to make a connection to how we honor Jesus today. It includes Bible verses on every page and is in both English and Spanish text.
Jesus' Parables about Priorities
by James W. MooreJames W. MooreParables slip up on us. They flip our values. They turn our world upside down. They surprise us. This is the great thing about the parables of Jesus: They are always relevant and always personal. They speak eloquently to you and me, here and now. In this book, we will examine some of Jesus’ thought-provoking parables, parables about priorities, to see if we can find ourselves and God’s truth for us in these magnificent “truth-stories.” They are, after all, truth-stories from the mind of Jesus that can change our lives as they proclaim God’s truth for you and me.—adapted from the introductionEach of the six chapters features a key passage of Scripture and is centered on a theme from one of Jesus’ parables, includingThe Priority of LoveThe Priority of GraceThe Priority of Being PreparedThe Priority of CourageThe Priority of ForgivenessThe Priority of Strong FoundationsJAMES W. MOORE, popular speaker and preacher, is the author of Yes, Lord, I Have Sinned, but I Have Several Excellent Excuses; God Was Here and I Was Out to Lunch; When Grief Breaks Your Heart; There’s a Hole in Your Soul That Only God Can Fill; and many other books. He and his wife, June, live in Fairview, Texas.
Broken Words: Reflections on the Craft of Preaching
by Paul Scott WilsonA look at what both our successes and failures in preaching can tell us about how to craft better sermons. Paul Wilson has long been one of the most important figures among those who seek a richer and more complete understanding of what preaching is, and how it might be made better. In this new book he draws on his broad and deep work in homiletics to show preachers how to craft a variety of types of sermons. How do you preach from the Old Testament? What are the particular needs and challenges of preaching the Good Friday, and then the Easter, sermon? What do you do when you want to address contemporary events? Recognizing that all sermons are in some ways "broken words," he includes in each chapter an illustrative sermon, some of which work well, yet others of which don't. If you stand in the pulpit long, he reminds us, you're going to preach your share of both. You would do well to learn, then, how either kind of sermon--the ones you're proud of and the ones you want to forget--can provide ample opportunities to learn how to be a more effective and faithful preacher of the gospel. Readers will learn how to vary the sources, styles, and substance of their sermons. Key Benefits: Will empower the reader to move outside their comfort zone in preaching, thus engaging the broader possibilities for preaching; Will help the reader to learn how to assess both their strong and weak sermons, and learn from each.
Secure in the Storm: Scriptures For Your Time of Need
by Julie YarbroughThis pocket sized book is a beautiful collection of Scripture verses offering comfort and hope to anyone who is experiencing a time of loss or discouragement. Over 150 promises from the Word of God are conveniently organized into seven categories for quick and easy searching: Assurance Comfort Encouragement Faith Hope Love Peace These encouraging Scriptures will strengthen and sustain those who have lost a loved one or suffered some other kind of loss or personal difficulty, reminding them of the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. A perfect gift for anyone who is grieving or struggling with discouragement.
Converge Bible Studies: Perplexing Scriptures (Converge Bible Studies)
by Josh TinleyChristian communities, with a few exceptions, consider the canon of Scripture closed. There’s no process for adding or removing books from our Bibles. Even so, we end up creating our own canons, whether intentionally or unintentionally. There are certain texts that come up frequently in worship or in the youth room or in the children's Sunday school wing. And there are certain texts that we never read in worship or Sunday school. Perplexing Scriptures examines some of these passages. This study may raise more questions than it answers; but as you work through each session, you will begin to see how God’s love and grace are at work, even in the most troubling texts. Converge Bible Studies is a series of topical Bible studies based on the Common English Bible. Each title in the series consists of four studies on a common topic or theme. Converge can be used by small groups, classes, or individuals. Primary Scripture passages are included for ease of study, as are questions designed to encourage both personal reflection and group conversation. The topics and Scriptures in Converge come together to transform readers’ relationships with others, themselves, and God.
Music and Theology (Horizons in Theology)
by Don E. SaliersMusic and Theology will be a volume in the Horizons in Theology series. It will offer a relatively brief but highly engaging essay on the major concerns and questions regarding Music as it intersects with theology—past and present. Don Saliers is a senior scholar in this field, one who is able to address in a clear and concise style the scope and contours of this question as it relates to theological inquiry and application. He will sketch the nature and significance of the subject, the history of reflection, the current lines of inquiry, and his own contribution to the discussion. The scope of the essays cannot be exhaustive and completely interdisciplinary. Instead, Saliers will open the broader lines of discussion in suggestive, evocative, and programmatic ways. The Horizons in Theology serve as supplements and secondary required texts in colleges and seminaries, as well as the interested nonspecialist reader.
The Andrew Paradigm: How to Be a Lead Follower of Jesus
by Michael J. CoynerThe current trend in church leadership involves looking for a highly gifted leader who will take over, direct the future, cast a vision, and attract the faithful to a new mission or purpose. This desire for a leader to come to the rescue is eerily reminiscenet of the desire of the Israelites for a king, so they could "be like every other nation." In spite of Samuel's warnings, the people insisted, so God reluctantly gave them King Saul. That didn't go so well.While we always need good, new, and talented leaders, we also need leaders who know how and when to be good followers. Particularly in a culture of distrust, leadership must be granted, earned, and supported by those who are willing to follow. Leading begins with the counter-intuitive command: "Come, follow me."This imperative is far from easy. Many turned away from Jesus, unable to follow. However, one excellent model of "followership" stood out from the rest - the little-known disciple Andrew. In fact, Andrew is the model and paradigm for being a Lead Follower.Excellent Christian leadership is more about following Jesus than it is about learning the latest fads or tricks from business, the marketplace, or the academy. Being an excellent Christian leader involves first and foremost being an excellent and faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Living Faithfully Revised and Updated: Human Sexuality and The United Methodist Church
by Alex Joyner Rebekah Jordon Dave Barnhart Jill M. JohnsonThere is deep disagreement about what The United Methodist Church should teach about homosexuality, same gender marriage, and the ordination of LGBTQ persons. In 2019, a special session of General Conference was held to consider these issues and how they will be addressed by The United Methodist Church in the future. Yet many have felt that the outcome of the special session did not lead to resolution, but to increased tension and deepening division.Living Faithfully is designed to help you understand the shape of this debate and what it means for the present and the future. Each chapter includes background on the Bible, Christian theology, history, stories from diverse viewpoints, and United Methodist structure and practice to guide reflection and conversation. You’ll also find definitions of key terms and information about upcoming events.The four chapters are:1. Is the Practice of Homosexuality Incompatible with Christian Teaching?2. Is Same-gender Marriage Compatible with Christian Teaching?3. Is Ordaining Practicing Homosexuals Compatible with Christian Teaching?4. Where Are We Now?This revised four-week study contains an updated fourth chapter that describes the outcome of the 2019 General Conference and the ongoing debates and responses to it. It will help you understand and grapple with various views about the ministry and teaching of The United Methodist Church around issues of human sexuality. It will lead you to have honest, well-informed, and grace-filled conversations with others about these matters and the calls for change. And it will help you discern, in prayer and conversation, how you can respond faithfully in love of God and neighbor.A Leader Guide is included with lesson plans to help facilitate a four-session small group study.From the Faultlines collection, resources intended to inform conversations around human sexuality and the church.
Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet (Moses Series)
by Adam HamiltonRetrace the life of Moses from his modest birth and rescue as a baby to the courts of Pharaoh, from herding flocks in Midian to leading his people out of Egypt.Join Adam Hamilton as he travels from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile, the Red Sea and the wilderness exploring the sites of Moses' life. Using historical information, archaeological data, and biblical text, Hamilton guides us in the footsteps of this reluctant prophet who grew in his relationship with God and by the end of life had successfully fulfilled the role he was given.Turn your own reluctance into boldness as you examine the significant challenges facing Moses and how God shaped his character and life in powerful ways.Additional components for a six-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and a DVD featuring author and pastor Adam Hamilton. For a church-wide study, youth and children resources are also available.
Thrive: Live Like You Matter
by Lisa Toney“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”—Proverbs 11:28 This little-known Proverb holds a profound statement for living a life that matters. When the accumulation of possessions becomes our driving force, we will not thrive. Yet when we make a unique contribution to society, we will grow, both as an individual and as a community at large. Thrive offers practical principles for living that will guide you to fulfill the life God has planned for you. Like a mentor walking alongside a friend, author Lisa H. Toney helps you celebrate your unique and God-given role and then encourages you to live life to the fullest. Life should not just happen to you. Thrive provides resources to shape your life for fulfillment and contribution to our planet.
Know When to Hold 'Em: The High Stakes Game of Fatherhood
by John BlaseFar from the conventional parenting book, Know When to Hold 'Em will encourage readers as they see parenting and fatherhood through a new lens--that of adventurer, risk-taker. Blase moves into new territory to invite fathers and parents to look at the risk and challenge--and great rewards of parenting--as he invites readers into his imperfect, yet loveable homeWritten with the raw prose of one who is there, smack dab in the middle of possibly the greatest challenge of a person’s life, Blase says, “What I’ve seen so far has convinced me that being a father is a lot like gambling--fatherhood is a risk-tasking ventureFeaturing an intensely personal voice and filtered through a brass-knuckled optimism, this book offers what very few books on parenting do--the real, true, raw reality and joys of fatherhood.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Woodrow A. GeierStudy the entire Book of John, beginning with the Good News and ending with the victory of Christ and his call. Some of the major ideas explored are: a new day in religion, what does it mean for me to live on the bread of life, the resurrection and the life, "My peace I give to you," and searching for Jesus. More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today. The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions and has a separate leader guide.
What Do They Hear?: Bridging the Gap Between Pulpit & Pew
by Mark Allan PowellPREACHINGPowell provides a startling study of how differently the pastor and the congregation interpret Scripture, how this difference affects what the congregation hears in the sermon, and how to bridge this gap with equally startling practical steps.This remarkably fascinating book reveals how significant social location—such as age, gender, nationality, race, and education—is when interpreting the Bible. Illustrated with two studies, Mark Allan Powell demonstrates how this plays out most dramatically in the gulf, often quite wide, between the preacher and the congregation.Every preacher who reads this book will appreciate as never before the significance of social differences in the reception of his or her sermon, will see the unmistakable need to bridge this gap, and will receive clear instruction on how to do just that.
The Apostolic Fathers: An Essential Guide (Essential Guides Ser.)
by Clayton N. JeffordThe Apostolic Fathers is a collection of early Christian writings from the late first and early second centuries, traditionally considered to have been written by those connected with the Apostles, and therefore reflecting authentic Apostolic teaching. These writings include 1 Clement, 2 Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Didache, Barnabas, Papias, Hermas, Martyrdom of Polycarp, Diognetus, and Quadratus. Considering their historical context, the Apostolic Fathers bear directly on the study of the New Testament, the development of the early Church, and the history of Christian theology.The Apostolic Fathers: An Essential Guide will explain the nature of the collected writings as they stand between the world of the New Testament and later Christian writers, focusing upon what the texts say about ancient Christian thinkers, early church developments, and the evolution of theological ideas prior to the great ecumenical councils.Chapter Outline:*Chapter 1: The Collected Writings*Chapter 2: People and Places*Chapter 3: Connections to Scripture*Chapter 4: Theological Ideas*Chapter 5: Structures of the Ancient Church *Chapter 6: Roots of the Patristic TraditionHere is a long awaited volume that treats in a concise and readable format a body of literature too often neglected, but absolutely essential to our understanding of Christian origins. Clayton Jefford brings unrivaled expertise to this task and serves as a sensitive and insightful guide to these texts, offering an introduction that will serve the needs of the beginning student and the seasoned expert alike. It is sure to be at the top of the reading list for anyone interested in this important topic. Stephen J. PattersonEden Theological SeminarySt. Louis"The author’s goal—a simple and sensible first introduction to the ideas and beliefs of the Apostolic Fathers—is fully realized as he organizes his survey of these intriguing ancient Christian writers according to topics—including scripture, theology, and church structure—of continuing contemporary interest. A reliable guide for students and study groups."Michael HolmesBethel UniversitySt. Paul, MinnesotaClayton N. Jefford is Professor of Scripture at Saint Meinrad School of Theolgy and is the Secretary-Treasurer of the North American Patristics Society. He has written and edited six volumes and is best known for his research in the fields of the Didache and the Apostolic Fathers.
Will Willimon's Lectionary Sermon Resource, Year C Part 1
by William H. WillimonWill Willimon is widely acclaimed as one of the top ten preachers in the world. For each Sunday of the Christian year, Will provides just what you need to begin the journey toward a sermon. This guide will stoke, fund, and fuel your imagination while leaving plenty of room to insert your own illustrations, make connections within your congregational context, and speak the Word in your distinctive voice. Guidance from Will Willimon is like sitting down with a trusted clergy friend and asking, "What will you preach next Sunday?" Year C Part 1 is part of a six-volume set that includes years A, B, and C (2 volumes per year) in the Revised Common Lectionary.Each week of sermon resources includes:1. Readings 2. Theme title3. Introduction to the Readings4. Encountering the Text5. Proclaiming the Text6. Relating the Text