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On Holy Ground: A Daily Devotional
by Charles F. StanleyAbraham leaving Ur for an unknown land God would show him. Jesus going out into the wilderness of temptation. Paul's life-changing trip down the Damascus Road. All of these biblical journeys offer insight into our own personal spiritual journey. In On Holy Ground, Charles Stanley takes an in-depth look at twelve-such biblical journeys to show us how we, too, can meet God and follow where He leads. Relating the timeless stories to our modern situations, Dr. Stanley offers solid biblical teaching that meets practical daily needs for encouragement and inspiration. A powerful devotional in the tradition of his best-selling classic, Enter His Gates.
Five Views on the Exodus: Historicity, Chronology, and Theological Implications (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology)
by ZondervanGain a thorough understanding of the competing views on the historicity, chronology, and theological implications of the exodus. The biblical account of the Israelite exodus from Egypt is one of the most enduring narratives ever told and is a foundational event for several world religions. It resonates across cultures with its timeless themes of redemption and deliverance. It is also the only explanation the Bible gives for Israel's origin.Despite its unique legacy, many scholars regard the exodus as fictitious or a cultural memory that may not be a historical event. Even among those who believe the exodus happened, there is no consensus regarding its date.Five Views on the Exodus brings together experts in the fields of biblical studies, Egyptology, and archaeology to discuss and debate the most vexing questions about the exodus. Each offers their own view and constructive responses to other leading views:Early Date: The Exodus Took Place in the Fifteenth Century BC (Scott Stripling)Late Date: A Historical Exodus in the Thirteenth Century BC (James K. Hoffmeier)A Hyksos Levite Led Exodus in the Time of Ramesses II (Peter Feinman)Alternative Late Date: The Exodus Took Place in the Twelfth Century BC (Gary A. Rendsburg)The Exodus as Cultural Memory: A Transformation of Historical Events (Ronald Hendel)The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.
Transforming Communication: Progressing from Cross-Cultural to Intercultural Communication of Christ
by Dr. Vee J. D-DavidsonEffectively communicate Christ across CulturesThe gospel message transcends cultures, but human communication does not. In Transforming Communication missionary and professor Vee J. D-Davidson provides principles for the intercultural communication of Christ.Using her twenty-five-plus years of experience teaching as a Westerner in Asia as a starting point, Davidson provides transferable principles that encourage awareness of context-specific issues and that see opportunities for intercultural communication as wholly unique opportunities, regardless of any perceived communication barriers. Readers from multiple different cultures will be able to apply the principles presented by use of relevant examples, illustrations, and enlightening insights provided from a wide range of Global South and Global North multicultural and intercultural perspectives.Transforming Communication offers practical principles to encourage and challenge Christian readers to build relationships that might well require engaging with issues that bring them out of their comfort zone but, the book also offers insights and encouraging devotional nuggets that feed into a triad of knowledge-impartation, self-examination and challenge, along with spiritual enrichment for the task.
The Lost Letters to the Twelve Prophets: Imagining the Minor Prophets' World
by Dr. John GoldingayUnderstand the Prophets Like Never Before with Amazing Insights from One of Today's Foremost Old Testament ScholarsFor many Christians reading the Old Testament, trying to understand Israel's prophets is like listening to just one side of a phone conversation--you only get half the idea of it. You hear the answer, but how do you know what question the prophet is answering?In The Lost Letters to the Twelve Prophets, John Goldingay uncovers the questions behind the prophets' answers that make their meaning and relevance intelligible to us. Written as a series of imaginary letters to the twelve Minor Prophets, The Lost Letters to the Twelve Prophets asks the kinds of questions that Hosea, Micah, Zechariah, and others were answering. The letters make clear the issues these prophets of Israel were dealing with or deliver the news they were responding to in their Old Testament writings. For example,To Hosea: Why did you marry someone you knew might be unfaithful?To Joel: It looks as if a locust epidemic is on the way: what should we do?To Amos: What should we do about the war crimes of peoples around us?To Obadiah: The Edomites have occupied our land and pushed us out: what's up with that?To Jonah: When is God going to fulfill his undertaking to destroy Nineveh?To Micah: Will God always be angry with us as a people?To Nahum: When is God going to fulfill his undertaking to destroy Nineveh?To Habakkuk: When is God going to do something about injustice in Judah?To Zephaniah: What do you mean by "the day of the Lord"?To Haggai: When is God going to fulfill his promises about rebuilding the temple?To Zechariah: Should Jeshua be High Priest when he has been in an unclean land?To Malachi: Why does serving God seem pointless?These and other questions help readers peer behind the veil of Minor Prophets' utterances and unlock their significance for today's Christians. Each chapter:begins with a brief paragraph of background about the prophetrecounts questions or reports that have been addressed to the prophet in the form of a lettersums up message of the prophet responding to that questionoffers a brief comment or explanation after each passageThe Lost Letters to the Twelve Prophets offers an imaginative, fun, and engaging way for students, pastors, and all serious Bible readers get a better grip on what is happening in these often misunderstood biblical books and get more out of their Bible reading and study.
The Sexual Reformation: Restoring the Dignity and Personhood of Man and Woman
by Aimee ByrdWhat does it mean to be a woman or a man created in the image of God?Many Christians don't have a good grasp of what their sexuality means. Many women in the church don't feel like their contributions matter.Why is this?The church is sadly still confused about what it means to be a man or a woman. While secular society talks about sexuality in terms of liberation, many in the church define manhood and womanhood in terms of reductive roles that rob us of the dignity of personhood, created in the image of God.In her poetic, theologically contemplative style, Aimee Byrd invites you to enter the rich treasure trove of the Song of Songs as its lyrics reveal how our very bodies are visible signs that tell us something about our God. This often-ignored biblical book has much to teach us about Christ, his church, man, and woman. And what it teaches us is not a list of roles and hierarchy. It is a love song.As it unfolds throughout the canon of Scripture, the meaning of our sexuality extends beyond biology, nature, and culture to give us a glimpse of what is to come. This meaningfulness reinforces our discipleship as we participate in the eschatological song.In The Sexual Reformation, you will discover the beautiful message that our bodies—and our whole selves—are part of the greater story in which Christ received the gift of his bride, the church. Within the context of that story, you'll rediscover your sexuality as a gift.
Time to Talk: What You Need to Know About Your Child's Speech and Language Development
by Carlyn Kolker Michelle MacRoy-HigginsWhen it comes to language acquisition, all parents have questions…and?this invaluable resource?has all the answers.When should I expect my baby&’s first word? Is my toddler on his way to talking soon? Is my child speaking as clearly as her peers? All parents end up thinking questions like these during their children&’s formative years, but too few act on them, assuming the answers are too unpredictable to be certain. Time to Talk answers these questions for the curious parent.Written by an experienced speech-language pathologist and mom, this practical and proactive guide will help parents:Understand the building blocks of speech and languageMonitor progress against expected milestonesEnhance their child&’s communication skillsSpot signs of potential problems with hearing, speech, or language developmentAddress common concerns, such as articulation, late talking, stuttering, dyslexia, etc.Foster literacyRaise bilingual children successfullyYour child&’s language acquisition no longer must be a guessing game for you. From baby&’s first babbling to reading readiness, Time to Talk provides everything a parent needs so this vital fundamental skill doesn&’t have to be left to chance.
King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship
by David YoungWhat does it mean to be a disciple? The call of discipleship is more than programs and Bible study. In King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship, David Young presents a bold call for obedience-based discipleship and argues that it alone is the proper response to the kingship of Jesus. Many have wrongly associated obedience with bad theology, believing that Jesus' demand for obedience is a form of works righteousness or legalism. Others simply don't like obedience and resist the demands Jesus makes in calling us to follow him.But if we surrender to the kingship of Jesus, we will find the life we were designed to live. We are accustomed to calling Jesus "Savior." And we should. But until recently, many in the Western church have not learned to call Jesus "King."The kingship of Jesus has implications for how we live. We can either rebel against him, raising puppet kings and constructing our own kingdoms, or we can submit to him in obedience-based discipleship. Could it be that you are still sitting on the throne of your life, treating King Jesus as a mere advisor? What would change in your life if you started treating Jesus as nothing short of your King?Young unpacks five principles for those who wish to follow Jesus as King.Surrender to the authority of King JesusEmbrace the mission of King JesusLive immersed in King JesusObey the teachings of King JesusBehold the presence of King JesusFollowing these five steps awakens us to a life truly worth living, a life of power, peace, beauty, and love. This is eternal life, that we would know and follow Jesus as King of the Universe, and king over our lives. After all, you don&’t merely believe in kings. You obey them.
Growth: Training vs. Trying (Pursuing Spiritual Transformation)
by John Ortberg Laurie Pederson Judson PolingWhat would your life be like if Jesus lived it? Imagine the change you would experience in your thoughts, actions, and relationships. Think of the joy and freedom that could transform every area of your life. That’s exactly what God has in mind for you! You’ll find out how in Growth. Through personal study and small group interaction, this study sets you on a path to live out the character of Jesus in this world as only you can. It happens not by trying hard, but by training. By cultivating spiritual disciplines--Scripture meditation, prayer, solitude, endurance, loving others--you’ll discover the joy of being transformed by Christ and the freedom of living each day sustained by his power. Leader’s guide included!Growth group sessions are:Training to Live Like JesusThe Practice of Scripture MeditationThe Practice of SolitudeSimple PrayerThree Transforming PrayersThe Roundabout WayAnd the Greatest of These Is Love
Exodus (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
by Christopher J. WrightA new commentary for today's world, The Story of God Bible Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in light of the Bible's grand story.The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and laypeople alike.Each volume employs three main, easy-to-use sections designed to help readers live out God's story:LISTEN to the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it within the Bible's grand story.EXPLAIN the Story: Explores and illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical setting.LIVE the Story: Reflects on how each text can be lived today and includes contemporary stories and illustrations to aid preachers, teachers, and students. —Exodus—Exodus' place within the story of God is defined by its record of God's greatest act of redemption until the cross and resurrection of Christ. Its concluding picture of God in all his blessing and glory dwelling in the midst of his people will spark the faith and vision of the concluding picture of the whole Bible.Edited by Scot McKnight and Tremper Longman III, and written by a number of top-notch theologians, The Story of God Bible Commentary series will bring relevant, balanced, and clear-minded theological insight to any biblical education or ministry.
What's Next? Bible Study Guide: The Journey to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference
by Chris HodgesA Deeper Relationship with God is Closer Than You ThinkHave you ever asked yourself how to stay motivated to grow deeper in your relationship with God? Even when you feel stagnant, weary, or confused? What can you do to get back on track when you hit a spiritual rut?In this five-session, video-based Bible study (DVD/video streaming sold separately) bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges offers a practical guide to all those looking for clarity and guidance in their spiritual journey.Chris reveals the four steps to spiritual maturity and demonstrates how each step is part of both a linear path and a cycle leading to deeper levels of faith. No matter where you may be on the spiritual spectrum, What&’s Next? is the guide you need to find your footing and discover the joy that comes when walking the road of richer faith.The What&’s Next? Study Guide includes video discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions.Sessions include:Start the JourneyKnow GodFind FreedomDiscover PurposeMake a DifferenceDesigned for use with the What&’s Next? Video Study (9780310104148), sold separately. Digital video also available.
Teaching for God's Glory: Daily Wisdom and Inspiration for New Teachers
by Tyler HarmsCongratulations! You may have just finished up your student-teaching and landed your first teaching position. You begin to think about your first year with your new students. Student teaching was a great experience, but now you may be searching for answers of how to get started running your own classroom.This practical and inspirational daily guide for teachers was comprised over many years and through interviews of teachers at all grade levels. The collective years of teaching experience interviewed was over 500 years of experience from K-12 educators both in private and public schools across the country!Teaching for God&’s Glory is a daily walk with the new teacher to help the new educator plan for their first years of teaching. The first section, Before the School Year Begins, gives practical advice on ways to set up your classroom, communication with parents and students, as well as orienting yourself with your new surroundings. The rest of the year is divided into quarters of the year with applicable and inspiring advice and wisdom that new teachers can use right away in their classrooms. At the end of each school week, there is a place for reflection on what worked well that week, areas for growth, and prayer requests for you or your students. This book makes the perfect gift for those starting their own career in education. Years later, they will be able to look back and reflect on how much they have grown in their craft!Tyler Harms has over a decade of experience serving students and families at the elementary and secondary levels. He graduated from Calvin College with a BA in Education and went on to get two Master&’s Degrees in Special Education and Mathematics. Tyler spent many hours interviewing master teachers across the country and reflecting on his own journey as an educator.Teaching for God&’s Glory is the book we all wish we had read in college before becoming a teacher. The book gives practical advice and inspiration to those who are in the trenches each day educating our future leaders.
Out of Chaos: How God Makes New Things from the Broken Pieces of Life
by Jessica LaGroneLife is a hot mess. There's the bedlam of getting out the door in the morning. The constant breaking down of our homes and bodies and the cars we drive. And the institutions that promise to help are often no better. We are surrounded by the constant disorder of governments and disappointed by "organized" religion, the very entities that tell us they can provide us sanity and security. Instead, they leave us scratching our heads or licking our wounds. Chaos surrounds us, and at times, it seems to rule our souls, our families, and our world.But does chaos always end in failure or flaw?What if chaos was more than the check engine light of lost causes? What if chaos was the raw material out of which God creates? In the beginning God brought order from chaos, filling the chaos with a beautiful creation, and he's been doing it ever since. Where you and I may experience confusion and disorder, God sees an opportunity for something new--for a rebirth, a renewal, and a renovation. God did this in the beginning, he did it again at the cross, and with renewed vision for our disordered world today, we look to God to do it again.Inspired by the powerful picture of creation in Genesis 1:2, author Jessica LaGrone challenges the hope-destroying belief that God has abandoned us in our broken relationships, our pain, and our grief. In the midst of our out-of-control lives, God is there, and he specializes in making new things from the chaos threatens to drown us. When we experience chaos in our own lives and everything feels like it is falling apart, God is just getting started. When the Spirit of God hovers, chaos can give birth to hope.
Understanding Spiritual Warfare: A Comprehensive Guide
by Sam StormsA comprehensive, theological guide to everything the Bible has to say about spiritual warfare.Many Christians today are unaware or skeptical of the reality of Satan and the role he and his demonic hordes seek to exert on our lives. But if we're to take Scripture seriously, we can't overlook the biblical assertions about the spiritual battles between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil.The truth is that believers in Jesus are certain to encounter men and women of all ages who are oppressed, tormented, and tempted by demonic powers. In Understanding Spiritual Warfare, theologian and professor Sam Storms confronts the reality of the spiritual conflict in our midst, the threat of the demonic, and how we, as Christians, can respond to such a threat in our own lives and in the lives of others.Storms explains the biblical teaching on spiritual warfare and shares numerous personal accounts of victories over the demonic, answering question like:Who is Satan and his demons, and how do they act?Can a Christian be demonized?How does the authority of Christ defeat the devil and the demonic?What is &“warfare prayer&” and how can we wield it?Perfect for any individual or group who wants to grow in their understanding of spiritual warfare, Understanding Spiritual Warfare also serves as a training manual for a ministry of deliverance and inner healing.
Leaving a Legacy: The Journey Study Series
by Billy Graham"You will only make this journey once. What kind of journey will it be?" The Christian Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Finishing strong requires a commitment to a journey that continues throughout our lives. How we handle the stresses of the journey is important, but evenmore vital is how we finish the journey-and the spirtiual impact our journey has on these around us. How can Christians become spirirtually stronger with each passing decade? The significant events in life's journey offer the chance to make an impact in the lives of those you love and throughout the wolrd. Leaving a Legacy explains how to let God lead you and others on the journey home. The Journey Study Series is based on Billy Graham's best-selling book The Journey, the culmination of a lifetime of spiritual insight and ministry experience. Each chapter explores the joys, triumphs, and conflicts we all encounter on our journey through life.Use for self-study or shared experience in small groupssix weeks of lessonssidebars offer a scriptural journey through God's wordquestions for starting group discussionsInsight-filled scripture passages to studyEach chapter includes thought-provoking questions, commentary, scriptures, and insights to help you on life's journey. Each lesson teaches the secret of walking with God on life's path. Understanding God's truths will make life's journey easier and let Him fulfill His promise to lead you home.
Every Woman in the Bible: Everything in the Bible Series (Everything in the Bible)
by Angie Peters Lawrence O. Richards Sue W. RichardsThe women in the Bible speak powerfully to us today.The notable men in God's drama of redemption tend to be more familiar to us. Yet biblical women play vital, exiting roles in the plan of salvation. Every Woman in the Bible gives much-needed attention to all women mentioned in the Bible, from those with major roles in God's plan of salvation to those who are never named.From the struggles of Rebekah and Rachel to the faithfulness of Mary and Martha, and from the ruthless to the remarkable, from the most obscure to the most well-known, this volume vividly portrays the lives and experiences of Bible women. Every Woman in the Bible combines the following features to accurately explain who these biblical women were and the times in which they lived:Organization by period of Bible historyHistorical research on women in family, society, and churchInsights from ancient cultures, including laws, beliefs, and customs regarding womenCharts & illustrationsTopical & scripture indexesOverview & discussion of each woman in the BibleDiscussion of each biblical woman&’s contributionPowerful life lessons for todayThese elements combine for an exceptional reference for studying biblical women. Every Woman in the Bible is also a valuable resource for any Christian woman who yearns to learn more about her own significance and purpose in God's story, giving her life-changing wisdom she can share with others.
The Confessions Project: 52 God-Given Promises to Declare Over Your Life
by Hanha HobsonWhen we put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), our only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is God's Word. The Confessions Project is a devotional and movement to help believers declare God's promises over their lives because speaking God's truth helps activate our faith. It brings results and answers because God Himself said that His Word would not return empty to Him. We live in a world where insecurity, doubt, and fear run wild. But God has given us the weapons in our arsenal to fight life's challenges. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or scared, we can overcome any assault from the enemy with our speech for life and death lies in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Providing you with 52 God-given promises to declare over your life, The Confessions Project will help you recognize your authority in Christ and access the Word that is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, with the divine power to demolish strongholds.
Bible Answers for Almost All Your Questions
by Elmer TownsWhy is cloning wrong? Does the Bible say a divorced person can remarry? Can angels sin? Is body piercing wrong? Can demons read our thoughts? Dr. Elmer Towns, author of over 80 books and Dean of Liberty University's School of Religion, answers these and many other questions you have wondered about.Written for the new Christian too embarrassed to ask, and for the long-time Christian who still has unanswered questions, this one-volume, indexed resource provides the kind of responses your own pastor would give as you're shaking hands after the Sunday morning sermon-short, knowledgeable, and to the point. Topics covered include: PoliticsThe Bible,The Holy Spirit,and AngelsCreationDemons and the Devil·God's NamesPrayer, Salvation, and SinIf you have questions-and who doesn't-Bible Answers for Almost All Your Questions is an essential resource.
Melody Gardens: Spring Day
by Janeta MunroSpring Day is Tilly&’s favorite day of the year when the magical park across the street transforms from a barren landscape into a beautiful garden within a single day. She, and her best friend, Macey, love to watch as each tree takes its turn to &‘spring-out&’ in its own unique way.Only one thing could mar Tilly&’s day, and that is the presence of grasshoppers. Unfortunately, Roger, who lives down the street, has them as pets. Roger&’s mum makes him release his them on Spring Day, right when Tilly is skipping along the footpath under his window. She freaks out when one lands on her, but Roger thinks this is funny. However, when Macey kills one of his pets, Roger is enraged, and so embarks on a mission of revenge. Throughout the day he tries to torment Tilly with the grasshoppers he re-captures, but his day goes from bad to worse as each of his poor choices result in unpleasant outcomes.Old Mai is an ancient tree who grows at the end of the park. Early in the morning she gifts Tilly with a special leaf. She also enlists the help of the Chime Maker to encourage Roger to change his mind about seeking revenge on the girls.When Roger gives up chasing the girls, he pays Old Mai a visit, and realizes she has killed two of his grasshoppers. His anger erupts against her, and he tries to destroy Tilly&’s leaf. An amusing altercation between Old Mai and Roger results in him learning this lesson; it is far better to forgive than to receive the reward of revenge.Old Mai is always the last tree in the park to spring-out. She puts on the Retell--a light-show of events that have happened in the park throughout the year. The last scene is of Tilly holding up a small glowing plant. As Old Mai dims her leaves and darkness descends, she releases small edible tufts into the air. While adults and children catch and eat the tufts, Tilly searches for her leaf. As she reaches up to touch the tuft that is still attached to it, time stands still.The Tuftling sprouts while Tilly watches on, but then it comes under attack from of a huge, nasty-looking grasshopper. Tilly freaks out and tries to get help but no-one can save the Tuftling because they are all suspended in time. Despite her fear, she decides to save the Tuftling herself. An epic battle ensues, resulting in Tilly triumphing over the grasshopper, and her fear.The Chime Maker--the only other person not suspended in time--explains the circumstances surrounding the sprouting of the Tuftling and why Old Mai chose to help Tilly overcome her fear in this way. Time resumes as Tilly receives the Tuftling into her care and then she rehearses the tale of the Tuftling to the townsfolk.Once home, Tilly looks out her window and admires the brilliantly lit park. A grasshopper lands on her window sill, and she flicks it away with her finger, vowing she will never to be afraid of them again.The story ends with the Chime Maker discussing the day&’s events with Old Mai, and planning for the day of the Melody Pod Fall.
When Women Lead: Embrace Your Authority, Move beyond Barriers, and Find Joy in Leading Others
by Carolyn MooreMuch of what men and women both think about women, gender differences, and cultural norms is remarkably under-processed. Without the benefit of intentional conversation about the barriers women face, most women are left to enter the world of leadership with inadequate awareness and resources. The acknowledgement of a woman's right to leadership is only the first step. We have not yet addressed the very common barriers women face when they enter the leadership arena, nor have we explored practical solutions to help them navigate those barriers so they can lead effectively.Women need to know that unrealistic optimism is a recipe for failure. Simply by acknowledging constraints to success, then exploring strategies to enhance leadership skills, we can help women take greater authority over their call to live out of a God-given identity and giftedness.When Women Lead is for men and women who advocate for female leadership within the Church. When women are educated about the challenges they face and are given resources to navigate beyond those challenges, their opportunity for success in ministry increases dramatically. The purpose of this book is to describe those challenges, explore practical solutions, and equip women to lead successfully and hopefully.While it is an excellent resource for women ready to enter leadership with more confidence and authority, it's also perfect for denominational leaders charged with raising up women called to leadership roles, for lay leaders who want to better understand the dynamics at work when the pastor is a woman, and for husbands, parents, and friends who desperately want to support women in their life who are living out what God has given them to do.What if the Kingdom of God is straining toward the day when all God's people are deployed in the work of the Great Commission? Women are already leading powerful movements around the world. The evangelistic explosion being documented in many closed countries is largely due to the leadership of women. Missionaries tell of the critical role of women in introducing the gospel to new groups. This book can help to equip a new generation of women to rise up with tools in hand to welcome and advance God's Kingdom on earth.
Cultural Christians in the Early Church: A Historical and Practical Introduction to Christians in the Greco-Roman World
by Nadya WilliamsIn the middle of the third century CE, one North African bishop wrote a treatise for the women of his church, exhorting them to resist such culturally normalized yet immodest behaviors in their cosmopolitan Roman city as mixed public bathing in the nude, and wearing excessive amounts of jewelry and makeup. The treatise appears even more striking, once we realize that the scandalous virgins to whom it was addressed were single women who had dedicated their virginity to Christ.Stories like this one challenge the general assumption among Christians today that the earliest Christians were zealous converts who were much more counterculturally devoted to their faith than typical church-goers today. Too often Christians today think of cultural Christianity as a modern concept, and one most likely to occur in areas where Christianity is the majority culture, such as the American "Bible Belt." The story that this book presents, refutes both of these assumptions.Cultural Christians in the Early Church, which aims to be both historical and practical, argues that cultural Christians were the rule, rather than the exception, in the early church. Using different categories of sins as its organizing principle, the book considers the challenge of culture to the earliest converts to Christianity, as they struggled to live on mission in the Greco-Roman cultural milieu of the Roman Empire. These believers blurred and pushed the boundaries of what it meant to be a saint or sinner from the first to the fifth centuries CE, and their stories provide the opportunity to get to know the regular people in the early churches. At the same time, their stories provide a fresh perspective for considering the difficult timeless questions that stubbornly persist in our own world and churches: when is it a sin to eat or not eat a particular food? Are women inherently more sinful than men? And why is Christian nationalism a problem and, at times, a sin? Ultimately, recognizing that cultural sins were always a part of the story of the church and its people is a message that is both a source of comfort and a call to action in our pursuit of sanctification today.
Getting Good at Being You: Learning to Love Who God Made You to Be
by Lauren AlainaWith a little bit of country, a whole lot of faith, and a healthy dose of sass, award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Alaina's debut book, Getting Good at Being You, invites you to take the road less traveled as you step right up to who God calls you to be.After years in the spotlight on American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, country music star Lauren Alaina has learned a thing or two about fighting self-doubt and feeling at home in her own skin. In Getting Good at Being You, Lauren shares stories about everything from lost loves to getting a nose ring to battling an eating disorder to grieving a loved one&’s death. Each story leads to practical tips, take-it-on-the-road strategies, and encouragement for your own personal and spiritual growth.In this book, you will be inspired to:speak to yourself with kindness and compassionchase the dreams that light your spirit on firecultivate rich relationships with family and friendsidentify self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviorsoffer forgiveness for yourself and othersThroughout the book, you will find:behind-the-scenes photos from Lauren's career in country music.lists, tips, and strategies to boost your self-confidence.prompts to help you dream big and run toward who you are.This beautiful book is a perfect gift forwomen who celebrate other womenbirthday celebrations or career promotionshigh school and college graduationsfans who want to know more about country music stardomEach of us deserves head-over-heels, can't-get-enough, shout-it-from-the-mountaintops self-love. By the final page of Getting Good at Being You, that's just the kind of confidence you'll have. As Lauren discovered, maybe life is getting good after all.
The Historical Jesus and the Historical Joseph Smith
by Tom HobsonJesus of Nazareth and Joseph Smith: one makes a claim on our lives that only God can make --the other claims to be the only prophet who can reliably point us to Jesus. This book uses the standard tools of the historian to find the undeniable facts on both men, tools that do not require faith. What we want to know is: are these men trustworthy and consistent enough that we can trust them to lead us to the one true God?As we seek historical bedrock on Jesus and Joseph, we&’ll also find some fascinating answers to questions like: Why and when did wine get taken out of the Latter-day Saint sacrament? How do we know whether important doctrines were taken out of the Bible? Do we possess genuine words of Jesus that are not in our Gospels? Were Jesus and Heavenly Father both polygamists? How do we know that the resurrection of Jesus was not a shameless con job?
Marathon Swimming The Sport of the Soul/La nage en eau libre (French Language Edition): Inspiring Stories of Passion, Faith, and Grit
by Paul Andrew AsmuthFRENCH EDITION.
A Beautiful Adventure Marriage: A Guide for the Marriage God Created for You
by Tara PayneGrab your bags! We are going on an adventure! Marriage is a gift from the Father. It is an adventure we get to share with the one the Lord created just for us. Like any great adventure, there is work we must do, that is necessary, if it is going to be successful! Let&’s be real! Marriage is beautiful, but it is also hard. Godly guidance is needed along the way if we are going to happily arrive at our destination. What is our destination!?! Till death do us part! Let&’s be the generation that ends divorce! Let&’s be the generation that shines a positive light on marriage! Let&’s be the generation that uses our marriage as a platform for God&’s glory! It&’s going to take some work, but it will be so worth it!Here's the good news, we don't have to go on this adventure alone! We have not been left to figure this out on our own! God has given us His Word as the ultimate road map to a happy marriage. He has also put people in our path to guide us along the way which make this adventure even more beautiful.A Beautiful Adventure Marriage is a &“guide&” that when followed will help you to have a godly, happy marriage. We are going to dig into God&’s Word to see what He says about marriage. We will also go through some practical wisdom and daily steps that can transform your relationship. Let&’s empty our baggage of anything that is holding us back and fill it with items that will get us further down the road together. We will learn to partner with our spouse and with God to be intentional every day. We will learn to plan and pace ourselves so we can enjoy the journey and joyfully arrive at our destination. Marriage was God&’s idea and it is a good idea. It can also be a beautiful adventure.Who is ready for the adventure of a lifetime? You can do this! You can have a happy marriage! It is going to be beautiful! Grab your spouse, your God, and your guide! Your destination awaits! Let&’s go!
When Strivings Cease Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace
by Ruth Chou SimonsFind freedom from the never-ending quest for approval and affirmation by learning how to accept the undeserved gift of grace from a merciful God.In today's society, the pressure to perform is overwhelming. It's a hustling, image-forward age of opportunity, and women are more anxious than ever. Many of us end up constantly feeling behind, lacking, and like we're failing—at home, at work, with friends, with God.In this six-session Bible study (video streaming included), bestselling author, artist, entrepreneur, and speaker Ruth Chou Simons calls women to discover how God's profound gift of grace and favor invites them to rest from chasing approval and earning love, and instead discover the freedom of true belonging and worth that doesn't depend on them. This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including:The study guide itself—with warm-up, group discussion and personal reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide.An individual access code to stream all six video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!).After going through this study, you'll walk away understanding more fully that the generous, unmerited favor of God is the means to the welcome, love, and approval you so deeply long for.Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.