Christian life and practice Books

Book SynopsisRising Vineyard Leader Unlocks the Supernatural Kingdom Promises of Romans 6-8Many believers live with a gnawing sense that there must be more to the Christian life than what they''re living. They stumble around with a deep sense of discontent or resignation, struggling to see how their faith is applicable, exciting, or even visible in their lives.What if the answer is that there is more to the gospel than we imagined?With bold honesty and fresh biblical insight, pastor and speaker Putty Putman reveals that the secret to a vibrant life of more is found not in what you do, but in who you are.Through the Holy Spirit, we are not just forgiven, but made new. This new identity makes possible a thrilling life of impact, adventure, blessing, and true freedom--a life, like Jesus'' own, that is connected to and empowered by a God who is, and does, more than we ever imagined.

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Book SynopsisFull of powerful testimonies and practical application, this book helps you break out of your comfort zone and embrace a lifestyle of encouraging others--just as Jesus did. Learn how to deepen your relationship with God, open a direct line of communication with him, share his words with others, and change the atmosphere and lives of others everywhere you go.

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Book SynopsisThe wild beauty of our God is calling, beckoning us to pursue Him beyond our circumstances, emotions and logic into the glorious mystery that is Him. Here are practical, everyday ways to pursue Him more passionately, to trust Him more fiercely, to see His face reflected in the miraculous and to experience His wild, limitless nature.

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Book SynopsisFight the Way Jesus FoughtFor many believers, times of unrest simply mean that darkness is on the rise. But what if the growing violence in the world today means something different? What if our 'signs of the times' mean that the Spirit of God is on the move?Author and trusted prophet Kim Maas reveals one of the mysteries of the Kingdom: When light breaks through the gates of darkness, the result is violence. This is spiritual warfare, and it signals a fresh awakening. It means that the Kingdom of God is advancing and that you are advancing!Engage in Kingdom violence the way Jesus taught--with violent love, violent forgiveness, violent healing, violent deliverance, violent peace. If answering violence with violence sounds like war, it is. You are already in position. Overturn the works of darkness in every area of your life, and watch for a great move of God!

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Book SynopsisFounder of Ligonier Ministries and author of more than ninety books introduces readers to essential Christian beliefs in this timeless and valuable resource.

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Book SynopsisNow poised to reach a new readership, Good to Great in God''s Eyes shows how Christians can honor God with lives of great faith and excellent work. Believers become great in God''s eyes by applying the ten common characteristics of great Christians:- think great thoughts - read great books - pursue great people - dream great dreams - pray great prayers - take great risks - make great sacrifices - enjoy great moments - empower great people - develop great habitsUsing Scripture, personal stories, and examples from Christians who left a lasting legacy, bestselling author Chip Ingram offers practical steps for becoming great in all areas of life, in spiritual growth, family, relationships, and career. Includes a foreword by Bob Buford and helpful discussion questions to facilitate group or individual study.

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Book SynopsisThis introductory textbook presents Christian philosophical and theological approaches to ethics.Table of ContentsContents1. Varieties of Ethics and Moral ThoughtCase Study: Violence against Women and Children2. Ethics in the Hebrew ScripturesCase Study: Care for the Environment3. Ethics in the Christian ScripturesCase Study: The Nearest and the Neediest4. Divine Command TheoryCase Study: Intervention, Exemptions, and Conscience5. Natural Law EthicsCase Study: Human Sexuality6. Individualistic EthicsCase Study: Abortion7. Kantian EthicsCase Study: Capital Punishment8. UtilitarianismCase Study: War9. Continental EthicsCase Study: Euthanasia10. Virtue EthicsCase Study: LyingEpilogue: Love and Christian EthicsGlossaryFurther ReadingIndexes

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Book SynopsisThis five-view work brings together leading voices to present major views on youth ministry, giving readers resources to develop their own approach.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction: Why This Book?Introducing the AuthorsView One: Greg StierThe Gospel Advancing View of MinistryResponses to the Gospel Advancing View Brian Cosby Chap Clark Fernando Arzola Ron Hunter Greg Stier's ResponseView Two: Brian CosbyThe Reformed View of Youth MinistryResponses to the Reformed View Greg Stier Chap Clark Fernando Arzola Ron Hunter Brian Cosby's ResponseView Three: Chap ClarkThe Adoption View of Youth MinistryResponses to the Adoption View Greg Stier Brian Cosby Fernando Arzola Ron Hunter Chap Clark's ResponseView Four: Fernando ArzolaThe Ecclesial View of Youth MinistryResponses to the Ecclesial View Greg Stier Brian Cosby Chap Clark Ron Hunter Fernando Arzola's ResponseView Five: Ron HunterThe D6 View of Youth MinistryResponses to the D6 View Greg Stier Brian Cosby Chap Clark Fernando Arzola Ron Hunter's ResponseAfterword: Where from Here?

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Book SynopsisPastor Jeffrey E. Miller tackles 12 hazards all men face--from insensitivity to lust--and paints a compelling picture of how to live as a better man.

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Book SynopsisPopular blogger takes readers on a journey to understand themselves and others by exploring popular personality frameworks, offering practical applications to improve all facets of life, including love, marriage, productivity, parenting, the workplace, and spiritual life.

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Book SynopsisBestselling author and cultural commentator helps readers cut through the culture-war rhetoric and equips them to respond intelligently and compassionately to issues such as abortion, assisted suicide, homosexuality, transgenderism, and more.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that your daily habits are instilling in you a false sense of control over your life? This leads to anxiety and broken relationships when things appear to go off track. But God has a solution: trade that so-called control for influence.

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Book SynopsisJalane D. Schmidt shows how the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, discovered in 1612 and known as Cachita, is a potent and contested symbol of Cuban national identity. She analyzes the five times over the last eighty years Cachita has been celebrated in Cuba's urban streets.Trade Review"[W]hat makes Cachita's Streets special is the attention the author gives to the many different contexts within which the Virgin has been venerated, supplicated, politicized, and racialized over the centuries—Cuba's tumultuous 20th century in particular. Providing a careful study of all the facets of the Virgin’s role in Cuban life, Schmidt documents the multidimensional and contested Cachita of the streets, not merely the Virgin of the shrine in El Cobre. The result is an exemplary socioreligious history." -- D. Jacobsen * Choice *"The book is carefully researched and is a special contribution to the study of religion, particularly in the Oriente (Eastern region of Cuba)....Schmidt’s work represents a unique approach to the study of religion in Cuba and uses rich archival research to follow worship of La Virgen de la Caridad throughout the island’s history." -- Danielle Pilar Clealand * Ethnic and Racial Studies *"Cachita’s Streets is deeply researched and skillfully crafted." -- Reinaldo L. Román * New West Indian Guide *"Schmidt offers up a history of the Virgin and her devotees, but in the process, she engages the reader in a sweeping narrative of Cuban politics, identity, race and religion over the past four centuries. . . . Schmidt sheds light on the importance of the Cuban streets as a stage for political and religious leaders to influence their audience, the Cuban people." -- Caroline Barnett * AmeriQuests *"[Schmidt's] ethnographic research is unparalleled . . . . The book adds a much-needed piece to the study of historical and contemporary Cuban religion." -- Michelle Gonzalez Maldonado * Religious Studies Review *"Careful and captivating. . . . One of the best histories of Marian devotion that I have read, and one of the best books on Cuba overall." -- Linda B. Hall * Catholic Historical Review *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments vii Introduction. "Antes": Processions Past 1 Part I. Cuba Produnda, 1612–1927 1. From Foundling to Intercessor: Our Lady Help of Slaves 17 2. Mambisa Virgin: Patrona of the Patria 49 Part II. Regal Streets, 1931–1936 3. Royalty in Exile: Banishing Bembes 69 4. Crowning La Caridad: The Queen of Republican Cuba 94 Part III. Martial Streets, 1951–1958 5. The Virgin General on the March: Conquering Cuba? 131 6. Rebel Sierras and Lowlands: Petitioning the Mother of Cuba 164 Part IV. Revolutionary Streets, 1959–1998 7. "¡Todos a la Plaza!": Mobilizing in Revolutionary Time and Space 185 8. "The Streets Are for Revolutionaries!": Prohibiting Processions 207 9. Luchando in the Special Period: Papal Visit 235 Conclusion. Processions Present: Returning to the Streets, 1998–2012 273 Notes 299 Bibliography 323 Index 347

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Book SynopsisMonique Moultrie explores the impact of faith-based sexual ministries on black women's sexual agency to trace how these women navigate sexuality, religious authority, and their spiritual walk with God.Trade Review(Starred Review) "A stunning and dynamic sociological read on womanist sexual ethics." -- Sandra Collins * Library Journal *"This engaging multidisciplinary thought-provoking text will be of interest to academics, educators and researchers. . . . It brings new critical insights/analyses to a topic often considered taboo in these fields." -- Uvanney Maylor * Ethnic and Racial Studies *"[Moultrie's] approach is bold, delving into the experiences of real women in an attempt to bring sexuality out of the shadows of church teachings, yet indicating that the parachurch ministries themselves have not gone far enough." -- Tola Olu Pearce * Journal of African American History *"Moultrie's Passionate and Pious … goes beyond filling a gap in the literature as her work provides an intimate portrayal of the messages transmitted in black Christian media and the way these messages are received." -- Apryl Williams * Journal of Religion, Media and Digital Culture *"Reaching beyond typical questions, like the morality of homosexuality, Passionate and Pious is a more robust exploration of Christian sexual ethics.… An excellent resource for theological graduate students looking for more insight into the sexual ethics of the Black church and Black women. It is also an excellent read for Black women and those of other backgrounds who grapple with the high price of purity culture and pleasing God through their sexual choices." -- Courtney Bryant * Journal of Religion *"Charts new ground…. Passionate and Pious is an important text for helping religious leaders, laypersons, and activists do the work of constructing viable alternatives. It is a valuable text to guide scholars, teachers, and students in examining the complex tensions between Black women's sexuality, moral codes, and religious beliefs and practices." -- Elise M. Edwards * International Journal of Africana Studies *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Introduction. For All the Single Ladies: Black Women's Stories of Faith and Sexuality 1 1. Sexual Purity as PR: Tracing the Impact of Religious Media 21 2. Reading "Our" Bynum as Text: For a Black Woman by a Black Woman 29 3. Beyond Bynum: Analyzing Contemporary Faith-Based Sexuality Ministries 50 4. "Why I Gotta be Gay?": Approaches to Womanist Sexual Hospitality 81 5. "The Lord Still has Work for Me to Do": Analyzing Senior Sexuality and Faith-Based Sexuality Ministries 96 6. Horny and Holy: Saved Women Seeking Sexual Pleasure 116 Conclusion. Living Sexually Before God: A Contemporary Womanist Sexual Ethics 142 Notes 153 Bibliography 173 Index 183

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Book SynopsisMonique Moultrie explores the impact of faith-based sexual ministries on black women's sexual agency to trace how these women navigate sexuality, religious authority, and their spiritual walk with God.Trade Review(Starred Review) "A stunning and dynamic sociological read on womanist sexual ethics." -- Sandra Collins * Library Journal *"This engaging multidisciplinary thought-provoking text will be of interest to academics, educators and researchers. . . . It brings new critical insights/analyses to a topic often considered taboo in these fields." -- Uvanney Maylor * Ethnic and Racial Studies *"[Moultrie's] approach is bold, delving into the experiences of real women in an attempt to bring sexuality out of the shadows of church teachings, yet indicating that the parachurch ministries themselves have not gone far enough." -- Tola Olu Pearce * Journal of African American History *"Moultrie's Passionate and Pious … goes beyond filling a gap in the literature as her work provides an intimate portrayal of the messages transmitted in black Christian media and the way these messages are received." -- Apryl Williams * Journal of Religion, Media and Digital Culture *"Reaching beyond typical questions, like the morality of homosexuality, Passionate and Pious is a more robust exploration of Christian sexual ethics.… An excellent resource for theological graduate students looking for more insight into the sexual ethics of the Black church and Black women. It is also an excellent read for Black women and those of other backgrounds who grapple with the high price of purity culture and pleasing God through their sexual choices." -- Courtney Bryant * Journal of Religion *"Charts new ground…. Passionate and Pious is an important text for helping religious leaders, laypersons, and activists do the work of constructing viable alternatives. It is a valuable text to guide scholars, teachers, and students in examining the complex tensions between Black women's sexuality, moral codes, and religious beliefs and practices." -- Elise M. Edwards * International Journal of Africana Studies *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Introduction. For All the Single Ladies: Black Women's Stories of Faith and Sexuality 1 1. Sexual Purity as PR: Tracing the Impact of Religious Media 21 2. Reading "Our" Bynum as Text: For a Black Woman by a Black Woman 29 3. Beyond Bynum: Analyzing Contemporary Faith-Based Sexuality Ministries 50 4. "Why I Gotta be Gay?": Approaches to Womanist Sexual Hospitality 81 5. "The Lord Still has Work for Me to Do": Analyzing Senior Sexuality and Faith-Based Sexuality Ministries 96 6. Horny and Holy: Saved Women Seeking Sexual Pleasure 116 Conclusion. Living Sexually Before God: A Contemporary Womanist Sexual Ethics 142 Notes 153 Bibliography 173 Index 183

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Book SynopsisA collection of essays tracing the development of selected Catholic lay apostolates in the decades before and after the Second Vatican Council. Contributors demonstrate how Catholic Action that functioned as an auxiliary of the American bishops gave way to groups more inclined to challenge episcopal authority during the 1960s and 1970s.Trade Review"Empowering the People of God is a major contribution to the "lived history" of Vatican II for the American Catholics. Catholics changed and the changes made a difference for the country as well as the Church. These thoroughly researched essays demonstrate that lay empowerment was taking place before the Council. The Council persuaded lay leaders that "the shaping of the Church's future was in their hands". How they handled those rising expectations is then the theme of six well chosen case studies. Anyone who wants to understand American Catholics must consider the history provided by this excellent book." -- -David O'Brien Professor Emeritus, College of the Holy Cross, and Distingusihged Visiting Professor at Large, University of Dayton "I think a broad audience will enjoy this book about the practice of Catholic Action in America. It deals with Pope Pius Xl's call for the laity to engage in "Catholic Action" by assisting the clergy in carrying out the Vatican's definition of the Church's worldly mission, including its commitment to social justice. Millions of the faithful responded to this call, dutifully in he 1930s and 1940s and zealously after mid-century. The introduction to the book deftly contextualizes both periods of Catholic Action, and the essays explore the diversity of the activists reactions to this opportunity. Briefly put, the activists before mid-century conformed to the Pope's charge without challenging the Vatican's authority to define their options. But after 1950, in the new age of cultural individualism in American society and its institutions, the activists opted for the maximum feasible participation of the laity in the definition and implementation of the mission of the Church, a phenomenon that yielded todays' tripartite struggle, laic and clerical , among conservatives, liberals, and moderates for ascendancy in America's largest and perhaps its most quintessentially urban branch of Christianity." -- -Zane Miller Charles Phelps Taft Professor of History Emeritus, University of Cincinnati, and co-editor, The Urban Life, Landscape, and Policy Series "Empowering the People of God gives a nuanced, complicated, insightful portrait of Catholic Action as a spectrum rather than a monolith. The volume is timely, not just for historians of American Catholicism, but also for those seeing to understand the deeper backstory to the contesting definitions of authority in the Church in the present moment." -- -Amy L. Koehlinger Oregon State UniversityTable of ContentsContents Acknowledgements List of Contributors Introduction: Jeffrey Burns Part One: Catholic Action 1. Catholic Action in the Archdiocese of New York: The Case of the Catholic Club of New York City (Patrick J. Hayes) 2. The Liturgical Movement and Catholic Action: Women Living the Liturgical Life in the Lay Apostolate (Katharine E. Harmon) 3. "The Priesthood of the Layman": Catholic Action in the Archdiocese of San Francisco (William Issel) 4. From Participation to Community: John Courtney Murray's American Justification for Catholic Action (Christopher Denny) 5. Azzione Cattolica in an American Setting: The Society of Saint Charles-Scalabrinians and Catholic Action (Mary Elizabeth Brown) Part Two: The People of God 6. Relevant Transformations: The Young Women of the Extension Lay Volunteers, 1961-1971 (Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello) 7. Reaching Out to the People of God: The Implications of Renewal for the Sisters of Mercy in Parish Schools (Mary Beth Fraser Connolly) 8. "This is Our Challenge! We will Pursue It": The National Council of Catholic Women, the Feminist Movement, and the Second Vatican Council, 1960-1975 (Mary Henold) 9. Who Will Guard the Guardians? Church Government and the Ecclesiology of the People of God, 1965-1969 (Jeremy Bonner) 10. Empowering the People of God: John Cardinal Dearden's Church of Tomorrow (Samuel J. Thomas) 11. Christian Unity, Lay Authority, and the People of God: The Community of Christ Our Brother in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, 1967-1969 (Andrew Moore)

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Book SynopsisThe Bread of the Strong investigates the origins, development, and migration of a Roman Catholic retreat movement founded by Onésime Lacouture, SJ. Although suppressed in its original host region of Québec, it migrated to the United States, thanks largely to John Hugo’s advocacy, and critically influenced Dorothy Day’s spiritual development.Trade Review"The Bread of the Strong is a thrilling spiritual adventure story. Jack Downey brilliantly tracks the origins and flourishing of the controversial, mysterious, and extremely influential retreat movement most prominently associated with Dorothy Day and the Catholic Workers. 'The retreat' blended passionately mystical Quebecois spirituality with the hard-nosed militancy of Catholic labor movement advocacy of Industrial Era Pittsburgh. The result was a paradoxical-and most potent-form of Catholic spiritual radicalism that fulfilled Dorothy Day's lifelong search for authentic communion with Jesus and her fellows." -- -Jim Fisher author of On the Irish Waterfront: The Crusader, the Movie, and the Soul of the Port of New York "To my knowledge, no other work pulls together so much transnational, bilingual,cultural and historical background on the three main figures, Onesime Lacouture, John Hugo, and Dorothy Day, in the context of the controversial retreat with which they were all involved. The book is impressive in its transnational focus and bilingual sources" -- -Una Cadegan University of Dayton "Downey has written a very good book of historical and cultural analysis based on extensive archival research. It offers the first critical examination of a profound theological and spiritual resource for a figure who - as Pope Francis reminded us in his speech to Congress - remains one of the most significant Catholics in U.S. history. It is an important book for anyone who not only wants to understand Day better, but also to appreciate the often forgotten or ignored theological diversity that existed in early twentieth-century American Catholicism." -- -Benjamin Peters American Catholic Studies "The Bread of the Strong is a remarkable contribution to the literature on the history of American Catholicism and will long be an indispensable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the Catholic Worker movement as a notable spiritual phenomenon that emerged within an American context." -- -James McCartin Director, Fordham Center on Religion and Culture "... The Bread of the Strong offers a rich and often provocative interpretation of the entire world of French Canadian (Quebecois) Catholicism from which Lacouturism emerged." -Journal of Jesuit Studies "This contribution to American Catholic scholarship rightfully deserves a place in every university library and on the shelves of all those who wish to more deeply understand Dorothy Day's life and the movement she launched, which continues its works of mercy throughout the country today." -Catholic Library WorldTable of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Introduction: Conversion and Catholic Pacifism 1 1 Canadien Identity, Nationalism, and Muscular Catholicism 20 2 Onesime Lacouture and Conversion in the White Desert 53 3 Onesime Lacouture and the "Return to the Gospel" 80 4 Mackerel Snappers in the US Industrial Era 117 5 John Hugo and the Retreat's Southward Migration 139 6 Dorothy Day, Anti- triumphalism, and a Personalist Approach to Voluntary Poverty 169 Epilogue: To Afflict the Comfortable and Comfort the Afflicted: Catholic Worker Pacifism as a Form- of- Life 201 Notes 211 Bibliography 247 Index 263

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Book SynopsisBuilding on stories and illustrations from He Chose the Nails by bestselling author Max Lucado, He Did This Just for You is a booklet designed to lead you through God''s plan of sacrifice and salvation. When you think of the cross, what thoughts come to mind? Steeples? Gold necklaces? Churches? Or do your thoughts go deeper? Do words like these come to mind: Jesus. Nails. Blood. Pain. Death. Tomb. Empty. Joy. Promise. Life. Savior!The words of the cross are so full of pain. So full of passion. So full of promise--God''s promise to each and every one of us. His promise to do whatever it takes to save your soul. He did this just for you.He Did This Just for You shares the story of salvation in a new light, taking you through three distinct pieces of the puzzle: The Parable--God''s longing for us The Promise--God''s gi

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Book SynopsisThoughts of heaven can be unsettling. Life with no end? Space with no bounds? Are we supposed to feel good about these things?Bestselling author Max Lucado assures us that we can. There is much about heaven that we don''t yet understand. And while thoughts on our final destiny may stir questions, they needn''t stir our fears.In Beyond Heaven''s Door Max takes us on a journey from finding certainty in our destination to God''s great promises of the hereafter. Open the door and catch a glimpse of the joy that awaits you in heavenand find hope for today in the process. 

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Book SynopsisA long obedience in the same direction.

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Book SynopsisFinding God in the everyday, the present moment; developing our spiritual capacity.Trade Review“Malcolm has managed that most difficult of things – to write a book which is both realistic and readable, and yet which carries great spiritual wisdom.” -- Dr Alison Morgan, ReSource"A passionate call for a faith that goes beyond the nominal, the normal and the nice… If you’re tired of the brand of Christianity that hides behind a veneer or respectability and rarely goes more than skin deep, read and heed this invitation to a heartfelt encounter with God, with his people and with your community.” -- Gerard Kelly, author of The Prodigal EvangelicalTable of ContentsContentsRumours of God and Whispers of Hope 6God Gazer 171 I Want to be a God Gazer 232 Not a Cheap Food Grazer 353 Trailblazers for the Ordinary Life 524 Beyond the Halcyon Ways 675 Beyond the Trappings of Success 836 Becoming Fluent 937 Until My Thirst is Sated 1068 Not Just a Speaker but a Seeker 1229 God, Gaze Through Me 14310 I Want My Life to Be Releasing 15811 A Drainpipe Without Blockages 17512 Not Just a Furniture Re-Arranger 19213 A Morning Many Winters Ago 208Conclusion: God Gazer, Life Giver, World Changer 221Keep in touch

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Book SynopsisAngus Buchan explains how a quiet place where we can meet with God can refresh, energise and renew us.

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Book SynopsisThe Christian faith is about grace, not law, yet the Evangelical Church often fails to communicate it. Gerard uses the story of the Prodigal Son to unpack the idea.Trade Review“Gerard Kelly is a prophet-poet-theologian-practitioner who has always managed to sense the existential issues of the age and to speak meaningfully about them. He always calls us to faithfulness in a culture that rewards the lack of it. I am grateful.” -- Alan Hirsch, author of numerous books books on missional Christianity, founder of Forge Mission Training Network and Future Travellers. “The Prodigal Evangelical is honest, humble and hopeful. It’s message exposes the deep challenges, and at times the deep chasms within evangelicalism. It’s not just a book, it is a heart cry for a reclaimed evangelicalism that puts God at the centre. If you are like me then you won’t feel you need to agree with everything in this book to recognise its importance. Here is a voice from within the evangelical family crying out for a conversation that goes beyond the often stark `black’ and `white’ shouting matches that take place within our tribes. Gerard’s theology is rooted, his spirituality vibrant and his commitment to mission clearly proven. He isn’t arguing for a wishy-washy liberalism that promises greater impact but delivers greater disappointment. He wants evangelicals to be the most God-loving, life-embracing, truth-honouring, hope-giving, soul-searching, community-forming, Christ-centred, Spirit-led, Father-revealing, Kingdom-declaring, forgiveness-announcing, possibility-birthing people in the world. Yet his call is not for a theology that says nothing matters. He calls for these things because he knows that truth matters. There are many areas of The Prodigal Evangelical that I am still thinking about. Gerard’s arguments challenge my convictions and force me to think harder and better. His book does what all good books do – it engages my heart, captures my imagination, challenges my assumptions and stretches my thinking. I am privileged to call this man my friend, honoured to learn from him and blessed to stand alongside him in ministry and service for Christ." -- Malcolm Duncan“Gerard Kelly is one of the great thinkers in the Church world right now. His chapter describing the human state – Beautiful, Broken, Forgiven, Invited – has so much to lift the weary soul and strengthen our heart’s cry to be in relationship with the One who has never diminished us by His words or actions. Gerard’s definition of the Kingdom versus the Church has such clarity, and depth enough to answer many a weary soul who struggles to untangle one from the other. Many 21st century people, Christian or not, struggle with disillusionment and cynicism regarding the meta Church and the local church, and for good reason. Gerard addresses the issues relating to how not to throw out the baby along with the tepid, grey bathwater that is filled with the flotsam and jetsam of multiple doctrines and dictates that Church has become known for. What a fantastic book – destined to be a classic of Christian literature.” -- Bev Murrill, speaker, author, leadership consultant, director of Christian Growth International“Stories connect. We are social beings. Life is such a journey. Gerard connects, calls and convinces us in this book that God cannot be contained yet can be intimately known. What is enlightening and enlivening here are the glimpses into what can happen when our stories are interwoven into God’s story: when the prodigal turns on the spiritual Bluetooth to receive the gift of faith, life and belonging. This is a great book of deep stories.” -- Fuzz Kitto, Spirited Consulting“With wonderful honesty, humility and insight Gerard tackles many of the questions we all face. Get this vital book today it's a work for our times.” -- Gavin Calver, Youth for Christ“This book is so much more than simply another apologetic for the evangelical paradigm. It is the heartfelt confession of someone who owes their experience of God’s transforming love to it and is therefore determined not to throw the baby out with the bath water. Gerard Kelly moves seamlessly between theology and testimony and his story will resonate with anyone who finds themselves torn in two by their deep affection for the tribe which gave their love for Jesus birth and their desire to alienate themselves from the toxic brand it is so often associated with today. Biblical, theological, culturally perceptive and above all disarmingly honest, Gerard Kelly casts for `prodigal evangelicals’ everywhere a fresh vision of the unchanging riches of an evangelicalism released from unnecessary cultural and doctrinal baggage. A must read for anyone wondering if `evangelical’ is a word worth saving! You may just be persuaded that it is.” -- Revd Canon Anna Norman-Walker, Canon Missioner, Exeter Cathedral“Gerard is a prophetic voice preparing the way of the Lord - this book will challenge and inspire you to live out the actual good news in real life. I recommend this work as a catalyst for change from the inside out.” -- Danielle Strickland“In Gerard’s usual poetic way he draws us into a place of seeing ourselves for who we are and seeing Jesus for who he is. Gerard’s wonderful book excites me afresh for all that God is capable of and why he is so brilliant. The Prodigal Evangelical should be read by everyone seeking a faith that truly fulfils their deepest longings.” -- Cris Rogers“In The Prodigal Evangelical Gerard Kelly focuses our eyes on the wonderful story of good news that is the beating heart of Christianity, and shows us how this story still has the power to transform human lives after two thousand years. The book is beautifully written, telling powerful real-life stories, and drawing on great art to make its simple but vital point. I hope it will be very widely read and enjoyed.” -- Steve Holmes“We are all broken people but Jesus offers a way out of that brokenness. Gerard Kelly’s poignant and vulnerable journey towards home and wholeness, is compelling reading. I times it made me laugh at others I felt like weeping. I highly recommend The Prodigal Evangelical to all who have struggled with doubts and questions about faith and God.” -- Christine Sine, Executive Director, Mustard Seed Associates“In this beautiful book, I hear the sounds of dancing and music. Gerard’s winsome, authentic, and hope-laden words will warm the coldest heart, and bring us back to this core truth: the good news really is very, very good. Highly recommended.” -- Jeff Lucas

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Book SynopsisAn encouraging look at old age showing we all have a place in tomorrow's world.Table of ContentsContentsAcknowledgments 7Preface 9Chapter 1: Steady the Seniors – Our Day is Coming! 13How the biggest demographic change in history has hugeopportunities for older peopleChapter 2: The Real Life Design 25Why God designed old age, on purposeChapter 3: Clearing the Runway 39Recognizing and removing obstaclesChapter 4: Fighting the Invisible Gorilla 59How ageism makes older people invisibleChapter 5: How the Tide is Turning 77“Ageism is so last-century” – stories of seniors living with purposeChapter 6: How Not to be Knackered at 90 95Dealing with things that will prevent you from achieving your destinyChapter 7: Your Pre-boarding Check 115Making sure you are OK for take-offChapter 8: Elderhood – Seniors with Purpose 139Living God’s purpose, and understanding the keyChapter 9: Polishing the Family Silver – Notes for Churches 157Empowering and engaging older members for the benefit of allRecommended reading 169Notes 171

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Book SynopsisTrue change doesn't come about from a quick fix; it takes sacrifice, sweat and suffering.Trade ReviewChristy offers beautiful insights on trust and surrender as the key aspects of how the Father brings transformation to our lives. She has written with a vulnerability that will put you in touch with your own depest desire to be profoundly changed by Jesus. -- Bill Johnson * Bethel Church *You will be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus through reading this book. -- Nicky GumbelThis book can awaken us to the possibilities of transformation--the struggle and fun, the sweat and grace! -- Danielle Strickland * Salvation Army *Christy brings a prophet's challenge, a pastor's care, and a teacher's instruction to keep the church in step with the Spirit. -- Simon Ponsonby * St Aldates, Oxford *Accessible and hard-hitting, but full of grace. Thought-provoking, yet so practical...refreshingly honest about what following Jesus actually looks like. -- Pete Hughes * KXC, London *Christy Wimber gives great insight into that which we need to celebrate and that which we need to be wary of. -- David Ruis * Worship Leader and National Director of Vineyard Churches, Canada *A much-needed encouragement. -- Jay Pathak * Founding Pastor of The Mile High Vineyard *

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Book SynopsisA year’s worth of illustrated reflections an meditations on dogs known and loved.

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Book SynopsisGod longs to redeem the story of your life and reclaim The Dream of YouTable of ContentsContentsForeword by Ann Voskamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiIntroduction: Red Boots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Don’t Call Me “Pleasant” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 What’s in a Name? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 Th e Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394 Th e Day I Lost My Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595 God’s Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 766 Known and Loved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 917 Slay Your Giants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1108 Th e Wander Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1269 In the Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14110 Breaking Up with Perfection . . . . . . . . . . . . 15511 Th e Song in My Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17012 Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18513 Pick Up Your Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203Epilogue: Rebuild, Restore, Renew. . . . . . . . . . . . . 215Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221INS

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Book SynopsisTranslations of eight saints' lives, giving an insight into women's religious culture in Anglo-Saxon England.Devout, virtuous and independent, the heroines of Old English saints' lives (one of the most popular literary genres of the middle ages) provided exemplars of personal and public inspiration for medieval Christians. The eight lives translated here are the earliest known vernacular accounts of the biographies of Æthelthryth, Agatha, Agnes, Cecilia, Eugenia, Euphrosyne, Lucy, and Mary of Egypt. They depict women escaping unwanted marriages, communicating with male relatives, acquiring an education, living autonomously as hermits, and achieving positions of leadership; such lives document not only the importance of spiritual faith to early Christian women, but also testify to how these women (and their audience) employed faith as a tool for empowerment. Each life is preceded by a brief description of the saint's cult from its early Christian origins to its presence in Anglo-Saxon culture. The translationis accompanied by an introduction establishing the general background for the genre, the conventions of women saints' lives, and women's religious culture in Anglo-Saxon England; and an interpretive essay exploring the relationships between explicit presentations of the female body and the strength of spiritual authority as exhibited in these texts completes the volume. LESLIE A. DONOVAN is Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisA revised Second Edition of the book that shows you how to use Bible-based leadership principles to improve business performance In How to Run Your Business by THE BOOK, famed leadership guru Dave Anderson reveals biblical lessons to help transform the people, culture, and results of your business. Not only will you master timeless business principles based on the world''s bestselling book, you''ll build a foundation for your business that leads to long-term success. It''s a refreshing return to commonsense business basics, based on leadership lessons peppered throughout the Good Book. You''ll read what the bible has to say about hiring and training people, managing money, creating a leadership vision, achieving ambitious goals, and much more. This new Second Edition features a new introduction that includes letters from readers about their success using these principles, a new chapter on leading through crisis, and bonus sections at the end of each chapter that offer Table of ContentsForeword ix Preface xiii Acknowledgments xix Introduction 1 1. A Six-Pack of Principles from a King and the King 7 2. Four Mandates to Maximize Your Time 33 3. How to Overcome the Number One Cause of Management Failure 55 4. Five Steps to Build a Rock Solid Character 79 5. The “High Five” Principles to Elevate Your People Skills 103 6. Four Keys to Create Life-Work Balance 127 7. How to Manage Your Money by THE BOOK 151 8. Four Steps to Build Your Team by THE BOOK 179 9. How to Lead Through Crisis 207 Appendix: Quick Scriptural Reference Guide by THE BOOK 233 Notes 237 References 241 About the Author 243 Index 245

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Book SynopsisThe Bible For Dummies (9781119293507) was previously published as The Bible For Dummies (9780764552960). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part 1: What the Bible Is All About 7 Chapter 1: From Moses to Modernity: Introducing the Good Book 9 Chapter 2: Lights, Camera, Action! Previewing the Bible’s Stage and Storyline 25 Part 2: Exploring the Hebrew Bible — The Old Testament 35 Chapter 3: Creation, Paradise Lost, and Other Mysteries of Life (Genesis 1–3) 37 Chapter 4: The Fallout from “The Fall” (Genesis 4–11) 53 Chapter 5: The Babylonian Hillbillies: The Adventures of Abraham and His Family (Genesis 12–25:18) 67 Chapter 6: The Birth of a Nation: Isaac, Jacob, and Their Many Children (Genesis 25:19–50) 87 Chapter 7: Holy Moses! Exploring Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy 109 Chapter 8: An Experiment in Theocracy: Joshua, Judges, and Ruth 135 Chapter 9: The King and “I Am”: 1 and 2 Samuel 153 Chapter 10: A Tale of Two Kingdoms: 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles 175 Chapter 11: Strangers in a Strange Land: Israel in Exile with Daniel and Esther 197 Chapter 12: Home for the Holidays: Returning to the Promised Land with Ezra and Nehemiah 209 Chapter 13: More Than Mere Fortune-tellers: The Prophets 219 Chapter 14: Israel’s Wisdom Literature and Love Poetry: Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs 237 Chapter 15: Rockin’ the Temple: Music in Ancient Israel (Psalms) 251 Part 3: Revealing the Bible’s Hidden Treasures in the Apocrypha 261 Chapter 16: Rebels with a Cause: The Books of 1 and 2 Maccabees 263 Chapter 17: The Apocrypha’s Other “Hidden Treasures” 271 Part 4: Discovering What’s New About the New Testament 281 Chapter 18: From Birth to Baptism: Jesus Prepares for the Ministry (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) 283 Chapter 19: Jesus Christ, Superstar: Jesus’ “Ministry Years” (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) 301 Chapter 20: The Early Christian Church (Acts 1–8, 10–12, and 15) 333 Chapter 21: The Traveling Salesman of Tarsus: Paul’s Life and Letters 347 Chapter 22: Wait a Minute, Mr Postman: The New Testament’s General Letters 371 Chapter 23: The Beginning of the End: The Revelation of John 383 Part 5: That Was Then, This Is Now: Discovering the Bible’s Enduring Influence 397 Chapter 24: The Bible and the Abrahamic Faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam 399 Chapter 25: Michelangelo, Milton, and Movies: Art, Literature, Life, and the Bible 407 Part 6: The Part of Tens 419 Chapter 26: Ten+ People You Should Know from the Bible 421 Chapter 27: Ten Holidays You Can Take Thanks to the Bible 429 Index 437

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Book SynopsisTake a few moments to focus on the hope we have because of Easter in Jesus Calling for Easter, a beautiful compilation that includes 50 Jesus Calling devotions and Scripture, alongside breathtaking imagery and design.

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