Christian life and practice Books

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Book SynopsisWhy care for the weak and vulnerable if survival is all that matters? Why are people so concerned with fashions and the labels on clothes? Isn’t religion just a matter of being conditioned by your parents? How do we explain the Big Bang? What is love? Philosopher and theologian Dr Peter Vardy has collected 54 of the best questions about life asked by his young daughters Petra and Thora, attempted to answer them himself and gathered additional answers from leading figures in a variety of fields from across the world. The Philosophers’ Daughters is illustrated by Rabbi Dan Cohn-Sherbok.Trade Review‘The questions put by the Philosophers’ daughters are thrilling in their vitality and fearless curiosity. It is a hugely stimulating book. I know of nothing else quite like it.’ -- Professor Christopher Insole, University of Durham and Australian Catholic University‘An informative and challenging book.’ -- Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York‘A thoroughly accessible gem that will stretch your thinking and stir your imagination.’ -- Dr. Anna Abrams, Principal, Margaret Beaufort Institute‘Read this book and remind yourself that the big questions matter and that loyalty to the future depends on us taking them seriously.’ -- Dr. Mark Oakley, Dean of St John's College, Cambridge

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Book SynopsisThe Universe Provides collects stories of hope, miracles and uplifting personal encounters from Eddie Gilmore’s travels around a global community rediscovering itself following the isolations of the coronavirus pandemic. Following the course of a calendar year, gently guided by the waymarkers of the natural and liturgical seasons, Eddie records countless moments of friendship, kindness and connection, often accompanied by laughter, tears and music. Some of his encounters are planned, through his ministry as CEO for the Irish Chaplaincy, a charity which supports Irish people in Britain, including prisoners, Travellers and Seniors; other moments, perhaps the most fulfilling, arrive unexpectedly – gifts from the universe, which truly provides when we open our hearts.Trade Review‘From a faith-filled perspective, and drawing on his own personal, musical and professional experience, Eddie shows us how important it is to have hope in our lives and to be connected with each other and the world in which we live. In this way, we can glimpse the miracles and opportunities that are in our midst and use them for the benefit of all – the universe does indeed provide!’ -- Cardinal Vincent Nichols

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Book SynopsisThe Spiritual Principles of Revival.

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Book SynopsisPrayer Journal for Women: 52 Weeks Scripture, Devotional, & Guided Prayer Journal includes Scripture verses, reflections on the Word, and journaling prompts to guide your walk with God and strengthen your faith. Verses are organized thematically:Love & Inner Beauty - Provision & Faithfulness - God's Love - Adversity & Trials - Awe & Sovereignty - Strength Through Faith - Fear - Grace & ForgivenessA perfect companion for individual worship or for group Bible study, this 12-month journal features:A generous 8 x 10 trim size with plenty of space to writeFour full pages for each week of the yearOriginal illustrations on each page by author and artist Shannon RobertsEach week includes: Scripture - An inspiring Bible verse to reflect and meditate on throughout your week, giving you time to memorize the verse and ingrain it into your heart and soul. Reflect - A "Reflect" page with thoughts and questions prompted by the weekly Scripture verse, along with space to record your own thoughts and responses. Journal - Two full pages to journal your praise for God, your prayer requests, the things on your heart, and how you wish to be taught and guided, as well as a Bible verse about the power of prayer. Answered Prayers - A tracker with space to record your prayers, so you can see how God moves in your life throughout the course of a year.

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Book SynopsisIn Understanding Your Husband, author Brother Frederick Ezeji-Okoye takes on the difficult job of explaining a key principle to a strong, godly marriage—the partnership between the wife and the husband. Brother Ezeji-Okoye provides clarity and guidance to the role of the wife as helper, submitting to the husband’s headship. With scripture, personal experience, and examples in daily life, the author shows the strength and virtue in the unity of wife and husband, each embracing their different role as ordained by God. The author makes clear that submitting to her husband does not mean she is inferior or a secondary person, but instead, she is a co-laborer who is equal but with a role different than that of her husband. In his popular book, Not without a Head, the author discusses the role of the man in marriage and how embracing his headship role—the leader of the family—creates strong, virtuous marriages. As a companion book, Understanding Your Husband finishes the picture of a stable, godly marriage based on a deep, truthful understanding for the woman’s role as well. Two become one in their roles, as God designed.

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Book SynopsisIntroducing an expanded edition of the #1 international bestseller, The Purpose Driven Life now includes two bonus chapters. This spiritual journey will transform your answer to life’s most important question: What on earth am I here for? Simplify your life, increase your motivation, discover God’s amazing plan for you both now and for eternity.Trade ReviewMovie stars and political leaders aren't the only ones turning to Rick Warren for spiritual guidance. Millions of people--from NBA and LPGA players to corporate executives to high school students to prison inmates--meet regularly to discuss The Purpose Driven Life. -Time

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive volume containing five of C S Lewis's best known inspirational and spiritual works.This new paperback contains five of C.S.Lewis's classic works, which are no longer available separately but are presented here in paperback as a highly readable and accessible volume. Each title a gem, each page a delight to read, here finally is the chance to own a library of some of the most loved C S Lewis titles in one volume.The Pilgrim's Regress (1933), Lewis's first prose work' explains in allegory the elusive experience he calls Joy and its part in his conversion.Prayer: Letters to Malcolm (1964) was Lewis's last book in which he corresponds with an imaginary friend on various aspects of prayer.Reflections of the Psalms (1958) shares Lewis's thoughts on the Psalms which he knew almost by heart through daily attendance at his college chapel.The Abolition of Man (1944) examines the importance and relevance of universal values such as courage and honour in contemporary society.Till Trade Review‘He has a quite unique power for making theology an attractive, exciting and fascinating quest.’Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisA classic collection of 1,000 hymns and choruses.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most popular and beloved introductions to the concept of faith ever written, Mere Christianity has sold millions of copies worldwide.The book brings together C.S. Lewis's legendary radio broadcasts during the war years, in which he set out simply to explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times'. A brilliant collection, the book remains strikingly fresh for the modern reader and at the same time confirms C. S. Lewis's reputation as one of the leading writer and thinkers of our age.Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity's many denominations, Mere Christianity provides an unequalled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to absorb a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith.Trade Review‘He has quite a unique power for making theology an attractive, exciting and fascinating quest.’ Times Literary Supplement ‘Lewis seeks in Mere Christianity to help us see religion with fresh eyes, as a radical faith whose adherents might be likened to an underground group gathering in a war zone, a place where evil seems to have the upper hand, to hear messages of hope from the other side.’ Kathleen Norris

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Book SynopsisRob Bell's extraordinary and provocative Drops Like Stars, published as part of the Rob Bell Classics relaunch, explores the relationship between suffering and creativity, and the transformative power of pain.We plot. We plan. We assume things are going to go a certain way. And when they don't, we find ourselves in a new place - a place we haven't been before; a place we never would have imagined on our own. It is the difficult and the unexpected, and maybe even the tragic, that opens us up and frees us to see things in new ways.Many of the most significant moments in our lives come not because it all went right but because it all fell apart. Suffering does that. It hurts, but it also creates. This book is an exploration of the complex relationship between suffering and creativity, driven by the belief that there is art in the agony.' Rob BellTrade Review‘Few readers will dispute Bell's gentle assertions: that life can be extremely difficult and capricious, that it is often difficult to find God amid suffering, that suffering has a great potential to unify disparate people, and that great bursts of creative energy can arise from pain. Bell explores these issues not by covert biblical exegesis … but [by] new-fashioned storytelling. Bell weaves inspiring stories of people who turned their suffering into something transformative.’ (Publishers Weekly) ‘Bell fights every impulse in our culture to domesticate Jesus [and] challenges the reader to be open to surprise, mystery and all of the unanswerables… Bell has given theologically suspicious Christians new courage to bet their life on Jesus Christ.’ (Christian Century) ‘Claiming that some versions of Jesus should be rejected, particularly those used to intimidate and inspire fear or hatred, Bell persuasively interprets the Bible as a message of love and redemption. . . . His style is characteristically concise and oral, his tone passionate and unabashedly positive.’ (Publishers Weekly) ‘One of the nation’s rock-star-popular young pastors, Rob Bell, has stuck a pitchfork in how Christians talk about damnation.’ (USA Today) ‘It isn’t easy to develop a biblical imagination that takes in the comprehensive and eternal work of Christ . . . Rob Bell goes a long way in helping us acquire just such an imagination–without a trace of soft sentimentality and without compromising an inch of evangelical conviction.’ (Eugene H. Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College, and author of The Message and The Pastor

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Book SynopsisGod's Little Book of Calm restores peace to our minds and brings spiritual refreshment to our hearts.It is not work that wears us out, but sadness, anxiety and worry. To God all your griefs are worthy of consideration.'Most of us need something to counteract the stress we feel But how do we find lasting peace and strength amid all the pressures we face?This wonderful collection of timeless truths and promises enable us to face the challenges ahead. Each page has an inspirational thought or idea, along with a related Bible reference for further reading and encouragement. Full of spiritual gems, this book will prove its value time and again whenever life gets too much.Talking to someone about your problems or fears reduces the pain by 50%, so when everyone else fails God simply says, Come to me.

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Book SynopsisA brand new two-year collection of daily readings and prayers, with Celtic themes and inspiration.Building on the foundations set down in the first volume, this new collection blends the voices of the early Celtic and desert saints with more contemporary sources in ways that continue to speak to us in our own generation and culture.Prayer is the ''heartbeat' of the Northumbria Community, and this book contains the Daily Office (morning, midday and evening prayer, and compline), which can be said, or sung to the music provided.As well as the Daily Office, there are four original Communion services, along with liturgies and prayers that have emerged out of real-life experiences of seeking God in many differing contexts throughout the world. Topics include reaching adulthood/mid-life/old-age; renewal of a marriage; the summer solstice; living with pain; blessing a garden; Christmas preparation; after an argument; scattering ashes; studying; peace; the father wound'; loyalty and sleep, among many, many others.There is also a meditation for each day of the month.Trade Review‘What a wonderful resource for those yearning to swim upstream and resist that powerful temptation to be running in busy circles!’- Lina Andronovienė, Lecturer, Scottish Baptist College ‘I think it was the American theologian Stanley Hauerwas who once said, in typically strong language, that what the church needs is a ‘damn good prayer book’. Well, Celtic Daily Prayer is exactly that.’- Ian Stackhouse, Guildford Baptist Church ‘[O]ur world needs this wonderful, spiritual treasure trove of a book.’- Dr Ash Barker, Director, The Newbigin Centre, Springdale College, Selly Oak Birmingham

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Book SynopsisLauren F. Winner—a leading writer at the crossroads of culture and spirituality and author of Still and Girl Meets God—joins the ranks of luminaries such as Anne Lamott and Barbara Brown Taylor with this exploration of little known—and, so, little used—biblical metaphors for God, metaphors which can open new doorways for our lives and spiritualities.There are hundreds of metaphors for God, but the church only uses a few familiar images: creator, judge, savior, father. In Wearing God, Lauren Winner gathers a number of lesser-known tropes, reflecting on how they work biblically and culturally, and reveals how they can deepen our spiritual lives.Exploring the notion of God as clothing, Winner reflects on how we are “clothed with Christ” or how “God fits us like a garment.” She then analyzes how clothing functions culturally to shape our ideals and identify our community, and ruminates on how this n

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Book SynopsisThe Most Important Work of Art Is the Life That We CreateIn The Artisan Soul, Erwin Raphael McManus— author, thought leader, and founder of MOSAIC in Los Angeles—pens a manifesto for human creativity and the beginning of a new renaissance. McManus not only calls us to reclaim our creative essence but reveals how we can craft our lives into a work of art. There are no shortcuts to quality, and McManus celebrates the spiritual process that can help us discover our true selves.McManus demonstrates that we all carry within us the essence of an artist. We all need to create—to be a part of a process that brings to the world something beautiful, good, and true—in order to allow our souls to come to life. It's not only the quality of the ingredients we use to build our lives that matters, but the care we bring to the process itself. Just as with baking artisan bread, it's a process that's crafted over time. And God is the master ar

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“At some point in every life, we are faced with a challenge that we think we can’t overcome. This book should be required reading for anyone wanting to understand how to trust in the light even at the darkest times. Drawing on her own grit, grace and gratitude - not to mention a deep and abiding faith - Nicole Avant has gifted us a roadmap out of the darkness of her own profound loss and into a life filled with meaning, purpose and service." — Jay Shetty, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Think Like A Monk “Nicole Avant gives a raw and courageous look into how she found the light in her darkest moment. She reminds us that that grief is different for everyone, and we have the power to move through it in our own unique way.” — Cleo Wade, New York Times Bestselling author In Think You'll Be Happy: Living with Grit, Grace and Gratitude, Nicole Avant brilliantly weaves through her family's story and her mother's tragic death, some of the most important cultural themes at this moment in our history — faith, forgiveness, resilience, service and redemption — and she does it all with grace and with the gift of a born storyteller.” — Arianna Huffington, Founder & CEO, Thrive Global

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Book SynopsisIn this original manifesto, bestselling author Joan Chittister delivers a roadmap for spiritual living based on the ancient Rule of Benedict that stands as a practical model upon which to build a satisfying life, despite the seemingly limitless (and at times meaningless) supply of options in the modern world.Trade Review'Joan Chittister has emerged as a wisdom figure for our time. Here she takes her wise monastic tradition and takes it on the road for all to love and enjoy.' Richard Rohr, author of The Naked Now

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Book SynopsisJohn McGinley's accessible, inspiring, and visionary manifesto for the future of the Church in the Western world, demonstrates how ordained and lay leaders at all levels can navigate these changing times with a focus, not on the decline, but the rebirth of the Church.Trade ReviewI love this book! It has made me praise God, weep and pray with new passion. It will give you fresh thinking, but also impart fresh hope, fresh faith and fresh courage. Jesus intended his Church to work with him - rewriting the history of individuals, communities and nations. But in the West the Church has become increasingly irrelevant. The burning question is, "How can we become what God originally intended us to be?" Scripture, church history, the current worldwide work of God and John's long experience of church leadership contain vital answers. Everyone has a part to play. Here's your chance to fully play yours. -- Revd Canon John Coles, former leader of New Wine EnglandAs the age of Christendom closes, John McGinley doesn't believe that further decline and cultural irrelevance are inevitable. Instead, he anticipates a new reformation, urging followers of Jesus and church leaders to recover a fresh vision of church. Laced with helpful quotes, all eight chapters of The Church of Tomorrow describe a key mark of the future Church, with each ending with a powerful "personal response". This is a timely and prophetic book, and should be read by all concerned not just that God's future Church has a mission, but also that God's future mission has a Church. -- Revd Dr Matthew Porter, author and vicar of St Michael le Belfrey Church, YorkThis vital book is a clarion call in a time where we as individual followers of Jesus and the Church as a whole have a choice to make. It is hard to ignore the case John so powerfully makes to get ourselves ready for the pivotal season we are entering. Not only will this book sharpen your mind and stir your heart, it gives space for prayerful reflection and hugely practical steps to help us put what God is saying to us into action. Thank you, John! -- Sarah Belcher, leader of Kingdom Embassy ChurchAre you ready for change? We have entered a new era and how we "do" church needs a radical overhaul if we are to see the nations transformed by the power of God. John writes in a way that equips the Church to "be" the Church through understanding the shifts that are happening and then challenging us to respond in a faithfilled, uncompromising way. I believe if we can take this to heart and get to our knees, we could be part of seeing a great global harvest in our lifetime. -- Anne Calver, author and overseer of Unleashed ChurchThere was a deep ache in my heart as I read The Church of Tomorrow, but it was a pain accompanied by a louder song of hope. The ache was a profound longing for the renewal we are desperate to see, but this book is far from a lament of the current situation. It is bursting with crystal clarity, inspirational hope, biblical wisdom and evocative storytelling, leaving me with no doubt that not only is change possible, but here is the encouragement we need to get there. John is the real deal. The Church of Tomorrow is soaked in the wisdom, lived-out experience and prophetic imagination of its author. I pray that it leads to explosive growth and creativity in the Church and many coming to faith in Jesus. -- Phil Knox, author and head of mission to young adults at the Evangelical AllianceThis is a book I wish I had written! John has done a superb job in bringing together biblical, historical, ecclesial and prophetic insights and voices to help us glimpse something of the heart and power of the Church of tomorrow. From the unshakeable startingpoint confession and framework for our lives that "Jesus is Lord", to wonderful revelations about discipleship and the Church as a self-propagating, Spirit-led, planting community, John paints a hope-filled but challenging picture of this Church. The Church as a creative minority, no longer at the centre of culture, but on the margins of it is poised to have its greatest impact for 500 years. Read on and be inspired. Let's be the Church of tomorrow! -- Dr Nic Harding, author, director of the Kairos Connexion and Together for the Harvest, and founding pastor of Frontline ChurchReading The Church of Tomorrow filled me with fresh vision and hope for the future of the bride of Christ. Drawing on teaching from Scripture, lessons from history and a prophetic sense of what the Spirit is saying to the Western Church today, John McGinley presents a compelling diagnosis of the Church's current condition and gives an insightful, creative, much-needed prescription for renewed life and energy for the body of Christ. -- Becky Harcourt, part of the leadership team of All Saints Woodford Wells and New WineJohn describes this book as an invitation to hold the plumb line of Scripture, the Church in revival in history and the rapidly growing Church around the world up against the Church that you and I belong to in the West and to note the differences. And if that sounds as though it could only generate a troubling conclusion, then don't worry: yes, this book is honest and real, but it's also a hope-filled and inspiring read. This book is shot through with prayer and testimony. It will stretch your mind, warm your heart and feed your soul. -- Revd Canon John Dunnett, director of Strategy and Operations, The Church of England Evangelical CouncilThese truly are significant times of reforming both in and outside the Church. I am so encouraged by what John has written in The Church of Tomorrow. The message is prophetic, practical and filled with promise for a better future. The reader will understand "why" we must change but is also given the "how". I highly recommend this book. -- Steve Uppal, senior leader, All Nations ChurchI was on my knees in repentance and prayer within 15 minutes of reading this book. It is dynamite. John's ability to express how we have lost our way as the people of God and the years of displacement from truth and demonstrations of the power of God struck me deeply. Yet, pages later, tears wiped, hope had arisen. Hope for the emergence and wildness of a vastly improved Church, hope for our moving in God-given momentum...Let this book transform you; come to it with your heart open to the possibilities of what you could be if God wrestled you into the heart of his will. -- Emma Stark, director of Global Prophetic AllianceA masterful manifesto for missional church, simply identifying the "Signs of the Times" and exploring both the biblical means and methods already pointing to the breakthroughs we need. A must-read for anyone in church, lay and ordained, who recognizes the current challenges of moving into recently uncharted landscapes and is looking for a compass. John combines incisive honesty in analysing the radical challenges of our changed context with a disarming combination of loving sensitivity and merciful understanding. John has a proven track record of outstanding missional leadership in both Hinkley and multicultural Leicester. He brings all this experience to bear on the kingdom needs of our very challenging contexts. A must-read for lay and ordained leaders across the board. The best toolkit for this to become the "Church of Today"! -- Bob and Mary Hopkins, leaders of Anglican Church Planting InitiativesThe Church of Tomorrow is a prophetic acclamation, calling the body of Christ to dream again! John perfectly addresses the defaults and traditions that have kept our churches stuck in the twentyfirst century, inviting us into God's heart for a "new thing". John provides fresh revelation and practical insight into the cultural infrastructure needed to steward a new move of God in our churches, like multiplication and creativity. Those reading this book will experience fresh hope, faith and imagination for their church communities as the Holy Spirit reveals what's possible for the Church. -- Revd Wole Agbaje, senior pastor, Imprint ChurchIn this book, John sets out a big vision of what church could and should look like. He challenges us about our priorities and our procedures. He encourages us with reminders of all the ways in which God is at work in our world. And perhaps most importantly he asks us big questions about what we might need to do in the present in order that we can step forward into the Church of tomorrow. -- Revd Kate Wharton, vicar of St Bartholomew’s Church, Roby, Liverpool

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Book SynopsisThis timely book invites us to unpick humanity's elusive search for the wrong sort of success and how Jesus' life and teachings invite us to discover a success that truly satisfies our souls.Trade Review'In this provocative book, Pete casts a vision. His vision is of a world where what we profess to believe and the lives we actually live are brought together in congruence. Addressing the worlds of faith and culture with astute analysis and prophetic incisiveness, Pete offers a timely and hope-filled clarion call for today’s generation to reconsider how to live lives of true influence.' -- Ken Costa, chairman, Leadership College, London'Pete Portal offers a refreshing critique of contemporary notions of success, inviting readers into an (un)success "in the world" that is only possible when we embrace as success "not of this world". He offers a rich alternative vision of Jesus-inspired success, born of years of painful struggle living out the gospel in the heart of the impoverished South African township of Manenberg. Pete's vision is born out of his location in a setting of poverty, rampant addiction and gang violence, where dimensions of Christian faith cannot remain separated: contemplation inspires action, Holy Spirit revivalism engenders social justice activism, and power joins compassion. This book feeds a growing hunger like few others, threatening to incite a renewal movement deep enough to warm up hearts growing cold, and positively contagious enough to reach and recruit many to join Jesus and choose the kingdom of God as the best alternative now.' -- Bob Ekblad, co-founder and director of Tierra Nueva and The People's Seminary, and author of Reading the Bible with the Damned'Whenever I look at the actual state of things (the world, the Church, the guy in the mirror), I'm reminded of how desperately I need people such as Pete Portal who can speak from personal experience with prophetic clarity about a better way to live, pray and define success. How to Be (Un)Successful is an invitation to follow the call of Christ by pursuing depth over breadth, building real relationships, and engaging faithfully with the culture around me... It's as challenging as its title implies (thank God for that), but it's also inspiring, beguiling and brimming with hope.' -- Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer International and Emmaus Rd, England'Pete's own lived faith authenticates and validates the challenging message he brings in this book. His writing stirs, encourages and inspires us in equal measure on our journey with Jesus, and enables us to use different metrics in working out what constitutes a life well lived.' -- Simon Guillebaud, author and founder of Great Lakes Outreach Burundi'When the Church loses confidence in its mission, story and central convictions, secular narratives begin to masquerade as kingdom narratives. These are then embraced by the Church, which then inevitably begins to lose it spiritual vibrancy and potency. We desperately need a wake-up call, which is why I love listening to Pete Portal preach and why I love his new book How to Be (Un)successful. Pete has been raised up as a prophet for such a time as this. He offers a diagnosis for the cultural moment we find ourselves in, invites us on a journey of detoxing from the ways of the world that have damaged our souls, and leads us back to the person, example and ministry of Jesus, where a whole new vision for life is presented. This is the kind of book you want to place in the hand of every follower of Jesus disillusioned by the world, or even the Church, but desperate to rediscover the upside-down way of the kingdom.' -- Pete Hughes, Lead Pastor, KXC, London, and author of All Things New: Joining God's story of re-creation'Great leaders ask great questions. This book raises excellent questions, bringing significant insights and fuel for all disciples seeking to live a kingdom life in the culture and world we inhabit. Much like Pete, this book is reflective, punchy, prophetic and engaging.' -- Tim Hughes, Senior Pastor, Gas Street Church'In this book, you will find yourself rethinking how you have lived your life and asking bigger questions about how to be human in this world. Pete takes you on a necessary journey of reflecting on the life of Jesus and the vast difference between it and how we live our lives now. This book is an invitation to move closer and closer to being someone you were designed to be. Let us say yes to this invitation!' -- Eric Johnson, co-founder and Lead Pastor of Studio Greenville'Actions speak louder than words. Or, as Jesus taught us, "By their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7.20 kjv). Pete Portal is a man who follows the Lord, and his fruits are bountiful. And by those fruits his words have earned our attention.' -- Winston Marshall, musician and contributor to The Spectator'Pete's is a voice I trust. He hasn't just developed deep and beautiful theology - he lives a life that keeps his heart breaking open. He is a witness to the glory of God, moving through grit, grime and grace. An earthy, downward trajectory that leads to the kingdom of God. This book is going to help you to find your way there.' -- Danielle Strickland, author, speaker and activist

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Book SynopsisA ROAD MAP TO FINDING THE JOY YOU’VE LOST The longing for joy is one of the deepest yearnings of the human heart. After times of trial—including the pandemic, economic turmoil, wars and rumors of war, and grief— our desire rises to the surface demanding relief. We’ve had to rally. Yet at some point, we have to replenish our soul’s reserves or we will burn out.In this Resilient study series, John Eldredge provides the awareness and skills you need to strengthen your weary soul. Drawing on wisdom from Scripture, Christian tradition, and practical experiences, Resilient offers powerful supernatural graces to sustain you through these trying times as well as prepare you for future storms. Resilient leads you to the peace only God can give in a world gone mad—and helps you receive from Jesus the strength that prevails.This study guide includes:

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Book SynopsisDoes God speak to us today?Although most of us can easily talk to our best friend, many of us aren''t so good at being quiet and hearing what our friend has to say. So it is with God. For true communication to happen with Him, we must learn to listen through understanding His Word.In Listening to God, Dr. Charles Stanley presents a sound way to explore God''s Word and hear His truths. He reveals how we can identify with passages of Scripture, reflect on their meaning, and then develop practical steps to apply what we have learned.With over 1 million copies sold, the Charles F. Stanley Bible Study Series is a unique approach to Bible study, incorporating biblical truth, personal insights, emotional responses, and a call to action.Each study draws on Dr. Stanley''s many years of teaching the guiding principles found in God''s Word, showing how we can apply them in practical ways to every situation we

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Book SynopsisThe Charles Stanley Bible Studies brings Scripture to life in twelve lessons filled with teachings from one of the most respected Bible teachers today. Each volume includes study questions, commentary, and reflections to help readers apply the 30 Life Principles to their unique situations.

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Book SynopsisIn How to Talk About Jesus (Without BeingThat Guy), author Sam Chan equips everyday Christians who are reluctant and nervous to tell their friends about Jesus with practical, tested ways of sharing their faith in the least awkward ways possible.Trade Review'In his new book, expert evangelist Sam Chan invites you into his home to see what personal evangelism looks like in his own life, complete with examples, stories, and other practical guidance. It is a great resource for every Christian who wants to help others meet Jesus.' * CRAIG ELLIS, founder and CEO, The Elpis Network *'Inspirational and immensely practical, Sam Chan shows us what a life of witness actually looks like--and it looks radiant! The book shines with gospel optimism and everyday wisdom. This is not about 'silver bullets' (there are none!); instead Sam shows us the community, the posture, the lifestyle, and the beating heart of a witness for Jesus, earthing it in our ordinary lives of discipleship. If you're stuck thinking, I should evangelize, let Sam raise your gaze. This book shows us we are all witnesses, and, wonderfully, each of us can play our part.' * GLEN SCRIVENER, director of Speak Life and author of The Gift and 3 2 1: The Story of God, the World and You *'Practical, readable, and Spirit-infused! Sam Chan has given believers a pathway to sharing faith that is organic and accessible to ordinary people. Read it, put it into action, and watch God use you to share his love and grace in fresh new ways.' * KEVIN HARNEY, founder of Organic Outreach International and author of the Organic Outreach trilogy *'Reading Sam Chan's How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy) was a bit like doing a jigsaw puzzle--you have all the pieces, but you're not sure how they fit together. In terms of evangelism, I knew that things like theology, story, culture, history, and community were essential, but I hadn't grasped how they fit together until Sam gave me the code. The church owes Sam a huge debt of thanks for this excellent resource, which will help us model faithful, sustainable evangelism ourselves and also train our beloved church families to speak about Jesus.' * RICO TICE, senior minister for evangelism at All Souls Church, Langham Place, and author of Honest Evangelism *'Sam Chan is a breath of fresh air. His book is inspiring and practical. Challenging and kind. Timely and timeless. Strategic and genuine. He lives what he writes, yet his life and vision for effective evangelism are accessible to us all. Thank you, Sam, for this incredible gift in How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy)!' * CRAIG SPRINGER, executive director, Alpha USA, and author of How to Follow Jesus and How to Revive Evangelism *'Sam has cut his teeth sharing the gospel in the context of diverse, urban, post-Christian Australia. His infectious enthusiasm for evangelism shines through in this practical and inspiring guide. A fantastic resource for communicating the life-changing message of Jesus to a world hungry for meaning.' * MARK SAYERS, author of Reappearing Church, cohost of This Cultural Moment podcast, and senior leader of Red Church *'The Jesus of the Bible is at work today, and finding out where he is already 'unsettling' our own contacts is the most thrilling, joyful, Spirit-filled experience. What a master class from Sam 'Mr. Motivator' Chan in how to get cracking. I couldn't put this book down. Thanks to Sam's engaging and oh so practical advice, many will be encouraged enough to start discovering that the power is in the Word, but--and it's a big but--we do have to get out to share it! When doing so, I am consistently asked, 'Why has no one ever shown me this before?'' * RICHARD BORGONON, chairman of 10ofthose Ltd. and founder of The Word One to One *'This is a delightful book and perfect for anyone who thinks evangelism is beyond their pay grade! Sam Chan motivates and equips all believers--regardless of gifting or temperament--in how to reach the hard-to-reach in today's challenging post-Christian culture. His eight tips are illuminating, thoughtful yet practical, culturally relevant, biblically faithful, and relationally effective. I loved the book, and I think you will too!' * REBECCA MANLEY PIPPERT, author of Stay Salt: The World Has Changed: Our Message Must Not *'When I wasn't a Christian, I was sometimes approached by 'that guy' who eagerly but awkwardly talked to me about Jesus. Thankfully, I ran into people who knew how not to be 'that guy.' Also thankfully, Sam Chan helps all of us to not be 'that guy' so we can point people to the person of Jesus. Sam has taken a heavy topic and made it into a breezy read that will inform, amuse, and inspire.' * ABDU MURRAY, author and speaker, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries *

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Book SynopsisIn this six-session video Bible study, Andy Stanley gives you five key questions to ask when you have a decision to make and you're not sure what to do.

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Book SynopsisAmerican evangelicalism is at a crisis point.The naked grasping at political power at the expense of moral credibility has revealed a movement in disarray. Evangelicals are now faced with a quandary: will they double-down and continue along this perilous path, or will they stop, reflect, and change course? And while support of Donald Trump has produced the tipping point of the evangelical crisis, it is not by any means its only problem.Evangelicals claim the Bible as the supreme authority in matters of faith. But in reality, it is particular readings of the Bible that govern evangelical faith. Some evangelical readings of the Bible can be highly selective. They distort the Bible''s teaching in crucial ways and often lead evangelicals to misguided attempts to relate to the world around them. Many Christians who once self-professed as evangelicals can no longer use the term of themselves because of what it has come to represent--power-mongering, divisiveness, judgementalTrade Review'Campbell holds up a light as much as a mirror in this breathtakingly important book, asking fellow Christians to take responsibility for their commitments to themselves and others by offering close readings of Scripture in conversation with contemporary evangelical life. Taking account of institutions and attitudes that create division and confusion, Campbell offers intellectual clarity and spiritual charity in equal measure as he walks the reader through his own relationship with the biblical text and the Christian worlds he inhabits, observing rifts between evangelicals and their larger communities. But just as important, he shares thoughts on how those rifts can be mended in an enduring, meaningful, and honest way. This book matters not only to evangelicals but also to those outside of the evangelical community who care about what happens to their neighbors who live within it and want to better understand the struggles they face.' * Mark Leuchter, professor, Hebrew Bible and ancient Judaism, Temple University, Philadelphia *'Con Campbell knows the American evangelical scene from the inside, yet he offers an outsider's perspective of a movement that he believes has gone astray. Using a mixture of cultural commentary and biblical insights, Campbell puts his finger on the lies and lunacies that get trotted out in the name of Christ in American circles. This is not an elitist critique of popular American religion, it is calling America back to the religion of Jesus and the apostles.' * Dr. Michael F. Bird, author, Religious Freedom in the Secular Age; academic dean and lecturer in New Testament, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia *'Sometimes it takes someone from a foreign country to perceive the impact of the USA on its version of evangelicalism. Add to that a person's excruciating experiences among evangelicals. Both can provoke serious questions about the integrity and faithfulness of the movement. Con Campbell has watched American evangelicalism from afar and up close, and he has experienced one of life's biggest tragedies. This book is a testimony of his experience within evangelicalism as one of its leaders, in the USA and abroad, and it becomes through his pain a heartfelt plea that evangelicalism turn back to Jesus to rediscover all over again the way of Jesus. Jesus v. Evangelicals is a painful healing many of us need.' * Scot McKnight, Author of A Church Called Tov, pastor, and professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary *'What happens in America never stays in America. We are only kidding ourselves to think that our Christian brothers and sisters are unaware of or untouched by the hostile divisions, politicization, abuse scandals, and tribalism infecting American evangelicalism. The whole world witnessed the violence at the US Capitol on January 6 with rioters waving Jesus banners. For Australian biblical scholar Constantine Campbell, this crisis is alarming, destructive, and profoundly personal. He has the wounds to prove it. This is not the Christianity of Jesus. Jesus v. Evangelicals is Campbell's foray into understanding and uprooting underlying causes of this crisis and to find ways, as they say, to right the ship. This book points readers back to Jesus.' * Carolyn Custis James, author, Half the Church and Malestrom *'With Jesus v. Evangelicals, Constantine Campbell does not wade into the shallow end of the pool of controversial topics that Christians fight about but dives fully into the deep! This book will surely annoy some people, but it will motivate others because Campbell's thoughtful, biblical, vulnerable, and culturally astute analysis can help chart a new and better course. I applaud him for bringing his scholarship and personal experience to challenge the status quo.' * Dennis R. Edwards, dean, North Park Theological Seminary *

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Book SynopsisProphetic Integrity is a book for those who believe that God still speaks today but have serious questions about those within the church that identify as prophets. R.T. Kendall shares personal experiences with the prophetic movement, the good and the bad, and offers a way forward in trusting God despite the failures of church leaders.Trade Review'Dr. Kendall has penned a very insightful treatise on the biblical prophetic; detailing its highest and best use. His decades-long experience with its proper deployment is invaluable to the discussion regarding how we position ourselves to hear God speak today. A necessary read.' * Brett Fuller, pastor, Grace Covenant Church, Chantilly, Virginia, chaplain, Washington Commanders *'I count it a privilege to know Dr. Kendall as a dear friend, as one who walks the talk and whose longing has been to honour his God and to see his church revived and blessed. The spirit in which he has written about faulty theologies is consistently eirenic, with an evident heart-heavy burden for the church, for the truth, and for biblical purity and integrity of living. In this day of flaccid compromise where the world has destructively infiltrated the church rather than the church infiltrating the world, this book is both needed and intensely relevant.' * Rev. David Cohen, former general director of Scripture Union (UK) and founding director of Moringa Associates, Australia *'I have cried over the state of the prophetic movement--we are supposed to represent God, but we have been proven to represent party lines and opinions; we are supposed to be ones that stand before God, but we have sold ourselves to stand in front of men. May a standard be raised, and may the fame of God be restored in and through the church. May prophetic people remember that we have merely been given one of the tools that should be used in the one commission given to the church--to make disciples of Jesus Christ!' * John E. Thomas, Streams Ministries (founded by John Paul Jackson) *'If ever there was a day for prophets to 'stand before the Lord,' as Elijah did, it is today. Prophets cannot shortcut this privilege--and when they do, confusion and compromise occurs. In the world of chaos and bewilderment that we live in, the word of the prophets is needed with humility, clarity, preciseness, and integrity. R. T.'s book is a good wake-up call for us all to be men and women of the secret place.' * Grant Brewster, pastor, Island Church, Bainbridge Island, Washington *'In the latter part of the previous century and in the waxing years of the twenty-first, I cannot imagine a more qualified voice than that of Rev. Dr. R. T. Kendall to speak to the subject of prophetic integrity. From televangelists to conventions, from media preachers to conventions, and from cessationists to toll-free 800 numbers where you can get a personal prophecy on the spot, there is pervasive and embedded misinformation about biblical prophecy. With an Oxford doctorate, massive experience in a world pulpit at Westminster Chapel, and some of the most published material from a pastor/theologian of this era, no one is more qualified to speak to this issue than Rev. Dr. Kendall--R. T. to me, a great friend and encourager. This will clarify your thinking, give fresh impetus to genuine prophecy, and produce freedom in your church.' * Joel C. Gregory, professor of preaching, holder of the George W. Truett Endowed Chair of Preaching and Evangelism, director of the Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching, Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary *'My good friend R. T. Kendall delivers a clear and compelling call to the church for repentance and righteousness that is desperately needed. To a generation stumbling in the darkness, Prophetic Integrity is biblical light from a pastor and scholar's heart which addresses the nature of God and how we can know and trust him. Read this book and discover a path forward to unite and ignite Christians and churches as we seek to fulfill the mission of Christ until he comes.' * Dr. Jack Graham, pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, Texas *'One of the final signs of impending judgment on a nation is the rise of false prophetic voices claiming to speak for God. Their words often contradict Scripture, while at the same time offering a non-existent future of uninterrupted bliss. Do we have the courage to face this issue in our times? Can we correct our present course? Is there hope for today's prophetic movement? R. T. Kendall's book on our present condition offers hope. Yet it is hope based on a true self-evaluation and a humility of heart. The true prophet is not afraid of this. In fact, he or she will welcome the correction. His desire is to honor Christ, at all costs. The false will always be with us. But the true prophetic voices will, as has always been the case throughout biblical history, put their babbling to shame.' * Carter Conlon, former pastor, Times Square Church, New York City *'R. T. Kendall has done it again! Yes, in his new book Prophetic Integrity he has managed to capture the twenty-first century's outlook about the wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially 'Prophecy.' I can say without hesitation, 'Be open to reading this book with an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to learn whatever the Lord wants you to learn.' Pride often leads to self-righteousness and stops us from learning more about our loving, merciful, and wonderful God. R. T. expounds the truths of the Word of God and expresses the necessity of allowing the gifts of the Holy Spirit to flow together with integrity while being openly transparent in all his teaching. I love the way he weaves questions into every chapter that will allow you time to digest this very timely topic. Bottom line, do you want to experience God 100%? Prophetic Integrity will give you the keys to achieving this. What an informative, timely book at this critical period in history. It will change your thinking, challenge your views, and will definitely give you much to chew on and digest!' * Marilyn Hickey, founder and president of Marilyn Hickey Ministries *'R. T.'s book Prophetic Integrity is timely, inspiring, and very practical. It is a much-needed book in this hour--even a godly wake-up call for many who value the prophetic ministry. R. T. combines biblical scholarship, practical application, and godly inspiration with his many years of rich ministry experience to give the body of Christ this much needed book, which is a gift of wisdom that will enrich many lives.' * Mike Bickle, International House of Prayer, Kansas City, Missouri *'The prophetic movement is facing a crisis of credibility across the United States and around the world. Faith in prophets and prophecy has reached a low ebb in the body of Christ--and in the world we are called to serve--as it has been battered by a plethora of unjudged and unfulfilled prophecies. R. T. Kendall has pastored and counseled some of the leading prophetic voices in our generation, and in my opinion there is no one more apt to provide the insight necessary to repair the damage which has been wrought. As a gifted theologian with a pastor's heart, R. T. has penned a book which is both a diagnosis of and a cure for the intrinsic problems affecting prophetic integrity around the world.' * Jim Laffoon, Every Nation Churches *

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Book SynopsisDr. Charles Stanley lays out 30 Life Principles that can help you become more like Christ every day.In this revised and updated 30-lesson study guide, Dr. Charles Stanley guides readers through 30 Life Principles found in God''s Word that have shaped and changed his life. God has given these principles to guide, comfort, instruct, and teach us how to live triumphant Christian lives. When we open His Word and begin to study these truths, we gain hope for the future and fresh insights into His promises and blessings. We find that life doesn''t have to be a constant struggle—it can be an exciting adventure! This begins with us studying the Bible so we can learn about God, know His ways, and follow His awesome plan for our future.Each lesson includes: Key Scripture: The main verse or passage on which the principle is based Life’s Questions: A brief teaching from Dr. Stanley that unpacks the p

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Book SynopsisWhether you are a Christian, a doubter, or someone exploring the Bible for the first time, in this six-session video study bestselling author Dan Kimball guides you step-by-step in how to make sense of the most misunderstood, difficult, and disturbing Bible passages related to women, science, violence, slavery, and world religions.

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Book SynopsisJoin beloved Bible teacher, Margaret Feinberg, in a rich, fresh study of James that will uncover the genuine markers of real faith, equip you to break free from old patterns by developing new practices, and discover how the Father of heavenly lights treasures you.

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Book SynopsisWhat on earth are we missing? Philip Yancey believes we are missing the supernatural hidden in everyday life. In Rumors of Another World, Yancey investigates the natural world and discovers the supernatural hiding in plain view. He grapples with why God made the world and what our role truly is, and seeks to answer the question, “How do I live in the natural world while expressing the values of the supernatural?” Philip writes, “I have come to understand faith as the highest form of integrated encounter. Faith puts together, assembles, re-orders, accepting the entire world as God’s handiwork. We live among clues, like rescuers sifting through pieces of stained glass shattered by a bomb, and only with a blueprint or some memory of original design can we begin to connect the shards, to assemble them into a pattern that makes sense of our world. “Nature and supernature are not two separate worlds, but different expressions of the same reality. To encounter

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Book SynopsisFrom the Book Meet three who discovered the power of “breakthrough prayer.” “My husband and I had a dream of helping desperate young women. But no banker in his right mind would finance such a venture. So we prayed and God broke through every single obstacle we faced. That was just the beginning of the wonderful roller-coaster ride we call ‘faith.’” —Grace (chapter 7) “Voices inside my head were constantly screaming at me. I became like an animal in the street, muttering or yelling out a stream of profanity as people passed by. One day I screamed out, Jesus, help me! O God, you’re my only hope! That was the breakthrough prayer that saved my life.” —Danny (chapter 2) “Talk about breakthrough prayer! I was buried under 110 stories of steel and concrete after the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers when God heard my cry for help.” —Genelle (chapter 3)

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Book SynopsisBy celebrating strengths of many traditions in the church (and beyond), this book will seek to communicate a “generous orthodoxy.”Table of ContentsCONTENTS Foreword by Phyllis Tickle Foreword by John R. Franke Introduction Chapter 0. A Generous Refund PART ONE: WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN Chapter 1. The Seven Jesuses I Have Known Chapter 2. Jesus and God B Chapter 3. Would Jesus Be a Christian? Chapter 4. Jesus: Savior of What? PART TWO: THE KIND OF CHRISTIAN I AM Chapter 5. Why I Am Missional Chapter 6. Why I Am evangelical Chapter 7. Why I Am Post/Protestant Chapter 8. Why I Am Liberal/Conservative Chapter 9. Why I Am Mystical/Poetic Chapter 10. Why I Am Biblical Chapter 11. Why I Am Charismatic/Contemplative Chapter 12. Why I Am Fundamentalist/Calvinist Chapter 13. Why I Am (Ana)baptist/Anglican Chapter 14. Why I Am Methodist Chapter 15. Why I Am catholic Chapter 16. Why I Am Green Chapter 17. Why I Am Incarnational Chapter 18. Why I Am Depressed-Yet-Hopeful Chapter 19. Why I Am Emergent Chapter 20. Why I Am Unfinished Epilogue

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Book SynopsisHow People Grow reveals why all growth is spiritual growth and how you can grow in ways you never thought possible. Unpacking the practical and passionate theology that forms the backbone of their counseling, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend shatter popular misconceptions about how God operates to reveal how growth really happens.Trade ReviewCloud and Townsend, clinical psychologists who are the Gold Medallion Award-winning authors of Boundaries, attempt in this book to chart personal growth from a biblical perspective. Rather than suggesting that real growth happens only to Christians, they argue that most effective therapeutic methods, even those that are ostensibly secular, use biblical concepts. As such, they look to Scripture for the very best strategies for spiritual and emotional growth. While they are critical of a one-size-fits-all approach to human suffering, they do prescribe a combination of prayer, Bible study and regular contact with a 'growth group' for virtually every problem they address. The growth groups they describe are populated by healthy, vulnerable people who are willing to confront each other lovingly and own up to mistakes and failures. Cloud and Townsend argue persuasively that such groups facilitate dramatic changes in individuals' lives, but leave the logistical problem of finding such evolved folks to the reader. Perhaps the most radical message of the book is that failure is the norm, even for the most devout. Not only do the authors repeatedly give examples of the best Christians committing the worst sins, but they also insist that such wrongdoing never warrants condemnation from God or other believers. Instead, they argue, sinners must experience total acceptance and love before true repentance and change can occur. This solid, Bible-based argument against guilt and for grace is a powerful elixir for evangelicals who all too often hear the opposite message. * Publisher’s Weekly *

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Book SynopsisIn How (Not) to Read the Bible, pastor and bestselling author Dan Kimball tackles one of the most pressing apologetic challenges of the twenty-first-century church--how do we read and interpret the Bible? He looks at five of the most common challenges, including questions about science, violence, and the treatment of women.Trade ReviewHow (Not) To Read The Bible is a 'right now message.' This book will help a generation see how beautiful Jesus truly is. * Dr. Derwin L. Gray, Lead Pastor Transformation Church Author of The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness *Dan Kimball gracefully shows that those who mock and dismiss the Bible don't know too much, they know too little. Along the way he helps us to read the Bible-- especially the parts that seem crazy to modern ears-- as it was meant to be read. This is an extremely valuable book for this culture. Mom's and Dad's, get a copy for yourself and your teenager and study it together. The issues Dan addresses here are the ones that needlessly tear kids away from the faith. I can't recommend this book more! * Frank Turek, CrossExamined.org, author of I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist *Dan Kimball's How (Not) To Read The Bible is a brilliant book that delivers evidence for the skeptic and provides confidence for the saint. Kimball has given us a go-to scholarly reference that offers thoughtful explanations to the most controversial and troubling topics in all of Scripture. How (Not) To Read The Bible is a rare book that requires having two copies -- one for you and another to give away. * Dave Ferguson, Lead Pastor - Community Christian Church, Author - B.L.E.S.S. 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World *I can't count the number of times I've rolled my eyes and groaned when confronted with yet another online meme bashing the Bible and thought, 'If only I could recommend a book on how to read those passages of scripture intelligently'. Well, now I can! Dan's book is a superbly accessible resource for skeptics, seekers and Christians who want to understand the Bible better, especially the embarrassing bits we often skip over in church and our daily devotionals. The good news is that you'll not only be able to respond to those eye-rolling memes, but you'll end up appreciating again the strange, wild and ultimately beautiful picture the Bible gives us of the God who is made known in Jesus Christ. * Justin Brierley, UK radio host, author of Unbelievable? *I use color coded markers to underline particular passages when I read the Bible. Yellow means - 'pay attention!', blue means - 'very poetic', green means - 'super weird or hilarious.' There is a lot of green in my Bible! Dan helps make sense of the more bizarre and demonstrates why we can have confidence that the Bible is a trustworthy and God-inspired. * David Crowder, Grammy-nominated artist, musician, and author *In a world of quick and instant information accessible online, there are many criticisms being raised about the Bible's credibility. For that reason I'm so grateful that Dan Kimball helps us sort thru the puzzling messages emerging in this generation. In How (Not) To Read the Bible, Dan addresses how to make sense of the confusing parts of the Bible and provides us the confidence needed to embrace God's word. I'm very excited see this message get into the hearts and minds of the younger generation. * Doug Fields, pastor, author, founder of Downloadyouthministry.com *In our culture the Bible has, for many people, become an obstacle in their journey of faith. Biblical stories about sex, slavery, and divine violence are often too bizarre and disturbing for most modern readers. Dan Kimball understands this from personal and pastoral experience, and he's given us a thoughtful guide for reading these problematic parts of the Bible. If you're struggling to make moral sense of the Bible, or know someone who is, this book is for you! * Tim Mackie, The Bible Project *In our internet-driven culture, some of the more strange and uncomfortable Bible verses have been creatively crafted into social media ammunition against the Bible itself. These passages, to contemporary readers, can range from a light-hearted weirdness to the seemingly shocking and offensive and disillusioning to Christians reading them. Dan Kimball's book 'How Not to Read the Bible' helps us to make sense of the more frequently tossed around passages by uncovering the culture and context of these strange findings. He further invites us into some best practices when reading the Scriptures that seem to have gotten lost in all our digital noise. And he does all of this with a unique mix of depth, whimsy, and humility that is truly a rare find! * Mary Jo Sharp, author of Why I Still Believe and Assistant Professor at Houston Baptist University *There is no one in the world better to write this book than Dan Kimball, and here's why: the Bible presents many problems to many readers, and they can be forceful and fearless in their questioning traditional beliefs in the Bible. They are not looking for pablum or authoritarian decrees, which is what most offer them. They are looking for 'professionals' who see what they see, who feel what they feel, and offer responses that have integrity. It's because the pastoral heart of Dan Kimball has heard people ask these questions and because he has worked through their issues that this book is designed for Dan to write it. A book full of theological wisdom and pastoral care for honest Bible readers who have genuine and difficult questions about the Bible. * Scot McKnight Professor of New Testament Northern Seminary *We need this book. Dan Kimball has long been a guide for a generation trying to find their footing in a post-Christian world. For those of us who want to believe, yet struggle to make sense of the Bible in our age. Yet again, he steps in to offer kind, intelligent, wise, and, as you'd expect from Dan, funny guidance; this time around, on how (not) to read the Bible. * John Mark Comer, pastor of vision and teaching at Bridgetown Church and author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry *Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Dilemma of Liking Jesus but not the Church 1. Is the Church supposed to be Judgmental and Negative? 2. Judging the way Jesus told us to Judge 3. Is the Church supposed to be an Organized Religion? 4. Organized Religion as the Hope Of The Masses 5. Is the Church supposed to be Male-dominated and Chauvinistic? 6. Blowing Up the Boys Club for Adults 7. Is the Church Supposed to be Anti-Gay? 8. Love is an Orientation 9. Is the Church Supposed to be the Only Ones Right and All Other Religions Wrong? 10. Love is the Way and the Truth 11. Is the Church Supposed to be Teaching that the Bible is to all be taken Literally? 12. Fundamentalism isn’t Fun or Funny Conclusion: Being a Christian without being “Christian” Appendix A – The wonderful story of the “gospel” Appendix B- Suggested Resources for further reading

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Book SynopsisPractical help for understanding and following God''s will for your life.God has a plan for our lives, but what does that mean in practical terms? How do we know God''s will for important life decisions, like who to marry, what job to take, what church to join? How can we be free if God has a perfect plan for us? Does suffering mean we are off track? How exactly does God speak?Author Jerry Sittser explores these questions and offers a biblically based approach that is truly liberating. No matter what decisions we''ve already made, he points out that it is still possible to live out God''s perfect will--even if we think we''ve married the wrong person, chosen the wrong career, or landed in some kind of serious trouble. This new edition includes study questions designed to help individuals or groups who are faced with decisions--large or small.Table of ContentsContents Foreword by Eugene Peterson 9 Preface to the New Edition 13 Acknowledgments 15 I. Knowing God’s Will 1. We Never Know How Things Will Turn Out 19 2. Our Astonishing Freedom 29 3. Obstacles That Get in the Way 41 II. Making Decisions 4. Simple Obedience as a Way of Life 55 5. God’s Clear Commands for Life 67 6. Attending to the Little Things 83 7. Making Choices 94 III. Grasping Time 8. Facing What We Cannot Change 109 9. Redeeming the Past 120 10. Preparing for the Future 130 11. Living in the Wonder of the Present Moment 142 IV. Discerning Our Calling in Life 12. Distinguishing Between Calling and Career 157 13. Discovering What We’re Supposed to Do 169 14. Managing Our Many Callings 186 V. Embracing Mystery 15. Living with Paradox 203 16. Suffering Respects No Boundaries 218 17. Getting Through Suffering 227 Notes 237 Study Questions 245

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Book SynopsisA small-town girl finally has her chance at becoming an actress on Broadway--but can she really give up everything she''s ever known?Bailey Flanigan is finally leaving her small-town home of Bloomington, Indiana, for the adventure of a lifetime: she has gotten a part in a Broadway musical in New York City. She''s determined to take advantage of this unbelievable opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the big city? And what about Cody, her former boyfriend? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive.Cody has been struggling with his own problems. In order to be closer to his mother, who''s in prison for a drug charge, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey.Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions put these two you

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Book SynopsisSamuel Wells vividly paints the stories surrounding Jesus' cross and resurrection. We see the weakness of Pontius Pilate and Barabbas, and the compromised character of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. We discover the subtle power of Pilate's wife. And in Peter and Mary Magdalene we find the true power of resurrection, bringing forgiveness and ending the stranglehold of death, thus transforming all human passion. Through close readings of the gospel texts, Wells demonstrates the significance of these characters for faith and life today. In this book, structured with one chapter for each week of Lent, Wells guides us from the deathly power that put Jesus on the cross to the new power brought by Jesus' resurrection. The book offers opportunities at the end of each chapter for prayer and discussion. The Archbishop of Canterbury has selected Power and Passion as his Lent book for 2007.

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Book SynopsisFor any woman dealing with the fallout of infidelity, this sensitive and practical guide offers proven tools to help you make wise and empowering decisions as you deal with your husband’s sexual betrayal.If you have been devastated by your husband''s sexual betrayal--whether an isolated incident or a long-term pattern of addiction--you don''t have to live as a victim. If you choose to stay in your marriage, you have options other than punishing, tolerating, or ignoring your spouse; in fact, extraordinary growth awaits a woman willing to deal with the pain of her husband''s struggles with sexual purity. Even if your spouse will not participate in a program for healing, you can change your own life in powerful and permanent ways. Shattered Vows is inspired by Debra Laaser''s own journey through betrayal, her extensive work with hundreds of hurting women as a licensed marriage and family therapist, and her healed marriage after her hus

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Book SynopsisIn Longing, the third book in the Bailey Flanigan Series by bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, Bailey struggles with her feelings for longtime love Cody even as she grows closer to movie star Brandon Paul.After a long and lonely silence from Cody Coleman, Bailey Flanigan begins to spend more and more time with her Hollywood co-star Brandon Paul. Nights on the town in New York City and long talks on the balcony of Brandon''s Malibu Beach home make Bailey dizzy with new feelings and cause her to wonder if her days with Cody are over forever.Meanwhile, Cody''s work coaching a small-town football team has brought him and his players national attention. In the midst of the celebration and success, Cody finds himself much closer to a woman who seems to better understand him and his new life.Even so, rarely does time go by without Bailey and Cody longing for each other and unable to move forward. Will an unexpected loss be the turning po

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Book SynopsisLoving, book four in the Bailey Flanigan Series by New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, completes Bailey and Cody’s story. But who will the actress spend the rest of her life with: Brandon Paul, a rich, handsome man that any woman would be thrilled to marry? Or Cody Coleman, her first love?

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Book SynopsisBailey Flanigan and Cody Coleman are not only separated by physical distance, they are also faced with great emotional distance. Can distance truly make the heart grow fonder?

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Book SynopsisMany of us experience times when life with God seems to fall short of our expectations—when we feel let down by God, hurt, or abandoned.This is something most people don''t talk about—until now.In this classic work of Christian integrity and spiritual investigation, Philip Yancey gives us permission to look directly into our doubts and reckon with them. He uncovers the real and lasting hope that can be found in the midst of darkness and disillusion, exploring three questions that Christians wonder about but rarely feel permission to voice: If God is so hungry for relationship with us, why does he seem so distant? If God cares for us, why do bad things happen? If God''s promises are true, why do they feel so far off from personal experience? With his gift for articulating and answering some of the most honest, complex issues of faith, Philip Yancey points you beyond doubt and hardship to a stronger, wiser faith, a confidence in God''s deep love, and a thirst to reach not just for what God gives, but for who God is.Included in the 25th anniversary edition is a study guide with questions about these perplexing crises of faith that the author confronts.Spanish edition also available.

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Book SynopsisRuth Graham - daughter of beloved evangelist Billy Graham - offers a guide for those who are hurting or those who love them. She illustrates through personal stories and Scripture how nothing can keep you from experiencing the fullness of God''s grace. Run with Ruth to the arms of the God you can trust, the Father God who embraces, sustains, and redeems your brokenness.Ruth Graham has discovered through bitter personal experience that God does his great work in the ruins of our lives. As Ruth''s life descended through divorce, depression, and shame; as she bore heartrending parental struggles; and as she faltered trying to make wise choices in the wake of bad ones, she discovered the unending embrace of a faithful, forgiving, and grace-filled God.This book surpasses the testimony of her fascinating story as she brings sharp new insight from the Word of God for all who fear their actions may be beyond forgiveness or their broken circumstances may keep t

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Book SynopsisIn the tradition of the bestselling book The One Minute Manager, authors Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy, entrepreneur and founder of Chick-fil-A restaurants, present The Generosity Factor--a parable that demonstrates the virtues of generosity.It''s the story of a meeting between the Broker--a young man on his way up the corporate ladder who has the illusion of success, yet deep inside feels insignificant--and the Executive--the CEO of a very large and successful company who claims the greatest joy in his life is his ability to give to others.Thinking he might get a competitive edge by meeting with the Executive, the Broker''s worldview is turned upside down as he talks to the Executive and hears the principles that form his life. He calls it The Generosity Factor--a way to give time, talent, treasure, and touch to those in need. Providing a unique twist on what it means to thrive in business, at home, and in life, this story will forever c

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