Christian life and practice Books

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Book SynopsisIn this adaptation of her dissertation, Estwick focuses generally on aspects of contemporary

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Book SynopsisLiving faithfully isn''t about attending church. Being Christian is about living in right, just relationships with other people and the rest of creation. How can Christian parents avoid being overcome with the pressure to be a perfect parent and make a difference in the world? Parenting for a Better World shows there are all sorts of ways we can make a real difference from within our own homes. Even busy parents can work with their families for global justice. Without pressing you to do it all, this book offers spiritual resources for reflecting on the relationship between your faith, your calling for justice, and your commitment to parenting. Find encouragement from fellow parents who weave together stories of caregiving, activism, and scripture that affirm your sense of calling. Plus, it offers practical strategies to help committed (and over-committed) people integrate caregiving and justice work into their daily lives.

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Book SynopsisFood how it's grown, how it's shared makes us who we are. This issue traces the connections between farm and food, between humus and human. According to the first book of the Bible, tending the earth was humankind's first task: The Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed (Gen. 2:8). The desire to get one's hands dirty raising one's own food, then, doesn't just come from modern romanticism, but is built into human nature.The title, The Welcome Table, comes from a spiritual first sung by enslaved African-Americans. The song refers to the Bible's closing scene, the wedding feast of the Lamb described in the Book of Revelation, to which every race, tribe, and tongue are invited a divine pledge of a day of freedom and freely shared plenty, of earth renewed and humanity restored. In the case of food, the symbol is the substance. Every meal, if shared generously and with radical hospitality, is already now a

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Book SynopsisNicholas Pearce shows readers how to build a meaningful career with a moral center and a purpose in the world.The Purpose Path is for people in any field and at any life stage who long to have not just a job or a career, but a true vocation that allows them to connect their soul with their role. The Purpose Path is organized around five key questions:What is success?Who am I?Why am I here?Am I running the right race?Am I running the race well?Nicholas Pearce sits at the unconventional intersection of business, faith, and academia. With engaging stories and candid advice, he shows how he and other people from various walks of life have asked and answered these five questions in order to start, shape, or even radically change their lives and careers. Inspiring, thought-provoking, and practical, The Purpose Path is an essential book for anyone who seeks the clarity and courage to advance their authentic life''s work ev

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Book SynopsisDiscover a powerful and positive mindset each day of the year with uplifting insights and motivational Bible verses provided by #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer.The Book of Psalms offers readers ways to rejoice in prayer, to bow in worship, and to exalt God for all he does and for all his blessings to us, and at the heart of Psalms, there is a deep trust in God. When you spend time with God-reading His Word, listening, and praying for His direction-God will strengthen and enable you to handle life peacefully and wisely instead of merely trying to get through the day.With the constant demands and pressures of daily life, it can be hard to regularly pause to be with and listen to God''s voice. Joyce''s practical teaching format in this 365-day devotional will encourage you to take the time for yourself so that you can fully receive the wisdom found in Psalms.

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Book Synopsis''Being Human masterfully reorientates us towards the only story that ultimately makes sense of who we are ... A remarkably timely book'' Justin Brierley''Practical, prayerful and ambitious. A Gospel-infused, wide-angle lens on contemporary society.''Jill Duff, Anglican Bishop of Lancaster''A valuable toolkit for church leaders, to help them build confidence in their members, to share the story of Jesus and his kingdom.''Les Isaac OBE, President, Ascension Trust''A great book about one of the most important but confusing questions of our time.''Professor Iain Provan, author of Cuckoos in our Nest: Truth and Lies about Being HumanWho am I? Does my life matter? What will make me happy?In different ways and at different moments we all ask life''s big questions about what it means to be human. But in our fast-paced, rapidly changing and often exhausting society, Trade Review'Being Human is a razor-sharp, non-partisan Christian apologetic that speaks directly into our unique cultural moment of opportunity. It's unbelievably good.' * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer guides you through 40 promises in the Bible so that no matter what problem you face, you have God''s ultimate wisdom to overcome it!Everyone has problems. They may be issues in our relationships, finances, mental and emotional health, physical sickness, and the list goes on. But throughout more than 45 years of studying God''s Word, she has learned how to find the answer for every problem you face in the Bible, and she wants to share it with you.In Overcoming Every Problem, Joyce takes you through 40 promises in God''s Word that can give you the ultimate wisdom you need when challenges or difficulties come your way. No matter how big or how deep the pain of your situation may be or how long it''s been affecting you, you''ll be encouraged and inspired to trust God for better days ahead.Join Joyce on your journey to discover and put God''s promises to work in your life, so you can overcome everyTrade ReviewNew York Times bestselling author

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Book Synopsis''Preston fuels our courage, revisits the essentials, and lights a path back to the narrow road.''- CHARLIE DATES''Preston shares his compelling story of becoming a Christian and then provides a road map - through his successes and failures - for how to lovingly and naturally share your faith with others.''- SEAN McDOWELLIn How to Tell the Truth, Preston Perry tells the story of how God chased him. The streets of Chicago were his home, but amid crime and violence God found him and awakened in him a gift for sharing his faith.On those Chicago streets he encountered all sorts of people who had their own versions of the truth - from Jehovah''s Witnesses to Mormons to Hebrew Israelites. That is where Preston discovered not only the importance of the truth but also how to tell the truth in a way that speaks to someone''s heart. Sharing our faith is not about winning arguments; it''s about winning hearts. And the wa

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Book SynopsisA wickedly smart, utterly hilarious debut from a Southern Living columnist--mother of three, Southerner married to a New Yorker, evangelical Christian, and Democrat--about the absurdity, chaos, and strange sacredness of her life on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

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Book SynopsisIn a world that's grown increasingly confused about--and hostile toward--the very notion of masculinity, authors Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson send a powerful call to men everywhere: it's time to step into the light of Jesus' vision for you as a man.

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Book SynopsisYou''re the best, Mom. Mothers, for so many, are a welcoming hug, a helping hand, a comforting ear, a wise source of guidance. They do so much for so many, and in the devotional Grace for the Moment for Moms, bestselling author, husband, father, and grandfather Max Lucado offers moms comfort, encouragement, and some much-needed moments of grace and appreciation.You''ll find Scripture-based devotions that: Encourage moms in their faith and help them embrace the hope of the Lord Remind moms of God''s grace over their lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren Inspirational insight on how to choose love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and faithfulness in very real situations  This compilation of 50 beautiful devotions from Max''s bestselling brand also includes: A prayer for moms by Max Lovely design and illustrations Inspirational messa

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Book SynopsisIn this concise booklet, author and physician Kathryn Butler addresses common misconceptions about clinical depression within the church, offers encouragement for believers who suffer, and equips church leaders with the tools to provide spiritual support.

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Book SynopsisWhy Christianity was never meant to be simple - an essential exploration of the paradoxes that lie at the heart of the Christian faith.Trade ReviewThese may seem like heavy theological ideas, yet the author approaches his theme in what is an easily read way through leading characters of the bible from Abraham to Paul. He challenges his readers to consider not only those passages that give us comfort, but also those "dark sayings" which so often perturb people. * Irish Catholic *Allow your mind to test your conclusions about the Bible. Like Thomas in the Easter Story, you might find that exploring doubts and questions will bring you to clearer vision. * Inspire Magazine *Amazing...I really loved it. The book real is an eye-opener that makes you look at the Bible in a different way. * Families First Magazine *

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Book SynopsisIt''s never too late for grace. Look closely enough and you''ll see that theme all through the Bible. Page after page, story after story - God delights in turning tragic endings into new beginnings. The barren give birth, doubters become deliverers, and harlots are recast as heroes. In every biblical fresh start, we are reminded that with God, new beginnings aren''t the exception; they''re the rule.Using a blend of inspiring stories, Scriptural principles, and straight-talk, in You Can Begin Again, Joyce Meyer powerfully demonstrates that God isn''t done with you yet. If you''re stuck in a rut, disappointed by an outcome, hurting from a wound, failing in an endeavour, struggling in a relationship, or unsure about the future . . . don''t give up. Don''t give up on yourself, and don''t give up on the God who loves you. If you thought it was too late, it''s not. With God you can begin again.Trade ReviewJOYCE MEYER's You Can Begin Again encourages those who feel like giving up because of what life has thrown at them. Biblical examples suggest how fresh starts are God's way of bestowing grace. * The Church Times *

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Book SynopsisJesus Christ makes life profoundly worth living.This is Paul''s message in his letter to the Philippians, in which he encourages the church he planted in Philippi to go on pursuing their new identity in Christ. In an engaging and accessible way, Nicky Gumbel places this key letter of the New Testament in context, explaining its audience and its writer, before unpacking why and how Christians can live with a new purpose, confidence and joy. He uses plenty of choice anecdotes to help us understand how Paul''s message applies to us today, and how living for Jesus is living life to the full. Ideal for people new to studying the Bible, this book will help the reader understand the exciting implications of being a Christian.

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Book SynopsisLike many people, you may find it easy to express love for your family, your spouse, your church, the Lord-or for more temporal things like a good cup of tea, your home, or a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant. But you may struggle to truly say I love my life! Routines and responsibilities can become a grind, making you dread today, rather than look forward to it. Privileges can become burdens that rob you of the joy and fulfillment you''re meant to have as a child of God. But you can be hopeful, learn to rise above your challenges, and become filled with wonder at what God can do in your life. Written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer, who went from being in pain and miserable to peaceful and satisfied through Christ, this book is the key to shifting your perspective so that you may also relish every moment and every part of life. Joyce explains how to love life fully, in spite of your obstacles, so you can exper

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Book SynopsisTestimonies of how God has radically changed the lives of fifteen men from all walks of life.

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Book SynopsisCan't stop, won't stop. We don't rest well. The unlimited opportunities and impossible expectations we are surrounded by are exhausting. Something in us wants to do more, be more and have more. We're addicted to busyness. In this chaotic world of hustle and bustle, is real rest even possible? Pastor and counsellor William P. Smith invites you to press pause and learn to embrace the way of life God intends. Refreshingly, even in the chaos of modern life, we can have a busy schedule but maintain a quiet soul. But God created us to need rest. This addition to the Track series walks through the goodness of rest, and why God's people have been commanded to rest. Practical and relatable, Smith unpacks what true, soul nourishing rest could look like for students today. Readers will be encouraged us to live within divinely set boundaries, embracing God's good rhythm and enjoy the peace that He promises. Contents:We Don't Rest WellA God Who RestsGod's People RestWhat Goes into Resting?Wha

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Book SynopsisLiving in a broken world gives us plenty of reasons to armor up, shut down, and numb out. But God wants more for us than just getting by. When we harden ourselves to the world, we not only close ourselves off from the good things God intends for us but close off avenues God wants to work through in others'' lives as well.With deep empathy and encouragement, writer Charaia Rush invites us to experience the countercultural path of staying open and vulnerable to the goodness of God and the miracle of staying tender in a tough world that only God can bring about. In Courageously Soft she helps you to· identify the root of a hardened heart· move from fearful self-preservation to the hope of being held· recognize God''s presence in the midst of pain· replace denial, shutting down, and closing off with abiding trust in God''s love and careIf you have been feeling exhausted, bitter, or beaten down by disappointment

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Book SynopsisThe newly updated edition of the study guide companion to Joyce Meyer's bestselling book of all time, Battlefield of the Mind.Thoughts affect every aspect of our lives, and that's why it's so important to be in control of them. Learn to master your thoughts and win the battles of your mind with this engaging, practical study guide--now updated with fresh and inspiring new content that will help you make the most of what you learn in Battlefield of the Mind.

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Book Synopsis"Socialists Don't Sleep is one of those timely books that just points out the roots of what's gone wrong in America, how we can get our country back on track to what founders envisioned and the Judeo-Christian community that holds the key to America's long-term successes." — Gov. Mike Huckabee, New York Times Bestselling author & Host of HuckabeeSocialists Don't Sleep: Christians Must Rise or America Will Fall is about all the sneaky ways the secular left has pressed Socialism into American politics and life – AND WHY CHRISTIANS ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN STOP IT!Socialists Don't Sleep tells how America has gone from a country of rights coming from God – NOT government – to a country that embraces Socialism – where the US government is now expected to pretty much provide from cradle to the grave. Cheryl K. Chumley, an award-winning journalist and contributing editor to The Washington Times, explains how to return the country to its glory days of God-given, and why Christians, more than any other group, are best equipped to lead the way.“Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — when it comes to socialism in America, these two aren't the problem. Per se. They're simply symptoms of the real problems that usher in Socialism: a dysfunctional entitlement-minded society, a propaganda-pushing school system, a decayed culture, a sieve-like border. As Cheryl Chumley points out in Socialists Don't Sleep, we can't root out socialism unless we first address the real problems.” — Michael Savage, New York Times Bestselling author & host of The Savage NationTrade ReviewPraise for Socialists Don't Sleep: Christians Must Rise or America Will Fall by Cheryl K. Chumley "Socialists Don't Sleep is one of those timely books that just points out the roots of what's gone wrong in America, how we can get our country back on track to what founders envisioned and the Judeo-Christian community that holds the key to America's long-term successes." — Gov. Mike Huckabee, New York Times Bestselling author & Host of Huckabee “Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — when it comes to socialism in America, these two aren't the problem. Per se. They're simply symptoms of the real problems that usher in Socialism: a dysfunctional entitlement-minded society, a propaganda-pushing school system, a decayed culture, a sieve-like border. As Cheryl Chumley points out in Socialists Don't Sleep, we can't root out socialism unless we first address the real problems.” — Michael Savage, New York Times Bestselling author & host of The Savage Nation “What is it about the founding principles of America that the secular progressive left would make better? The answer is: Nothing. In her new book, Cheryl Chumley reminds us of those principles and calls on those who still believe in them to engage the failed policies and ideology of Socialism and atheism and to fight back.” — Cal Thomas, Nationally-syndicated Conservative Columnist “If you think socialism will inevitably lose at the polls, think again! As Cheryl shows in Socialists Don't Sleep, the far Left — in both political parties — has been eroding our freedoms for decades. The long-term solution must come from the Judeo-Christian community. If the churches don't rise, America is sunk.” — Sam & Kevin Sorbo, Writer-Producer-Director Team for Let There Be Light “An important book that shows just how close our country is from losing its freedoms — and why the younger generations need to learn truthful history about capitalism, freedom, and socialism.” — Will Witt, PragerU Personality “Socialists Don’t Sleep exposes the flawed thinking of the socialist left.” — Phil Robertson, New York Times Bestselling author & Star of Duck Dynasty "Cheryl Chumley’s book, Socialists Don’t Sleep: Why Christians Must Rise, Or America Will Fall, is a masterpiece. Unlike most politicians and academicians, she keenly understands the true greatness of America, and unequivocally sounds an alarm of caution if our nation continues down its current path of blindness toward our founding principles and values. There are few books that I believe should be read by everyone, this is one of them. The message Chumley lays forth is clear, profound, disturbing, and hopeful. It’s time for America to have a reality check, a deep, soul-searching reality check. This is a great place to start." — Representative Jody B. Hice, R-GATable of ContentsSocialists Don't Sleep: Christians Must Rise or America Will Fall Table of Contents 1. Why America is GREAT in the first place America was founded on a principle that rights come from God, not government. And this, simply put, is what makes us great. Atheists, secularists, humanists, progressives, the far left, socialists and the like would have it believed otherwise; they scoff at any notion that framers and founders would want any mention or influence of God at all in the public arena. But fact is: Take God out of America’s society, and first the culture, then the politics, fall. The concept that “we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights” isn’t just a guarantee – it’s a responsibility. If we want America the free to stay free, then we have to make sure government doesn’t grow so big as to supplant God and squelch our individual rights. This chapter looks at some of the key principles that make America great in the first place, including the bedrock idea of individual rights coming from God, not government, and makes the case that without this core idea, without preserving the principle of the God-given, not the government granted, the country will crumble from within – America the Free, America the Great, will exist no more. 2. What’s Happened to the Democrats? Once upon a time, Democrats used to stand for the little guy, the oppressed woman, the blue-collar worker, the union member – or did they? This chapter looks at the morphing of the Democrat Party through the years, from one of an “ask not what you your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” kind of attitude, to one of becoming the protector of the illegal immigrant, the voice of the abortion-on-demand crowd. This chapter also separates the truths from fiction, and shows how some misconceptions over the years about what this party has actually represented have hardened into rather ridiculous beliefs. (Democrats, for instance, have been able to lay claim to being the party of minorities despite the fact that in 1964, a greater percentage of Republicans than Democrats voted for the Civil Rights Act – despite the fact the Democrat Sen. Robert Byrd, a former Ku Klux Klan leader, filibustered the measure for more than 14 hours). Regardless, the lurch left of the Democrat Party in the most recent years has not only divided the party and set the stage for in-fighting for years to come, but also ushered in a brash brand of “democrat” politics that is nothing like the Democrats of John F. Kennedy days. The overall effect to the nation has been dramatic as its portrayed conservativism as radicals, shifted moderate Democrats to the side and seemingly embraced the most socialistic of ideas as practical. As the country moves ever farther left, another question looms: Can today’s Democrats simultaneously serve both party and God? This is a grave matter of importance that goes to the ability of our nation to keep its republic – to preserve this form of government that demands a virtuous and principled people. This chapter challenges the reader to take a hard look at the party, its platforms and politics, its rhetoric and leanings – and decide. 3. Republicans Have Some Explaining to Do, Too It’s not as if an Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sprung into socialist being in the House overnight. Or, a self-declared Democratic-Socialist like Sen. Bernie Sanders, for that matter. For decades, a committed, well-funded, organized and determined left has been pressing forward an agenda that, as President Donald Trump might say, puts America second, not first. But while Democrats have walked rather rapidly in recent years down the path toward socialism, Republicans haven’t exactly been keepers of the freedom flame. Plenty of Republicans protecting their big business interests and payrolls and profits have gone silent when it comes to clamping the borders, or arresting illegals at work, or fining companies that hire illegals. Too many Republicans have turned blind eyes and deaf ears on the encroaching Big Government designs, and put personal finances or private interests before those of the people. One way to look at it: If Democrats have become the party of the give-away to illegals and minorities, Republicans have become the party of the give-away to big business – and either way, it’s the individual whose rights are being trounced. It’s the notion of God-given rights that’s being crushed, in favor of government-granted. Republicans have also bent backwards, post-September 11, especially, to make sure police and law enforcement have all the tools they need to keep communities safe – even when those tools come with questionable civil rights and privacy dings, and give negligible results. This chapter looks at the damage Republicans have done to America’s sovereignty in recent years, all in the name of “for the people,” “for the children,” or “for the safety and security of the nation,” and provides the reader with an understanding of how the socialist mindset can travel just as quickly on wings of fear, which Republicans often float, as on wings of entitlement. 4. Education or Propaganda? Selling Socialism Through the Schools For the longest of time, America’s public school systems were routinely tops in world rankings. Now? The most recent Pew Research Center findings from 2018 show that the United States places 38th of 70 countries when it comes to math scores, and 24th on science. Curiously, this fall has taken place most dramatically in the last few years. In 1990, for example, America was ranked in this same Pew poll as sixth in the world for education and for health care. What’s going on? Schools have forgotten their primary jobs: to educate. Today’s schools are now more interested in making sure diversity and tolerance are their priorities for teaching; math, English, science, social studies, the second-tier concerns. America’s public schools have become less places of reading, writing and arithmetic and more places for filling the minds of youth with propaganda, where the likes of Founding Fathers are presented as racist white men who, by logical extension, created for America some racist governing documents – and therefore, that means America is inherently racist. The propaganda persists at the places of higher learning. America’s colleges and universities, many of which were founded on the principles of advancing Christian evangelism and Judeo-Christian virtues – think Harvard, Yale, Princeton – have become breeding grounds for leftist professors and administrators, who bring forth the next generation of leaders and movers and shakers in this country. So what to do? How to deal? Radical solutions are necessary. Parents who can afford to take their children from public schools and teach them at home, or place them in private schools, ought to do so. Immediately. Public schools receive funding in part based on head-counts of students; one surefire way of grabbing administrators’ attention to talk about necessary reforms is to hit them in the pocketbooks. Another way to push the schools in the direction of teaching actual core course, not just social justice? Have more Christian conservatives and constitutionally-minded, limited government types run for School Board. Their voices will help balance the board discussions. These are but a couple of solutions this chapter explores. 5. Jesus the Socialist, Jesus the Capitalist Progressives in the 1920s insisted their giveaways of government entitlements were rooted clearly in Christian teachings, backed by biblical verses. Today’s Christian conservative camp would say otherwise – that the Bible unequivocally states that only those who work should eat, and that government handouts are hardly the way of Jesus. So who’s right? Who’s wrong? Fact is, there has been a movement of late in certain church circles and in some spiritual denominations to cite Bible verses as justification for opening America’s borders wide; for sheltering illegals from the deportation storm; for providing free – that is, tax payer funded – healthcare to all, including those in-country illegally; for providing all with free college, low-cost housing, free prescription pills, and more. And while some in this church-based movement might very well believe America’s government must do all it can to help the less fortunate, even if it means losing borders, or prosperity, or security, fact is, many in these denominations are false teachers of biblical principles of convenience. They’re leaders of LGBTQ rights’ movements, for instance, or gay pastors pushing same-sex marriage onto the next generation of believers, or simply open border zealots and social justice warriors masquerading as clerical servants of the faith. Whatever their calling, it’s not so much one for Jesus as for personal ambition or political gain. This chapter looks at some of these church-tied organizations and at the backgrounds of the leaders and members, to show how they’re pressing into society a socialist vision that tears down traditional norms and subs in radicalized notions of identity, family and even faith. The message is simple: Before joining these ranks, at least know their true intents. At root, the question becomes: Is the Bible a living breathing document – or not? This chapter challenges the reader to decide. The larger point, as it pertains to American politics, is this: If the Bible is living and breathing, open to interpretation, subject to whims of mankind, then a nation that’s built on Judeo-Christian principles is certainly changeable. If the Bible can mean what we want, certainly the Constitution, the framers’ limited government views, the founders’ free market ideals, can just as easily be shifted and tossed. 6. Children and Guns and Chaos in the Streets Twenty-five million children are being raised in homes without fathers, according to statistics from the Center for Children and Families. Meanwhile, other stats show 90 percent of welfare recipients are single mothers; 70 percent of gang members, teen suicides, teen pregnancies and teen drug and alcohol abusers come from home without fathers. And statistically speaking, children raised in single-parent households are more likely to live in poverty, drop out of school, commit crimes, and land in jail. No wonder our nation’s youth are fighting in the streets. No wonder the media world is filled with stories of mass shootings and horrific murders in our schools. No wonder we have Black Lives Matter and antifa violence, rebelling against everything from police to Confederate monuments with violence. These are the natural consequences of removing God from all-things-public – from taking a secular path and walking a godless road. Not only individuals and families, but communities and societies – culture and politics – become poisoned in an atmosphere that doesn’t teach rights versus wrongs, and therefore disdains morals and absolutes, and ultimately, loses all sense of proper humanity. But it’s into this chaos that big government and socialism step. After all, if there’s chaos in the streets, who better to come in to control it, than government? And when government fails to control – as it will, because problems of drugs and crime and murder cannot be solved by regulation and law, but only by changes of heart, only by God – well then, the call from the political world is to bring in even bigger government, even more rules and regulations and laws. Even more socialist-style solutions, like higher taxes and more entitlement spending and larger social justice outreach using larger pots of tax dollars. This is futile fighting. The solution is not more government, bigger government, socialist “spread the wealth” government. The solution is the private sector and the Christian heart. Joe Gibbs, former Washington Redskins football coach, had a heart for troubled youth and a spirit of Christian love – so he started Youth for Tomorrow, a non-profit that takes in children from broken homes and teaches them the godly principles they need to lead lives of fulfilment and purpose. That’s just one guy, one organization. Think of the lives that can be redirected if more money was directed to groups like Big Brothers and Big Sisters and YMCAs and any number of other organizations with similar life-changing missions. Now add the church missions to the mix. With direction, organization and motivation, much can be done through the private sector, through the church sector, to help America’s struggling youth – and it can all be accomplished without expanding government and adding to the socialist entitlement mindsets that only serve to destroy our great nation. 7. Pressures Within, Pressures Without: Global Go-Gooders Who Actually Do No Good Americans have been bombarded with pleas from the global communities, particularly from the United Nations, to contribute more to overseas’ aid to help eradicate poverty, feed children, educate women and girls, bring about world peace. But there’s a warning in the Bible that aptly applies – the one where Jesus tells his disciples, “Children, be not deceived – I send you out as sheep among wolves.” And before committing any more dollars to the global parties, Americans should be aware of what these non-governmental groups, led in large part by the United Nations, actually advance both around the world, and in the United States. It’s not as it seems. These groups speak a good game; they promote their missions as charitable and focused on the regions with most need. But there are stark differences between programs run by the United Nations and, say, the International Committee of the Red Cross. This chapter looks at the politics behind many of these supposed charitably minded global nonprofits, many operating under the umbrella of the United Nations, and reveals to the reader where the money actually goes, how contributions from the U.S. taxpayer are actually spent -- and how most of these groups actually further big government, corruption, socialist principles and reliance on hand-outs rather than foster independence, sovereignty and self-rule. What’s worse, many of the socialist principles furthered by the global groups actually wind their way into America’s political world, beginning at the federal level and seeping, eventually, into local governments. (Think the U.N.’s sustainable development program, for example, which uses U.S. tax dollars to control human development around the world – and in America’s own back yards). This is top-down socialism being pressed into America’s supposed sovereign system of governance. There are much better ways to help eradicate poverty around the world that won’t involve socialist – even anti-American – U.N. and global-minded non-governmental groups’ missions. This chapter exposes the socialist-advancing dangers of seeing the United Nations and other NGOs in positive lights, as well as provides the charitable minded in America numerous other ways of helping the needy around the world via the private sector, the business world and the churches. America, land of the free, land of the limited government, should not be playing into that socialist lie that only government can provide for the needy. Christians, in particular, know better – and Christians, in particular, are well-positioned to show how to provide for the less fortunate without turning to government. 8. The Politics of Pagans, The Socialism of Secularists One of socialism’s favored ways of advancing a spread the wealth vision is via environmental regulation, the kind pushed by the United Nations (sustainable development), the kind favored by hard-left Green groups in America (Smart Growth), the kind that basically controls any human activity at all on lands, in oceans and other bodies of water, and in the air space above the lands and bodies of water. Not all environmentalism is socialist; not all environmentalists are socialists. But the overall environmental mindset that’s been pushed these past few years has been one of elevating nature to the level of God – and making it seem as if those who oppose the radical agenda are evil capitalists, bent of razing the earth for personal, greedy profit. Big Green is just one indirect way socialism has stolen into the policies of America’s government, though. Just look at some of the programs and systems we have in place that are largely unquestioned, largely embraced and accepted – yet just as largely socialist. The Department of Education? That’s simply the government’s way of taking over the education of youth. The whole Social Security system – the whole Medicare for All conversation that creeps into political talk now and again? Socialist; nothing in the Constitution, nothing in the Bible, nothing in America’s limited government system allows for any sort of rightful use of tax dollars to pay for retirement, or health care, or prescription pills for citizens. There are more, many more. This is what you get when secularists dominate government – a government that treads where it really doesn’t belong and expands where it really shouldn’t be. But let’s start by calling out these programs for what they are – socialist. Then, we can decide whether they’re worthy of keeping, of reforming or of outright abolishing. Putting the government in charge of the education of our youth, for example, has proven alarmingly disastrous; Christians and conservatives could make a solid case for getting rid of the Education Department entirely, and reeling in the teachers’ unions that advance so much of the propaganda training of our youth. But perhaps Social Security could be salvaged, at least until a phase-out plan that doesn’t unfairly punish the contributors is devised – or, perhaps it could be kept untouched, as a tradeoff for doing away with some of the government’s entitlement spending. The point of this chapter is mostly to raise awareness of how Americans have come to accept programs that are inherently socialists – which only opens the door to creating the mindset of the next generation that socialism, in some forms, is not so bad after all. But Christians, instead of advocating for more government, more socialist programs, more entitlement spending, ought to take a stand and show how churches, through tithes, and local charities, through heartfelt donations, can provide many of the socialist services currently offered by our own government. 9. The War on Words – A Very Socialist Battle Control the press, control the messaging, and you control the people. That’s been a guiding principle of tyrants since the dawn of time. Mainstream media bias in favor of Democrats and social media censorship of conservative and Christian views – such as has been happening in recent years -- aren’t just annoying offenses. They’re targeted attacks by the left aimed at shuttering and stifling any views that counter and reject Big Government and oppose socialist principles. This chapter takes a look at the polls and surveys that show the decided left-leaning slants of those in the press – the decided anti-Christian slants, as well -- and then reveals how these leftist viewpoints seep into coverage, regardless of claims to the contrary. This chapter also takes a particularly hard look at social media, and chronicles the rising censorship of specifically conservative and Christian viewpoints. Lila Rose, for example, was recently booted from one social media site because her pro-life views on abortion were deemed hate speech. The Christian Post, for another example, which is a newspaper with a religious worldview, was just blacklisted by Google for its supposed hateful reporting, according to one tech world whistleblower. It was bad enough when conservatives and Christians just had to fight, say, The New York Times for fair and balanced coverage. But now, it’s social media and search engines – a whole online force. So how can conservatives and Christians fight this censorship? First off, by recognizing the extent of the bias and realizing that while some journalists aren’t purposely attacking the ideological right, or purposely using the media to tear down traditional and Christian views, there are enough high-placed, high-ranking editors and executives with influence who are purposely doing just that – and they’re able to sway the coverage on a wide scale. And second off? Conservatives and Christians must use their voices and counter leftist media punch with media punches of their own. Writing letters to the editors; visiting online news sites and adding comments to the comments’ sections; calling broadcast stations and supporting or opposing the editorial direction and content of news stories; starting blogs and even newspapers or newsletters that counter the liberal/socialist lines and offer a conservative, even Christian, view – these are all viable ways of making it clear: the Christian conservative voice will not be stifled. If the left-leaning, largely secular media is allowed to control the messaging and dominate the online social media world, the only voices allowed to exist will be those that advance the far left, socialist, Big Government ideas. 10. Artificial intelligence, and How Emerging Technology Feeds the Socialist Beast According to various polls and surveys, most scientists are not only liberals in their politics, but secular in their beliefs. Yet these are the same people who are leading the technological charge in America, across the world? No wonder, then, social media’s artificial intelligence systems lean left and label conservative and Christian views as hateful or discriminatory; the programs, the models, the software are all designed by those with either far leftist or globalist views. But that’s only part of what makes today’s emerging technologies a real threat to freedom-loving Americans in general, and Christian, conservative voices in particular. Some of A.I.’s applications outright flip the Constitution on its head by tossing presumption of innocence standards to the side and treating innocent Americans as if they’re guilty; by giving police the technological power to arrest “criminals” who’ve not yet committed crimes; by allowing government to place surveillance and identification technology in all places public; and more. As if that’s not bad enough, there’s this, from Feng Xiang, a professor of law at Tsinghua University: “More than anything else, the inevitability of mass unemployment [from emerging technologies] and the demand for universal welfare will drive the idea of socializing or nationalizing A.I.,” he said, back in May of 2018. His idea? To use A.I. to reallocate resources – or, as socialists might put it, to spread the wealth. He’s not alone in looking to use A.I. to create social justice on a global scale. Others in this vein of socialist thinking see the need to establish a universal basic income standard for workers who are displaced by technology. The Socialist Party itself sees A.I. as death knell for capitalism. Meanwhile, there’s that whole A.I. movement dedicated to creating its own god – or, at the least, a better breed of humans with godlike technological powers. This is one of the biggest fights Christians and constitutionalists face in the coming years – and it’s going to be the most challenging one to win. In the long-term, Christians need to encourage more of the faithful to enter the fields of science and technology, so that tomorrow’s A.I. experts will be schooled in Bible truths. In the short-term? Christians and conservatives need to first educate themselves on the A.I. threats to faith, individual freedoms and American sovereignty. And second, Christians and conservatives need to stop letting technology take over their own lives – to stop trading the convenience of certain cell phone apps, say, for personal privacies that track geographical movements. With technology, Christians have become just as secular as the world they’re supposed to live in but not of, and if we want to put a stop to runaway technologies that threaten to steal freedoms and bring about a more socialist existence, then it’s the Christian community that has to raise up and raise questions (because the secular world isn’t going to do it). 11. If Malachi Were Here, What Would He Say? In 2016, one Morning Consult poll found that 60 percent of Americans believed America was great and 68 percent said they were proud to be an American. In July 2019, a Gallup poll found that American pride had hit an all-time low – that only 45 percent said they were proud to be American, versus 47 percent in Gallup’s poll of the previous year. And in April 2019, Rasmussen found that Americans, by and large, were feeling better about the future than they had in the previous 12 years of asking that same survey question. The point it: Ask Americans what they feel about America, and the answers will be as different as the polling companies. The only “survey” that really matters is the one from above – the one that rates how a nation and how a nation’s people stand with God. And on that score, maybe it’s arguable: America’s lost its Judeo-Christian way because God has removed His blessings from the country. It’s possible. Surely, this socialism that’s taken root in a nation that was supposed to be dedicated to individual rights first, collectivism second – if at all – hasn’t come by way of chance, or absent God’s knowledge. Or, perhaps, absent God’s influence. Look to Malachi for mulling. Consider these biblical passages: “If you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; indeed I have already cursed them.” Or this: “You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, ‘How have we wearied him?’ By saying ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.’ Or by asking, ‘Where is the God of justice?’” Isn’t this what just what we do when things don’t go our way – pretend as if our intents were good and that God, in His injustice, is ignoring our plights or imposing an unfair outcome? Perhaps it’s as Malachi suggests – the curse has already come upon our nation. That would certainly explain how we could move from a nation built by Judeo-Christian principles, fast-tracked to great heights of globally ranked exceptionalism, to a country torn by political and cultural fighting, being pulled ever farther from God, ever closer to Big Government. This chapter looks at the cultural decay we embrace, and the political corruption we accept – from abortion to rated-R sexualized entertainment – from the perspective of biblical teachings, and raises the all-important question: Are we now experiencing, with all this loss of freedom and expansion of socialist governance, the removal of God’s blessings on America? It seems a crucial point to consider, given the obvious solution would lie in its answer. As the Bible also teaches: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will hear their land.” What better way for God to heal a country founded on principles of limited government – than to return the government to a system of limited reach and authority? 12. The Answer is Christianity, and ONLY Christianity There’s a temptation in First Amendment-friendly America for some to embrace religious freedom to the point where Christianity is Islam is Hinduism is Wiccan – where one religion is just as good as another, and that praying to the Christian God is the same as praying to any other god. But here in America, the foundation has always been Judeo-Christian beliefs, as illustrated in the Bible. Treating Christianity as if it’s just another religion, on par with any other is the type of thinking that brings about Satanic Temple statues on government properties, or Satanist “prayers’ to open City Council meetings – or, strict Islamic and sharia principles pushed into our culture and politics. America wasn’t built to be a Christian nation, with a state-run church that dictated Christian principles through the government. But America was indeed built from the bottom up by Europeans fleeing their homes for the pursuit of religious freedom – for the pursuit of Christian religious freedom. America was indeed built by framers who may not have worshipped similarly, or at all, but who nonetheless forged a government based on biblical moral truths, including the idea that humans are fallible (born in Original Sin) – not only Muslim beliefs, or Hindu teachings. The 1993 book, “One Nation Under God: Religion in Contemporary American Society,” reports that in 1776, an estimated 98 percent of colonists were Protestants; the other 2 percent claimed Roman Catholicism as their faith. To the extent that religion influenced our framers, it was Christianity, not any other faith, held in the highest regard. Why it matters is simple: When we speak of America’s greatness coming from the notion that individual rights come from God, not government, it’s important to understand we’re not talking about God, in a general and generic any-religion-goes sense, or the god of Muslims, Allah. We’re talking about the God of the Bible. If this is the God who gave us a country of rights coming from God, not government – this is the only God who can keep our moral compass and political world in the proper places. The solution for a country that’s stretched into socialism and lost its concept of God-given rights is to reel back government and return God – the proper God – to the helm. Only Christianity can win this war against socialism in America; only Christians can effectively fight to return the nation to its moral, virtuous, principled society of limited governance and individual freedom. 13. Inspiring Acts of Courage, Both Big and Small This chapter looks at real life examples of people who’ve stood strong for America, for God, for Judeo-Christian principles, for the Constitution and limited government and capitalism – and in so doing, have won. The fight to control America’s moral compass and reel in an ever-expanding and corrupt government has been long and wearying, often futile and overwhelming. And no matter who wins the White House, regardless of which political party takes control of the House and Senate – or of which political party holds the leadership positions in state and local governments – fact is, the fight is far from finished. The sneaky socialist seepage into America’s culture and politics will continue far into the future. So, as motivation for the long haul, this chapter looks at instances where Christians and conservatives and other patriotic Americans with love of the Constitution and limits on government have stood against strong secular, socialist, Big Government forces in recent times – and won. An example? When far-left anti-gun politicians in Washington passed sweeping new restrictions on semi-automatic rifles – despite clear court guidance that called such restrictions unconstitutional – sheriffs in a dozen counties around the state rose up and said: We’re not enforcing that. As Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones explained: “I swore an oath to defend our citizens and their constitutionally protected rights. I do not believe the popular vote overrules that.” Another example? When a Satanic Temple member won the court right to open a Kenai Peninsula Borough meeting in Alaska with a “Hail, Satan” invocation, a dozen of the region’s governing officials walked out, while dozens in the community rallied outside the building, holding signs that said, “reject Satan and his works” and “know Jesus and his love” – showing in the process that court rulings cannot compel hearts to obey. Sometimes, even the smallest of gestures, the tiniest of principled stands, can nevertheless pack big punches. As Ecclesiastes teaches, the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong. This chapter wraps on a positive note, giving readers the sense that yes, America may be in the throes of determining its government of the future, and debating the idea of more socialism versus a return to democratic-republicanism – but that if Christians in particular and patriots in general keep plugging away and fighting effectively, the country can and will see a widespread return to the God-given.

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Book Synopsis“Clarence Jordan spoke with an unwavering prophetic voice. He firmly rejected materialism, militarism, and racism as obstacles to authentic faith… He was a fearless and innovative defender of human rights.” —President Jimmy CarterOn 440 depleted acres in Sumter County, Georgia, a young Baptist preacher and farmer named Clarence Jordan gathered a few families and set out to show that Jesus intended more than spiritual fellowship. Like the first Christians, they would share their land, money, and possessions. Working together to rejuvenate the soil and the local economy, they would demonstrate racial and social justice with their lives.Black and white community members eating together at the same table scandalized local Christians, drew the ire of the KKK, and led to drive-by shootings, a firebombing, and an economic boycott.This bold experiment in nonviolence, economic justice, and sustainable agriculture was deeply rooted in Clarence Jordan’s understanding of the person and teachings of Jesus, which stood in stark contrast to the hypocrisy of churches that blessed wars, justified wealth disparity, and enforced racial segregation. “You can’t put Christianity into practice,” Jordan wrote, “You can’t make it work. As desperately as it is needed in this poor, broken world, it is not a philosophy of life to be ‘tried.’ Nor is it a social or ethical ideal which has tantalized humankind with the possibility of attainment. For Christianity is not a system you work – it is a Person who works you.”This selection from his talks and writings introduces Clarence Jordan’s radically biblical vision to a new generation of peacemakers, community builders, and activists.Trade Review"The power of Clarence Jordan's words comes mostly from the fact that he lived out the Gospel rather than just preaching it, and he did that with courage and a sense of humor." —Don Mosley, founder, Jubilee Partners“Clarence Jordan spoke with an unwavering prophetic voice. He firmly rejected materialism, militarism, and racism as obstacles to authentic faith, yet he never took part in the public demonstrations of the civil rights era. He believed we could all affect greater change in this world through living an authentic Christian life.” —President Jimmy CarterHere was a son of the Old South, a white Baptist minister doing what we were only talking about. I went to Koinonia to see it for myself and couldn't wait to leave because I was sure that the Klan would show up and kill us both. —Martin Luther King, Jr.The distinctive mark of Jordan...is the way in which he acted in costly and dangerous ways that embodied the cross; he walked the talk! —Walter BrueggemannWe are lucky to have the legacy of such a man. For those of us who are hesitant to embrace Christ’s suffering, we have an example. For those of us who struggle as part of a young community of Christ to see our place in history, we have encouragement. His vision has endured. —Joyce Hollyday, author of Pillars of FireI can critique some of the things Clarence Jordan believed about the Bible, but I cannot critique the way he lived it. This collection of writings from a too-often-forgotten sage is a gift to all of us at a time when we need models of costly courage and conviction. —Russell Moore, Baptist preacher and theologian, Christianity TodayClarence Jordan has you saying “Amen” one minute and thinking “I’m not sure about that” the next. He guarantees thoughtful interaction with his practical application of the Bible, which clearly comes from tending a farm. If Christians embraced at least some of his ideas, we’d have a different effect on our world: less hypocrisy and more action. Jordan sharpens us to our great benefit; read him and think. —Joel Salatin, Polyface FarmFlannery O’Conner famously said that her native South was ‘Christ-haunted.’ But for Clarence Jordan, Jesus was more than a ghost. He was a living presence in the poor and rejected, inviting us into beloved community as a real and practical alternative to the plantation economy. Jordan’s words are as relevant today as when he delivered them. —Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, author of Revolution of ValuesFew have lived, spoken, and written with such power, depth, and simplicity about Christian discipleship as Clarence Jordan did. His life is a testimony and a provocation to what God’s love for the whole world demands of us today. The Inconvenient Gospel is an essential book. It will inspire and challenge those willing to take its message to heart. —Norman Wirzba, Duke Divinity SchoolClarence Jordan cultivated a demonstration plot of God’s kingdom at Koinonia Farm. Now, with The Inconvenient Gospel, we have field notes from that experiment. Wise and often witty, Jordan’s words are a call to join God’s mission, even on our home soil where loving our enemies and our neighbors may be the same thing. Whenever I need a reminder of what it means to follow Jesus, I’ll reach for this book. —Ragan Sutterfield, author of Wendell Berry and the Given LifeIn living a life of radical discipleship informed by the Sermon on the Mount (and paying the price for it), Clarence Jordan may be closest thing we have to an American Bonhoeffer. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home where Jordan was read and admired, but too few today know of this Southern prophet. I’m heartened by the publication of The Inconvenient Gospel, to introduce a new generation of readers to Jordan’s unique and prophetic voice. —Brian Zahnd, author of When Everything’s on FireDallas Lee said of Clarence Jordan, “The promise of something wise or something fun or just something good to know danced in this man’s eyes.” That wisdom, that fun, that good dances in his words too. Every chapter of this book illustrates that. As a member of the koinonia Clarence cofounded, I’ll return to these pages as a guide, but anyone reading them can expect to be challenged and perhaps even changed. —Bren Dubay, director, Koinonia FarmI'm impressed that this book isn't just about Clarence – it is Clarence. His clear insights and simple presentation make the gospel come to life. He once wrote, “What the poor need is not charity but capital, not caseworkers but coworkers. And what the rich need is a wise, honorable and just way of divesting themselves of their overabundance.” That insight gave birth to the affordable housing movement—surely the most far reaching of Clarence’s many gifts to the world. —David Snell, president & co-founder of The Fuller Center for HousingAn excellent introduction to this significant man, who faced death threats and confrontations with the Ku Klux Klan. Jordan’s texts will challenge readers as they point to the radical nature of Christianity which, he argued, requires believers to live out their faith in ways that run counter to—and even confront—the society and culture around them. —Library JournalIf, like me, you sometimes become distraught as you think of the work still needed to heal the church, you should read The Inconvenient Gospel. Reading the life and words of Clarence Jordan refreshed my soul like a morning rain, filling me with hope and inspiration to keep fighting for God’s perfected church where we are neither Jew nor Greek but all are one in Christ Jesus. The Inconvenient Gospel is a lightning-strike reminder for the family of God to stand firm against the racism that still plagues the body of Christ, by living out koinonia in our daily lives. —Anika T. Prather, Howard UniversityPlough has done it again! This particular book is a welcome addition to their “Spiritual Guides” series. Seriously, order the whole set—it’s an incredible collection of great hearts and minds, and each work includes a distilled biography and introduction along with a treasury of primary source material from each author. —Brad Jersak, Clarion JournalOffering a biblical vision for a new generation of peacemakers, community builders, and activists, The Inconvenient Gospel features a selection of Jordan’s talks and writings on nonviolence, economic justice, racial reconciliation, sustainable agriculture, and more. —Publisher's WeeklyIn bold opposition to the hypocrisy of churches that condoned racism, militarism, and economic inequality, Jordan brought together a community which proved through its life that a different way was possible. Koinonia’s lasting impact is a model for those seeking to live out the gospel in our day. —Christian Century

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Book SynopsisIn a culture that prizes keeping one’s options open, making commitments offers something more valuable. The consumerism and instant gratification of “liquid modernity” feed a general reluctance to make commitments, a refusal to be pinned down for the long term. Consider the decline of three forms of commitment that involve giving up options: marriage, military service, and monastic life. Yet increasing numbers of people question whether unprecedented freedom might be leading to less flourishing, not more. They are dissatisfied with an atomized way of life that offers endless choices of goods, services, and experiences but undermines ties of solidarity and mutuality. They yearn for more heroic virtues, more sacrificial commitments, more comprehensive visions of the individual and common good. It turns out that the American Founders were right: the Creator did endow us with an unalienable right of liberty. But he has endowed us with something else as well, a gift that is equally unalienable: desire for unreserved commitment of all we have and are. Our liberty is given us so that we in turn can freely dedicate ourselves to something greater. Ultimately, to take a leap of commitment, even without knowing where one will land, is the way to a happiness worth everything. On this theme: - Lydia S. Dugdale asks what happened to the Hippocratic Oath in modern medicine. - Caitrin Keiper looks at competing vows in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. - Kelsey Osgood, an Orthodox Jew, asks why lifestyle discipline is admired in sports but not religion. - Wendell Berry says being on the side of love does not allow one to have enemies. - Phil Christman spoofs the New York Times Vows column. - Andreas Knapp tells why he chose poverty. - Norann Voll recounts the places a vow of obedience took her. - Carino Hodder says chastity is for everyone, not just nuns. - Dori Moody revisits her grandparents’ broken but faithful marriage. - Randall Gauger, a Bruderhof pastor, finds that lifelong vows make faithfulness possible. - King-Ho Leung looks at vows, oaths, promises, and covenants in the Bible. Also in the issue: - A young Black pastor reads Clarence Jordan today. - Activists discuss the pro-life movement after Roe and Dobbs. - Children learn from King Arthur, Robin Hood, and the occasional cowboy. - Original poetry by Ned Balbo - Reviews of Montgomery and Biklé’s What Your Food Ate, Mohsin Hamid’s The Last White Man, and Bonnie Kristian’s Untrustworthy - A profile of Sadhu Sundar Singh Plough Quarterly features stories, ideas, and culture for people eager to apply their faith to the challenges we face. Each issue includes in-depth articles, interviews, poetry, book reviews, and art.

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Book SynopsisFifty-two readings on living in intentional Christian community to spark group discussion.Gold Medal Winner, 2017 Illumination Book Awards, Christian LivingSilver Medal Winner, 2017 Benjamin Franklin Award in Religion, Independent Book Publishers AssociationWhy, in an age of connectivity, are our lives more isolated and fragmented than ever? And what can be done about it? The answer lies in the hands of God’s people. Increasingly, today’s Christians want to be the church, to follow Christ together in daily life. From every corner of society, they are daring to step away from the status quo and respond to Christ’s call to share their lives more fully with one another and with others. As they take the plunge, they are discovering the rich, meaningful life that Jesus has in mind for all people, and pointing the church back to its original calling: to be a gathered, united community that demonstrates the transforming love of God.Of course, such a life together with others isn’t easy. The selections in this volume are, by and large, written by practitioners—people who have pioneered life in intentional community and have discovered in the nitty-gritty of daily life what it takes to establish, nurture, and sustain a Christian community over the long haul.Whether you have just begun thinking about communal living, are already embarking on sharing life with others, or have been part of a community for many years, the pieces in this collection will encourage, challenge, and strengthen you. The book’s fifty-two chapters can be read one a week to ignite meaningful group discussion.Contributors include: John F. Alexander, Eberhard Arnold, J. Heinrich Arnold, Johann Christoph Arnold, Alden Bass, Benedict of Nursia, Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt, Leonardo Boff, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Joan Chittister, Stephen B. Clark, Andy Crouch, Dorothy Day, Anthony de Mello, Elizabeth Dede, Catherine de Hueck Doherty, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Jenny Duckworth, Friedrich Foerster, Richard J. Foster, Jodi Garbison, Arthur G. Gish, Helmut Gollwitzer, Adele J Gonzalez, Stanley Hauerwas, Joseph H. Hellerman, Roy Hession, David Janzen, Rufus Jones, Emmanuel Katongole, Arthur Katz, Søren Kierkegaard, C. Norman Kraus, C.S. Lewis, Gerhard Lohfink, Ed Loring, Chiara Lubich, George MacDonald, Thomas Merton, Hal Miller, José P. Miranda, Jürgen Moltmann, Charles E. Moore, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Elizabeth O’Connor, John M. Perkins, Eugene H.Peterson, Christine D. Pohl, Chris Rice, Basilea Schlink, Howard A. Snyder, Mother Teresa, Thomas à Kempis, Elton Trueblood, and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove.Trade Review"This volume, organized into 52 chapters that may be used by groups over a year, . . . seems the perfect resource for a group who wants to go deeper in community, whether they have formed a more intentional community or not. One of the things that commends this collection is its catholicity, and the stature of those whose writings are included. To listen to those who have lived community across the centuries is to drink at a deep well of wisdom. This is not just the latest “new monastics” thinking or the latest offerings from the Emergent Church. The call to community is challenging, and yet the recognition of the real challenges of community both tempers naive enthusiasm and offers wise counsel to those who pursue intentional communities out of faithfulness to Christ." —InterVarsity Emerging Scholars Network"A 2016 Englewood Honor Book – one of the thirty best books of the year for the life and flourishing of the church." —Englewood Review of Books"This is one meaty, yet very accessible, book for those who love the Church enough to give it some serious thought, knowing that serious thought can lead to serious action. Whether in small groups or individually, as we read Called to Community, we will be hearing voices from the road, people with trail dust on their faith. They know what they’re talking about. And this invitation to come alongside them is a great place to start finding some new roads in an old faith of our own." —David Swartz, Patheos"This is a stellar contribution to our understanding of the whys and wherefores of Christian community. The 52 selections seem perfect for a year of weekly group study and the detailed discussion guide in the appendix is particularly useful for this purpose. Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People is a thoughtfully compiled and well edited guide to the subject." —Nancy Roberts, Catholic Sentinel "This book is both informative and practical—written with a short chapter for each week of the year. Designed to spark conversation within a group devotion setting, readers can dive deep into community together. … This book delves into the nitty-gritty details of Christian community living and encourages readers to confront the dissatisfaction stirred up by its challenging pages. Though not a light text by any means, this book is ideal for those seeking to approach Christian community more intentionally and comprehensively." —Evangelical Church Library Association

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Book SynopsisHow to break free from the personal money story developed early in life that can shape your financial future. Family experiences can define our attitudes about money even as we mature, including how we spend it, save it, and give it away. Consequently, our childhood often determines our approach to money during our entire lives. Donald Romanik, President of the Episcopal Church Foundation, helps readers discover the consequences of that money legacy, for individuals and for the churches and other organizations to which they belong.Trade Review“Far too often, we Christians don’t think about how we spend our money any differently than any other person on our street, with earning and spending being much like sleeping and waking—something we just do. Donald Romanik calls us to the very important task of understanding that, as Christians, our use of money rightly should come out of our ‘why.’ Most importantly, he suggests some practical and nonthreatening exercises to help us start digging into that ‘why’ to help us get our finances aligned with what we feel God calling us to do as individuals and as congregations.”—The Rev. Canon Rosa Lee Harden, Executive Producer, Faith+Finance

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Book SynopsisTools for clergy and congregational leaders to lead theological conversations about money. Scripture and theology provide ample material for a rich discussion of money and possessions. Theologians of every era have written about money. Author Brendan Barnicle offers pastoral programs to bring the conversation into contemporary focus by considering personal budgeting and estate planning (personal discipleship), parish budgets and parish investments (communal ministry), and congregational partnering and policy advocacy (global mission).Trade Review“Talking Dollars and Sense is a well-written book that has a systematic layout as to how leaders in the church can have healthy discussions surrounding money. The book helps with changing the status quo or stereotypical mindset that exists in the church today surrounding the topic of money.”—Alisa Kelly, Canon for Finance and Administration, The Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee“Brendan Barnicle reframes the concept of stewardship: not a season of the church year, not a fund-raising campaign, but a theology that guides the use of all our assets—every one of which is a gift from God. He challenges his readers to recognize how we can use our assets in ways that are creative, redemptive, and sustaining. And he offers practical guidance for engaging congregations in eye-opening conversations around money, faith, and justice. This book is a gift that can help move the church toward building Beloved Community.”—Demi Prentiss, Program Director, Research and Development, Episcopal Church FoundationTable of ContentsIntroduction1. “What Are We Afraid Of?” Financial Anxiety Inside and Outside of Church 2. “What Has the Church Said?” Scriptural and Theological Guidance on Money 3. History of Stewardship 4. “What Does Scripture Say?” Understanding the Theology of the Congregation 5. Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Money 6. Year A: Budget Planning and Estate Planning for Personal Discipleship 7. Year B: Narrative Budgets and Investment Choices for Congregational Ministry 8. Year C: Resource Sharing and Advocacy for Global Mission 9. ConclusionAppendix Bibliography

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative account of the Coptic Papacy in Egypt from the coming of Islam to the onset of the Ottoman era, by a leading religious studies scholar, new in paperbackIn Volume 1 of this series, Stephen Davis contended that the themes of “apostolicity, martyrdom, monastic patronage, and theological resistance” were determinative for the cultural construction of Egyptian church leadership in late antiquity. This second volume shows that the medieval Coptic popes (641–1517 CE) were regularly portrayed as standing in continuity with their saintly predecessors; however, at the same time, they were active in creating something new, the Coptic Orthodox Church, a community that struggled to preserve a distinctive life and witness within the new Islamic world order. Building on recent advances in the study of sources for Coptic church history, the present volume aims to show how portrayals of the medieval popes provide a window into the religious and social life of their community.Trade ReviewPraise for The Popes of Egypt series:“Based on serious research . . . . [shows] how the Coptic papacy has survived and served the Church through many difficult periods. In the present uncertain times its resilience will surely help it to fulfil its mission of leading the largest Church in the Middle East.”—Michael L. Fitzgerald, Proche-Orient Chretien“Focusing on some of the most influential leaders, the books trace the social, economic, political, and religious trends they negotiated.”— Nelly van Doorn-Harder, The Montreal Review"Essential reading for historians of ancient Christianity and for all scholars of Coptic Egypt." —David Brakke, Ohio State University on The Early Coptic Papacy"A lucid, meticulous, and highly accessible account of papal institutions in early Egyptian Christianity. . . . A critical read for any student of Christianity in Egypt and the Middle East." —Febe Armanios, author of Coptic Christianity in Ottoman Egypt on The Early Coptic Papacy“An excellent introduction to its subject and the relevant literature.”— Christopher van der Krogt, Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641–1517"Reading this well-researched and beautifully produced book is both sobering and encouraging."— Michael L. Fitzgerald OBE, on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641–1517“A comprehensive yet very readable review of the history of the Coptic leadership in the Middle Ages.”— David D. Grafton, International Bulletin of Missionary Research, on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641–1517“Extremely useful”— Alastair Hamilton, Church History and Religious Culture on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641–1517“Magdi Guirguis is one of the very few scholars who has actually tackled the archives of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate and of the Dar al-Warth’iq al-Qawmiyya in Cairo and has consequently produced a series of excellent studies in which he breaks entirely new ground.”— Alastair Hamilton, The International Journal of Middle East Studies on The Emergence of the Modern Coptic Papacy"Substantiates the Coptic Church as a subject in religious studies with its own history worthy of study." —Midwest Book ReviewTable of ContentsEditors’ Introduction Author’s Preface Technical Notes Acknowledgments Abbreviations 1. Continuity and ReinventionSuccession and Innovation Earning the “Crown of Exile” The Church in a “New World Order” Relationships with Rulers A Sacred Geography 2. Patient SufferersComing to the End-Time? Bearing Trials Patiently The Account of John the Deacon Patriarchs and Martyrdom Patriarchs and Sainthood 3. Crisis of CohesionSatan Hinders, but God Prevails Patriarchs and Political Authority in ‘Abbasid Egypt Trials from Without Trials from Within A Crisis of Cohesion?Hanging On Embattled Saints 4. Saints and SinnersBishop Michael’s Account: Warts and All Before the Fatimids Simony: “The Word of God Became as a Merchandise” Contrapuntal Saintliness Unexpected Saintliness Saints and Sinners 5. TransitionsLanguage Shift, Lay Concerns, and Ecclesiastical HistoryGabriel II ibn Turayk: An Attempt at ReformAfter the Reform Attempt6. Chaos and GloryA Strange Period Chroniclers The Person at the Center of the Story 1216–1217: Attempts at Making a Pope The Monk Da’ud Becomes Pope Cyril, Successor of Saint Mark Cyril’s Patriarchate A Failed “Great Man”? Or a Scholar among Scholars? 7. Marginalized PatriarchsInternal Rivalry, External Interference Scattered Portrayals, Incidental Mentions The Patriarch at the Center of the Story 8. A Burst of HolinessThe Patriarch as Saint and Holy Man An Orchestra of Holiness? The PrincipalsA Quartet and a Chorus? 9. Humility in Action After the Fireworks “Listless” and “Lacking in Blessing”? Diplomacy and Faithfulness Quiet Leadership in Difficult Times Epilogue: Survival Appendix: The Forty-Nine Martyrs during the Patriarchate of Matthew I (#87, 1378 –1408) Works Cited: Primary Sources Works Cited: Secondary Sources Notes Index

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Book Synopsis"Lindsey Roy proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that joy and happiness are just on the other side of the mountain you are climbing."—Katherine Wintsch, CEO of The Mom Complex; author of Slay Like a Mother A corporate executive, wife, and mother reflects on what she lost, what she didn’t see coming, and the power of new vantage points.At age 31, Lindsey Roy was named vice-president at Hallmark Cards — one of the youngest in the company’s more-than-100-year history. Her life was abruptly transformed five years later when she was nearly killed in a boating accident. Left with an amputated left leg and severe limb injuries, and facing a long and difficult recovery ahead, she was determined not just to heal, but to emerge stronger. She eventually shared what trauma had taught her about happiness in a TEDx talk that has been viewed nearly 200,000 times.Eight years post-accident, fully adapted to her circumstances and genuinely thriving, Lindsey confronted the unexpected again: she was diagnosed with a rare and progressive disease that destroyed the blood vessels in her lungs, requiring a double-lung transplant. This profound setback challenged her to actively shift her viewpoint in order to discover the hidden advantages of her situation and new depths of resilience in herself.Now a sought-after speaker, she’s imparting these hard-won lessons to help you adapt, persevere, and innovate in your own life. Brimming with valuable insights forged in the fire — from Lindsey’s journey and from other inspiring individuals she’s met along the way — The Gift of Perspective is ready to meet you where you are, and no matter where adversity may find you.Trade Review"In this humbling and humorous motivational memoir, Lindsey shares how she’s risen from challenge and loss by welcoming the gift of perspective and, with each reflection, reminds us to unwrap our own."—Tara Jaye Frank, award-winning author of The Waymakers and Say Yes "In The Gift of Perspective, Lindsey Roy takes you on a profound journey of resilience and triumph. She reminds us that, even in the face of life-altering adversity, embracing vulnerability and seeking hidden advantages can lead to extraordinary transformations."—Joel Goldberg, television broadcaster, motivational speaker, and author of Small Ball Big Results "Trauma can be an excellent teacher, and Lindsey’s ability to bravely find the wisdom from her wounds is a testament to her joyous and resilient spirit. A brilliant book for anyone seeking to understand how the path to purpose may not be easy, but definitely worthwhile."—Afdhel Aziz, purpose coach and expert, Forbes contributing writerTable of ContentsPrologueIntroductionChapter 1: Choose Your View—Sustain the Power of PerspectiveChapter 2: Open Up—Explore VulnerabilityChapter 3: Reframe—Find the Hidden AdvantagesChapter 4: Dig Deep—Pursue Relentless ResourcefulnessChapter 5: Check Yourself—Don’t Assume Your Assumptions Are ValidChapter 6: Be a Riser—Realize Your Resilient NatureChapter 7: Engage Your Soul—Find A Way to BelieveEpilogueAcknowledgmentsNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisWhether you want help on how to start journalling, or looking for how to do it better, The Art of Journalling is a practical and accessible guide that will help you draw closer to God through the practice of reflective writing.

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Book SynopsisWaiting Well With Jesus is the devotional journal Lynda wished she had in her deepest moments of grief.

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Book SynopsisThe Adventure-Driven Life encourages us to take more risks of faith in our Christian walk as we learn to trust more deeply in our awesome God.

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Book SynopsisIn Communities of Hope we discover how a Nottingham foodbank became more than just a resource, it became a community of hope.

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Book SynopsisWhether you want help on how to start giving or how to be a more generous giver, The Art of Giving is a practical and accessible guide that will help you draw closer to God through the practice of joyful generosity.

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