Christian life and practice Books

Book SynopsisThe third volume of The Oxford History of British and Irish Catholicism examines the period from the defeat of the Jacobite army at the battle of Culloden in 1746 to the enactment of Catholic emancipation in 1829.The first part of the volume offers a chronological overview tracing the decline of Jacobitism, the easing of penal legislation which targeted Catholics, the complex impact of the French Revolution, the debates about the place of Catholics in the post-Union state, and - following the mass mobilisation of Irish Catholics - the passage of emancipation. The second part of the volume shows that this political history can only be properly understood with reference to the broader transformations that occurred in the later eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The period witnessed the expansion of Catholic infrastructure (pastoral structures, chapel building, elementary education and finances) and changes in Catholic practice, for example in liturgy and devotion. The growing infrastructure and more public profession of Catholicism occurred in a society where anti-Catholicism remained a force, but the volume also addresses the accommodations and interactions with non-Catholics that attended daily life. Crucially, the transformations of this period were international, as well as national. The volume examines the British and Irish convents, colleges, friaries and monasteries on the continent, especially during the events of the 1790s when many institutions closed and successor or new ones emerged at home. The international dimensions of British and Irish Catholicism extended beyond Europe too as the British Empire expanded globally, and attention is given to the involvement of British and Irish Catholics in imperial expansion. This volume addresses the literary, intellectual and cultural expressions of Catholicism in Britain and Ireland. Catholics produced a rich literature in English, Irish, Scots Gaelic and Welsh, although the volume shows the disparities in provision. They also engaged with and participated in the Catholic Enlightenment, particularly as they grappled with the challenges of accommodation to a Protestant constitution. This also had consequences for the public expression of Catholicism and the volume concludes by exploring the shifting expression of belief through music and material culture.Table of Contents1: Carys Brown: Jacobitism, Loyalty, and the State, 1746-66 2: James Kelly: Breakthrough: The First Phase of Catholic Relief in Britain and Ireland, 1766-89 3: Marianne Elliott: British and Irish Catholics in the Era of the French Revolution 4: Michael Mullett: Catholics in the United Kingdom, 1800-20 5: Thomas Bartlett: 'The abominable Cath. Quest.': Catholic Emancipation, 1820-30 6: Cormac Begadon: The Infrastructure of Catholicism 7: Peter Phillips: Catholic Belief and Practice 8: Colin Haydon: Anti-Catholicism and Protestant Relations with Catholics 9: Tonya J. Moutray: Convents and Women Religious 10: Liam Chambers: Colleges, Seminaries and Male Religious Houses 11: Dominic Aidan Bellenger: 'Every Quarter of the World': Catholics in the British Empire 12: Michael Tomko: Catholic Literature and Print Culture in English 13: Peadar Ó Muircheartaigh: Catholic Literature and Literary Culture in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish 14: Shaun Blanchard: This Side of the Alps: Catholic Enlightenment in Britain and Ireland 15: Thomas Muir: Church Music: A Barometer of Social-Religious Change 16: Carol M. Richardson: Feeble References: Catholic Material Culture

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisYour children have left home, you have lost your job, you have had to move to a strange town, your partner has died ... Every life is filled with changes and transitions. In The Other Side of Chaos, the popular writer and speaker Margaret Silf takes us on a journey through the pitfalls and the opportunities of change.Transitions may be awkward and uncomfortable, but they also put into places where new life can flourish. Silf invites us to embrace the inevitability of upheaval, and shows us how the leaving of our comfort zone can become an invitation to set ourselves free. Through stories and examples and down-to earth tips, she shows us how we can live our transitions constructively and creatively.We will discover what new growth may be sprouting in our lives only if we risk the journey that takes us, like reluctant time travellers, hurtling through the uncharted universe of change.''

Read more less

Book SynopsisWe live in a world full of distractions, where lack of time and the pressures of daily living contribute to our spiritual lives becoming sometimes treated with less priority, sometimes forgotten altogether. This is a book for the forgetful-hearted; those who frequently forget God in their lives, even when they desperately want to remember him. Lucy Mills asks what it means to remember God? Here she suggests that it is about more than simply 'knowing' things - it is about how we live. Forgetful Heart is a beautifully-written book, full of personal testimony, biblical reflection and practical challenges and advice.Trade Review‘This is a book full of wisdom and personal experiences, and explores passages of the Bible.' -- Church Times‘Beautifully and honestly written, it is full of hope that, despite our forgetful ways, our God remembers us and longs to be at the centre of our cluttered and disordered lives.' -- Reform magazine'This book made me smile, pray, weep and laugh out loud – but best of all, it deepened my relationship with God.' -- Angela Almond

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn Reclaiming the Common Good, leading thinkers and social activists contribute to a collection of essays exploring what is meant by 'The Common Good' (the theme of the 2017 Greenbelt Arts Festival) and how it can be implemented inside and outside of Christian circles.Trade Review“An excellent collection” -- The Pastoral Review“Should you be tempted for a moment to think Britain is a fair country, this book will explode your complacency.” -- Reform magazine“A stimulating book, reminding us of the need to work for the common good in our communities and promote social justice to build a better world.” -- Methodist Recorder

Read more less

Book SynopsisSometimes, it can feel as though we are living in the worst of times a world of chaos, uncertainty and breakdown. But could this also be the best of times a crucible of change in which a wiser and more spiritually mature future is being forged? The stars are most clearly visible in the deepest darkness. The butterfly emerges out of the worst meltdown of the chrysalis.In Born to Fly, Margaret Silf helps us to explore what it would mean for each of us to be such an emerging butterfly to be an agent of spiritual transformation in our own lives and in the world around us. What kind of future do we desire for ourselves, for those who follow after us, and for the whole of creation? And, if the choices we make today are shaping that future, how might we learn to make those choices more wisely?The second part of the book takes us on a gentle journey in five stages through the process of transformation mapped out for us by the caterpillar as it changes from a pesky garden grub, taking what i

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“There simply is nothing like The Eucharistic Sacrifice available in English.” —John Behr, author of John the Theologian and His Paschal Gospel"Mark Roosien’s work here is a model in theological translation.... His introduction places the text not only in the context of the author’s life, but also in the context of Bulgakov’s unfolding eucharistic theology, of which this text is the final expression. With this translation, we have another key piece available to the English-speaking world of the work of one the most creative theological authors of the previous century, and one whose vision is only now entering into the main currents of ecumenical and systematic reflection." —Modern TheologyTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Eucharist as Sacrifice 2. The Special Character of Old Testament Sacrifices 3. What is “Remembrance” (anámnēsis)? 4. Heavenly and Earthly Sacrifice 5. The Eucharist and its Institution 6. Eucharistic Transmutation 7. The Divine-human Sacrifice I 8. The Divine-human Sacrifice II 9. The Atoning Sacrifice (The Eucharistic Memorial) 10. The Eucharist and the Mother of God Conclusion

Read more less

Book SynopsisEnables those who have been bereaved to express their thoughts and feelings.Trade ReviewThis book will be a great help and a real comfort to anyone going through a difficult time in their life – something that happens to us all sooner or later. * Dame Judi Dench *Mark Oakley is highly regarded as a writer, speaker and broadcaster on issues of faith, poetry and literature: It is extremely unusual to meet anyone who isn’t a specialist who has such a subtle feeling for language. * Sir Andrew Motion, Former Poet Laureate *An exceptionally wide-ranging collection of verse, including some standard favourites, but much that is less well-known: Vera Arlett and Alden Nowlan for example, but also including poems in translation (Quevedo, Kaplinski, Hitomaro). The poems and short reflections are sandwiched between a collection of 46 suggested hymns, making this a book that any lay person could use to start planning a funeral. My only concern is that many of these poems would have to be read aloud by someone experienced at public speaking, or their impact will be lost. -- Kirsty Anderson * The Reader *

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou were fearfully and wonderfully made. This full-colour, powerfully design-driven mag-book gives you the tools to positively shape society today.Trade Review‘[This] impressive [magbook] give this tradition a modern twist so as to connect with a generation that is largely indifferent or even hostile to religion. Fearfully Made (SPCK £14.99) combines sharp imagery with scripture and individual testimony from the likes of X Factor runner-up Fleur East and The Voice’s Leah McFall. Its theme is how faith has helped lost twenty-somethings tackle crippling fears of failure ridicule, rejection, loneliness and death. It is often taken as read that Christianity is dying in the West, but that verdict ignores thriving, largely youthful house-churches like Hillsong, which has expanded rapidly out of Australia to Europe, and plays a leading role in Fearfully Made.’ 4 Stars -- Peter Stanford * Mail on Sunday *Fearfully Made is like the paperback toolbox for a young christian generation. Each of the personal stories speak in to such important issues that we all face, and getting these conversations started is one of the first steps to shaping the culture we live in. It's the kind of book you want to keep forever and refer back to in the all the different seasons of life. -- Emma Borquaye * Girl Got Faith *Fear is a learnt trait, that means we can also unlearn it. ‘Fearfully made’ is a book created to invite young people to start a journey of overcoming fear. Fear plagues this generation and holds them back from reaching their God given potential, I believe this book will build confidence, instil courage and enable young people to boldly face their fears and conquer them. -- Dan Blythe * Media Collective London *This is a book is a window into some of the most pressing issues impacting today’s younger generation. On top of that - there is insight and wisdom that renders this work priceless. * Ashley John Baptist, BBC Journalist and Speaker *Fearfully Made is a beautifully curated book that addresses head-on the myriad of fears that young people can all too easily identify with, using a stack of biblical truths, voices that understand youth culture and a layout that you'll return to again and again. In a world of digital noise, this book pulls you in to learn more about our God-given identity, understanding who God made us to be and propelling us to live with a secure identity in our loving Father. This book is a reminder that God shaped us, loves us and is for us. Fearfully Made is a breath of fresh air and should belong on the bookshelf of every young person. * Mark Crosby, author of 'So Everyone Can Hear' *The new glossy youth magazine ‘Fearfully Made’ looks fantastic – like everything which comes out of Hillsong * Nicky Gumbel, HTB *

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisBishop Jill Duff's long-awaited volume, based on her hugely influential talks, asks, what does it look like to have a faith that transforms society?Trade ReviewA high-energy fix of joy . . . -- Philip North, Bishop of BurnleyI love the way that everything [Bishop Jill] does seems to focus outwards on those beyond the walls of the church, and upwards towards the Lord in prayer. -- Pete Greig, Founder, 24-7 Prayer InternationalThis book IS a beacon - it gives us hope, it shines a light, it is a warning and it is a comfort. All are wrapped seamlessly into every glorious page . . . -- Professor Dame Sue Black, Baroness Black of StromeI am especially grateful to Bishop Jill for her inspirational insights in promoting ordination for those trapped underground by racism, intellectualism, or elitism. -- Nicky Gumbel, Alpha InternationalA beautiful book with engaging stories to warm the soul of those on the edge of faith and those for whom faith is an old, but mysterious friend. -- Rev Kate Bottley, Radio 2 presenterA must read for any who are curious, or on the brink of losing heart . . . -- Dr Amy Orr-Ewing, Author, Speaker, Theologian and Honorary Lecturer in Divinity at the University of AberdeenSimple language. Clear purpose, to inspire faith. -- Paul Swarbrick, Roman Catholic Bishop of LancasterDeeply grounded in a gritty sense of place, yet alert to the signs of God's presence in our culture . . . breathes the kind of hope and longing that will lift your eyes and your heart. -- Graham Tomlin, theologian, author and McDonald Agape Director of the Lambeth Palace LibraryThe vision Jill describes of beacons of light filling our communities is exactly what the church has been praying and longing for hundreds of years. -- Debra Green OBE, Executive Director, Redeeming Our CommunitiesBe brave. Read this magnificent book and then simply pray this prayer: "Not my will but yours be done." And watch your miracle happen. -- Peter Kerridge, Chief Executive, Premier Christian Media Trust

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis year's Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Guide for 2023, Failure by Emma Ineson reframes how we view the times we mess up and what Jesus says about it.Trade ReviewA superb book on failure . . . humorous, realistic and absolutely not judgemental. -- Justin Welby on FAILUREBe encouraged by Bishop Emma's advice and inspired by her wisdom and humour. -- Justin Welby, on AMBITIONIneson's gentle humour, honesty, and obvious faith help us to begin to work out why Donald Trump's dividing of people into "winners" and "losers" is an evil humiliation and shaming of those who do not sit at influential tables or whose fragilities and fractures run deep. Ineson is, at the end of the day, a theologian of sensitive hope. * Mark Oakley, Church Times on FAILURE *An incisive, persuasive and refreshing take on leadership, Ambition reflects wide experience and scholarly depth yet is topical and accessible to all. Emma redefines the meaning of ambition in the life of a Christian, redeeming the concept from its associations of success measured in numbers. -- Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, on AMBITIONBishop Emma Ineson provides an antidote to current approaches to success, ambition and effectiveness . . . Leaders of all denominations will find her approach refreshing, performance anxiety reducing and deeply practical as she outlines how the "beatitudes for ambitious leaders" can keep us Kingdom focused and Christ-centric in the most demanding of roles. -- Simon Barrington, Founder and Director, Forge Leadership Consultancy, on AMBITIONEmma writes with insight, honesty, passion and humour on big themes, such as ambition, power and authority, helping us look at them through the lens of faith. -- Kate Wharton, Assistant National Leader for New Wine, on AMBITIONCourageous, witty and self-effacing . . . if you have ambition to live as if the kingdom is near – read this! -- Bishop Jill Duff, on AMBITION

Read more less

Book SynopsisLeveraging the metaphor Ori Brafman popularized in his NYT best-selling book, The Starfish and the Spider, Wegner, Ford, and Hirsch show why the distributed structures of starfish organizations are uniquely fit to the church. Seeding starfish networks inside today's churches will prepare the church of tomorrow to be agile and effective.Trade Review'A question much on my mind is this: Will there be church in the twenty-first century that matters? This quite remarkable book argues for what is necessary for the recovery, the re-creation, and the reality of Christian faith to make Jesus visible and evident today. Feast on this, and live into God's starfish communion and mission. This would be church that matters!' * Mark Labberton, president of Fuller Theological Seminary *'As a church planter in the West, I often have 'yes, but how?' questions about disciple-making movements and microchurch multiplication. In this book, Rob and Lance have crammed eye-opening insights into every page, along with practical tools for every leader to reimagine the future of the church. If you're passionate about catalyzing every member of your church to effectively help others find their way back to God, get reading.' * Emma Jeffery, regional director of NewThing Western Europe, Soulcity Church, United Kingdom *'If you want to learn the ways of decentralized disciple-making, then this is the book for you. In this manifesto on multiplication, Rob and Lance have laid the groundwork for how to see movement happen. Rob and Lance have proven track records as practitioners. If you want to grow, be challenged, and practice unleashing the potential of raising up leaders, then pick up a copy of The Starfish and the Spirit.' * Myron Pierce, author, lead pastor of Mission Church, founder and president of Every Inner City *'It's been nearly fifteen years since the release of The Starfish and the Spider, a groundbreaking book on the genius of decentralized systems and the limitations of hierarchical command-and-control structures. Now Lance Ford and Rob Wegner take that prism for understanding the patterns and potential of self-organizing systems and apply it to apostolic movements to brilliant effect. I kept asking myself, Why hasn't anyone done this before? But I'm glad no one has. I can't imagine anyone doing it better than these guys.' * Michael Frost, Morling College, Sydney *'Like a cool rain after a decade of drought, The Starfish and the Spirit delivers relief, respite, and a total rethink on what it means to follow Jesus in this remarkable mission field we call life! Bravo to Rob and Lance for following and inviting us to join them.' * Hugh Halter, author of The Tangible Kingdom, FLESH, and Happy Hour *'The Starfish and the Spirit is a handbook for movement making. My friends Rob Wegner and Lance Ford brilliantly offer us a simple and scalable framework that allows the Spirit to move and in so doing turns disciples of Jesus into an unstoppable missional force. If you have a growing sense that God meant more for his church, read this book and discover what's missing!' * Dave Ferguson, lead visionary of NewThing, author of B.L.E.S.S.: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World *'There is no doubt that the world is changing, and we are in need of voices who not only see the future with hope and imagination but have the courage to live it out in their lives and leadership. Authenticity is key. Fortunately, we've been given just that in the gift of this book. The Starfish and the Spirit is not only a map toward authentic Christian leadership but also a guide for how to live out Jesus-practices, in community, in the brave new world we find ourselves in. With passion, insight, and great verve, Rob Wegner and Lance Ford unpack the operation system of how we currently 'do church' and reconstruct a way forward that will not only inspire you but also call you to action. Get a copy, buy your friends and leadership team a copy, and go on the journey together!' * Doug Paul, author of Ready or Not: Kingdom Innovation for a Brave New World *'This book is a compendium for cutting-edge ideas. Rob and Lance have distilled and curated some of the most important thinking and timely tactics for the church in the twenty-first century. I could recommend twenty good books . . . or you could just read this one.' * Brian Sanders, founder of the Underground Network, author of Microchurches: A Smaller Way *'This book is a game changer. Get this down, and church multiplication becomes easy. I've led starfish churches throughout my adult life. I loved and use Ori Brafman's book, but this one explicitly addresses church leaders and the tensions that keep us from the simplicity of church multiplication. My advice: read The Starfish and the Spirit in concert with your key leaders to unlock a Great Commission future for your team.' * Ralph Moore, Hope Chapel *'Yes! I love how these guys think and how they make me rethink. So incredibly refreshing. And timely too. We better dream and plan and grow in our vision now, because changes are coming, ready or not.' * Brant Hansen, radio host, author of Unoffendable, Blessed Are the Misfits, and The Truth about Us *

Read more less

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 *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat do you do when God seems to have vanished?When you have a decision to make, when your stability is shaken, when your sure-fire plan fails—when everything is spinning out of control…Esther is the perfect partner for seeing our invisible God in uncertainty. Though she lived centuries ago, Esther speaks to us when we run into limited control and resources. We find in her a strength and fortitude you and I need today. A strength we discover as we follow her process of listen, feel, do, and speak. We’ll see that Esther carved a pathway, not only with faith but with influence, for all women who find themselves walking through uncertainty. This six-week, in-depth study of the book of Esther is a gritty dive into a woman’s story that teaches us to: Listen to wise people who fill our gaps of understanding Embrace your feelings as a catalyst for God-directed action. Do the work God assigns you Trade Review'Although the book of Esther doesn't directly mention God, Amy and Lynn help you see His guiding hand throughout this young queen's journey. You'll find helpful insights, engaging questions, and new perspectives realizing the Lord at work in your own story as you turn the pages of this excellent Bible study.' * Melissa Spoelstra, speaker and author of Isaiah: Striving Less and Trusting God More *'As a Bible teacher and lover of Esther's miraculous story, I thought that I knew everything about the book of the Esther. Wrong! Amy and Lynn's new study provides fresh spiritual insights as well as humbly and lovingly raising the bar on Spirit-led personal application and spiritual challenge. Personally, I loved experiencing fascinating new 'a-ha' moments every day of this study!' * Barb Roose, speaker and author of Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus; Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle; and other studies *'Christians and non-Christians alike are coming to terms with the uncertainty of this life. But as we balance ongoing uncertainty with our unwavering call as Christians, here comes Amy and Lynn, trusted friends, to help with a fresh look at the ancient text of Esther. From the narrative of a girl who is often reviled, Amy and Lynn skillfully yet gracefully show how much like you and me she is. With humor and transparent authenticity, Amy and Lynn share their pitfalls as well as biblical principles which helped them grow spiritually through trying seasons of life. As you read the scripture and allow them to read you, like Amy, Lynn and Esther, God will encourage, convict, and empower you to stand firm, regardless of the outcome. Wherever you are in your life, this must-do bible study is for such a time as this.' * Karen McNary, Bible Study Fellowship: Director of Global Cultural Engagement *'Have you had struggles where God felt invisible, uncaring, and uninvolved? Me, too. Amy and Lynn tenderly reveal how God is always in control and show us ourselves in Esther's story. This Bible study will guide you from Persia straight to the place you call home, and help you hope in God's unwavering hand when he leads you out of your comfort zone into your calling.' * Amy Lively, author of How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird *'If you're looking for the standard 'Here's how to get through hard times, just look to God' answers, you've come to the wrong Bible study. Esther: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World goes beyond the platitudes and dives into the messy, deep end of the pool. If you've been swimming in the deep end for the past couple of years, asking the tough questions, this book is for you.' * Kathi Lipp, bestselling author and founder of Writing at the Red House *'This study is a mix of fun, insight, and a deep dive into scripture. What I love most is that it has the power to teach me today how to live as a woman of faith right now, and to make a difference in a world that God loves like crazy.' * Suzanne (Suzie) Eller, author, Bible teacher, co-host of More Than Small Talk podcast *

Read more less

Book SynopsisUntether from your sense of normal and fall into the abundant life God intends.Singer-songwriter and Bible teacher Laura Story gets what it''s like to have plans altered and to surrender security when faced with circumstances beyond our control. But she also understands the blessing of having a Father who loves you enough to place you in the best possible scenario for good and growth.The So Long, Normal video study guide (streaming included) walks small groups through the process of leaving behind the idols of comfort, caution, and routine so you can live strong and well--even when life takes an unwelcome turn.This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself--with discussion and personal reflection questions, video notes, and a leader''s guide. An individual access code to stream all five video sessions online (you don''t need to buy a DVD!).

Read more less

Book SynopsisLearn how to let go of whatever is causing you to look back, and step boldly into God''s plans, purposes, and promises.Remember Lot’s wife...Of the many women mentioned in Scripture, Lot''s wife—who became a pillar of salt when she looked back at Sodom and Gomorrah—is the only one whom Jesus tells us to remember.In this 5-session video study (video streaming code included), Bible teacher Christine Caine will unpack what the story of Lot''s wife teaches us and motivate you to stop looking back, to let go, and to move forward into what God promises for your life.This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself--with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader''s guide. An individual access code to stream all video sessions online. (DVD available separately.)  Sessions and video run tim

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou don''t have to perform anymore. You are hidden in Christ and need nobody''s favor. We live in a world that tells you that visibility is value, that recognition is your greatest reward. Even though we know it''s empty, so many of us are enslaved to this culture of performance and people-pleasing, earthly accolades and social media likes. As a former actor, Allison Allen knows what it''s like to feel like she had to perform—not only for others, but even for God''s favor.In this video Bible study (video access included), you''re invited to let go of the pressure you feel and lean into the freedom of your inherent value in Christ. Throughout these sessions, you''ll spend time in the forgotten corners of Scripture and get to know some of the most hidden, least remembered people in the Bible.What do they have to tell us about a life that doesn''t seek to be seen?This study guide has everything you need for a full B

Read more less

Book SynopsisEndorsed by the Christian Medical Association.A Comprehensive Christian Guide to the Challenges of Infertility Medical Ethical Emotional Marital Spiritual BiblicalInfertility changes everything, shattering dreams and breaking hearts. But hope is availabletoday more than ever. The Infertility Companion draws on the Bible and on current medical knowledge, including the latest research, to shed light on such questions as:Can people of faith ethically use high-tech infertility treatments?How do we make moral, biblical decisions about medical treatment, third-party reproduction, stem cell research, and embryo adoption? Is God punishing me? Does God even care?Will adoption increase our chances of getting pregnant?How can we reduce the stress of infertility on our marriage relationship?How can we keep sex from becoming a chore?These theologically trained authors have taught at a variety of conferences on infertility, pregnancy loss, and adoption, and they have helped thousands of couple

Read more less

Book SynopsisDo you ever feel like your emotions are working against you? Though we may find ourselves stuffing down emotions, exploding with emotions, or reacting somewhere in between, Lysa TerKeurst assures us it’s possible to make our emotions work for us.Lysa admits that she, like most women, has had experiences where others bump into her happy and she comes emotionally unglued. But the good news is, God gave us emotions to experience life, not destroy it. With gut-honest personal examples and biblical teaching, Lysa shows us how to use our emotions for good.Unglued will equip you to: Know with confidence how to resolve conflict in your important relationships. Find peace in your most difficult relationships as you learn to be honest but kind when offended. Identify what type of reactor you are and how to significantly improve your communication. Respond with no regrets by managing your tendencies to stuff, expl

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this 10th Anniversary Edition, Shane Claiborne uses examples from his own life to stir up questions about the church and the world. With new material throughout and a new chapter, Shane brings readers up to date on the “revolution”---adding new stories, updates on his community, and inspiration to live out this radical message.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn intimate look at movie star Steve McQueen''s reckless life of fast cars, women, and drugs all the way up to his dramatic life-change and terminal cancer diagnosis.Join Greg Laurie as he takes a cross-country drive in his 1968 Highland Green Ford Mustang 390 GT through the canyons of Malibu, the alleys of Hollywood, the wide and open roads of the Midwest, and the streets of New York as he traces the woolly geography of actor Steve McQueen''s life, relationships, career, and spiritual journey. This iconic muscle car was the vehicle McQueen drove in his most raucous and enduring film, Bullitt. In the 1960s, McQueen was, according to box office receipts, the biggest movie star of his generation and one of the coolest men to ever walk the planet. Greg Laurie was a teen at the time and an ardent fan of The King of Cool, first mesmerized by McQueen in 1963''s The Great Escape. Like millions of cinema fans, Greg developed a

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis practical book provides 31 days of challenges to help you and your spouse talk, flirt, and explore all three levels of sexual intimacy--physical, emotional, and spiritual--so you both can experience the best sex ever.Sex is incredibly important in a marriage, yet many things can throw it off course. Whether you are engaged and afraid you won''t be able to light the spark, are newlyweds who haven''t started off well, or have been married five, ten, twenty-five years, or more and you''d like to recapture the spark you once had, this book is for you!The challenges aim to spice up the bedroom while guiding you through all three levels of sexual intimacy. As you go through these challenges with lots of laughter and enjoyment, sex will stop being a source of tension and become something fun that brings you together, just the way God intended. The challenges slowly build on each other to help you:Turn sex into something positive

Read more less

Book SynopsisA refreshing read in the midst of discouraging times, The Art of Getting It Wrong by popular YouTube star Stephen Miller shares never-before-told stories that will guide you to a healthier perspective on life's failures, setbacks, and disappointments.Trade ReviewAs someone who has lots of experience 'getting it wrong,' this book provided encouragement and instruction on how to let our mishaps refine us instead of define us. Written in Stephen Miller's classic humor, we found ourselves delightfully challenged from start to finish. Andrew East and Shawn Johnson East, former National Football League player and Olympic gold gymnast/The East FamIn his closing remarks in this book, Stephen Miller observes that 'the world tends to write our victories in the sand while etching our failures in concrete.' In our more honest moments, most of us must also admit that we do this very thing to ourselves. The negative verdicts that occupy our minds and hearts throughout the day about never measuring up, about being too much of 'this' or not enough of 'that,' can form us in such a way that the gremlins of regret, shame, and failure become our heart mentors. That's what makes books like The Art of Getting it Wrong, and transparent and serious writers like Stephen, so needed and helpful. Stephen effectively points us back to the reality that what is true for him is also true for us. It's all going to be okay, because God cannot stop loving us and has secured the greatest future for us. Scott Sauls, senior pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee, and author of Beautiful People Don't Just HappenIn The Art of Getting It Wrong, Stephen Miller reminds us that we do not need to be defined by our worst moments. If you find yourself trying to get back up after falling down, you'll find this book brimming with encouragement and buoyant with hope. Dr. Darren Whitehead, lead pastor, Church of the City, Nashville, TennesseeOpen-hearted vulnerability. A real pleasure to read and a reminder of the best in all of us. I was encouraged and inspired. Thanks, Stephen! Leslie Odom Jr., two-time Academy Award nominee as Hamilton's Aaron Burr, and author of Failing UpThrough his faith, relatable movie quotes, and self-deprecating humor, Stephen Miller takes us on a journey through his life and shows us that we are not the sums of our mistakes; we are what we learn from them. The Art of Getting It Wrong is exactly the type of message this world needs today--a message that no matter how bad we may feel about failure, we are simply going to be okay. Excellent read! Shaun and Mindy McKnight, Cute Girls HairstylesWe're so encouraged by Stephen's unabashed self-reflection and message that we aren't bound or defined by our failures. Our God is orchestrating a powerful story in us all. We all struggle with self-doubt and fear in the hard moments in life, and this book is like a warm hug! Adam and Danielle Busby, OutDaughtered on TLC and It's A Buzz World YouTube channelWith his trademark passion, humor, and optimism, Stephen Miller brings an important and timely message for us in The Art of Getting It Wrong. We all need a friend who can remind us that it's going to be okay, even when life's disappointments, failures, or deep hurts threaten to pull us down. It may not feel like it now, but it's going to be okay. Personally, I need this perspective more than ever. If you find yourself in this place too, you'll want to read this book! Lysa TerKeurst, #1 New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

Read more less

Book SynopsisWeaving together Scripture, vivid storytelling, and intimate prayers, this powerful devotional from Guideposts will bring peace to your soul and draw you closer to the heart of God.When the world seems to be spinning off its axis--and we feel like we''re spinning with it--anxiety can cause us to question if God is still in charge. This beautiful 100-day devotional answers us with a resounding YES. As the Bible verses, stories, and prayers in Held in Perfect Peace remind us, God''s promises and presence never change, no matter how changed today''s world seems to be.This thematic devotional from Guideposts--a beloved and trusted source of biblical encouragement for nearly eighty years--brings us back to God''s perfect peace on our most anxious days. Every entry helps us: Meet God in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty Find confidence in God''s goodness and His plan for the world and our lives Overcome our daily worr

Read more less

Book SynopsisAs women, we''re often told that we''re entitled or unrealistic when we want to create a life we love. We start hearing this message from a very early age, and by the time we''re old enough to know what we want, we''ve also been taught to doubt our instincts and to see selfishness in all our longings.This book is the antidote to those voices. . .and the way forward.Writer, speaker, and podcaster Stephanie May Wilson has helped thousands of women shrug off the pressure of what they think their lives are supposed to look like and take on the next big decision or life transition with intentionality and confidence.Create a Life You Love is a warm, passionate guide on how you can rediscover your own authority and build a life you''re finally excited to live. You''ll learn how to: Define yourself on your own terms by setting aside societal pressures that tell you who you''re supposed <

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisGod''s goodness and grace abounds whether your heart is full or your needs are many. Discover how a spirit of gratitude brings peace and hope to your days in I Will Give Thanks, a 90-day devotional by author and illustrator Becky Shannon full of thoughtful reflections and beautiful original artwork.No matter the kind of day, messy or mundane, spending time reflecting on God''s provision and care will feed your mind and spirit by cultivating a habit of gratitude. In this uplifting book, you will find that thankfulness is not an obligation but an invitation. When you have eyes to see God''s goodness around you—whether in an unexpected note from a friend, a stunning sunrise, or even in difficult seasons of illness or anxiety—you can know Him more.This journey toward embracing a deeper contentment is ideal for: Anyone trying to form a natural habit of thankfulness Loved ones going through challenging times Th

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this wonderfully positive book, Jennifer Rees Larcombe shows us that with God''s help, nothing is beyond hope. When life is shattered by tragedy or disappointment, hope seems lost forever. Is new life possible?Jennifer''s astonishing true-life account of her own crippling illness and the miraculous restoration of her health by God shows that there can be a turning point for everyone. Including a brand new introduction by the author, this much-loved bestseller will continue to reach out to anyone seeking an affirmative, uplifting story.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisECPA BESTSELLER • The lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for award-winning contemporary Christian band Tenth Avenue North shows readers that by seeking God first and focusing on serving Him, we can live daily in His will.Perhaps God isn't giving me the plan because He wants to be the plan.This was the aha moment for Mike Donehey after years of wrestling with his obsession to know God's specific plans for his life. He came to the realization that waiting for absolute certainty from God before making decisions may seem uberspiritual, but it can lead to a life of intense stress, paralyzing fear, and crushing regret--just the opposite of the freedom granted to those living a Christ-filled life.This is my story...how I gave up begging to know God's will and began to ask His life to come and change my will.With his signature humor and relentless hunger for God, Mike will show you that discovering the Father's purpose and plan for our lives is n

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisEmbrace the ultimate challenge of faith by surrendering fear, complacency, and comfort in favor of a life compelled by the love of Christ.Do you feel like you''re merely going through the motions in your life as a Christian?Speaker, author, and founder of Compelled Ministries Emma Mae McDaniel is here to show you the significance of what it means to boldly live out your faith in your everyday life. The Girl in the Middle equips you to choose Christ in the face of comfort and excuses, helping you stay focused on what truly matters and live for what can never be taken away.Emma Mae shares her journey from being the target of online cruelty to becoming a beacon of hope and faith for millions. ?I didn?t know what a meme was until I became one,? she writes. The cyberbullying began with a picture Sadie Robertson Huff had shared on social media of herself with two friends, and the comment came swiftly??Who?s that ugly girl in the middle??The girl in the middle was Emma Mae. That comment began years of intense cyberbullying, and through it she made the surprising discovery that whatever her situation she could remain confident. She found that fear can convince you to stay within your comfort zone, but it robs you of God?s best. Emma Mae?s story is a testament to the power of living courageously for God amid hardship, disapproval, and the unknown.Emma Mae''s passion for God''s Word and her commitment to sharing His love shine through in every page. With her infectious joy and unwavering faith, she emboldens you to not simply claim to be a Christian, but to sincerely, daily choose to live like it.Whether you''re tired of staying in your comfort zone, wanting to learn how to live out your faith, or desiring a deeper relationship with God, The Girl in the Middle will inspire and empower you to live a life fully devoted to Him, compelled by His love.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMelva Wilson Costen examines various genres of music used in African American worship and current practices and emerging trends in music ministry in African American churches. In addition, she explores the use of global songs by African American congregations and provides suggestions to worship planners for listening for the Holy Spirit as they...

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less