Christian life and practice Books

Book SynopsisThis up-to-date resource not only orients readers to the history of globalization and to a Christian theological perspective on it but also explores concrete realities by focusing on global poverty.Table of ContentsContentsSection 1: Setting the Stage1. Introduction and the Path Forward2. Twin FoundationsSection 2: Introducing Globalization3. Understanding Globalization4. The Ambiguities of GlobalizationSection 3: The Two Eras of Globalization5. The First Era of Globalization: Going Global by Migration, Conquest, and Mission6. The Second Era of Globalization: Globally Connected and Closer TogetherSection 4: The Impact of Globalization7. The Impact of Two Hundred Years of Globalization8. Assessing the Second Era of GlobalizationSection 5: Globalization and the Poor9. Globalization's Response to Poverty10. Contemporary Thinking on DevelopmentSection 6: Globalization and the Church11. Globalization and World Christianity12. The Theological Limitations of Globalization13. The Christian Engagement with Globalization14. The Missiological Challenge of GlobalizationIndex

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Book SynopsisA conservative perspective on vital questions about religious liberty In this timely book, historian John D. Wilsey addresses urgent questions about religious freedom in America. How have conservatives historically understood the meaning of religious freedom? How do Americans who identify as conservatives think about religious freedom in contemporary times? What are the differences between the historical and contemporary views, and why do those differences matter in the context of how conflicts relating to religious freedom are being handled today? Writing for fellow Americans concerned about threats to religious liberty, Wilsey draws on US history to explain why rather than weaponizing religious freedom in the context of the culture wars, today?s conservatives need to rally around religious freedom in order to increase harmony between the interests of church and state. With wisdom and acuity, Wilsey charts a path forward for thinking about and maintaining a uniquely American tradition: the harmony between liberty and religion that each generation has received as an inheritance from the generations preceding theirs.

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Book SynopsisA bold vision for Christian higher education What is Christian higher education, and what makes it distinctive? Sociologist and educator John Hawthorne laments the fact that fear has become a defining characteristic of many Christian universities today: fear of mission drift, public relations crises, demographic change, culture wars, and more. Hawthorne argues that when colleges focus their energies on such concerns, they fail to prepare students for constructive lives in a post-Christian society. Proposing a dramatically different vision, Hawthorne argues that the long-term success of today?s Christian university rests upon its ability to be fearless. He encourages Christian schools to center student questions and experiences, to pursue research that meets real needs in the church and society, and to participate boldly in their cultural contexts. Hawthorne?s proposal draws on his decades of experience as a scholar and practitioner of Christian higher education, combining insights from administration and teaching roles in five different Christian universities with historical and sociological literature on conservative evangelicals and their institution building. The Fearless Christian University is essential reading for faculty, administrators, trustees, donors, and alumni and offers a clarion call to all who care about the future of Christian higher education.

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Book SynopsisContinuing times of uncertainty and rapid change can have an adverse effect on our overall health and cause a paralysis of action. How do we cope? What tools do we have to help us? The answer lies in accessing the best from spirituality and neuroscience. The writings of St. Ignatius and the knowledge gained from cutting-edge neuroscience provide clues to managing our lives.EndorsementsFr. Roy Pereira, SJ, brings his knowledge and expertise, both as a neuroscience researcher and a Jesuit priest, to help us navigate through the incredibly complex times we live in.Michael Kennedy, SJ, coauthor, with Martin Sheen, of The Jesus MeditationsThis text will help young people discern healthy and unhealthy attachments. What he has given us is a roadmap for healthy and sustainable living for a generation of youth.Michael J. Garanzini, SJ, president, Association of Jesuit Colleges and UniversitiesThe brilliance of the book is the possibility it creates for self-healing. Fr. Pereira has provided us with an accessible, joyful, and useful educational tool.Lane Bove, former senior vice president for student affairs, Loyola Marymount University, CaliforniaFr. Roy Pereira, SJ, brings to this book his thirty years of experience working with students, staff, faculty, and a global audience in the area of human flourishing. With a PhD in the areas of chemistry, neuroscience, and consciousness, he synthesizes complicated subjects like neuroscience and Ignatian insights into easy-to-understand language for the everyday reader. His message is artistically expressed through his gifts of music and composition. He presently works at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles.

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Book SynopsisStates that where prayer is concerned, it is simply a matter of trying to turn to God as honestly as the person you are in the circumstances you find yourself in. This book offers a biographical sketch about being a nun and at the same time one of the art world's most acute and revered commentators and a TV personality.Trade Review"'While the idea is simple it is by no means simplistic. Her point is that people with little time for prayer can nevertheless be prayerful, and for people who live busy lives, that is very reassuring to hear.' Elena Curti, The Tablet 'a beautifully produced book, laid out in a way that makes the content accessible to readers who might otherwise be daunted by the subject.' Revd Peter McGeary, Church Times"Table of ContentsIntroduction - Sister Wendy; Biographical introduction - David Willcock; Section 1 'The Practice of Prayer'; Section 2 'Prayer and Belief'; Section 3 'Prayer and Personality'.

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Book SynopsisDaniel, son of Melchior and Esther of Ecbatana, lives in rebellion and a drunken stupor, a great embarrassment that his older brother is only too happy to point out to their father. Feeling that he can never meet with approval, Daniel asks for his inheritance and strikes out on his own. He innocently puts his trust in a man who promises him great wealth. But nothing is as it seems, and Daniel soon finds his life in danger. Only when he has lost everything does he begin to truly understand his father's love.

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Book SynopsisAn ideal companion for any eating or exercise program, this unique guide encourages and inspires readers with day-to-day spiritual support for fitness efforts. It includes scripture readings, daily meditations, and practical activities for those seeking to be biblically and faithfully fit.

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Book SynopsisJesus did not come to tinker around the edges, He came to change the world. Be part of His plan!Trade Review“This book is like a stick of dynamite set under the seats of those who have allowed themselves to be hoodwinked by polite, conservative, respectable Christianity. It paints a picture of possibility. It cries out for a generation who are willing to rise and risk everything for the sake of the Kingdom and for the cause of Jesus Christ. Buy it, read it, act on it. You need not agree with everything you read in this controversial book, but you have to admit that Malcolm Duncan is a prophetic voice to the church in our day and generation.” -- Tony Campolo, PhD“This book recaptures the vision and vitality of the Church of Acts, but refuses to be locked into the past. The fresh air of heaven and eternity blows freely and refreshingly through its pages. This, surely, is the Church as it was meant to be! It is a book for every Kingdom citizen. If you are a pastor, why not buy a copy for each of your church leadership team and base a Retreat Day on it? Malcolm Duncan is not only an able thinker and deeply theologically aware but he has a tender, passionate, pastoral heart, challenging mediocrity and yearning for radical renewal.” -- Jim Graham, pastor emeritus, Gold Hill Baptist Church“No one can read about the life of the prophets, the ministry of Jesus or the exploits of the early church in the book of Acts and come away with the idea that the Bible is calling us to bland belief. Jesus calls his followers away from the shallows of predictability to live on the edge of possibilities where God does his best work in us. Risk Takers leads us firmly in that direction.” -- Joel Edwards, International Director, Micah Challenge “Christianity has become dogged with predictability and legalism. We have all but pushed out the untameable God who yearns for us to follow him into the wilds of hope. The anchors around our souls are weighing us down and we need to cut the chains that bind them and learn to take risks again. Malcolm Duncan helps us to see that this is possible in this book. Parts of it will upset many readers – his images are at times graphic and disturbing, but maybe we need to be disturbed? Our God comforts the troubled and troubles the comfortable. This book could be an agent of such challenge, full of colour and light in a greyscale and monotone world of mediocre spirituality. Read it. Listen to it. Argue with it if you want to, but for God's sake, don't ignore it.” -- William Paul Young, author of The Shack“Malcolm Duncan is not afraid to ask hard questions. You may not agree with everything that he says, but you ignore the challenges in Risk Takers at your peril. We will never see the world changed unless we are willing to step out in faith for Christ – and that involves taking a risk. Read this book – you will never be the same again. Buy a copy for your church leader. Risk Takers pushes us to confront our inner fears and dares us to dream that the next chapter of the church could be the brightest one so far. We can stay as we are, or we can take a risk and change. The choice is ours, but the consequences are enormous.” -- Eddie Lylle, CEO, Open DoorsTable of ContentsContentsAcknowledgments 9Introduction: Of Russian Bears and Freedom 11Spiritual Myopia 23Section 1: The Risk Taker1. Our Name 292. Our Reputation 463. Our Legacy 59Section 2: The Risks4. Risk 1: Step into the Unstoppable Story 775. Risk 2: Believe a Bigger Gospel 926. Risk 3: Say “Yes” to Jesus 1167. Risk 4: Follow Where God Leads 1318. Risk 5: Do the Right Thing, Not the Easy Thing 1479. Risk 6: Live in the Niagara of Grace 16210. Risk 7: Move Beyond Vampire Christianity 18111. Risk 8: Let the Future Shape Us 198Conclusion: The Risks Start Now 216

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Book SynopsisAn ordained minister and senior executive reflects on the challenges and opportunities afforded to Christians by the working environment.Trade Review“Will Morris writes like he lives: with economy, understatement, humour, integrity, and a good deal of mischief. If his subject was straightforward, others would have dealt with it thoroughly and well, and it would be off the desk. They haven’t; and it isn’t: and that’s why we are immensely in Will Morris’ debt that he has given us an example to follow, a vocation to pursue, and a word to enjoy.” -- Dr Samuel Wells“This book is full of carefully crafted practical wisdom, born of long experience in the workplace and deep reflection on the riches of Christian theology and spirituality.” -- Graham Tomlin"A refreshingly honest illustration of the workplace challenges. Morris fluently combines wit, positivity and lessons in which our business lives can coexist with our faith and morals" -- John Cridland, Director General of the CBI“When I was a Treasury minister, Will Morris was an exceptionally thoughtful and helpful lobbyist. Now he is ordained, too. His exceptionally thoughtful and helpful book explains how paid work can be part of a life intended to honour Christ.” -- Stephen Timms, MP“This warm, measured, generous book not only offers a wealth of helpful biblical insight into the contemporary office world but above all reminds, inspires, encourages us to work for the God of surprise in the confident and expectant, but never triumphalistic, trust that there is no workplace, no situation, no challenge beyond His concern or kingdom touch.” -- Mark Greene, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity`Christian reflection on the world of work and the challenges it poses has regularly suffered from one or other, and occasionally both, of two problems – it is often written by those who are fundamentally suspicious of business in its various forms, and not necessarily well informed about the realities of the workplace. Will Morris speaks and writes with the authority of someone who knows the life of the modern business office from the inside, and who approaches work as something in which Christians may find a vocation. As such, he offers invaluable wisdom and encouragement to those who are seeking to discern Christian meaning and responsibility in their life at work.’ -- Dr Michael Banner, Dean and Fellow of Trinity College Cambridge"I do not always agree with Will Morris but on a fundamental issue we are in total agreement; you either take your faith to work with you or you're not putting it to work. This book challenges on that issue in innovative ways and I recommend it." -- Richard Murphy, Tax Justice Campaigner"Everyone who has prayed about their work will appreciate how Will Morris brings out God's creation in every aspect of the workplace, and shows how we can participate in that creation through the daily challenges, dilemmas, frustrations, pains and joys.” -- Dave Hartnett, Blueprint for Better Business and former Permanent Secretary for Tax, HMRCTable of ContentsContentsAcknowledgments 9Foreword 11Introduction 13Part I: Where is God at Work?1. The Workplace 192. Your Boss 273. Your Direct Report 354. The Team 435. The Office Gossip 526. Open Plan 607. The Annoying Colleague 688. The New Arrival 769. Retirement 8410. The P45 (or “Pink Slip”) 92Part II: Where is God at Work in Work’s Dilemmas?11. What Happens If…I Face an Ethical Dilemma at Work? 10312. What Happens If…I Am Asked to Do Something AgainstMy Christian Beliefs? 11113. What Happens If…I Am Told to Compete Against My Colleagues? 11914. What Happens If…My Boss Wants Me to Work Harder and Harder? 12815. What Happens If…Someone Has to Take the Blame? 13616. What Happens If…Everyone’s Always Arguing? 14517. What Happens If…I Have to Respond to a Difficult Email? 15318. What Happens If…My Boss Asks Me to Lie? 16119. What Happens If…I’m Tempted to Do Something Bad in the Workplace? 16920. What Happens If…I Do Something Bad in the Workplace? 178Part III: Where is God at Work in the Bible?21. The Talents 18922. The Five Talent Slave 19923. The Two Talent Slave 20724. The One Talent Slave 21525. The Master 224Epilogue: A Personal Reflection on Witnessing at Work 233Suggested Questions for Study Groups 241Bibliography 255

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Book SynopsisDiscovering what it takes to cope and bounce back, and where to find strength.Table of ContentsContentsForeword 9Acknowledgments 11Chapter1 Introduction 132 The Interaction of Body, Soul, and Mind 28Section One Increasing Our Physical Resilience3 How Can We Increase Our Physical Resilience? 424 Rest 56Section Two Increasing Our Mental Resilience5 How Can We Increase Our Mental Resilience? 786 Fear and Anxiety – That Unknown Place 897 Mental Health, Mental Illness 100Section Three Increasing Our Spiritual Resilience8 How Can We Improve Our Spiritual Resilience? 1169 Spiritual Growth/Spiritual Health Checks 12810 When Belief Catches Our Notice 13711 Keep a Vibrant Heart 14912 Walking with a Limp 16013 Living Under a Promise 171Endnotes 181

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Book SynopsisA powerful memoir set amidst dangerous situations, where faith, compassion, and courage thrive.Trade Review“Courageous, remarkable, compassionate and selfless all describe Dr. Natalie MacDermott. This book is a reflection of the mandate that we as Christians have to demonstrate Christ's love to the world. Natalie exemplifies that call. It was a privilege to serve alongside her in Liberia.” -- Nancy Writebol“Bravery is not a mystical attribute that some adventurous souls are given but the rest of us lack. Being brave is about saying `Yes’ to God and to others; it is about facing our internal obstacles and making tough choices in a crisis. Nathalie has chosen to live by faith and not by fear, and her life so far has been extraordinary as a result. You will be encouraged and challenged by the wisdom she shares and you will, in turn, undoubtedly dare to dream more about what God can do through you. Having visited Liberia and the Ebola hospital, I know that sharing this story has been costly, but this bravery will also be rewarded as we each say a bigger `Yes’ to God as a result of all that is shared in these pages.” -- Cathy Madavan, speaker, writer, author of Digging for Diamonds and part of Spring Harvest Planning Group “This book is a breathtaking account of what God can achieve through somebody who is totally dedicated to him and his purpose. My friend Nathalie has learned that her faith in Jesus is more valuable than her own life; in fact, Jesus has become her life. Her story is a challenge to us to take our discipleship seriously, and be radical in our commitment to the Lord.” -- Dr Roger Aubrey, All Nations Church Cardiff and author of Discovering GodTable of ContentsContentsForeword 11Acknowledgments 121. God, Are You Really There? 172. Reading the Bible So I Can Dismiss it 323. “You Want Me to Give Up Medical School?” 464. He’s Dead – God Answered My Prayer 615. God Multiplied Those Bibles for a Reason 736. Life and Death in Africa 837. Mission 193 978. If I Talk, He Dies 1149. Medicine in Sun City 12610. Every Life Matters 13811. What Devastation Looks Like 15512. I Always Knew I Was Supposed to Do SomethingAbout Ebola 16813. Two Weeks of Hell and Hope 17914. From Crisis to Crisis 19915. Isolation 21316. Coming to Terms with Trauma 233Epilogue: Time to Act 249

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Book SynopsisWhen we know what God knows about us, potential is limitless...Trade Review"Cris Rogers is the real deal: outworking his faith in the crucible of urban community as a husband and a dad, a pastor and a friend. In this book he goes right to the heart of human identity with clarity, courage, and grace. It's a life-changing message." Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer International and Emmaus Rd, Guildford"This is a must-read book for all disciples, young and old. Don't waste time; this book with change everything!" Rob Peabody, founder of Vomo and the Awaken Movement"We all act according to our views of who we think we are, whether those views are accurate or not. This great book helps settle the most important questions in life, so we can get on with living it to the full." Anthony Delaney, leader, Ivy Network"This is a truly brilliant book. You will find it encouraging, challenging, and wonderful. It will help you be all you can in Jesus." Gavin Calver, director for mission (England), Evangelical Alliance"What if we knew What God Knows About Us? is a terrific read. The powerful reminder that who we are in Christ shapes our identity, purpose, place and significance is vital in a society that devalues people so often, or gives us worth because of what we have or what we do. With the skilful eye of a good theologian and the loving heart of a pastor, Cris Rogers tells us a better story about ourselves. He draws us back to the reality of who we are in Christ and helps us understand that what God has done for us is the fundamental building block of a life well lived. If you or someone you know struggles with self-image and low self-esteem then this book will help. Let its truths enable you to wipe away the dirt on the mirror of your self-understanding that have been placed there by others so you can see yourself clearly and understand how much you are loved, and how valuable and powerful you can be in God's hands." Revd Malcolm Duncan, lead pastor, Dundonald Elim ChurchTable of ContentsContents: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06Chapter 1: What We Know Governs What We Do . . . 17Chapter 2: We Are Sons and Daughters . . . . . . . 41Chapter 3: We Are Beautifully Weird . . . . . . . . . 63Chapter 4: We Are Powerful . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Chapter 5: We Are Able and Capable . . . . . . . . 109Chapter 6: We Are Gifted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125Chapter 7: We Are Authorized . . . . . . . . . . . . 145Epilogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165Seven-day Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

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Book SynopsisBible reflections for the variety of life's seasons: spring, the season of emerging new life; summer, the season of fruitfulness; autumn, the season of letting go; winter, the season of discovering light in the dark.

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Book SynopsisFrames transitional times in a way which provides coherence while at the same time leaving room for doubt and confusionHelps readers to reflect on times of change, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemicProvides assurance that God is at work, even when he most appears to be absentStructured around key metaphors of exile, wilderness, storm and pitWell-researched and referenced to provide a rich exploration of a complex subject

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Book SynopsisIf it s business that shapes the world, then how can we use it to shape the world for good and for God? Against the background of an international debate on business ethics and more just societies, this book looks at Godly business in Biblical, historical and practical ways.

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Book SynopsisPractical, inspiring, and thought-provoking, Common Threads shines a light on the impact of trauma and mental illness on individuals and their families as they search for healing.From a young age, Melissa Collins Harrell was acquainted with the toll mental illness can take on a family, particularly children. Although she knew her parents loved her, she was thrust into the role of caregiver at the stage of life when she needed to be cared for. Through dance, faith, and a growing resiliency, Melissa began her healing journey. She pursued training in counseling and public health, had a family, and built a good life. But more trauma was waiting for her.In this moving memoir that weaves together her personal life and professional work, she provides resiliency tips, inspirational and uplifting scriptures, and insight and commentary based on her own experiences. It''s an offering that will reach into the hearts of those suffering from trauma as well as the helping prof

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