Christianity Books

Book SynopsisSo you''re leading a small group? Your small group can accomplish big things in the lives of your teenagers. And in Help! I''m a Small-Group Leader! you''ll find methods and approaches you can use. Foibles and minefields to avoid. Solutions and tips that will help you nurture your small group into a growing community, whatever you goals. Inside you''ll discover -- How to put small groups together - How NOT to lead a small group - How to start a discussion -- and KEEP IT GOING - How to ASK QUESTIONS that get responses - Three kinds of BIBLE STUDY questions to ask - How to work with DIFFERENT personalities in a small group - How to help you kids LEARN TO PRAY - 10 ideas for BUILDING COMMUNITY in your small group . . . and to top it off are 20 pages of questions (100 questions, to be exact) that you can use in your small group Bible study, on the most common subjects discussed in junior and senior high small groups. All this in a no-frills, straight-to-the-point style -- perfect for voTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction What Is a “Small Group”? Why Small Groups? How to Put Small Groups Together How Not to Lead a Small Group Starting a Discussion---and Keeping it Going The Importance of Confidentiality Ask Questions That Get Responses Three Kinds of Bible Study Questions to Ask Working with Different Personalities in a Small Group You Can Help Your Kids Learn to Pray 10 Ideas for Building Community in Your Small Group

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Book SynopsisThe NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today''s contextEzra-Nehemiah chronicles the return of the exiles to Jerusalem during the Persian Period. Empowered by the Persian authorities, Ezra and Nehemiah came on the scene in Jerusalem to restore the worship of the God of Heaven and the sanctity of Zion and His people. God''s sovereignty over temporal powers, confession of sin and repentance, and worship according to Yahweh''s holiness undergird the account. In the face of tremendous odds, opposition and betrayal, both Ezra and Nehemiah displayed selflessness and devotion by following their calling and trusting God''s plan. In the commentary, Donna and Thomas Petter lead us through this narrative of restoration and help us discover how to apply Scripture to our lives today.To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today''s context, each passage is treated in three sections:OrigiTrade Review'It takes more than interpretation of God's Word to change lives, it takes application. Application is the bottom line in preaching and teaching. Without it, we've missed the point of the Bible. The NIV Application Commentary is an outstanding resource for pastors and anyone else who is serious about developing 'doers of the Word.'' * Rick Warren, Pastor, Saddleback Valley Community Church *'The NIV Application Commentary series doesn't fool around: It gets right down to business, bringing this ancient and powerful Word of God into the present so that it can be heard and delivered with all the freshness of a new day, with all the immediacy of a friend's embrace.' * Eugene Peterson *'The NIV Application Commentary series promises to be of great service to all who preach and teach the Word of God.' * J. I. Packer, Regent College *'This series promises to become an indispensable tool for every pastor and teacher who seeks to make the Bible's timeless message speak to this generation.' * Billy Graham *

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Book SynopsisThis volume is the best book available for building New Testament Greek vocabulary with new improvements to make it even better!

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Book SynopsisToday, some people think of the church as a powerless institution made of ancient traditions and stuffy buildings. They''re wrong! The church is the new community of God''s people. It''s filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. And it has as much to say to the world today as it did two thousand years ago. In Acts, you will discover that God wants to do a fresh work among his people by the power of the Holy Spirit. You will find the pathway to authentic community. You will learn how to grow as a worshiper. And you will deepen your passion to invite others into the fellowship of Christ-followers we call the church. Sound exciting? Let''s rediscover church together!

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the history of various doctrines in identical order to their appearance in Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology. Rather than following the history of Christianity and learning about various doctrines as they arise, readers can trace the development of vital Christian theology topic by topic.

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Book SynopsisThis is a first-of-its-kind text that successfully accomplishes a full integration of psychology and theology with the goal of endorsing a biblical psychology that can guide Christ-centered counseling for Christian professionals and counselors.Table of ContentsTable of Contents Tables Figures Acknowledgments Introduction 1.Values and Worldview Clarification 2.Reclaiming a Biblical Psychology 3.Diverse Strategies in Christian Counseling 4.The Integration of Theology and Psychology 5.God, Client, and Therapist in Christian Counseling 6.A Biblical Strategy for Christian Counseling 7.Practitioner and Client Assessment 8.Resolving Root Issues in the Marketplace 9.Counseling Assistance Tool Kit 10.Professional Christian Therapy and the Church Community 11.Professional Accountability Relationships with Authority Appendix A: Spiritual Conflict Integration in Psychotherapy Appendix B: The Role of Psychiatry in Managed Care Appendix C: Care Ministries Within the Church Appendix D: Professional Forms Appendix E: Steps to Freedom in Christ Notes Index Tables 1.1Four Western Worldview Models 6.1 Effect of the Fall on Humanity 6.2 United with Christ 6.3 Levels of Conflict 136 6.4 Levels of Resolution 137 8.1 Critical Impairments 202 8.2 Impairments in the Four Realms of Human Beings 203 8.3 Impairments in the Wholistic Realm 209 9.1 Season of Loss 247 10.1 Basic Level Training 319 10.2 Advanced Level Training 10.3 Schedule for Basic Level Training: Sixteen-Week Format 10.4 Schedule for Basic Level Training: Four-Weekend Format A.1 Follow-up Results on Self-rated Scale Figures 2.1 The Excluded Middle 2.2 A Balanced Worldview 3.1 Clinical Approaches to Psychotherapy 4.1 Original Creation of Humanity 4.2 Role of the Physical Body 4.3 The Human Brain 5.1 Role of God in Therapy 5.2 God’s Sovereignty 6.1 Personal Disciplines: Without Christ at Center 6.2 Personal Disciplines: With Christ at Center 7.1 Barren Tree 8.1 Four Realms of Human Beings: A Nonbiblical Worldview 8.2 Five Realms of Human Beings: A Biblical Worldview 9.1 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: The Game 9.2 Pair Bonding 9.3 Addiction Cycle 10.1 A Model for Integration A.1 Spiritual Warfare: The Enemy’s Deception A.2 Spiritual Warfare: The Reality

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Book SynopsisThe NIV Application Commentary helps readers with the vital task of bringing the ancient message of the Bible into a contemporary context. It gives preachers and teachers the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God’s Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.Trade Review“At a time when many pastors are deeply in need of inspiration and encouragement, these volumes… would be a good investment for congregations, even if it means adding a line to the annual budget.” * Christianity Today *“Here at last is a commentary which is not only academically well informed but which helps that commentary reader hear God’s Word and consider its implications; scholarship in service of the Church.” * Arthur Rowe, Spurgeon’s College *“If you want to avoid hanging applicational elephants from interpretational threads, then the NIV Application Commentary is for you! This series excels at both original meaning and contemporary significance. I support it one hundred percent.” * Howard G. Hendricks, Dallas Theological Seminary *“It is encouraging to find a commentary that is not only biblically trustworthy but also contemporary in its application. The NIV Application Commentary series will prove to be a helpful tool in the pastor’s sermon preparation. I use it and recommend it.” * Charles F. Stanley, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Atlanta *“It takes more than interpretation of God's Word to change lives, it takes application. Application is the bottom line in preaching and teaching. Without it, we’ve missed the point of the Bible. The NIV Application Commentary is an outstanding resource for pastors and anyone else who is serious about developing ‘doers of the Word.’” * Rick Warren, Pastor, Saddleback Valley Community Church *“The NIV Application Commentary builds bridges that make the Bible come alive with meaning for contemporary life--and the series do so concisely, clearly, and accurately. No wasted words or academic detours--just solid help and practical truth.” * Warren W. Weirsbe *“The NIV Application Commentary dares to go where few scholars have gone before---into the real world of biblical application faced by pastor and teachers every day. This is everything a good commentary series should be.” * Leith Anderson, Pastor, Wooddale Church *“The NIV Application Commentary is a magnificent gift to the church!” * Dr. R. Kent Hughes, Pastor, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois *“The NIV Application Commentary meets the urgent need for an exhaustive and authoritative commentary based on the New International Version. This series will soon be found in libraries and studies throughout the entire evangelical community.” * Dr. James Kennedy, PhD, Senior Minister, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church *“The NIV Application Commentary series doesn’t fool around: It gets right down to business, bringing this ancient and powerful Word of God into the present so that it can be heard and delivered with all the freshness of a new day, with all the immediacy of a friend’s embrace.” * Eugene Peterson *“The NIV Application Commentary series helps pastors and other Bible teachers with one of the most neglected elements of good preaching---accurate, useful application. Most commentaries tell you a few things that are helpful and much that you do not need to know. By dealing with the original meaning and contemporary significance of each passage, the NIV Application Commentary series promises to be helpful all the way around.” * Dr. James Montgomery Boice, Tenth Presbyterian Church *“The NIV Application Commentary series promises to be of great service to all who preach and teach the Word of God.” * J. I. Packer, Regent College *“The NIV Application Commentary series will be a great help for readers who want to understand what the Bible means, how it applies, and what they should do in response.” * Stuart Briscoe, Pastor, Elmbrook Church *“This series promises to become an indispensable tool for every pastor and teacher who seeks to make the Bible’s timeless message speak to this generation.” * Billy Graham *“This is the pulpit commentary for the 21st Century” * George K. Brushaber, President, Bethel College & Seminary *

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Book SynopsisThis book includes messages relating man and his scientific environment to the calculated and clear plan of God.

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Book SynopsisIn 1998, What's So Amazing About Grace? was chosen as the Gold Medallion Book of the Year. Stamped with Philip Yancey's journalistic gift for inquiry and personal passion for truth, this provocative best-seller has challenged and inspired more than half a million readers worldwide with a vision of the lifeExperience the Impact of Grace It's one thing to talk about grace; it's another to taste its power. What's So Amazing About Grace? ZondervanGroupware takes you and your study group for interactive, gut-level encounters with radical, life-changing grace. Through candid video interviews, Philip Yancey integrates true-life faces and experiences with 10 POWERFUL SESSIONS that will rock your preconceptions, get you thinking and talking, and help you discover together why grace is more amazing than you've ever dreamed.This Participant's Guide will help you not only gain a better understanding of what grace is and why it is so precious, but also integrate it into your life. Engaging questionTable of ContentsTable of Contents Introduction by Philip Yancey Session 1: The Missing Ingredient: A Beautiful Word, a Powerful Concept Session 2: Letting Grace Soak In: God’s Love for the Undeserving Session 3: An Unnatural Act: Extending Grace When You’ve Been Wronged Session 4: The Art of Forgiving: Responding with Grace When It Seems Impossible Session 5: Skin-Deep: The Power of Grace to Penetrate Racism Session 6: Grace Put to the Test: Grace in the Face of Disagreement Session 7: Grace Abuse: Cheapening Grace and Robbing Its Power Session 8: The Church Backslides: How Legalism Corrupts Grace Session 9: Dispensing Grace: How Can We Do It? Session 10: Counterforce: Grace Set Loose in the World About the Writers

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Book SynopsisThis book seizes the opportunity to reassess the discipline of biblical studies from the foundation up and forges creative new ways for reopening the book for our culture.

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Book SynopsisBiblical theology is crucial if we are to grasp the whole of the Bible and to do so on its own terms. In this fifth volume of the Scripture and Hermeneutics series, the authors turn their attention to biblical theology and its importance for biblical interpretation.Table of ContentsContents Preface xi Contributors xiii Abbreviations xvii The Artists xix Out of Egypt xxiii Biblical Theology and Biblical Interpretation: Introduction 1 Craig G. Bartholomew Quo Vadis? 11 Out of Egypt: The Content of this Volume 16 Approaches to Biblical Theology 1. The Church Fathers and Biblical Theology 23 Gerald Bray Defining our Terms 23 The Relevance of the Fathers for Biblical Theology Today 29 Ontology and Biblical Theology 33 2. The Nature and Genre of Biblical Theology: Some Reflections in the Light of Charles H.H. Scobie’s ‘Prolegomena to a Biblical Theology’ 41 Karl Möller Scobie’s Approach to Biblical Theology 41 Reflections on the Nature and Genre of Biblical Theology 53 The Role of Descriptive Analytical Biblical Theologies 60 3. Some Directions in Catholic Biblical Theology 65 Francis Martin Dei Verbum 66 The Challenge of Catholic Biblical Theology since Dei Verbum 73 Concluding Reflections 84 4. The Theology of the Old Testament by Marco Nobile: A Contribution to Jewish-Christian Relations 88 Nuria Calduch-Benages The Current Situation of Biblical Theology 89 viii Contents The Theology of the Old Testament by Marco Nobile 90 The Contribution of Nobile’s Work to Jewish-Christian Relations 96 Conclusion 99 5. Mission as a Matrix for Hermeneutics and Biblical Theology 102 Christopher J.H. Wright Introduction: Bible and Mission 102 Steps Toward a Missional Hermeneutic 109 Contours of a Missional Hermeneutic 120 Conclusion: Framework or Map? 137 6. Story and Biblical Theology 144 Craig G. Bartholomew and Mike W. Goheen Introduction 144 The Impetus Toward Narrative from Philosophy and Theology 145 The Impetus Toward Narrative from Practical Theology and Theological Ethics 147 The Impetus Toward Narrative from Missiology: Missionary Encounter between Two Stories 150 Story and Biblical Theology 153 N.T. Wright and the Recovery of Story in Biblical Studies 154 Arguments Against Reading the Bible as a Grand Story 158 Conclusion 167 7. The Problem of ‘Biblical Theology’ 172 James D.G. Dunn Introduction 172 Posing the Problem 173 The Fundamental Nature of the Problem 174 The Central Subject Matter of Biblical Theology 177 Conclusion 183 Great Themes of the Bible 8. Biblical Theology and the Problems of Monotheism 187 Richard Bauckham Introduction 187 Monotheism as a Misleading Category 188 The Quest of the Historical Monotheism 196 The Old Testament: A Monotheistic Book? 206 The Shema in the New Testament 218 9. The Unity of Humankind as a Theme in Biblical Theology 233 Stephen C. Barton Introduction: Humankind at Risk 233 Contents ix Why Unity? Unity of What Kind? 234 The Unity of Humankind in the Greco-Roman Tradition 236 The Unity of Humankind in the Bible and Early Judaism 238 The Unity of Humankind in the New Testament 242 Conclusion 254 Parts of the Bible and Biblical Theology 10. Zechariah 14 and Biblical Theology: Patristic and Contemporary Case Studies 261 Al Wolters Introduction 261 Patristic Commentaries 264 Twentieth-century Commentaries 277 Conclusions 283 11. Paul and Salvation History in Romans 9:30 – 10:4 286 William J. Dumbrell Introduction 286 Salvation History and Covenant 288 The New Covenant in the New Testament 289 National and Believing Israel 296 Paul and Law in the Light of the Cross 297 Conclusion 310 12. Hebrews and Biblical Theology 313 Andrew T. Lincoln Biblical Theology and Hebrews 313 Scripture and the Relationship between Old and New in the Rhetorical Structure of Hebrews 317 Some Features of Hebrews’ Christological Reading of Scripture 320 Does Hebrews’ Christological Reading Have a Coherent Hermeneutical Framework? 325 Hebrews and Biblical Theology 330 Theological Interpretation and Biblical Theology 13. Systematic – In What Sense? 341 Trevor Hart System Addicts? Or, On the Need to Avoid both of Two Patron Saints 341 Transformation and Convergence in the Frame of Knowing: The Distinctive Task of a Systematic Theology 345 x Contents 14. Biblical Theology and the Clarity of Script

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Book SynopsisContinuing a Gold Medallion Award-winning legacy, this completely revised edition---Numbers-Ruth---in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary series puts world-class biblical scholarship in your hands. Numbers-Ruth builds upon the foundation of its predecessor with the most current scholarship and resources.

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Book SynopsisThe award-winning Expositor’s Bible Commentary---now completely revised. The original work has earned its reputation with students, professors, and pastors the world over. Now this thirteen-volume set builds upon the foundation of its predecessor with the most current scholarship and resources.

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Book SynopsisJeremiah–Ezekiel continues a Gold Medallion Award–winning legacy in this completely revised volume in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary series, making world-class biblical scholarship accessible to all people.

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Book SynopsisThis is a revision of the Gold Medallion Award-winning commentary series. It is up to date in its discussion of theological and critical issues and thoroughly evangelical in its viewpoint.

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Book SynopsisThe award-winning Expositor’s Bible Commentary---now completely revised. The original work has earned its reputation with students, professors, and pastors the world over. Now this thirteen-volume set builds upon the foundation of its predecessor with the most current scholarship and resources.

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Book SynopsisThis is the best-selling one-volume Bible dictionary. More than 5,000 entries include discussions of historical, geographical, chronological, and biographical aspects of the Bible, as well as articles on theological subjects; more than 700 pictures are included as well.

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