Religion

BONNIE KRISTIAN shows that a vibrant diversity within Christian orthodoxy-which is simply to say a range of different ways to faithfully follow Jesus-is a strength of our faith, not a weakness.It is all too easy to fail to grasp the diversity of the Christian faith-especially for those who have grown up in one branch of the church and never explored another. We fail to realize how many ways there are to follow Jesus, convinced that our own tradition is the one Christian alternative to nonbelief.A FLEXIBLE FAITH is written for the convinced and confused believer alike. It is a readable exploration of the lively theological diversity that stretches back through church history and across the spectrum of Christianity today. It is an easy introduction to how Christians have historically answered key questions about what it means to follow Jesus. Chapters will include 17 big theological questions and answers; profiles of relevant figures in church history; discussion questions; single-page Q&As-profiles of more unusual types of Christians (e.g., a Catholic nun or a member of an Amish community); and a guide to major Christian denominations today.As Bonnie shares her wrestlings with core issues-such as who Jesus is, what place the Church has in our lives, how to disagree yet remain within a community, and how to love the Bible for what it actually is-she teaches us how to walk courageously through our own tough questions.Following Jesus is big and it is something that individual believers, movements, and denominations have expressed in uncountably different ways over the centuries. In the process of helping us sort things out, Bonnie shows us how to be comfortable with diversity in the Body. And as we learn to hold questions in one hand and answers in the other, we will discover new depths of faith that will remain secure even through the storms of life.

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Behind the scenes at a creationist theme park with a mission to convert visitors through entertainment Opened to the public in July 2016, Ark Encounter is a creationist theme park in Kentucky. The park features an all-timber re-creation of Noah's ark, built full scale to creationist specifications drawn from the text of Genesis, as well as exhibits that imagine the Bible’s account of life before the flood. More than merely religious spectacle, Ark Encounter offers important insights about the relationship between religion and entertainment, religious publicity and creativity, and fundamentalist Christian claims to the public sphere. James S. Bielo examines these themes, drawing on his unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the Ark Encounter creative team during the initial design of the park. This unique anthropological perspective shows creationists outside church contexts, and reveals their extraordinary effort to materialize a controversial worldview for the general public. Taking readers from inside the park’s planning rooms to other fundamentalist projects and diverse Christian tourist attractions, Bielo illuminates how creationist cultural producers seek to reach both their constituents and the larger culture. The “making of” this creationist theme park, Bielo argues, allows us to understand how fundamentalist culture is produced, and how entertainment and creative labor are used to legitimize creationism. Through intriguing and surprising observations, Ark Encounter challenges readers to engage with the power of entertainment and to seriously grapple with creationist ambitions for authority. For believers and non-believers alike, this book is an invaluable glimpse into the complicated web of religious entertainment and cultural production.

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ESV Scripture Journal: Matthew positions the full text of Matthew opposite lightly lined blank pages for recording notes and prayers—great for personal Bible reading and reflection, group studies, or sermon notes.

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The ESV Student Study Bible, adapted from the ESV Study Bible, contains 12,000+ study notes, book introductions and timelines, 80+ maps and illustrations, 120 character profiles, 900 "Did You Know?" facts, 10 topical articles, and more.

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Making use of his true scholar's understanding, yet writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Tom Wright manages to unravel the great complexity of this extraordinary gospel. He describes it as 'one of the great books in the literature of the world; and part of its greatness is the way it reveals its secrets not just to high-flown learning, but to those who come to it with humility and hope'. Wright's stimulating comments are combined with his own translation of the Bible text. Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to furnish them with his own fresh translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion with background information. The series is suitable for personal or group use. The format makes it appropriate also for daily study.

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Nick Page's bestselling Tabloid Bible is back by popular demand, and now in full colour and complete with sidebars of shame. The Tabloid Bible tells both well-known and obscure Bible stories as the newspapers and websites of the day might have covered them. ATISHOO! ATISHOO! WALL FALL DOWN! Insurers refuse payouts over Jericho wall collapse. "Aggressive trumpet playing is not covered," they say. ARKING MAD! Nutty Noah builds the world's biggest boat in his garden. "I'm sure he doesn't have planning permission," says irate neighbour. KEEP TAKING THE TABLETS. Moses brings maxims from the mountain! TOWER OF BABEL COLLAPSES. "!ccyshhibothuth mi varg," says suddenly incomprehensible builder. ARMAGEDDON OUT OF HERE! Gigantic explosion splits earth.

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Encounter the power of God in His Word alongside spirit-led commentary.Walk in the freedom God intends. Experience the Holy Spirit. The NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible, provides a compelling look at Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit – now in full-color with updated features. This best-selling NKJV Bible draws on the expertise of an expanded team of respected, spirit-led scholars, led by Pastor Jack Hayford, founding pastor of The Church on the Way and chancellor of The King’s University.Equipping God’s people to encounter the power of God in His Word, the Spirit-Filled Life Bible has been recognized with the ECPA Platinum Award for selling over 2 million copies across translations.Features include: Full-color design with updated maps and charts, a detailed NKJV concordance, and in-depth articles about Spirit-filled life “Word Wealth” are more than 650-word studies that shed light on key terms and important meaning from the original Greek and Hebrew “Kingdom Dynamics” provide a better understanding of biblical themes from Spirit-filled preachers, teachers, and writers “Truth-In-Action” provide practical application from every book of the Bible using handy, helpful thematic charts “Praying the Word” are designed to strengthen your prayer life with 192 guided prayers based on significant passages throughout Scripture Detailed book introductions and outlines help you to learn each book’s historical background and appreciate its teachings Verse-by-verse study notes explain each passage and illuminate your understanding Words of Christ in red quickly identifies the words spoken by Jesus in red Concordance for looking up a word’s occurrences throughout the Bible Full-color maps show the layout of Israel and other biblical locations for better context Ribbon markers allows you to easily navigate and keep track of where you were reading Clear and readable 9-point NKJV Comfort Print

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Monotheism is a powerful religious concept shaped by competing ideas and the problems they raised. Surveying New Testament writings and Jewish sources from before and after the rise of Christianity, James F. McGrath argues that even the most developed Christologies in the New Testament fit within the context of first century Jewish monotheism. McGrath pinpoints when the parting of ways took place over the issue of God's oneness, and explores philosophical ideas such as "creation out of nothing" which caused Jews and Christians to develop differing concepts and definitions about God.

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Encounter the power of God in His Word alongside spirit-led commentary.Encounter the power of the Word. Walk in the freedom God intends. Experience the Holy Spirit. The NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible, provides a compelling look at Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit – now in full-color with updated features. This best-selling NKJV Bible draws on the expertise of an expanded team of respected, spirit-led scholars, led by Pastor Jack Hayford, founding pastor of The Church on the Way and chancellor of The King’s University.Equipping God’s people to encounter the power of God in His Word, the Spirit-Filled Life Bible has been recognized with the ECPA Platinum Award for selling over 2 million copies across translations.Features include: Full-color design with updated maps and charts, a detailed NKJV concordance, and in-depth articles about Spirit-filled life “Word Wealth” are more than 650-word studies that shed light on key terms and important meaning from the original Greek and Hebrew “Kingdom Dynamics” provide a better understanding of biblical themes from Spirit-filled preachers, teachers, and writers “Truth-In-Action” provide practical application from every book of the Bible using handy, helpful thematic charts “Praying the Word” are designed to strengthen your prayer life with 192 guided prayers based on significant passages throughout Scripture Detailed book introductions and outlines help you to learn each book’s historical background and appreciate its teachings Verse-by-verse study notes explain each passage and illuminate your understanding Words of Christ in red quickly identifies the words spoken by Jesus in red Concordance for looking up a word’s occurrences throughout the Bible Full-color maps show the layout of Israel and other biblical locations for better context Ribbon markers allows you to easily navigate and keep track of where you were reading Clear and readable 9-point NKJV Comfort Print

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Though one in four pregnancies ends in loss, miscarriage is shrouded in such secrecy and stigma that the woman who experiences it often feels deeply isolated, unsure how to process her grief. Her body seems to have betrayed her. Her confidence in the goodness of God is rattled. Her loved ones don't know what to say. Her heart is broken. She may feel guilty, ashamed, angry, depressed, confused, or alone. With vulnerability and tenderness, Adriel Booker shares her own experience of three consecutive miscarriages, as well as the stories of others. She tackles complex questions about faith and suffering with sensitivity and clarity, inviting women to a place of grace, honesty, and hope in the redemptive purposes of God without offering religious clichés and pat answers. She also shares specific, practical resources, such as ways to help guide children through grief, suggestions for memorializing your baby, and advice on pregnancy after loss, as well as a special section for dads and loved ones.

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There are a lot of personality and intelligence tests out there designed to label you and put you in a particular box. But Dr. Caroline Leaf says there's much more to you than a personality profile can capture. In fact, you cannot be categorized! Based on her powerful book, this study takes participants through seven steps to unlock their unique design--the brilliantly original way they think, feel, relate, and make choices--freeing them from comparison, envy, and jealousy, which destroy brain tissue. Participants learn to be aware of what's going on in their own minds and bodies, to lean in to their own experiences rather than trying to forcefully change them, and to redefine what success means to them. Released from the suffocating box of expectations, they'll embrace their true identity and develop a clear sense of divine purpose in their lives.

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Groundbreaking Book Now Revised and Updated A witch's coven in Argentina became a lighthouse of prayer in less than 60 minutes. A prodigal son returned to the Lord in California. An adopted son and the father who had cast him out years before were reunited in Christ. These are real stories of real lives and cities being transformed through the power of prayer evangelism. In this revised and updated edition of a watershed book, bestselling author Ed Silvoso shows that when you change a city's spiritual climate, everything--and everybody--is transformed. It was something the early church knew innately, and here Ed shares a proven, biblical, and practical plan to help you change the spiritual climate of your city. Fulfilling the Great Commission is no longer a distant hope; it is a fast-approaching reality that we may see in our own lifetime. What better time to join the effort?

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Future Christ is one of the first English translations of the work of François Laruelle, one of the most exciting voices in contemporary French philosophy and the creator of the practice of 'non-philosophy'. In this work Laruelle draws on material from the traditions of Christianity, Judaism and Gnosticism, but he does so by suspending their authority. This adventure in non-philosophy does not claim to think for religion, but from it as material and with disinterest towards its self-given status as ultimate authority. This provocative, yet remarkably accessible book introduces philosophy to the lessons of heresy and makes use of them in a non-philosophical "dualysis" of messianism and apocalypticism. Laruelle investigates the "heretic question", analogous to but historically distinguished from the "Jewish question", to develop a "non-Christian science" that struggles against and for our World. Future Christ thus opens up novel ways of thinking within existing religious and philosophical thought and marks an incisive and wide-ranging non-philosophical engagement with key contemporary debates in philosophy and theology.

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For years, the beloved classic devotional Streams in the Desert has sustained and replenished God’s weary desert travelers. Now, bursting forth like a sparkling clear river of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration, this updated edition of Streams in the Desert promises to revive and refresh today’s generation of faithful sojourners, providing daily Scripture passages from the popular, readable New International Version–and modern, easy-to-understand language that beautifully captures the timeless essence of the original devotional. I said, “The desert is so wide!” I said, “The desert is so bare!” What springs the quench my thirst are there? Where will I from the tempest hide? In a barren wilderness, L. B. Cowman long ago discovered a fountain that sustained her, and she shared it with the world. Streams in the Desert–her collection of prayerful meditations, Christian writings, and God’s written promises–has become one of the most dearly loved, best-selling devotionals of all time since its first publication in 1925. Filled with insight into the richness of God’s provision and the purpose of his plan, this enduring classic has encouraged and inspired generations of Christians. I heard the flow of hidden springs; Before me palms rose green and fair; The birds were singing; all the air Was filled and stirred with angels’ wings. Now James Reimann, editor of the highly acclaimed, updated edition of My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, again brings us the wisdom of the past in the language of today by introducing this updated edition of Streams in the Desert. With fresh, contemporary wording and precise NIV text, the timeless message of the original flows unhindered through these pages, lending guidance and hope to a new generation of believers. Day by day, Streams in the Desert will lead you from life’s dry, desolate places to the waters of the River of Life–and beyond, to their very Source.

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The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context.To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.

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Is Reading the Bible the Fastest Way to Lose Your Faith?For centuries, the Bible was called "the Good Book," a moral and religious text that guides us into a relationship with God and shows us the right way to live. Today, however, some people argue the Bible is outdated and harmful, with many Christians unaware of some of the odd and disturbing things the Bible says.How (Not) to Read the Bible tackles big questions like: Does the Bible degrade women? Is the Bible anti-science? How could a loving God command such violence in the Old Testament? Does the Bible endorse slavery? Bestselling author Dan Kimball guides you step-by-step in how to tackle many of the real questions that people wrestle with when reading the Bible and how to make sense of many of the more difficult and disturbing Bible passages.Filled with fun stories, visual illustrations, and memes reflecting popular cultural objections, How (Not) to Read the Bible is a lifeline for anyone—Christians and doubters alike—who are confused or discouraged with questions about the Bible.Yes, there are puzzling and disturbing Bible passages. . . But there are explanations!

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The NKJV Holy Bible, New Testament offers first-time Bible readers an easy way to discover the grace and truth in Scripture with a focused look at the Gospels, the Book of Acts, the Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. An essential resource for outreach ministries, this Bible includes additional study helps, making understanding God’s Word easier. Features include: Exclusive NKJV Comfort Print® Easy-to-read 9-point print size Plan of Salvation 30-Days with Jesus Reading Plan

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The charismatic movement of the past quarter-century has made an impact on the church unparalleled in history. But one legacy of the movement is confusion and mushy thinking. In Charismatic Chaos, John F. MacArthur calls for biblical evaluation and analyzes the doctrinal differences between charismatics and non-charismatics in the light of Scripture. "My principal concern," writes John MacArthur, "is to call the church to a firm commitment to the purity and authority of the Scriptures, and thereby to strengthen the unity of the true church." To tough questions that seem to divide, Charismatic Chaos provides tougher answers that strive to unite. This book tackles such questions as - Is experience a valid test of truth? - Does God still give revelation? - Prophets, fanatics, or heretics? - Does God still heal? - What should we think of the Signs and Wonders movement? - Does the Bible promise health and wealth?

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The ESV Super Giant Print Bible, produced from research with vision-industry experts, features the full ESV text in very large and easy-to-read type, offering an optimized experience for low-vision readers.

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Grasp the full meaning behind the original Greek and Hebrew texts with the first-of-its-kind Amplified® Study Bible The Amplified Study Bible features verse by verse study notes and the text of the newly revised Amplified translation, using a unique system of punctuation, italics, references, and synonyms to unlock subtle shades of meaning as found in the original languages. This is paired with over 5,000 concise study notes that provide helpful, practical, application-oriented comments on passages of Scripture and open the Word for readers to apply it to life.The Amplified® translation was created to deliver enhanced understanding of the rich nuances and shades of meaning of the original Bible languages. For this kind of study, no working knowledge of Greek or Hebrew is required—just a desire to know more about what God says in his Word. Now the updated Amplified translation is even easier to read and better than ever to study and understand. It includes more amplification in the Old Testament and refined amplification in the New Testament. Additionally, the Bible text has been improved to read smoothly with or without amplifications, so that the text may be read either way. It’s the same study material that Amplified readers love, now with even clearer wording for deeper understanding.Features: A unique system of punctuation, italics, references, and synonyms to unlock subtle shades of meaning as found in the original languages More than 5000 concise study notes 330 practical theological notes draw attention to important doctrinal content in the Bible and explain how to apply it every day Book introductions give background information about each of the Bible’s 66 Books A topical index provides an alphabetical listing of key words and study topics and their related passages Full-color maps to enhance your study Thumb indexed to make finding the books of the Bible easier Leathersoft cover lays flat when open 10.5-point type size

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Unique among most debates on homosexuality, this book presents a constructive dialogue between people who disagree on significant ethical and theological matters, and yet maintain a respectful and humanizing posture toward one another.Few topics are more divisive today than homosexuality. Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church brings a fresh perspective to a well-worn debate. While Christian debates about homosexuality are most often dominated by biblical exegesis, this book seeks to give much-needed attention to the rich history of received Christian tradition, bringing the Bible into conversation with historical and systematic theology.To that end, both theologians and biblical scholars--well accomplished in their fields and conversant in issues of sexuality and gender--articulate and defend each of the two views: Affirming – represented by William Loader and Megan K. DeFranza Traditional – represented by Wesley Hill and Stephen R. Holmes The main essays are followed by insightful responses that interact with their fellow essayists with civility. Holding to a high view of Scripture, a commitment to the gospel and the church, and a love for people--especially those most affected by this topic--the contributors wrestle deeply with the Bible and theology, especially the prohibition texts, the role of procreation, gender complementarity, and pastoral accommodation.The book concludes with reflections from general editor Preston Sprinkle on the future of discussions on faith and sexuality.The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

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