Search results for ""spck publishing""

Over the last 60 years the ethnic diversity of the western world has changed dramatically as a result of successive waves of immigration. The impact of this on the church is evident in the growing number of congregations that are now multicultural to a greater or lesser extent. This presents challenges as well as opportunities to those leading these congregations. This book aims to explore this within the context of both Scripture and society. It will also consider competencies and skills that may help leaders of churches and other Christian organisations unlock the potential that this diversity offers. Malcolm Patten has been a Baptist Minister for over twenty years and this book combines his congregational sociological research and his years of experience as a Pastor in multicultural churches. He will also be interviewing others who are involved in working with multicultural churches across the denominations (Anglican, Methodist, URC) as well as drawing in expertise from BME networks, the Evangelical Alliance, Churches Together and Independent churches with multicultural congregations such as Kensington Temple, Westminster Chapel and Emmanuel Church, Westminster.

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Mindfulness is an increasingly popular practice, but what benefits does it have to offer Christians? In Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality, Tim Stead draws connections between mindfulness approaches and exercises and the Christian spiritual traditions of contemplation and reflection. By bringing these practices together, he shows us how mindfulness can help us to transform the way we manage stress so that we can open up more completely to the promised 'life in all its fullness'. This is a thoughtful and practical book that will give you a more complete understanding of mindfulness practices and how they relate to Christian spirituality, and will help you to deepen your faith by making more space for God in a mindful way.

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Ten years on from their first book, Evangelism: Which way now? – still a valued and much recommended resource – Mark Ireland and Mike Booker aim to take people a step further. Making New Disciples offers a practical approach, based on careful theological reflection and years of hands-on experience in local church leadership, theological education and the national church. The book is not so much a guide to the available resources, as a wrestling with the paradoxes of evangelism in a changing world, backed up with plenty of stories and specific examples.

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Writing in an anecdotal and approachable style, Tom Wright helps us to see the great sweep of the letter to the Romans. Tom Wright has a rare gift for communicating his understanding and enthusiasm to non-specialists. He is one of the few people alive today capable of undertaking a project such as the For Everyone guides. Section by section, the translation is accompanied by his eye-opening comments on each passage. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion, with background information, useful interpretation and explanation, and thoughts as to how it can be relevant to our lives today. No knowledge of technical jargon is required. The series is suitable for personal or group use. The format makes it appropriate also for daily study.

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David Adam believes that the way to get the most out of worship on Sundays is to pray regularly on weekdays. Here, to help us in this duty and joy of preparation, he offers prayers that link with the readings for each Sunday and great festival of the Christian Year. The prayers employ the Celtic emphasis and style that many people have found helpful in David's earlier books. They will be equally as helpful for those who do not use a weekly lectionary as for those who do. The author sees clearly the reality in our lives both of the clouds - of sadness, misfortune, pain - and the glory to be found in God. He invites us to 'use these prayers as a vehicle to get out of the clouds and greyness to where you get a glimpse of glory'.

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For the prayers of the church to be enriched, it demands a praying people, writes David Adam. And in this book he offers intercessions, blessings and forms for the peace covering each Sunday and major festival of the Churchs year, so that worshippers can prepare for each service. The prayers employ the Celtic style found in David Adams many previous books, and can be used as a complement to the readings and collects for Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary. This book accompanies Clouds and Glory (Year A) and Glimpses of Glory (Year C). Such is the quality of these prayers that they will be as helpful for those who do not use a regular lectionary as for those who do. We need to see traces of glory in our everyday lives, writes the author, and this is very possible if we are willing to spend time with God.

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Depression is a devastating illness, both for those affected and for their loved ones, and the road to recovery can appear very long and winding indeed. However, for those who are slowly feeling their way towards a life of greater equanimity, this encouraging book will prove a reassuring guide and Katharine Smith an empathetic companion. A complete cure from depression might not always be possible. Yet Katharine's experiences over the past few years have led her to believe that there is much to be gained from trying to identify the issues that gave rise to negative patterns of thinking and behaving in the first place. We might find, as we attempt to integrate these into our lives in a healthy way, that our faith and hope take on a new maturity.

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This little book invites people to try out a way of prayer that has been used down the centuries. It is compact and easy to use: no need to find different material in different places - all you need is on the page. It can also be useful for prayer away from home as the bible readings and psalms are included in each office.

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The Church of England has allowed the admission of baptised children to Holy Communion before confirmation since 1997 but currently only about 20% of parishes currently do so. There is therefore much scope for many more churches to explore the issue and this book contains all a church would need to do so, including resources for exploring the issue with a whole congregation, case studies from real-life churches, a preparation course, an admission liturgy and advice on including and involving children in Eucharistic worship. The book also includes theological reflection on children and the Eucharist from Michael Perham and considers the impact of receiving Holy Communion on children’s discipleship.

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When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, 'What are you looking for?' They said to him, 'Rabbi . . . where are you staying?' He said to them, 'Come and see.' John 1.38 39 'Come and see.' That is Jesus' invitation: courteous and confident, welcoming but not overpowering, full of grace and truth. It is the gospel in three words. The two disciples - Andrew was one of them - came and saw. They stayed with Jesus for a day and they liked what they saw. Andrew then went searching for his brother, Simon, and told him, 'We have found the Messiah.' Andrew took Simon to Jesus who (says John) 'looked at him'. . . This dynamic of seeing Jesus and being seen by him was transformative . . . They were never the same again. They became Jesus' disciples, people who spent time with him, getting to know him better and learning to see the world differently, as Jesus sees it. Those are three dimensions of seeing that will run through . . . this book: seeing Jesus, being seen by him and seeing things the way Jesus sees them.' From Chapter 1: What do you see?

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This spiritual manifesto by one of the world’s most popular Christian writers provides a guide to living and praying the Psalms that will encourage you commune with God as Jesus did. Tom Wright makes a passionate case for putting the Psalms back at the centre of Christian prayer and worship. From the Introduction: 'I have decided, as a kind of thought-experiment, to order the material in three sections. The Psalms invite their singers, as they always have, to live at the crossroads of time, space and matter. This book explores what happens at this crossing-point.' 'Tom Wright is one of the great biblical commentators of our day, whose writing on the Bible will stand the test of time.' Amy Boucher Pye in Woman Alive 'In this incisive and fresh look at the book of Psalms, Wright invites us to enter an alternative world-view that the Psalms embody. Let this book lead you to the Psalms - but beware, it's the wardrobe door into a new world order.' Scot McKnight 'A characteristic blend of learning, personal insight and spiritual perception. This book will be of enormous help to Christians who want to know how to make fuller use of one of the greatest scriptural resources for prayer.' Rowan Williams 'Truly masterful.' The Furrow

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There is a great and honourable tradition of finding God in landscapes. Many who have given up on church appreciate the spiritual benefits they gain from climbing a mountain or walking in nature. But how and why do we encounter God in land, forest, river, mountain, desert, garden, sea and sky? That is what Graham Usher explores in this captivating volume which takes us from the giant Redwoods of the Californian Sierra Nevada to the jagged New York skyline; from the wilds of the ancient Scottish Highlands to the rolling pastures of English Shropshire. Drawing on material from biblical and church history traditions - as well as scientific research and contemporary art - he seeks to ascertain how such encounters support our Christian pilgrimage and challenge our assumptions.

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The faith we proclaim on Sunday is just as relevant to the rest of the week. However, too often the teaching and support that church life offers us can seem aimed at deepening our personal commitment to Christ and our involvement in church activities, rather than enabling us to live out our faith at work and in the world. We need to close the gap between sacred and secular, and that’s what this book aims to help us do. Each chapter identifies an issue, explores how we might respond and encourages us – through practical ideas, stories, humour, quotes, Scripture, questions and prayer – to seek to make a difference. ‘This is a very good book by a very exceptional leader. John Pritchard puts himself into what he writes, and the result is accessible, encouraging and fun, with a steel core that not only makes one think but takes one back to the face of Christ and the realities of Christian discipleship. John is never cheaply comfortable but always reassuringly real. I am very glad to have read Living Faithfully.’ Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury ‘Wise, honest and realistic, Living Faithfully joins the dots in a lively and compelling way between the core of Christian teaching and contemporary human experience.’ Christina Rees, broadcaster and writer

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Based on a series of lectures given to the Newcastle Diocese Reader and Ordained Lay Ministry Training Course, this book introduces the reader to church history in an accessible and relevant way, with an emphasis on key periods (from Christian beginnings to the present day) that have made the church what it is today, and on what we can learn from past experience for mission and ministry today.

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Twelve Months of Sundays provides the perfect way to gather your thoughts in preparation for Sunday worship, or for regular Bible study throughout the year. Here are reflections on the Sunday readings in the Revised Common Lectionary, covering all the Sundays and major festivals in Years A, B and C. Each reflection is brimming with Tom Wright's insights into the world and language of the Bible, encouraging a richer understanding and deeper appreciation of the Word of the Lord.

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An understanding of the Jewish Pseudepigrapha forms an integral part of all courses on New Testament background and Christian origins. This is a concise yet comprehensive guide to the Pseudepigrapha: the Jewish texts of the late Second Temple Period (circa 250BCE100CE) that are not included in the Hebrew Bible or standard collections of the Apocrypha. Each chapter deals with a specific literary genre (e.g. apocalyptic, testaments, rewritten Bible), encouraging readers to appreciate the texts as literature as well as furthering their understanding of the content and significance of the texts themselves. As well as providing helpful introductions to the different genres, the book surveys key issues such as: date, authorship, original language; purpose; overview of contents; key theological themes and significance.

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This reliable and highly readable textbook provides comprehensive coverage of core Christian beliefs from an evangelical perspective. Developed from the author's popular introductory course on Christian doctrine, the book rests firmly on biblical foundations while also providing a balanced discussion of areas where evangelicals disagree. As with other books in SPCK's 'Exploring' series, the text will be accompanied by essay topics and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter.

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An introductory guide to the four New Testament Gospels as overlapping accounts of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, yet with distinctive emphases, concerns and 'angles of telling' at the points of convergence.

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This wonderful collection of 140 original prayers - published here for the first time -is suitable for anyone who leads prayers in public, or is looking for a resource to enrich private devotions. Covering a wide variety of subjects, the prayers are grouped under broad headings: Through the year; Church and ministry; Pastoral; Community; Government and justice; Home and family life; Food and hospitality, and Devotional. A comprehensive index is provided to guide you quickly to exactly what you need.

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Contains a variety of assemblies from the secondary section of www.assemblies.org.uk. The material covers Christian festivals; stories from the Bible; PSHE-related material; ethics-related material.

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Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

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Originating from weekly talks given to a contemplative community of monks and nuns, the meditations in this book aim to help the reader live as profoundly as possible, in deepening desire for union with God. It is arranged according to the liturgical year, from Advent through to Pentecost, some of the meditations deal with practical issues, some offer guideposts for spiritual discernment, and others are lyrical evocations of the transformative power of the contemplative way. Underlying all is the basic assumption that God has drawn near to each one of us, and that our fulfilment is found in surrendering our lives to that Enfolding Presence and Creative Love.

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What does archaeology tell us about Jesus and the world in which he lived? How accurate are the Gospel accounts of first-century Galilee and Judea? Has the tomb of Jesus really been found? Informed by the latest archaeological research, and illustrated throughout with photographs of key findings, this fascinating book opens up the subject for people of all religious backgrounds. It will help readers gain a much clearer and more accurate picture of life in the Roman world during first century, and enable them to understand and critique the latest theories - both sober and sensational - about who Jesus was and what he stood for.

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‘This richly engaging study vividly conveys how opening our hearts to Christ can release the transformative power of love to flow through our lives and into our broken and needy world. I pray that many will be touched by their encounter with Christ in Living Jesus.’ Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu ‘I'm with John Pritchard – unashamedly and incurably obsessed with Jesus. As I read his beautiful new book, I felt both my mind and my heart being enriched and challenged - to ponder the life and meaning of Jesus with my mind, and to respond from the depths of my heart. Whether you're a long-term follower of Jesus or just beginning to explore what he's about, you'll find in Living Jesus a dependable guide . . . gracious, intelligent, balanced, and generous with insight.’ Brian McLaren, author, speaker and activist ‘What a fantastic book! Jesus Christ is the centre of human history, but who is he? John Pritchard shows us the Jesus who jumped off the pages of the Bible and into his life. I encourage you to read this book, whether you're a follower of Jesus or just wanting to find out more. You will be moved, you will laugh and you will cry. In those moments when you wonder why you are a Christian, Living Jesus will remind you. An inspirational book written by a man who loves Jesus and loves people.' Mark Russell, Chief Executive, Church Army

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All of us are confronted by death at various times in our lives. Some bereavements are particularly devastating - it may be we are very close to the one who has died, or death has come suddenly, unnaturally or even violently. This anthology of quotations is divided into two sections. The first contains material on the Bible's teaching on life after death; the concept of the soul; the need to face the truth of our own mortality; living to the full; untimely death; suicide; death as the result of disaster and of war. The second focuses on solace in grief; the comfort of Christ; our hope of life in heaven; being reunited with those we love, and the great communion of saints. Each chapter has its own introduction and ends with a selection of prayers.

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A confirmation course to use with adults, designed to cover a range of learning styles. It covers the traditional ground of such courses, beginning from the questions adult confirmation candidates bring to faith development.

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A collection of poems, prayers and liturgical material, focused around the figure of Mary, and the themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and female faith.

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In this rousing book, David Adam celebrates the lives and interweaving stories of Aidan, Bede and Cuthbert. Recalling, in a personal introduction, his ordination to the pastoral ministry in Durham Cathedral (the burial place of Bede and Cuthbert) and his thirteen years as Vicar of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne (where Aidan lived), the author communicates clearly his appreciation of these three great saints. They have much to teach us, he believes, about vision – about expanding our spiritual awareness and deepening our love for God. St Aidan was Irish by birth and was a monk at Iona long before being selected as the first Bishop of Lindisfarne in 635. In time became pastor to all of Northumbria. St Bede the Venerable was born in 673 near Sunderland, and was a monk at Jarrow on the Tyne. He is revered for his scholarly output of commentaries on the Scriptures and his famous Ecclesiastical History of the English People, which is such an important source of our knowledge of the development of Christianity in Britain St Cuthbert, when he was sixteen, received a vision of the soul of St Aidan being carried to heaven by angels. This vision may have convinced him to enter holy orders at Melrose where he became Prior. Later, having lived for some time as a hermit on the island of Farne, he was later reluctantly persuaded to became Bishop of Lindisfarne in 685.

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A masterly exposition of Paul's thought by one of his leading contemporary interpreters. The summation of a lifetime's study, this landmark book offers an unparalleled wealth of detailed insights into Paul's life, times and enduring impact. Destined to become the point of reference in Pauline studies for the next decade, and beyond. Wright carefully explores the whole context of Pauls thought and activityJewish, Greek and Roman, cultural, philosophical, religious, and imperialand shows how the apostles worldview and theology enabled him to engage with the many-sided complexities of first-century life that his churches were facing. Wright also provides close and illuminating readings of the letters and other primary sources, along with critical insights into the major twists and turns of exegetical and theological debate in the vast secondary literature. The result is a rounded and profoundly compelling account of the man who became the worlds first, and greatest, Christian theologian 'Tom Wright's long-awaited full-length study of St Paul will not in any way disappoint the high expectations that surround it. From the very first sentence, it holds the attention, arguing a strong, persuasive, coherent and fresh case, supported by immense scholarship and comprehensive theological intelligence. It is a worthy successor to his earlier magisterial studies of the themes of the Kingdom and the Resurrection: lively, passionate and deeply constructive, laying out very plainly the ways in which the faith of the New Testament is focused on God's purpose to re-create, through the fact of Jesus crucified and risen, our entire understanding of authority and social identity.' Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge.

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This text re-examines the great variety of liturgical practices in the first four centuries in the light of modern Jewish and Christian scholarship.

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Share God’s love and the beauty and power of Bible verses with little ones. God is Everywhere is a heartwarming picture book that introduces young children to the reassuring messages found in Bible verses. Each of the three Bible verses are woven into a lyrical narrative with key repetitive phrases and applied to young children’s daily lives. The Bible verses are based on: You are a Child of God Memory verse: "See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!" (1 John 3 verse 1) Never Fear, God is Near! Memory verse: Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1 verse 9) Love God, Love All. Memory verse: Jesus replied, "You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind… Love your neighbour as yourself." (Matthew 22 verses 37, 39) At the end of the three narratives are some reassuring discussion points and activities to help children remember each memory verse. Beautiful story-telling illustrations showing activities of young children’s everyday lives at home, at school, and out and about.

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Rowan Williams takes you to the heart of what Christianity means for those who practise it, and the hope it offers to the world at large. A book for all who wonder what the Christian faith is all about, and what difference it really makes.

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Candle Bible for Toddlers with an audio CD of all the stories narrated by CBeebies presenter Gemma Hunt!

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The Lion First Bible has had previous sales of over 1.25 million copies. This Bible includes more than sixty Bible stories, specially chosen for young children: a foundation on which to build a growing knowledge of the Bible. With colourful, child-friendly illustrations and clearly laid out text, this retelling is ideal for beginner readers, and fantastic for reading aloud.

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With an easy-to-read text from a much-loved reteller of children's Bible stories, and lots of illustrations packed full of character, this treasury of Bible stories is designed to introduce young readers to the great stories that have shaped western culture. 18 stories are retold from the Old and New Testaments, covering the Bible's most well-known events and best-loved people, from creation to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Along with Barbara Vagnozzi's bright illustrations which fill the pages, these easy retellings are compellingly child-friendly throughout.

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Also includes: Complete Common Worship Calendar and Lectionary for Advent 2020 to Advent 2021, with Sunday names for Common Worship and BCP schemes Information on every Anglican Diocese in the UK and the Republic of Ireland Names and addresses of major Christian societies, charities and other organizations, including all mainstream denominations

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An illustrated gift book for a young child's christening with a collection of prayers, including those based on bible verses, and pages for recording details, memories, and messages of the special occasion. The celebration of gathering together to welcome a new baby into your family and into the church will be remembered and treasured with this wonderful keepsake book for the occasion. This adorable little book is full of words from the Bible and encouraging prayers that a child can grow to treasure. Share these words of God's love with the child who is special to you and let them know that they are cherished by you and forever held in God's care through their faith journey. Parents can add their own memories of their child's christening with spaces for photos and special blessings from the guests, as well as recording key milestones in their child's early years. This book will be treasured for a lifetime and is an ideal gift for a grandparent, godparent, family member, or guest to give to a young child.

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Cousins by blood - enemies by choice! Living above her parent's theatre has always given Antigone Kingsley (Tig) plenty of practice at being centre stage. But when the theatre faces financial crisis and the stage doors close, it is her alluring cousin Amelie, flown in from Paris, who grabs her family's attention. As Tig grapples with her identity away from the limelight, she watches her cousin steal the affection of her family, friends, school - even her loyal social media following! When tension between the two teenagers grow, Tig finds herself at a crossroad. Will her need to be liked outweigh her raging jealousy towards her cousin? Or will spiralling emotions and burning desires lead to murderous consequences? Antigone Kingsley by author Marina Magdalena, is the first book in this coming-of-age series that makes the perfect companion for tweens and teenage girls going through the highs and lows of growing up. Filled with positive role models, healthy self-exploration, fruitful relationships, vulnerability and good humour, you'll love journeying with Tig as she faces the social pressures, spiralling emotions, burning desires and grand disappointments of teenage life! Tig is your relatable, imperfect, clumsy, hot headed girl next door who learns to embrace who she is, solve problems and bring sparkle to the world. She's your new BFF - meet Antigone 'Tig' Kingsley.

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This striking 400-page Bible, written for five- to seven-year-olds, introduces young readers to approximately fifty Bible stories, each around eight pages in length, designed to be engaging and age-appropriate. Arranged in chronological order and with Scripture references throughout, this instant favourite is brought to life by artist Jo Parry, illustrator of the Candle Read and Play series. Perfect for graduates of the Candle Bible for Toddlers.

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The last book of the Bible is not primarily about weird beasts, strange allegories, or encoded detail about the final years of Planet Earth. It’s a book which focuses on one great fact which trumps all others throughout the whole of AD history. It’s a simple fact, but a fact which changes everything: God is on the Throne of the universe, and he is working out his strategies from the control-room of Heaven. God inspired the Bible for a reason. He wants you read it and let it change your life. If you are willing to take this challenge seriously, then you will love Phil Moore’s devotional commentaries. Their bite-sized chapters are punchy and relevant, yet crammed with fascinating scholarship. Welcome to a new way of reading the Bible. Welcome to the Straight to the Heart series.

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God made your heart for love, joy, peace, and wholeness. But pastors say that more than 90% of their congregations struggle with unforgiveness - and unforgiveness can make us forget what we were made for. What if the most pervasive sin of our day is invisible, hidden deep inside our hearts? What if it affects every aspect of our lives and relationships so quietly and insidiously that most of us miss it altogether? Bruce Wilkinson believes unforgiveness is that sin. Through the teachings of Jesus, The Freedom Factor reveals the link between our suffering and our unforgiveness. But it also shows how to forgive - for real and forever. The story doesn't have to end with the pain of our wounds. Whatever happened to us happened. But the God who made your heart has shown a way past the wounds, back to the life and love that we were made for - a path toward freedom.

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Sexism in Narnia? Or Screwtape? Or amongst the Inklings? Many critics have labelled C.S. Lewis a sexist, even a misogynist. Did the life and writing of the hugely popular author and professor betray attitudes that today are unacceptable, even deplorable? The younger Lewis was criticized for a mysterious living arrangement with a woman, but his later marriage to an American poet, Joy Davidman, became a celebrated love story. As a writer he, along with J.R.R. Tolkien, formed a legendary literary group, the Inklings - but without women. In this collection of short essays, opinion pieces, and interviews, academics and writers come together to investigate these accusations. They include Alister McGrath, Randy Alcorn, Monika Hilder, Don W. King, Kathy Keller, Colin Duriez, Crystal Hurd, Jeanette Sears, David C. Downing, Malcolm Guite, and Holly Ordway. The resulting work, Women and C.S. Lewis, provides broad and satisfying answers.

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Nowadays it seems like everyone wants to be successful, but how many of us actually feel it? We may know that true success is found in following the one who made us. And yet, in our increasingly polarised and comparison-rife world, many of us find our hearts yearning for an ever-elusive 'success': in money and power, in influence and accolades. It is time for us to remember that success is attainable - not in what we have but how we live. This book invites you to recognise the beauty and complexity of the world we live in and how we, individually and collectively, may have conformed our faith in Jesus to simple consumer culture and cultural preferences. It is an opportunity to redefine success, choosing love over efficiency, depth over volume and real friendship over cold transactions. Jesus' life and teaching are the perfect antidote for a world growing sick with the wrong sort of success. And, he invites us again to experience a success that truly satisfies our souls.

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'This important book sets out vital steps for government, civil society and key stakeholders to create integrated care for our young people.' Sir Tony Blair A Manifesto for Hope sets out ten tried-and-tested practical principles for how to develop joined-up, cost-effective, community-empowering work, gleaned from the hard-won experience that has sat at the heart of Steve Chalke's mission over the past four decades. It's time to reimagine. Our social care systems are failing us, struggling for funding, and failing to speak to one another. At the same time, we are side-lining our greatest national asset: its people - mums, dads, families, and other community members. Steve demonstrates the stark choice facing us: keep pouring money into a faltering system, or reform and invest to improve people's lives. We need a new social covenant that empowers local charities, grassroots movements and faith groups - creating a more imaginative, more collaborative and less bureaucratic approach to community development - if we are going to transform the life chances of countless young people and families. Steve Chalke calls for a radical reset. It's time for A Manifesto for Hope! This is a book for anyone working with young people and the communities they belong to, and for those interested in social reform and transformation. Challenging and informing, A Manifesto for Hope comes from a heart dedicated to the service of that local community, written to support those that act every day to see something that has true life-changing impact in the places where it's most needed.

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Having it all together is a myth. Thank God, His grace is real – and it’s time to take the pressure off… Every day we are bombarded with messages that tell us we have to be productive, powerful, perfect. And the Church is no exception. The Good News of Jesus says that we are saved by grace but for Monique Thomas the gravity of this message didn’t sink in until over six years after she first became a Christian. Throughout her time at Bible college, she soon learnt that much of what she had learnt from church culture simply added an extra layer of pressure to that already placed on her by society: do more, strive more, be more. This book is for every person who desperately needs to understand the real Gospel: God has grace for us in our mess, not just in the moments we get out of it.

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What if what we are witnessing is not the decline of the Church but it's rebirth? The rates of decline in church attendance and the ticking demographic timebomb show that business as usual will lead to extinction. But out of these ashes there are countless reasons to hope. Signs and stories emerging from worshipping communities the world over can give us renewed confidence that, as always, God is doing a 'new-old' thing. The Church that is emerging amid times of uncertainty is growing, alive and demonstrating the qualities of the early church recorded in the New Testament, one that is more diverse, more spirit-filled, more confident in the Gospel, calling, equipping and sending people to make disciples in all nations. Written for ordained and lay leaders at all levels, this book will help you navigate these changing times in light of the immovable knowledge that God is always on the move.

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‘All serious lovers of poetry will want this book.’ A. N. Wilson All good poetry has the power to transport and transform us, to inspire and challenge us, to comfort and heal us, and to hold up a mirror to the world around us. In A Century of Poetry, Rowan Williams invites you to reflect with him on 100 poems from the past 100 years – poems with an originality and depth that can impel you to search your heart, and to explore your own experience and emotions at a deeper level. Featuring the work of both famous and lesser-known poets, from different faiths, languages and cultures, A Century of Poetry gives you a fresh perspective on works you may be familiar with, as well as introducing you to poems you’ll be pleased to discover for the first time – or perhaps discover again. These meditations, by a writer who is both a poet and a theologian, will open new doors into the experience of reading and absorbing great poetry, highlighting the ways in which their language and imagery can touch unfamiliar places in the heart and enliven the lifelong adventure of spiritual growth and exploration.

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In A Spring Within Us, bestselling author Richard Rohr invites us to drink deeply of God's love through 365 daily devotionals. 'The water I give will be a spring within you - welling up into infinite life.' John 4.14 In these daily reflections, Richard Rohr invites us to rediscover the spring hidden inside each one of us. He reminds us of God's indwelling presence and that we are inherently beloved. Remembering who we truly are is a gradual, lifelong journey: Fr Richard offers insights to ease the process and lead us back to our Source. Although each life moves at its own pace and in different ways, our growth does follow a common sequence - from innocence, through inevitable brokenness, to putting ourselves back together, and, ultimately, to ripening into union with self, God, the world and others. This 365 day devotional is ideal for those looking for a daily spiritual reading to enrich their spiritual journey. It makes a beautiful gift ideal for birthdays, confirmations, ordinations and other events.

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