Search results for ""SPCK Publishing""

Built on decades of studying and teaching the Old Testament, this introduction is unusual in setting out background information, noting interpretative possibilities, raising questions and suggesting approaches. It operates more like a workbook, with the aim of encouraging students to investigate the Old Testament, both critically and prayerfully, for themselves.

Read more less

This work covers ancient beliefs about life after death from Homer's Hades to ancient Jewish beliefs, from the Bible to the Dead Sea Scrolls and beyond. It examines early Christian beliefs about resurrection in general and that of Jesus in particular, beginning with Paul and working through to the start of the third century. It explores the Easter stories of the Gospels and seeks the best historical conclusions about the empty tomb and the belief that Jesus did rise bodily from the dead.

Read more less

David Adam has spent a lifetime exploring the depths of God’s love, and this richly contemplative collection of new prayers and meditations draws us very near to the heart of the Trinity. Based on ‘the prayer of seven directions’, Encompassing God seeks to increase our awareness of being held by God. We are nurtured at every moment of our existence in the encompassing love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Whatever we might be facing, we can trust that God is before us and behind us. He is on our right and on our left; above us, beneath us – and gloriously alive within.

Read more less

In Revelation for Everyone, bestselling author and theologian Tom Wright helps us understand the complex book of Revelation in a fresh new way. Many regard Revelation as the hardest book in the New Testament. It is full of strange, lurid, and sometimes bizarre and violent imagery. As a result, people who are quite at home in the Gospels, Acts and Paul's letters find themselves tiptoeing around Revelation with a sense that they don't really belong there. But they do! Revelation for Everyone offers one of the clearest and sharpest visions of God's ultimate purpose for the whole creation. Here we see how the powerful forces of evil can be and are being overthrown through the victory of Jesus the Messiah, which continues to inspire and strengthen his followers today. The For Everyone commentary series by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone guides. They commentaries by Tom Wright are designed to help you understand the Bible from a new perspective under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars without requiring an in-depth understanding of theology.

Read more less

Discovering Revelation is the perfect introduction to the interpretation of Revelation. Through a critical assessment of key interpreters and interpretative debates, it encourages in-depth study of the text and a genuine grappling with the theological and historical questions raised. As part of the Discovering Biblical Texts series, Discovering Revelation draws on a range of author-, text- and reader-centred methodological approaches as complementary rather than mutually exclusive ways of understanding the text. It also reflects the growing scholarly attention to the reception history of Biblical texts, increasingly viewed as a vital aspect of interpretation rather than an optional extra. Discovering Revelation is an ideal commentary for students and those looking to dig deeper into the Book of Revelation. You will gain a solid grasp of the structure and content of Revelation, and a thorough understanding of key interpretations and theological concerns that will enhance your own reading of the text.

Read more less

The prophetic books are some of the most captivating and fascinating texts of the Old Testament. They are also some of the most misunderstood. This book equips the reader with the knowledge and skills they need to interpret the Prophets in a faithful and accurate fashion. Aaron Chalmers leads the reader through the various ‘worlds’ of Israel’s prophets – historical, social, theological and rhetorical – providing the basic contextual and background information needed both for sound and sensible exegesis and for sensitive interpretation and application to today. The book concludes with a helpful chapter giving guidelines for preaching from the Prophets – including advice on choosing the texts, identifying appropriate analogies, and the potential problems and common pitfalls to avoid.

Read more less

One of the world's most popular theologians explores the comforting yet mysterious place of the Holy Spirit in the life of faith. The fourth volume in this highly engaging series of study guides to the basics of Christian belief looks at the Holy Spirit, human nature, the doctrine of grace, and the place of the church in the Christian life. Full of stories and helpful illustrations, the material has been tested out on congregations to ensure that it is enjoyable, useful, and easy to read! Spirit of the Living God follows the well-received Faith and the Creeds (February 2013), The Living God (September 2013) and Lord and Saviour: Jesus of Nazareth (April 2014). The Christian Life and Hope will be published in April 2015.

Read more less

Joan Chittister's powerful spiritual guide builds on the ancient Rule of Benedict to show us how to live this life, our daily life, well. 'The monastic archetype is embedded in every soul - because in our true centre we are all "truly seeking God" Joan Chittister understands and communicates this to her contemporaries with rare insight and power' Laurence Freeman, author of The Selfless Self ' . . . the allure of this book is its promise that "the monastery of the heart" is where we learn to live our lives "from the inside out" in a contemporary world that is spiritually bereft and bewildering' Ephrem Hollermann, author of The Reshaping of a Tradition 'This marvel of a book sings in the heart and makes the mind quiet with reverence, even as it instructs both of them with a holy gladness' Phyllis Tickle, compiler of The Divine Hours.

Read more less

This book describes how a new understanding of dementia is leading to better care, helping to maintain the personality of the sufferer. It also offers practical, day to day advice from a hands-on perspective, using a narrative structure. It follows the story of an older couple, Linda and Frank. Frank develops dementia. The story covers the first, early signs and the development of the disease; the couple's struggle to manage and find help, the wife's failing health and the search for a suitable care home, and life after Frank goes to live in the home. An index at the back of the book allows readers to look up help on specific topics. Throughout, the narrative keeps a clear Christian perspective. For example, Linda finds that singing familiar hymns as she dusts around the house not only helps her feel better, but lifts Frank's spirits, too, and he will sometimes join in. Each chapter concludes with a short section of devotions for carers and sufferers.

Read more less

This volume covers a period of major change that had a lasting impact on art, science, economics, political thought, and education. Rudolph W. Heinze examines the various positions taken by medieval church reformers, explores the efforts of the leading reformer Martin Luther, and emphasises how the reformations brought moral and doctrinal changes to Christianity, permanently altering the religious landscape, then and now.

Read more less

Fun, thought-provoking, quick to rehearse and easy to perform, these sketches are designed for use in any setting where you'd like to entertain or stimulate discussion. They are ideal for youth groups or schools, as sermon illustrations and as discussion starters. Themes include: AIDS; singleness; church splits; dating unbelievers; evangelism; family tensions; lateness; midlife crisis; guilt; and many more. The styles are varied, allowing room for straight drama, comedy, absurd wordplay, slapstick, and monologues.

Read more less

In 2020 Britain marked the 25th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday. This movement was established at a time when the UK was having to face up to both overt and subversive forms of racism, epitomised by the tragic killing of black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, in Eltham in 1993. This murder, and other racist attacks, gave mainstream visibility to the struggle of many Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people to obtain full equality and justice. Race for Justice brings together a collection of voices on this vital issue from a wide variety of Christian denominations. Each contributor to this volume serves as a racial justice, equalities, diversity, or inclusion officer. Equipped with extensive frontline experience, they each give their perspective on the successes and failures of race relations in the church over the last quarter of a century, as well as addressing contemporary challenges and their hopes for the future.

Read more less

Sometimes it’s hard to find the right words… But this book is here to help! With prayers written especially for reading aloud with young children, The Big Bible Prayer Book encourages honest, open prayers on a wide variety of topics. From having bad dreams to falling out with friends, from praying for people without a home to processing times of change, The Big Bible Prayer Book is filled with memorable prayers for every occasion. A special space is also included for children to create a list of those people they particularly want to pray for.

Read more less

'Julia Golding’s Jane Austen Investigates offers a gripping detective story with an abundance of Easter eggs for Austen fans... This is a delightful riff on the wit and irony of Austen’s works; of her wonderful juvenilia, especially.' David Taylor, Associate Professor, Faculty of English, University of Oxford Jane Austen turns detective in this spooky historical adventure by award-winning author Julia Golding! It’s 1789 and a young Jane Austen turns detective as she seeks to solve the mysterious happenings at Southmoor Abbey. When a carriage accident forces a change of plans, 13-year-old Jane is sent to be a companion to Lady Cromwell for a week as the household prepares to celebrate the eldest son’s coming-of-age party. While there, Jane vows to solve the mystery of the ghostly monk in the Abbey grounds – for she does not believe in such stories! But this is not the only strange occurrence for the adventurous young Jane to investigate. There are shivery night-time investigations, an Indian girl with secret talents, a library fire, two prize horses in danger, and friends to save from false accusations. With notebook in hand and her faithful dog Grandison by her side, will Jane overcome the continuous obstacles and find out the truth?

Read more less

'Deb Richardson-Moore has woven a masterful tale of mystery and suspense in her latest book, Murder, Forgotten. With superb pacing, she takes us on a page-turning journey from the coast of Scotland to the South Carolina shore. Her cast of characters with their many secrets will keep you guessing whodunit right to the end.' Sally Handley, author of the Holly and Ivy Mystery series Julianna Burke, bestselling mystery novelist, has a secret that those closest to her are hiding from the world. Julianna is losing her memory, and with it her powerful gift for storytelling that propelled her to fame. A further devastating blow comes when Connor, Julianna’s beloved husband, is murdered. Even this is not something Julianna’s mind can hold on to, and every day her assistant has to break the heart-wrenching news all over again. Julianna is desperate to know what happened to her husband. As she battles her failing mind to investigate, a detail of the murder surfaces that makes Julianna question everything she’s ever known. Somehow she must fight to find the truth, even though her grip on reality is fading…

Read more less

The atmosphere in the lab is toxic. It is only a matter of time before there is a flu pandemic with the potential to kill billions. Or so wealthy entrepreneur Lyle Lynstrum believes. That is why he is funding research into transgenics - the mechanism by which viruses can jump the species barrier - at a high security lab on a tidal island off the North Devon coast. A suspiciously rapid turnover of staff has him worried. He sends in scientist Katie Flanagan as an undercover lab technician. Something is clearly very wrong, but before Katie can get to the bottom of what is going on, a colleague is struck down by a mysterious illness. Has the safety of the facility been compromised, allowing a deadly virus to escape? Katie begins to suspect that the scientists are as deadly as the diseases - and that her cover has been blown. Then the island is cut off by high seas and a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse begins...

Read more less

Kit doesn't understand why his family has been uprooted to a remote coastal village in the North. Why did they leave so suddenly, and why has his Dad not joined them? At Askfeld Farm Guesthouse, he meets an eclectic group of new neighbours and forms an unlikely friendship with Beth, who suffers from a chronic illness he does not understand. Kit learns that Beth, who cannot leave the guesthouse, is trying to draw a map from memory that shows all her favourite childhood haunts. Kit makes it his quest to help her remember by visiting places for her and hopes to solve the problems of the other guests along the way. But becoming a hero like the ones in his favourite books is trickier than it seems. Can Kit work out that the person who really needs his help is much closer to home?

Read more less

'Another exciting page-turner by Mel Starr. He beautifully depicts the counds, sights and smells, as well as the emotions, of the medieval world in this welcome addition to his long-running series. ' Jill Dalladay, author of The Abbess of Whitby Lord Gilbert Talbot must provide soldiers for Prince Edward's battle in France. He wishes his surgeon - Hugh de Singleton - to travel with the war party to tend any injuries. Among those on the road is Sir Simon Trillowe, Hugh's old nemesis, who had once torched Hugh's house. Finding himself in the same war party, Hugh resolves to watch his back in the presence of the knight, who is still holding a grudge. But it is Sir Simon who should not have turned his back... When Trillowe's body is found, many suspect Hugh has wreaked revenge on his adversary. To clear his name, Hugh must once again riddle a reason for murder.

Read more less

Jack Flynn, strong and aggressive, but slowly dying of tuberculosis on his farm in Tipperary in the Republic of Ireland, decides to acquire - buy - a young wife who can bear him sons to inherit his family's land. His choice, Caitlin Spillane, is less than half his age, attractive and intelligent, and resents bitterly the obedience that is forced upon her. When Donal Kelly, a young firebrand and IRA activist, arrives in the village, he is determined to liberate Caitlin from her unloved husband - by any means. A novel set against the struggle for the heart of Ireland in the Second World War.

Read more less

"Fans of medieval mysteries will revel in Starr's lively blending of intriguing suspense and telling historical detail." - Library Journal It is the autumn of 1367. Master Hugh is enjoying the peaceful life of Bampton, when a badly beaten man is found under the porch of St. Andrew's Chapel. The dying man is a chapman - a traveling merchant. Before he is buried in the chapel grounds, an ancient, corroded coin is found in the man's mouth. Master Hugh's quest for the chapman's assailants, and his search for the origin of the coin, makes steady progress - but there are men of wealth and power who wish to halt his search, and an old nemesis, Sir Simon Trillowe, is in league with them. But Master Hugh, and his assistant, the groom Arthur, are determined to uncover the thieves and murderers, and the source of the chapman's coin. They do, but not before they become involved with a kidnapped maiden, a tyrannical abbot, and a suffering monk - who needs Master Hugh's surgical skills and in return provides clues which assist Hugh in solving the mystery of the tainted coin.

Read more less

Experience the captivating world of medieval Bampton, Oxfordshire with Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of Bampton Castle, as he faces his most dangerous case yet. Master John Wyclif, known for his sharp tongue and wit, is at a loss when his books are stolen. Hugh must recover the books before it's too late, and he sets his sights on the clever and charming Kate to aid in the search. However, their adversaries are not to be underestimated, and a poor scholar is found dead in the river with ties to the stolen books. Will Hugh and Kate be able to solve the mystery before more lives are lost? Join them on their thrilling quest for the truth in the latest installment of the Hugh de Singleton series. "Hugh de Singleton has come to Oxford seeking a wife. He finds treachery and murder. A Trail of Ink is a beautifully written medieval mystery set in 14th century Oxford. Mel Starr writes with the flowing language, startling detail and understated humor of one who has mastered his period and his craft." - Donna Fletcher Crow, author of A Very Private Grave

Read more less

Join the Cheeky Pandas - CJ, Lulu, Benji, Rory, and Milo – for a fun, action-packed everyday adventure at their treehouse music studio. They have a day off from recording to do something they love. Lulu just wants some peace and quiet, but the other Cheeky Pandas have all found noisy things to do. It’s ‘panda-monium’! Lulu shows her love to the others by being patient. Will the other Cheeky Pandas show love by being kind to her? Based on the free online animation, Cheeky Pandas® The Day Off encourages children to think about what it means to love and how this can be shown to others. Find out more about Cheeky Pandas® at https://cheekypandas.com/

Read more less

A beautiful retelling of the first Easter taken from 99 Stories from the Bible. Ideal for sharing with young readers, at home, school, or Sunday school as you remember the events of the Jesus' death and resurrection each year. Pack of 10.

Read more less

A well designed, colourful, and creative intergenerational resource to inspire children, families, and communities to connect creatively with God and to connect with one another. The WOW! series are creative, interactive and practical books that offer innovative resources to explore stories and themes found in the Bible. They are designed to help you explore your faith with your family or as a group by delving imaginatively into stories and offer reflection time for both adults and children. Encourage connection and conversation between adults and children/youth around the stories and characters, encouraging empathy for the children and a new way of thinking about these well-known stories for adults. Ideal to use at home or as a resource for church schools and churches providing a multitude of activities and conversation starters for Sunday schools, religious education and collective worship in schools. Wow! Jesus explores six Bible stories about the life of Jesus, including the calling of his disciples, his miracles of feeding the 5,000, calming the storm and raising Lazarus, and his impact on those he met, such as Zacchaeus. Each story is explored through offering innovative activities including engaging prayer, craft and create, acting the scene, time for reflection, ideas for discussion and creative praise. PRAY - opportunities to pray in a creative way by yourself or with others. PAUSE - take some time out to reflect on an element of the story and how it fits with our lives now. PLAY - Ideas to get you on your feet and having a bit of fun around the story. CREATE - Craft and make creations that help to explore themes and parts of the story. CELEBRATE - Celebrate and find joy in the story and ideas in how to rejoice in these together. COMMUNICATE - A chance to chat and connect with each other using the parts of the story as conversation starters. Written by Martha Shrimpton founder of Nimbus Collective that aims to help all ages to connect in a creative way as an individual, as a family and as a community and also with God.

Read more less

Have interactive fun with baby and very young children introducing the story of Jesus' birth with its rustling and sounds to make. This simple and colourful tactile cloth book is perfect for sharing during storytime to encourage chatting about the Christmas story with Mary and Joseph, the birth of Jesus in a humble stable, the angels visit to the shepherds and the visit of the wise men. An exciting book for story time at Christmas time for little hands to spot things and explore. The Crinkles series of cloth books have an irresistible crinkling sound to stimulate active senses in the developmental steps from birth.

Read more less

A chapter book retelling the story of Paul, who encountered many harsh and demoralising situations on his missionary journeys with additional related snippets from other Bible stories. But God cares, providing constant reassurance and enabling Paul to stay hopeful. A reassuring story to help older children reflect and talk to people they trust about when their lives get tough and they feel rejected, providing the support they need to find ways through, including from God. The ‘God cares’ series provides a Biblical approach to discussing emotions and behaviour with children to nurture an attitude of wellness. Children at different ages approach things differently in their stages of emotional development, so this series works at two different levels: illustrated Readers aimed at 5-7 year olds and Chapter books aimed at 8+ years. Please note that children progress at different reading abilities and stages of emotional development so the age ranges are only a guide for parents and carers. The Bible stories are retold reflecting on the emotions and encourages children to discuss and relate this within their situations. Sections at the back provide a reflective space for children and practical advice for parents and carers. Debbie Duncan, author of The Art of Daily Resilience, Brave and Gifted, is a nurse and a teacher, and mother of four children. She has considerable insight into what constitutes resilience and bravery: the ability to cope, to stay on course, to bounce back. In her books she considers what is required for physical, mental, and spiritual durability, interweaving biblical teaching, prayers, with personal anecdote and sound advice. This she now applies specifically to support parents and carers raising children.

Read more less

While bathing baby and very young children, enjoy three popular Bible stories with its splashes and sounds to make. This simple and colourful bath book is perfect for sharing during bath time to encourage chatting about all the stars, plants, and animals that God has made, Adam and Eve, and God saving Noah and the ark full of animals. An exciting book for bath time for little hands to spot things and explore. The Bubbles series of bath books are water-proof, non-toxic, completely baby safe and they float.

Read more less

A chapter book retelling the story of Moses, who felt anxious about being called to lead a nation out of Egypt. But God cares, providing constant reassurance and support through others around him. A reassuring story to help older children reflect and talk to people they trust about when they feel uncertain, and the support they need to build their confidence, including help from God The 'God cares' series provides a Biblical approach to discussing emotions and behaviour with children to nurture an attitude of wellness. Children at different ages approach things differently in their stages of emotional development, so this series works at two different levels: illustrated Readers aimed at 5-7 year olds and Chapter books aimed at 8+ years. Please note that children progress at different reading abilities and stages of emotional development so the age ranges are only a guide for parents and carers. The Bible stories are retold reflecting on the emotions and encourages children to discuss and relate this within their situations. Sections at the back provide a reflective space for children and practical advice for parents and carers. Debbie Duncan, author of The Art of Daily Resilience and Brave, is a nurse and a teacher, and mother of four children. She has considerable insight into what constitutes resilience and bravery: the ability to cope, to stay on course, to bounce back. In her books she considers what is required for physical, mental, and spiritual durability, interweaving biblical teaching, prayers, with personal anecdote and sound advice. This she now applies specifically to support parents and carers raising children.

Read more less

Six small volumes offering answers to children's big questions about God, the Bible, prayer, Jesus, Christmas, and Easter, collected together in a little slipcase. Illustrated with charming pictures of families and children, this collection makes a wonderful gift or award. The books included in this collection are: - Would you like to know the Bible? - Would you like to know the Story of Christmas? - Would you like to know How to Pray? - Would you like to know about God? - Would you like to know the Story of Easter? - Would you like to know Jesus?

Read more less

The popular children's Bible illustrated by Steve Whitlow, now available in a paperback format. Highlighting a selection of short stories from the Old and New Testaments, including the full story of Christmas and Easter, this Bible storybook offers a first look at the wonders of God's word for very young children. Carefully written text by Juliet David and heart-warming illustrations gently instil a basic understanding of God's love and amazing Bible stories for little ones to treasure throughout their lives.

Read more less

What do you do when life changes and you find yourself travelling solo? How do you adjust after many years of shared life with someone deeply loved? This was the challenge that Jo Cundy faced after the unexpectedly early death of her husband, Ian. Since then, Jo has been on a journey exploring a very different way of life, and learning that God does not abandon us, but remains active in our lives. Indeed, God has not let the grass grow under her feet! This is a book about journeying, where the reality and metaphor of travel mingle. By sharing stories and reflections on the opportunities that have opened up for her in this season of life, Jo seeks to encourage fellow travellers to acknowledge the challenges, but also to welcome life's new experiences and adventures with hope and faith.

Read more less

When the Jews were carried off into exile in Babylon, most people assumed that it was the end of the story. In reality, God was just getting started. As senior figures in the Babylonian and Persian Empires, Daniel and Esther would discover that there is no foreign ground for God. Their faithful obedience would, in fact, lead their oppressive captors to faith in the God of Israel. 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.

Read more less

Combining travelogue with testimony, Nathalie MacDermott shares her life's adventure with God, offering a compelling memoir set amidst a host of dangerous situations. This is what happens when compassion and courage are allowed to thrive. From orphanages in former communist states to hard-line Islamic regimes, international humanitarian disasters to corrupt African institutions, Nathalie has come face to face with numerous instances where trusting God is the only option. Told with honesty, and humility, Dare to Trust is an invitation to reconnect with God, to be inspired by His call, to put faith in action, and to renew our commitment to serving Him today.

Read more less

In a world where natural disasters are increasingly impacting our lives, this insightful book brings together a variety of voices to discuss how we can respond practically and faithfully to such tragedies. Consciously making room for the perspectives of survivors, responders, and academics, it provides a multi-layered and compassionate examination of a difficult and often underexplored subject. As we try to make sense of a seemingly chaotic world that features earthquakes, tsunamis, and pandemics, readers will find this unique conversation a truly ispiring resource for thought, prayer, and action.

Read more less

The book of Job is one of the oldest surviving pieces of writing in human history. It also deals with two of the biggest questions that humans have asked throughout history - what is God like, and why does he allow such suffering in the world? Allow Phil to take you on a journey through the book of Job to discover insights that have shaped the way that people have viewed God and viewed humanity for over 3,000 years. 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.

Read more less

We like to think our church welcomes visitors. But how welcoming can we be, if we are not inviting? We are welcoming as long as people get themselves across the church threshold, but we fail to take our welcome outside. During the years Michael has been developing Back to Church Sunday, he has conducted an extensive study on the seemingly simple subject of 'invitation'. Over 650 times in 12 countries he has asked: 'Why don't we invite our friends to take a closer look at Christ?' The many answers form the impetus for this book. After considering why it seems so hard to invite friends to church, Michael looks at our concerns over acceptance and rejection, and suggests ideas gleaned from years of trying to establish a culture of invitation. 'When I have specifically encouraged Christians to issue an invitation, some people say yes and some no. God sent his son to invite us all into a relationship, and so to be like God is to be a person who invites!'

Read more less

These books were written at a moment of great crisis and confusion for the Jewish nation. They were written to reveal to them the story behind the story. The great disaster that has befallen God’s people has come from God’s own hand. So will restoration – both for them and for the Church today – if God’s people respond to the message of 1&2 Kings. 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.

Read more less

The world is changing; culture is shifting. Never has safety and security been more desired. What shakes also spills. Pressure spills to the surface. And when struggles become visible, safety becomes more invaluable. We only encounter true freedom and wholeness when we know we can speak and hear truth with no fear of retribution. Look at the ministry of Jesus. He created spaces of safety. He also never blamed people for how they got sick. Jesus' invitations are never based on whose struggles are more easily dealt with. In His Kingdom, in His house and under His care, there is no 'us' and 'them'. Jesus said over and over that He came for the sick, the broken, the oppressed, depressed, those caught in chains. He came for us. Each person, as well as every part of who we are, body, soul and spirit, matters to God. And if it matters to God, it must matter to us. With the world changing so are people's struggles. In years past what worked in prayer and ministry may not work today, because people's concerns and experiences of personal difficulties have changed. And just with anything else we should be growing in how we learn and deliver ministry. God wants to bring people into wholeness. And one of the greatest acts of kindness we can do is provide a safe place in order to witness people's struggles, so that we may love, care for and pray and minister to them more effectively.

Read more less

Today's message of cultural acceptance is dangerously distorted and deceptive. In a world that shouts: 'If you truly care about other people, you must agree that their beliefs, values, lifestyle, and truth claims are equal and as valid as yours!' it's no wonder our youth are confused. The Beauty of Intolerance-brand-new from Josh McDowell with son Sean McDowell-cuts through the confusion and points readers back to the place where the only truth resides...Jesus Christ. Tied directly to the Heroic Truth initiative launched by the Josh McDowell Ministry, the McDowells will share how a biblical view of truth can counter cultural tolerance and encourage a love and acceptance of others apart from their actions with a heart of Christlike compassion.

Read more less

Most guys are searching for purpose in life. "Why am I here? What's my destiny?" But most of us seek the answer in the wrong place. We look outside ourselves. The key, says Anthony Delaney, is in discovering who you are and being who God made you to be. It's tough being a man. We try to look strong, but under pressure we crumble. Exposed to heat, we burn. God didn't make you to be a "coal man". He created you as precious and valuable, a Rough Diamond. Anthony Delaney explores what it means to be a follower of Christ; what happens when we fail; how we juggle our finances; being real with your friends; giving the right priority to your family; being the best father possible; and following Jesus, the ultimate "Rough Diamond".

Read more less

In the Holy Land, despite the politics and conflict that divide Jews and non-Jews, the Body of Christ is growing. Author Julia Fisher presents fourteen true stories from Jewish, Arab and Palestinian believers living in Israel and Palestinian areas that describe what God is doing despite the current tide of political and religious turmoil. Reconciliation is at the heart of each story, though reconciliation in the context of the Middle East is fraught with danger and seemingly impossible challenges. These interviews, demonstrate how, despite the tensions and the dreadful headlines, the Christian faith is growing. More and more Muslims are becoming Christians - stories of Palestinian Muslims becoming Christians and stories of Jewish people, some of them former orthodox Jews, becoming believers. Interviewees include expatriate Jews, children of Holocaust survivors, believers from Muslim backgrounds, a former drug addict, a pastor in Bethlehem, and an Egyptian setting up an underground church in Gaza. This will be enjoyed by those fascinated by the land of Israel, and the narrative of the Jewish people.

Read more less

Over two dozen Christian leaders describe how they changed their minds about evolution Perhaps no topic appears as potentially threatening to evangelicals as evolution. The very idea seems to exclude God from the creation the book of Genesis celebrates. Yet many evangelicals have come to accept the conclusions of science while still holding to a vigorous belief in God and the Bible. How did they make this journey? How did they come to embrace both evolution and faith? Here are stories from a community of people who love Jesus and honor the authority of the Bible, but who also agree with what science says about the cosmos, our planet and the life that so abundantly fills it. Among the contributors are Scientists such as: Francis Collins Deborah Haarsma Denis Lamoureux Theologians and philosophers such as: James K. A. Smith Amos Yong Oliver Crisp Biblical scholars such as: N. T. Wright Scot McKnight Tremper Longman III Pastors such as: John Ortberg Ken Fong Laura Truax

Read more less

Prayer ministry offers us the opportunity to participate in the Holy Spirit's healing work. Jeannie Morgan draws on her wide experience to offer advice on getting started in prayer ministry, ministering healing from past hurts, and pastoral prayer ministry (over four to six sessions). With spiritual tools, Scriptures, and vivid stories and illustrations of healing, she prepares us to follow the Holy Spirit's prompting. Highly practical, she also addresses many tricky questions. The book includes guidance notes for leaders and special resources for those receiving extended prayer ministry.

Read more less

Life only works God’s way. That’s what Solomon teaches us in the book of Proverbs. Our love lives will only work God’s way too, as Solomon celebrates in his risqué Song of Songs. Sadly, Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in his old age as a record of what happened to him when he failed to follow his own advice. He warns us from experience that life really does only work God’s way. 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.

Read more less

Hannah Dunnett's beautiful artwork, interweaving Bible verses and images, has inspired many people. From sailing boats bobbing on the river and lighthouses standing tall, to majestic trees and soaring mountains, to welcoming cottages and cosy kitchens, Hannah paints pictures that help us understand scripture and reflect on God's word in a fresh way. In this book, Hannah has chosen twenty-four of her favourite pictures and tells the story behind each one. As she draws out key verses and their meaning and offers questions to reflect on, readers will gain new insight and understanding. This collection of beloved artwork is divided into four sections: The Wondrous Cross, Father God, Teach me Your Ways, and Let Your Light Shine, and will take individual readers, or small groups, on a journey further towards the heart of God.

Read more less

Games with a Purpose mixes energizing, entertaining games with learning points to create an invaluable resource for working with groups aged 9 and above. Categorized around popular topics this collection of games has something to suit every situation - from games needing little or no preparation or equipment, to big, memorable games that will stay with your group for a long time. Every game is followed by suggestions for further discussion, and the index of themes makes it easy to locate the right game for any session. Use this book in conjunction with the discussion starter resources The Ideas Factory and The Think Tank and you will have all you need to prepare a complete session.

Read more less

This story of a mother's journey heartache, loss and total reliance on the grace of God is told with remarkable honesty as disappointment turns to devastation, anger and finally to peace and acceptance. Not just one, but two, of Catherine's three children are born with multiple disabilities. With her pastor husband, they had two daughters who were genetically damaged. Despite faithfully nursing them until they died at the ages of 13 and 10, the girls never developed the ability to recognise their parents. In time Catherine came to view her family tragedy from a different perspective. In this heartfelt retelling, she shows us the delights as well as the sorrows of her family life; we get to stand Under the Rainbow with her as she experiences the promises of God, which eventually lead to acceptance and freedom. This book will make you laugh, and it may make you cry, but ultimately it will reveal to you a God who always keeps His promises. More than an autobiography, the book takes a glimpse at issues such as friendship; helping children grieve, and turning pain into gain. It will make you laugh, and it may make you cry, but ultimately it will reveal to you a God who always keeps His promises.

Read more less

Churches and youth groups like the idea of using drama, but the writing often proves a challenge and there's little time to rehearse. This richly varied collection includes monologues, duologues, and sketches for several voices which are designed to work like five-minute mini radio plays. Needing almost no rehearsal, staging or costume, they are simple to perform, but offer real content and pack a powerful punch. Many of the pieces cover seasonal themes such as Christmas, New Year, Lent, and Easter - and also some that are often overlooked, such as Mothering Sunday and Father's Day. These powerful dramatic miniatures are not all laugh-outloud funny, but all provoke and entertain and are accompanied by the author's insightful reflections. There is also a set of probing questions for discussion starters - useful in getting a group talking, or even as a basis for a sermon. A must-have for any imaginative church leader's bookshelf! Foreword by Bishop James Jones, illustrated by Murray Watts.

Read more less