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Cindy’s church is getting ready to celebrate Easter, and Jeremiah’s Temple is preparing for Passover when Cindy literally stumbles over…
the body of an unknown man lying dead in the sanctuary. The church was locked, and a bloody cross necklace on the floor seems to be the only clue. The killer is likely a member of the congregation, but there are hints that similar deaths have happened in the past. Are Cindy and Jeremiah dealing with a serial killer? They have to unravel the clues before Easter Sunday arrives and more people die. Cindy and Jeremiah come from two different worlds, even though they work right next door to each other. Cindy is a strong Christian who lives a normal but somewhat dull life, working as a church secretary. Jeremiah is a Reformed rabbi with a mysterious past full of danger and excitement. But one eventful Easter/Passover week, the two find themselves working together to solve a murder and stop a serial killer from striking again. Solving the mystery should put an end to their alliance, but the church secretary and the rabbi quickly find themselves enmeshed in another mystery. Soon the two form a friendly alliance and friendship, exploring personal history and faith and growing closer with each passing adventure. Despite their differences Cindy and Jeremiah find a lot of common ground.
Martin Luther wrote: "Faith takes hold of Christ and has Him present, enclosing Him as a ring encloses a gem."…
We hold faith as we seek to know Christ better, exploring Christian doctrines and deepening our understanding of their relevance to our day-to-day lives. Faith holds us as we respond to Christ’s calling, negotiate life’s challenges, and join in the work of bringing in God’s kingdom.This introduction to Christian theology shows how various understandings of particular doctrines play out in relation to the way we live our lives. It explores the content of core Christian doctrines and celebrates the "so what?" of each. Using theological literature and Scripture, but also current events, sociology, fiction, and movies, Rigby shows that theology is key to how we come to understand and negotiate our world. Holding Faith contends that some approaches to Christian doctrine are preferable to others, making persuasive arguments for creative ways of believing that can enliven our lives, and the life of the world. Theology has relevance because it can stymie or transform. How will we hold our faith?"Cynthia Rigby has written an accessible and lucid book of theological reflection for today’s believers, seekers, and doubters. This is no small feat. The book succeeds in the daunting challenges of presenting Christian theology with clarity and completeness, with commitment and generosity. It is an admirable text for theology students, pastors, and all those interested in understanding more deeply their faith and life."Leanne Van Dyk, President and Professor of Theology, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA"This is an extraordinary book. Cynthia Rigby is a Reformed theologian, a minister, and a teacher. All of these gifts are evident in Holding Faith, as Rigby offers an eloquent introduction to Christian theology that is academically rich, pastorally sensitive, and profoundly accessible. She does not make theology accessible by watering it down, but rather by explaining it with compelling clarity. Holding Faith is perfect for seminarians, pastors, church groups, and curious souls; for those who are new to Christianity and those who have been studying and living Christian faith their entire lives. It will be an enormous blessing to those who teach theology and those who preach the gospel."Shannon Craigo-Snell, Professor of Theology, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY"Cindy Rigby's is a timely, necessary, and accessible voice in theological discourse, not only for those who together comprise Christendom but also for those who are curious enough about what Christian doctrines offer by way of challenge, critique, and comfort in our increasingly distracted, fractious world. Holding Faith is a prophetic, priestly, and pastoral defense of a faith tradition that historically contributed to this oppressive state of affairs - yet undoubtedly remains rife with redemptive possibility - for individuals, communities, nations, the cosmos. In its pages, Rigby provides church folks, people of other faiths, seminarians, and inquisitive "nones" with a "thoughtful place" to search out our private and corporate relationships to the God whom the doctrines signify, however imperfectly." JoAnne Marie Terrell, Associate Professor of Theology, Ethics, and the Arts, Chicago Theological Seminary"For those of us who teach theology, it’s rare to find a text that is accessible to those with no previous exposure to theology while also introducing readers in deep and expansive ways to major doctrinal teachings. But Rigby has managed to accomplish both here. This is a profoundly personal and invitational approach to thinking theologically in ways that demonstrate the relevance of ancient teachings for our world today. And it is also a serious engagement with the biblical text, a vast array of historical and contemporary theological voices, poetry, literature, film, and more—this introduction to theology will e
There are, it seems, as many definitions of the term "evangelism" as there are people doing the defining. For some,…
it means proclaiming the gospel to those who have not heard it. To others, it means making disciples of Jesus Christ. To others, it means working for the transformation of the world into the kingdom of God. For still others, it has principally to do with building vibrant, healthy congregations. Underlying this confusion is a fundamental inability to locate the practice of evangelism within one's overall theological convictions. We will never understand the part that proclamation, disciple making, kingdom building, and church growth play in evangelism until we first ask a more important question: What does evangelism have to do with who God is? What is it we know about God that makes evangelism a central part of what it means to be Christian? In this comprehensive theology of evangelism, Scott J. Jones proposes to ground the practice of evangelism in an understanding of God's love for the world, specifically as seen in the incarnation of God in Christ. In Jesus, God took on all of what it means to be human. Because of this, evangelism must be a ministry to the whole person. The typical distinctions between soul-winning, social action, and church growth evaporate; individual conversion and acts of mercy are part of the same ministry of bringing persons more fully into the reign of a loving God.
Find your purpose for living through loving. Finding the love you need will only happen when you discover your true…
purpose for living. Bishop Joseph Walker's Date with Destiny will help you help you fit your plans into the deeper and richer plan God has for you. Only then will you be able to get your relationships right. Bishop Walker gives you the tools you need to fit the pieces of the relationship puzzle together. He shows how to embrace the concept that God means for all of us to have satisfying relationships. "This book sheds light on the power of purpose in relationships for couples. Why does God bring us together? Is there a purpose bigger than us? To these questions, I would argue, YES! When two people understand their purpose in life, it becomes a qualifier for healthy relationships. God merges their individual purposes so that they compliment, not compete with each other." from the book
When Jesus taught the disciples, his message was simple and clear. In this illuminating study, Jeff Kirby sweeps aside the…
clutter of our daily lives and takes us to the heart of Jesus’s message. With Jesus as our teacher and mentor, we explore Christian belief through Christian action, following in the footsteps of our Lord. Jesus’s message is explored in four chapters:1. The Day I Met Jesus2. Announcing Good News 3. The Ministry of Healing 4. Praying for Self and Others
A handy, inexpensive resource, More Welcome Speeches can be used by persons frequently or rarely asked to make welcome speeches.…
Sample speeches and responses are included which can also be used as a prototype for creating a welcome speech.More Welcome Speeches provides a quality resource for laypersons in the church. This volume will appeal especially to members of African American churches.In the African American community, welcoming speeches are important part of each program and service.)More Welcome Speeches:- Includes poetry, prayers, recitations, tributes, and installation services- Offers appropriate Scripture verses for special days- Provide samples speeches and responses that help the user create his or her own personal talks- Addresses many different occasions
Is the Bible still an authoritative guide? Television documentaries regularly explore the "mysteries of the Bible" and question whether its…
stories can be supported by historical facts. A multitude of people claim the Bible's authority for their own, often competing, agendas. And for many, the church has lost credibility in light of various scandals and failures. Is it any wonder, then, that a growing number of folks doubt whether the Bible is a legitimate source of religious authority, much less the word of God? In A Doubter's Guide to the Bible, Terry Giles asks the hard questions that skeptics have about the Bible. Affirming the legitimacy of doubt in light of such questions, Giles invites us to walk with him as he explores issues such as the Bible's origins, violence in the Bible and in the modern world, and the degree to which the Bible has been used as propaganda to justify particular ends. Never ignoring the doubts that may still remain, Giles suggests that the Bible's power arises from its ability to open up a space where we can meet God, who confronts us amidst all the messiness of our humanity. Whether we've never considered these questions before--and especially if we have--A Doubter's Guide to the Bible is an essential companion on our spiritual journey.
Written by a seasoned pastoral counselor, The Path of Compassion explores engaging our heartfelt empathy effectively into an attitude of…
love and acts of kindness. The books helps persons of faith to learn the dynamics of compassion as they grow into their deepest and most caring selves. It is based on the foundational truths of the scriptures to love God "with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" – and to love "your neighbor as yourself." In three sections, Greer explores the loving compassion of the heart, soul, and mind. The Path of Compassion delves into how we mature into ever-deepening levels of grace, making us more available with spiritual and emotional intimacy.
Today’s faith and biblical illiteracy in general and among those who attend church and claim to be Christian is staggering.…
Some alarmists are claiming that the Christian faith is in danger of becoming extinct. We can no longer rely on culture to support the passing on of faith in Jesus Christ to the coming generations. The Basics study is not a quick fix to this situation. It is a handcrafted tool that when used by compassionate, caring, and committed adults, will ignite their imagination for God, the Scripture, the faith community, and living a transformed life.The Basics will likely raise more questions than it answers, and that’s intentional. Don’t feel the need to make sure all the loose ends are tied up at the conclusion of your youth gathering. Allow your teens the opportunity to leave with ideas and truths on which to reflect and wrestle as they use the daily devotionals provided in the Groove: The Basics Student Journal.The Groove Bible study series invites teens to learn the essentials of their faith, own their story, and engage the world in serving Jesus. Each topical study consists of four weekly sessions that are easy to lead and relate to life issues teens face. With up to 48 weeks available, Groove is great for Sunday and mid-week gatherings for both large and small groups as well as retreats. The leader guide contains everything needed to lead teens through a Groove study, including teaching outlines, leader notes, Bible background, reflections, and parent communication.
Retrace the life of Moses from his modest birth and rescue as a baby to the courts of Pharaoh, from…
herding flocks in Midian to leading his people out of Egypt.Join Adam Hamilton as he travels from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile, the Red Sea and the wilderness exploring the sites of Moses' life. Using historical information, archaeological data, and biblical text, Hamilton guides us in the footsteps of this reluctant prophet who grew in his relationship with God and by the end of life had successfully fulfilled the role he was given.Turn your own reluctance into boldness as you examine the significant challenges facing Moses and how God shaped his character and life in powerful ways.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study, including session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
The Nutcracker is a delightful and whimsical Christmas classic that children and adults look forward to every year. First performed…
in 1892, the music, dance, and story of this classic hold a special place in our cultural Christmas celebrations.Matt Rawle, author of The Redemption of Scrooge, explores the story to help us understand God’s greatest gift of the Christ child, and the kingdom he came to establish.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study, including session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
Journey inside the pages of Scripture to meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work…
from the inside out. Shaped with the individual in mind, Immersion encourages simultaneous engagement both with the Word of God and with the God of the Word to become a new creation in Christ. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation—the Common English Bible—stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they’ll be able to discover God’s revelation through readings and reflections. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah has eight sessions.
As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them . . . —John 17:18 God sent Christ…
at Christmas. In turn, Christ sends us into the world to be his hands and feet, head and heart. Dynamic pastor Jorge Acevedo leads us on a 5-week Advent journey to discover how, where, and why we are sent. Joining him on the journey are four young clergy including Jacob Armstrong, Rachel Billups, Justin LaRosa, and Lanecia Rouse, who challenge us through story, art, and Bible study. This 64-page Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the study program. Includes session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options. This guide centers around the book, the videos, and Scripture.
A tattoo can tell a lot about a person. Some reflect a rebellious season, like the demons that cover Josh…
Hamilton of the Texas Rangers. Some express religious ties, like actor Mark Wahlberg’s once tattooed rosary. Some are symbols of love and loyalty; Some serve as remembrances, like rapper Lil Wayne’s teardrops, representing deaths of loved ones. Inked by Janet E. Kusiak and Kimberly D. Goad uses the language of tattoos to explore the question: what has marked your life? Is it a deep well of pain? Is it emotional baggage? Is it depression? In spite of events that are so deeply etched into our hearts, we have the power to change the marks that life makes on us.An estimated quarter of Americans ages 18-50 have a tattoo. What better way to show how one of the most polarizing of cultural icons can, in fact, be a metaphor for what people have in common? Using stories and slang from tattoo culture, the authors look at the new way Christ desires that we be inked by Him, as the authors explore the marks that have been made on our hearts.
Join Adam Hamilton for a six-week journey as he travels to England, following the life of John Wesley and exploring…
his defining characteristics of a Wesleyan Christian. Wesley’s story is our story. It defines our faith and it challenges us to rediscover our spiritual passion.Everything needed to conduct a six-week study and help youth grades 6-12 define what the Christian life looks like through the eyes of a Wesleyan Christian. Can be used with the adult-level DVD.
Identifying the theme of 1 Peter as how the church is to witness responsibly in a non-Christian world, Boring emphasizes…
the necessity of a sympathetic historical understanding of those parts of the letter that collide with modern cultural values and understandings of what Christian commitment and theology require. He gives special attention, as well, to the narrative world within which this ancient writer operated, and to the strong affirmation of ecumenism implicit in the letter's amalgamation of traditions stemming from Peter and Paul, respectively. "Through the years, Professor Boring has shown himself to be a master of technical exegesis and theology wedded to great pastoral concern. These twin talents are fittingly brought to bear on a New Testament document that shows the same union of rich theology and pastoral care. Indeed, the sober, centrist, yet moving commentary squares perfectly with the sober, centrist, yet moving document that is 1 Peter. If this commentary is a popularization, then it is a popularization of very high caliber; a tremendous amount of research and insight is made available and intelligible to a wide public. This commentary is not just a rehash of what everyone else has said on 1 Peter. The innovative appendix detailing the narrative world of 1 Peter is alone worth the price of admission. All in all, an excellent contribution to present-day literature on an often neglected book of the New Testament." --John P. Meier, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
Money Management from a Wesleyan PerspectiveSaving Grace is a program to help people of faith create healthy relationships with money…
and possessions and how to manage their personal finances. Participants will move through six sessions covering such topics as saving, earning, giving, spending, and debt, along with helpful strategies for achieving a sustainable financial life. Adapted from the best-selling Freed Up Financial Living from the Good Sense Movement, this study is based on Wesleyan values and provides text and tools to help participants address life concerns and reach personal financial goals.Components for a six-week study include a DVD, particiapant workbook, clergy workbook, leader guide, and a 40-day devotional.
The Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries provide compact, critical commentaries on the books of the Old Testament for the use of…
theological students and pastors. The commentaries are also useful for upper-level college or university students and for those responsible for teaching in congregational settings. In addition to providing basic information and insights into the Old Testament writings, these commentaries exemplify the tasks and procedures of careful interpretation to assist students of the Old Testament in coming to an informed and critical engagement with the biblical texts themselves.The prophetic books gathered together in the book of the Twelve are sometimes called the "minor" prophets because of their relatively small size when compared with Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. They are often neglected, at least partly because their words of judgment make the reader uncomfortable. Yet they have considerable theological and ethical value--for their call for social justice (especially Amos and Micah), their insights about the passionate love of God (in Hosea), God's grace and forgiveness (Jonah, Hosea, and elsewhere), and the finality of hope, even in the face of terrible catastrophes.
Let Web-Empowered Ministry be your comprehensive guide along your unique journey toward building a powerful internet ministry. You will learn…
the practical steps, techniques, and ideas needed to develop an excellent and effective web ministry. And learn how to apply the many tools the internet has to offer including websites, smart phones, social networking, media, instant messaging, and more to extend and multiply your ministry impact. Mark’s engaging style makes technology accessible as he offers first-hand advice on every aspect of building an internet ministry: from assembling a team to designing and maintaining your website to developing a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and more. People are coming to know Jesus. Lives are being transformed. It comes from God’s power and our use of the internet to share, teach, and connect.
Ministry leaders and other Christians find a deeply personal pathway to discern what discipleship means for them in Belonging by…
Karoline Lewis.What does it look like for you to belong to Jesus Christ? Not your colleague, or your professor, or your neighbor, or the leaders of your denomination, but you? How might your one-and-only life be patterned differently, to more truly align you with Christ? What pretense might you give up? What potential might open up for you as a leader and disciple?Belonging:5 keys to Unlock Your Potential as a Disciple helps readers to understand and live out Christian discipleship in a way that is most deeply authentic for themselves. It’s for the leader who is exhausted from trying to live by other people’s templates, who wants to figure out what it looks like to live & lead as only they can. It’s for the student or layperson desiring to follow Christ with integrity, to be themselves fully as a disciple.This book is scholarly but accessible for pastors, students, ministry leaders, and laypersons. Karoline Lewis structures it around the story of the Samaritan woman and guides the reader to discover deep connection with biblical characters who lead to self-discovery. Questions for reflection throughout the book evoke deep insights about self, theology, and discipleship.Belonging is excellent for clergy development and ministry leader development in any setting and can be read and studied alone or in groups. Pastors and other congregational leaders can work their way through the book together, in order to lead the church with greater integrity.