As leader of the Jerusalem church, what words of encouragement would James write to these persecuted Christians? Perhaps a little surprisingly, his key message was: faith works. Genuine belief inevitably transforms our speech, suffering, compassion for the poor, humility, prayers, priorities, and, frankly, every other aspect of life. In 5 chapters James introduces and briefly touches upon a whole variety of issues that concern the new believers. In a simple, forthright style he urges them to live out their faith, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for every trial and that there is a value and purpose to their suffering. James' own life illustrated this message. He had grown up with Jesus and was naturally sceptical about his brother's Messianic claims. But a post-resurrection encounter with Jesus revolutionised his life. He was transformed from a vocal critic into a key leader of the early church and prime mover in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).

This collection of responsive prayers, dialogues, monologues, extended scripts and other pieces forms the third book in the series started by "Cloth for the Cradle" and "Stages on the Way". While these first two focused on the beginning and ending of Jesus' earthly life, "Present on Earth" is concerned with the years inbetween - with the encounters and conversations, the rumour and reputation, the moments of deep assurance and equally deep provocation which marked Jesus' three year ministry. As a resouce for worship and group work this material makes us aware ina very immediate way of the vulnerable intimacy which God in becoming human.

This book considers Friedrich Froebel's work and ideas in the light of the continuing debate over methods of primary education, raising the old conflict between child-centred and traditional education; concern about the role of teacher in the classroom; and the renewed challenge of 'play' as a tool of education. To Froebel, play provided the means for a child's intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. Froebel believed that the education of a child began at birth, and that parents and teachers played a crucial role in helping children in this activity. 'Play is a mirror of life' - he wrote, leading to self discipline and respect for law and order. The events of Froebel's life are carefully documented in A Child's Work, together with their influence on his ideas and their spread. The author shows how the early death of Froebel's mother and a home lacking in love were to provide the impetus behind one of Froebel's overriding aims: the fostering of family life. The shaping of his educational thought and philosophy through contact with the ideas of other educators, especially his 'spiritual father' Pestalozzi, and philosophers such as Kant, Hegel and Krause, is examined. Froebel's continuous reassessment of the function of play in a child's life came to fruition in the concept of the Kindergarten and the creations with which he peopled it. Illustrations from original sources complement the thorough explanations of these educational innovations in the book. From the soft ball on a spring, the simplest of the Gifts, to the unravelling of more complex ideas in the Mother Songs, Froebel incorporated the various facets that he saw as important in play: the notion of the symbolic and the surmise, the tension between the known and the unknown, the development of physical dexterity and care for the environment. As we continue to shift towards an emphasis on a more formal, more restrictive and less creative mode of education, it is an appropriate time to re-examine Froebel's contribution to educational thinking, which was revolutionised by his ideas. His respect for a child as an independent, searching and creative person learning through his own actions, and for the teacher as facilitator and guide, led to monumental changes. Froebelis legacy challenges us to examine the assumptions underlying current trends in education, and our attitude towards educating young children.

John Scotus Eriugena lived in Ireland during the early ninth century. Neither monk nor priest but a 'holy sage', he carried the flower of Celtic Christianity to France. His homily, The Voice of the Eagle, is a jewel of lyrical mysticism, theology and cosmology, containing the essence of Celtic Christian wisdom.

Jesus' life is a song that still resonates down through the ages. His deeds and words speak with beauty and mystery, both comforting and confounding us. Who is this man? Over the course of his career, singer-songwriter Michael Card has explored the depths of Scripture by bringing together biblical study and the power of the imagination. Now he sheds light on the life of Jesus through lyrical reflections on the four Gospels. These forty meditations lead us to a place where Jesus becomes real and we can hear him with both hearts and minds. Listen again to the life of the Nazarene. And discover anew the music of Christ in your soul.

Christians ages 25 to 55 who with intellectual and emotional honesty wrestle with the chaos and brokenness of the world.

“The world is broken. I am broken. And my need is dire.”

This stark revelation is the path to divine surrender. Our courage has a chance to flourish when we reach a point where we have no control and nothing to lose.

In a series of letters, Rebecca Reynolds uses imagery to breathe truth to the lonely, the weary, the restless, and afraid. If you feel the ache of brokenness, you will be refreshed by the source of all courage illuminated in these pages. God is available and wants to join you, in the midst of any mess. You can take heart. As Aslan of Narnia whispered (and only Lucy heard), Courage, dear heart.

An inspiring, thematic approach to the Book of Acts. Each theme is applied directly to modern church life, and to the relationship between the church and today's world. Themes opened up include church planting, evangelistic preaching, guidance, leadership and effective communication of the gospel in message and life-style.

The call to live a Godly life... Follow Dr. Jeremiah through the letters of 1 and 2 Peter in a chapter-by-chapter study that will help you understand what it meant to the people at the time it was written, and what it means to Christians today. Peter-one of Jesus' closest disciples-composed two short letters to Jewish and Gentile believers who were suffering persecution. He offers encouragement and instructions on perseverance and holy, righteous living. He teaches that God can actually use hardships to strengthen Christians and their witness. Each of this study's twelve lessons is clearly organized to include: Getting Started: An opening question to introduce you to the lesson. Setting the Stage: A short reflection to explain the context of the study. Exploring the Text: The Scripture reading for the lesson with related study questions. Reviewing the Story: Questions to help you identify key points in the reading. Applying the Message: Questions to help you apply the key ideas to their lives. Reflecting on the Meaning: A closing reflection on the key teachings in the lesson. -ABOUT THE SERIES- The Jeremiah Bible Study Series captures Dr. David Jeremiah's forty-plus years of commitment in teaching the Word of God. In each study, you'll gain insights into the text, identify key stories and themes, and be challenged to apply the truths you uncover to your life. By the end of each study, you'll come away with a clear and memorable understanding of that Bible book. Each study also contains a Leader's Guide.

Though little can be known with certainty about the historical Jesus, the image of a heavenly figure - `Christ crucified and risen' - was constructed out of his life and teachings. This vision of divine reality transcends traditional Hebrew poetic thought, retaining its ancient power in the context of our new understanding of a vast and evolving cosmos. In order to help us form a truly contemporary Christian spirituality, Keith Ward (writing in our own time and place rather than, for example, in the 4th century like St Augustine, the 14th like Julian of Norwich, the 16th like Ignatius of Loyola, or the 20th like Thomas Merton) offers a set of reflections on what he believes to be the unique and life-transforming revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. And as we explore the spiritual truths relating to this mystery as expressed in the Gospels, meditation leads naturally to prayer.

11 lectures, Munich, August 16-26, 1910 (CW 122) How was the world created? From a direct spiritual perception of the facts, Rudolf Steiner presents a new perspective that transcends the bipolar arguments of both the creationists and the scientific reductionists. He affirms that clairvoyant research accords with the biblical descriptions, but he emphasizes that the text of Genesis has to be interpreted in a special way. In this extraordinary document, Steiner speaks of the six days of creation as a reawakening of the previous phases of the Earth's development. He describes the work of spiritual hierarchies in the creation of Earth and clarifies the relationship of the Elohim and the biblical Jehovah. In addition, Steiner discusses themes of light and darkness, the meaning of Adam and Eve, the "day of rest" on the seventh day, the stages of human development on Earth, and the special character of the Hebrew language. Also featured in this new edition is a previously unpublished introductory lecture on the meaning of mystery drama. This book is a translation from German of Die Geheimnisse der biblischen Schoepfungsgeschichte. Das Sechtagwerk im 1. Buch Moses (GA 122).

'Now my eyes have seen you." (Job 42:5) Few biblical texts are more daunting, and yet more fascinating, than the book of Job--and few have been the subject of such diverse interpretation. For Robert Fyall, the mystery of God's ways and the appalling evil and suffering in the world are at the heart of Job's significant contribution to the canon of Scripture. This study offers a holistic reading of Job, with particular reference to its depiction of creation and evil, and finds significant clues to its meaning in the striking imagery it uses. Fyall takes seriously the literary and artistic integrity of the book of Job, as well as its theological profundity. He concludes that it is not so much about sufferingper se as about creation, providence and knowing God, and how--in the crucible of suffering--these are to be understood. He encourages us to listen to this remarkable literature, to be moved by it, and to see its progress from shrieking protest to repentence and vision.

These study guides, part of a set from noted Bible scholar, John MacArthur, take readers on a journey through biblical texts to discover what lies beneath the surface, focusing on meaning and context, and then reflecting on the explored passage or concept. With probing questions that guide the reader toward application, as well as ample space for journaling, "The MacArthur Bible Studies" are invaluable tools for Bible students of all ages. This work on Ephesians is part of a New Testament commentary series which has as its objective explaining and applying Scripture, focusing on the major doctrines and how they relate to the whole of the Bible.

What was Jesus of Nazareth really like? What effect did he have on those he met and befriended? How did he impart his teachings and perform his miracles? These are the questions that James Harpur explores through Joseph of Arimathea, one of the most enigmatic characters of the gospel. After the crucifixion, Joseph embarks on a quest to find out who Jesus really was, seeking out those who knew him personally. These witnesses, all mentioned in the gospels, tell their stories, each contributing a unique insight into the Nazarene.

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. "

If yours could be the ideal marriage, what would it look like? Would it be one where hearts are open? Where faith is shared, personal growth is encouraged, dreams are nurtured, individual strengths are appreciated, romance flourishes, and even fights lead to deeper care and understanding. You can have such a marriage . . . when you build it on wisdom. Meditations on Proverbs for Couples imparts choice gems from the richest treasury of practical wisdom ever known--the book of Proverbs. You and your mate will gain insights that can help you make your marriage a source of deep satisfaction and fruitfulness. In these thirty-one meditations by marriage experts Les and Leslie Parrott, you'll explore the Bible's books of ancient wisdom to uncover thoroughly modern perspectives on communication, money, sex, commitment, recreation, anger, forgiveness, praise, humility, conflict, and more. The Parrotts share refreshing, down-to-earth reflections, brought home by candid vignettes from their own marriage and other true-life examples. Each meditation includes questions you can reflect on by yourself or discuss with your mate. The wise sayings of Proverbs must be talked about, say the Parrotts. "Read them aloud together. Commit a few to memory. And fill you marriage with wise and good conversation." It's a great way to join hearts and minds--as together you lay wisdom for the foundation of a strong, happy relationship.

The Psalms and Wisdom Literature is one of six textbooks covering the Old and New Testaments, all written by authors who have extensive experience of teaching students in their first two years of university-level study. This book offers an exploratory approach that enables students to engage with the text for themselves, and not simply to be passive learners. It provides activities and challenges at introductory and intermediate levels, the key background information needed to work at the required level, and ideas for further theological thought and reading. Students will discover: the kind of literature they are dealing with; the major questions in the scholarly study of these books; the structure and purpose of the books; the major themes and theology of each book; issues for today arising from each area of study. 'A study of the prophets that will serve admirably as a textbook for a class or a resource for individual study. I recommend this book highly to all who want to learn more about this important part of Hebrew Scriptures'. Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College 'I have found the range of topics treated by Lucas enormously impressive. From all the usual introductory topics through to detailed guidelines for interpretation, students will find here admirable summaries of the main scholarly views together with sensible comments to help evaluate them. I know of no other textbook on the Psalms and Writings that will service its intended readership so helpfully'. Professor H.G.M. Williamson, Regius Professor of Hebrew, University of Oxford Comments on Exploring the Old Testament: The Prophets: 'It fulfils superbly its aim of making the prophets accessible to the student reader' Professor Robert P. Gordon, University of Cambridge.

The Biblical Psalms are the great treasury of Judeo-Christian spirituality. Yahweh dwells within them. Psychologically, this means that the living presence of the Self animates the Psalms, which therefore have the power to constellate the archetype of the God-image in those individuals who are receptive to their influence. Even many self-professed irreligious people have been astonished to discover that certain Psalms were the only texts that spoke to their condition during a period of grave psychic upheaval. Today, traditional Judeo-Christianity is at a crucial turning point. But the poetry of the Psalms still rewards the effort to understand and relate their message to individual, contemporary, psychological experience. Originally a lecture series, The Sacred Psyche resonates with Dr. Edinger's heartfelt, deeply honest responses to these powerful texts.

Latest in the popular Keswick Devotionals series (30 days of readings with application for today)

The Straight to the Heart commentary series brings greater accessibility to the Bible so that people can understand the message that the Holy Spirit inspired the authors to write. It aims to get people reading so that they can hear God's voice for themselves; it will challenge them and provide a springboard into a deeper relationship with the divine.

In Straight to the Heart of Solomon we learn from Proverbs, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes that life only works God's way. That's what Solomon teaches us in the book of Proverbs and it's what he celebrates in his risque 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.

The series will cover the whole Bible in 25 volumes to be published through 2015. Previously published volumes include Genesis, Moses, 1 & 2 Samuel, Matthew, John, Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, and Revelation.

"Fresh. Solid. Simple. Really good stuff."

--R. T. Kendall

"Phil Moore has served us magnificently."

--Terry Virgo

"Most commentaries are dull. These are alive. Most commentaries are for scholars. These are for you "

--Michael Green

"Think of these books as the Bible's message distilled for everyone."

--Adrian Warnock

This book of 24 undated reflections draws comfort and inspiration from the Bible and from experience for those who are going through a time of bereavement, as well as providing insight for those wanting to support others who are bereaved. Jean Watson suggests how it might feel to get through the dark days and to move, however slowly, from 'getting by' with help, to 'getting a life' in which living with loss goes alongside the gains in terms of new insights on faith and life and a greater ability to empathise with others.

A powerful devotional commentary series designed to inform and inspire

God is invisible. That's a problem. It was a problem in ancient Egypt and it's still a problem today. In a world where people tend to worship what they can see and feel and taste and touch, an invisible God is all too easy to ignore. That's why we need Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy to show us God's glorious master plan to be seen through his People.

Straight to the Heart of Moses is one of a series of devotional commentaries, which allow people to get to grips with each book of the Bible one bite at a time. Phil Moore does not cover the whole of each book, but rather focuses on key sections which together form a useful introduction. There will be 25 volumes in all, each containing 60 readings. The short chapters are punchy and relevant, yet crammed with fascinating scholarship.

"Phil Moore has served us magnificently."
Terry Virgo

"Most commentaries are dull. These are alive. Most commentaries are for scholars. These are for you "
Michael Green

"Think of these books as the Bible's message distilled for everyone."
Adrian Warnock