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Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > The Bible > Bible readings or selections
Do you long for a closer, deeper walk with God? Would you like to
know more about what the Bible says about spiritual intimacy? We
say we know about God's love in our heads, but has it really
percolated through to our hearts? The Bible employs the metaphor of
Christ, the Lover, and believers, his beloved. Yet this rich
relationship potential is relatively unexplored in modern popular
books, and we are the poorer for it. Using Song of Songs and other
Bible sources, the author explores the dynamics of our
relationship. We come to understand more fully what it is for
Christ to love us and for us to love him. Contents Desire - You're
the one I want Show me your face Jesus is not my boyfriend, but...
Is the Song of Songs really about me and Jesus? Insecurity Delight
Springtime Belonging Distance Christ finds us beautiful Christ gets
crazy for love Finally, consummation Distant again Spiritual
intimacy betrayed and lost through porn Porn-spoiled lives restored
Reconciled Still beautiful to him Spirals of longing and love
Conclusion: the power of spiritual marriage in the storms This
portrayal of the living dynamics of a believer's relationship with
Christ cannot fail to transform our devotional life profoundly.
Matthew - the visit of the Magi, the Sermon on the Mount, the Great
Commission: these are only a few of the well-known passages that
draw readers specifically to Matthew's gospel. Yet it begins with a
forbidding list of unknown names and apparently irrelevant
'begettings'. In fact, the early church may have placed Matthew
first in the New Testament because it more fully than any other
Gospel provides a Christian perspective on the relation between the
church and the Jews, an issue that is still important today. R. T.
France tackles this and other key issues in the Gospel with
clarity, reliability and relevance.This classic commentary has been
completely retypeset and presented in a fresh, vibrant new large
paperback format, with new global branding.
Narrating the story from the perspective of key characters gives us
insights into its many horrors and uncertainties as well as its
joys
The Little Book of Advent is an indispensable collection of
readings from some of the most celebrated modern-day spiritual
writers, with passages specially selected for each day of Advent.
These carefully chosen insights come from men and women, lay and
ordained, across the denominational spectrum, and their wisdom is
combined with both a suggested scripture passage, and a prayer to
make your own. This book can be used either for self-reflection or
to spark discussion in groups during an Advent course. It is a
volume that will become a treasured part of your prayer life during
the run-up to Christmas, and can be used year after year. Canon
Arthur Howells is a retired priest, having served all his ministry
in the Church in Wales.
Making use of his true scholar's understanding, yet writing in an
approachable and anecdotal style, Tom Wright manages to convey the
simplicity, and helps to unravel the great complexity, of this
extraordinary gospel. He describes it as "one of the great books in
the literature of the world; and part of its greatness is the way
it reveals its secrets not just to high-flown learning, but to
those who come to it with humility and hope".
In this fresh and gripping exposition, David Prior writes first of
all as a pastor. His conviction is that 1 Corinthians is uniquely a
tract for our times. His aim is that churches will recognise the
problems and tensions inherent in being God's people in the
increasingly urban world today, and not be ignorant of the true
spirituality that is the work of the Holy Spirit. He wishes for
each of them as a body to grow to express the total lordship of
Christ. For Paul, he points out, Corinth as a strategic test case:
if the gospel of Christ could change lives there, it could do so
anywhere. He saw in the Corinthian believers the rich resources for
Christian ministry and mission that are present in every local
church.
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John 14-17
(Paperback)
Simon Manchester; Edited by Elizabeth McQuoid
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R182
R148
Discovery Miles 1 480
Save R34 (19%)
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Ships in 9 - 15 working days
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Troubled. Confused. Uncertain. After 3 years with Jesus there was
so much the disciples didn't understand. They were still reeling
from the news that someone in their inner circle would betray the
Lord. Worse still, Jesus predicted that their fiery and courageous
friend Peter would deny him, and that his death was imminent. It
seemed unthinkable. What would Jesus say to them? What comfort
could he possibly offer? Reclining around the meal table, Jesus
answered questions, taught and prayed for his disciples. In this
final tutorial, he wanted to remind them of his love and
faithfulness. Regardless of what was to come and how things looked,
he was in complete control, and events would indeed unfold
according to his sovereign plan.
There are times in our lives when we especially need encouragement,
which gives us the determination to keep going whatever our
circumstances. During times of distress, joy, and hopelessness,
David poured out his heart to the Lord and documented it in the
Psalms. We, too, live in a fallen world, which is at enmity with
God. But immersing ourselves in God's Word lifts our heads and
enables us to live life filled with hope. Within these pages, you
will find a 40-day journey of discovery, exploring vital and
life-changing principles from God's Word. These devotionals, built
around key verses in the Psalms, reflect on how God encouraged
David, and they provide daily encouragement for Christians today.
End-of-chapter prayers and an opportunity to journal help anchor
the daily truths into the reality of your own life.
CHRISTIAN STUDIES / MYSTICISM "In this rich and lucid translation,
Jean-Yves Leloup unlocks mysteries of the enigmatic bridal chamber
found in the Gospel of Philip and sheds new light on their
associations with Jewish esoteric tradition." --Margaret Starbird,
author of The Woman with the Alabaster Jar: Mary Magdalen and the
Holy Grail "For scholars and seekers alike, every page of this book
opens profound new dimensions in the teachings of Jesus." --Jacob
Needleman, author of Lost Christianity and The American Soul The
mainstream position of the Christian church on sexuality was
perhaps best summed up by Pope Innocent III (1160-1216) when he
stated that "the sexual act is so shameful that it is intrinsically
evil." Another Christian theologian maintained that "the Holy Ghost
is absent from the room shared by a wedded couple." The apostle
Philip, however, records in his gospel that Christ said precisely
the opposite: The nuptial chamber is in fact the holy of holies.
For Philip the Holy Trinity includes the feminine presence--God is
the Father, the Holy Ghost is the Mother, and Jesus is the Son--and
neither man nor woman alone is created in the image of God. It is
only in their relationship with one another--the sacred embrace in
which they share the divine breath--that they resemble God. The
Gospel of Philip is best known for its portrayal of the physical
relationship shared by Jesus and his most beloved disciple, Mary
Magdalene. Because it ran counter to Church dogma, however, which
condemned "the works of the flesh," Philip's gospel was suppressed
and eventually lost until rediscovered at Nag Hammadi in 1947.
Orthodox theologian Jean-Yves Leloup's translation of the gospel
from theCoptic and his analysis of this scripture are presented
here for the first time in English. What emerges from this
important source text is a restoration of the sacred initiatic
union between the male and the female principles that was once at
the heart of Christianity's sacred mystery. JEAN-YVES LELOUP, an
Orthodox theologian and professor of theology, philosophy, and
psychology, is the founder of the International College of
Therapists. His other books include The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
and a forthcoming translation and commentary on the Gospel of
Thomas. He lives in France.
The idea of The Rapture",the return of Christ to rescue and deliver
Christians off the earth,is an extremely popular interpretation of
the Bible's Book of Revelation and a jumping-off point for the
best-selling Left Behind" series of books. This interpretation,
based on a psychology of fear and destruction, guides the daily
acts of thousands if not millions of people worldwide. In The
Rapture Exposed , Barbara Rossing argues that this script for the
world's future is nothing more than a disingenuous distortion of
the Bible. The truth, Rossing argues, is that Revelation offers a
vision of God's healing love for the world. The Rapture Exposed
reclaims Christianity from fundamentalists' destructive reading of
the biblical story and back into God's beloved community.
Do you ever feel like Jesus couldn't possibly know what you are
going through? He's the God of the universe after all! Does he
really know your daily struggles? The good news is: he does. For
thirty-three years Jesus felt everything you have ever felt:
weakness, weariness, sadness, rejection. His feet got tired and his
head ached. He was tempted and his strength was tested. And you
know why? Because in becoming human, Jesus made it possible for us
to see God. His tears, God's tears. His voice, God's voice. Want to
know what matters to God? Find out what matters to Jesus. Want to
know what in the world God is doing? Ponder the words and life of
Jesus. For more than three decades, pastor and bestselling author
Max Lucado has shown us Jesus. In this capstone book, he takes us
further on the journey to know the life and character of the
Savior. This book describes both the person Jesus was on earth and
how to live in a personal relationship with him. It is divided into
six sections: Immanuel Friend Teacher Miracle Worker Lamb of God
Returning King This compilation from Max Lucado gives readers the
chance to become more familiar with the man at the center of the
greatest story ever told. Max explores Jesus' life, death, and
resurrection, including how Jesus interacted with his friends and
his enemies, what he did with time alone, and how he acted at a
party. Max writes, "Don't settle for a cursory glance or a
superficial understanding. Look long into the heart of Christ and
you'll see it. Grace and life. Forgiveness of sin. The defeat of
death. This is the hope he gives." Jesus wants you to know him. As
you read these pages, may the hero of all history talk to you
personally, and may you find in him the answer to your deepest
needs.
Peter, John and Jude may sound a bit like a teenage boy band, but
they were men that God used to rescue the Church in its darkest
hour. False teachers on the inside and persecution on the outside
threatened to strangle the Christian community at birth. In a world
where the Church appears to be in terminal decline, we need their
letters to show us how to survive and thrive and advance. 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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The Book of Luke
(Paperback)
Joyce Gibson; Edited by Larry Richards
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R366
R283
Discovery Miles 2 830
Save R83 (23%)
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Discover What a Friend You Have in Jesus He's the Savior of the
world, the Friend who stands by the sick and brokenhearted. He was
perfectly human-and perfectly holy. He heals and empowers. All this
and more is uniquely captured in Luke's New Testament Gospel. The
Smart Guide to the Bible: The Book of Luke takes you verse-by-verse
through Jesus' life and ministry. You will be encouraged and
emboldened, just as the early Christians were. The Smart Guide to
the Bible is a series of simplified commentaries designed to
uncomplicate God's word for everyday Bible readers. Every page
contains handy features or learning aids like these:
cross-references to other Scriptures brief commentaries from
experts points to ponder the big picture of how passages fit with
the entire Bible practical tips for applying biblical truths to
life simple definitions of key words and concepts interesting maps,
charts, and illustrations wrap-ups of each biblical passage study
questions Whether you're new to the Bible, a long-time student of
Scripture, or somewhere in between, you'll appreciate the many ways
The Smart Guide to the Bible: The Book of Luke goes far beyond your
typical Bible study tool. The practical, relevant helps on each
page lead you to get the most out of God's word.
The most comprehensive English-language commentary on Daniel in 65
years. Collins situates the Old Testament in its historical context
and offers a full explanation of the text, especially its religious
imagery.
Storytelling is a vital skill for everyone in ministry of any kind.
Everything we are and everything we do revolves around the big
story of God's love for us and how we respond to it. Tell It
Together combines stories that have been written to read well aloud
with tools for groups to share them effectively. The stories can be
used on their own, to enhance a theme or Bible passage, or
alongside other activities as the basis for clubs or creative
worship gatherings and festivals.
A steaming cup of coffee, a heart-warming story, a poignant time
of meditation and prayer in your favorite place of solitude. A few
quiet moments alone with God―what a great way to begin . . . or end
. . . your day.
Now, Charles, Swindoll, the master communicator whose compelling
stories and eye-opening insights have helped millions of people
find and build meaningful relationships with God, brings you this
moving collection of 365 daily devotionals. Based on the Bible and
his best-selling classic, "The Finishing Touch," this new book
provides just what you need to open your heart to the Lord's love
and leading every day.
Your soul-strengthening journey through this volume can begin at
any time during the year. And you will be drawn ever nearer to the
heart of God through these brief encounters with Him as you study
and worship "Day by Day with Charles Swindoll."
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