Mary Grey takes the reader on a contemporary Lenten journey through a series of profound theological reflections on the search for peace and reconciliation in Israel/Palestine. Along the way she explores the core Christian concepts of redemption, atonement and resurrection from the perspective of justice-making in the real world, pursuing a spirituality of perseverance and steadfastness ('sumud') deriving from her work with Middle Eastern Christians. The book draws on all four Gospels and the book of Revelation, providing biblical inspiration for the quest for peace.

In relishing and taking full advantage of the room the biblical text leaves for the imagination, Trevor Dennis has produced a beautifully crafted collection of poetry and prose that releases the power of the gospel story afresh. Not only does he pay careful heed to the women of the Gospels, he also seeks to enter into the minds of those 'on the other side' in material written from the perspective of Pilate, 'the Jews' and someone who is fighting against the uncomfortable truths of Good Friday.

Simon Ponsonby presents 52 weekly chapters focused around the book of Romans, bringing Paul's greatest letter to life. Blending careful theological and historical detail with illuminating application, this work is somewhat more substantial than most devotionals. No other New Testament epistle has such scope and depth: Touching on every major theological theme, Romans is intellectually and theologically massive. This remarkable epistle has had a huge impact on the Church over the Centuries: Augustine of Hippo, the great architect of Western theology, was converted while reading Romans. Martin Luther's encounter with the text led to a personal revival and the European Reformation. and Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones refused to teach on Romans for decades until he had grappled with and understood chapter 6. This passionate, illuminating devotional will prove to be a potent means of grace and growth.

Whether used as an individual Bible study or used for studying with a group, the "Nelson Impact Bible Study Guide Series will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Bible, book by book.

Written in an easy-to-read, interesting style, each study guide will help you to experience the true meaning of the messages of the Bible, and in turn, empower you to truly make a difference in the world for Christ.

Key Features Include:

Timelines

Fun cultural facts and probing questions

Plenty of room for taking notes

Biblical and present-day maps

Other study guides in the series include:

1 Corinthians ISBN: 1418506192

Exodus ISBN: 1418506168

Genesis ISBN: 1418506087

Isaiah ISBN: 1418506095

John ISBN: 1418506109

Mark ISBN: 1418506184

Romans ISBN: 1418506117

Ruth & Esther ISBN: 1418506176

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."

This Lent book will explore biblical stories and characters that exemplify a whole range of relationships, in good times and bad. Relationships will be defined very widely, to include even people who don't see themselves in 'relationship'. The stories will be related to common emotions - love, friendship, rivalry, conflict, trust, hatred, fear - and linked with 21st-century attitudes, culture and moral dilemmas. The book will cover OT stories as well as NT, and explore dysfunctional as well as functional relationships to make clear how experiences of loss and failure - which culminated, for Jesus, in the Cross - are inevitably part of our relationships, but can be healed by the Resurrection. The making of choices is pivotal in our life journey and these meditations will focus on key moments of decision, and their consequences. This will often involve reflection on the power of temptation: the ways in which biblical characters respond to it, and their varying success in withstanding it. The reflections will range widely, but will start with Jesus' temptations and conclude with stories from Holy Week and Easter, so that the relevance to Lent is maintained.

When someone is grieving, what should you say? How can you help? How do you comfort without offering shallow platitudes? The Book of Comforts stands in the gap between suffering and hope, offering readers the abiding comfort found in Scripture and personal experience. The Book of Comforts is unlike other books on grief--with beautiful four-color interiors, an inviting format with brief devotions, and a ribbon marker. Readers will gain: Long-term comfort from scripturally focused entries A deeper understanding of their grief, loss, and pain, and discover the richness of God's love A meaningful way to walk through hurt, heartache, challenges, and difficulty through the truth of God's Word Scripture deals plainly and honestly with suffering and simultaneously points people to the rich hope we find in God. The Book of Comforts is a beautiful and comforting gift for those in hard places--because even though we don't always know what to say, the gift of divine consolation is always helpful.

Like the other Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles - stories of the exploits of the key figures of early Christianity - The Acts of Peter provides a window into the processes of oral and written composition that shaped early Christian narrative. The text most probably did not achieve the form of an extended written narrative until the mid-second century, undergoing repeated oral and written reformulation. In this book Thomas looks at the sources and subsequent versions of the Acts and argues that 'transmissional fluidity' - the existence of the work in several versions or multiforms - is a characteristic the Acts share with many related works, from the Jewish novels of Esther and Daniel to the Greek romance about Alexander the Great and the Christian Gospels of Jesus. The fluidity of these narratives, says Thomas, allowed them to accommodate the changing historical circumstances of their audiences.

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition with Introduction and notes by theology staff of the University of Navarre. Accompanied by New Vulgate Text.

Positioned at the boundary of traditional biblical studies, legal history, and literary theory, Deuteronomy and the Hermeneutics of Legal Innovation shows how the leglislation of Deuteromomy reflects the struggle of its authors to renew late seventh-century Judaean society. Seeking to defend their revolutionary vision during the neo-Assyrian crisis, the reformers turned to earlier laws, even when they disagreed with them, and revised them in such a way as to lend authority to their new understanding of God's will. Passages that other scholars have long viewed as redundant, contradictory, or displaced actually reflect the attempt by Deuteronomy's authors to sanction their new religious aims before the legacy of the past. Drawing on ancient Near Eastern law and informed by the rich insights of classical and medieval Jewish commentary, Levinson provides an extended study of three key passages in the legal corpus: the unprecedented requirement for the centralization of worship, the law transforming the old Passover into a pilgrimage festival, and the unit replacing traditional village justice with a professionalized judiciary. He demonstrates the profound impact of centralization upon the structure and arrangement of the legal corpus, while providing a theoretical analysis of religious change and cultural renewal in ancient Israel. The book's conclusion shows how the techniques of authorship developed in Deuteronomy provided a model for later Israelite and post-biblical literature. Integrating the most recent European research on the redaction of Deuteronomy with current American and Israeli scholarship, Levinson argues that biblical interpretation must attend to both the diachronic and the synchronic dimensions of the text. His study, which provides a new perspective on intertextuality, the history of authorship, and techniques of legal innovation in the ancient world, will engage Pentateuchal critics and historians of Israelite religion, while reaching out toward current issues in literary theory and Critical Legal Studies. `Bernard Levinson is a brilliant young scholar who has written an outstanding book about how the Covenant Code from Mount Sinai became the Code of Deuteronomy at the borders of the River Jordan. It is a fascinating discourse on how to change law without changing tradition. The importance of Biblical law for canon theory, Biblical narrative, and Israelite religion usually is underestimated; this new approach will hopefully get more people reading law, and especially Deuteronomy. It will be compelling to both American and European readers as it integrates the leading scholarly discourses of both communities.' Norbert Lohfink, SJ, Professor of Biblical Studies, Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Sankt Georgen, Frankfurt `An exemplary work of biblical scholarship-careful and controlled by analytic rigour, yet bold and innovative in its scope and suggestions. Students of ancient law, legal literature, religion, and culture will greatly benefit from Levinson's work.' Michael Fishbane, Nathan Cummings Professor of Jewish Studies, University of Chicago `In noting that the Deuteronomic innovations were not simply interpolated into a reworked version of the Covenant Code but rather presented in a new, complete composition, Levinson demonstrates his own primary commitment to the text, to the history of textual transmission, and to the social milieu in which the text functions. Levinson elegantly presents the use of the Covenant Code as both a source and resource for the Deuteronomic authors.' Martha T. Roth, Professor, Oriental Institute, University of Chicago and Editor-in-Charge of the Chicago Assyrian Dictionary `Bernard Levinson's book is a major study. He demonstrates the radical break with the past and the way in which the authors or composers of Deuteronomy not only transformed religion and society in ancient Israel but also radically revised its literary history. The power and accomplishment of the Deuteronomic movement has rarely been so clearly demonstrated. Levinson's work is a clarification of the way in which hermeneutics is not something that starts with the interpreter's handling of the canonical text but is a process by which the canonical text itself came into being. He shows how the new text subverts and dominates older texts in behalf of a radical cultural and religious transformation. With this book, Levinson places himself in the front rank of Deuteronomy scholars.' Patrick D. Miller, Charles P. Haley Professor of Old Testament Exegesis and Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary

Thomas Oden provides a modern commentary on the pastoral letters grounded in the classical, consensual tradition of interpretation. Oden utilizes the best and most accurate research concerning the historical, literary, and philological aspects of the pastoral letters. He addresses tough issues: the role of women in worship, problems of the rich and poor, the relation between servants and masters, policies concerning support of elderly widows, and how to handle church disruptions.

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.

Luke's christology is carefully designed. Luke portrays the exalted Jesus as God's co-equal by the kinds of things he does and says from heaven. Through the Holy Spirit, the divine name and personal manifestations, Jesus behaves toward people in Luke-Acts as does Yahweh in the Old Testament. His power and knowledge are supreme. Jesus sovereignly reigns over Israel, the church, the powers of darkness and the world. Luke deepens this portrait by depicting Jesus as deity who by nature behaves as servant: the earthly Jesus acted among his people as one who serves; the exalted Jesus continues serving his people by strengthening and encouraging them in their witness of him to the world. That the believers in Acts resemble the way Jesus behaved in the Gospel means that they too are now imaging some of his servant-like character in their witness of him.

Lo and Behold! is for everyone who has ever wondered what makes the Bible one of the world's greatest and most enduring works of literary genius. From the first awe-inspiring story of creation to the extraordinary antics of the book of Jonah, this volume offers an intriguing journey through some of the Bible's most significant and memorable narratives. Trevor Dennis entertains as well as enlightens, and enables the reader to experience the richness of texture and depth of meaning that lie beneath the surface of our English translations.

Model Your Life on the Great Women of the Bible Who Trusted God and Found Him Faithful. Studies of 6 women from the Bible---each with 6 sessions---for personal reflection or group study. Through intriguing stories of biblical women, the Women of the Bible study series helps readers see how God wants to work in their lives. Questions and activities are designed to encourage personal application, understanding, and prayer, and to foster interaction within study groups. Each chapter includes 8 sections: Opening Narrative, Discussing the Story, Sharing Your Story, After Hours, Setting the Stage, Behind the Scenes, Prayer Meetings, and Words to Remember. The leader s guide makes it easy to facilitate weekly Bible studies to nurture knowledge of Scripture and a sense of God s presence in life. Esther: a Jewish orphan who became queen of Persia and saved her people---Choose to be a woman God delights to use no matter what the circumstances Mary: a young woman who said yes to God s incredible plan for her life---Obedience can be a joyous choice that is blessed by God Deborah: a leader of Israel when God s people were in a period of great decline---Faith, courage, and devotion toward God have a powerful impact in a woman s life Hannah: a woman who poured out her heart to God and received a miracle---Understand the wisdom and importance of committing dreams to God Sarah: a woman of faith whose insecurities sometimes got the better of her---Face life s uncertainties, move beyond fear, and enjoy a faith-filled relationship with God Ruth: a daughter-in-law who left her own people out of loyalty to Naomi---Trust the Lord through faith and action in difficult times"

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.

Where is God when life is filled with so much suffering? How can I be sure of God's presence and affection, even in my pain? Can you believe in God and still wrestle with questions and doubt? These are the questions honestly explored in Relentless. Whether in struggle, illness, death, or failure, the presence of pain causes us to question the presence of God. We pray and watch the sky, crossing our spiritual fingers for hardcore proof of God's nearness. And in the silence, we sense something more sinister: perceived abandonment. But what if we could collect evidence that God hasn't left us? What if we could be absolutely certain of God's presence and affection, strengthening our faith against any assault? Woven throughout Scripture sits a single, extraordinary theme: God is with us. Ours is a God who speaks through burning bushes and leads through pillars of fire, who responds to a broken world by giving himself. Like the Old Testament story of Joshua's altar of twelve stones, Relentless delivers twelve key biblical stories that demonstrate God's unfailing presence. Each chapter offers an invitation to identify a "stone" in your own life as tangible evidence of God's nearness. With the turn of the last page, you will have discovered twelve markers of your own, an altar of memory to carry you through questions and losses, even ones yet to come. For the truth-seekers, those drowning in impossible questions, and those who find themselves swallowed up by the dark, Relentless is an invitation to search for divine presence in our everyday stories. With Michele Cushatt's engaging narrative style, this transformational journey reassures us that God, indeed, is with us.

In 1958, Bible scholar Morton Smith announced the discovery of a sensational manuscript-a second-century letter written by St. Clement of Alexandria, who quotes an unknown, longer version of the Gospel of Mark. When Smith published the letter in 1973, he set off a firestorm of controversy that has raged ever since. Is the text authentic, or a hoax? Is Smith's interpretation correct? Did Jesus really practice magic, or homosexuality? And if the letter is a forgery . . . why?
Through close examination of the "discovered" manuscript's text, Peter Jeffery unravels the answers to the mystery and tells the tragic tale of an estranged Episcopalian priest who forged an ancient gospel and fooled many of the best biblical scholars of his time. Jeffery shows convincingly that Smith's Secret Gospel is steeped in anachronisms and that its construction was influenced by Oscar Wilde's "Salome," twentieth-century misunderstandings of early Christian liturgy, and Smith's personal struggles with Christian sexual morality.

This collection by Scandinavian scholars offers new studies on classical and modern problems in relation to the Fourth Gospel. There are essays on John and the Synoptics, and on John and the Qumran Scrolls. Other essays present new literary approaches such as the question of the 'implied reader', biblical imagery, and irony and sectarianism. Central theological issues are discussed, including the problem of anti-Judaism, the interpretation of the death of Jesus, the concept of mission, the relation between community and ethics, and the understanding of God in the Johannine writings.

Following Christ is a dynamic venture in faith. God may call his people to step into the unknown, but he travels with them on their way. This collection of daily readings, activities and prayers provides a valuable resource for the journey. Nick Aiken highlights the discoveries and liberating truths which await the traveller. Here are the essentials for survival: learning to let go, how to be spiritually equipped, how to deal with the excess baggage we carry, and how we can embrace our ultimate destination - the place where God's love enfolds and fulfils us. As we move on towards a glorious future, we can also experience God's presence in the strains and stresses of everyday life. Deeply practical and profound, this guidebook addresses the needs of both seasoned Christians and new disciples who have just started out on their journey with Jesus.

The last generation of gospel scholarship has considered the reconstruction and analysis of the audience behind the gospels as paradigmatic. The key hermeneutical template for reading the gospels has been the quest for the community that each gospel represents. This scholarly consensus regarding the audience of the gospels has been reconsidered. Using as a test case one of the most entrenched gospels, Edward Klink explores the evidence for the audience behind the Gospel of John. This study challenges the prevailing gospel paradigm by examining the community construct and its functional potential in early Christianity, the appropriation of a gospel text and J. L. Martyn's two-level reading of John, and the implied reader located within the narrative. The study concludes by proposing a more appropriate audience model for reading John, as well as some implications for the function of the gospel in early Christianity.

Stephen Ahearne-Kroll examines the literary interaction between the Gospel of Mark's passion narrative and four Psalms of Individual Lament evoked in it. These four psalms depict a David who challenges God's role in his suffering, who searches for understanding of his suffering in light of his past relationship with God, and who attempts to shame God into acting on his behalf only because he is suffering. Mark alludes to these psalms in reference to Jesus; David's concerns become woven into the depiction of Jesus. Reading David's challenge to God as part of Jesus' going 'as it is written of him' (i.e., suffering and dying according to Scripture; Mark 14:21) calls into question the necessity for Jesus' death within an apocalyptic framework of meaning. Finally, the suffering King David offers a more appropriate model for Jesus' suffering in Mark than that of the servant from Deutero-Isaiah.

Persons with dementia present a challenge for theology and pastoral care. In a dialogue with traditional theological, medical, social psychological, and nursing science approaches, this work develops a practical theological method for describing and counseling persons suffering from dementia. It then elucidates specific forms of appropriate pastoral care for persons with dementia, including religious worship, biography work, bibliodrama, pastoral care for the body, and spiritual care of the dying.

90 Devotions for a Successful and Abundant Life

In Next Level Thinking, Joel Osteen wrote that we weren't created to go through life weighed down by addictions, dysfunction, guilt, or the past. God created us to be free. This companion devotional encourages readers to leave behind the negative mindsets, the scarcity mentality, and the limitations others have put on us, and shows us how to enjoy the positive life God meant for us with motivational daily readings and inspirational prayers.

Unlike Any Other Bible You Have Read As this unique, chronological presentation of God's story daily unfolds before you, you will begin to appreciate God's plan for your life as never before. Reading the Bible will become a fresh, inviting, transformational experience. In the Daily Bible (R) NIV, you'll find these helpful features: The New International Version ...the most popular modern version of Scripture, a highly respected and understandable translation. Chronological/Historical Arrangement of Every Book of the Bible ...lets you easily understand God's redemptive plan as you read from creation to Revelation in the order the events actually occurred. Devotional Commentary ...leads you smoothly through Scripture, painting the scene for what you are about to read with historical and spiritual insights. 365 Convenient Daily Reading Segments ...arranged so you can read all of God's Word in one year. Topical Arrangements for Proverbs and Ecclesiastes ...enable you to focus on specific aspects of God's wisdom.