An expert Bible teacher unpacks key passages from Romans.

Wanting to go deeper in your journey as a Messy Church leader or helper, or are you just curious about what makes Messy Church a way of being church together? This accessible booklet contains 31 short Bible passages, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, exploring the core values of Messy Church and reinforcing the creativity, hospitality, joy, inclusivity and character of Jesus.

The place: Persia. The time: fifth century BC. The Jews were threatened with genocide. A decree ordered the extermination of young and old, women and children. The book of Esther describes how this crisis was averted through the bravery of Esther, the wisdom of her stepfather and the unity of the Jewish people. It also reveals the God who quietly - and sometimes unexpectedly - works behind the scenes to order the events of our lives.

Large Print Edition. For years, the beloved classic devotional Streams in the Desert has sustained and replenished God's weary desert travelers. Now, bursting forth like a sparkling-clear river of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration, this updated edition of Streams in the Desert promises to revive and refresh today's generations of faithful sojourners, providing daily Scripture passages from the popular, readable New International Version-and modern, easy-to-understand language that beautifully captures the timeless essence of the original devotional.

In Man of Sorrows, King of Glory, Jonty Rhodes uses the traditional categories of Jesus as prophet, priest, and king to enhance the Christian understanding of his life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

Fresh translation and facing-page annotations bring the compelling wisdom of the Hebrew prophets to life.

Hundreds of commentaries and dozens of Bible translations make the Hebrew prophets available to modern-day readers, but most often these sources focus on history or apologetics, losing the reader who is searching for spiritual insight.

"The Hebrew Prophets: Selections Annotated & Explained" makes the wisdom of these timeless teachers available to readers with no previous knowledge of the prophets. With fresh, contemporary commentary, Rami Shapiro reveals the central themes covered by all the prophets: moving from ignorance to wisdom, injustice to justice, cruelty to compassion, and despair to joy.

This unique look at the Hebrew Prophets sharpens the personal nature of their message and highlights their critique of the spiritual errors we all face in life, challenging readers to correct those errors and experience a life of awakening and joy.

Using the metaphor of a seed, Jen Baker encourages us all to nurture the promises God sows into our lives, and equips us to stand firm as we learn to understand the different stages a promise undergoes towards fulfilment. God loves to sow promises in our hearts, but they very rarely come to fruition immediately. Often they can take many years to come to fruition and too often the storms of life can rob the hope we have and we can let go of these promises. But what if these dark times were all part of the journey to fulfilled promises - would that give us hope to persevere? Through personal experience Jen Baker has learned over the years that God works in seasons, and the more that we can understand our current season, the greater impact it can have on future victories. As Jen has seen, too many people over the years give up on a promise, or abort that promise, simply because they did not understand their season. So, using a seed as a metaphor for the journey, Jen shares six key stages a promise undergoes toward fulfilled purpose. Each stage of the journey is detailed, including what to expect and how we could respond. The book weaves together biblical reflections on how Jesus' life fits this pattern, and her own personal successes and failures so that readers are inspired to view their lives through the lens of promise. With questions for readers to reflect on further, this book is a gently challenging look at how we can all live fully in the calling God has uniquely designed for each of us.

Jack Countryman's trademarked God's Wisdom® series and God's Promises® series have sold millions of books over the years. Now he brings his two most popular series together in the ultimate gift book, God's Wisdom and Promises.

This incredibly useful gift book from bestselling author Jack Countryman is composed of topically divided Scriptures that reveal what the Bible says about key experiences and needs in life. Scripture is in the trusted New King James Version of the Bible.

More than 90 important topics include God's guidance on relationships, finances, difficult situations, frightening scenarios, ethical issues, and when a friend needs encouragement, as well as what the Bible says about mercy, loyalty, caring for others, disagreements, faithfulness, and obedience, among many others.

The focus of God's Wisdom and Promises is the grace, love, hope, blessings, and knowledge that God offers His people. While much of the success of the God's Promises series comes from people looking for guidance in times of crisis, God's Wisdom and Promises alsoprovides readers with positive promises to rely on. God's Wisdom and Promises is an easy impulse purchase for anyone needing encouragement or an ideal gift for any occasion.

En Nunca estas solo, Max Lucado, el pastor y autor best seller del New York Times, te mostrara que eres mas fuerte de lo que crees porque Dios esta mas cerca de lo que te das cuenta. Seras consolado por el Dios vivo, amoroso y hacedor de milagros que ni lo pensara dos veces antes de entrar en los matorrales espinosos de tu mundo para sacarte de alli. Cuando sentimos que la vida no es suficiente, ?le importa a Dios? Cuando lo escucho decir "No", ?tiene una respuesta? Cuando me enfrento a una avalancha de desafios, ?me ayudara? Cuando la vida se vuelve oscura y tormentosa, ?se da cuenta? Cuando me enfrento al temor a la muerte, ?me ayudara? La respuesta en los milagros que dan vida en el Evangelio de Juan es un rotundo si. En este libro, Max Lucado te ayudara a: Darte cuenta de que Jesus esta caminando contigo y levantandote de tus tormentas. Permanecer en la gracia de la cruz, el milagro de la tumba vacia, y la garantia del poder de la restauracion. Creer que Dios es tu fuente de ayuda siempre presente. Reconocer que nunca estas sin esperanza o fuerza porque nunca, nunca, estas solo. Anhelamos a Alguien que nos acompane en medio de los lios de la vida. Anhelamos creer en un Dios vivo, amoroso y hacedor de milagros que ni lo pensara dos veces antes de entrar en los matorrales espinosos de nuestro mundo para sacarnos de alli. Si este es tu deseo, echa un vistazo a las palabras de Juan y los milagros de Cristo y ve si no logran su objetivo deseado: "Para que ustedes crean que Jesus es el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios, y para que al creer en su nombre tengan vida" (Juan 20.31). Hoy, armate de valor porque eres mas fuerte de lo que crees, ya que Dios esta mas cerca de lo que crees. You Are Never Alone In You Are Never Alone, Max Lucado, the pastor and New York Times best-selling author, will show you that you are stronger than you think because God is closer than you realize. You'll be comforted by the living, loving, miracle-working God who won't even think twice about entering the thorny bushes of your world to get you out. When we feel that life is not enough, does God care? When I hear Him say "No", does He have an answer? When I am faced with an avalanche of challenges, will He help me? When life gets dark and stormy, does He notice? When I am faced with the fear of death, will He help me? The answer in the life-giving miracles in John's Gospel is a resounding yes. In this book, Max Lucado will help you: Realize that Jesus is walking with you and lifting you up from your storms. Remain in the grace of the cross, the miracle of the empty tomb, and the assurance of the power of restoration. Believe that God is your ever-present source of help. Recognize that you are never without hope or strength because you are never, ever, alone. We long for Someone to be with us in the midst of life's troubles. We long to believe in a living, loving, miracle-working God who will not even think twice about entering the thorny bushes of our world to get us out. If this is your desire, take a look at the words of John and the miracles of Christ and see if they do not achieve their desired goal: "That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing in his name you may have life" (John 20:31). Today, take courage because you are stronger than you think, because God is closer than you think.

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.

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.

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. In Galatians, Paul reminds us of the total sufficiency of Jesus in securing our salvation, and of the leadership of the Holy Spirit for living it out. Calling us back to the simplicity of Christ, Galatians is as critically important for us today as it was when Paul first penned it. Exploring the links between the Bible and our own times, Scot McKnight shares perspectives on the letter to the Galatians that reveal its enduring relevance for our twenty-first-century lives. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's context, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.