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Books > Christianity > Christian institutions & organizations > Christian ministry & pastoral activity
“I have read no book that more carefully, thoroughly, and tenderly displays Christ’s heart.” — Paul David Tripp, President, Paul Tripp Ministries; author, New Morning Mercies and My Heart Cries Out
Christians know what Jesus Christ has done—but who is he? What is his deepest heart for his people, weary and faltering on their journey toward heaven? Jesus said he is “gentle and lowly in heart.” This book reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central truth about who he is for sinners and sufferers today.
When the kids are gone, you can discover a richer, deeper, and more
fulfilling life than you ever imagined! Whether you've been looking
forward to it or dreading it, the experience of coming home to an
empty nest brings with it a well of emotions, realizations, and one
gigantic, all-consuming thought: Now what? As an empty nester, the
options before you are practically limitless--a fact that can be as
exciting as it is terrifying. In this book, Jim Burns combines his
personal experiences with extensive research, interviews with other
empty nesters, and his professional work as a family educator to
help you navigate your new life as an empty nester and find joy in
the opportunities for life-change before you. Rather than offering
shallow suggestions of hobbies you should take up, Burns encourages
you to actively pursue a fresh start, reinvent yourself, and thrive
beyond this new stage. To help you do this, he equips you with
practical advice and timeless principles, including how to: Change
the relationship you once had with your children--for the better
Face big issues (like aging parents, finances, and kids returning
home) with confidence And rekindle your fire and purpose to live
with passion day by day Amid his wealth of know-how, you'll uncover
what may be the most important takeaway of all: hope that the best
is yet to come.
Are churches looking for the wrong kind of leaders? The last decade
has witnessed a rising number of churches wrecked by spiritual
abuse--harsh, heavy-handed, domineering behavior from those in a
position of spiritual authority. And high-profile cases are only a
small portion of this widespread problem. Behind the scenes are
many more cases of spiritual abuse that we will never hear about.
Victims suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn. Of course,
most pastors and leaders are godly, wonderful people who don't
abuse their sheep. They shepherd their flocks gently and patiently.
But we can't ignore the growing number who do not. We have
tolerated and even celebrated the kind of leaders Jesus warned us
against. We need gentle shepherds now more than ever, and in Bully
Pulpit, seminary president and biblical scholar Michael J. Kruger
offers a unique perspective for both church leaders and church
members on the problem of spiritual abuse, how to spot it, and how
to handle it in the church. "Every Christian from pulpit to pew
needs to read this wise and timely work." - Karen Swallow Prior
"Both urgent and timely." - Sam Storms "Thoughtful, wise, and
biblical." - Mark Vroegop
The gift of prophecy has always invited some degree of opposition
and controversy. It is one of the most vivid displays of God's
presence and power among his people. Many people struggle with the
very concept of the validity of prophecy today. They are troubled
by the possibility that God may have direct access to our minds.
Greg Haslam argues that such concerns are misplaced. Following St
Paul's injunction that we should be 'eager to prophesy' he
considers how God speaks, and how we should hear him; how we can
test and deliver a prophetic word; and how we can grow in
confidence as we learn to discern what the Spirit is saying to the
church.
David W. Shenk and Ervin R. Stutzman weave into the biblical
commentary practical applications gleaned from contemporary
theology, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and communication
theory. Includes questions for review, study and discussion. 232
Pages.
Every Sunday people walk into your church and decide if they will
return the following week before the preacher even opens his mouth.
Many of those people don't know what to make of Jesus. They're
hesitant to be in church. They're not sure they belong. But over
and over in the pages of scripture, we see something extraordinary.
People who were nothing like Jesus liked Jesus. Shouldn't that be
true of the church as well? In Going Deep & Wide, Andy Stanley
lays out a blueprint and offers practical steps to help you turn up
the irresistible in your church. Each section includes discussion
materials that walk you deeper into the content of Deep & Wide
and invites conversations about how to apply what you've learned.
These Scripture memory cards are designed to accompany the
Scripture memory course workbook "Topical Memory System: Life
Issues" (ISBN 9781600066719). Used in conjunction with the book,
the cards will help you memorize Scripture. The twelve topics
covered in "Topical Memory System: Life Issues" are common
struggles we face in everyday life. As you meditate on Bible
passages that relate to your most pressing questions and
concerns--and then memorize those passages--you will find that God
will guide you and help you grow in ways you could not have
anticipated. Developed by The Navigators, the "Topical Memory
System" provides you with an effective, portable way to meditate on
Scripture wherever life takes you. The "Topical Memory System" is a
clear, simple, proven way to meditate on key Bible verses. You read
and study the Bible. Now you're ready for God's Word to take hold
of your life--to shape you from the inside out. Integrate God's
Word into your everyday life
This book puts dementia into a Christian context, insisting that
loss of memory or reason does not mean a person is worthless.
Dementia is in the headlines on a daily basis. Much information is
available but it is all factual with no spiritual content. Yet for
Christians, dementia can raise questions unlike any other
condition. Why does a godly old man begin to use language that has
always been anathema to him? Why does a loving mother become
stubborn, and suspicious? Where is God in all of this? This book
offers information and reassurance gleaned from the extensive
experience of Pilgrim Homes, a network of nine Christian care homes
and a foundation going back to 1807.
The full text of the classic King James Version with robust study
notes and dozens of study resources in a convenient size to help
you grow deeper in your faith. This edition is published in large
KJV Comfort Print type, which was designed exclusively for Thomas
Nelson to be the most readable at any size. Available for the first
time in large Comfort Print, the beloved Foundation Study Bible is
now more readable and helpful than ever! A rich resource for
everyone longing to understand more of God's Word, whether you're a
beginner or an experienced disciple, The Foundation Study Bible
includes extensive study helps: verse-by-verse study and
theological notes, full-color maps, a concordance, and
cross-references. Featuring an easy-to-use layout that is concise
and trustworthy, with straightforward and broad study notes that
help you study God's truth, the KJV Foundation Study Bible is a
great choice for any Bible student or church leader. Intended for
both beginning and experienced students of Scripture who want a
Bible that contains the key features of a study Bible in a
convenient and portable size, even in large print, the KJV
Foundation Study Bible is a solid foundation to build one's faith
upon. Features include: The Presentation page is a special place to
personalize this special gift by recording a memory or note Bible
book introductions provide a concise overview of the background and
historical context of the book about to be read Over 32,000
End-of-page cross references allow you to find related passages
quickly and easily Concise study notes with over 293,000 words
provide helpful comments on passages of Scripture Over 300
theological notes and index draw attention to important doctrinal
themes Ribbon markers make it easy to navigate and keep track of
where you were reading Extensive study aids: Prayers of the Bible
of nearly 100 prayers in the Bible, who prayed them, and what they
prayed about. Prophecies of The Messiah Fulfilled in Christ
provides 43 Old Testament prophecies and where they have been
fulfilled in the New Testament. Harmony of the Gospels details the
life and ministry of Jesus in chronological order showing where
each event and teaching occur in the Gospels. Miracles of Christ
shows where you can find 37 miracles in the Gospels. Concordance
with over 1,000 terms provides an alphabetical listing of important
passages by key words Full color maps show the layout of Israel and
other biblical locations for better context Durable and flexible
Smyth-sewn binding allows the Bible to lay flat wherever you are
reading Easy-to-read large 11-point KJV Comfort Print
In a world indifferent or even opposed to Christian truth,
followers of Christ must be better equipped to communicate the
timeless of the Christian faith. But how do you have a conversation
with someone who is intent on proving you wrong and won't accept
the Bible as a source of authority? In Tactics, Gregory Koukl
demonstrates how to artfully regain control of conversations,
keeping them moving forward in constructive ways through thoughtful
diplomacy. You'll learn how to maneuver comfortably and graciously
through the minefields of a challenging discussion, how to stop
challengers in their tracks, and how to turn the tables on question
or provocative statement. Most importantly, you'll learn how to get
people thinking about Jesus. Drawing on extensive experience
defending Christianity in the public square, Koukl shows you how
to: Initiate conversations effortlessly Present the truth clearly,
cleverly, and persuasively Graciously and effectively expose faulty
thinking Skillfully manage the details of dialogue Maintain an
engaging, disarming style even under attack Tactics provides the
game plan for communicating the compelling truth about Christianity
with confidence and grace.
A WORKBOOK to Help You Explore and Reflect on Life's Most Important
Theological Questions. How do we know the Bible is God's Word? What
is sin and where did it come from? How is Jesus fully God and fully
man? What are spiritual gifts? When and how will Christ return? If
you've asked questions like these, then systematic theology is no
abstract term. It's an approach to finding answers every Christian
needs to know. The Bible Doctrine WORKBOOK accompanies Wayne
Grudem's highly regarded Bible Doctrine. Following the textbook's
structure, the WORKBOOK features review material and exercises for
every chapter, and all major areas of Christian doctrine are
covered, including: The Word of God God Humanity Christ and the
Holy Spirit The Application of Redemption The Church The Future The
WORKBOOK maintains the clear writing, friendly tone, and frequent
applications to life found in the textbook. Students will benefit
from this hands-on engagement with the important teachings in Bible
Doctrine.
The Celebrate Recovery Participant's Guides are essential tools for
the personal recovery journey. In the six lessons in Guide 1:
Stepping Out of Denial Into God's Grace, you will experience the
first 3 of the 8 recovery principles: 1 Realize I'm not God. I
admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong
thing and that my life is unmanageable. "Happy are those who know
they are spiritually poor" (Matthew 5:3). 2 Earnestly believe that
God exists, that I matter to him, and that he has the power to help
me recover. "Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be
comforted" (Matthew 5:4). 3 Consciously choose to commit all my
life and will to Christ's care and control. "Happy are the meek"
(Matthew 5:5). By working through the lessons and exercises found
in each of the four Participant's Guides you will begin to
experience the true peace and serenity you have been seeking,
restore and develop stronger relationships with others and with
God, and find freedom from life's hurts, hang-ups, and habits. All
the scriptures have been updated to the new NIV 2011 version.
The landscape of North America is filled with small established
churches that struggle to move forward. With God's help, some of
those established churches are experiencing renewed life and
growth. SHIFT tells the stories of nine churches that broke free
from previous patterns of plateau and decline in order to
experience vibrant renewal. These churches encountered common
movements - or shifts - which were vital in the renewal process.
Written as a resource for pastors and lay leadership teams, SHIFT
provides practical information, powerful stories, and insightful
questions to help your church SHIFT forward.
You're in love, and it's the real thing. You have made a joyous
decision together--a decision destined to change your lives
forever: You're getting married! Now, as you plan your wedding
celebration, it is time to lay the foundation for a lifetime of
love and romance. Today you can begin the important, lifelong task
of building a strong Christian marriage. Created by FamilyLife, one
of America's leading marriage and family ministries, Preparing for
Marriage is a dynamic, comprehensive program designed to help you
prepare for life together after the cake is cut and the guests head
home. That is when the real adventure begins--the adventure of
creating an intimate, lasting, and biblical marriage! Inside you'll
find eight sessions of fun, romantic study that will help you
target areas for growth in your relationship. You can work through
Preparing for Marriage as a couple, with a pastor or premarital
counselor, or with a small group. Don't just plan your wedding . .
. prepare for your marriage!
Leading others in worship is a rewarding ministry, but it can also
be a difficult ministry. Sometimes, the tension of worship styles,
tones, and skills overcomes the meaning and message behind worship
and communion with God. When a church is in the middle of this
tension, it is often a struggle to find the balance between who and
what God called us to be and the constantly changing demands of
worship ministry.
Worship Where You're Planted seeks to recognize and respond to
the situations that worship leaders encounter. Through exploration
and insight, author Dave Clark tackles issues such as transitioning
between worship leaders, navigating between traditional and
contemporary music styles, and building rapport with the
congregation. With wisdom and understanding, Clark helps small and
midsize churches find comfort and connection as they lead their
congregations in worship.
Healing from past wounds requires hard work. It involves
effectively examining of an individual's past, as well as remaining
conscientious of the changes in his or her present behavior,
thinking, and spiritual life. But what if, after all of that
listening and examining, you still don't know what to say, what to
do, or where to start? The Pastoral Counseling Handbook offers the
much needed message of hope for the hurting and for those who
desire to help them. Based on the healing work of Christ, author
Ruth Hetzendorfer uses her personal experience of years of
counseling to provide the steps and ideas to help you gain
understanding and wisdom, and more effectively counsel others.
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