This volume remains the most definitive study and discussion of the rite of confirmation in the Lutheran Church. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in offering Holy Communion to children at an earlier age, as was the practice in the Lutheran Church up to the time when Pietism and then Rationalism elevated the rite of Confirmation to a near-sacramental nature. This volume was commissioned by The Missouri Synod's Board of Parish Education and addressed the concerns then that remain today: how best to offer formal instruction in the faith to the church's young people in such a manner that it helps them grow in the grace of their Lord Jesus Christ and into Christian maturity.

My wife (Kathy) and I were both brought up in Christian homes. We were taught from an early age that "God loves us and He has a plan for each one of us." Therefore, we had a good foundation starting out. God has blessed me by putting Kathy and me in the same church one Saturday night. It was love at first sight We were married not long afterwards and forty years later, here we are writing a book. God gave me the inspiration for this book over eleven years ago, but the manuscript perished in an unfortunate house fire. So, it is all in His timing. God has blessed us with two fine boys, who are now married to wonderful girls. Our children have blessed our lives with some of life's greatest treasures...our grandchildren. We have five of these blessings, whom we love and adore. Besides writing, God has blessed us with another great adventure. Volunteer Missions. God has placed before us a love of sharing the good news, at home and in other parts of the world. Kathy and I have been blessed to travel to Romania, Mexico, Alaska and Montana on short-term mission trips. We will be traveling to Guatemala in the near future, sharing the message of God's love. We hope and pray that you will be blessed with joy, laughter and yes, even sadness in reading this book as much as Kathy and I have in writing it. God Bless

A Guided Tour of One of the Greatest Theological Works of the Twentieth Century Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics is considered by many to be the most important theological work of the twentieth century and for many people reading it, or at least understanding its contents and arguments, is a lifelong goal. Yet its enormous size, at over 12,000 pages (in English translations) and enough print volumes to fill an entire shelf, make reading it a daunting prospect for seasoned theologians and novices alike. Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics for Everyone, Volume 1--The Doctrine of the Word of God helps bridge the gap for would-be Karl Barth readers from beginners to professionals by offering an introduction to Barth's theology and thought like no other. User-friendly and creative, this guide helps readers get the gist, significance, and relevance of what Barth intended for the church... to restore the focus of theology and revitalize the practices of the church. Each section contains insights for pastors, new theologians, professionals, and ordinary people including: Summaries of the section Contextual considerations And other visually informative features that reinforce the main points of the Barth's thought In addition, each volume features the voices of authors from different academic disciplines who contribute brief reflections on the value of Church Dogmatics for creative discovery in their disciplines. Volume 1 reflections include: Douglas Campbell (biblical studies) Myk Habets (systematic theology) Richard Keith (pastors) Julie Canlis (ordinary people) James Chaousis (mental health) John Vissers (spiritual formation) Whether you are just discovering Barth or want a fresh look at his magnum opus, this series invites you to an enjoyable and insightful journey into the Church Dogmatics.

In this work the author moves away from youth-centered catechesis toward a catechetical method that gets at the heart of faith formation for ALL generations, storytelling. In the African-American storytelling tradition, both the storyteller and listener are important-they embody the story. What happens in the story exchange process is the discovery of connections. The author's method of African-American storytelling, My Story-Your Story, brings to life the Christian story through our shared experiences. Intergenerational catechesis invites us to see ourselves and one another across time-through eyes that are young, middle-aged, and elderly. Based on an understanding of family, intergenerational catechesis moves away from the domestic church as a starting point for growing in faith to the community as a starting point. Where the domestic church focuses on those who live in the household, intergenerational catechesis focuses on everyone in the Church community: single persons, divorced persons, widows/widowers, teens, young adults, pre-school and elementary children, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. In highlighting our connections we are better able to see ourselves and one another differently. When we see ourselves and others transformed faith is revitalized.

Christ is the final victor, and he will come again... Follow Dr. Jeremiah through the book of Revelation 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. Even in John's day, many Christians wanted to know when Christ would come again-when the plan of salvation would be accomplished. Throughout the book of Revelation, in all of its confusing images and prophecies, God's stunning faithfulness and love is on full display as he offers up every chance for sinners to claim redemption and join him forever. 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.

Christianity Today Book Award-Marriage and Family Half of Christian high school students walk away from their faith after graduation. But parental involvement is the most influential predictor of a child's spirituality throughout their lives. How do we parent our kids in ways that lead to lasting faith? Sarah Cowan Johnson unpacks how parents can have an active discipleship role in forming their children's faith, with age-appropriate insights and strategies for different developmental stages. She shows how we can identify God moments, facilitate spiritual encounters, clarify emerging beliefs, and encourage new faith habits in our children. Filled with exercises and activities for families to do together, this handbook is an essential resource for discipling children with confidence and creativity.

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