Dante's Divine Comedy is widely considered to be one of the most significant works of literature ever written. It is renowned not only for its ability to make truths known but also for its power to make them loved. It captures centuries of thought on sin, love, community, moral living, God's work in history, and God's ineffable beauty. Like a Gothic cathedral, the beauty of this great poem can be appreciated at first glance, but only with a guide can its complexity and layers of meaning be fully comprehended. This accessible introduction to Dante, which also serves as a primer to the Divine Comedy, helps readers better appreciate and understand Dante's spiritual masterpiece. Jason Baxter, an expert on Dante, covers all the basic themes of the Divine Comedy, such as sin, redemption, virtue, and vice. The book contains a general introduction to Dante and a specific introduction to each canticle (Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso), making it especially well suited for classroom and homeschool use.

The confessional writings of the Lutheran church, including the Augsburg Confessions, the Apology, the Smalcald Articles, and the Large and Small Catechisms.

The Ark of Speech investigates the interplay of speech and silence in the dialogue between God and human beings, and human beings and the world. Ranging from the Old Testament and its depiction of God's creative word to the New Testament and its focus on the life and words of Jesus as the Word of the Father, the book shows how important it is for the believer to listen to God and to others in silence and devotion.

We have such a problem with our boys,' ..is a common refrain in many churches. The probability, though, is that boys are not actually the problem, rather our attitude to them; our ideas of what a boy really is and what he needs in order to connect with God. Over the last few years, boys have been perceived to have been under-achieving at school, a problem in our society, and disengaged from our churches. It is Carolyn Edwards' heartfelt conviction that this is because we are not meeting boys' spiritual needs. Her experience is that boys are willing to engage in the struggle to make themselves heard and seen as they really are: full of energy, fun, feeling and spirituality. In this intensely creative and practical book, Carolyn provides ten ways that boys would willingly connect with God, given the opportunity. Prompts and practical ideas help readers apply her findings to the boys they know and work with.

Primary school children are required to learn about Christianity and local churches are often keen to help, but don't know where to start. This book provides a four-year cycle of resources that churches can offer to children at Key Stage Two (years 3 to 6, ages 7 to 11). The tried-and-tested workshop material covers Christmas, Easter and stories about Jesus and includes all you need to know to run sessions in your local church.

Why does God allow adversity? God has a plan and a purpose for each of us, and He can turn things to good regardless of the situation we face. These two key principles-rooted in Scripture and evidenced in the lives of Christians throughout the ages-should color the lenses through which all followers of Christ view adversity. In Advancing Through Adversity, Dr. Charles Stanley provides a new perspective on the trials we face, revealing what questions to ask and what lessons can be learned from such times. Understanding God's role and bolstering our courage can help us advance through adversity rather than be overcome by it. The Charles F. Stanley Bible Study Series is a unique approach to Bible study, incorporating biblical truth, personal insights, emotional responses, and a call to action. Each study draws on Dr. Stanley's many years of teaching the guiding principles found in God's Word, showing how we can apply them in practical ways to every situation we face. This edition of the series has been completely revised and updated, and includes two brand-new lessons from Dr. Stanley.

and other questions about heaven hell and the afterlife.

The essence of this material is that, unlike most youth resources, it is ideal for use with unchurched kids. The intent is both to teach and to convert: to reach a new generation for Christ

The 2013 Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year in Evangelism Everybody loves a good story. In an age when prepackaged gospel formulations leave people cold, well-told Bible stories can be used powerfully by God to touch people's hearts and draw them to himself. After ministry in both Western and non-Western contexts, church planter Christine Dillon has discovered that Bible storying is far more effective than most other forms of apologetics or evangelistic presentations. In fact, non-Christians actually enjoyed storying and kept coming back for more. Storying provides solid biblical foundations so listeners can understand, apply and respond to the gospel, and then go on to fruitful maturity in God's service. This book includes practical guidance on how to shape a good story, how to do evangelism through storying and how to lead Bible discussions. With particular insights for trainers and those working in crosscultural contexts, this guide provides you with concrete steps for sharing the Story that everyone needs to hear.

Why has the Serenity Prayer become one of the top three prayers in the world? This prayer strikes a common cord within all humankind. Life can knock the breath out of you. The Serenity Prayer can breathe within you the breath of life. A surge of spiritual energy can enhance coping skills. Letting go what you cannot change grants productive freedom. You will not be chasing after rabbits avoiding futile habits. This book applies the prayer to 10 common aspects of life resulting in a Serenity Prayer lifestyle. The probing questions and exercises at the end of each chapter can help you in the prayer's application. This book's purpose is three fold. First, it will enable you to heal. Secondly, you will have the wisdom to accept reality and courage to fulfill your possibilities. Thirdly, you will develop priceless hope. This hope can grant determination and prevent your goals from extermination.

Why memorize the Bible? In our information-saturated society, with so many details to take in, the idea of memorizing Scripture can seem overwhelming--like one more task on a checklist. But pastor Joshua Choonmin Kang has discovered what happens when we do spend time memorizing God's Word: We grasp a larger, truer picture of God. We more closely and more often imitate Christ. We worship God "in Spirit and in truth." We're better able to fulfill God's mission. However, Pastor Kang also knows that memorizing Scripture isn't easy. The process itself, like the transformation it brings, doesn't happen overnight. Scripture by Heart is therefore his help for your growth in this important practice. He offers here 30 short devotional readings that motivate you to memorize God's Word spiritual practices interspersed throughout that teach you how to memorize specific help for persevering when you feel stuck or overwhelmed a step-by-step approach that roots Scripture in your mind and heart There is no substitute for God's Word and no shortcut to having it dwell in us. But there is help here for the journey. Pastor Kang's words and wisdom can guide you into a new relationship with the living Word, and the God it reveals.

Why does the church teach? And what should it teach? In recent years, traditional Sunday school and education programs have declined in influence and effectiveness. Education in the church is often sidelined by other competing priorities, and our efforts become haphazard and random. As a result, many Christians have not learned the fundamental doctrinal content of the faith. As a response, a growing number of church ministries have moved toward an emphasis on Christian spiritual formation. But churches must hold together education and formation, the teaching of the faith and the forming of the faithful. In this comprehensive text, Gary Parrett and Steve Kang attend to both the content and process of educational and formational ministries. They set forth a thoroughly biblical vision for intentional teaching of the Christian faith, with a holistic concern for what and whom is taught as well as how and why. Fully apprised of developments in educational theory and pedagogy, Parrett and Kang propose a core curriculum for recovering the full scope of Christian proclamation and reinvigorating the teaching ministry of the church. Their vision has implications not merely for catechesis, but for preaching, worship, children's and youth ministry, and much more. The body of Christ can become all that God intends it to be, through intentional practices that foster personal and corporate formation. Here is guidance for individuals and congregations on that journey.

Education is arguably the foundation for human flourishing within any society. What do distinctively Christian educators have to contribute within the broad framework of public education found in pluralist societies of the West? How can Christian teachers make their voices heard within an increasingly hostile environment where technique and pragmatism are firmly entrenched and religious views are often suspect? Far from offering a thin patina of "niceness" spread over standard educational philosophy, Steven Loomis and Paul Spears set forth a vigorous Christian philosophy of education that seeks to transform the practice of education. Beginning with a robust view of human nature, they build a case for a decidedly Christian view of education that still rightfully takes its place within the marketplace of public education. After surveying the history of educational philosophy, they offer a stimulating analysis of the information economy and its implications for education. This is followed by a concrete proposal for the teaching of social ethics, and finally by a delineation of issues and questions for educational practice, policy and leadership. A must-read for all who are concerned for human flourishing through education.

This revised and expanded version of Godly Play founder Jerome Berryman s 1995 handbook is for current and future users of Godly Play. With this revision, the book s original formatting has been redesigned to complement the eight volumes in The Complete Guide to Godly Play series. Illustrations have also been updated, and the text now better reflects the playful spirit of Godly Play. Up-to-date research in childhood development and instruction has also been incorporated in this comprehensive update. "

Less like a Bible study, more like a book club, the Community Bible Experience is a proven way to read the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. This program of four 8-week segments includes Scripture reading, video teaching, and guided questions to facilitate meaningful discussion. The perfect companion to each of the four books in The Books of the Bible series-and best way to reinforce your progress in reading through the Bible-this study journal features a 32-week, whole-Bible reading plan, plus space to record reflections, prayers, and goals from the Scripture you are reading each day. Also includes helpful background information, video teaching notes, and reflection questions to guide your weekly small-group discussions for each week of the Community Bible Experience.

In Giving Thanks to God, the fifth study in the Jesus Calling (R) Bible Study Series, you will explore what God's Word has to say about the many ways He provides for you-and why you should give thanks to Him for this abundance. Even when you are going through trials, you can have an attitude of thankfulness, for the Bible says that you have been given "every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). When you realize the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to reconcile you to Himself, it naturally causes you to want to praise Him! Each of the Jesus Calling (R) Bible studies includes devotional readings from Jesus Calling (R), selected passages of Scripture for reflection, Bible study questions, and additional questions to help you apply the material. This study can be used for personal reflection and Bible study or in a small-group setting.

Better understand the original meaning of Scripture for deeper Bible study. Bring the words of Scripture to life and discover the richness and significance of the original languages of the Word of God. The NKJV Word Study Reference Bible includes in-text subheadings and 2,000 easy-to-use word studies with select Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words explained in every chapter from Genesis to Revelation. By looking into these ancient texts, we are able to read scripture as it was originally written and passed on from generation to generation. In addition, this Bible's Topic-by-Topic studies give a practical framework for understanding scripture, along with more helpful resources. Features include: Presentation page allows you to personalize this special gift by recording a memory or note Book introductions provide a concise overview of the background and historical context of the book about to be read 2,000-word studies illuminating the biblical language 21 chain-linked topical studies for better theological understanding and application Study the Book provides helpful notes for reading each book of the Bible Word study indices by Strong's number, by English word, and by book help you find Greek and Hebrew word studies Extensive cross-references drawing connections between texts Concordance provides an alphabetical listing of important passages by key words Words of Christ in red quickly identify verses spoken by Jesus 16 full-color maps show the layout of Israel and other biblical locations for better context Ribbon markers make it easy to navigate and keep track of where you were reading Clear and readable 9.5-point NKJV Comfort Print (R)

Add depth and meaning your family's traditions with these basic Christian practices that nurture and enrich everyone's faith at home. Home and parents are the key mechanisms by which religious faith and practice are transmitted inter-generationally. Recent studies indicate that the single most important factor in youth becoming committed and engaged in their religious faith as young adults is that the family talks about religion at home. However, for many parents in the United States, religious language is a foreign language. Faith at Home helps parents learn this "second language" and introduce it to their children in simple, meaningful, concrete ways. Parents often ask: How do we introduce prayer to our children if we do not necessarily believe prayer changes outcomes? How do we approach reading the Bible with our children when our own relationship with it is mixed or complicated? How do we talk about difficult things and where do we find God in the midst of them? How do we teach our children to make a difference in the world? How do we connect what happens at church to what happens at home? These questions and many more are addressed with talking points, practices, and resources provided for each subject.

* A sought-after model and guide to a new paradigm for children's ministries * Creative program based on research and personal experience Struggling to offer a children's program that resonates with young families? Finding it difficult to recruit teachers and volunteers for your children's program? Want a children's ministry that is grounded in Christ's foundational teachings and relevant to the experiences of children today? This must-have guide to rethinking your children's ministry is informed and intelligent, with the lighthearted humor so helpful to working with children. Through storytelling, testimonials, and research-based creativity, you'll be inspired and energized to use your church's gifts, your children's interests, and your families' needs to develop a children's ministry that fits your church and the people in it. An appendix includes sample lesson plans, suggested Bible stories and book, and sermons. Colette Potts offers a successful model for a congregation to turn around their children's ministry program to engage the whole congregation in worship, learning, and service while partnering with parents for bridging the formation gap between Sunday morning at church and the rest of the week at home and beyond.