The Bible is thousands of years old and has been copied, recopied, and translated endless times, so how do we know it's reliable? Walk through the scientific, historical, and archaeological evidence that leads experts and laypeople alike to land on the solid ground of the Word of God. Also discover the impact of the Bible and biblical history on our lives and why it's important to know what we believe and why!

Can You Trust the Bible? is an easy-to-read yet comprehensive book that will help you understand how the Bible is ultimately trustworthy. Many Christians and non-Christians alike often wonder if a book written centuries ago can be trusted. Author Dr. Harold Sala is convinced that it can. He discusses topics such as the compatibility between science and faith, as well as how historical evidence supports the claims of Scripture through the fulfilment of prophecy, archaeological evidence, and more. Dr. Sala shows how the Bible is different from any other book in history.

This book also relates firsthand experiences of real people whose lives have been changed by the Bible as well as tips for studying the Bible on your own.

This volume brings together 15 studies reporting the latest international research on developments and trends in religious education. Together these 15 studies illustrate recurrent themes affecting the development of religious education in diverse locations and also illustrate the distinctive trajectories of locations shaped by different histories and by different contemporary contexts. These contributions were brought together in a recent seminar convened by the International Seminar on Religious Education and Values, the leading international association for religious educators and values educators across the world. This volume has selected key contributions made to the seminar, spanning both conceptual and empirical perspectives, rooted in both religious and secular traditions.

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.

This revised edition of the best-selling 2006 title now includes end-of-chapter questions for the readers as well as updated material sprinkled throughout to reflect what has occurred in the past 10-years in the church and world. The Five Marks of Mission and what it means to be a disciple of Christ will be a focus of this new version, which also models student-centered learning as opposed to teacher-driven instruction. For teen study and confirmation preparation, this book can serve as a curriculum for helping teens discover Scripture, church history, sacraments, the meaning and practice of prayer, and what ministry means in the lives of real teens today. A framework for small-group gatherings for each chapter is included as a new section in the back of the book. Bestseller revision to release in time for Confirmation season and in advance of the 2015 General Convention of the Episcopal Church Includes study guide questions, plus a new companion Leader's Guide Foreword by Dr. Lisa Kimball, Virginia Theological Seminary

The 'De venenis' attributed to 'Malachias Hibernicus' is a portable discussion of vices and virtues. Probably composed about 1280, originally as an aid for Franciscan preachers, it adopts the innovative metaphor that sin is a poison removed by various 'treacles'. Its argumentative mode is to adduce scientific data about venomous beasts, the sins, and the antidotes to their poisons, the 'remedial' virtues. From these 'facts' of natural history, Malachy constructs homiletic similitudines (analogical figures). These, typically of a sort designed for use in sermones ad status, he applies to vicious and virtuous activities, and perhaps particularly ones peculiar to Ireland. Although Malachy the Irishman and his On Poison have received only a handful of scholarly notices in the last century, in the later Middle Ages, his was a widely known book. A lengthy introduction presents evidence for the wide circulation of Malachy's text and the little that is known of the author. It further addresses literary issues: the work's genre, hovering between a treatise on vices and virtues, a compendium of scientific information, and a handbook for preachers; Malachy's efforts at compilation of authoritative materials; and a preliminary account of some early users, including William Langland and Robert Holcot. The introduction concludes by examining the insuperable difficulties involved in editing the text. The centre of the volume presents an annotated preliminary text and translation, together with some account of early interpolations the text received. The volume concludes with three indexes, one with all biblical citations, one of all Malachy's other citations, and a third of Malachy's similitudines, his moralised scientific information.

This book is a companion volume to Engage: A Theological Field Education Toolkit (2017) and Mentoring: A Toolkit for Supervisor-Mentors in Theological Field Education (forthcoming). Both books provide tools that aim to help students engage in their formational learning through integrating theories and practices (Engage) or to support supervisor-mentors nurture practical wisdom in guiding students' journey in formational learning (Mentoring). This book is not a toolkit; it is a textbook on selected key learning theories or models that widen and deepen students' engagement and supervisor-mentors' mentoring. Its target audience, accordingly, is both students and supervisor-mentors.

A resource for parents or caregivers, this book will keep the parent informed about each session. In each chapter they will read about what their high schoolers is learning as well as journal questions that will help them connect faith with sexuality and with parenting. The adult reader will have an opportunity to reflect on the same scripture that their child has reflected upon so that all involved will learn new was to think about sexuality and how faith is relevant to understanding the complexities of sexuality and the responsibilities involved. In this program both participants and parents learn and grow together.

The bible tells us that there will indeed come a day when all that God has given to us to learn about him will be taken away. Then what we have truly taken in concerning Him will be seen and tried by fire above anything else we have accomplished in this life. At that time neither He nor His heavenly host will rejoice in your high position at work, your big house or fancy car, if you were able to send your children to a fine college, and dress your family with the best that money could buy. The day that you come before the living God, and you will, all of heaven will rejoice in one thing from you and one thing only. Was your heart bent on seeking after God? If so, then this life long seeking attitude will have left behind a legacy of your works that are in Him because of your love for him. In this God will truly rejoice because your life to Him was as sweet as taking in a tasty morsel.

The Mastering Ministry Series covers the various challenges of a ministry encounters and teaches how to deal with them-one subject at a time. Mastering Ministry is a perfect "survival guide" for today's pastor addressing relevant topics such as worship, preaching, controversies, evangelism, church management, pastoral care, fundraising and personal growth.

Don't settle for half of the story! Discover the Jewish roots to the Christian faith. This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself-with discussion and reflection questions, Bible exploration, video notes, and a leader's guide. An individual access code to stream all six video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!). Every page of the Old Testament reveals divine mysteries about Jesus, the Messiah. Only by understanding the Old Testament can Christians understand the complete picture of who God is, how he relates to us, and what he is doing today in the world. In this six-session video Bible study (video streaming included), walk with Messianic Rabbi Jason Sobel as he shows you how the Bible fits together as a whole to offer one complete picture of Jesus. In the Mysteries of the Messiah Bible study Rabbi Jason Sobel helps us to... Understand the Jewish roots of our faith and begin to see Jesus' life and ministry from a different perspective. See the signs everywhere in the Old Testament that point to the coming of the Messiah in the New Testament. Continue to dig and find mysteries and new discoveries hidden in God's Word. Sessions and video run times: Finding Jesus in the Story of Creation (22:00) Finding Jesus in the Story of the Patriarchs (22:00) Finding Jesus in the Story of Joseph and Judah (22:30) Finding Jesus in the Story of Moses (22:30) Finding Jesus in the Story of Ruth and Boaz (22:00) Finding Jesus in the Story of David (22:30) Watch on any device! Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

A collection of resources for summer - prayers, responses, liturgies, songs, poems, reflections, meditations, sermons and stories. It offers resources for groups and individuals covering the weeks from Trinity to the Feast of the Transfiguration.

In the small group bible study, WEIRD, pastor and bestselling author Craig Groeschel shatters normal and turns weird upside down. Normal people are stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Many of their relationships are, at best, strained and, in most cases, just surviving. Even though we live in one of the most prosperous places on earth, normal is still living paycheck to paycheck and never getting ahead. Lust and frequent casual sex are far more common than purity and a healthy married sex life. And when it comes to God, the many believe, but few practice the teachings of Scripture in their everyday lives. Simply put, normal isn t working. Groeschel s WEIRD views will help you break free from the norm to lead a radically abnormal (and endlessly more fulfilling) life. This Participant Guide, designed for use with the WEIRD DVD (sold separately) provides individual and group activities, between-session personal studies, quotes, assessments, and additional background material that will enhance your experience of the video sessions. Includes discussion questions for individuals and groups. When used together they provide you with a practical tool than can strengthen your faith. Sessions include: 1. The God Kind of Weird 2. It s Time to Be Weird3. Weird That Money Can t Buy4. Pleasing God is Weird 5. Weird Makes You Truly Sexy 6. The Weirdest Blessing Possible"

The Heidelberg Catechism is introduced as one of the worlds foremost and prevailing (not only Reformed, but) Christian faith documents throughout the centuries, due to its intellectual clarity as well as personal style. At the same time, the book invites the reader to engage the HC in conversation with contemporary Christian faith (Busch) while Learning Jesus Christ through the Heidelberg Catechism (Barth), understanding the HC as a book of Comfort and Joy (Kuyvenhoven) as well as a guide to Christian living (Rozema).In that sense, the tone of the book is not neutral, but rather theological/confessional. Portraying the HC throughout as Schoolbook Prayer book Lectionary Confession Compendium is aimed not only at describing its traditional uses in churches so far, but also at engaging the reader on different levels, and eventually enabling him or her to begin answering the vital question: But why are you called a Christian? The Heidelberg Catechism is one of the worlds foremost and prevailing Christian faith documents throughout the centuries, due to its intellectual clarity as well as personal style. At the same time, the book invites the reader to engage the Heidelberg Catechism in conversation with contemporary Christian faith.Margit Ernst-Habib aims not only at describing the traditional uses of the HC in churches so far, but also at engaging the reader on different levels, and eventually enabling him or her to begin answering the vital question: But why are you called a Christian?

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.

Why does Bible study flourish in some churches and small groups and not in others? In this updated edition of a trusted classic, two Christian education specialists provide readers with the knowledge and methods needed to effectively communicate the message of the Bible. The book offers concrete guidance for mastering a biblical text, interpreting it, and applying its relevance to life. Its methods, which have been field-tested for twenty-five years, help pastors, teachers, and ministry students improve their classroom skills. Readers will learn how to develop the "big idea" of a passage and allow the text itself to suggest creative teaching methods. This new edition has been updated throughout and explores the changed landscape of Bible study over the past two decades. Readable and interdisciplinary in approach, this book will help a new generation of Bible students teach in a purposeful and unified way.

Godly Play (R) is an imaginative approach to working with children, an approach that supports, challenges, nourishes, and guides their spiritual quest. Revised and updated, The Complete Guide to Godly Play, Volume 2 offers new concepts, new terminology, new illustrations, and a new structure that stem from more than 10 years of using Godly Play with children across the world. 30 to 40 percent of the text is new or revised, including a new lesson, revised Introduction, and a new full Appendix.

Beloved evangelist Billy Graham understood the flurry of modern life and the constant temptation of busyness. In a world in which everyone seems to be rushing to finish their to-do list, answer their emails, and respond to their cell phones, peace is still possible. In Peace for Each Day, a 365-day devotional, Graham shares God's gentle, reassuring promise of spiritual calm. Each daily passage in Peace for Each Day invites you to joyfully engage with Scripture as you meditate on God's peace--peace that can be found whatever the circumstances, whatever the calling, whatever the future holds. This 365-day devotional features: a larger trim and print a beautiful leathersoft cover a ribbon marker and presentation page As Graham wrote, "Millions are searching for [peace], but we Christians have found it! It is ours now and forever." Peace for Each Day makes a beautiful gift book for men and women of all ages for: Birthdays Christmas Mother's and Father's Day Grandparent's Day With words from one of the most popular and respected authors of our time, Peace for Each Day invites you to receive a peace that no one can take away.

I dare you to choose joy!

Joy is not:

found in the words of a Hallmark card

fragile like flowers blowing in the wind

achieved with the plasticity of a pasted-on smile

Joy is the solid, identifying trademark of a Christian who is desperate for His presence and His power. In this book you will learn how to become a contagious Christian and how to deal with emotions out of control.

This book is about a joy that is defiant ... a joy that will literally defy your life's circumstances!

Your emotions define you as a person as well as determine your destiny. It's time to tell your emotions to "SHUT-UP!" and embrace His joy!

The saying goes "When you marry, you don't just marry an individual, you marry a whole family." But more specifically, you are marrying the influences that family has had on your spouse. Our families have shaped our views on everything from religion to finances to sex, and, whether helpful or harmful, these views are brought to our marriage and can unknowingly affect it. Getting Ready for Marriage Workbook helps engaged couples and newlyweds: learn what "ghosts" they bring to marriage examine their family backgrounds determine guidelines for their own marriage Through interactive exercises, couples discover the roots of their beliefs, sight potential problem areas, and learn how to successfully work through problems. Couples are then encouraged to make their own covenants in specific areas such as financial matters, resolving conflict, religious orientation, and family planning & children-essential in building a strong marriage partnership.