Bad sermon jokes have lost none of their edge, and preachers know most of them. Yet those churches where preaching flourishes often grow most strongly. Simon Coupland believes that a good sermon can bring the Bible to life, speak a powerful message to people's hearts and lives, and draw them to Christ. He tackles key topics, including the balance between inspiration and effort; structure; style; opening and closing; the use of narrative; and personal integrity. "The text is liberally sprinkled with examples of preaching, jokes, quotations and illustrations," he explains. "In a book to help us be more effective communicators, I have tried to practise what I preach." All preachers, no matter how experienced, will find something to treasure in his cheerful, commonsense approah.

During his sixty years of ministry, Dr. Charles Stanley has faithfully shared the biblical
principles that have guided him and helped him grow in his knowledge, service, and
love of God. The Charles Stanley Bible Studies captures his many years of teaching
on these principles in twelve lessons and will guide readers on how to apply them in
practical ways to their everyday situations.

Each lesson includes:

• Overview: A brief look at what is covered in the lesson
• Life's Questions: A teaching from Dr. Stanley that unpacks the topic of the lesson
• Living the Principle: Application and Bible study questions based on the key points
• Reflection: Key takeaways to put into practice today and tomorrow
• Notes and Prayer Requests: A closing section to record any insights and needs God's principles in His Word are as applicable today as when they were first written.

Since 11th September 2001, religious formation and education have again been up for discussion. The challenges of contemporary society not only demand enlightenment in religious matters, but also require education in practical tolerance for dialogue to take place between religions, without suspending the issue of truth. In a critical evaluation of PISA and other studies, the book establishes how much latitude there really is in the relationship between Church and State under European law and the laws of the member-states, and puts forward proposals for a a oereligious literacya in Europe.

We are born into this world with a natural longing to connect to God and other human beings. When children have a listening companion who hears, acknowledges, and encourages their early experiences with God, it creates a spiritual footprint that shapes their lives. How can we increase our capacity to engage children in spiritual conversations? In this book Lacy Finn Borgo draws on her own experience of practicing spiritual direction with children. She offers an overview of childhood spiritual formation and introduces key skills for engaging conversation-posture, power, and patterns-from a Christ-centered perspective. "When we are fully present and open to another, we will be changed," Borgo writes. "Indeed, as you listen to God with a child, the child will lead you into a fuller experience of God's love and acceptance." In this book you'll find: Sample interactive dialogues with children Ideas for engaging children with play, art, and movement Prayers to use together Whether you are a parent or grandparent, pastor or spiritual director, you will find this to be a friendly guide into deeper ways of listening.

This Facilitator Guide offers a framework for using Living in an Icon as a series of exercises and community building practices for small groups in various settings, from weekend retreats or study series, to a 21-week extended practice.

This book grew out of a slightly reluctant sermon series which, as it turned out, became 'one of the most talked about in our church', says the author. There was a sense of rediscovering the 10 commandments, 'and so coming to appreciate and value them afresh', he enthuses. We see the commandments as a summary of God's law for Israel. The rest of the law in the Old Testament is an unpacking of these commands. The New Testament then shows us a variety of repetition, enlargement and fulfilment of the different commands. The result is a hugely informative and helpful overview of Christian living and ethics. A side benefit comes in the form of worked examples of how to move from the Old Testament to the New Testament. This is a popular, clear and accessible volume, with pastoral application for today's believer. Tragically, it is often the absence of guidelines that is a cause of confusion and heartache in today's society.

I Am God's Storyteller invites children to use their gifts to shine God's light and share the Gospel. Offering children examples of noted storytellers in Bible history (Sarah, Moses, Deborah, Esther, David, Isaiah, Mary, John the Baptist, and the Evangelists and early Church), this colorful and engaging picture book also looks at how Jesus used storytelling to teach and share his message of faith, hope and love. I Am God's Storyteller concludes by asking children to be "God's storytellers," and helps them to understand that our world needs them now more than ever to shine God's light. Includes information for parents, teachers and caregivers, with suggestions and guidelines for building a love for storytelling in the hearts of children. With encouragement and empowerment, young storytellers are sent on a mission to engage the world around them with joy and creativity.

Each summer, tens of thousands of American Jews attend residential camps, where they may see Hebrew signs, sing and dance to Hebrew songs, and hear a camp-specific hybrid language register called Camp Hebraized English, as in: "Let's hear some ruach (spirit) in this chadar ochel (dining hall)!" Using historical and sociolinguistic methods, this book explains how camp directors and staff came to infuse Hebrew in creative ways and how their rationales and practices have evolved from the early 20th century to today. Some Jewish leaders worry that Camp Hebraized English impedes Hebrew acquisition, while others recognize its power to strengthen campers' bonds with Israel, Judaism, and the Jewish people. Hebrew Infusion explores these conflicting ideologies, showing how hybrid language can serve a formative role in fostering religious, diasporic communities. The insightful analysis and engaging descriptions of camp life will appeal to anyone interested in language, education, or American Jewish culture.

Drawing on examples from British world expressions of Christianity, this collection further greater understanding of religion as a critical element of modern children's and young people's history. It builds on emerging scholarship that challenges the view that religion had a solely negative impact on nineteenth- and twentieth-century children, or that 'secularization' is the only lens to apply to childhood and religion. Putting forth the argument that religion was an abiding influence among British world children throughout the nineteenth and most of the twentieth centuries, this volume places 'religion' at the center of analysis and discussion. At the same time, it positions the religious factor within a broader social and cultural framework. The essays focus on the historical contexts in which religion was formative for children in various 'British' settings denoted as 'Anglo' or 'colonial' during the nineteenth and early- to mid-twentieth centuries.

There's hope for childhood. Despite a perfect storm of hostile forces that are robbing children of a healthy childhood, courageous parents and teachers who know what's best for children are turning the tide. Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books on education, parenting, and relationships have helped more than a million readers through life's challenges, draws on the stories and voices of parents and educators on the ground, and a wealth of personal experience. He surveys the drastic changes in the lives of children, but also the groundswell of grassroots advocacy and action that he believes will lead to the triumph of common sense and time-tested wisdom. Arnold takes on technology, standardized testing, overstimulation, academic pressure, marketing to children, over-diagnosis and much more, calling on everyone who loves children to combat these threats to childhood and find creative ways to help children flourish. Every parent, teacher, and childcare provider has the power to make a difference, by giving children time to play, access to nature, and personal attention, and most of all, by defending their right to remain children.

This brief introduction to making effective arguments helps readers to understand the basics of sound reasoning and to learn how to use it to persuade others. Practical, inexpensive, and easy-to-read, the book enables students in a wide variety of courses to improve the clarity of their writing and public speaking. It equips readers to formulate firmly grounded, clearly articulated, and logically arranged arguments, avoid fallacious thinking, and discover how to reason well. This supplemental text is especially suitable for use in Christian colleges and seminaries and includes classroom discussion questions.

Many children today arrive as teenagers at confirmation classes without a basic grasp of key Bible stories and Christian knowledge. Based on the author's own experience as a pastor and teacher, this book lists 100 essentials of biblical and Christian knowledge that all children should know before they are confirmed. Topics covered include: Bible basics; key Old Testament stories and characters; the 10 commandments; The New Testament; The Gospels; The life and teachings of Jesus; The early Church; worship and sacraments; world religions. For each item on the list, the author provides a brief description or explanation, followed by suggestions for exploring the subject with children and young people, including at confirmation level.

Who are you? The only right way to understand who you are is to see yourself from God's perspective, as described in His Word. In Discovering Your Identity, you will be led through the many layers of understanding who you are in the eyes of God. As your search God's Word, you will discover many truths about yourself-such as the fact you are a beloved child of God, you are the heir of God's inheritance, and you are a member of the Body of Christ. In short . . . you are God's masterpiece! The Charles Stanley Bible Studies are 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 on 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.

"Fasting" has been called the forgotten spiritual discipline. Although it is found throughout Scripture, it is often neglected by modern Christians. Is there power in fasting? Does it really make a difference? How does fasting relate to prayer? In this study, Ashlee Alley considers the biblical basis for fasting and explores ways modern Christians can make this ancient discipline part of their faith walk. "Converge Bible Studies" is a series of topical Bible studies based on the "Common English Bible." Each title in the series consists of four studies on a common topic or theme. "Converge" can be used by small groups, classes, or individuals. Primary Scripture passages are included for ease of study, as are questions designed to encourage both personal reflection and group conversation. The topics and Scriptures in "Converge" come together to transform readers relationships with others, themselves, and God."