If there is ever a chance to understand fasting once and for all and incorporated it into your spiritual life, Fasting Outside the Box will exceed your expectations and revolutionize your walk with God. The differentiation of fasting "inside" or "outside" the box is very thought-provoking as it reveals the contrast between one's motives and the condition of the heart. Fasting was commonplace with the early leaders of the Church and it is still one of the most impactful disciplines that draws us into a closer intimacy with God. Pastor Bankas maintains that fasting not only ignites the "fire" of our devotion and commitment to God but also intensifies and strengthens our prayer life. With great insight, he shows you how to... Hang out with God Purify your heart Come near to God Receive the secret pearls of fasting Know why you should fast "John Bankas leaves footprints wherever he goes. I see Fasting Outside the Box as a written expression and extension of this pastor's love for everyone he meets. Here is a book that will definitely leave indelible footprints on your heart." - Bruce D. Johnson, Superintendent of Redwood Christian Schools, Castro Valley, California. "Fasting Outside the Box is born out of a consistent life of prayer and fasting led by Pastor John. He is not theorizing about fasting or writing about a vicarious experience he has had with it. This book describes a firsthand experience." - Dada A. Daodu, Special Education Teacher; Technical Assistant, Kogi State, Nigeria. "Fasting Outside the Box takes the fear and mystery out of fasting and gives a clear, step-by-step understanding of how fasting can benefit you, especially in developing an intimacy with God." - Joy J. Zandona, final-year MAT student at Fuller Theological Seminary, California.

Abuse in the church is real. The place where one expects to find love, inspiration, and healing can become the very place where harm and destruction occur. Sadly, pastors and church leaders can bring abuse to their people through the use of a rigid and harsh approach to leadership. Other leaders are indifferent about what happens at church. When legalism and self-righteousness dominate or permissiveness is pervasive, the church that God intended is destroyed.

In "Understanding Abusive Church Leadership: What It Looks Like and How It Debilitates the Life and Spirit of Church Members," author Judy R. De Wit presents a challenge to you to identify what kind of leadership your church uses. Once you determine its approach, you can determine what changes your church should make to enhance a healthier church environment-one that leads to a better church for everyone.

Christ's mandate for His Church is for it to be a place of healing, restoration, and recovery. Everyone should feel safe to be a member. "Understanding Abusive Church Leadership" seeks to equip you to help your church to serve God as He intended.

The core idea of the book of Romans is that we are saved from sin by the grace of Christ. The apostle Paul unpacks the power of grace in a way that can completely change your life... In this six-session Bible study (streaming video included)-the first of the 40 Days Through the Book series-Max Lucado welcomes you and your group into the knowledge and freedom of grace with his exploration of Paul's letter to the Roman church. Throughout the study, you'll explore the book of Romans with Max to gain a deeper understanding of its context and content, focusing on central truths such as: The extent and power of sin. The amazing reality and availability of God's grace. The battle we're still in, and the hope we have despite the lies of the enemy. The grand story-from creation to restoration-that we're all a part of. The call to live in fellowship with each other and with Christ. This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself-a 40 Day reading plan through Romans with discussion and personal reflection questions, 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!). When we truly understand the power of grace, it sets us free from having to do good, so that we can do good. A true understanding of grace should not shackle us to works but liberate us to live in the presence of Christ. 40 Days Through the Book series: Each of the studies in this series, taught by a different pastor or Bible teacher on a specific book of the Bible, is designed to help you more actively engage with God's Word by understanding its background and culture and applying it in a fresh way to your life. Throughout each study, you'll be encouraged to read through the corresponding book in the New Testament at least once during the course of 40 days. 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.

How many programs does it take to change a youth group? That question has bothered youth workers for decades, and the cracks in its logic are beginning to show. In place of the contrived, artificial mechanisms employed so widely in modern youth outreach and discipleship, Mike King proposes a ministry centered in the presence of God. Young people encounter Christ not in the flash and pop of arena ministry, but in the sacred shadow of his presence. They learn what it is to love and follow Christ by observing others loving and following Christ--letting Christ shape their worldviews, their habits, their virtues. Presence-Centered Youth Ministry gives shape to such ministry through the classic disciplines and potent symbols and practices that have sustained the church over the centuries. The sound and fury that has characterized youth ministry for so long has left too many youth workers tired and too many young people disillusioned. Come explore the deeper terrain; your students are sure to follow.

"Throughout the ages, in all parts of the world, the messages of miracle have been heard. They appeal to the child within us all and make the world more loving and wondrous than it often seems. But there is no man or woman living to whom miracles are out of reach. If we believe otherwise, it is due to the illusion that simplicity and innocence are lost." Rodney Charles "Anything is possible. This book covers the lives of hundreds of miracle workers and leaves you feeling like you know them all personally. Some saints fly freely through the air, some talk to angels, while other read your thoughts as easily as any spoken words. This book is fun, funny, and inspirational. If you are looking for conformation of miracles, this is the book to read. Canadian Book Report "The Author, Rodney Charles, has created an easy read and a good choice in its field that is also light and fun." Phyllis Tickle Publishers Weekly "This compelling collection of miraculous accounts, historic and modern, is both scholarly and charming. Its sheer simplicity opens the heart and delights the soul." Reverend Bishop Tormin "This book urges us to believe in our dreams. It reminds us of what is true, great, and lasting, and makes us feel like children again." Los Angeles Times "This book is hard to believe, and hard to resist." A.K. Wilson National Independent Review About the Author Rodney Charles has spent fifteen years researching and writing about how the mind and body function to accommodate supernatural phenomena. He has delivered over a thousand lectures and taught courses in eight countries. His ability to bridge the gap between the religious and New Age community has given him a significant reputation. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, he currently divides his time between Canada, the United States and India. He is available for lectures and may be contacted through 1stWorld Publishing. Email: rodney@1stworldlibrary.org. Publisher: 1stworldpublishing.com, 1stworldlibrary.org Author's Note: "Throughout the ages, in all parts of the world, the messages of miracle have been heard. They appeal to the child within us all and make the world more loving and wondrous than it often seems. But there is no man or woman living to whom miracles are out of reach. If we believe otherwise, it is due to the illusion that simplicity and innocence are lost." Rodney Charles "Anything is possible. This book covers the lives of hundreds of miracle workers and leaves you feeling like you know them all personally. Some saints fly freely through the air, some talk to angels, while other read your thoughts as easily as any spoken words. This book is fun, funny, and inspirational. If you are looking for conformation of miracles, this is the book to read. Canadian Book Report "The Author, Rodney Charles, has created an easy read and a good choice in its field that is also light and fun." Phyllis Tickle Publishers Weekly "This compelling collection of miraculous accounts, historic and modern, is both scholarly and charming. Its sheer simplicity opens the heart and delights the soul." Reverend Bishop Tormin "This book urges us to believe in our dreams. It reminds us of what is true, great, and lasting, and makes us feel like children again." Los Angeles Times "This book is hard to believe, and hard to resist." A.K. Wilson National Independent Review Publisher: 1stworldlibrary.org, 1stworldpublishing.com

This novel is about a young boy as he experiences life in the time of Jesus Christ. It tells of his early life at En-Gedi, his life as he travels with Jesus, his life after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus and about those he encountered as he lived his life out in Capernaum to the age of 100 years. In effect, it is a bible story that explains the rudiments of Christianity. It is a great adventure in Christianity.The author is retired from the U.S. Air Force where he became acquainted with North Africa and the Middle East. In 1999 he and his wife had the opportunity to tour the Holy Land and Egypt. He came to appreciate the rich history of the area of Jesus Christ and the Pharaohs. In order to put it all into perspective, he wrote this novel to assist him in better understanding his Christian religion and how Christian message has spread throughout the world.It is based on the history listed in the Reference section and a harmony of the gospels of Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John. It acquaints the reader with the Jewish One God in contrast with the multiple gods of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Their gods were laid bare by the free offer of salvation by the One God.

The Heidelberg Catechism, first approved in 1563, is a confessional document of the Protestant movement considered one of the most ecumenical of the confessions. Published to coincide with the catechism's 450th anniversary, this book explores the Heidelberg Catechism in its historical setting and emphasizes the catechism's integration of Lutheran and Reformed traditions in all of its major doctrines. An appendix contains a translation of the Heidelberg Catechism recently prepared and adopted by three of the Reformed denominations that recognize the catechism as one of their confessions: the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, and the Christian Reformed Church in North America.