In 1950, the famous Dominican theologian Yves Congar stated that there were three kinds of reform in Church history, to cure three kinds of corruption. Doctrinal orthodoxy was reformed by General councils. Institutional shortcomings were reformed by administrative means (like codifying Church law). Moral failings were remedied best by the preaching of religious orders. He also added that in the 20th century, since the Church suffered neither heresy nor moral laxity, the only area was institutional reform. He died before the sexual abuse of children came to light. If Congar got it wrong, it suggests that the Church cannot reform itself: or can it? Michael Winter was ordained priest for the Catholic diocese of Southwark in 1955. He worked for nine years as curate and parish priest in a variety of parishes. Later he pursued further studies in theology at the universities of London, Cambridge and Fribourg (Switzerland), where he was awarded the Doctorate in Theology in 1977. He resigned from the clergy in 1986 and turned to university teaching, and writing. Subsequently.

Pastors and leaders of the classical church--such as Augustine, Calvin, Luther, and Wesley--interpreted the Bible theologically, believing Scripture as a whole witnessed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Modern interpreters of the Bible questioned this premise. But in recent decades, a critical mass of theologians and biblical scholars has begun to reassert the priority of a theological reading of Scripture. The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret Scripture for the twenty-first century, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places. In the sixth volume in the series, Phillip Cary presents a theological exegesis of Jonah.

Your brain is always listening and responding to these hidden influences and unless you recognize and deal with them, they can steal your happiness, spoil your relationships, and sabotage your health. This book will teach you to tame the:

• Dragons from the Past that ignite your most painful emotions;
• Negative Thought Dragons that attack you, fueling anxiety and depression;
• They and Them Dragons, people in your life whose own dragons do battle with yours;
• Bad Habit Dragons that increase the chances you’ll be overweight, overwhelmed, and an underachiever;
• Addicted Dragons that make you lose control of your health, wealth, and relationships;
• Scheming Dragons, advertisers and social media sites that steal your attention.

How to Defeat the Enemy During These Dark Days As the time approaches for Jesus' return, the spiritual battle between good and evil is heating up. Evidence is all around: shootings, genocide, civil wars, increased persecution. Our enemy is real, and it seems as if he is winning. The good news is that God is at work in powerful ways--and that Satan is not winning. But we need to know how to wage war against him and his plans for these turbulent days. We must understand not only the intensified warfare environment of the end times, but how we can walk in our authority in Jesus Christ. Here are the practical insights you need on how to fight using the spiritual weapons God has given us: the blood of Jesus, the Word of God, our own testimony, and more. When we learn how to wield these weapons, we will see victory over Satan and his kingdom and bring hope to these dark days.

Passing the Plate shows that few American Christians donate generously to religious and charitable causes -- a parsimony that seriously undermines the work of churches and ministries. Far from the 10 percent of one's income that tithing requires, American Christians' financial giving typically amounts, by some measures, to less than one percent of annual earnings. And a startling one out of five self-identified Christians gives nothing at all.
This eye-opening book explores the reasons behind such ungenerous giving, the potential world-changing benefits of greater financial giving, and what can be done to improve matters. If American Christians gave more generously, say the authors, any number of worthy projects -- from the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS to the promotion of inter-religious understanding to the upgrading of world missions -- could be funded at astounding levels. Analyzing a wide range of social surveys and government and denominational statistical datasets and drawing on in-depth interviews with Christian pastors and church members in seven different states, the book identifies a crucial set of factors that appear to depress religious financial support -- among them the powerful allure of a mass-consumerist culture and its impact on Americans' priorities, parishioners' suspicions of waste and abuse by nonprofit administrators, clergy's hesitations to boldly ask for money, and the lack of structure and routine in the way most American Christians give away money. In their conclusion, the authors suggest practical steps that clergy and lay leaders might take to counteract these tendencies and better educate their congregations about the transformative effects of generous giving.
By illuminating the social and psychological forces that shape charitable giving, Passing the Plate is sure to spark a much-needed debate on a critical issue that is of much interest to church-goers, religious leaders, philanthropists, and social scientists.

Die Prentebybel vir kleingoed is ’n versameling van twintig geliefde Bybelverhale waaronder Noag se ark, Daniël in die leeukuil, Die geboorte van Jesus en vele ander. Die kleurvolle illustrasies is kontemporêr sonder om hulle klassieke gevoel prys te gee en sal kleingoed se aandag vasvang terwyl hulle leer dat God alles geskep het, enigiets kan doen, altyd lief is vir ons, altyd goed is, ons gebede verhoor en ons vriend wil wees.

Elke verhaal word afgesluit met ʼn toepassing om dit relevant te maak op die kind se lewe. Hierdie verhale sal kinders aanmoedig om hulle eerste geloofstreë te neem. Dit sal hulle help verstaan dat Jesus ons Here en Verlosser is en dat ons nou en vir altyd saam met Hom kan woon!

Kinders van vier tot agt sowel as hul ouers sal dol wees oor hierdie pragtige Prentebybel met sy stewige kartonbladsye.

Psalms vir ’n vreugdevolle lewe is ’n versameling inspirerende aanhalings uit die psalms wat volgens temas ingedeel is. Temas soos lof en aanbidding, rykdom en vertroue op God bring elke leser nader aan God. Psalms vir ’n vreugdevolle lewe bevestig opnuut hoeveel troos en bemoediging die Skrif bied vir elke gelowige wat tot God nader.

'The Abrahamic Archetype' is a major scholarly achievement that sheds light on what is similar and what is distinctive in the three Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It examines the interplay between outward historical forces in religious and esoteric domains and the inward worlds of transcendent values and ideas. Intellectual archetypes, or constellations of religious and esoteric ideas, are the principles which determine the organic integration of outward historical influences which the various religions encounter and share. Zinner emphasizes the unity and diversity of faith which characterize esoteric traditions of Jewish Kabbalah, Sunni Sufism, Shi'i Gnosis, and Christian theology, especially accentuating the dogmas of the Trinity, Christology, and crucifixion on the one hand, and on the other, esoteric ideas regarding unio mystica (mystical union) in the three Abrahamic faiths. The book contains a detailed reconstruction of the esoteric traditions, theology, and history of Jewish Christianity beginning in the era of Jesus' 'brother' and successor James the Just and elucidates to what extent this Jamesian Christianity might parallel Islamic history and ideas.

True leadership isn't a matter of having a certain job or title. In fact, being chosen for a position is only the first of the five levels every effective leader achieves.

To become more than "the boss" people follow only because they are required to, you have to master the ability to invest in people and inspire them. To grow further in your role, you must achieve results and build a team that produces. You need to help people to develop their skills to become leaders in their own right. And if you have the skill and dedication, you can reach the pinnacle of leadership-where experience will allow you to extend your influence beyond your immediate reach and time for the benefit of others.

The 5 Levels of Leadership are:

• Position - People follow because they have to
• Permission - People follow because they want to
• Production - People follow because of what you have done for the organization
• People Development - People follow because of what you have done for them personally
• Pinnacle - People follow because of who you are and what you represent

Through humor, in-depth insight, and examples, internationally recognized leadership expert John C. Maxwell describes each of these stages of leadership. He shows you how to master each level and rise up to the next to become a more influential, respected, and successful leader.

The True Story Behind the Powerful Film ALL SAINTS

Newly ordained, Michael Spurlock's first assignment is to pastor All Saints, a struggling church with twenty-five devoted members and a mortgage well beyond its means. The best option may be to close the church rather than watch it wither any further. But when All Saints hesitantly risks welcoming a community of Karen refugees from Burma--former farmers scrambling for a fresh start in America--Michael feels they may be called to an improbable new mission.

Michael must choose between closing the church and selling the property--or listening to a still, small voice challenging the people of All Saints to risk it all and provide much-needed hope to their new community. Together, they risk everything to plant seeds for a future that might just save them all.

Discover the true story that inspired the film while also diving deeper into the background of the Karen people, the church, and how a community of believers rally to reach out to those in need, yet receive far more than they dared imagine.

The Reverend Michael Spurlock served All Saints Episcopal Church in Smyrna, Tennessee, for three years. He is currently on the clergy staff at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City. Michael, his wife, Aimee, and their two children live in New York City..

The chaos and evil so prevalent in the world today can leave us feeling hopeless. But when we abide in God’s Word, we are reminded of His faithfulness—and how everything is coming together according to His plan!

Until He Comes offers 365 devotions focused on God's steadfast affection for all His people—for Israel as well as Christians. You’ll discover the sacrificial love He has expressed in the past, as well as His promises to care for you in the present and to bless you in the future.

Each day, Amir and Barry offer poignant teachings from God’s Word and guidance on practical ways to apply it to your life. Addressing topics related to spiritual growth, everyday faith, and Bible prophecy, these daily reflections provide uplifting reminders of God’s trustworthiness, His care, and His power to make all things new.

Through these daily reflections, you’ll discover:

• uplifting promises about the blessings and hope God gives you for today and the future
• amazing reminders of God’s faithfulness to you in every circumstance
• comforting assurances of Christ’s constant care and presence in your life
• eye-opening truths about Israel’s special place in God’s plan, and how Bible prophecy is being fulfilled in our day
• meaningful ways you can make each day count until Jesus returns!

Wonderful stories that will teach children of God's love for them.

Simple text and charming illustrations make this board book the ideal book for little ones. The 18 Bible stories in this book unpack the wonderful fact of God's love and gives each child the possibility of learning that they are precious beyond measure in God's sight.

Each Bible story is backed by carefully chosen and well-known Bible verses emphasizing the truth in each story. Simple text and charming illustrations make God Loves Me Bible the ideal book for little ones. Together with the heartwarming illustrations, these stories will give children a firm understanding of the message of the Bible so they can confidently say, "God loves me" and know why, too!

The Picture Bible for Little Ones contains a collection of twenty favorite Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments, including Noah’s Ark, Daniel in the Lions' Den, The Birth of Jesus and many others. The colorful illustrations are contemporary without losing their classic feel and will hold the attention of the little ones while they learn that God created everything, can do anything, love us always, is always good, listens to our prayers and wants to be our Friend.

Each story concludes with a short application that makes it relevant to the child’s life. These stories will encourage children to take their first steps of faith. It will help them understand that Jesus is our Lord and Savior and that we can live with Him now and forever!

Children ages four to eight as well as their parents will love this beautiful picture Bible with its sturdy cardboard pages and delightful illustrations.

Go beyond just reading the Bible.

The NIV Verse Mapping Bible for Girls helps girls 8 and up get real about studying God’s Word. Using a unique system designed by author and ministry leader Kristy Cambron, girls will compare Bible translations, pick out meaningful words, and explore Hebrew or Greek word definitions. Verse mapping doesn’t have to be complicated. Any girl can use this system to see just how real and relevant the Word of God is in her daily life.

A wonderful way for parents and daughters to dig deeper into God’s Word together, the NIV Verse Mapping Bible and NIV Verse Mapping Bible for Girls give readers the Bible study tools they need to better understand Scripture. Girls will find verse maps partially completed with a preselected verse in multiple Bible translations to help them begin their Bible study journey.

Verse mapping involves five steps:

• Choose: Pick a verse and write it out.
• Compare: Record this verse from two or three other Bible translations and underline key words which are the same or different between translations.
• Research: Look up the Hebrew or Greek meaning for the underlined words and record it.
• Consider: Use the senses to uncover new meaning in the verse: What would it look, feel, smell, taste, or sound like to have experienced what’s happening? Read the verses surrounding this verse. Use other study tools to dig even deeper, if you prefer.
• Apply: What is God saying to you? How can you apply this verse to your life today?

Features:

• Full text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Guided instructions on how verse mapping works, how to start, and how to get the most from mapping
• Matching verse maps in the girl’s and adult’s Verse Mapping Bibles
• 350 partially completed verse maps with preselected verses in multiple Bible translations and helpful Hebrew or Greek word studies
• Free directions and study tools on BibleGateway.com
• 70 blank verse maps for girls to try it on their own
• 66 book introductions
• Presentation page
• Topical index
• Beautiful interior pages girls will love
• 8-point type size

The accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) text makes the Bible accessible and easy to read for kids. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversees the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators come from a wide range of denominations and various countries and continually review new research to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority. Every NIV Bible that is purchased helps Biblica translate and give Bibles to people in need around the world.

Old Testament heroes are best known for their most celebrated moments: Moses dividing the Red Sea; David slaying Goliath; Gideon routing an insurmountable army; Joshua marching around the defiant walls of Jericho.

And Elijah—calling down fire on Mount Carmel.

Blinded by the remarkable narratives of our biblical heroes, we can forget they each had a backstory—months and years of development, even difficulty, which fortified their spiritual muscle and prepared them for the tasks that made their lives unforgettable.

Every serious believer longs to summon up the kind of boldness and faith that can stand firm on Mount Carmel and pray down heaven into impossible situations. Yet few are willing to go through the process required to get them there. Strength of faith, character, and boldness can only be shaped in the hidden fires of silence, sameness, solitude, and adversity. Those who patiently wait on God in the darkness emerge with their holy loyalty cemented, their courage emblazoned, and their confident belief in Him set afire.

Join Priscilla Shirer on this 7-session journey through the life and times of the prophet Elijah to discover how the fire on Mount Carmel was forged in the valley of famine. And how the emboldened, fiery faith you desire is being fashioned by God in your life right now.

Features:

•Leader guide to help with questions and discussions within small groups
•Personal study segments to complete between 7 weeks of group sessions
•Seven enriching teaching videos, approximately 30–40 minutes per session, available for purchase or rent
•Articles to enhance your study and application of the content

Benefits:

•Understand the value of seasons of growth and testing in your spiritual maturity.
•Be encouraged to wait on God’s good work in your heart and mind, even in seasons when you feel like no one sees.
•Learn to trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God and His purposes for your life.