In exploring Christian discipleship, Alister McGrath encourages us to move beyond a superficial grasp of our faith to discover its depth and riches. He sees discipleship as a process of growth in wisdom, through which we absorb a Christian vision of reality, and allow it to percolate our minds and inform the way in which we think, imagine and act. Helpfully drawing on the insights of Dorothy L Sayers, C S Lewis, John Stott and J I Packer, whom he finds both astute and illuminating, the author offers counsel on holding on to hope while journeying through darkness, and how to live meaningfully in a world in which things don't always seem to make sense.

Four Bible versions together for study and comparison.

When you don't want to lose anything in the translation, the NIV/KJV/NASB/Amplified Parallel Bible is a tool that lets you explore the rich nuances of meaning in the Bible's text without having to learn the original biblical languages. Compare and contrast four popular Bible versions side-by-side: the authenticity and accessibility of the accurate, readable, clear New International Version; the iconic grandeur of the King James Version; the structural insights of the New American Standard Bible (1995 text); and the explanatory alternate readings of the Amplified(R) Bible (2015 Edition). Passages and verses from these versions are aligned in parallel columns for easy comparison and study.

Features:

• Full text of the New International Version, King James Version, New American Standard Bible (1995 text), and Amplified (2015 Edition) set side-by-side
• Double-column format
• 7.8-point type size

The books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth detail powerful stories of God's sovereignty as he led his people from wilderness wanderers to conquering heroes. The Israelites faced battles, oppression, and famine, but God guided them through it all, revealing himself as the heavenly Joshua, holy Judge, and merciful Kinsman-Redeemer. Courage to Conquer presents 365 daily devotions and prayers to inspire you with fresh vision, bold faith, and renewed passion to possess God's plan for you. Featuring Scripture from The Passion Translation(R), this devotional will encourage you to defeat every obstacle that may hinder your advance in God.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR How do we get through dark times when we feel like giving in to fear and despair, and when existential dread has convinced us of our smallness? In this real, resonant book, Anne Lamott uses her own recent marriage as a framework to explore how our lives can be enlarged through renewed commitment to ourselves and those around us. With warmth and wit, she looks at what it means to care for the soul when struggling with fear and dread and to emerge with exuberance, purpose and possibility, with new love for and joy in those around us. Our lives shouldn't be about what gets us ahead in the game or the demands other make on us. Wise, compassionate and spiritually uplifting, Dusk, Night, Dawn is for anyone looking for Christian hope and encouragement in times of fear and dread. It will leave you restored, and show you how you can care for your soul and live peacefully and exuberantly going forward. 'Chock-full of her trademark wit . . . this is [Lamott's] first book since getting married, so those honest insights about choosing love amid anxiety are sure to shine even brighter.' Bookpage 'By turns wise, funny, tragic, mystical, visionary, and imaginative . . . Readers new to Lamott are opening themselves to a real treat, as her abilities as a storyteller are in full form.' Library Journal

This book will help me in desperate situations when I need to be persistent in prayer until breakthrough comes.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

- Reveals five elements of Hannah’s breakthrough prayer

- Empowers readers to get the last word over the enemy

- Equips readers to find joy and victory in God’s presence and experience the “thousand realm” of blessing

There is powerful breakthrough awaiting people who pray desperate prayers.

Using the prayer of Hannah as a model, Apostle John Eckhardt invites readers to a life of prayer that consistently sees results. Through biblical teaching and practical application, this book takes readers through the five key points of Hannah’s prayer that can help them remain steadfast in prayer.

• Getting desperate for God to deliver the answer to their prayers

• Persevering despite torment, harassment, and a broken heart

• Seeking the presence of God

• Making a vow to God and keeping it

America has passed a tipping point. A majority of Americans now say that truth is up to the individual and that ultimate truth cannot be known. Learning to "speak our own truths" was supposed to lead to dignity and harmony. Instead, our society struggles with unprecedented levels of social conflict, purposelessness, and loss of identity. And still, the "Truth versus truths" tension continues to grow. Is all hope lost? In this inspiring book, Dr. Jeff Myers tells the fascinating stories of Jesus-followers who lived for Truth and transformed their world in times of crisis. These inspiring figures led the way in human dignity, science, art, medicine, education, politics, justice, and even the idea of meaningful work. No matter what is going on around us, the truth is worth fighting for. If you long for a positive, restorative role in our own chaotic era, it's time to discover how truth changes everything.

Does Your Faith Seem Stuck? Do you ever feel like you're not growing in your faith the way you're supposed to? It turns out, there are forces working against you--threats to your faith--trying to keep you from flourishing in your relationship with God. One of Jesus' parables--in fact, the one that gets the most space on God's sacred pages--deals with this very issue. It's the story about the sower, the seed, and the soil (Matthew 13). Just as a farmer doesn't toss seed on the ground to get rid of it, God never brings you into contact with his Word for no reason. A farmer wants fruit, and God wants to help you experience more joy, peace, love, etc. This book is structured around the six threats Jesus lists in the parable of the sower and the seed--pride, pain, worries, wealth, wants, and not waiting--and the corresponding strategies to overcome them. If you're wondering why your faith isn't working in some aspects of your life, the message of this book may be what you've been looking for. "Mike Novotny is one of those rare writers who is a real joy to read, and his new book, What's Big Starts Small, is no exception. If you've ever struggled with your Christian life or been frustrated with God, this is the book for you."--PHIL COOKE, PhD, media producer and author of The Way Back: How Christians Blew Our Credibility and How We Get It Back

Proverbs 31 Author Calls Women to a Revolutionary Faith What if there was a real-life invitation to a lifetime of unexpected destinations and adventure? What if your faith was the key? In her warm, conversational way, Proverbs 31 author Suzie Eller shows how your faith is just that. How when you take a step away from the uncertainty, the to-do list, the busy life, the worries and excuses, you take a step toward the One who promises to delight and surprise. Who brings you deeper than you ever thought possible. Two thousand years ago, 12 men answered the call to follow a man they hardly knew--and they were changed in ways they never imagined. Today that same invitation echoes across history, beckoning you to an adventure that will spill into every aspect of your faith and life. Come with Me. Will you say yes?

Can you really trust in hope? Does hope sometimes feel like a risk that isn't worth taking? Bestselling author, journalist, and former atheist Lee Strobel proves that hope is real, the true Source of our hope, and why we can trust it. In The Case for Hope, Lee Strobel pairs his trademark investigative style with an uplifting message of the hope found in Jesus Christ. Strobel will walk you through why holding on to hope is so crucial, why we can trust in the hope of Jesus Christ, and how that hope can change our lives for the better. Strobel will take you on a journey to discover: how to find hope in a hopeless world the source of real hope the hope of a transformed life hope for today and beyond hope that transcends doubt the hope of heaven hope for every person With more than 14 million books sold, Lee Strobel has already helped millions delve deeper into their faith and examine more deeply the how and the why of what they believe. Whether as a gift of encouragement during a difficult season, a reminder of our true hope at Christmas or Easter, a baptism or new member gift at church, or as a self-purchase when you need a lift in your faith, The Case for Hope is sure to inspire and ignite hope in the hearts of all who pick up this book.

Revival is not a thing of the past. It’s happening now! Since May of 2016 Deeper Fellowship Church in Orlando, Florida, has experienced a move of God with numerous healings and supernatural encounters. This outpouring of the Spirit bears many hallmarks of historic revivals that have taken place in the past four hundred years. Pastor William McDowell challenges you to believe that if revival is happening anywhere, it can happen everywhere. Physical, emotional, and spiritual healings are taking place today. The people of God are passionately pursuing Him, and He is responding.

Interwoven with stories of God working in miraculous ways, It’s Happening captures biblical truths about experiencing revival and God’s presence. Position yourself to join in the move of God that is already happening, and be a catalyst in spreading it. Stop waiting for revival and start seizing it.

There are many things that make up a great leader. The ability to motivate, to see the big picture, to delegate. But perhaps just as important, if not more so, is the leader's emotional intelligence (EQ). How we feel impacts how we lead, and how those we lead feel about themselves when they're around us affects how well they follow our leadership. It follows then that if we want to be the most effective leaders, we must be emotionally mature.

In this practical book, church leadership expert Aubrey Malphurs shows church and ministry leaders how to assess, understand, and improve both their own EQ and that of their followers, so that they can inspire the very best in their churches and organizations.

Only you can do what He sent you to do. Throughout the Bible, God sent people like Joseph, Deborah, David, Jesus and Paul to accomplish His purposes on the earth. You, too, were born with a divine and distinct assignment to make a difference. Yet most of us have trouble recognizing what that actually is--let alone living it out day-to-day. Filled with practical insights and tangible takeaways, this book will help you discern how the Lord has uniquely equipped you--and for what purpose. You'll also learn how to master and maximize your gifts and discover how to joyfully carry out His call on your life each and every day. You were created to become a force of change in the lives of others--to reform, transform, ignite hope, solve problems, and bring healing and deliverance. It's time to find and fulfill the reason you are here. "A masterpiece of a book. LaJun and Valora will teach, train and equip you to hear from heaven and do the will of God for your life. This is a must-read."--JOE JOE DAWSON, ROAR Apostolic Network "The insight and strategies you will receive in this book are tools that will change your life."--ANDREW TOWE, author, The Triple Threat Anointing

How can we love our neighbors amid so much division and hurt? Loving your neighbor as yourself would be easy if your neighbors were all people you understood, people you agreed with, people like you. But what about playground bullies, colleagues, refugees, online adversaries? They're all our neighbors, and Jesus said to love them. Every one. But how? Lauren Casper believes the key is the lost art of empathy, stepping into other people's shoes and asking what if?-what if it were my child? What if it were me? Casper helps us discover how to identify our blind spots and tune our hearts to the stories around us; seek and extend forgiveness with grace and humility; and engage in diverse and meaningful relationships. Following these steps will enable us to connect in simple but life-altering ways, to respond to conflict with grace, bring about needed change, and shine God's unconditional love into a dark world.

Today is the day you choose . . . which game you want to win, which prize you want to collect, which priorities you want to set. It's a thrill to win at checkers or Clue or Trivial Pursuit. You sweep aside the other players and you "own" the board. It's also a thrill to win a promotion at work ... the new house you wanted ... that sports car you've always eyed. But just like the game cards, the tokens, and the timer, those prizes are temporary. When the game is over, they all go back in the box. Games can cast a powerful spell, says bestselling author John Ortberg. But the wisest player remembers that the game is always going to end. So what can we take with us to the kingdom of God? Only the love we have for Christ, the love we have for each other, and our own souls. While it's not bad to be good at chess or Risk-or the game of life on Earth-we can't allow it to get in the way of what really matters. Using his humor and his genius for storytelling, Ortberg helps you focus on the real rules of the game and how to set your priorities. When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box Participant's Guide helps explain how, left to our own devices, we tend to seek out worldly things, mistakenly thinking they will bring us fulfillment. But everything on Earth belongs to God. Everything we "own" is just on loan. And what pleases God is often 180 degrees from what we may think is important. In the six sessions you will learn how to: Live passionately and boldly Learn how to be active players in the game that pleases God Find your true mission and offer your best Fill each square on the board with what matters most Seek the richness of being instead of the richness of having You can't beat the house, notes Ortberg. We're playing our game of life on a giant board called a calendar. Time will always run out, so it's a good thing to live a life that delights your Creator. When everything goes back in the box, you'll have made what is temporary a servant to what is eternal, and you'll leave this life knowing you've achieved the only victory that matters. Sessions include: When the Game Is Over It All Goes Back in the Box Keeping Score Where It Really Counts Resign as Master of the Board Calling or Comfort? Choose Your Move Wisely Playing the Game with Greatness and Grace The Kingdom Has One More Move Designed for use with When the Game Is Over It All Goes Back in the Box DVD 9780310808244 (sold separately).

He's inviting you to sustained and unquenchable love. Jesus is worthy of a love that burns in the likeness of His love for us. But threats to our passion for Him come with the storms and setbacks we face. With vulnerable perspective and insight, Dana Candler shares her own battles with keeping first love and how the Lord breaks in with vital truth and fresh desire to her soul--and how He yearns to do the same for you. Discover how to overcome the enemies of holy passion and tangibly experience His love. When you do, He will consume your heart with thriving joy, delight and passion for Him, burning bright all your days. "First Love equips you to say yes to God's invitation to a life marked by confident trust, deep-rooted joy and a love that overflows and impacts all that you do!"--JODIE BERNDT, bestselling author, Praying the Scriptures for Your Children "This book will strengthen your confidence in the One who never starts a fire and walks away."--BOB SORGE, bestselling author, Secrets of the Secret Place "I pray every reader of this book will be encouraged to live from the secret place of prayer so that they may also stand in the peace of God."--HEIDI G. BAKER, Ph.D., co-founder and executive chairman of the board, Iris Global

Gary Thomas, one of this generation's most trusted writers about the spiritual life, explores what it means to build a life of true pleasure - one that will liberate your spiritual life, marriage, family, community, and outreach. Many Christians assume "pleasure" and "sin" are synonymous. Others define godly pleasure so narrowly that they drastically minimize the powerful and holy role that pleasure can play in their lives. Still others feel guilty even thinking about how to build a life of pleasure. For all of them, Pure Pleasure provides an entirely new paradigm. It invites Christians to embrace a life of true pleasure as a pathway to obedience, worship, and service. Building on his bestselling books Sacred Pathways, Sacred Marriage, and the ECPA Gold Medallion-winning Authentic Faith, Gary Thomas takes readers to a new level of faith by providing a theological and inspirational framework to help them cultivate the kind of life that pleases God. Abounding with spiritual insights and practical exercises, this book invites you to shake off the shackles of misunderstanding about sin, provides the freedom to approach life in Christ with new wonder and joy, and challenges you to experience life as God meant it to be: overflowing with pleasure. Also available: Pure Pleasure small group video study and study guide, Spanish edition, and more.

Each of us has a soul story to tell - the unique story of how we experience God throughout our lives. Kate Nicholas expertly takes you on a journey through the various stages of your life, helping you to see your soul's story as an adventure full of meaning and purpose, connecting your tale with the great sweeping arc of God's eternal narrative. As you identify the main themes of your life that connect past and present, you will be able to understand your life as a coherent whole. At the end of this reflective and practical process, you will have the tools to step out and tell your own story with confidence. Point others to Jesus as you are empowered to share the good things God has done for you. Content Benefits: Soul's Scribe helps you to make sense of your life story and gives you the confidence to effectively share your testimony with others. Encourages you to look back over your life and see where God has been at work, guiding your paths, and working out his plans Each chapter provides food thought about God's narrative, how it relates to you and how you experience God in the world at different stages of your life Helps you identify the main themes of your life that connect past and present to help you to understand your life as a coherent whole Provides you with the tools to step out and tell your own story with confidence Enables you to see your own life as an adventure, full of purpose and meaning Draws on scripture and developmental psychology Implements methods used by professional communicators Ideal for anyone who wants to see the bigger picture of their journey with God Perfect for anyone who wants to tell their story more effectively to others Binding - Paperback Pages - 256 Publisher - Authentic Media

*Entirely rewritten and re-filmed for a more focused and deeply personal study of the most-loved verse in the Bible-John 3:16. In this updated classic Bible study (video streaming included), bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado pulls back the curtain on his favorite Bible passage to move you to a profound awareness of God's limitless love, His incalculable sacrifice, and the certainty of His offer of eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This passage is a twenty-six-word parade of hope. A verse brief enough to write on a napkin or memorize in a moment...and solid enough to weather 2,000 years of storms and questions. With deeply personal accounts of the way this verse shaped Max's own faith journey, this study will reveal the gospel story surrounding the promise and unpack God's plan of restoration from the human problems of sin and death. If you know nothing about the Bible, the promise of John 3:16 is where to start. This video study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself-with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide. An individual access code to stream all five video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!). It's time to live as if you've been "born again", as if you've already been redeemed. It's time to live into the promise, to trust it-so much that this message of God's unending love overflows from you to the world. 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.

Each day’s reading includes teaching and encouragement, a Scripture reading from both the Old and New Testaments, and a thought for the day to draw you closer to God the Father and His purposes for you. Explore the nature and role of men as God intended, addressing such issues as: What does the Bible really teach about men and women? What does it mean to be male? What are the purpose and design of the man? How is a man uniquely different from a woman? What is a man’s role as a husband and father? What are a man’s sexual needs? How are men and women meant to relate to one another? How can a man build a better life for himself, his family, and the world?

Through this devotional, you can strengthen your relationship with your heavenly Father as you discover how to fulfill your destiny and potential as an integral part of His eternal purposes.