"Apples to Oranges" is about what has happened to the Christian Church since its early formation by the apostles and Jesus' teachings. With the myriad of church denominations today, we ask -- would the founders of the various denominations (if they could return today) even affiliate with their own denominations? How did the different denominations form, and then reform? Was necessity the mother of invention, or was the Church that Christ built simply the victim of human frailty over the ages? Did the Nicolaitan-like early bishops get their Nicolaitanism from trying to compete with Caesar and his royalty? Are the Nicolaitans of today more interested in church politics than in preaching the Gospel? How important were icons to the twelve apostles? Did they insert a row of precious gems in their plain robes to set them apart from each other and those who followed them? Where is biblical support for the sale of indulgences? Was the absence of a male heir to the throne a legitimate reason for starting the Church of England? Is baptizing an infant so important that those refusing to do so were drowned in Switzerland? When God says He is "not willing that any should perish," how does that affect predestination? When Jesus promises not to lose any whom the Father has given Him, are we eternally secure as believers? While sound Christian doctrine is found throughout Scripture, dogmatic practices are absent. The Holy Spirit of God breathed words of truth into the minds of the biblical writers. Since He chose not to pursue dogmatic details, we are similarly bound. Whenever we try to "improve" on God's perfect plan, we fail. When we ignore doctrines declared in Scripture, we also err. There is a need to return to the doctrines and practices of the Apostolic Church.

The No-Nonsense Church conveys characteristics necessary for every Christian congregation serving Jesus Christ. Every church is called to be in the Word, on the knees, and looking beyond the self.

Baptists through the Centuries provides a clear introduction to the history and theology of this influential and international people. David Bebbington, a leading Baptist historian, surveys the main developments in Baptist life and thought from the seventeenth century to the present. The Baptist movement took root and grew well beyond its British and American origins. Bebbington persuasively demonstrates how Baptists continually adapted to the cultures and societies in which they lived, generating ever more diversity within an already multifaceted group. Bebbington's survey also examines the challenging social, political, and intellectual issues in Baptist historyaattitudes on race, women's roles in the church, religious liberty, missions, and theological commitments. The second edition of this proven textbook extends the scope with chapters on three parts of the world where Baptists have become particularly numerous: Latin America (where Brazilian Baptists number over 2 million), Nigeria (where Baptists are at their strongest outside North America, numbering roughly 5 million), and the Naga Hills in India (where Baptists form over 80 percent of the population). Each chapter also highlights regional issues that have presented new challenges and opportunities to Baptists: holistic mission in Latin America, the experience of charismatic renewal and the encounter with Islam in Nigeria, and the demands of peacemaking in the Naga Hills. Through this new edition, Bebbington orients readers and expands their knowledge of the Baptist community as it continues to flourish around the world.

Academics and non-academics alike have been intrigued by conservative Protestant groups that thrive in secular social and institutional contexts. This book offers an ethnographic study of one such group, the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) at McMaster University. These conservative Protestants espouse fundamental interpretations of the Bible, women's roles, the age of the earth, alcohol consumption, sexual ethics, and the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. How does this tiny minority function withing the overwhelmingly secular context of the university? The strategies of the ICVF seem both to strengthen and to mitigate evangelicals' sense of difference from their non-Christian teachers and peers. Bramadat suggests that this model can also be useful for understanding the construction of individual and group identity among other minority groups, both religious and non-religious models.

The No-Nonsense Church conveys characteristics necessary for every Christian congregation serving Jesus Christ. Every church is called to be in the Word, on the knees, and looking beyond the self.

A fascinating read for anyone seeking to understand the conflict between Christianity and LGBTQI individuals, this book is, as its editors proclaim, "a fearlessly wide vision of queer Christians finding a place within Christianity-and claiming their authentic experience and voice." Through essays by noted lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) religion scholars, this important compilation summarizes the history and current status of LGBTQI theology, exploring its relationship to the policies, practices, and theology of traditional Christianity. Contributors contrast the "radically inclusive" thinking of LGBTQI theology with the "exclusivity" practiced by many Christian churches, explaining the reasoning of each and clarifying contentious issues. At the same time, the book highlights ways in which "queer" theology and practice benefit Christian congregations. Writing from the perspective of grassroots Christian LGBTQI movements, many of the contributors draw upon their own experiences. They provide graphic examples of the effects exclusion has on individuals, congregations, and denominations, and also share examples of inclusion and its effects. Equally important, the work creates the basis for dialogue between traditional churches and followers of LGBTQI theology, offering practical suggestions for Christian congregations that wish to put aside exclusionary policies and practices.

Burton Rodebound, having highly rated innate aptitudes, not political skills, experiences inertia in "Corporate." He opts for the inspirational life of the nomadic entrepreneur, to use his IQ, while helping people. He heads an art/humanities agency that appears to use his title to claim funding, but not his skills. Using his Education "Minor" for designing courses for a local college, the Dean disapproves the proposal. Work as a consultant to NY City and California design firms end due to late commission payments. His furniture design enthralls, but he cannot compete with market prices. All the United States except three experience his visits as "stock" photographer, providing metaphorical imagery for commercial use. Most income over time came from historical restoration contracting, coordinating with photography, while "on the road," living in the back of his van, on state campgrounds, and in porous boat houses. Identical living quarters applied when he opened his own art gallery, but during recession, and twelve artists suffer. Burt avoids conflicts with brown bears, pumas, cougars, and wild owls while in nature, plus an escaped convict. Cautioned by neighbors, he and friends, dressed as Santa/elves, stop singing on an August 8th. This list of mistakes continue, but just in time a famous author asks Burt to restore his mansion for a year, several stock agencies renewed their photography contract, his art work flourishes, and Burt finally senses that all his risk, danger and debt had a purpose. Dartmouth College, BA: Art/Pre-Architecture, Minor: Education; graduate studies: Pratt Institute, Silvermine Guild; GE, Advertising and Sales Promotion, Copy Writing/Production; Raymond Loewy, Industrial Design draftsman; Lippincott & Margulies, Account Supervisor, Corporate Identification and Name Change; three stock photography agency memberships; regional art show (mixed media) awards; own art gallery; member: ASMP.

The purpose of this book is to show God's biblical principles of how to achieve reconciliation in your life and in your church. Many people today are trying to receive reconciliation but they are not allowing the biblical principles to affect their heart. It is my prayer that you will understand how to receive reconciliation in your life and in your church. Let's talk about bringing unity to God's people.