The New Beacon Bible Commentary is an engaging, indispensable reference tool to aid individuals in every walk of life in the study and meditation of God's Word. Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, it offers insight and perceptive scholarship to help you unlock the deeper truths of Scripture and garner an awareness of the history, culture, and context attributed to each book of study. Readable, relevant, and academically thorough, it offers scholars, pastors, and laity a new standard for understanding and interpreting the Bible in the 21st century. Each volume features: COMPLETELY NEW SCHOLARSHIP from notable experts in the Wesleyan tradition CONVENIENT INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL for each book of the Bible including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and more CLEAR VERSE-BY-VERSE EXPLANATIONS, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the passage's original language COMPREHENSIVE ANNOTATION divided into three sections, which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text; and significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the text HELPFUL SIDEBARS, which provide deeper insight into theological issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, cultural customs, and more EXPANDED BIBLIOGRAPHY for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themes

Believe anything you want. The twentieth century has brought with it a myriad of opinions, philosophies, doctrines and ideologies. Each one of them important; each one valid. And the world says, 'Believe what you want.' Authors Wes Tracy and Stan Ingersol have authored Here We Stand to shatter that conclusion. More than ever, it is important that we know what we believe. Here We Stand is a comprehensive study of a wide range of beliefs and where Nazarenes fit into the ideological puzzle. Tracy and Ingersol provide the most contemporary and complete overview of major religions and religious beliefs since Why I Am a Nazarene . Nazarenes have the unique opportunity to reestablish their identity with a new generation of people. Here We Stand gives a clear view into other traditions in a language and approach understood by today's pastors and laymen. Here We Stand contributes to the distinctiveness of each group without sacrificing the Christian community as a whole. Pastors, Sunday School teachers and new Christians will find this unabridged version of the book What Is a Nazarene? an excellent resource because it lends a knowledgeable, objective voice to discussions of doctrine, witnessing and spirituality. Here We Stand provides the historical and theological background needed to establish identity and ownership among new and life-long Nazarenes. Kivar.

Around the turn of the 19th century, the Holiness Movement blossomed in America. Wesleyan-Holiness denominations sprang up all over the country. In 1907-8, five of these joined together to form the Church of the Nazarene.The dream that drew the founders together was a believers church in the Wesleyan tradition. It is the same dream that guides the Church of the Nazarene today. But how does that translate into a world where denominational lines don t seem to matter as much as they used to? How is a Nazarene different from a Presbyterian, Baptist, or Pentecostal brother or sister in Christ? What is a Nazarene? answers those questions in concise, easy-to-understand terms, as it examines the similarities and differences between the Church of the Nazarene and other mainline Christian denominations. With refreshing insight and candor, What is a Nazarene? will acquaint you with the heritage that birthed a vision that made a dream come true.

Homosexuality, social drinking, and politics . . .Why is it so hard to talk about these topics and others like them in the church? What keeps us from having open and honest conversations about complex and controversial issues? The silence in the pews about these matters can be deafening. Often members say little, fearing disagreement and rebuttal, others strongly assert half-truths and biases. Nothing gets truly discussed, and many, especially the youth, become discouraged and leave.A Charitable Discourse insightfully explores why this happens, looking closely at the ways people avoid and prevent authentic dialog, from labeling and grandstanding to religious abuse. Seven controversial issues are discussed with understanding, sincerity, and compassion.