Families are living stories. They tell us where we came from, guide us as we live our lives, and help us see who we could become. Especially priceless are the lives and words of those who came before us.

Christ-followers from earliest times to the present enrich us with their insight and inspiring examples. In the face of political, social and theological challenges, these saints lived lives faithful to the gospel story.

The Book of Saints The Middle Era is a devotional gateway to the thoughts and insights of church leaders, teachers, and spiritual mentors who lived between the early fourth and early fifteenth century. Living in a world of change, conflict, and controversy, these saintly persons have much to say to us today. Their words and life stories, along with prayers and Scripture selections, are brought together in this book to inspire and challenge us to a life of love and holiness, the great themes of our family story.

Representing over 20 countries and numerous Wesleyan denominations, the Global Wesleyan Dictionary of Theology is a collaborative achievement of more than 100 Wesleyan scholars. Its global and denominational diversity is reflected in more than 360 articles encompassing a broad range of topics. Designed for clergy, laypersons, university students, and church teachers, this work is arranged for ease in cross-referencing and to assist in further study.From aesthetics to Zionism this dictionary provides definitions of major theological themes and, as appropriate, a Wesleyan assessment of each. It contains a comprehensive statement of Wesleyan theology and tradition, as set within the broader framework of classical Christian faith and practice. An outstanding resource, this book mirrors the global character of the church, highlighting throughout its wide-ranging coverage the theme of the church in mission.ReviewsI recommend this book for teachers and learners alike, whether one is a follower of the Methodist way or a curious interlocutor.-Amy Laura Hall, Associate Professor, Duke UniversityThis remarkable book will compel many thoughtful readers throughout the world to look afresh at their own understanding of ministry and spirituality. The book has both insight and foresight.-Beauty R. Maenzanise, Dean, Faculty of Theology, Africa University

Religion today comes in many forms. The arrival of the twenty-first century brought with it a wave of religious tolerance and indifference unlike any before. As Christians struggle to unfold the truth tangled by modernity and postmodernity, many choose to radically and disrespectfully oppose other religions or passively accept their possible validity for the sake of tolerance. The effects of religious pluralism in our world today make it increasingly difficult for the life-giving message of Christ to reach the hearts of those who need to hear it. How should Christians attempt to tell the Gospel story in a world that believes no one religion is right? How should Christians live and speak in the crowded marketplace of world religions? With Cords of Love presents Christians with an introduction to religious pluralism and offers a sound, loving response drawn from the essential doctrinal features of the Wesleyan theological tradition. This thorough examination discusses the historical, philosophical, and cultural factors that have contributed to religious pluralism and explores the major responses currently embraced in some Christian circles. In addition to this historical overview, it also outlines ways the Church can bear a hopeful, effective, and intelligible witness for the message of Christ. Using Paul's response to the Athenians in the Book of Acts, With Cords of Love compels us to approach people from other religions with both respect and compassion, urging us to allow God to direct and guide our words and actions as we help to complete the work He's already begun in their hearts.

"Families are living stories. They tell us where we came from, guide us as we live our lives, and help us see who we could become. Especially priceless are the lives and words of those who came before us.

From Christ-followers living near the time of the apostles to the early defenders of the faith, we are enriched by the wise advice and inspiring examples of our Christian ancestors. In the face of heresy and persecution, these saints lived lives faithful to the gospel story.

The Book of Saints: The Early Era is a devotional gateway to the thoughts and insights of church leaders and teachers who lived before the middle of the fourth century AD. Living in a pagan world, much like our own, these saintly persons have much to say to us today. Their words and life stories, along with prayers and Scripture selections, are brought together in this book to inspire and challenge us to a life of love and holiness, the great themes of our family story."

Compromised worship has serious roots--and serious consequences. The Israelites can vouch for that. Through an effort to have the best of both worlds, they spent centuries attempting to worship both Yahweh and the fertility god, Baal. With this misguided concept of the true God and true worship, the Israelites' lives became immersed in a conspiracy to maintain a love of God and a love of everyday gods.In The Baal Conspiracy, author Al Truesdale exposes the truth behind what this Baal conspiracy meant for the Israelites: that God, in fact, cannot be denied or shared in any form of worship. With solid biblical scholarship, Truesdale employs historical fiction to explain and explore how Christians can confront and defeat the Baal conspiracy in the Church and in daily living.

Do you remember what you were doing the morning of September 11? Probably so. But, what was God doing? Was He watching but not caring? Did He choose to just sit on His hands? In this fictional work of letters to an Episcopal priest, Truesdale addresses the unavoidable question - What Kind of loving Father would allow such suffering? If God Is God, Then Why? will help you come to terms with the fact that God has not revealed exactly why, but that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is the solution.