Many biblical women play critical roles in the drama of God s salvation. Women of the Bible grew out of a desire to discover how some of the women who made a difference in the Bible can make a difference in our lives today. Join Pastor James A. Harnish as he takes a closer look at the stories of four extraordinary women in Scripture: Deborah, Abigail, Mary Magdalene, and the woman at the well. You ll be drawn into a fresh awareness of what it means for all of us--men and women alike--to be more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

"Converge Bible Studies" is a series of topical Bible studies based on the "Common English Bible." Each title in the series consists of four studies on a common topic or theme. Converge can be used by small groups, classes, or individuals. Primary Scripture passages are included for ease of study, as are questions designed to encourage both personal reflection and group conversation. The topics and Scriptures in Converge come together to transform readers relationships with others, themselves, and God."

James A. Harnish, from the Introduction: I m broken. So are you. We re all broken people who live in a broken world. The critical question is, how do we find strength to put broken things back together again? This book is an invitation to touch the scars that mark the broken places in our lives, in the same way the risen Christ invited a doubting disciple to touch the nail scars in his hands. It is a challenge to explore some of the dark places in our human experience, to uncover the sinister power of sin, and to experience the way the grace of God meets us in our broken places to bring new life. "

Introduction

"Man s search for meaning is the primary motivation in his life." " "Viktor Frankl," Man s Search for Meaning"

There is a longing deep within every man s heart to discover meaning and purpose in life; to lead a life of significance as opposed to a life of success; to live a life of adventure, conquest, and victory; to make a difference and leave a positive, enduring mark on the world. Yet, as Henry David Thoreau observed, The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. Although Thoreau penned these words more than a century ago, they still ring true today. So many men including devoted Christian men wake up one day and realize they are leading lives of quiet desperation, silently losing themselves as they strive to meet unrealistic expectations, overcome mounting work and family pressures, and battle unrelenting temptations. These challenges can easily sidetrack men, causing them to lose their spiritual focus. Whether consciously or unconsciously, many men subsequently spend their time and energy and resources searching for significance in pursuits and people and things that can never fully satisfy. Some simply give up on ever finding lasting meaning and purpose in this world. Others find themselves somewhere in between. In any case, the result is often the same: a pervading sense of exhaustion, futility, or hopelessness. Yet there is a remedy to this cultural epidemic, and it is found in reclaiming and living out every man s true purpose, which is found in God alone. As Saint Augustine wrote, Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee. The apostle Paul expressed it this way: Everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible . . . "everything" got started in Christ] and finds its purpose in him (Colossians 1:16 The Message). "365 Meditations for Men by Men" is intended to help men focus on their relationship with God and, consequently, find real meaning and purpose in life. Twelve different Christian men share their reflections on what it means to be a man who seeks to follow Christ each and every day. Drawing upon the lives of men in the Bible as well as their own personal experiences, the writers present timeless truths and valuable life lessons that will speak to men of every age and experience. In addition to offering inspiration and encouragement, they provide counsel on practical matters such as how to - know God; - get your priorities in order; - become spiritually fit; - be holy and righteous; - make a difference; - be equipped; - step up; - take risks; - stand firm; - serve God wholeheartedly. As you make your way through the year (whether you start in January or June), you will be undergirded by a sense of brotherhood an assurance that you are not alone on this journey. With this confidence, may you boldly and courageously pursue a full and abundant life in Christ S. D. Sharpe, editor"

A moving testimony to how a church can experience rebirth by discerning its core mission.

The key to becoming a Spirit-energized, people-loving, life-giving, community-transforming congregation, says James A. Harnish, is really very simple. All you have to do is be willing to die. This book describes how God calls each congregation to a specific mission, how God grants discernment to understand what that mission is, and how God enables the congregation to die to its entrenched attitudes and behaviors in order to be resurrected to a new life of ministry and witness.

As a result of the changing cultural images of manhood, many men are searching for new ways to understand themselves and their relationships with others, struggling to grow into the fullness of life they desire but have yet to find. Examining how God was at work in the life of David, this book will help men discover new ways in which God may be working in their own lives. This substantive study looks at the life of David and his spiritual relationship with God. Each chapter is built around a particular Old Testament passage relating to his life, with other references. Each chapter concludes with discussion/reflection questions, suggestions for deepening your faith journey and furthering your spiritual growth and prayers. The book has 12 chapters and is appropriate for both group and individual study.

When God Comes Down is a five-week study, providing one lesson for each week of Advent and one for Christmas. Each lesson includes a key Scripture, a brief reflection, discussion/reflection questions, a brief prayer, and a focus for the coming week. In this study, Harnish explores the meaning of the incarnation God with us in human flesh. Often our Advent/Christmas journey is focused on us our memories, feelings, relationships and experiences. This study puts the focus on God s action in Jesus Christ. It encourages participants to think more deeply in terms of the biblical, theological, and spiritual meaning of the Nativity and to apply it to their own lives. The study looks at the stories of the primary biblical characters in the birth stories through whose lives the miracle of incarnation happened: Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.Harnish also looks ata traditional character in nativity plays, one who is not mentioned in the Bible, the innkeeper. Through all these characters, he helps us claim for ourselves the reality of God's presence with us."