It is used for personal study and for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society instruction on the second and third Sundays in 2007.

    Great Mother's Day present.

    Lund transports us to the days of Christ's mortal ministry and invites us to experience the emotions and events of those extraordinary times. Reports of Jesus of Nazareth have reached the ears of David ben Joseph, a merchant in Capernaum, who has waited and watched for the Messiah ever since a special, starlit night thirty years ago. He and his family decide to see for themselves whether or not the rumors are true and journey to hear Jesus. Though David is quick to accept Jesus as the Messiah, the rest of his family is more cautious. His wife, Deborah, and his son, Simeon, leaders in the rebellious Zealot movement, look for a Messiah that will crush the Romans with power and the sword, not one preaching a message of love and forgiveness. Meanwhile, reports of Jesus have reached into the very heart of Jerusalem, and both the powerful Sadducee Mordechai ben Uzziel and the Pharisee Azariah are growing uneasy with the news. Though they hold opposing political views, both agree that something must be done to stop this man from Nazareth before he gets out of hand. However, in Mordechai's own household the influence of the carpenter from Nazareth begins to create conflict. Come Unto Me: Volume 2 of the series The Kingdom and the Crown, Simeon of Capernaum wrestles with how to undo the damage wrought by his reluctant conversion to a man called Jesus of Nazareth. How can he stay true to the teachings of Jesus, which require that he love his enemies, and yet deliver the friends who face death because of him? A similar dilemma faces Miriam of Jerusalem. Her father, along with the other leaders of the powerful Sanhedrin, are determined to stamp out the growing popularity of this itinerant preacher from Nazareth. But Miriam too has found Jesus to be far more than a mere man, and this poses a terrible choice for her — will she follow family or faith? Come Unto Me continues the story of the people whose lives are forever changed by the teachings of a simple carpenter from Nazareth. Award-winning author Gerald N. Lund masterfully blends the biblical account of the greatest story ever told with unforgettable fictional characters in this dramatic epic. Behold the Man: Volume 3 details the last week of Jesus' life — his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and the crowning achievement of the atonement that begins in the Garden of Gethsemane and culminates in the Garden Tomb. Jesus of Nazareth has been preaching in Judea and has gathered many followers with his teachings and miracles. But he has also made enemies among the rulers in Jerusalem, who fear his power and his influence and who have conspired to put an end to him by whatever means possible. Mordechai ben Uzziel's life couldn't be any worse. His daughter, Miriam, has vanished from Rome, spirited away by none other than his old nemesis &mdash Simeon ben David. Meanwhile, Mordechai's credibility with the Sanhedrin is jeopardized when the council learns that his own daughter has become a disciple of this so-called Messiah. Simeon ben David's life couldn't be any better. After struggling to follow the Savior, Simeon has found peace and joy in following the Master. More than that, he has found love; he and Miriam will be betrothed before the feast of Hanukkah. The family of David ben Joseph continues to follow Jesus, though the Savior's teachings now carry an undercurrent of sorrow and unsettling prophecy. And despite increasing danger, Jesus' ministry draws him inexorably toward Jerusalem. Along the way, Jesus performs miracles of astounding power.

    When filled with God's love, we can do and see and understand things that we cannot do and see and understand on our own. As our own hearts are softened by these blessings, our overriding desire becomes to help others experience this joy also. But how do we do that in the normal course of our everyday lives? Presented in the form of an experiment undertaken by eight friends, this step-by-step guide helps us discover the one change we can make within ourselves that will automatically increase our ability to feel the love of God and to extend that love to others.

    and Canada have laughed, wept, and learned together at Time Out for Women events. Now you can share the spirit of those occasions with these Time Out mini-books. Each contains a favorite presentation designed especially to uplift and teach. When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered offers piercing insights into the Lord's dealings with His children, and helps us learn to trust His timetable.

    This remarkable volume collects the best available evidence and presents it with unmistakable clarity. The material is detailed enough to appeal to gospel scholars, yet accessible enough to benefit any member of the Church. Centering on thirteen powerful arguments for the reality of the Great Apostasy, this book will forever heighten your appreciation of the Restoration.

    Michael Wilcox has been a favorite presenter at BYU Education Week, Time Out for Women events, and adult religion classes. His popular talks on CD represent some of his most inspiring and profound work and have generated countless requests for printed transcripts of these classic addresses. Now these timeless talks have been transcribed, edited by the author, and compiled into a single volume.Included in this volume are the classic talks Walking on Water; The Jesus We Need to Know; Of Lions, Dragons, and Turkish Delight; The Fourth Watch; Seeing as God Sees; When All Eternity Shook; Your Faith Becometh Unshaken; and Taking the Temple with You.Brother Wilcox's familiar, erudite style shines through in every chapter, bringing new light and life to familiar scripture stories and doctrines. Readers of Walking on Water will find what it means to be "King Noah-blind" (and how to avoid it), what the connection is between lions, dragons, and Turkish delight, and just what kind of God we worship. Readers will also find out how to deal with faith-shaking experiences in their lives, how to respond to requests from the Lord that seem impossible to accomplish, and how to strengthen their testimonies, brick by brick. Walking on Water truly has something for everyone, whether a new convert to the gospel, wondering where to go next, or a gospel scholar, looking for new insights into timeless themes.,

    But there are biblical prinicples that can help you break free from bitterness and pain. In Choosing Forgiveness, discover specific strategies for putting God's grace and mercy into practice -- forgiving others as God has forgiven you.

    Although the disciples had denied and abandoned the Crucified One, they came to realize, through the reading of Scriptures and the breaking of bread, that Jesus had given himself up for the life of the world, so transforming death into life, darkness into light, and flesh into word.Beginning with the Passion narratives, Fr Behr examines how we search the scriptures to encounter Christ and thereby realize that we were created for this encounter, thus opening a profound perspective on creation, the fall, sin, and salvation history. He further explains how Christ is born in those who are born again in the Church, their "Virgin Mother," so that they become truly human, after the stature of Christ, and continue the incarnation of the Word by glorifying God in their bodies.By returning to the approach of the early Church, this fresh study by a renowned patristic scholar offers a way out of the problems that have beset theology and scriptural study in recent centuries.

    You want to break free from your limitations and feelings of inadequacy. In this book, you will discover just how to do that! Discover the joy, peace, and enthusiasm that God has for you and allow the Scriptures to speak to you. Be still and listen to what God is saying and allow Him to rebuild your self-image. When you understand the power of your thoughts and words and put your trust in God, you'll begin to let go of the past. You'll be able to renew your strength despite the adversity you face. And best of all, you'll learn how to give generously without reservations and choose to be happy.

    Take heart before your audience takes leave! You can convey your message in the powerful, life-changing way it deserves to be told. An insightful, entertaining parable that’s an excellent guide for any speaker, Communicating for a Change takes a simple approach to delivering effectively. Join Pastor Ray as he discovers that the secrets to successful speaking are parallel to the lessons a trucker learns on the road. By knowing your destination before you leave (identifying the one basic premise of your message), using your blinkers (making transitions obvious), and implementing five other practical points, you’ll drive your message home every time! “Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away…” “Once upon a time…” “In the beginning…” Great stories capture and hold an audience’s attention from start to finish. Why should it be any different when you stand up to speak? In Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley and Lane Jones offer a unique strategy for communicators seeking to deliver captivating and practical messages. In this highly creative presentation, the authors unpack seven concepts that will empower you to engage and impact your audience in a way that leaves them wanting more. “Whether you are a senior pastor with weekly teaching responsibilities or a student pastor who has bern charged with engaging the hearts and minds of high school students, this book is a must-read.” -Bill Hybels, Senior pastor, Willow Creak Community Church “A very practical resource for every biblical communicator who wants to go from good to great.” -Ed Young, Senior pastor, Fellowship Church, Grapevine, Texas “To communicate effectively, you have to connect. Andy has been connecting with people for years, and now he’s sharing his insights with the rest of us.” -Jeff Foxworthy, Comedian Story Behind the BookAndy Stanley and Lane Jones are on staff at one of America ’s largest churches, North Point Community. Leaders of thousands of people, they regularly speak in front of large groups. They also listen to numerous speakers and know the disastrous effects of a poorly delivered message. This book is the result of their efforts to make public speaking—one of the most common fear-inducing activities known to mankind—simple, easy, and even enjoyable, so that God’s messages will readily produce the life-changing results they should.

    Ridges brings the books of Moses and Abraham, in the

    Though tragic, it is also a story of triumph that scarcely has an equal. It is one of history's great witnesses of the power of faith and sacrifice. Although this story is one of the most frequently told of all Mormon pioneer accounts, it is also among the least understood. This book provides the most comprehensive and accessible account of these pioneers' epic 1856 journey. In addition to painting a broad perspective of the trek, it includes dozens of personal stories from the pioneers themselves. Woven into the larger story of the journey west, these stories inspire, build faith, recount miracles, and reveal how these pioneers were able to endure such adversity. The book also includes chapters on the lives of many of these pioneers after the handcart trek. Immerse yourself in the challenges and miracles of this astounding odyssey as never before!

    We, too, desire to do all the Lord asks. However, often life’s trials and uncertainties and even the Lord’s commandments—especially that all-encompassing injunction, “Be ye therefore perfect”—make that objective appear as impossible as walking on water. Yet the Savior also calls to us across the darkness, “Come.” Brother Wilcox shares insights from scriptural stories about “walking on water” to help us remove doubt and fear from our lives.

    You don't have to allow sin, Satan, or the circumstances of life to weigh you down. Beginning with your private world--your thoughts, body, actions, and ultimately your God-ordained destiny--you can take charge. Authority is yours for the taking. Then, because God established and so honors the principle of authority, He will back you as you walk in the government He has delegated to you concerning your extended world--your home, family, business, and possessions. Finally, God's plan is for you to partner with Him on the earth in broader realms of influence and authority--your universal world. Jesus, the sovereign King over the earth, wants to rule institutions, cultures, societies, and governments through you and your prayers. Authority in Prayer will show you how to take hold of God??'s promises and pray with the authority He wants you to have. God needs you. Are you ready to use your God-given authority to further His kingdom?

    Full-color, fun illustrations will keep the attention of pre-readers. Volume 2 Book of Mormon stories include: "Helaman's Warriors Respect Their Parents," "Enos Sincerely Prays," and "Alma Apologies." Family home evening ideas and activities are also featured at the end of each story. Who's Your Hero? is ideal for teaching children to love the Book of Mormon!Published: October 2006Brother Bowman, who has a Bachelors degree in Illustration from Brigham Young University, says the idea for the series came from his experience in teaching seminary."During those teaching years, the focus was always on applying, applying, applying the scriptures to our lives---and rightfully so," David says. "I also noticed that there was very little in the LDS children's book market in regards to Book of Mormon storybooks that really did this, applied the scriptures to kids.""I feel strongly that we can and should do more for the young children in the Church today; that they are ready and able to take it further by applying the principles within the stories...and have a fun time doing it. I hope that my books can help fill that need," says Brother Bowman.Courtesy of The BeehiveSeptember 26, 2006 Edition

    It is an Odyssey through the greatest principles, ordinances and meanings of the Latter-day Saint faith in a comprehensive narrative. It will change the way you think of yourself, and of your life.

    Same Lake, Different Boat is a transformational work--designed to renew our minds to think biblically about disability in order that our lives, our relationships, and our congregations might wholly reflect Christ.

    Ridges brings the books of Exodus through Ruth to life with his well-known teaching skills. In addition, he provides some direction and helps for understanding 1 Samuel through Proverbs. In-the-verse notes provide a highly effective, unique teaching tool. Notes between the verses provide additional insights and teach principles and doctrines. Join the tens of thousands of readers who have experienced spiritual growth from reading and pondering the books in this series.

    There are thousands of commentaries, and more are published each year. Anyone who contemplates adding to this number must ask not Why is this night different? But Why is this edition different? My answer is that I wrote this commentary because, amongst all the many I have read, I could not find one that explained in their full richness and scope the fundamental themes of the Pesach story: the Jewish concept of a free society, the role of memory in shaping Jewish identity, and the unique connection that exists in Judaism between spirituality and society, giving rise to what I have called elsewhere the politics of hope. Nor could I find a Haggada that told me in detail about the role of Pesach in shaping Jewish identity through the millennia, or its influence on Western thought as a whole.

    Jesus Christ and the World of the New Testament is richly illustrated with hundreds of images, including original artwork, artifacts, maps, and timelines. Uncover the origins of the books of the New Testament and learn how stories of Christ's life and teachings were preserved after His death. Explore the relationships between Greek, Roman, and Jewish culture that explain much about how the gospel was shared and recorded. Examine scriptural issues that have been debated by scholars throughout the ages. Nearly 300 topics provide valuable context to understanding New Testament times, from the role of women and families, to portraits of key personalities, to controversial legends that have persisted to our day. This unique resource is sure to enrich New Testament studies as never before!

    What began as a casual discourse, not too different from others I have had with inquisitive young people who have reached out to me, became a treasured and enlightening friendship that changed my life forever. With the purity of heart that only a child can possess, and the indomitable spirit of one who has survived more physical suffering than most adults will ever know, Mattie convinced me that his quest was not inconceivable. Inspired by his enthusiasm and without reservation, I committed to a partnership with him. . . . These words of wisdom and inspiration came from the most remarkable person I have ever known." --Jimmy Carter Sometimes the most important messages come from the most unlikely places. Mattie J.T. Stepanek, a 13-year-old boy, made a difference before he died with his Heartsongs poetry. He continues to impact the world through Just Peace. This poet, best-selling author, peace activist, and prominent voice for the Muscular Dystrophy Association fervently believed in and promoted world peace not just as a concept, but as a reality.Mattie was working on this manuscript with Jimmy Carter when he died in June 2004. His mother, Jeni, who edited the material and wrote a preface for the book has published it at her son's request. Just Peace explores Mattie's concept of the world and all people as a unique mosaic of gifts. War and injustice shatter the mosaic, which can only be made whole again by planning and actively pursuing peace. The young visionary's essays, poetry, and photographs appear throughout the book. Jimmy Carter has written a special foreword for the book.Just as important to the book and enlightening to the reader are Mattie's many correspondences. Central to these are his personal e-mails to and from former president Jimmy Carter, Mattie's peace "hero" and role model. The Nobel Peace Prize winner met Mattie, considered him an angel, messenger, and hero in his own right, and was genuinely affected by Mattie's passion and drive. Just Peace is an intimate portrait of a president, a young man of hope, and peace itself.

    Holy Places includes more than sixty faith promoting stories with accompanying artwork from temples around the world, including the most recent temples in Ghana, Manhattan, Newport Beach, and Nigeria. Based on more than a decade of personal interviews and in-depth research, each story in this beautiful volume conveys a sense of God's hand in the important work of temples and the faith of Church members as they seek to perform that work. Families will love this treasured collection of stories documenting the faith and miracles associated with the most holy places on Earth.

    Your life will not be the same after reading "Dream and You Will Win the World". You will become a person that dreams, a visionary, challenged by the experiences of Pastor Cesar Castellanos.

    In-depth scripture commentary is supplemented with photos, paintings, drawings, charts, maps, and other invaluable study helps. There is something here for everyone! You�ll find a treasure-trove of understanding to enrich your grasp of the Savior�s teachings and deepen your appreciation for the priceless testimonies contained in the four Gospels.

    In his celebrated book, Being as Communion (1985), he emphasised the importance of communion for life and for unity. In this important companion volume he now explores the complementary fact that communion is the basis for true otherness and identity. With a constant awareness of the deepest existential questions of today, Metropolitan John probes the Christian tradition and highlights the existential concerns that already underlay the writings of the Greek fathers and the definitions of the early ecumenical councils. In a vigorous and challenging way, he defends the freedom to be other as an intrinsic characteristic of personhood, fulfilled only in communion.After a major opening chapter on the ontology of otherness, written specially for this volume, the theme is systematically developed with reference to the Trinity, Christology, anthropology and ecclesiology. Another new chapter defends the idea that the Father is cause of the Trinity, as taught by the Cappadocian fathers, and replies to criticisms of this view. The final chapter responds to the customary separation of ecclesiology from mysticism and strongly favours a mystical understanding of the body of Christ as a whole. Other papers, previously published but some not easily obtainable, are all revised for their inclusion here.This is a further contribution to dialogue on some of the most vital issues for theology and the Church from one of the leading figures in modern ecumenism.

    Authentic heroes. People of integrity. Great lives to inspire us to do better, to climb higher, to stand taller. ?Chuck SwindollGreat Days with the Great Lives is a collection of biographies taken from the Great Lives from God's Word series. Each day provides a Scripture reference and devotional thought based on the experience of some of the greatest heroes of the Bible?men and women whose authentic walk with God will teach us, encourage us, and warn us.These profiles in character from one of America's most beloved teachers, Chuck Swindoll, offer us hope for the future. They show us that God can do extraordinary things through ordinary men and women like us. They teach us what it means to be genuinely spiritual people?people after God's own heart.Join us now for 365 Great Days with Great Lives?an exploration into the hearts and lives of God's heroes who continue to instruct and inspire.

    The child will enjoy answering the questions included, reading the Bible verse, and saying the prayer. This is a devotional that little children will love. Delightful and humorous watercolors of animals illustrate these devotions.

    Dorrien argues that liberal theology has been in crisis for the past half-century, yet despite the crisis, and also because of it, it has also experienced a hidden renaissance of intellectual creativity. Liberal theology in the early twenty-first century is more diverse, complex, and marginalized than ever before in its history, he concludes, but its essential idea--creating a progressive, credible, integrative third way between orthodox over-belief and secular unbelief--remains as necessary as ever.

    St. John, as one of the Twelve and a witness to Christ's glory, sets his Gospel in a cosmic context, revealing Christ as the eternal Light of God, the Truth and voice of the Father, the divine Glory shining in the midst of men. One book in the Orthodox Bible Study Companion series About the Series: This commentary series was written for the average layperson. Working from a literal translation of the original Greek, the commentary examines the text section by section, explaining its meaning in everyday language. Written from an Orthodox and patristic perspective, it maintains a balance between the devotional and the exegetical, feeding both the heart and the mind.

    We're told that God has a great sense of humor, but sometimes His irony leaves us gasping instead of giggling.In his new book, I Love God's Sense of Humor; I Just Wish He'd Let Me in on the Joke, Stan Toler addresses the awkward moments of life and the silence that fills the air after trouble or tragedy has occurred. With humor and insight, Toler revisits the lives of biblical heroes who struggled to find the humor in horrifying situations yet found the courage and faith to overcome the obstacles in their lives. He helps you learn to deal with some of life's most pressing problems--while still managing to keep a smile on your face.I Love God's Sense of Humor...will remind you that you don't necessarily need a great sense of humor to get God's punch lines. You just need a great sense of faith--the ability to see that God will get you to Jerusalem even if you have to go through Cleveland to get there.In I Love God's Sense of Humor...you'll learn to overcome: ObstaclesDisappointmentTemptationAngerFearInadequacyDoubtHopelessnessFailureLoneliness

    Passing on the evangel of the Reformation, and growing stronger in persecution, it turned a people to the Bible, and finally gave many of its best sons and daughters to the ends of the earth. New from Iain Murray, this is a gripping introduction to the glorious successes and painful failures of the church from the 16th through 19th centuries. Captivating true stories of fidelity, joyful perseverance in hardship, improbable advance and a faith that overcomes the world.

    Newell has selected timely bits of prophetic counsel for each day of the year. He also provides thoughts on personal application for our busy lives. Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice is a beautiful collection of inspired messages from latter-day prophets and apostles with insightful commentary by a respected gospel scholar and teacher. The convenient, pocket-sized volume will easily fit in a purse, briefcase, or backpack. Offering daily wisdom, encouragement, and guidance, this lovely devotional book is a simple way to focus our attention on the teachings of our beloved leaders.

    Rowe offers a careful exegetical discussion of all the passages in the Gospel that use kyrios for Jesus in order to trace the complex and deliberate development in Luke's narrative of Jesus's identity as Lord. Detailed attention to Luke's artistry and use of Mark demonstrates that Luke has a nuanced and sophisticated christology. For Rowe, Luke's use of kyrios for Jesus not only after the resurrection but throughout shows Jesus's close association with the God of Israel. This book, now available in paperback, was first published in hardcover by Walter de Gruyter.

    They demonstrate repeatedly the harmony between the teachings of the ancient apostles and the principles of the gospel restored through Joseph Smith. This book will be treasured by all who wish to understand the teachings of those called anciently by the Savior to testify of him.

    These little-known nuggets of truth include Bible wonders and miracles, facts about the human body, nature, creation, weapons, armor and much, much more. Kids won't want to put down this seemingly endless encyclopedia of information as they discover fun facts, like the oldest person in the Bible, bet fighter, biggest villain, longest drought, worst hail storm, people most talked about in the Bible, etc. And they'll laugh at some of the zany Veggie facts included for fun!

    Well acquainted with difficulties, suffering, and death, Hayness ministry was infused with the unfailing hope of heaven. Author Thabiti M. Anyabwile is senoir pastor of First Baptist Church, Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands Endorsement "This well chosen selection from Lemuel Hayness writings represents a significant part of the earliest African-American engagements with the Reformed theological tradition. In that tradition Haynes and his black contemporaries, both American and British, found a language of justice and inspiration that allowed them to criticize slavery and racial prejudice, and to offer a Christian vision of a free society. May We Meet in the Heavenly World can be recommended to students of Christian theology and of American history." -John Saillant, author of Black Puritan, Black Republican: The Life and Thought of Lemuel Haynes, 17531833

    Even today, centuries later, this simple saint draws people around the world to his story of living in humility, love, and joy.Here in Following Francis, Susan Pitchford tells her own story of the Franciscan life, as a member of the Third Order, founded by Francis himself so that people from all walks of life can follow the saint's ideal, without leaving their homes or occupations. Pitchford learned that the Franciscan tradition isn't the exclusive possession of monks cloistered in a monastery, but a spiritual path for ordinary people living in the twenty-first century.Organized around the Rule of St. Francis, this book - a wonderful resource for private devotion or group study - shows readers what it means to live out the Christian life with a Franciscan accent.

    ‘An heroic book. Begun in health as a meditation on a lifetime’s faith and experience, it ends in mortal sickness with Michael Mayne facing death. But his courage, his humour and his tone of voice do not desert him; humbling and inspiring, it is a validation both of his faith and his humanity.’ — Alan Bennett ‘A testimony to the power of faith and hope not to banish but to grow alongside pain and loss as a realisable potential of consciousness. It is a brave and moving account of one man’s effort to celebrate life at its most testing and inexplicable.’ — Salley Vickers, The Times ‘Michael Mayne uses the knowledge of his approaching end to look back over his life and trace the ‘enduring melody’ which has sung through him, all his life. The melody is not arrogant or without uncertainty, but it knows that it is responding to the original music of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is the music of one individual and unrepeatable life lived in relation to God, and it will inspire its readers and hearers to listen for the enduring melody in their own lives, and begin to try to harmonise.’ — Jane and Rowan Williams ‘An autobiography of dying. It was brave to write it and it needs courage to read it, but the benefits are enormous. Michael Mayne belongs to the great priest-writers. He takes on the issues of mortality, both in religion and literature, and makes us all discover what pain has taught him. It is a wonderful achievement.’ — Ronald Blythe

    www.michaelramseyprize.org.uk Grounded in Samuel Wells' experience of ordinary lives in poorer neighborhoods, this book presents a striking and imaginative approach to Christian ethics. It argues that Christian ethics is founded on God, on the practices of human community, and on worship, and that ethics is fundamentally a reflection of God's abundance.Wells synthesizes dogmatic, liturgical, ethical, scriptural, and pastoral approaches to theology in order to make a bold claim for the centrality of the local church in theological reflection. He considers the abundance of gifts God gives through the practices of the Church, particularly the Eucharist. His central thesis, which governs his argument throughout, is that God gives his people everything they need to worship him, be his friends, and eat with him. Wells engages with serious scholarly material, yet sets out the issues lucidly for a student audience.

    Volume One of the Divine Office covers the period from Advent up to the start of Lent, and includes all the prayers, as well as readings. This edition contains an updated table of moveable dates.This edition comes in an attractive binding with ribbon marker. The Divine Office is the official text for the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, as well as various countries across Africa and Asia.

    The manual edition of the Septuagint by Alfred Rahlfs has been the standard critical edition of the Greek Old Testament for decades. It is now available in this 2nd revised edition, edited by Robert Hanhart in 2006. English, German, Latin and Modern Greek introductions. Key to Sigla.

    They investigate how to apply apostolic identity to various aspects of life and ministry. Grouped into separate sections ( Science and Scripture, Outreach, Doctrine, Ministry and Evangelism, and The Christian Life ), these pieces offer a breadth and depth on pertinent, contemporary subjects.

    In these two new gift books, White Dresses and White Shirts, author Deborah Rowley shares the tender experiences of a dad and his daughter or son during the most memorable events in a family’s life. From baby blessing to baptism to entering the House of the Lord (and, for boys, receiving the Aaronic Priesthood), including many spiritual experiences in between, these picture books will allow parents and their children to reflect upon the importance of sacred ordinances and look forward to the time when families can be together forever.

    In his encouraging style, Elmer Towns doesn’t induce guilt about not praying; rather, he makes readers want to drop to their knees in anticipation of meeting with the God of the universe. By following Elmer’s lead, your prayer life will never be the same.

    A book with a vision to bring powerful, purposeful and Spirit-filled preaching back into the life of the Church.

    

    It's time to really focus on the meaning of this holiday season. It's time for "The Experience of Christmas."This unique family devotional highlights key aspects of Christmas often overlooked in our holiday busyness -- the fulfilled prophecies, the names of the Messiah, the symbols and traditions, the worship of the Child, and more.Specially designed for families with children of all ages, "The Experience of Christmas" provides food for thought, prayer and discussion starters, and ideas for meaningful family activities. Don't just "do" Christmas this year . . . experience it!

    The authors use various scenes from the painting to symbolize our different spiritual challenges on the path to healing. Are we like the distracted bystanders, too busy to notice the healing touch of the Savior? Or are we like the man in the red cap, waiting for a miracle but not fully ready to turn our pain over to the Master Healer? Perhaps we are among the crowd behind the pillar, separated by a barrier that stands between us and the Source of salvation. But whatever our need and circumstance, true healing requires spiritual preparation. Learn how the healing hand of the Master touches each of us in a personalized way and discover the healing agents you can apply in your own life.

    In some cases, mistakes made in the first six months of a church plant can take six years to correct! FirstSteps starts with foundations, and then offers tips and strategies for first-timers. It discusses the pitfalls, pit stops and potholes that church planters are faced with in the beginning stages of formation. From relating with others and receiving vision, to dealing with dreaded financial issues, to preparing worship services, to launching churches, Rohrmayer builds on the insights of other leaders. This book is no blueprint, but rather it is a valuable how-to guide that encourages church leaders to trust in God, think smart, do ministry relationally, and breathe every once in a while. In order to facilitate this, it includes sections for readers to stop, reflect and discuss what they are learning along the way. Topics include:-Church Planting Foundations-Relating with God and Others-Networking and Gathering-Building a Launch Team-Designing Strategies and Worship Services-Launching Public Worship Services-Establishing the New Community and MinistriesRohrmayer s goal is simple. It is his desire to help you discover the church that God has planted in your heart and to help that become a reality.

    Aspeople in disparate places throughoutthe globe embrace the message of therestored gospel of Jesus Christ, we cansee the hand of the Lord in direct fulfillment of many prophecies concerninghis “gathering” or, as it is sometimescalled, his “marvelous work and a wonder.”In this comprehensive volume, Marvin R. VanDam carefully guides readers through every significant passage of ancient and modern scripture concerning this “gathering” and answers the pressing question, “What are the promised blessings of Israel and how do they concern me?”

    “If the riches of the Indies, or the crowns of all the kingdoms of Europe, were laid at my feet in exchange for my love of reading, I would spurn them all” Francois Fenelon

    Richard D. Draper, a popular Education Week speaker, discusses the themes of Revelation, examining the book section by section. Some questions he addresses include: • What is apocalyptic literature? • What do the various beasts represent? • What is the significance of numbers and their use? • What are the differences and purposes of the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls? • How does the book testify of Jesus Christ and warn of Satan? • What does the book say about the last days, the Millennium, and the final judgment? Opening the Seven Seals will help the reader find the fulfillment of this promise: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Rev. 1:3).

    Some eighty years after the Reformation, the brief span of the Anglican Counter-Reformation in the 1620s and 1630s saw a revival of the arts in the Church. With the rise of a -High Church- movement, initiated by Lancelot Andrewes and propelled by William Laud, John Cosin and Matthew Wren, the arts of religion flourished once again. New churches were built, and cathedrals and parish churches began to install new furnishings that were appropriate to the ceremonial forms of worship now being introduced. Painted glass, religious painting and sculpture, and ornate screens, font-covers and tombs all re-appeared. Sacred music enjoyed a revival too, as cathedral and chapel choirs required an enlarged repertoire for the more complex services that the Laudian movement favoured. The heightened mood of piety also found expression in a remarkable flowering of devotional poetry and prose. All these are discussed in this remarkable book. First published in 2006 as The Arts of the Anglican Counter-Reformation. GRAHAM PARRY is Professor of English, University of York.

    "Fighting for David" is the story of Leone's courageous battle for David's life and his family's fight to help him overcome many of his disabilities. (Remarkably, David can now speak, walk with the aid of a walker, and with the help of a caregiver, live in his own home.) After witnessing this amazing—if less-than-perfect—outcome, Leone is uniquely qualified to help readers understand why even “imperfect” life has value and why faith and persistence can be more powerful than a doctor's diagnosis.

    The result can be discouragement, a sense of failure, or burnout. When crises come how do elders find nurture for their own spirits? In the midst of trouble, how do elders shepherd the flock, as did the Compassionate One, with tender mercies?With theological clarity, practical wisdom, and the authority of extensive experience, the writers in this volume speak directly to church leaders and the many challenges they face.

    This new resource in the growing Companions in Christ family helps children learn and experience spiritual practices that will lead them into a deeper awareness of God's presence in their lives. The Leader's Guide includes 5 chapters on the spiritual nature of children and faith as well as 39 sessions for use with groups of children. The Way of the Child product line also includes a Resource Booklet of reproducible art for the reflection stations, Family Booklet for use in homes, a music CD, and an Interpretive DVD. Designed for children ages 6-11, there are enough sessions to use from September through May in Sunday school for weekday or week-night settings or can be used in short-term programs such as VBS, day camp, and other gatherings of children throughout the year.

    Drawing from his own fifty-year experience in the church as pastor, teacher, and parishioner, Fackre breaks open the myth of the church experience and exposes the reality of modern worship on a local level."The Church" is rich in insight and fertile in its range of suggestions, most of them aimed at pastors and aspiring pastors -- the men and women who will carry the teachings of the church, its "kerygma," into the next generation and the ones that follow.

    The first study of its kind, it shows how the infiltration of therapeutic psychology on the training and lifestyles of clergy spawned a cavalier attitude in many priests and bishops about sex and prayer, causing the collapse of ascetical discipline with its devastating effects in the sex abuse crisis. Chapters probe the findings of the John Jay Report on clerical sexual misconduct; that sexual misconduct by priests was rare in the first half of the twentieth century because of the dedication to ascetical discipline; why the volumes of past research on the psychology of priests failed to predict the sexual crisis; whether homosexual priests can remain chaste. After Asceticism moves beyond criticism to an eye-opening explanation on how self-denial, fasting, and religious devotion work together to bolster attitudes and behavior for complete sexual abstinence. After Asceticism draws the connection between the ancient ideas about sex, prayer, and spiritual friendship with modern scientific research on the biology of fasting and the psychology of hope. It warns, however, that as society becomes more deeply immersed in pagan sexuality, the Catholic Church will remain mired in sexual crisis absent a return to its ascetical tradition.

    

    For nearly 18 years, the Neufelds ministered to their ?big-hearted neighbors, ? most of whom lived below the poverty line. The stories in this collection recount the struggles and giftedness of the North Enders the Neufelds have known and served. Their vivid experiences of love and friendship powerfully demonstrate that the Good News to the poor is also Good News to the rich.

    Filled with mazes, crossword puzzles, connect-the-dots, and word searches.A great way for kids and their parents to focus on the true meaning of the Advent and Christmas seasons. An invaluable resource for families and Christian formation teams alike.

    

    Internationally respected interpreter M. Eugene Boring brings a lifetime of research into the Gospels and Jesus into this lively discussion of the first Gospel.The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.

    Supporting biblical interpretations, this book answers the challenges and questions from current secular culture.

    Mullady offers a readable and rock-solidly reliable treatment of what is surely the most important - and debated - subject in contemporary Catholic theology. His approach to the doctrine of the Church (ecclesiology) demonstrates the profound consistency and coherence of the Magisterium's teaching, as it draws from biblical and patristic sources and develops from the medieval to the modern period, culminating in Vatican II's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium). In the process, Fr. Mullady applies a 'hermeneutic of continuity' to show the deep convergence of Vatican I and Vatican II (no small feat!). Along the way, readers gain a renewed sense of the indispensable role of classical Thomism for doing Catholic theology - with precision, fidelity and flexibility."

    This book begins with an analysis of the historical origins of the jubilee institution in ancient Israel, and then traces the reinterpretation of the jubilee and the text of Leviticus 25 through the Old Testament, the Second Temple literature, and the Qumran documents. It demonstrates that, with the passage of time, the socio-economic implementation of the jubilee is increasingly de-emphasized in favor of an eschatological interpretation, in which the jubilee itself functions as a type of the final age, and cycles of jubilee years are employed to calculate when this age will arrive.