So what happens when a person has doubts? Questioning is not the problem, according to authors Terryl and Fiona Givens. After all, they write, the Restoration unfolded because a young man asked questions. The difficulty arises when questions are based on flawed assumptions or incorrect perceptions, which can point us in the wrong direction, misdirect our attention, or constrain the answers we are capable of hearing. This insightful book offers a careful, intelligent look at doubt at some of its common sources, the challenges it presents, and the opportunities it may open up in a person's quest for faith. Whether you struggle with your own doubts or mostly want to understand loved ones who question, you will appreciate this candid discussion. You'll come away feeling more certain than ever of the Lord's love for all of His children.

    I want to help you if I can." With those words, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland invites every reader of his latest book to become a friend, to receive instruction and encouragement, counsel and comfort.Elder Holland addresses these powerful messages "to my friends who love the Lord," "to my friends who want to change," "to my friends who face opposition," and more. Each chapter begins with a beautifully designed quotation to help convey the message in an artistic way, making the book a lovely gift for friends to share. Throughout, Elder Holland's powerful witness of the Savior shines through, for, as he writes, "I am grateful for the greatest friend any of us could ever have, in time or eternity, the Lord Jesus Christ."

    Leaders administrate the new program, and members go on a raid. But picture a church where evangelism is just part of the culture. Leaders share their faith consistently and openly. Members follow, encouraging one another to make evangelism an ongoing way of life.Such is the way of evangelism presented by this brief and compelling book. No program here. Instead, it just might give your church a new way to live and share the gospel together.

    As the Church adds volumes to this series, you will build a collection of gospel reference books for your home. The volumes in this series are designed to be used for personal study and for Sunday instruction. They can also help you prepare other lessons or talks and answer questions about Church doctrine. This book features the teachings of President Ezra Taft Benson, who served as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from November 10, 1985, to May 30, 1994.

    In fact, we have been commanded to do so. But how?In Power to Become, Elder David A. Bednar explores how the Savior makes possible His divine commission, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect" (3 Nephi 12:48).Chapters in this thought-provoking book highlight the importance of the Atonement, the spiritual gift of personal peace, the importance of priesthood ordinances, and the responsibility we have to obey willingly and endure valiantly."As we increase in learning about the Savior and His gospel," Elder Bednar writes, "as we strive with ever greater consistency to act in His doctrine, ordinances, and covenants, then we are blessed with power through His Atonement to increasingly become like Him." Power to Become introduces vital tools we all can use to invite these eternally significant blessings into our lives.

    Part of the 9Marks Building Healthy Churches series.

    But this message also creates human beauty--beautiful relationships in our churches, making the glory of Christ visible in the world today.In this timely book, Pastor Ray Ortlund makes the case that gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture. In too many of our churches, it is the beauty of a gospel culture that is the missing piece of the puzzle. But when the gospel is allowed to exert its full power, a church becomes radiant with the glory of Christ.

    What makes for good preaching?In this accessible volume--written for preachers and preachers in training--pastor David Helm outlines what must be believed and accomplished to become a faithful expositor of God's Word.In addition to offering practical, step-by-step guidance for preachers, this short book will equip all of us to recognize good preaching when we hear it.

    Using serene nautical photographs, compelling excerpts from scripture, new text and inspiring quotes from notable leaders and profound thinkers, the book takes us through Peter's journey, the invitations that were extended to him to have faith and how he responded, and relates that to contemporary life, challenging us not to be held back by struggles and inspiring us to see invitations for greater faith and, like Peter, to see our own extraordinary potential in everyday life.

    In this new book, Rolheiser takes us on a journey through the dark night of the senses and of the spirit. Here, we experience the full gamut of human life, pleasure and fervor, disillusionment and boredom. But, as Rolheiser explains, when we embrace the struggle and yearning to know God we can experience too a profound re-understanding to our daily lives. "What lies beyond the essentials, the basics?" Rolheiser writes. "Where do we go once some of the basic questions in our lives have been answered, or at least brought to enough peace that our focus can shift away from ourselves to others? Where do we go once the basic questions in our lives are no longer the restless questions of youthful insecurity and loneliness? Who am I? Who loves me? How will my life turn out? Where do we go once the basic question in life becomes: How can I give my life away more purely, and more meaningfully? How do I live beyond my own heartaches, headaches, and obsessions so as to help make other peoples' lives more meaningful? The intent of this book is to try to address exactly those questions: How can we live less self- centered, more mature lives? What constitutes deep maturity and how do we reach that place? And, not unimportantly, what constitutes a more adult, Christian discipleship? What constitutes a truly mature following of Jesus?" As the poet Rainer Maria Rilke suggests, "Live the questions now." In "Sacred Fire," Rolheiser's deeply affecting prose urges us on in pursuit of the most holy of all passions--a deep and lasting intimacy with God.

    All through the ages, women have chosen to help, to solve problems, to stand up for others, to strengthen families, and to follow God no matter what. Girls Who Choose God invites young readers (and those who love them) to make important choices of their own, following the examples of great women in the scriptures. With breathtaking illustrations, beautifully told stories, and insightful discussion questions, this delightful book is perfect for sharing, reading aloud, and drawing children into the scriptures.Illustrated by Kathleen Peterson

    "They talk about the miracle, the promise, the way it all worked out. It isn't often that people talk about what happened in the middle of the trial."Sometimes we can't imagine there will be an end to a hard time. But we can find hope and help even when the road seems long and dark. Using examples from her personal life and from the scriptures, Emily shares six lessons that can help all of us make it through the middle moments of our lives.

    While "On Guard" does provide practical help for building a child protection policy, it provides much more. Full of pastoral wisdom, "On Guard" recognizes that the church's response to abuse must be more comprehensive in line with her calling than a simple legal policy or clinical analysis. "On Guard" moves church staff and leaders beyond fearful awareness to prayerful preparedness with an actionable plan.

    You journey with Gary and Peter as they challenge those around them to reach beyond what is comfortable and restructure their leadership team. Known for his passion to build diversity in organizations, Bryan Loritts equips you to identify the right person needed in order for your organizations to become multi-ethnic.

    Despite rough beginnings, she could finally say that above all else...she was happy. Her life changed for the better when she married the respected, adored and handsome Pastor Shelton Cartwright. To her, her husband was nothing less than perfect...at least that was what she'd thought. But soon Maxine is reminded that even Pastors have a Past. Maxine's life spirals out of control and little by little she discovers that her Pastor of a husband isn't who he appears to be. Soon she discovers that she doesn't have a clue as to who she's really married to. Was he really a Saint...or was he still a Sinner? That's the one question that Maxine was dying to know the answer to. But there was more than one missing piece to this puzzle. And when the answers start showing up at Maxine's front door, all hell breaks loose, and things for the Cartwright's will never be the same. Whats a woman to do when she learns that the one man that she thought was "praying" for her...had all along been "preying" on her? A full, complete story of lies, deceit...and everything else in between! **Also order authors newest book "Read the Warning Label First***

    Van Dixhoorn's work is historical and practical in its focus. It deliberately presents readers with more than another survey of Reformed theology; it offers a guide to a particular text, considers its original proof-texts, and seeks to deepen our understanding of each paragraph of the Confession.

    In this collection, more than fifty inspiring true stories told in general conference talks have been gathered into a single volume.Similar in style and format to President Thomas S. Monson's book Consider the Blessings: True Accounts of God's Hand in Our Lives, the book features beautiful full-color photography to illustrate each story. A perfect resource for individuals and families, the collection includes such classics as Lift Where You Stand, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf; Run to Higher Ground,by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin; You Stupid Cow! by Elder Mervyn B. Arnold; and A Heave Load,by Elder David A. Bednar. Draw from more than three decades of general conference talks, these true accounts of life-changing experiences will touch hearts and strengthen testimonies with examples of gospel principles in action.Contributors to this volume include past and present members of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Quorum of the Seventy, presiding bishopric, general Relief Society presidency, general Young Women Presidency, and general Primary presidency.

    But the good news isn't sounding so good these days, at least to some. More and more surveys show that people view Christians as bearers of bad news, judgment, and intolerance.In Vanishing Grace, bestselling author Philip Yancey acknowledges the problem and then explores how we can respond with both grace and truth. He offers a discerning look at what contributes to a hostility toward Christians, and identifies three groups--pilgrims, artists, and activists--who can show us a different way.With a reporter's eye and a compassionate heart, Yancey suggests practical ways in which we can live as salt and light within a society that is radically changing. What can we learn from those who shun church but consider themselves spiritual? Can the good news, once spoiled, ever sound good again?As Yancey writes, "Like a sudden thaw in the middle of winter, grace happens at unexpected moments. It stops us short, catches the breath, disarms. . . . Yet not everyone has tasted of that amazing grace, and not everyone believes in it. In a time of division and discord, grace seems in vanishing supply. Why? And what can we do about it?"In the wake of recent events--Las Vegas, Charlottesville, Charleston, Ferguson, Islamic terrorism--people both inside and outside the church are thirsty for grace. Vanishing Grace calls us to see their thirst, and ours, in a hopeful new light as we listen, love, and offer a grace that is truly good news.

    While a cursory reading of the text seems to relay a simple story of a righteous man whose love for God was tested through life's most difficult of challenges and rewarded for his faith through those trials, a closer reading of Job presents something far more complex and challenging. The majority of the text is a work of poetry that authors and artists through the centuries have recognized as being one of--if not the--greatest poem of the ancient world.In Re-reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World’s Greatest Poem, author Michael Austin shows how most readers have largely misunderstood this important work of scripture and provides insights that enable us to re-read Job in a drastically new way. In doing so, he shows that the story of Job is far more than that simple story of faith, trials, and blessings that we have all come to know, but is instead a subversive and complex work of scripture meant to inspire readers to rethink all that they thought they knew about God.

    Looking at current administrative and cultural practices, the author explains why some women struggle with the gendered divisions of labor. She then examines ample real-life examples that are currently happening in local settings around the country that expand and reimagine gendered practices. Readers will understand how to evaluate possible pain points in current practices and propose solutions that continue to uphold all mandated church policies. Readers will be equipped with the tools they need to have respectful, empathetic and productive conversations about gendered practices in Church administration and culture.

    Some will challenge you to deepen your prayer life; others will open your mind to new ways to serve others. Each of the forty ways includes a reflection to help you understand more about Lent and why it matters. You'll learn how to have a more creative experience of Lent. You'll discover positive, proactive ways to take action instead of the same old routine of giving something up. The result will be spiritual transformation and a closer walk with Christ—not only during Lent but throughout the year.The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.

    The solutions presented are inspiring and highly practical. Best of all, the keys to fruitfulness shared are universal principles that work in the “real world.” These principles will help you multiply generations of disciples, wherever you find yourself!BECOME A REPRODUCER: • Don’t just make disciples. Learn to reproduce disciple-makers! • Gain an overview of the discipling process and how to move new believers to maturity and reproduction. • Grasp the keys to successful evangelism and multiplication in the context of a disciple-making team.

    Many young Latter-day Saints are probably unsure about the true meaning of the sacrament and why we attend. With this in mind, bestselling author John Bytheway has composed a delightful poem (inspired by a short poem by Walter H. Horne) to help Latter-day Saints young and old appreciate the ordinance of the sacrament. In particular, children will learn what they should be thinking about (and not be thinking about) during this sacred time as well as what the sacrament can do for all of us.Beautifully illustrated by Nathan Pinnock, this thought-provoking story about a young boy and his grandpa is a gentle reminder about the importance of remembering the Lord Jesus Christ, especially during this special meeting meant for Him.

    If the world is to "know that we are Christians by our love," the church needs to discover better ways to live out the deep unity we share in Christ as we engage with politics and our world. In Oriented to Faith, Tim Otto tells the story of his struggle with being gay and what that taught him about the gospel. With an authentic and compelling personal voice, Tim invites us to explore how God is at work in the world, even amidst the most difficult circumstances, redeeming and transforming the church through this difficult debate. With gentle wisdom and compassionate insight, Tim invites all followers of Jesus to consider how we might work with God through these tensions so that all can be transformed by God's good news in and through Christ. "Tim Otto is the rare voice in the church's conversation about human sexuality who gives me hope that despite all the pain and confusion, we who bear with one another may learn what it means to be Christian." --Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, author of Strangers at My Door "Tim Otto brings a unique, wise, and honest perspective to the church's polarized debate on homosexuality. His strong love for the church and concern for its unity underlie this challenge to stay connected with Christians holding varying convictions on how best to love LGBTQ sisters and brothers. Tim has been a valued consultant in our fellowship's journey to hear one another well as we work from different perspectives on this divisive issue." --Sally Schreiner Youngquist, community leader of Reba Place Fellowship, Evanston, IL "Current debates about sexuality and religion are tearing communities of faith apart. Tim Otto has wrestled with the issues at stake, both theologically and personally, over many decades. He has something surprising, hopeful, and challenging to say to folks on all sides. Oriented to Faith invites us into a fuller imagination of what it might mean to be the beloved community. Throughout this book, Tim is a gentle and masterful host for the honest and tender conversations that families and churches must have today." --Mark Scandrette, author of Practicing the Way of Jesus Tim Otto is a pastor at the Church of the Sojourners, a live-together Christian community in San Francisco. He holds a Masters of Theological Studies from Duke Divinity School and a BS in Nursing from the University of San Francisco. Tim worked on the first AIDS ward in the United States as a registered nurse for fourteen years. He is coauthor of Inhabiting the Church: Biblical Wisdom for a New Monasticism.

    Written for both the newcomer and the person who wants to go deeper, this book answers hundreds of questions about history, theology, worship, and more. Learn about this ancient but fast-growing branch of the Body of Christ. Let this guide help you as you walk the Anglican Way. Praise for The Anglican Way “The Anglican Way is an immensely helpful introduction to Anglicanism. By contrasting the seeming polarities, Thomas McKenzie helps readers to understand the richness — and the seeming contradictions — of this extraordinary Way of being a Christian. The writing is practical and accessible and the fruit of significant pastoral engagement.” - The Most Reverend Robert Duncan, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America “At a time when a great many people are discovering the Anglican way of Christian discipleship, there is a tremendous need for resources that lay out what this involves. Thomas McKenzie offers just that in this excellent introduction. He supplies us with a clear overview that provides the newcomer to Anglicanism and the experienced practitioner with numerous valuable insights. I am therefore delighted to commend The Anglican Way warmly.” - The Very Reverend Dr. Justyn Terry, Dean and President of Trinity School for Ministry “The Anglican way of worshipping God and following Jesus is beautiful and effective. But some guidance is needed along the first steps on that way. In The Anglican Way, Thomas McKenzie is an reliable and relatable guide. I commend The Anglican Way to all those who are exploring an Anglican Church.” - The Right Reverend Todd Hunter, Bishop of the Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others

    There is an image of Jesus we often possess in our minds, and there is a Jesus of the Scriptures. Unfortunately the two aren’t always consistent. Often the emphasis in preaching, teaching, and writing is placed on Christ’s death and resurrection. These aspects of Jesus’s ministry are obviously essential, but so is His life. Through Christ’s death we received forgiveness and reconciliation; however, His life provides us with something that is equally essential: an example. Without His example, godliness becomes a nebulous notion that can mutate into a religion that doesn’t reflect its founder.  Re-Present Jesus identifies twelve core character traits of Jesus and coaches the reader into discerning how these traits can be applied to their own lives and contexts. Covering attributes such as His love, wisdom, grace, generosity, and humility, Daniels presents a picture of Jesus that people will want to follow.

    We live in a very dangerous world that threatens those things that are most spiritual, writes President Boyd K. Packer. The adversary is about. His objective is to cause injury.But there is a place of strength and peace, a true refuge from the storm. In this powerful book, President Packer discusses the priesthood, the family, and the Church, three important forces that, working together, create a haven from the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ enables individuals to become exalted by being part of eternal families, he writes. The gospel contains the purpose, the doctrine, and the plan. The priesthood is the power and the authority. The Church has the means and organization. The exalted, eternal family is the end of the gospel plan.This apostolic counsel will help you build an unshakable foundation for eternity by strengthening your understanding of core doctrine regarding the priesthood, the family, and the Church.

    I’ve identified three gifts that Thérèse has given me, which I would like to offer in this book to everyone seeking to find more meaning in their faith and their journey to find God.” --Patrick Ahern Transformation in our lives happens when we live with the confidence that "God is nothing but mercy and love.” In this inspiring book, beloved author Patrick Ahern looks at the teachings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, through the lens of his own personal experiences in which this  "saint for our times" played such an important role for more than seventy years.  With honesty and humility, he delves into the transformational love that infused her faith, led her to be named one of only four female Doctors of the Catholic Church, and gave Ahern’s own journey direction and meaning.  Ahern focuses on what he calls the three gifts of Thérèse:  her universal appeal, her conviction, and her little way. Echoing Therese’s recognition that bureaucracy, penances, rules and commandments miss the message of love that she knew to be true, he says, "She convinced me that someone as ordinary as I could aspire to the love of God, which filled her heart to overflowing." He hopes the same for his readers.

    R. Silva's latest book, he once again challenges the giants of Christian tradition, confronting the popular assumptions, misconceptions and false accusations brought against the "the modern grace message." In this book, he tells you what is and isn't being said by those in today's "Grace movement," and answers some of the most common questions and concerns: Are followers in the "hyper-grace" movement really being told it's okay to sin and live immoral lives because we have grace? Do "hyper-grace" teachers believe that repentance and confession are has-been concepts only applicable under the Old Covenant? Do "hyper-grace" teachers hate the Law? Are they ignoring the words of Jesus? Or actually taking them seriously? Has God only forgiven your past sins, and left it completely up to you to get your future sins forgiven? Is this "doctrine" one step away from Universalism? In this short and practical book, you will get a basic understanding of the foundational ideas of "the modern Grace message." You will see that the "hyper-grace" teachings that are being opposed today are actually Biblical concepts found in scripture, and that this is the same Gospel Paul preached and defended passionately.This book also provides many scriptures to prove that it's actually the popular church traditions of today that are leading people into sin and deception, causing them to fall from Grace and become separated from Christ.Like all of the great reformations in the past, we have once again reached a vital fork in the road where we must make the choice of whether we will desperately cling to our old traditions (which Jesus warned, "nullify the word of God"), or if we will actually "test everything" for ourselves and consider whether or not this is the gospel of good news that our traditions have kept hidden from us for so long.Where we choose to go next will have a tremendous impact on the future of the church and the world, for many generations to come. Let us choose wisely then, not coming to conclusions impulsively!In a time where "balance" has become a huge spiritual buzzword, don't be led astray by unbalanced claims and religious propaganda.

    The beautifully illustrated book is designed for anyone wanting to understand more clearly the history of the Church and its ties to the Doctrine and Covenants. The format--with word helps, illustrations, photos, maps, explanations, and brief commentaries--will be familiar to all who have loved the perennial bestseller "The Book of Mormon for Latter-day Saint Families, which was created by the same team of writers. Bring to life for your family the priceless stories, events, people, and scriptures of the Restoration

    In the culture of today’s church, successful leadership is often judged by what works, while persistent faithfulness takes a back seat. If a ministry doesn’t produce results, it is dropped. If people don’t respond, we move on. This pursuit of “greatness” exerts a crushing pressure on the local church and creates a consuming anxiety in its leaders. In their pursuit of this warped vision of greatness, church leaders end up embracing a leadership narrative that runs counter to the sacrificial call of the gospel story.When church leaders focus on faithfulness to God and the gospel, however, it’s always a kingdom-win—regardless of the visible results of their ministry. John the Baptist modeled this kind of leadership. As John’s disciples crossed the Jordan River to follow after Jesus, John freely released them to a greater calling than following him. Speaking of Jesus, John said: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Joyfully satisfied to have been faithful to his calling, John knew that the size and scope of his ministry would be determined by the will of the Father, not his own will. Following the example of John the Baptist and with a careful look at the teaching of Scripture, Tim Suttle dares church leaders to risk failure by chasing the vision God has given them—no matter how small it might seem—instead of pursuing the broad path of pragmatism that leads to fame and numerical success.

    A fresh focus on our relationships with God and other people can transform our understanding and experience of the Latter-day Saint gospel basics of faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. In this book, Samuel M. Brown highlights continuity between the gospel’s first principles and ordinances and the highest ordinances of LDS temple worship. After encountering his tapestry woven of personal stories, scripture, LDS history, and perspectives of other religious traditions, you’ll never read the Fourth Article of Faith the same way again.

    Declaring that answers to our questions always are found in the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel, he provides a framework in this book for learning those doctrines and understanding with our hearts. Act in Doctrine - In Act in Doctrine, Elder David A. Bednar shares key insights to help close the gap between what we know and how we act. “The essential first step in reducing the disparity between gospel knowledge and righteous behavior is learning about and emulating the character of Christ,” he writes.Power to Become - In Power to Become, Elder David A. Bednar explores how the Savior makes possible His divine commission, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect" (3 Nephi 12:48).Chapters in this thought-provoking book highlight the importance of the Atonement, the spiritual gift of personal peace, the importance of priesthood ordinances, and the responsibility we have to obey willingly and endure valiantly.

    Follow in the saints footsteps, learn from their example, and become the spark of authentic social justice that sets the world on fire.

    Walking through the official Catechism of the Catholic Church, Allison summarizes and assesses Catholic doctrine from the perspective of both Scripture and evangelical theology.Noting prominent similarities without glossing over key differences, this book will equip Christians on both sides of the ecclesiastical divide to fruitfully engage in honest dialogue with one another.

    Female disciples were frequently described as devout believers who eagerly served and sacrificed as they followed Christ. Amid repressive traditions that so often marginalized or restricted women to lesser roles, Jesus saw them as individuals with agency to choose how they would use their unique gifts.In this well-researched and richly-illustrated companion volume to Women of the Old Testament, author Camille Fronk Olson focuses on many of these remarkable women and explores how they were influenced by Jesus Christ and His gospel. From His beloved mother, to a quiet woman in a crowd, to two sisters both desiring to serve the Lord in their own way, each bore a powerful witness of the Savior before and during His earthly ministry. Others, like Lydia, Phebe, and Prisca, helped to proclaim truth and spread the gospel after His Resurrection. With a "Points to Ponder" section at the end of each chapter and exquisite paintings created especially for this volume, Women of the New Testament provides a unique look at women whose examples of faith and devotion still inspire us today.

    Steve unpacks the biblical revelation of the Trinity as a loving relationship, and he highlights the goal of history: God intends to include us in that circle of love! Steve answers troubling questions that can keep you from fully sensing God’s love, acceptance, and forgiveness, such as…Why does God look like a bad cop in the Old Testament and a good cop in the New Testament? At Calvary, was the Father angry at the Son? Is He ever angry with me? Why do I sometimes feel separated from God, abandoned, guilty, and ashamed?Theologians have described the Trinity as perichoresis—a dance. Are you ready to be swept into the Father’s embrace?

    

    You can be smarter. This entertaining book shows how knowing the enemy can help you be a righteous warrior in your own life. Any discussion of bad guys has to begin with “in the beginning.” From Genesis to Revelation, you’ll get the dirt on the dastardly deeds perpetrated by Bible characters ranging from the truly villainous to the temporarily wayward. Weaving together gospel truth and humor, Dennis Gaunt shows that you can’t have a great story without a great bad guy—and that by studying and knowing the mistakes that biblical bad guys made, we can avoid falling into similar perilous traps. This entertaining and inspiring book also wraps up each chapter with thoughtful questions that invite readers to ponder and apply in their own lives the spiritual lessons from these fascinating stories.

    Rooted in biblical wisdom and interspersed with candid stories of the modern teenage experience, Conner’s imparts common (and all too uncommon) sense.

    We had the right ethnicity, just the wrong culture and we paid dearly for this oversight."In this fable, Bryan Loritts helps to identify the right individuals who can help to diversify organizations, churches and businesses in order to adequately meet the needs of your changing world. The core message is centered around the C1, C2, C3 concept which identifies three different cultural groups of individuals, and helps readers to evaluate what type of leader they need for their organization.

    But there's a big problem: that's not the word He used. Instead, He announced something far more potent: "I will build My ekklesia!" A motherlode of identity and mission separate church and ekklesia. If Jesus gave His disciples authority and keys to bind and loose, it means we have been put on offense, so why are we stuck on defense? If we are built to soar in heavenly places with real authority in prayer, then why does our mission often feel grounded on the launch pad? In Ekklesia Rising, you'll learn to soar with: The DNA of ekklesia: how revelation produces dominion The "keys" Christ gives, and how to receive and use them The divine design of mature masculine authority with fervent bridal love The role of the Divine Council in heaven and on earth The inner constitution of contending, covenantal communities The powerful symphony of agreement Make no mistake, Jesus will build His ekklesia. His Father's house will be a "House of Prayer for All Nations." For hundreds of years, we have been the church. Finally, let us become His ruling ekklesia.

    Matthew Christensen compiles Joseph’s accounts with those from his contemporaries into one narrative. Gain fresh insight into this most important of events with this beautifully designed and illustrated keepsake.

    But with many decisions, there's a certain amount of danger. One wrong decision can destroy a career or a marriage. A string of wrong decisions can derail a life. So how do we know if our decisions are wise ones?Pastor Bob Merritt has found that the best way to get it right is to cultivate godly wisdom. In Get Wise, he takes God's best wisdom as found in the book of Proverbs and applies it to the top decisions every person has to make--decisions about education, work, family, friends, sex, parenting, money, and more. Topic by topic, he shows readers how to make choices that result in long-term benefits in health, reputation, peace, and finances.

    

    It doesn't matter what question, trial, or success we experienceeach traces back to a choice. At any given moment, we can choose to doubt, fear, worry; to be prideful, angry, depressed, or miserableor we can choose to move forward. We can choose to be a light. We can choose to be happy. The choice is always ours, and each choice can be a step forward on the path of life we want for ourselves.The life lessons learned by Olympic athlete Noelle Pikus Pace can equip each of us to turn daily choices and challenges into opportunities for growth. In her warm and relatable style, Noelle shares touching personal stories and teaches how these experiences can help us keep a healthy perspective on the things that matter most. She helps us to see that though all of our goals and trials are different, we each can choose to become the best versions of ourselves one day at a time.Covering topics from letting go of expectations and pressures to finding a healthy life balance, from standing up for ourselves to standing for righteousness, world champion Noelle Pikus Pace infuses readers with the enthusiasm and confidence to get a little closer to their goals each and every day.

    Beautiful full-color artwork depicts a variety of scenes in the 1,300-mile journey, from the dangers of crossing rivers to the challenges of ordinary tasks like laundry. The engaging text details everything from equipment and animals used on the trek to games the children played, songs they sang, and prayers they offered. Discussion questions and a glossary of key words encourage family learning and discussion as readers relive this historic, faith-driven journey—and discover how children participated every step of the way.

    The books were a mainstay on seminarian and clergy bookshelves. With this launch of the Church's Teachings for a Changing World series, two visionary Episcopal thinkers and church leaders team up to revitalize the currency, integrity, and scholarship of the original series with fresh new voices and style; concise and clear enough for newcomers, yet grounded and thoughtful enough for seminarians and leaders. In this foundational text for the Church's Teachings for a Changing World, Law and Spellers explore seismic shifts in American life and the opportunities and challenges each presents to the church today. With a winning combination of passion, creativity, and wisdom, the authors call for a return to Episcopal basics and insist that faithfully engaging a changing world might be the most truly Anglican practice of all.

    These daily readings offer the skeptic, the over-committed the opportunity to make room-perhaps just enough room-for God to show up. The weeks leading up to Christmas can spark a strong spiritual longing for more. Although it may never be articulated, we sense beneath those longings is a yearning for an experience of God. These brief writings address the challenges and realities of the season and include a simple action, ritual or meditation designed to gently steer the reader toward the deeper meaning that underlies the season. Smart, witty, edgy--and always hopeful--readings by Quinn Caldwell include a brief prayer for each morning and evening during the entire Christmas season. This book takes seriously the modern person's hunger for meaning and import in a season that feels increasingly frivolous. Includes a calendar with one easy task to do each day.

    The New Testament contains accounts of over 50 women and their interactions with Christ and the early Church. With beautiful artwork, charts, historical information, and study tools, this book delves into the lives of these faithful women and shows God’s great love for them and their great role in His plan.

    From dinnertime chaos to bath-time giggles to never-ending loads of laundry, Laura stumbles into the surprising truth of what the seven sacraments really mean: that God is present always, even in the messes of motherhood.A spiritual memoir of parenting’s early years and a sacramental theology rooted in family life, Everyday Sacrament offers an honest, humorous, and hopeful look at ordinary moments as full of grace.

    NOTE: This is the study guide, the complete book can be found here This study shows the priorities of prayer, a God-centered framework for prayer, and practices for a more meaningful and dynamic prayer life.

    We want to live life on mission, obeying Jesus’ final command to us: “Go into all the world and make disciples.” But when it comes to actually engaging in evangelism, we hesitate. We get intimidated, uncertain, or even confused. Sharing our faith should be natural, easy—but it isn’t always. Until now. Life on Mission offers clear Bible teaching designed to empower you to share your faith with people right in your own neighborhood. Pastor Tim Harlow walks you through topics like how to connect with unbelievers, how serving others can open their hearts to the gospel, and how paying attention to your own spiritual growth can strengthen your witness. People who really matter to God are all around you, and God has given you the incredible assignment of inviting them to come home. Life on Mission will inspire and equip you to do that.

    Do you underestimate the power of prayer? This daily guide, with insights from General Authorities, scriptures, personal experiences, and commentary, will enrich and empower your prayers.

    The collection of eighty-eight documents found in this third volume of the Documents series of The Joseph Smith Papers sheds light on the formative events of this period, as well as the challenges Joseph Smith faced as he sought to gather church members and establish a city of Zion in Missouri. Included in the volume are minutes, revelations, letters, architectural and city plans, priesthood licenses, legal documents, and an effort to classify the scriptures by topic. Accompanied by extensive historical annotation, the documents in this volume have been transcribed to the highest standards of documentary editing. Together, they illustrate the challenges Joseph Smith faced in leading a church that stretched across the country, as well as his unfolding vision of expanding the church and establishing Zion. Covering topics ranging from heavenly visitations to violent opposition, these documents provide a deeper understanding of Joseph Smith’s life and the religious movement he started.

    The contributing poets awaken readers to the beauty and humor in their broken, imperfect strivings for holiness.

    Instead of dating the cute boy from the track team, she will now have to spend the summer keeping a sane distance between herself and her aunt's six boys.Morgan plans on the summer being awful. Encountering an army of spiders and getting lost while running should not surprise her. What she never expects is to stumble across an abandoned house—her parents own an abandoned house her uncle committed suicide in. Someone ought to have mentioned that before now.The past haunts Morgan's dreams. The more she remembers and learns, the more she realizes even her cousins are not what she thought they were. Worse, she has somehow become a reflection of her uncle and everything her parents are running from. Morgan wants to hold on to the things she loves—running, her cousins, the bits of her family still intact—but as the summer passes, she starts to wonder if she's going to lose everything instead.

    But if you think that Jesus might have something to say to today’s world, which Jesus comes to mind? Is he “gentle Jesus, meek and mild,” offering individual salvation but with no message for a suffering world? Is he to be remembered as a Zealot fighting for a hopeless cause or as an outstanding rabbi? Was he a prophet in the long series of Israel’s prophets or a religious founder like Muhammad or Gautama? Or was Jesus unique, a man utterly consumed by zeal for the reign of God, by the “fierce urgency of now,” the leader of a movement dedicated to God’s cause but committed to nonviolence and living for others? If we seek him, can we find him in the churches? In No Irrelevant Jesus, Gerhard Lohfink, author of the acclaimed Jesus of Nazareth, explores these questions and offers a resounding yes to the relevance of Jesus today.

    And you do not have to add a big list of new activities to your life! Instead, it is the everyday ordinary things done with greater gospel-intentionality…slowly over time…that make all the difference.Biblical and super practical, Small is Big, Slow is Fast helps readers respond to Jesus’ call to each of us to be a missionary right where we live—in our own families and neighbourhoods. It shows you step by step the essential elements that create environments for organic kingdom growth and multiplication.Whether you’re looking to lead your own family or are taking first steps toward starting a church that has discipleship and mission at its core, you will discover the secret to starting out small and going (seemingly) slower—and not feeling guilty about it. And you’ll be encouraged to trust that when you lay the right foundations, multi-plication will occur and will always be “faster” and more successful in the long run.

    From destroyed marriages and surprise identities to lethal love affairs and drug addictions, the secrets kept from, and by, these women set in motion a chain of events that ripped their worlds apart, threatened to destroy their friendships, and made it impossible for any of them to ever trust again.

    The authors suggest a workable process for improving a local church’s leadership structure and making the transition to elder plurality. Stories of church leaders provide a narrative of how faithful elder leadership has strengthened their ministries in a variety of settings. Every local church can benefit from this useful resource for building a healthy leadership structure.

    Today there are at least 100,000 believers . Church leaders believe that millions can be added to the church in the next few years – such is the spiritual hunger that exists. The religious violence that accompanied the reign of President Ahmadinejad drained its perpetrators of political and religious legitimacy, and has opened the door to other faiths. This book sets the rapid church growth in Iran in the context of the deteriorating relationship between Iranians and their national religion. There is a major focus on the Ahmadinejad years, but the author also covers the history of the church before 1979, picking up on the central idea that the spark may have become buried in the ashes but has never been extinguished. The book is careful, proportionate, well-informed and accurate. Throughout the text there will be boxes with stories of faith, persecution, and encouragement.

    MacArthur's Strange Fire or cessationism and the abuse of the charismata in general. It discusses from historical, theological, and exegetical perspectives the validity and lack of validity of the cessationists view of miraculous spiritual gifts.

    As a result, many Christians find themselves working as part of a multicultural team. Leading these teams is a complex challenge that requires team leaders to understand how to help multicultural teams thrive. Team leaders need to know how to help team members grow in particular qualities and acquire specific skills related to multicultural teamwork. This book integrates insights from the Bible, team theory, leadership, and intercultural studies to explain how leaders of multicultural teams can help their teams become enriching and enjoyable contexts to work in, at the same time as achieving their purpose.

     When seeking help, survivors are generally counseled to forgive, but instead of bringing relief, this message often increases their shame and pain. Forgiveness is not the only step towards healing, nor is it the first step. Touching His Robe shares scripture anecdotes and metaphors that will help answer questions such as, “If God is real and He cares about me, why did He allow this to happen?” The author encourages readers to at first just touch His robe, and guides them on a journey to help them come closer to embracing Him. Leslie G. Nelson enjoyed a close personal relationship with the Savior that helped her through many difficult personal trials, but when memories of childhood sexual abuse surfaced, she found herself ashamed to approach Him. In Touching His Robe, she shares the insights gained on her journey with the sensitivity and clear communication she acquired during years of teaching women and youth at church and while working in a halfway house, juvenile detention, and a group home for abused children and teens.

    Following God’s lead, he created a vision map, started his organization, and made it happen.This book is a response to the question he often gets: How do you do something like that?Whether you want to start a business, raise a family, run a marathon, plant a church, restore a relationship, or climb a mountain, you can take practical steps to see your vision come to be.Vision Map is not a formula for overnight success, but it is a template to start anyone on the path to envisioning a God-given dream. God often gives us a difficult problem to solve, and we just need a push in the right direction to find the answer.

    But as this thoughtful and engaging book points out, these saints also could be foolhardy, obstinate, stubborn, and dismissive. In other words, they were a lot like everyone, with a mixture of different qualities and characteristics. What makes the stories of the thirteen men and women in Fearless so compelling is that a distinctly American way of holiness begins to emerge from their lives and their work. These were people who walked the streets of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans, and Denver. They traveled along California’s coast and into the Southwest, penetrated the heartland of Indiana and Missouri, and reached out into the territorial islands of the United States.Captivating illustrations for each saint highlight the depth of their souls, and give readers an idea of the strong characteristics exemplified by these men and women.Fearless will bring the reader through the history of the Catholic Church in America in an intimate and personal way, with the stories of the saints and blessed who helped Christianity become part of this country’s fabric. These men and women did not set out to be saints, only to live out the Gospel as they best knew how. They followed their hearts and God’s will to build a better place for the people of the New World.

    In this collection, more than fifty inspiring true stories told in general conference talks have been gathered into a single volume. Similar in style and format to President Thomas S. Monson's book Consider the Blessings: True Accounts of God's Hand in Our Lives, the book features beautiful full-color photography to illustrate each story. A perfect resource for individuals and families, the collection includes such classics as "Lift Where You Stand," by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf; "Run to Higher Ground," by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin; "You Stupid Cow!" by Elder Mervyn B. Arnold; and "A Heave Load," by Elder David A. Bednar. Draw from more than three decades of general conference talks, these true accounts of life-changing experiences will touch hearts and strengthen testimonies with examples of gospel principles in action.Contributors to this volume include past and present members of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Quorum of the Seventy, presiding bishopric, general Relief Society presidency, general Young Women Presidency, and general Primary presidency.

    But no matter what path we choose, somewhere along the way every road becomes broken. The smooth pavement eventually gives way to a twisted path of bad decisions and broken plans—easy street becomes a boulevard of broken dreams.Out of the immense moral darkness of the Judges period comes a story of romance, redemption, and hope. The tale of Ruth has inspired countless generations. But Ruth isn’t the star in this romantic drama; center stage belongs to God and his providence. Naomi and Ruth traveled the Bethlehem Road—one of famine, abandonment, grief, and loss—unaware that the Lord had gone before them to redeem their heartache.If you’ve been living with a broken heart—if bitterness and disappointment have been your travel companions on life’s road, then Ruth’s story will inspire and strengthen you for the journey ahead. More than that, it will bring you to your knees in worship of your Redeemer and King.

    These questions drive us to consider not just the events themselves but also their meaning as we take a long look beneath the surface and find more of the never-ending treasures of Christ. In Captivated, Thabiti Anyabwile invites you to set aside your early lessons on politeness and stare (yes, do stare) into the mystery of the cross and empty tomb.

    It contains writing assignments for each of the 32 units. It also contains insights, images, and doctrines and principles to help students with their individual study.

    Offering a framework for understanding the spiritual disciplines and instruction for developing and nurturing those practices, Soul Feast continues to be a favorite for individual reflection and group study. Many new additions, including a new chapter on keeping the Sabbath, make this newly revised edition of Soul Feast a must-have.

    These moments are life's "fault lines", and they are periods of great upheaval—always disruptive, always unfair, always troublesome, but not always bad. When life beneath our feet is moving and shaking, it must end in one of only two ways—to make us better or make us worse. God alone can shift souls for the better.

    What does minimal human ethics look like? Can Christians really be followers of Jesus in the way they live today? In his own unique style, Randy Harris wrestles with these and other ethical issues facing Christians and all humanity.

    David VanDrunen draws on both his Reformed theological heritage and the broader Christian natural law tradition to develop a constructive theology of natural law through a thorough study of Scripture.The biblical covenants organize VanDrunen's study. Part 1 addresses the covenant of creation and the covenant with Noah, exploring how these covenants provide a foundation for understanding God's governance of the whole world under the natural law. Part 2 treats the redemptive covenants that God established with Abraham, Israel, and the New Testament church and explores the obligations of God's people to natural law within these covenant relationships.In the concluding chapter of Divine Covenants and Moral Order VanDrunen reflects on the need for a solid theology of natural law and the importance of natural law for the Christian's life in the public square.]>

    But most people never read the first four." There are any number of books on how to do evangelism. This book is different--it's an invitation to actually live out the message of the gospel. Jesus's original intention was for ordinary people like you and me to live lives that point others to the only Person who can give them hope for this life as well as the next--to visibly display the Good News of salvation through the Messiah and Redeemer of humankind.But many Christ followers today are either ridden with guilt for not telling others about Jesus or so silent that no one really knows they're a Christian. The Fifth Gospel will help you wrestle with the critical issues involved in living out your faith in front of a watching and sometimes not-so-friendly world.Isn't it time to become a witness for the One you profess to love? Prepare yourself to represent your Savior well and to discover a new way to do evangelism. Get ready for God to unleash the gospel through you!

    We all know that. They love Jesus but not the church. They think church is irrelevant, dated, unnecessary, divided, and hurtful. And they aren't entirely wrong. Yet church is also a place of healing, community, joy, hope, and redemption. This ebook explores what the church can offer 21st century cities, and makes the case for why church still matters in an increasingly post-religious context.

    How is this book any different? The answer is simple. This is not a book for those who want a highly controlled environment. This is a book for those longing for the biblical reality of New Covenant-styled leaders.New Covenant leaders are servant-hearted, vulnerable, affectionate, openhearted and transparent. They don't talk about covering or being under spiritual authority, rather they are true mothers and fathers in the faith, and their churches are easily described as spiritual family.Jesus told us leading in the Church looks different than it does in the world. The question is,how? In what ways does it look different?If we ask ourselves, practically speaking, what it looks like to be an equipper, what images come to our minds? Do they involve fame and power or the opportunity to serve? Too often, we in the Church have viewed leadership as more akin to stardom than servanthood. Yet the reality of the role of an equipper—someone who trains others and leads them into maturity—inherently contains the idea of service. Like a good parent, a leader equips his or her followers through service, safety, and affection.These are the marks of the New Covenant Leaders which are emerging in the body of Christ. They do not use their authority to monopolize power and create (often unknowingly) an atmosphere of rules and fear. That is the world’s way of leading. Instead, their leadership looks a lot like the way Jesus leads:1. They exhibit servant-based authority.2. They create environments where people can be vulnerable and transparent.3. They are affectionate and warm.In short, they bring healthy family life to church and truly equip disciples instead of indoctrinating followers. In this short book, the author examines each of these Jesus-style leadership methods in detail.If you want a revolutionary book on leadership, this is it.

    Not the state of sin, of course, but the word itself, and the impact of the word, which, for the better part of human history helped individuals and communities—both pagan and religious—recognize when they were “missing the mark.”  Until we can make sin understood again, and begin to restore its rightful place at the breaking point of the human condition, none of the promises of God’s saving love will ring true. Man turned in on himself is a Renaissance-era image of sin that reflects our modern day suffering— anxiety,  depression, apathy, loss of purpose and community, our disordered relationship to technology—and calls it by its rightful name. Sin as “scarlet letter” has only pushed people further from grace. May sin as homo incurvatus in se help bring them back.

    Whether known for fearless faith or dastardly deeds, each "ite" teaches a lesson that will help your family make good decisions and follow the Lord. Packed with fun facts, insightful lessons, and unique activities, this exciting book will help each member of your family better understand just who's who in the Book of Mormon. Delightful illustrations bring each man and woman to life in vivid color.The book contains 52 separate entries, each with its own lesson and activity, so it makes the perfect resource for planning your weekly family night or for quiet Sunday reading and learning. Become acquainted with the ites, and find out just how much their experiences can help us in our lives today!

    The ­lessons offered by Jesus in the parables offer a way forward. Episcopal priest Joanna Leiserson puts these parables into a modern context and develops new models of spiritual practices and engagement to bring us into a deeper relationship with God—and with our friends, neighbors, and communities.

    The Church's life is weakened and its witness compromised. This is nowhere more evident than the issue of homosexuality. Dr. Steve Harper laments this sad state of affairs and offers a way of love through the dilemma. His pastoral spirit and practical counsel offer guidance and hope for the future.(Amazon)

    Taking familiar biblical stories from the Old and New Testaments and placing them side by side, children can see biblical typology jump off the page. Biblical typology is when a person or an event in the Old Testament foreshadows a person or an event in the New Testament. The Bible is full of these fascinating "types." Children can now discover similarities of types without any difficulty, and easily understand at an early age what St. Augustine meant when he said that the New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old Testament is revealed in the New. Theodore Schluenderfritz (Illustrator)

    This book is an in-depth investigation of the history of the doctrine of Christ's descent and how Revelation 1:18 alludes to Christ's descent. COMMENDATION "In The Battle for the Keys Justin Bass leads us through an exceptional exegetical, historical, and theological exploration of the question of both the whether and whither of the Christ's descensus ad infernos. Whatever doubters or believers choose to do with Dr Bass's competent and convincing evidence, arguments and conclusions, they cannot choose to ignore them." - Michael J. Svigel, Dallas Theological Seminary, USA

    It's that simple. It will happen. Slowly, silently, and with little fanfare, organizations routinely drift from their purpose, and many never return to their original intent. Harvard and the YMCA are among those that no longer embrace the Christian principles on which they were founded. But they didn't drift off course overnight. Drift often happens in small and subtle ways. Left unchecked, it eventually becomes significant. Yet Mission Drift is not inevitable. Organizations such as Compassion International and InterVarsity have exhibited intentional, long-term commitment to Christ. Why do so many organizations--including churches--wander from their mission, while others remain Mission True? Can drift be prevented? In "Mission Drift," HOPE International executives Peter Greer and Chris Horst tackle these questions. They show how to determine whether your organization is in danger of drift, and they share the results of their research into Mission True and Mission Untrue organizations. Even if your organization is Mission True now, it's wise to look for ways to inoculate yourself against drift. You'll discover what you can do to prevent drift or get back on track and how to protect what matters most.

    Maeser has rightfully been called the spiritual architect not only of Brigham Young University but also of the Church Educational System. As the first superintendent of Church Education, he helped found and maintain over fifty academies and schools from Canada to Mexico. He helped develop the public education system in Utah and helped establish the Utah Teachers Association. The students he taught personally included future United States senators and members of the House of Representatives, a United States Supreme Court justice, university presidents, and many General Authorities. He translated twenty-nine hymns and about a third of the Doctrine and Covenants into German and founded Der Stern, the Church’s German magazine (now called the Liahona). Based on extensive research, Called to Teach describes the life of this remarkable man and outlines the impact of his legacy.

    Over the past two thousand years, however, some of these gifts have been neglected or set aside, and we've forgotten what we're capable of.Now, in Primal Fire, Neil Cole shares the surprising truth about the five gifts of Jesus--what they mean, how they reflect Christ, and the remarkable power and synergy that comes when we all work together to ignite the church's full potential and passion.Whether you're a church leader who wants to equip your members to grow spiritually, or someone who wants to better understand your own contribution to the body of Christ, it's time to reignite the Primal Fire and become the gifts that Christ intended for us to be.

    Adapted from her talk given in April 2014 at the General Women's Session of Conference "Sisterhood: Oh, how we need each other".

    As you enter the sanctuary, you notice them at once. Then, as you take your seat next to a family, they are right there beside you. Throughout the ensuing service, you see them--and hear them. The presence of children in public worship is not only striking, but also increasingly strange in modern American church life. In fact, the idea of your children sitting or standing next to you during prayer, singing, or the pastor's sermon can be downright scary. This book is based in the conviction that public worship is the nursery of the Holy Spirit and that bringing children in is both beneficial and a blessing. The Nursery of the Holy Spirit offers practical advice on how to make this ideal a reality in your children's lives. ""This is a timely book. While statistics suggest that many young adults are leaving the church, Danny Hyde contends that maybe we were unwelcoming to our children in the first place. He encourages parents to consider our children's relationship with the church and questions the common practice of separating them from our worship service. This practical book challenges us to evaluate what 'children friendly' really means with solid biblical exhortation."" --Aimee Byrd, author of Housewife Theologian ""We cannot take for granted anymore that churches, both Reformed and evangelical, keep their children in the sanctuary during the worship service. Danny Hyde has provided a thoughtful pastoral book that addresses this very issue. And for those already convinced that our covenant children should remain in the sanctuary worshiping the triune God, this book will provide further food for thought on why this practice is so important and should continue if we are to be faithful to our children and God's word."" --Mark Jones, pastor, Faith Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, BC ""Danny Hyde's love for children and his concern for their spiritual welfare shines through every page of this book. He combines rich biblical instruction with helpful practical advice in his passion to see the worship of God enriched by our children and our children enriched by God's worship."" --David Murray, Professor of Old Testament and Pastoral Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI ""In this slim volume, Pastor Hyde gently calls upon Christian parents and churches to place their children in 'the nursery of the Holy Spirit.' This helpful volume also offers practical ways in which moms and dads may 'parent in the pew.' I am grateful for this book and plan to get it into the hands of the parents and ministry leaders in my church."" --Todd Pruitt, lead pastor, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Harrisonburg, VA ""Many reasons are given for why children drift away from the church, but perhaps the most important--and least discussed--is the fact that parents do not teach them that church is important. And basic to that is making sure children are in the worship service and understand what is happening. Danny's little book will be a great help to parents and pastors as they reflect on how better to encourage little children to come to Christ."" --Carl R. Trueman, pastor, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Ambler, PA Daniel R. Hyde (ThM, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) is the pastor of the Oceanside United Reformed Church in Carlsbad-Oceanside, CA. He is also the author of God in Our Midst, Welcome to a Reformed Church, Why Believe in God?, and Jesus Loves the Little Children. In addition, he serves as Adjunct Instructor of Systematic Theology and Missions at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and is a member of the Advisory Council to Word and Deed Ministries.

    He was the bishop of Hippo Regius (modern-day Annaba, Algeria), located in Numidia (Roman province of Africa). He is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers in Western Christianity for his writings in the Patristic Era. Among his most important works are The City of God and Confessions. According to his contemporary, Jerome, Augustine "established anew the ancient Faith." In his early years, he was heavily influenced by Manichaeism and afterward by the neo-Platonism of Plotinus. After his baptism and conversion to Christianity in 387, Augustine developed his own approach to philosophy and theology, accommodating a variety of methods and perspectives. Believing that the grace of Christ was indispensable to human freedom, he helped formulate the doctrine of original sin and made seminal contributions to the development of just war theory. —BOOKS— A TREATISE AGAINST TWO LETTERS OF THE PELAGIANS A TREATISE CONCERNING MAN’S PERFECTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS A TREATISE ON FAITH AND THE CREED A TREATISE ON GRACE AND FREE WILL A TREATISE ON THE GIFT OF PERSEVERANCE A TREATISE ON THE GRACE OF CHRIST, AND ON ORIGINAL SIN A TREATISE ON THE MERITS AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS, AND ON THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS A TREATISE ON THE PREDESTINATION OF THE SAINTS A TREATISE ON THE SOUL AND ITS ORIGIN A TREATISE ON THE SPIRIT AND THE LETTER A TREATISE ON NATURE AND GRACE A TREATISE ON REBUKE AND GRACE A WORK ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF PELAGIUS ACTS OR DISPUTATION AGAINST FORTUNATUS THE MANICHAEAN AGAINST LYING AGAINST THE EPISTLE OF MANICHAEUS, CALLED FUNDAMENTAL ANSWER TO THE LETTERS OF PETILIAN, THE DONATIST CONCERNING FAITH OF THINGS NOT SEEN CONCERNING THE NATURE OF GOOD, AGAINST THE MANICHAEANS EXPOSITIONS ON THE BOOK OF PSALMS LECTURES OR TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN LETTERS OF ST. AUGUSTIN OF HOLY VIRGINITY OF THE WORK OF MONKS ON BAPTISM, AGAINST THE DONATISTS ON CARE TO BE HAD FOR THE DEAD ON CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE ON CONTINENCE ON LYING ON MARRIAGE AND CONCUPISCENCE ON PATIENCE ON THE CATECHISING OF THE UNINSTRUCTED ON THE CREED ON THE GOOD OF WIDOWHOOD ON THE GOOD OF MARRIAGE ON THE MORALS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE MORALS OF THE MANICHAEANS ON THE PROFIT OF BELIEVING ON THE TRINITY ON TWO SOULS, AGAINST THE MANICHAEANS OUR LORD’S SERMON ON THE MOUNT REPLY TO FAUSTUS THE MANICHAEAN SERMONS ON SELECTED LESSONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT TEN HOMILIES ON THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN TO THE PARTHIANS THE CITY OF GOD THE CONFESSIONS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE THE CORRECTION OF THE DONATISTS THE ENCHIRIDION THE HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS TWO BOOKS OF SOLILOQUIES PUBLISHER: AETERNA PRESS

    Comments like this are not an accident, but the result of care and planning, contends David Sparks in A Good Ending. This practical book gives advice and ideas for every step along the way, from supporting the dying person, to planning a funeral, life celebration, or memorial, and to being with those left to mourn. Whether you're a new or seasoned worship leader looking for fresh insights or ideas or someone looking for guidance to support a dying loved one, you'll find this an indispensable resource. Practical helps include suggested prayers, sample meditations and service outlines, and detailed check lists also available as downloadable file. Also available as an e-book.

    Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiences--from the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you'll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You'll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns' lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, Be Still, My Soul includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers.Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, you'll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

    Authors Mike Work and Ginny Olson provide you with quick and accessible answers to all of your management, administrative, and supervisory questions and needs.Sprinkled throughout the manual are brief personal anecdotes by actual, in-the-trenches youth workers, case studies of church-office debacles, pivotal lessons learned over decades of ministry, nightmare scenarios to avoid, and glorious successes to emulate. No other book provides everything a youth ministry leader needs in one place at such an affordable price.This revised and updated edition of a youth ministry classic includes bonus online content, copy-ready pages and forms, and loads of other highly practical material.

    With a small group study guide and "Ten Steps for Developing a Mental Health Ministry in Your Congregation," Blessed Are the Crazy is more than memoir--it's a resource for churches and other faith-based groups to provide healing and comfort. Part of The Young Clergy Women Project.

    In this booklet Terry Johnson's aim is to help the reader think carefully about the content and forms of the worship typically associated with this movement, and of their implications for the health and spiritual vitality of the church.

    The commentary combines prophetic insights, excerpts from ancient texts, current scientific perspectives, and up-to-date biblical scholarship - all presented from a perspective of faith. Each section of the book is prefaced by an overview illuminating major themes and issues. This is followed by the text of each chapter of scripture, accompanied by a detailed phrase-by-phrase commentary designed to give the modern reader both an understanding of the plain sense of the words as well as their significance in context. Based on the first complete transcriptions of the original manuscripts of the Joseph Smith Translation, significant textual variants are identified and discussed.Of special interest to LDS readers is the light that these chapters shed on temple worship. A detailed study of this book of scripture in conjunction with ancient and modern sources suggests striking parallels with temple themes. Insights on these topics from LDS scripture and prophets, as well as relevant extracts from the works of Hugh Nibley and other religious scholars, historians, philosophers, scientists, literary specialists, playwrights, musicians, and artists are found on nearly every page of the book. The book also features an extensive annotated bibliography on ancient and modern sources relating to the stories of Enoch and Noah. An additional highlight is the collection of more than a hundred carefully chosen color or black-and-white figures, photographs, and illustrations relating to the text - themselves also the subject of detailed commentary.The central message of the book of Moses is in its invitation to join the divine pattern whereby we may come to fully reflect God's image and likeness. This wondrous work of scripture has been expressly written to "call [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).ReviewsThis extraordinary reference work opens doors, windows, and endless passageways. It gives readers easy access to scriptural channels through which to understand of some of the earliest chapters in human history. Early Jewish, Christian, and LDS insights bring to life the epic accounts of Enoch the seer, the proverbial city of Enoch, Noah, the Flood, and the New Creation. Very effectively using textual, literary, doctrinal, and visual tools, this volume guides readers through the corridors of the temple, the windows of heaven, and the covenantal gate into eternal life.- John W. Welch, Robert K. Thomas Professor of Law and editor-in-chief of BYU Studies; founder of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies; author of works on Roman and Jewish law; chiasmus in antiquity; and the Sermon on the Mount, and King Benjamin's speechIf the Book of Mormon is the keystone of Mormonism, the Prophecy of Enoch may be said to be its theological foundation stone. This excellent commentary is a visual as well as an intellectual feast.- Terryl Givens, James A. Bostwick Professor of English, University of Richmond; co-author of The God Who Weeps and Parley P. Pratt; author of Viper on the Hearth, By the Hand of Mormon, People of Paradox, and When Souls Had WingsThis volume is exceptionally significant! It is encyclopedic in its coverage and yet readable for both laypersons and scholars. Readers will benefit greatly by studying the entire work; or, its seriatim approach allows them to reflect on specific passages. I am impressed that the authors were able to present so much material into a single volume - text and commentary, illustrations, gleanings, copious notes, and more.- Donald W. Parry, Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brigham Young University, member of the International Team of Translators of the Dead Sea Scrolls; author or editor of more than thirty booksIncreasingly, the value of understanding ancient texts within their original cultic worldview - indeed, as saturated with cultic imagery, themes, and symbolism - is becoming evident, and this work contributes a case in point, demonstrating the significance of a temple-oriented approach.- L. Michael Morales, Provost and Professor of Old Testament at Reformation Bible College; author of The Tabernacle Pre-FiguredBradshaw and Larsen are to be warmly congratulated on their most recent book. It is the result of meticulous research and careful but very readable writing. The book is an outstanding study of the patriarchs that warrants a thorough reading - and rereading.- Stephen D. Ricks, Professor of Hebrew and Cognate Learning, Brigham Young University; prolific author on Old Testament and Book of Mormon topicsThis manuscript is very detailed and well researched. The authors have obviously taken considerable time and effort to become familiar with the material and present it for the reader. An excellent combination of LDS and non-LDS sources. The use of relevant images added a nice dimension to the text.- Jared W. Ludlow, Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University; author of Abraham Meets Death: Narrative Humor in the Testament of Abraham; member of The Enoch SeminarAbout the AuthorJeffrey M. Bradshaw, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Scientist at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) in Pensacola, Florida (www.ihmc.us/groups/jbradshaw/). His professional writings have explored a wide range of topics in human and machine intelligence. Jeff has written a detailed commentary on the first five chapters of the book of Moses (In God's Image and Likeness 1: Ancient and Modern Perspectives on the Book of Moses, Eborn, 2010). He has also authored Temple Themes in the Book of Moses, Temple Themes in the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, and articles on temple studies and the ancient Near East for Studies in the Bible and Antiquity, Element: A Journal of Mormon Philosophy and Theology, Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture, and BYU Studies (see www.templethemes.net). In addition to his invited presentation at the 2013 Academy for Temple Studies Enoch Conference, he taught at the 2013 BYU Campus Education Week, spoke at the 2013 Sidney B. Sperry Symposium, and was an organizer and presenter at the 2013 Interpreter Symposium on Science and Mormonism: Cosmos, Earth, and Man. Jeff serves as a Vice President of The Interpreter Foundation (www.mormoninterpreter.com) and as a member of the Academy for Temple Studies Group Advisory Board (http://www.templestudies.org/home/). He and his wife Kathleen are the parents of four children and seven grandchildren. He was a missionary in the Belgium-Brussels mission, and has since served in a variety of Church capacities including early-morning seminary teacher, bishop, high councilor, stake presidency counselor, and temple ordinance worker. Jeff and Kathleen are the parents of four children and seven grandchildren.David J. Larsen received his PhD at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He wrote his dissertation, "Royal Themes in the Psalms and in the Dead Sea Scrolls" under the direction of Professor James R. Davila. He holds an MA degree in Biblical Theology from Marquette University, with Professor Andrei Orlov as his advisor, and a BA in Near East Studies from Brigham Young University. His research interests include Jewish and Christian apocalyptic and mysticism, pseudepigrapha and apocryphal literature, royal/messianic themes in the Bible and in the Dead Sea Scrolls, and "ascent to heaven" traditions. David serves as a Contributing Editor to Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture (www.mormoninterpreter.com). In addition to his invited presentation at the 2013 Academy for Temple Studies Enoch Conference, he spoke at the 2013 Sidney B. Sperry Symposium. He is the author of the blog heavenlyascents.com, where he explores topics in early Jewish and Christian mysticism, LDS theology, and other topics in religious studies. He currently lives in Springville, Utah with his wife, Marluce, and their four children.

    Many factors make attentive listening a significant contributor to healthy congregations. As we enter into a post-Christendom culture, the people coming into congregations, as well as the people in the wider community, are less likely to be operating from a shared set of assumptions. With world-wide migration reshaping our communities and congregations, diverse perspectives coming from varied cultural backgrounds are also more common. The breakdown of many support structures in society has created profound pastoral care needs, making listening increasingly significant for both ministers and lay leaders. Polarization over so many issues and the increasing emphasis on story-telling in the journey of faith are two additional reasons why listening matters today. Careful and loving listening nurtures care, connection and depth, which contribute to congregational life and health. Listening to God is another aspect of listening which is gaining increased attention today. Many congregational leaders have become weary of church as a business and are looking for authentic experiences of God's guidance. Congregations are increasingly engaging in communal discernment. Many listening skills used in human interactions are also building blocks for listening to God.

    With modern roots in the civil rights movements of the 1960s, African American theology has gone beyond issues of justice and social transformation to participate in broader dialogues of theological inquiry. The Oxford Handbook of African American Theology brings together leading scholars in the field to offer a critical and comprehensive analysis of this theological tradition in its many forms and contexts. Using an interdisciplinary approach, this Oxford Handbook examines the nature, structures, and functions of African American Theology. The volume surveys the field by highlighting its sources, doctrines, internal debates, current challenges, and future prospects in order to present key topics related to the wider palette of Black Religion in a sustained scholarly format. This formative collection presents current scholarship on African American Theology and scripture, eschatology, Christology, womanist theology, sexuality, ontology, the global economy, and much more. The contributors represent a diverse set of faith perspectives, adding to the layered discourses within the volume. These essays further important discussions on the pressing debates and challenges that shape black and womanist theologies.

     Indeed, within five hundred years of Nero’s persecutions of the first disciples, Christian civilization permeated every aspect of European culture with kings and commoners alike paying allegiance to the Catholic Church. A master storyteller with an entertaining and evocative style, Dr. Moczar introduces you to the celebrated intellectuals and mystics, the magnificent artists and writers, and the greatest heroes and villains who forever changed Christianity and the West. You’ll also explore the dreadful heresies and sinful practices—both inside the Church and out—that developed cracks that would become great fissures, leading to the bitter autumn that followed a most glorious age. Most of all, these pages will increase your love of God—who is the source of all truth—through a deeper understanding of Catholic history. And they will renew your confidence that the Church is indeed Christ acting in the world and that no matter how many Neros are sent her way by Satan, she will not be defeated but will endure until the end of time.

    Understanding its origin and development through the experiences of Wilford Woodruff will answer questions posed by individuals inside and outside of the Church. What is the relationship of temple ordinances and Old Testament rituals? Why have some ordinances been discontinued? Why did married women choose to be sealed to Joseph Smith? What is priesthood adoption? When were proxy ordinances introduced?Many books and articles address a specific temple ordinance or a period of time in Mormon history, but the development of all temple ordinances has never been included in a single volume - until now.Jennifer Mackley's meticulously researched biographical narrative chronicles the development of temple doctrine through the examination of Wilford Woodruff's personal life. The account unfolds in Woodruff's own words, drawn from primary sources including journals, discourses, and letters. Mackley elucidates the doctrine's sixty-year progression from Old Testament practices of washings and anointings in the 1830s, to the endowment, sealings, and priesthood adoptions in the 1840s, through all of the vicarious ordinances for the dead in the 1870s, to the sealing of multigenerational families in the 1890s. Her narrative is enhanced by 120 archival images (some previously unpublished), as well as extensive footnotes and citations for the reader's further study. More information can be found at www.wilfordwoodruff.info.