Book picks similar to
The Recovery of Mission: Beyond the Pluralist Paradigm by Vinoth Ramachandra
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Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith
Douglas Groothuis - 2011
But are those answers reliable? In this systematic text, Douglas Groothuis makes a comprehensive apologetic case for Christian theism--proceeding from a defense of objective truth to a presentation of the key arguments for God from natural theology to a case for the credibility of Jesus, the incarnation and the resurrection. Throughout, Groothuis considers alternative views and how they fare intellectually.
Unabashedly Episcopalian: Proclaiming the Good News of the Episcopal Church
C. Andrew Doyle - 2012
Bishop Andy Doyle has mined the Baptismal Covenant and his own experiences leading the Diocese of Texas. The result is a heartfelt, smart and practical book that calls Episcopalians to wake up to the church s unique gifts and story, and equips them to share that witness in their neighborhoods and out in the world.
Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission
Tim Chester - 2011
We recognize the need to adapt, but are unsure of the way forward. This book offers practical ideas for engaging with secularized society and does so in a way that is enfranchising, helping churches rely on their members instead of one leader with a dynamic personality or specialist skills. Chester and Timmis contend that the solution is an "everyday church" doing everyday mission with no signage except our lives. They organize the book around a missional reading of 1 Peter, since Peter's first-century readers faced a similar situation as aliens and strangers. Gifted communicators and experienced pastors, these authors have proven their ability to be winsome and enlightening, especially in view of their success with Total Church and You Can Change.
The Second Comforter: : Conversing with the Lord Through the Veil
Denver Carlos Snuffer Jr. - 2006
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.
Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World?
Tom Doyle - 2012
Throughout his journey he has encountered a staggering number of Muslims who were first introduced to Jesus through a vision or dream so powerful that they eventually turned from their lifelong religion of Islam and embraced Christ as their Savior. Despite living in a culture where converting to Christianity can result in execution, these former Muslims have found hope, peace, and inspiration that comes from knowing Christ. Their stories will amaze you. Jesus is reaching out to the Muslims and they are responding. Did you know that Iran has the fastest growing church in the world?Dreams and Visions is a remarkable collection of stories directly from the world of Islam. Doyle not only relates these stories, but also addresses the questions: Why would God use dreams to reach the Muslim world? Can dreams be trusted? What happens after these dreams or visions occur?Travel to the heart of the Middle East to meet new believers who have truly been touched by Jesus in the most miraculous way, through their nightly dreams.
Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity
Frank Viola - 1997
Official website with supplements http://www.ReimaginingChurch.org
Wide Open Spaces: Beyond Paint-by-Number Christianity
Jim Palmer - 2007
In his next book, Jim takes the reader along into the wide open spaces of exploring and experiencing God beyond religion. Jim writes, "It is no secret that God can be lost beneath the waving banner of religion. Divine Nobodies is my story of how this happened to me. Sometimes you have to disentangle God from religion, even Christ from Christianity, to find the truth. With the help of some unsuspecting nobodies, I uncovered a new starting line with God. As I've put one foot in front of another, I've experienced God in ways that are deeply transforming."Each chapter revolves around a central question related to knowing God on fresh terms: Is God a belief system? Is the Bible a landing strip or launching pad? Can what we're feeling inside be God? Are we too religiously minded to be any earthly good?Brian McLaren wrote, "I am tempted to say that Jim Palmer could well be the next Don Miller, but what they have in common, along with an honest spirituality and extraordinary skill as storytellers, is a unique voice."The Library Reviews said of him, "Jim Palmer's casual, yet compelling writing style cuts through the religious rhetoric and gets to the real issues…readers will love this author! His sense of humor is alternately mixed with shocking sentences and poignant moments. Laced throughout is a refreshing honesty that ties his ideas together with a ribbon of reality…each turn of the page strips away a little more of the contrived mystery of Christianity until the simplicity and sincerity of it stands in realistic splendor."More and more people seek a deeper spirituality beyond status-quo religion. Others are left empty and weary from a shallow and narrow pop-Christianity. Palmer says that God's kingdom of love, peace, and freedom can be a present reality in any person's life. He proclaims that God is indeed in the process of birthing something deep and wide among unlikely people in unconventional ways, which is changing the world...one "nobody" at a time.
Jesus Is the Question: The 307 Questions Jesus Asked and the 3 He Answered
Martin B. Copenhaver - 2014
In the Gospels Jesus asks many more questions than he answers. To be precise, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked 183 of which he only answers 3. Asking questions was central to Jesus' life and teachings. In fact, for every question he answers directly he asks--literally--a hundred. Jesus is the Question considers the questions Jesus asks--what they tell us about Jesus and, more important, what our responses might say about what it means to follow Him. Through Jesus' questions, he modeled the struggle, the wondering, the thinking it through that helps us draw closer to God and better understand, not just the answer, but ourselves, our process and ultimately why questions are among Jesus' most profound gifts for a life of faith. A game-changer of a book.
From Buddha to Jesus: An Insider's View of Buddhism and Christianity
Steve Cioccolanti - 2007
Now you can learn the 2 most popular religions in 1 book! Widely acclaimed by readers who grew up with Buddhism and despised by a few Western converts to Buddhism, this book is now in 7 languages. Ignore the foreigner’s perspective and get the insider’s perspective on Buddhism the way it’s actually practiced by millions of ordinary folks. “I was a Buddhist all my life... I grew up in Sri Lanka a Buddhist country… Reading this book changed my life.” Alyosius, Sri Lanka"I have been a missionary in Thailand for 40 years. I read your book and was very impressed wish. I would have had it sooner."Dorothy H., Thailand"Your book is one of my treasured collection and I've been reading it again and again. I love it so much. It helps me to understand Buddha and Buddhism and draw bridges between the two faiths. Keep up the good work and God bless!."Mish N.“I am a Malaysian Chinese… I was a Buddhist. I came across your explanation about Buddhism and found that was so true!” Sulee, Malaysia"Steve's gentle way of sharing his insight suits the [Asian] audience very well… He has also broken some invalid preconceived ideas that Buddhists are closed to the Gospel."Ching Wah, SingaporeMy husband and I have been reading it and although I am a second generation missionary in Thailand (my dad arrived in 1946!) your book has brought new insight and clarified many things and is helping me/us immensely in relating to the Buddhists. So, Thank YOU and Thank GOD!"Marianna & Erik, Thailand"This book gave me confidence that I had a strategy! Because we can start from a place of commonality, instead of a place of 'I'm right, you're wrong'. This teaching releases people!"Tim P., Thailand"A well-written book with a clear and bold testimony."Canon James Wong (Anglican Churches Singapore)“This book has many great insights in it… I would use it for our Bible College students.” Dr. Wayne Cordeiro (Pastor of 10,000+ member church in Hawaii; who grew up with Japanese Buddhism)
Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ
Brother Andrew - 2007
Butros, a Christian man with a heart for the church. Ahmed, Mustafa and Hassan, devout Muslims until their hearts are changed by the Truth of Scripture. Salima, a rich young woman who loses everything when she falls in love with Jesus. How can Christianity flourish in the face of Sharia law? How can Christ's love win Muslims? What price will these believers pay for their faith?
The Real Heaven: What the Bible Actually Says
Chip Ingram - 2016
But what does the Bible actually say about heaven? What difference does it make? What happens the moment after we die? What will our relationships be like in heaven?Chip Ingram sets aside the hype and myths and digs into the Scriptures to discover what God actually wants us to know about the hereafter. Most importantly, Ingram shows why our understanding of heaven matters now, in this life. Because what we believe about heaven actually affects us today in ways we may not have imagined.
Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods
Jonathan Brooks - 2018
As soon as he was able, he left the community and moved as far away as he could. But through a remarkable turn of events, he reluctantly returned and found himself not only back in Englewood but also serving as a pastor ("Pastah J") and community leader. In Church Forsaken, Brooks challenges local churches to rediscover that loving our neighbors means loving our neighborhoods. Unpacking the themes of Jeremiah 29, he shows how Christians can be fully present in local communities, building homes and planting gardens for the common good. His holistic vision and practical work offers good news for forgotten people and places. And community stakeholders and civic leaders will rediscover that churches are viable partners in community transformation in ways that they may never have considered. God has always been at work in neglected neighborhoods. Join Pastah J on this journey and discover new hope for your community.
Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day
Garry R. Morgan - 2012
What once seemed like the religions of exotic faraway lands are now practiced by families next door. These short, easily digestible readings give an overview of the beliefs, histories, and practices of dozens of religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and many more. Garry Morgan blends the knowledge of a college professor with real-world experience and an accessible style. Broken into forty brief chapters, this book can be used as a reference for those who need quick and clear answers or read straight through by curious readers.
Anthropological Insights for Missionaries
Paul G. Hiebert - 1985
Expert anthropologist shows missionaries how to better understand the people they serve and their historical and cultural settings.
The Coffeehouse Gospel: Sharing Your Faith Through Everday Conversation
Matthew Paul Turner - 2004
It includes questions and journal sections to help readers articulate their own spiritual experiences and show them how to be ready to defend and express their faith.