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Journeys to Heaven and Hell: Tours of the Afterlife in the Early Christian Tradition
by Bart D. EhrmanA New York Times best-selling scholar's illuminating exploration of the earliest Christian narrated journeys to heaven and hell “[An] illuminating deep dive . . . An edifying origin story for contemporary Christian conceptions of the afterlife.”—Publishers Weekly From classics such as the Odyssey and the Aeneid to fifth-century Christian apocrypha, narratives that described guided tours of the afterlife played a major role in shaping ancient notions of morality and ethics. In this new account, acclaimed author Bart Ehrman contextualizes early Christian narratives of heaven and hell within the broader intellectual and cultural worlds from which they emerged. He examines how fundamental social experiences of the early Christian communities molded the conceptions of the afterlife that eventuated into the accepted doctrines of heaven, hell, and purgatory. Drawing on Greek and Roman epic poetry, early Jewish writings such as the Book of Watchers, and apocryphal Christian stories including the Acts of Thomas, the Gospel of Nicodemus, and the Apocalypse of Peter, Ehrman demonstrates that ancient tours of the afterlife promoted reflection on matters of ethics, faith, ambition, and life’s meaning, the fruit of which has been codified into Christian belief today.
Journeys to Significance
by Neil ColeA powerful, biblically based model of leadership development based on the life of the Apostle PaulAll churches, denominations, and parachurch organizations are eager for new models of leadership development. Cole uses the life and leadership lessons of the Apostle Paul to show how to develop leaders who are skilled, dedicated, and always open to learning from experience.Cole, a trusted, innovative authority, uses the four journeys of Paul to shows how leaders can grow to be more influential.A publication from the acclaimed Leadership NetworkPaul, the original "church planter," was very instrumental in the growth of Christianity--and a perfect model for today's leaders.Shows how Paul's leadership developed over the course of his life to get better and better with time and maturity--and how they can do the same.
Journeys with Celtic Christians Leader Guide
by Rodney Newman"The early Christians of Ireland developed an expression of the faith characterized by deep devotion and fascinating stories," Newman said. "It offers rich insights for modern issues such as promoting a caring society, relating to the natural world and welcoming strangers." Writers often use the metaphor of journey or pilgrimage to describe the Christian life. What distinguishes this book and its development of that theme is its invitation to readers to experience their personal faith journeys through Celtic lenses. Pilgrimage is part of the DNA of Celtic Christians. The faith spread and flourished in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Northern England between the 5th and 11th centuries because saints like Patrick, Brigid, and Columba traveled extensively, preaching, teaching, and founding monasteries. Soon small groups of Christians began to go out from these locations and begin new Christian communities. By connecting historical information with their current lives and concerns, readers will be encouraged to consider the many ways pilgrimage has shaped their personal faith. They will discover the value and contributions of fellow travelers on the faith journey and how they assist and shape that journey. By recalling how Celtic Christians celebrated and marked significant moments in their lives of faith, readers will discover ways they can develop this practice. They will affirm the importance of both offering and receiving hospitality on the faith journey, a discipline that was critical to the Celts. They will also have opportunities to deal with difficult life journeys such as transitions and opportunities for forgiveness, and the importance of blessing one another in a world that values polarization over cooperation and competition over community. With an introduction that sets the tone and introduces the theme and six chapters related to distinctives of Celtic Christianity, this book is ideal for small groups whose members want to grow together in their spiritual understandings and commitments. The Leader Guide is designed to help lead small groups. It includes questions for reflection and additional prompts aimed to guide both personal contemplation and group discussion.
Journeys with Celtic Christians Participant
by Rodney Newman"The early Christians of Ireland developed an expression of the faith characterized by deep devotion and fascinating stories," Newman said. "It offers rich insights for modern issues such as promoting a caring society, relating to the natural world and welcoming strangers." Writers often use the metaphor of journey or pilgrimage to describe the Christian life. What distinguishes this book and its development of that theme is its invitation to readers to experience their personal faith journeys through Celtic lenses. Pilgrimage is part of the DNA of Celtic Christians. The faith spread and flourished in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Northern England between the 5th and 11th centuries because saints like Patrick, Brigid, and Columba traveled extensively, preaching, teaching, and founding monasteries. Soon small groups of Christians began to go out from these locations and begin new Christian communities. By connecting historical information with their current lives and concerns, readers will be encouraged to consider the many ways pilgrimage has shaped their personal faith. They will discover the value and contributions of fellow travelers on the faith journey and how they assist and shape that journey. By recalling how Celtic Christians celebrated and marked significant moments in their lives of faith, readers will discover ways they can develop this practice. They will affirm the importance of both offering and receiving hospitality on the faith journey, a discipline that was critical to the Celts. They will also have opportunities to deal with difficult life journeys such as transitions and opportunities for forgiveness, and the importance of blessing one another in a world that values polarization over cooperation and competition over community. With an introduction that sets the tone and introduces the theme and six chapters related to distinctives of Celtic Christianity, this book is ideal for small groups whose members want to grow together in their spiritual understandings and commitments.
Journeys with Plant Spirits: Plant Consciousness Healing and Natural Magic Practices
by Emma Farrell• Presents meditation journeys with specific plant and tree spirits, such as Mugwort, Rosemary, Dandelion, Yew, Elder, and Wormwood • Details how to achieve a calm mind, cleanse your energy field, and connect with your heart in preparation for meditating with the plants • Includes a progressive series of introductory meditations, adapted from wisdom traditions, to lay the foundation for working with plant spirits Our ancient ancestors understood the language of nature, enabling them to communicate innately with plants. By quieting the mind through meditation, we too can tap into the vibratory resonance of plants and receive their wisdom and healing. In this guide, Emma Farrell explains how to take your connection and relationship with nature to a deeper level and access plant spirit healing through meditation with plants. She explores the nature of plant consciousness and how plants perceive, drawing on indigenous and shamanic teachings. She details how to achieve a calm mind, cleanse your energy field, and connect with your heart in preparation for meditating with plants and trees, showing how the plants can support us not only in the cleansing process but also in teaching us how to sense what is in our energy field. Offering a progressive series of preparatory meditations, adapted from wisdom traditions, the author reveals how to lay the foundation for working, communicating, and developing relationships with plant and tree spirits for personal development, spiritual connection, and inner peace. She then presents meditation journeys with specific plant spirits, focusing on specific frequencies within the plant&’s bio-resonance to assist you. For example, the meditation with Mugwort works with the plant spirit&’s qualities of alignment and self-awareness to assist you with grounding and developing inner vision, while the meditation with Dandelion helps you break old habits by working with the plant&’s qualities of release, reconnection, and fearlessness. Revealing how each plant is an expression of the soul force of Mother Nature and carries a unique blend of her medicine and wisdom, this guide details step-by-step how to effectively work with plant spirits for emotional and spiritual healing, enabling you to awaken the eternal spirit, or soul, to become truly multidimensional and whole.
Joy
by Victoria Christopher MurrayAnya Mitchell has it all: a successful L.A. financial services company, a loving fiance, and an unshakable trust in God until she is brutally attacked by a stalker. Anya's faith and her fiance help her deal with the horror, but soon she is faced with a dilemma and must decide how far she is willing to go to have a future clear of this tragedy with the man she loves.
Joy Bomb: Unleash Jesus's Explosive Joy for an Extraordinary Life
by Tauren WellsYou were wired for joy. Not put-a-fake-smile-on-it joy. Not I-feel-guilty-about-being-sad joy. But deep-down, laugh-out-loud, overflowing joy that thrives no matter your personality or circumstances.It's time to take your joy back! Maybe you're wondering why life has to be so confusing. Maybe you're tired of feeling anxious. Maybe you're just blah lately. Bible teacher, songwriter, and one of Christian music's most contagiously joyful voices, Pastor Tauren Wells has a powerful reminder for you: Jesus' first message was about how to be truly happy. Think about it: How important to the heart of God must your joy be if Jesus uses the word "happy" eight times in his first recorded sermon on planet Earth (aka: the Beatitudes)?In Joy Bomb, Pastor Tauren helps us embrace the truth that God's greatest longing is not only for our holiness, but for our happiness. This biblically rooted, exuberantly hope-filled book walks us through:Eight life-changing ways to reorient our lives toward joyUnderstanding why joy is not dependent on our emotional state or the state of the worldWhat attitudes or behaviors keep us from experiencing God's joyHow we can become freer in worship, life, and our relationship with GodWhy Jesus' ways of living don't just create warm fuzzies but create joy deep within us We find more in this life than we ever imagined when we understand the patterns and promises of God's kingdom. More fulfillment, more purpose, more satisfaction--and radical joy.
Joy Comes in the Morning
by Ashea S. GoldsonSister Alex Carter is seemingly a pillar of spiritual strength, working diligently in the ministry, trying to help everyone. But she has a secret, and as a result, she is unable to help herself. In fact, she is really a ticking time bomb.Although the one thing she wants more than anything else is to marry Deacon Joshua Bennings, a Bishop's son and the church's most eligible bachelor, she can't seem to escape the mistake from her past. So instead, she distracts herself with drama, striking a moral indictment against the church, competing with a flirtatious church sister for the man she loves, holding onto a job that's pulling her further away from the will of God, and trying to block an old lover's selfish attempt to expose her.As Alex wrestles to hang on to her spotless reputation, her pre-packaged life begins to unravel, bringing her to the brink of losing everything she has worked so hard for. Alex is forced to face not only her past, but her future, as well. Will she ever learn that through Christ, no matter how dark it gets, joy comes in the morning?
Joy In the Midst of Pain: Hope in Time of Grieving - April's Legacy
by Diane CzekalaWhen Diane Czekala&’s daughter April died in 2011, she was just twenty-three and had her whole life ahead of her. Uniquely, she knew she was going to die and told her mother about it three months before it happened. Diane wanted to hear nothing about it, but then told her, " 'IF' you do die, find a way to let me know you are okay". After her death, Diane and her husband, Michael, feared for April&’s salvation. But Joy in the Midst of Pain recounts dramatic instances of dreams, visions, and prophetic inspirations that came from people across the country who knew April. Each clearly confirmed to the couple their daughter was with Jesus, there is life after death, and it is wonderful . As a minister of healing, Diane also explains different types of grieving, understanding the grieving process, and hindrances to healing, as she shares her story. If you wonder about life after death, are sorrowing the loss of a loved one, or know someone who is, Joy in the Midst of Pain will offer hope in Jesus and inspire you to draw near to God. As Diane&’s story emphatically demonstrates, &“He will get you through.&”
Joy In the War: Expand Your Ability to Embrace Hope in the Heat of Battle
by Daniel Pierce Amber PierceIf you don&’t have joy, you won&’t have the strength to overcome. This book will help you better understand how even in the midst of crisis and chaos, God wants to use joy as a weapon to tear down the attacks of the enemy and give you the spiritual bandwidth to overcome. Joy in the War is a unique book about finding joy in the midst of devastating events, including those happening in America and around the world. The Lord desires that His children know He is a covenant God. When we choose to align with His purposes, even the conflict and warfare surrounding us cannot stop His joy from manifesting and releasing a strength and purpose that empowers us to triumph. We can learn not to fear war or impending doom as we realize that overcoming joy can be our portion even in times of hardship. These lessons from Daniel and Amber Pierce—part of the legacy family of Chuck Pierce—have been walked out over the past decade as they have lived in the Land of Israel: a place where war is a constant threat and lessons for America and the church can be gleaned.
Joy Sparton and Her Problem Twin (Joy Sparton Series)
by Ruth I. JohnsonThis warm-hearted, humorous series relates the growing pains and problems that confront two PKs (preacher's kids), Joy Sparton and her twin brother Roy. Each delightful account is written in the first person, from Joy's viewpoint, in her own colorful language. The gospel, the Saviour, and the separated Christian walk—all are presented in a framework of the experiences of this lovable young teenager.In Joy Sparton and Her Problem Twin, because Roy starts mixing with the wrong crowd, he gets charged with a filling-station holdup. Joy's faith and understanding bring triumph to Roy and honor to her Lord.
Joy Sparton and Her Problem Twin (Joy Sparton Series)
by Ruth I. JohnsonThis warm-hearted, humorous series relates the growing pains and problems that confront two PKs (preacher's kids), Joy Sparton and her twin brother Roy. Each delightful account is written in the first person, from Joy's viewpoint, in her own colorful language. The gospel, the Saviour, and the separated Christian walk—all are presented in a framework of the experiences of this lovable young teenager.In Joy Sparton and Her Problem Twin, because Roy starts mixing with the wrong crowd, he gets charged with a filling-station holdup. Joy's faith and understanding bring triumph to Roy and honor to her Lord.
Joy Sparton and the Money Mix-Up (Joy Sparton Series)
by Ruth I. JohnsonThis warm-hearted, humorous series relates the growing pains and problems that confront two PKs (preacher's kids), Joy Sparton and her twin brother Roy. Each delightful account is written in the first person, from Joy's viewpoint, in her own colorful language. The gospel, the Saviour, and the separated Christian walk—all are presented in a framework of the experiences of this lovable young teenager.In Joy Sparton and the Money Mix-Up, snooping around Grandma Sutton's house leads Joy and Roy into mystery and trouble—and victory in the Lord.
Joy Sparton and the Money Mix-Up (Joy Sparton Series)
by Ruth I. JohnsonThis warm-hearted, humorous series relates the growing pains and problems that confront two PKs (preacher's kids), Joy Sparton and her twin brother Roy. Each delightful account is written in the first person, from Joy's viewpoint, in her own colorful language. The gospel, the Saviour, and the separated Christian walk—all are presented in a framework of the experiences of this lovable young teenager.In Joy Sparton and the Money Mix-Up, snooping around Grandma Sutton's house leads Joy and Roy into mystery and trouble—and victory in the Lord.
Joy Sparton and the Mystery in Room 7 (Joy Sparton Series)
by Ruth I. JohnsonThis warm-hearted, humorous series relates the growing pains and problems that confront two PKs (preacher's kids), Joy Sparton and her twin brother Roy. Each delightful account is written in the first person, from Joy's viewpoint, in her own colorful language. The gospel, the Saviour, and the separated Christian walk—all are presented in a framework of the experiences of this lovable young teenager.In Joy Sparton and the Mystery in Room 7, a new home, a police raid, and an unexpected visitor involve the twins in a real mystery.
Joy Sparton and the Mystery in Room 7 (Joy Sparton Series)
by Ruth I. JohnsonThis warm-hearted, humorous series relates the growing pains and problems that confront two PKs (preacher's kids), Joy Sparton and her twin brother Roy. Each delightful account is written in the first person, from Joy's viewpoint, in her own colorful language. The gospel, the Saviour, and the separated Christian walk—all are presented in a framework of the experiences of this lovable young teenager.In Joy Sparton and the Mystery in Room 7, a new home, a police raid, and an unexpected visitor involve the twins in a real mystery.
Joy Sparton and the Vacation Mix-Up (Joy Sparton Series)
by Ruth I. JohnsonThis warm-hearted, humorous series relates the growing pains and problems that confront two PKs (preacher's kids), Joy Sparton and her twin brother Roy. Each delightful account is written in the first person, from Joy's viewpoint, in her own colorful language. The gospel, the Saviour, and the separated Christian walk—all are presented in a framework of the experiences of this lovable young teenager.In Joy Sparton and the Vacation Mix-Up, the morning that the Sparton family starts out on their vacation Joy gets the mumps—then Roy gets the measles. Not even this can stop the irrepressible pair.
Joy Sparton and the Vacation Mix-Up (Joy Sparton Series)
by Ruth I. JohnsonThis warm-hearted, humorous series relates the growing pains and problems that confront two PKs (preacher's kids), Joy Sparton and her twin brother Roy. Each delightful account is written in the first person, from Joy's viewpoint, in her own colorful language. The gospel, the Saviour, and the separated Christian walk—all are presented in a framework of the experiences of this lovable young teenager.In Joy Sparton and the Vacation Mix-Up, the morning that the Sparton family starts out on their vacation Joy gets the mumps—then Roy gets the measles. Not even this can stop the irrepressible pair.
Joy Sparton of Parsonage Hill (Joy Sparton Series)
by Ruth I. JohnsonThis warm-hearted, humorous series relates the growing pains and problems that confront two PKs (preacher's kids), Joy Sparton and her twin brother Roy. Each delightful account is written in the first person, from Joy's viewpoint, in her own colorful language. The gospel, the Saviour, and the separated Christian walk—all are presented in a framework of the experiences of this lovable young teenager.In Joy Sparton of Parsonage Hill, although she accepts the Lord as her Saviour at camp, Joy still finds it difficult to curb her prankish nature. Church giggles and practical jokes keep Joy on the move—and in trouble.
Joy Sparton of Parsonage Hill (Joy Sparton Series)
by Ruth I. JohnsonThis warm-hearted, humorous series relates the growing pains and problems that confront two PKs (preacher's kids), Joy Sparton and her twin brother Roy. Each delightful account is written in the first person, from Joy's viewpoint, in her own colorful language. The gospel, the Saviour, and the separated Christian walk—all are presented in a framework of the experiences of this lovable young teenager.In Joy Sparton of Parsonage Hill, although she accepts the Lord as her Saviour at camp, Joy still finds it difficult to curb her prankish nature. Church giggles and practical jokes keep Joy on the move—and in trouble.
Joy Together
by Lynne M. BaabAlthough interest in spiritual practices has grown in recent years, most of the books available address individuals who wish to try Christian disciplines such as fasting or fixed-hour prayer. This book, by contrast, offers guidance and examples to Christian leaders as they seek ways to involve their congregations or small groups in spiritual practices. In Joy Together, Lynne M. Baab describes six spiritual practices that congregations can attempt together: thankfulness, fasting, contemplative prayer, lectio divina, hospitality, and Sabbath keeping. She goes on to explore how these practices can help with congregational life and discernment and provides practical instructions for communicating with group members. Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter so groups can delve into the topics more fully.
Joy and Strength for the Pilgrim's Day: Selected By The Editor Of Daily Strength For Daily Needs
by Mary Wilder Tileston"Joy and Strength for the Pilgrim's Day" by Mary Wilder Tileston is a cherished devotional classic designed to inspire and uplift readers in their daily spiritual journey. This beautifully curated collection of meditations, scriptures, and reflections offers a source of encouragement and solace for believers seeking to deepen their faith and find strength for each day.Tileston, a revered author known for her devotional works, compiles a rich tapestry of wisdom from various Christian writers, seamlessly blending their insights with her own thoughtful reflections. Each entry is carefully chosen to provide spiritual nourishment, drawing from the timeless truths of the Bible and the profound writings of saints, mystics, and theologians.The book is organized to offer daily readings, making it an ideal companion for personal devotion or group study. Each meditation is crafted to resonate with the challenges and joys of daily life, offering practical guidance and spiritual insights to help readers navigate their faith journey with grace and resilience. Themes of hope, love, trust, and perseverance are woven throughout, reminding readers of God's enduring presence and unwavering support.Tileston's gentle and reassuring tone makes "Joy and Strength for the Pilgrim's Day" accessible to readers of all ages and stages of faith. Her ability to draw from a diverse range of Christian traditions ensures that each devotion speaks to the heart and soul, fostering a deeper connection with God and a renewed sense of purpose.This book is more than just a devotional; it is a treasured companion for anyone seeking to enrich their spiritual life. Whether you are starting your day with a moment of reflection or ending it with a prayer of gratitude, "Joy and Strength for the Pilgrim's Day" offers a wellspring of inspiration and comfort. Mary Wilder Tileston's timeless collection is a beacon of light, guiding readers towards a more joyful, faith-filled, and resilient life.
Joy and Tears: The Emotional Life of the Christian
by Gerald W. PetermanThis book presents a biblical and practical look at Christians and their emotions, building off of the concept that most contemporary Christians have misconceptions about why we have emotions and how we should handle them. Trusting God doesn&’t mean being consistently tranquil or subdued. Truth is, such a view makes life flat and two dimensional. We often forget that emotions are a gift; to fear them or stow them away would be to deny a huge part of what makes us human. This book explores the significance of the gift and the benefits of living a robust life of thought, action, and feeling. Illuminating the emotional life of Christ and his followers, As Dr. Gerald Peterman asks: If I&’m forgiven, why do I feel guilt and shame? What about anger? What if I&’m angry with God?What is the place of sadness in the Christian life?Is love only an action? Emotions don&’t just happen to us like the virus or the flu, they are inherently part of us. Readers will find that the discussion extends beyond &“good&” and &“bad&”, as many emotions are neutral and it is up to them to figure out how to glorify God with them. Extended chapters on love and anger are included.
Joy and Tears: The Emotional Life of the Christian
by Gerald W. PetermanThis book presents a biblical and practical look at Christians and their emotions, building off of the concept that most contemporary Christians have misconceptions about why we have emotions and how we should handle them. Trusting God doesn&’t mean being consistently tranquil or subdued. Truth is, such a view makes life flat and two dimensional. We often forget that emotions are a gift; to fear them or stow them away would be to deny a huge part of what makes us human. This book explores the significance of the gift and the benefits of living a robust life of thought, action, and feeling. Illuminating the emotional life of Christ and his followers, As Dr. Gerald Peterman asks: If I&’m forgiven, why do I feel guilt and shame? What about anger? What if I&’m angry with God?What is the place of sadness in the Christian life?Is love only an action? Emotions don&’t just happen to us like the virus or the flu, they are inherently part of us. Readers will find that the discussion extends beyond &“good&” and &“bad&”, as many emotions are neutral and it is up to them to figure out how to glorify God with them. Extended chapters on love and anger are included.
Joy at Birth: An Interpretive, Hermeneutic, Phenomenological Inquiry (Routledge Research in Nursing and Midwifery)
by Susan CrowtherTo be at the birth of a baby is special, yet there is an increasing secularisation and reliance on technology in contemporary maternity care, particularly in the western context. Through exploration of experiences at birth this book explores joy at birth, which is often ignored and overlooked beyond the activities that help to ensure survival. This book draws on a collection of stories of birth from mothers, birth partners, obstetricians and midwives, that demonstrate joy at birth across professional groups and in different types of births and locations with or without technological interventions. Each chapter introduces stories of joy that highlight embodied, spatial and relational meanings. Employing the Heideggerian notion of a human being, it sketches out an ontological focus that draws our gaze to the everyday taken-for-granted ways of being at birth. Based on phenomenological experiential data and rigorous interpretive analysis underpinned by seminal philosophical writings, this book calls for readers to attend to the wholeness of birth in all situations and at all births in ways not attempted before. It will be of great interest to midwives, and those working in and studying maternity, obstetrics and neonatology, as well as social and medical anthropology, sociology, cultural, organisational and clinical psychology and spirituality.