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What Makes a Hero? Leader Guide: The Death-Defying Ministry of Jesus (What Makes a Hero?)
by Matt RawleWhat Makes a Hero? offers us an image of what it looks like to be victorious over trials and temptations. Looking at pop culture heroes and others through the lens of faith, Matt Rawle shows how Jesus turned the concept of hero on its head. In keeping with his theme “Pop in Culture,” the book examines how good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, and overcoming adversity are fundamental to how Christians understand salvation. Heroes help us discern the good, fight for what’s right, define identity, execute justice, spark revolution, and save lives. Rawle enters the Gospel story to tell quite a different victory story—one obtained through humility, obedience to the cross, and an empty tomb. How does Jesus redefine what it means to be a hero? The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study, including session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
What Makes a Hero? Youth Study Book: The Death-Defying Ministry of Jesus
by Matt RawleWhat Makes a Hero? offers us an image of what it looks like to be victorious over trials and temptations. Looking at pop culture heroes and others through the lens of faith, Matt Rawle shows how Jesus turned the concept of hero on its head. In keeping with his theme “Pop in Culture,” the book examines how good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, and overcoming adversity are fundamental to how Christians understand salvation. Heroes help us discern the good, fight for what’s right, define identity, execute justice, spark revolution, and save lives. Rawle enters the Gospel story to tell quite a different victory story—one obtained through humility, obedience to the cross, and an empty tomb. How does Jesus redefine what it means to be a hero? This Youth Study Book takes the ideas presented in Matt Rawle’s book and interprets them for young people grades 6-12.
What Makes Us Catholic: Eight Gifts for Life
by Thomas H. GroomeWhat makes a Catholic a Catholic? According to Thomas Groome, an expert on the essential ingredients of Catholic Christianity, Catholics share certain vital features of life and identity. What Makes Us Catholic explains and illuminates that character, and invites Catholics of all kinds to connect more deeply and imaginatively with their own culture and spirituality.
What Makes Us Catholic: Eight Gifts for Life
by Thomas H. Groome“[A] celebration of what is beautiful and lasting in the Catholic tradition . . . a kiss of peace to [all] Catholics, whether liberal, conservative, or confused.” —Michael Leach, co-editor of I Like Being CatholicWhat makes a Catholic a Catholic? According to Thomas Groome, a professor in theology and religious education at Boston College, Catholics share certain vital features of life and identity. What Makes Us Catholic explains and illuminates that character, and invites Catholics of all kinds to connect more deeply and imaginatively with their own culture and spirituality.“Eloquently contends that all Catholics be they faithful adherents or lapsed members share eight distinctive qualities . . . To each Groome dedicates a skillfully written chapter, which opens with an anecdote from his own experience that concretizes its theological subject. Readers will find themselves pausing and engaging in the text with questions for reflection and conversation . . . Groome [keeps] complex religious jargon to a minimum, allowing his simple stories to resonate in the heart.” —Library Journal“Grounded in the actual experiences of people, [this book] portrays Catholicism as a rich, multi-faceted reality that cannot be contained by any single doctrine or institutional element.” —Richard P. McBrien, author of Lives of the Saints
What Makes You Happy Bible Study Participant's Guide: It's Not What You'd Expect
by Andy StanleyEverybody wants to be happy. Everybody is on a happiness quest. For many, happiness is measured in moments. Experiences. It's elusive. Unsustainable. What about you? What makes you happy? Something comes to mind for each of us.In this six-session video Bible study, pastor Andy Stanley examines the ways in which we tend to define happiness and explains how that definition influences the way we pursue it. He reveals that happiness is about who, not what, and that happy people are at peace with God, with others, and with themselves. He also shows how sin undermines peace because it separates us from God, others, and ourselves by substituting pleasure for fulfillment, things for people, images for intimacy, and self-expression for self-control.We are often tempted to believe that happiness comes from acquiring things, but happiness is actually an outcome of what we sow in our lives. We can&’t acquire, consume, or exercise our way to happiness, but we may be able to serve and volunteer our way there. In the end, we find that if we live as if it&’s all about us, we will never be happy.Sessions include:NothingPlan for ItPeace with GodHappy MoneyShoesYou&’re Not EnoughDesigned for use with the What Makes You Happy DVD (sold separately).
What Makes You Not a Buddhist
by Dzongsar Jamyang KhyentseSo you think you're a Buddhist? Think again. Tibetan Buddhist master Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, one of the most creative and innovative lamas teaching today, throws down the gauntlet to the Buddhist world, challenging common misconceptions, stereotypes, and fantasies. With wit and irony, Khysentse urges readers to move beyond the superficial trappings of Buddhism--beyond the romance with beads, incense, or exotic robes--straight to the heart of what the Buddha taught.
What Makes You So Busy?: Finding Peace in the Modern World
by Khenpo SodargyeA Tibetan Buddhist lama gives advice on the issues facing people in the modern world.In this book, Khenpo Sodargye, a world-famous Tibetan Buddhist lama and scholar, offers guidance on an issue that troubles so many of us in the modern world: What is true happiness, and how do we achieve it? Bombarded with information, endlessly pursuing possessions—we look for happiness in all the wrong places. Khenpo Sodargye, one of the busiest Buddhist teachers in the world, shows us how to redirect our attention away from such distractions and instead calm our minds and find true contentment. His wide-ranging advice covers careers and conventional notions of material success, romantic relationships, and the environment. Erudite and compassionate, he points the reader to inspiration from sutras, Zen masters, Confucius, and the daily news, offering warm, heartfelt encouragement for these troubled times.
What Matters?: Ethnographies of Value in a Not So Secular Age (A Columbia / SSRC Book)
by Courtney Bender Ann TavesOver the past decade, religious, secular, and spiritual distinctions have broken down, forcing scholars to rethink secularity and its relationship to society. Since classifying a person, activity, or experience as religious or otherwise is an important act of valuation, one that defines the characteristics of a group and its relation to others, scholars are struggling to recast these concepts in our increasingly ambiguous, pluralistic world.This collection considers religious and secular categories and what they mean to those who seek valuable, ethical lives. As they investigate how individuals and groups determine significance, set goals, and attribute meaning, contributors illustrate the ways in which religious, secular, and spiritual designations serve as markers of value. Reflecting on recent ethnographic and historical research, chapters explore contemporary psychical research and liberal American homeschooling; the work of nineteenth and early-twentieth-century American psychologists and French archaeologists; the role of contemporary humanitarian and volunteer organizations based in Europe and India; and the prevalence of highly mediated and spiritualized publics, from international psy-trance festivals to Ghanaian national political contexts. Contributors particularly focus on the role of ambivalence, attachment, and disaffection in the formation of religious, secular, and spiritual identities, resetting research on secular society and contemporary religious life while illuminating what matters in the lives of ordinary individuals.
What Matters: Spiritual Nourishment for Head and Heart
by Frederick FranckAfter his nearly 100 years of seeding, Franck's reflections on what really matters will help you to savor what truly matters in your own life. "Could the meaning of being born human be, to become Human?" This elegantly simple book of reflections presents the rich harvest of a lifetime of thinking, feeling, and seeing by an artist, whose vital spirituality has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers and students through his art, books, and workshops. The pithy, sometimes humorous, always wise contemplations reveal Franck's lifelong confrontation with the human in himself and others. Originally jotted down as reflections for himself and close friends, Franck's insights will challenge you to consider new ways of experiencing your spiritual path and to savor what truly matters.
What Matters: Reflections on Important Things in Life
by Mary KennedyIn this book of consideration and appreciation, best-selling author and broadcaster Mary Kennedy takes stock of her life and those things most important in it. She considers what makes us strong, and how we can develop resilience in the world through knowing ourselves from within, and knowing our roots. She considers the nature of family and friendship too, and how a mother's role changes over time.Food, fashion, beauty - 'the eyes of the heart' - and the creative arts are all explored, along with honest reflections on the challenges and uncertainties of life, and how we maintain hope and faith in the face of loss. Ultimately, she asks how, as we get older, we can change our world for the better, for those who follow in our footsteps.What Matters is the perfect bedside book to read for solace and inspiration - and the ideal gift for someone important in your life.
What Matters: Words of Wisdom, Hope, and Love
by J. Philip WogamanIn this “letter” to the next generation, Wogaman, a pastor, ethicist, and grandfather draws on a wealth of experience to share what truly matters. Today’s young people yearn for authenticity and truth. However, the important aspects of truth, character, politics, community, family, education, religion, and vocation can get muddled by our cultural experiences. This book offers the opportunity to learn something from an older generation’s experience of what matters—and about what doesn’t matter much. What Matters addresses our broader cultural issues in the twenty-first century world. Explore why many young people have become disillusioned, even cynical, about major aspects of contemporary life. Wrestle with why is it hard to accept religious assumptions that were simply taken for granted in an earlier era. Contemplate the difficulty of seeing beyond the self-serving of many politicians. Come to appreciate why religious, political, economic, and educational institutions still matter. By tackling our tough questions about today’s world, we can come to better understand what’s truly worth believing in, and how our decisions and actions build a life that matters.
What Matters Most: Four Absolute Necessities in Following Christ (Understanding God Ser.)
by Tony EvansDo you want to be challenged to deepen your understanding of the characteristics and requirements of Almighty God? The Understanding God Series contains the bulk of Pastor Tony Evans' compelling and hard-hitting resources on the essentials about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Warfare, and prophecy. Now available in paperback, readers will not want to be without a single book in the series by this popular and powerful speaker and author.What are the central precepts a person should know to fully follow Christ? As only he can, Tony Evans very clearly presents what he terms 'four absolute necessities' to following the Lord. Readers will be led into a more intense, passionate walk with Christ as they come to understand what's required.
What Matters Most: Four Absolute Necessities in Following Christ (Understanding God Ser.)
by Tony EvansDo you want to be challenged to deepen your understanding of the characteristics and requirements of Almighty God? The Understanding God Series contains the bulk of Pastor Tony Evans' compelling and hard-hitting resources on the essentials about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Warfare, and prophecy. Now available in paperback, readers will not want to be without a single book in the series by this popular and powerful speaker and author.What are the central precepts a person should know to fully follow Christ? As only he can, Tony Evans very clearly presents what he terms 'four absolute necessities' to following the Lord. Readers will be led into a more intense, passionate walk with Christ as they come to understand what's required.
What Matters Most: When NO Is Better Than YES
by Doug FieldsThis small book will call to you on days that the janitor reads you the riot act, the church secretary jumps down your throat and those home school parents just won’t leave you alone. In this book, Doug Fields shares the wisdom that has helped him survive over 25 years in ministry: Just say No. That two letter word (that often feels like a four letter word to some people!) has the power to help you stay in ministry for the long haul and keep your family intact and thriving. From the book: Jesus said “no” to good things… “no” to significant things… “no” to important people. He was 100%God/100% human and he had limits. He needed solitude. He needed time to reflect and pray and nourish his spiritual life and time away from those bonehead disciples. He needed space. And, Jesus had a lot to do. You try being the Savior of the world! He had a short window to accomplish his life mission and yet he seemed to prioritize and live so different than we do. To say “no” in ministry is to be radical…to be radical is to be counter-cultural…to be counter-cultural is to be like Jesus…to be like Jesus should become our goal.
What Matters Most: How We Got the Point but Missed the Person
by Leonard SweetBelief can exist in isolation, but faith requires a relationship Why wade in the shallows of belief when you can plunge into the depths of faith? Belief involves a different way of thinking, but faith brings about a new way of living. It grows through direct experience and a close relationship, both of which come as you follow Jesus. As Christians we often talk about developing a "personal relationship" with Christ, but instead of pursuing a relationship, we pursue knowledge. We are tempted to place confidence in our definite, settled beliefs, which offer a pale substitute for the daily adventure of an honest relationship with Jesus. In What Matters Most, Leonard Sweet presents a challenging and compelling approach to belief that is joined by dynamic engagement with God. You are invited to explore the uncharted regions of faith by following Jesus, completely on his terms. Once you begin, you will never go back to mere belief.From the Trade Paperback edition.
What Matters Most: Ten Lessons in Living Passionately from the Song of Solomon
by Renita J. WeemsOffering ten lessons relevant to today, "Essence" #1 bestselling author Weems draws inspiration from the Song of Solomon to examine the role passion plays in women's lives.
What Matters Most and Why: Living the Spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola — 365 Daily Reflections
by Jim Manney“Jim Manney is the perfect person to write this beautiful book. Let the wisdom of St. Ignatius guide you gently through your days with these lovely meditations.” — James Martin, SJ, author of My Life with the Saints How can I find meaning and joy? How can I think clearly? What’s valuable in life, and what’s irrelevant? How do we manage anger? What can we do about envy, laziness, resentment? How do I know what matters most? What do I really want? These are the questions that lie at the heart of Ignatian spirituality, the five-hundred-year-old wisdom tradition that has shown leaders, seekers, and doers the way to live a better life. The daily readings in this book emphasize answers to pressing questions about satisfaction in work and relationships. St. Ignatius and his friends believed that “God is found in all things” and “love is best expressed in deeds rather than words.” The Ignatian way is profoundly practical. It guides us through the great challenge of life — finding God and finding our place in God’s work to save and heal the world.
What Matters Most (Diary of a Teenage Girl: Maya #3)
by Melody CarlsonMaya's Green Tip for the Day: Recycled fashion is one of the most fun ways to go green. A pair of jeans could be transformed into a denim skirt. A sweater into a vest. A bunch of old ties into a dress. A blanket into a poncho. Accessorize it in new way-with beads, buttons, appliqués, buckles, stencils, or ribbons...your imagination is only the limit. (65 words)Sixteen-year-old Maya Stark has a lot to sort through. She could graduate from high school early if she wants to. She's considering it, especially when popular cheerleader Vanessa Hartman decides to make her life miserable-and Maya's ex-boyfriend Dominic gets the wrong idea about everything.To complicate matters even more, Maya's mother will be released from prison soon, and she'll want Maya to live with her again. That's a disaster waiting to happen. And when Maya plays her dad's old acoustic guitar in front of an audience, she discovers talents and opportunities she never expected. Faced with new options, Maya must choose between a "normal" life and a glamorous one. Ultimately, she has to figure out what matters most.From the Trade Paperback edition.
What Momma Left Me
by Renee WatsonWhat if your daddy did the worst thing in the world? And what if you were never going to see your momma again? How do you remake your life when you are only thirteen years old? * * * * * * * * Serenity knows she is good at keeping secrets, and she's got a whole lifetime's worth of them. Her momma is dead, her daddy's gone, and starting life over at her grandparents' house is strange. Luckily, certain things seem to hold promise: a new friend, a new church, a new school. But when her brother starts making poor choices, and her grandparents hold to a faith that Serenity isn't sure she understands, it is the power of love--in all its forms--that will repair her heart and keep her sure of just who she is. Renee Watson's talent shines in this powerful and ultimately uplifting first novel, celebrating one girl's gift for finding joy in the darkest times of life.
What More Do You Want?
by Monique Dumont Jeffrey Frith Albert LowWe've all had moments in our lives when we've thought, "Something is missing. There must be more to life than this." It is this sense that often brings people to the practice of Zen. By turning to Zen, they acknowledge that this "something" lies not in externals, but rather in seeking to transcend desire and attachment. The journey toward that transcendence begins with questioning, and questions will be part of the path until awakening is attained.In What More do You Want? a fascinating new book by renowned Zen master Albert Low, he addresses some of the questions students have posed about the practice of Zen: Why do we practice? Why should we seek to understand our reasons for practicing? How can we distinguish between true and false practice? What is awakening? In addition, Low shares with his readers four teishos-talks that comment on a text or koan in order to enhance meditation practice-on zazen or seated meditation, on pain and suffering, and on the very nature of practice itself. Finally, Low shares with readers an experience of satori, a glimpse into Buddha nature.All readers, both novice and longtime practitioners, will encounter in this book new answers, and new questions, to the what, why and how of Zen practice.
What More Do You Want?
by Monique Dumont Albert Low Jeffrey FrithWe've all had moments in our lives when we've thought, "Something is missing. There must be more to life than this." It is this sense that often brings people to the practice of Zen. By turning to Zen, they acknowledge that this "something" lies not in externals, but rather in seeking to transcend desire and attachment. The journey toward that transcendence begins with questioning, and questions will be part of the path until awakening is attained.In What More do You Want? a fascinating new book by renowned Zen master Albert Low, he addresses some of the questions students have posed about the practice of Zen: Why do we practice? Why should we seek to understand our reasons for practicing? How can we distinguish between true and false practice? What is awakening? In addition, Low shares with his readers four teishos-talks that comment on a text or koan in order to enhance meditation practice-on zazen or seated meditation, on pain and suffering, and on the very nature of practice itself. Finally, Low shares with readers an experience of satori, a glimpse into Buddha nature.All readers, both novice and longtime practitioners, will encounter in this book new answers, and new questions, to the what, why and how of Zen practice.
What Mormons Believe
by Robert M. Bowman Jr."The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is as American as apple pie," writes Robert Bowman in this booklet-length introduction to the Mormon faith. Addressing the growing curiosity of the American public, Bowman leads with a synopsis of former governor Mitt Romney's Mormon heritage and then recounts the history of the Church of Latter-day Saints (LDS) from Joseph Smith and Brigham Young to the present. Bowman concludes with a summary of the unique tenets of faith arising from the Book of Mormon, pointing out places of divergence from typical evangelical readings of the Bible. Bowman's snapshot of this most American of all religious movements makes for essential reading as we enter election season.
What My Parents Did Right!
by Gloria GaitherThe message of this powerful book is that you don't have to be a perfect person to be a great parent. In it you will find fascinating stories written by people like John MacArthur, Jr., Kay Arthur, Joni Eareckson Tada, Janette Oke, Gary Smalley, Frank Peretti, and many more. From them you'll learn more than fifty tips to positive parenting -- tips you can incorporate in your own family today -- principles that will help ensure that you, too, do something right!
What Now?: Understanding the Sexual Offense in Your Family
by Gary DukeNot long after I began treating sex offenders, I learned of the many challenges faced by their family members. I felt their pain as I learned of their plight. One case brought a new perspective into my view. An offender had molested his fourteen-year-old daughter. As a result, all three of his children were placed in foster-care and adopted. His wife had nothing to do with the offense. Her crime was being married to the offender and continuing to love and support him.A secondary victim is someone who is negatively affected by the offense but not directly involved. The consequences of being the family member of a sex offender are many. Society sees them as co-defendants at worse or ignorant losers at best. After all, why would someone choose to support and accept a sex offender? The partners and children of offenders often live under the same scrutiny as the offender himself. Many of the laws and restrictions affect them also. Even worse, few people seem to care.Secondary victims suffer in silence. They are in my eyes &“the forgotten ones&”. This is why I wrote this book. When a sex offense occurs in the home there are far more questions than answers. I imagined a wife or daughter of a sex offender whose world has been rocked by sexual assault reaching for answers. What Now? Understanding the Sexual Offense in Your Family is an attempt to bring some order and clarity to a home filled with chaos. It is filled with insight, answers, information and hope. In between the lines is a heart of passion beating for the men and women who society sees as expendable and the people that still love them in spite of it all.
What Now?: How to Move into Your Next Season
by Mark JobeI want to live God&’s calling, but where do I begin?Be it in the midst of a spiritual lull, a midlife crisis, or an unforeseen pandemic, at some point all Christians feel the need to readdress and reorient to move toward God&’s calling for their lives. What Now? is for anyone who wants to emerge from stagnation and envision what could be best for their next season of life. You&’ll learn how to:Be still and discern God&’s will for your lifeRe-envision the possibilities of your calling Turn away from isolation and turn to healthy communityBoldly step out into the unknown with faithDon&’t let confusion or fear of the unknown keep you from moving toward the fullness of God&’s plan for your life. Instead, learn to listen to the spiritual whisper directing you to the next stage in your divine calling. As you long to live differently and find your heart awakening to new possibilities, What Now? will help you step forward bravely.