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Stepping on Cheerios: Finding God in the Chaos and Clutter of Life
by Betsy Singleton SnyderBeing a mother isn’t easy. Sometimes it’s hard to experience a personalconnection with God and community when you are caught up in the chaos ofjust "doing family". Independent and self-sufficient, authorBetsy Singleton Snyder lived a full and busy life as a pastor,missionary, and wife to a husband who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. She had her first childat age 44, then at 47, she found out she was carrying triplets.Suddenly finding herself overwhelmed is an understatement.Stepping on Cheeriosis a collection of funny, warm, and charming tales from the frontlinesof parenthood, written for women who are juggling to accomplish everydayfeats of work, motherhood, marriage, church, and more. It’s a comicalstory of one woman’s realization that her crazy life is a gift and howshe found the grace in it.
A Moment with God for Volunteers: Prayers For God's Servants (A\moment With God Ser.)
by Lisa FlinnIf you love the title, you'll love the book -- and if the title isn't your cup of tea, you'll still love this book! The latest in a series of books of everyday life meditations, this one for volunteers is just wonderful. Down-to-earth, short prayers filled with humor and a true understanding of the diversity of volunteering today. One small page for each of 58 different types of volunteer work, from Coaching to Being a Designated Driver to Gleaning a Harvest. If you have to inspire a group at the start of a work day or give the benediction at a recognition event -- here's your resource. Non-sectarian but with one brief Bible quote per page.
I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist.
by Rudy Rasmus Justin Coleman F. Willis Johnson Pamela R. Lightsey Lillian C. Smith Erin Beasley Jevon Caldwell-Gross Vance P. Ross Rodney Lorenzo Graves Tori C. ButlerTen personal narratives reveal the shared and distinct struggles of being Black in the Church, facing historic and modern racism. It’s uncertain that Howard Thurman made the remark often attributed to him, “I have been writing this book all my life,” but there is little doubt that he was deeply immersed in reflection on the times that bear an uncanny resemblance to the present day, which give voice to the Black Lives Matter movement. Our “life’s book” is filled with sentence upon sentence of marginalization, pages of apartheid, chapters of separate and unequal. Now this season reveals volumes of violence against Blacks in America. Ten Black women and men explore life through the lens of compelling personal religious narratives. They are people and leaders whose lives are tangible demonstrations of the power of a divine purpose and evidence of what grace really means in face of hardship, disappointment, and determination. Each of the journeys intersect because of three central elements that are the focus of this book. We’re Black. We’re Christians. We’re Methodists. Each starts with the fact, “I'm Black,” but to resolve the conflict of being Christian and Methodist means confronting aspects of White theology, White supremacy, and White racism in order to ground an oppositional experience toward domination over four centuries in America.“The confluence of the everyday indignities of being Black in America; the outrageous, egregious, legalized lynching of George Floyd; and the unforgivable disparities exposed once again by COVID–19 have conspired together to create a seminal moment in America and in The United Methodist Church—in which we must find the courage to say unambiguously ‘Black Lives Matter.’ To stumble or choke on those words is beneath the gospel,” says Bishop Gregory Palmer, who wrote the foreword to the collection.Praise for I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist.“This book made me shout, dance, rage and hope—all at once! As a "cradle Methodist," I have deep love for my church and bless it for nurturing my walk with Christ and my passion for social justice. At the same time, I lament that my church is also the place where I have witnessed and been most wounded by virulent racism, sexism, heterosexism, and ageism. Yet, I stay and struggle for the soul of the church because I am a Black Christian woman fired by the love of God-in-Christ-Jesus. I stay because this is MY church and the church of my ancestors. Although I regularly question my decision to remain United Methodist, it is stories like these—from other exuberant love warriors—that remind me that I am called by God to stay, pray, fight, and flourish!”—M. Garlinda Burton, deaconess and interim general secretary, General Commission of Religion and Race, Washington DC“Racism continues to be the unacceptable scandal of American society and the American churches. In spite of some gains such as the diversity of supporters for “Black Lives Matter,” even the best intentioned among us remain largely ignorant of the actual life experience of those who are other than ourselves. This collection of testimonies, edited by Rudy Rasmus, helps remedy that by simply recounting personal stories of being Black, Christian, and Methodist in the United States. White Methodist Christians in particular need to read these stories and take them to heart so that racism and its divisiveness is countered by shared experience and recognition of common humanity across difference. More White Methodists need not only reject racism in our society and church but become active anti-racists willing to do the hard work to create the beloved community, dreamed about by Martin Luther King in the 1960s civil rights movement.—Bruce C. Birch, Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC“This book is a powerful collection interweaving personal stories, denominational and intercultural practices, and Black lives bearing hopeful witness. Readers will have their consciousness raised, and they will think more deeply about the meaning of belo
Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith Leader Guide
by Adam HamiltonDoes your faith make room for questions?The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study, including session plans, activities, discussion questions, and multiple format options. Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Is there a heaven? How can we know? Often, we treat such questions as the enemy of faith. But uncertainty doesn’t mean our belief is lacking. Doubt can be a path to a deeper, richer encounter with God.In Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith, join best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton as he discusses some of our most significant sources of doubt and shows how a steady trust in God can emerge from them. You will delve into questions like:“Does God exist? How can I know?”“Is the Bible true?”“Why do prayers go unanswered?”Hamilton approaches these sources of doubt with honesty and insight, drawing on the rich wisdom of the Bible, Christian tradition, and his experience walking with thousands of people on their spiritual journeys. Whether you’re a longtime Christian or someone brand new to faith, this book will lead you to a trust in God that gives you the courage to ask tough questions. Though you may wrestle with doubt, you’ll discover a faith that—rather than providing simple answers—includes belief and trust as well as uncertainty and mystery.Additional components include the book, Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith, video teaching sessions featuring Adam Hamilton (with closed captioning), and a digital worship and sermon series that make this perfect as a group study and church-wide program done throughout the year.
The Gospel of Mark: A Beginner's Guide to the Good News
by Amy-Jill LevineDiscover the Good News in the Bible’s earliest GospelWalk through the Bible’s earliest source for the life of Jesus with scholar Amy-Jill Levine as she examines John the Baptizer, the Little Apocalypse, the Transfiguration, and several of Jesus's most notable stories and parables. The Good News of the gospel message comes alive in this book as readers see Jesus as divine and human, powerful and weak, approachable yet mysterious. The book features an in-depth study of select passages and illuminates the Gospel in its historical context and as a source for the other gospels.Additional components for this 6-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and DVD/Video sessions featuring Amy-Jill Levine (with closed captioning).
Permission to Believe: Finding Faith in Troubled Times
by Samuel E. KarffPermission to Believe is a powerful statement of belief and faith by Samuel Karff, a prominent rabbi, spiritual leader, and outstanding figure in Jewish-Christian relations. Rabbi Karff, describing conversations he has had his entire career with agnostics, atheists, and other doubters, has been struck by the fact that “on some level my challengers wanted me to win the argument….Granting ourselves permission to believe does not require that we turn away from the ‘ordinary world’ but that we heed these deep intuitions of our heart….Life is not only a puzzle to solve but a mystery to embrace.” The book contains 10 chapters and explores themes of brokenness, stubbornness, doubt, and faith. Chapter titles: What Is Faith? What Kind of Life Is This Anyway? Confronting the Obstacles to Faith, Recovering Faith, Prayer—The Vital Connection, Overcoming A Crisis of Faith, When Prayer Is Not Enough, The Power of Love, Living in a Broken World, Sustaining Faith in Our Later Years, Dance, Laughter, and Hope.
Disciple III Remember Who You Are: The Prophets - The Letters of Paul (Disciple Ser.)
by Richard B. Wilke Richard B. WilkeThe Disciple III Remember Who You Are: Study Manual combines direction and information enabling study of the text – the Bible.Two titles in the commentary section of the manual reflect ideas central to the prophets and Paul's letters. "The Word of the Lord" picks up a familiar phrase from the prophets – a clear statement of their calling: They spoke (and speak) for God.Each member of the group needs a study manual and a Bible. The Bible is the text for the study and the study manual will guide group members in their study and preparation for the weekly group session. The study manual also includes suggestions for individual research and study-related activities. Space is provided for taking notes while reading Scripture, for recording thoughts and questions arising out of daily study, and for notes during the weekly group session.The titles of the sessions along with theme words and theme verses, and major persons, events, and topics will set the sequence of the biblical story in the minds of the participants. The principal Scripture for each session follows the chronological movement of the biblical story.Disciple III Remember Who You Are is the third study in the four-phase DISCIPLE program. The driving idea in this study is the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. The word You in the title is meant to be heard both in its singular form (the individual) and its plural form (the community). We are a community of memory. Participants in this 32 week study will read the major and minor Old Testament prophets, with the exception of Daniel, and will read the thirteen Letters traditionally attributed to Paul. To establish the historical context in which the prophets spoke for God, daily reading assignments draw also on the books of Deuteronomy through Chronicles.Several themes weave their way through the study – the call to remember; the call to repentance; the need for renewed vision; and the place of community. The prophets and Paul are continually calling hearers and readers back to their God and to a sense of who they are as a people"set apart."Commitment and Time Involved 32 week study Three and one-half to four hours of independent study each week (40 minutes daily for leaders and 30 minutes daily for group members) in preparation for weekly group meetings. Attendance at weekly 2.5 hour meetings
Embracing the Wideness: The Shared Convictions of The United Methodist Church
by Kenneth H. Carter Jr.Embracing the Wideness contrasts a generous orthodoxy with the culture wars that seek to drive a wedge between Christians with deep faith convictions. A generous orthodoxy is possible for The United Methodist Church because scripture supports both a confessing movement and a reconciling movement.In addition to our divergent understandings of holiness in The United Methodist Church, we apparently have two distinct conceptions of church. These two conceptions of church present in American Methodism grew from seeds planted in the earliest practice of British Methodism: A separatist church, which views holiness as a calling that separates us from the world—"come out from among them and be separated" (2 Corinthians 6:17). Here holiness is a quality that distinguishes Christians from the world. An activist church, which understands holiness as a movement for change in an unjust world. The boundaries between church and society are blurred, with the "wheat and tares" growing together (Matthew 13) until God’s final judgment.At times, a denomination is able to hold these two conceptions of church in tension. And at times, as in recent experiences of American Christianity, there is fragmentation and division. The division may finally be the result of clearly articulated values that are not compatible. And the division may also be the result of how leaders do harm to each other.What great things could be accomplished if we rediscovered orthodoxy in service of the healing, instead of dividing, of our bodies—our churches! Such a generous orthodoxy would help us not to become immersed in the emotional processes that pit people against each other. Such a generous orthodoxy would keep us from becoming stuck in cycles of harmful collusion and escalating conflict. Such a generous orthodoxy would know that the source of our capacity to be healed of our schisms is a miracle beyond our human power or goodness or intelligence.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible
by Frank JohnsonStudy the books of First and Second Samuel, beginning with Samuel and ending with David's death. Some of the major ideas explored are: God's holy purpose, the nature of sin, God's awesome power, the gift of God's Spirit,obedience to God, the nature of revelation, confidence in God, and politics and faith.Leader Guide includes: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understandingand appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions.
Date with Destiny Devotional: 40 Devotions to Help You Find the Love You Need
by Joseph W. Walker IIIBased on Bishop Joseph Walker's powerful book: Date with Destiny: Find the Love You NeedBishop Walker contends that finding the love you need only happens when you discover your true purpose for living. Date with Destiny: 40 Devotions to Help You Find the Love You Need takes you through heartfelt, biblically inspired devotions that encourage and equip you for loving God's way.
Citizens of Hope Leader Guide: Basics of Christian Identity (The Basics)
by Clayton Oliphint Mary Brooke CasadHope is central to our identity as Christians. Just as our bodies need food, our souls need hope, and the supreme hope is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. How does that relationship become real to us? In this book and 4-week study, readers are guided on a formative path of understanding who God is and who they are as God’s children. This Leader Guide includes everything a group leader needs to plan and facilitate the four sessions, helping participants to explore what they have read and to discuss the reading with the group. The guide walks leaders through the study format and provides options for tailoring sessions to the time-frame and style of each group. Citizens of Hope is part of The Basics Series.
Made for a Miracle Leader Guide: From Your Ordinary to God's Extraordinary (Made for a Miracle)
by Mike SlaughterPopular author and pastor Mike Slaughter examines the two components of every miracle: divine action and human responsibility. For a real miracle to take place, we must act with God, using whatever gifts, talents, and abilities we have and directing them toward God’s work. We need to follow the examples of Mary in the birth of Jesus, Jesus’ followers when he healed them, and Jesus’ disciples after he rose from the dead.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
Go: The Church's Main Purpose
by Dr George G. Hunter IIIChurches and denominations often appear to settle for a primaryobjective that is less than what the apostles recommended. If we arehonest, most church leaders acknowledge that our institutional sense ofpurpose is inconsistent, at best. In some places the purpose of thechurch is quite narrowly defined, and in others the definition is sobroad that it seems meaningless.People wonder, “Is this allthere is to the church?” It’s a good question, and George Hunter, alongtime keen observer of the church, demonstrates the answer. Hunter’srichly descriptive explanation of the “missional church” will convinceleaders and students to recover a clear and consistent sense of purpose.As we are the stewards of “the faith once delivered to thesaints,” so we are the heirs of the mission once entrusted to theapostles and their movements. The church’s mission, locally andglobally, is or should be its main business. The “real church” is an“ecclesia”—God’s “called out” people whom the Lord shapes into an“apostolate”—and “sends out” to be publicly present in the world—but notof it. This mission is a serving, witnessing, inviting outreach to allpeople.
The Method of Our Mission: United Methodist Polity & Organization
by Laceye C. WarnerTheology shapes who we are and how we organize to transform the world. Especially written for required United Methodist classes, this accessible book uses a Wesleyan theological frame—connection—to help readers understand United Methodism’s polity and organization as the interrelationship of our beliefs, mission, and practice. The book is organized into four parts—United Methodist beliefs, mission, practice, and organization. Polity and organization are primary embodiments of The United Methodist Church. Functional in nature, these aspects of the denomination facilitate our mission to make disciples for the transformation of the world. This book connects denominational governance and organization to our beliefs as well as our mission. A clear understanding of our identity—as Methodists with Wesleyan roots in connection—and our purpose—to make disciples for the transformation of the world—can help students of United Methodism navigate this treacherous landscape as present and future leaders. Warner also addresses the estrangement between theology and institutional structures and practice by framing governance practices and organizational structure within a Wesleyan theology of connection. This approach will assist current and future denominational leaders in understanding their practices of administration and participation in polity as a theological endeavor and key component of their ministries.This textbook has been updated with changes from the 2016 General Conference.
The Abuse of Power: A Theological Problem
by James Newton PolingPastoral care instruction and observation from a therapist of survivors of sexual abuse. "The Abuse of Power is 'must' reading for clergy and denominational officials.... Weaving case stories with theory, Poling demonstrates that sexual abuse of children is not a private matter, but very much a matter for society and church--a question of structure and ideology, not just of individual character. He is not afraid to tackle the tough question: Does the image of God sacrificing Jesus on the cross contribute to abusive parent-child relationships?...If pastors and church officials read this book the church will change." --Karen Lebacqz, Pacific School of Religion"For the exploitation of women and children to stop, men must be willing to break ranks with all forms of privilege that sanction male dominance. James Poling does so by deconstructing his own sense of male entitlement, by refusing to distance himself from perpetrators, by allowing survivors of sexual and domestic violence to speak with their own voices, by giving us profound words of hope, and by articulating a powerfully healing theology wrought through the depths of his own struggle with one of the worst evils in our society. His courageous and compassionate work reveals the love and hope that is born of solidarity across the boundaries of gender, sexual orientation, race, and economics....The psychological, political, spiritual, and theological power of this book is such that all educators, ministers, therapists, and Christians must read it." --Rita Nakashima Brock, Hamline UniversityChapter titles are: 1. Hearing the Silenced Voices 2. Power and Abuse of Power 3. "Karen": Survivor of Sexual Violence 4. Stories of Recovering Perpetrators 5. The Schreber Case: Methods of Analysis 6. The Search for Self 7. The Search for Community 8. The Search for God 9. Ministry Practice and Practical Theology
Immersion Bible Studies: Hebrews
by John P. Gilbert Chris Ewing-WeiszMost people live with a cacophony of voices demanding attention--from work and family to telemarketers and movie myths--voices inside and voices outside all saying, “Do this!” Hebrews invites each reader to listen to God. More specifically, everyone should listen to God’s ultimate messenger, Jesus. Immersion: Hebrews invites readers to do just that and prepares them to hear with an open heart. Easy to follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided as well as questions to facilitate group discussion. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they’ll be able to discover God’s revelation through readings and reflections.
Stories Jesus Told: How to Read a Parable (Stories Jesus Told)
by Greg CareyWe love stories. That’s why we go to movies, read books, and listen to friends recount an experience. That’s also why teachers use the technique of storytelling to make a difficult concept easier for us to process. Jesus told stories, or parables, for that very reason—and to help us understand how God wants us to live life. Sometimes, however, stories like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son can be interpreted in more than one way. Even Bible scholars are divided on their meanings. In Stories Jesus Told, you’ll explore six of Jesus’ parables to learn how to read, interpret, and live them in your daily life. A DVD and Leader Guide are elements you can add to make a lively, six-week group study.
Out of the Depths: Your Companion Through Grief
by Greta SmithThe Out of the Depths series addresses common pastoral crises in a faithful, encouraging, and factual manner that provides support to parishioners in crisis beyond the initial pastoral conversation. These inexpensive 64-page booklets can be given out to parishioners when they bring their recent diagnosis, crisis, or trauma to the pastor as a way to continue to provide care throughout the difficult season. Each booklet begins with a thoughtful consideration of the topic at hand, which is followed up by 30 brief devotions. These devotions are designed to be manageable in an overwhelming time, encouraging, and honest. The Out of the Depths booklets are essential care resources to be given out by pastors, Stephen Ministers, and congregational care teams. Key features: Written by metal health professionals and pastors to help the reader process their trauma both psychologically and theologically. Includes accessible material describing the dynamics of the crisis situation and typical reactions, which provides the reader with a sense of grounding and direction through increased knowledge. The thirty short devotions creates a sense of companionship and hope in a difficult and lonely time.
Children and Family Ministry Handbook: Practical.Tested.Backed by Research.
by Sarah FlanneryGot a volunteer crisis? Need help choosing curriculum? Wondering how to balance ministry, health and life? This handy handbook offers advice and how-to's on all this and more from seasoned ministry leaders, as well as relatable church life anecdotes. Chapters include: Chapter 1: Family & Intergenerational Ministry Chapter 2: Parents & Guardians Chapter 3: Children's Ministry Chapter 4: Preteen Ministry Chapter 5: Youth Ministry Chapter 6: Intergenerational Worship & Serving Chapter 7: Spiritual Milestones Chapter 8: Disability Ministry Chapter 9: Curriculum & Ministry Design Chapter 10: Volunteers Chapter 11: Marriage & Divorce Ministry Chapter 12: Crisis & Counseling Chapter 13: Navigating Human Resources and Organizational Charts in Ministry
Sacred Resistance: A Practical Guide to Christian Witness and Dissent
by Ginger Gaines-CirelliIn the midst of polarized communities and nations, religious leaders across the theological spectrum are seeking help with how to respond and lead in troubled times. The need for courage to speak out and act is ever-present, because every generation faces a new set of fears and troubles.Author Ginger Gaines-Cirelli pastors a church in the heart of Washington DC, adjacent to the White House, which actively works to bring justice and help for marginalized communities, refugees and immigrants, and the endangered earth. She inspires and leads this work through preaching and by organizing and developing strong leaders, deeply rooted in a well-developed theological understanding. Pastoral warmth and compassion characterize the recommended practices.Sacred Resistance addresses these questions, among others:• When Christians see that something is wrong in our nation or community, how and when should we respond? • When we see multiple instances of 'wrong', how do we choose which ones to address? • How can pastors and other leaders faithfully take risks without violating relationships with the congregation or denomination?• What historical, biblical, and theological safety nets can be relied on?• How can we take care of ourselves and one another, so that our ministries and lives are sustained?
Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: 2 Corinthians (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries)
by Calvin J. RoetzelFrom the second century to the present, 2 Corinthians offers its riches grudgingly,if at all; and even then it demands only the most careful and attentive inquiries.The Abingdon New Testament Commentaries series provides compact, critical commentaries on the writings of the New Testament. These commentaries are written with special attention to the needs and interests of theological students, but they will also be useful for students in upper-level college or university settings, as well as for pastors and other religious leaders. In addition to providing basic information about the New Testament texts and insights into their meanings, these commentaries are intended to exemplify the tasks and procedures of careful, critical biblical exegesis."2 Corinthians is a treasure hidden in a thorny thicket. It is so rich, so full of theological insight, so packed with hope and possibility, so aware of dark human tendencies and human vulnerability, and so radical in its reevaluation of what is true and real." From the Introduction
The Sanctuary for Lent 2023
by Josh ScottDevotions by Josh Scott for each day of Lent.The Sanctuary for Lent 2023 contains brief readings for each day in Lent, from Ash Wednesday through Easter Day, including a suggested Scripture, a short devotion, and a short prayer—all based on the Revised Common Lectionary. This annual favorite helps readers faithfully journey through Lent as they prepare to experience the joy of the Resurrection. Along with being a great congregational resource, it is an excellent gift for family, friends, and those your congregation connects with through outreach.This is a single booklet download.The Sanctuary for Lent 2023 Download is designed to help churches create their own Lenten devotions that can either be emailed to members or printed as bulletin inserts or mailers for their congregation. Available in both PDF and Word formats, the download contains 47 daily devotions that begin on Ash Wednesday and end on Easter Sunday and includes a suggested Scripture, a short devotion, and a short prayer—all based on the Revised Common Lectionary. This annual favorite helps readers faithfully journey through Lent as they prepare to experience the joy of the Resurrection.- Daily Lenten devotions and uplifting prayer with 12-point type.- Recommended Scripture reading based on the Revised Common Lectionary.- Better understanding of the tradition and meaning of the season of Lent.- Draw closer to God’s loving gift of Jesus Christ.- Help prepare your congregation’s hearts and minds during the season of Lent.
Genesis to Revelation Minor Prophets Participant Book: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Gene M. TuckerWhat does the Bible say? What does it mean? How does it relate to my life? Genesis to Revelation, a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible, will strengthen your understanding and appreciation of the Scripture by helping you engage on these three levels. Newly revised, these Abingdon Press classics are based on the NIV translation and are presented in an easy-to-read format. Each of the volumes includes thirteen sessions and a separate Leader Guide.Study the all Books of The Minor Prophets, beginning with Hosea and moving through to Malachi. Delve into the special message of each prophet. Some of the major ideas explored are: wrath and compassion, justice and righteousness, God's reign of peace, and visions of restoration. The meaning of the selected passages is made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.
Exodus Preaching: Crafting Sermons about Justice and Hope
by Kenyatta R. GilbertExodus Preaching is the first of its kind. It is an exploration of the African American prophetic rhetorical traditions in a manner that makes features of these traditions relevant to a broad audience beyond the African American traditions. It provides readers a composite picture of the nature, meaning, and relevance of prophetic preaching as spoken Word of justice and hope in a society of growing pluralism and the world-shaping phenomenon of racial, economic and cultural diversity.African American preachers have distinctively invested great symbolic significance in the Exodus story, the messianic witness of Jesus, and the prophetic literature for developing and shaping prophetic sermons. Kenyatta Gilbert demonstrates how four distinctive features of discourse can shape sermon preparation, for effective preaching in a period of intense social change, racial unrest, and violence.Gilbert includes dozens of practical suggestions and five practical exercises to equip the reader for preaching in new ways and in new environments. He offers an holistic approach, fully equipping the reader with the theological and practical resources needed to preach prophetically.
Tillich
by Joseph Price Donald W. MusserAbingdon Pillars of Theology is a series for the college and seminary classroom designed to help students grasp the basic and necessary facts, influence, and significance of major theologians. Written by major scholars, these books will outline the context, methodology, organizing principles, primary contributions, and major writings of people who have shaped theology as we know it today."Tillich served as a theological pioneer, exploring boundaries and traversing creatively between the territories of philosophy and theology, between the faith and culture, between Christianity and Buddhism, between the academy and the public. He was a thinker who theorized about everything and who attempted to show what matters and why." from the book