- Table View
- List View
Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living
by Rueben P. JobIn Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today's readers. For individual reading or group study, this insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity and a deeper daily relationship with God. This simple but challenging look at three commands, "do no harm, do good, stay in love with God," calls us to mutual respect, unity, and a deeper relationship with God."Every year I review the three general rules of the United Methodist Church with those who are being ordained. Now I have a wonderful ordination gift to give them in Bishop Job’s, Three Simple Rules, to start and deepen the conversation as they enter a new relationship with the church. Bishop Job has described "by attending upon all the ordinances of God" to be to "stay in love with God." It’s a fresh language that speaks especially to long-time Christians and United Methodists." Sally Dyck, Resident Bishop, Minnesota Area"Three Simple Rules is a new catechism for everyone wanting to follow Jesus Christ. These practices for holy living should replace the membership vows in every church! Don’t let the title fool you. Bishop Job writes, ‘The rules are simple, but the way is not easy. Only those with great courage will attempt it, and only those with great faith will be able to walk this exciting and demanding way.’" John Hopkins, Resident Bishop, East Ohio AreaTable of Contents: IntroductionThe World In Which We LiveFirst Do No HarmDo All the Good You CanStay in Love with GodA Guide for Daily Prayer
The Grace-Filled Life: 52 Devotions to Warm Your Heart and Guide Your Path
by Maxie DunnamThe Wesley Study Bible gives you a fresh way to hear God’s voice, share in God’s grace, and become more like Jesus Christ through study of the scriptures. Journey with popular author, Maxie Dunnam, as he guides you with steps to read through the Bible in one year. These fifty-two devotions refer to the Life Application Topics in the Wesley Study Bible, so that you will grow as a more faithful disciple. These heart warming stories and prayers will form you as a follower of Jesus—whose daily life is marked by holy love and faithful living. Each devotion includes scripture references, thoughtful stories, a prayer, and reflection questions that are suitable for private meditation or group settings. This book will be your trusted companion to the Wesley Study Bible as you grow to love God with a warmed heart and serve God with active hands.
Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Daniel (Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries)
by Donald E. GowanThe Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries series offers compact, critical commentaries on all the books of the Old Testament. In addition to providing fundamental information on and insights into Old Testament writings, these commentaries exemplify the tasks and procedures of careful, critical exegesis so as to assist students of the Old Testament in coming to an informed engagement of the biblical texts themselves. These commentaries are written with special attention to the needs and interests of theology students, but they will also be useful for students in upper-level college or university settings, as well as for pastors and other church leaders. Each volume consists of four parts: -- an introduction that addresses the key issues raised by the writing; the literary genre, structure, and character of the writing; the occasional and situational context of the writing, including its wider social and historical context; and the theological and ethical significance of the writing within these several contexts-- a commentary on the text, organized by literary units, covering literary analysis, exegetical analysis, and theological and ethical analysis-- an annotated bibliography-- a brief subject index Gowan takes full account of the most important current scholarship and secondary literature, while not attempting to engage in technical academic debate. The fundamental concern of this and every volume is analysis and discussion of the literary, sociohistorical, theological, and ethical dimensions of the biblical texts themselves. Each volume attends to issues of special concern to students of the Bible: literary genre, structure and character of the writing, occasion and situational context of the writing, wider social and historical context, the theological and ethical significance of the writing within these several contexts, and the like. Daniel--one of the most misused books of the Bible--is read in this commentary as a powerful message concerning hope and responsibility for believers who, for various reasons, have to face the theological question, "Who's in charge here?" The book of Daniel insists that the God of Israel is in charge, in spite of what circumstances may indicate; then finds ways, through story and vision, to reassure the faithful that there is a future for them after all. The commentary shows that what might be taken as just "Sunday school stories"--the lions' den and the fiery furnace--do raise issues from real life that have faced believers time and again across the centuries. It also helps readers to understand how to read Daniel's predictions of the future in a way that is most faithful to Scripture as a whole.The author explores the widely disparate meanings that have been attributed to the visions in the book. He investigates four basic interpretations that form the basis of reading the Book of Daniel.
Making Life Matter: Embracing the Joy in the Everyday
by Shane StanfordIn a world of fast-paced schedules and priorities, conversations about what makes for a life well lived are a rarity and a luxury. But what if the daily pace of life held in itself the way to make choices more significant? What if the daily to-do lists gave a glimpse into how people might change their future? What if the daily grind, as arduous as it might seem, held the key to a life full of meaning and potential? What if everyday, simple steps, instead of some complex list of seemingly unattainable principles, showed how to make life matter?Making Life Matter answers these questions and shows that the steps for making life matter are found in rather ordinary decisions, attitudes, and patterns found in normal routines. This book is about our story and our journey, and what we do and feel along the way.
The Balancing Act: A Daily Rediscovery Of Grace
by Robert SchnaseOur lives are filled to capacity with routines, habits, conversations, surprises, and disappointments. With all that's going on in life, it's easy to miss those quiet moments of grace which come more often than we realize. But they are there. In The Balancing Act, a collection of thirty short and insightful devotional readings originally written for his blog at www.fivepractices.org, Bishop Robert Schnase invites readers to take a daily look at how to watch for and include God in their lives. The Balancing Act is written to inspire prayer, conversation, questions, and change. Feel free to use it as a personal daily devotional or in small groups. Topics include spiritual attentiveness, life goals, and prayer. Readings will be grouped under weekly themes and include group discussion questions with each of the 30 readings. Listen to Bishop Schnase read from The Balancing Act. Please, Lord, Send Someone Else Somewhere Out There The Balancing Act Download a brochure on all available Five Practices products.
Anonymous - Women's Bible Study Participant Book: Discovering the Somebody You Are to God (Anonymous)
by Cindi WoodAt one time or another, every woman has felt overlooked, unimportant, and bruised by the world. But there’s good news. While the opinion of others may drag us down, the God who created us has an entirely different opinion of who we are. That’s because we are His creations, and everything He created is good! Women today are searching for ways to make a difference in their daily lives. Whether they are working women, stay-at-home moms, or women moving into their retirement years, they all want to be a somebody who makes a positive impact in the world around them. The Bible is filled with "anonymous" women who made a significant impact in God’s story. Anonymous helps women discover their uniqueness and significance to Christ by exploring some of the "anonymous" women of the Bible. Though we do not know their names, they all were known and loved by God. Each week of this six-session study begins with an overview of the anonymous woman’s story, including background material with relevance to the cultural lifestyles and surroundings of the day. The daily lessons explore her story and the ways that all women can relate to her. Contemporary "anonymous" stories and quotes from everyday women are sprinkled throughout, reinforcing the very personal relevance of this powerful study. Together women will explore and grow in their relationship with Christ as they find their significance in the heart of God. The participant workbook includes 5 lessons for each week with space for recording reflections and answers. Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader's Guide, DVD with six 24-29 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study’s components).
Doctrina Metodista: Los fundamentos
by Ted A. CampbellJohn Wesley distinguished between essential doctrines on which agreement or consensus is critical and opinions about theology or church practices on which disagreement must be allowed. Though today few people join churches based on doctrinal commitments, once a person has joined a church it becomes important to know the historic teachings of that church's tradition. In Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials, Ted Campbell outlines historical doctrinal consensus in American Episcopal Methodist Churches in a comparative and ecumenical dialogue with the doctrinal inheritance of other major families of Christian tradition. In this way, the book shows both what Methodist churches historically teach in common with ecumenical Christianity and what is distinctive about the Methodist tradition in its various contemporary forms. Documents examined include The Twenty-Five Articles of Religion, The General Rules, Wesley's Standard Sermons and Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament, The Methodist Social Creed, and the Apostles' Creed.
The Authenticity Challenge: 21 Days to a More Content Life (The Authenticity Challenge)
by Sarah HeathFOMO, the fear of missing out, isn’t new. But today, social media makes us increasingly more aware of the fun, interesting, and enjoyable activities that others are experiencing. We yearn for the lives we assume others are already living. Through insights gained through her own journey toward contentment, author Sarah Heath found the answer to overcoming these feelings is to live an authentic life. Rather than longing for and chasing after somebody else’s life, you have to show up completely to your own life with honesty and courage. In The Authenticity Challenge, Sarah invites you to embrace authenticity in three key areas of your life: vocation (the What), relationships (the Who), and faith (the Why). Over the course of 21, days you will be guided through seven daily challenges each week related to one of these areas. Take the challenges on your own or combine with the DVD featuring Sarah in 8-10 minute video segments designed for small group discussion. Additionally, leader helps found in the book make sharing group study easier, allowing you to share your experience with others and encourage one another as you grow in authenticity. Being authentic in all areas of your life allows you to see how uniquely beautiful your story is. It enables you to be grateful for who you are. And it empowers you to move toward a more content life.
The Book of Not So Common Prayer: A New Way to Pray, A New Way to Live
by Linda McCullough MoorePractical and spiritual insight provided with a counselor’s genius for offering something actionable—this handbook offers nothing less than a changed life, and a radical call.Linda McCullough Moore builds compelling for a life founded on prayer, delivering a well-supported methodical progression of concrete steps to prayer. Beautifully written, evocative, and intelligent, this primer includes stories of transformation that encourage a new way of praying and of living a vibrant faith. Introducing a "Rule of Life" and bringing spiritual and prayer disciplines to real-time life, the author brings readers to a submergence into a radical prayer life, one small step at a time. Includes a prayer guide, useful tools, and "real" prayers—the kind of prayers we pray in private, not on the stage.
Upside Down Daily Readings: A Different Way to Live
by Jacob ArmstrongThe Sermon on the Mount calls us to a radically different way of life; one that is contrary to the world around us. Upside Down is a church-wide devotional/study book with an accompanying toolkit with all your need to create and customize a four-week, topical sermon series that fits your congregation. Upside Down is perfect for kicking off a new year or anytime your church needs a fresh start.Drawing upon the teachings of Christ from the Sermon on the Mount, the author helps us understand our call to live differently as his followers. Weekly sermons include:Week 1: Happiness RedefinedWeek 2: You Can Change Your WorldWeek 3: A Higher StandardWeek 4: Love the Ones You Hate
Conversations with Barth on Preaching
by William H. WillimonOne of today’s greatest preacher-theologians engages one of the twentieth century's greatest teacher-theologians on the meaning of preaching.Readers of William H. Willimon’s many books have long found there the influence of Karl Barth, probably the most significant theologian of the twentieth century. In this new book Willimon explores that relationship explicitly by engaging Barth’s work on the pitfalls and problems, glories and grandeur of preaching the Word of God. The Swiss theologian, says the author, expressed one of the highest theologies of preaching of any of the great theologians of the church. Yet too much of Barth’s understanding of preaching lies buried in the Church Dogmatics and other, sometimes obscure, sources. Willimon brings this material to light, introducing the reader to Barth’s thought, not just on the meaning, but the practice of preaching as well.
The Homiletical Beat: Why All Sermons Are Narrative
by Eugene L. LowryPromoting the idea of sermon as narrative, Eugene Lowry's first book, The Homiletical Plot, became one of the most influential preaching books of the latter part of the 20th century. While the sermon as narrative has become conventional preaching wisdom, it is largely misunderstood.Sermons are, by definition, narratives and as such, they have plots. At the same time, the sermon is not a story. While similar in many ways, narratives and stories are distinct. Therefore, to think of narrative preaching as merely one of many homiletical styles is to misunderstand and reduce the nature of the sermon. The sermon is more than just an option for the preacher; rather, it is, by definition, a narrative because it happens in time, not in space.This changes everything because the sermon ceases to be something a preacher constructs, like a thesis or even a painting. Instead, it is more like a piece of music - something a preacher plays within intuitively, to a constant beat - time after time, week after week.In light of this revelation, what are new strategic aims for sermon preparation and delivery?
Guia Completa Para Organizar el Trabajo de la Iglesia Local 2017-2020: Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2017-2020 Spanish Ministries
by Julio GomezWritten completely in Spanish, this book gives guidance designed to support the ministries of The Hispanic United Methodist Church.
Santa Biblia: The Bible Through Hispanic Eyes
by Justo L. Gonzalez Dr Justo L. GonzalezGonzalez explores how a Hispanic perspective illuminates the biblical text in ways that will be valuable not only for Latino readers but also for the church at large. Introducing five "paradigms" for Latino biblical interpretation, Gonzalez discusses theory and provides concrete examples of biblical texts that gain new meaning when read from a different perspective.
Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: Galatians (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries)
by Sam K. WilliamsThis informative and engaging commentary invites modern readers to "overhear" Paul's letter as if they were present in one of the Galatian house-churches where it was being read for the first time. By setting aside the theological baggage of the centuries that burdens many other interpretations of Galatians, Williams allows the Apostle's own provocative thought to be encountered freshly and appreciated anew in its own terms.
When Christ Lives in Us: Cuando Cristo vive en nosotros
by Dr Justo L. GonzalezThis study by renowned author Justo L. Gonzalez, emphasizes Jesus' life and ministry. Gonzalez explores how today's adult Christians may walk with Jesus in specific forms and acts of ministry. Written in both Spanish and English, this book contains eight sessions on the themes of: Calling, Praying, Feeding, Healing, Commissioning, Teaching, Witnessing, and Giving. The bilingual book is a combination student/leader book with discussion questions at the end of every session.Este estudio del reconocido autor Justo L. González resalta la vida y el ministerio de Jesús. González explora cómo los cristianos adultos (mujeres y hombres) de hoy pueden caminar con Jesús de forma concreta y con actos de ministerio definidos. Escrito en español e inglés, este libro contiene ocho sesiones sobre los siguientes temas: llamado, oración, alimentación, sanación, comisionamiento, enseñanza, testimonio ydonación. Este libro bilingüe combina el libro del estudiante y del líder e incluye preguntas de discusión al final de cada sesión.
Five Practices of Fruitful Living
by Robert SchnaseHow do I cultivate a life that is purposeful, deep, and fruitful? What are the commitments, critical risks, and personal practices that open me to God's grace? How can I discover the spiritual life and the difference God intends for me to make in the world? Radical Hospitality. Passionate Worship. Intentional Faith Development. Risk-Taking Mission and Service. Extravagant Generosity. Five Practices of Fruitful Living provides an honest, practical, and winsome guide to the spiritual journey. By repeating and deepening certain fundamental practices, we cooperate with God in our spiritual growth. These five practices - to receive God's love, to love God in return, to grow in Christ, to serve others, and to give ourselves fully - as we attend to them and develop them, help us settle ourselves in God and become instruments of God's grace. Following Christ will change your heart; and through you, God will change the world. FROM THE INTRODUCTION - "Five Practices of Fruitful Living moves the discussion of Christian practice from the congregational level to the personal practices of discipleship. The fruitful, God-related life develops with intentional and repeated attention to five essential practices that are critical for our growth in Christ. Radical Hospitality. Passionate Worship. Intentional Faith Development. Risk-Taking Mission and Service. Extravagant Generosity. These practices open our heart—to God, to others, to a life that matters, a life rich with meaning, relationship, and contribution. They help us flourish."
Context Leader Guide: Putting Scripture in Its Place
by Josh ScottExploring the Chapter Behind the Verse. 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. Components include a book, Context: Putting Scripture in Its Place, and video teaching sessions featuring Josh Scott, making this perfect as a group study throughout the year. Context looks at verses we know by heart but may not know the people, places, and times that give them meaning. Josh Scott delves into these well-known Scripture verses, exploring their true meanings by examining them in their original biblical context. Through this process, he unveils fresh and enlightening interpretations that are often missed when these Scriptures are taken out of context.
Deep Calls to Deep: The Psalms in Dialogue amid Disruption
by William P. BrownThe Psalms can help us during a time of disruption and division.Deep Calls to Deep demonstrates a new and generative way of reading the Bible, which looks for differences among texts to engage in dialogue over critical issues that are not only biblical but also are relevant to our contemporary crises. Bill Brown explores uncharted territory in the Bible with a particular focus on the Psalms, the most diverse book of the Bible. By taking his cue from Martin Luther, Brown explores how the “little bible” (the Psalter) engages the larger Hebrew Bible in dialogue, specifically how the Psalms counter, complement, reconstrue, and transform biblical traditions and themes across the Hebrew canon, from creation and law to justice and wisdom.In this deep study of the Psalms, Brown asks:- What is humanity’s place and role in creation? - What makes for a credible leader? - What is “law and order”? - What is the role of wisdom in the life of faith? - What is the shape of justice in a society polarized by power and fear? These and other questions, such as a chapter that offers a fresh look at the authority of Scripture, are hosted by the Psalms with the aim of prompting dialogue, the kind of dialogue that is most needed in a time of deep division and disruption.Praise for Deep Calls to DeepOn one side a country—no, a world—in profound disruption. On the other side, the book of Psalms: a microcosm of the biblical world, what Luther called a little Bible. Who but Bill Brown could put these two worlds together in such a probing and profound way, with such insight, and in such elegant prose? His Seeing the Psalms has long been among my favorite books on the Psalter. Now Deep Calls to Deep joins it at the head of the list. Here is a truly “deep reading,” what Brown calls “reading for reciprocity,” that exemplifies the best in biblical-theological-ethical-interpretation written by one of the very best of our time. It is a must-read for any who care at all about how Scripture might speak to the disruptions that threaten to divide us forever. That means, of course, that it is must-reading for everyone. --Brent A. Strawn, Professor of Old Testament and Professor of Law, Duke UniversityIn Deep Calls to Deep Bill Brown adroitly highlights the intricate interplay between the Psalms and the rest of the Bible. Brown then weaves from this dialogue an image of how we might conceive the authority of the Bible as a sacred dialogue among its readers. This book is must reading for anyone who seeks to hear and understand the variety of voices in Scripture and to discern the profound meaning of the Psalter as a “little Bible.” --Jerome Creech, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Deep Calls to Deep extends a hearty invitation to mutual dialogue among Christian communities. It does not encourage harmony and agreement but seeks to generate critical and potentially transformative conversations regarding scripture and authority. --Nyasha Junior, Temple University, and author of Reimagining Hagar: Blackness and BibleIn this moment of societal disruption, Brown warmly invites us to sit together and consider anew the glorious psalms of our faith. We are beckoned to see how these diverse poems create a conversation with other biblical texts, not for the sake of uniformity but for the sake of courageous dialogue. --Tyler Mayfield, Louisville Presbyterian Theological SeminaryIn a world often wracked by arguments and silencing, William Brown provides a valuable witness to those of us who treasure Scripture. Using the central metaphor of “dialogue,” this fascinating study shows how all of the Bible interacts with the Psalms in a dialogical relationship. Brown invites us not only to listen in to that lively conversation, but also to join in with our voices, no matter where we are. A necessary book for our time!--Roy L. Heller, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist UniversityDeep Calls to Deep is a timely book. William Brown’s commitment to dialogical interpretation is just what the Church needs in this unsettling and divisive time. The inner-biblical reading of t
Just in Time! Prayers for Lent and Holy Week: Just In Time Series
by David N. MosserThis resource includes helpful prayers to use in public worship during Lent and Holy week. The collection includes invocations, opening prayers, prayers of confession, and pastoral prayers for the Sundays of Lent, Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday services. Drawn from a variety of traditions, the prayers in this collection will aid any congregation as it worships throughout the journey of Lent.
Calvin (Abingdon Pillars of Theology)
by George W. StroupAbingdon 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 noted scholars, these books outline the context, methodology, organizing principles, primary contributions, and key writings of people who have shaped theology as we know it today. John Calvin (1509-1564) continues to be read and discussed because he illumines our human experience. Although inseparable from his context, Calvin's theology speaks for itself, thus identifying ways Calvin remains a living voice for those who struggle with the meaning of Christian faith.
7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Adults: Using Our Multiple Intelligences to Build Faith
by Barbara BruceThis book shows teachers of adults how to use styles of learning to enhance the student's experience and enrich their own teaching. A chapter is devoted to each of the seven styles: verbal, independent, social, visual, physical, musical and logical. Each chapter includes: suggestions for blending the style into lessons, questions to help teachers determine their own preferences, a lesson focusing on the learning style, and a prayer demonstrating the style. A bibliography, appendices and a self-discovery sheet are included. Appropriate for group or individual study and teacher training.
Daily Bible Study Spring 2025
by Gregory M. Weeks Amy SigmonGrow your faith daily. Transform your life.Experience God in deeper ways by spending time in God’s Word. Daily Bible Study is the perfect resource for individuals who want to grow in their relationship with God and enhance their engagement with lessons in Adult Bible Studies. Designed to meet the needs of busy people, each daily reading includes a Scripture reference, a personal faith-related question, an explanation and application of the biblical text, and a prayer, all on one page. Available in print and eBook and as an app.Spring 2024 Theme: Exclusion and EmbraceThis spring, Daily Bible Study presents a series of readings supporting the theme “Exclusion and Embrace.” These readings, divided into two units during Lent and the weeks following, encourage us to consider what we need to let go of and what we need to take on as followers of Jesus. These daily readings come from the Old and New Testament texts and prepare us for the lessons in Adult Bible Studies.
Vital: Churches Changing Communities and the World
by Jorge AcevedoWhat behaviors do highly vital congregations have in common? How can all congregations move toward greater vitality? In Vital: Churches Changing Communities and the World, Jorge Acevedo passionately and effectively reveals how Grace Church in Cape Coral, Florida, has developed behaviors that result in vital and fruitful ministry. Focusing on spiritual pastoral leadership, lay leadership development, worship, small groups, and service and mission, Acevedo both inspires and coaches. He helps leaders of congregations act in their own contexts to develop behaviors essential to vitality, as identified by the recent study of 32,000 United Methodist congregations. The book includes brief summaries of learnings from the research and stories from other congregations illustrating vital behaviors in different settings. Approximately 15% of the 32,228 churches (4,961 churches) scored high in vitality based on the vitality index. What this means is that 15% of our churches have figured out some way to remain highly vital in spite of the fact that 85% have not. What this means is that we cannot assign all the blame for our congregational demise at the feet of the “institution” of the church. 4961 congregations have figured out ways to prevail in spite of our denominational condition. To me this is hopeful and promising! This book is my best attempt for us to learn from the 15% of United Methodist Churches that are vital, growing and prevailing. Jorge Acevedo
10 Temptations of Church: Why Churches Decline and What To Do About It
by John Flowers Karen VannoyChurch after church faces eventual death while helplessly lamenting its fate. What perversity is at work that causes those who sincerely love the church to become obstacles to growth? Like the apostle Paul, churches don’t always do the things they want, but instead they do the very thing they hate. Why? While the theological answer is sin at work in us, the organizational answer may just be that members of dying churches unconsciously find a payoff in the church’s decline. They are tempted by church.