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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.
Daily Bible Study Fall 2022: Freedom
by Randy Cross Taylor W. Mills Barbara DickStudy the Bible daily for a closer relationship with God.Daily Bible Study is a great companion to the quarterly Adult Bible Studies or as a stand-alone study for those wanting to study the Bible daily. It is presented in quarterly segments. Bible-based and Christ-focused, it coordinates with the lesson themes of Adult Bible Studies. Each daily reading includes a one-page Bible study for each of the quarter, along with introductory reflection questions and commentary on the daily Scripture passage, life application and an concluding prayer.Daily Bible Study, Fall 2022Theme: FreedomThis fall, our Bible lessons follow the theme “Freedom.” The lessons explore the concept of salvation and God’s gracious acts in redeeming us. They challenge we who have experienced God’s gracious salvation to work for freedom and justice on behalf of others. They acknowledge that as we do, we will encounter those whose beliefs and values are different from our own, so they encourage us in ways to remain faithful to our beliefs while we act as neighbors to others. The writers for the fall quarter are Barbara Dick, Randy Cross, and Taylor Mills.Unit 1RescueThe concept of salvation is broad and inclusive of many divine actions by which we are rescued from the human predicament. This lessons in this unit focus on the freedom to which we are liberated. In the Roman world, the freer you were, the more power you exercised over others. Today, we think of freedom as the ability to do whatever we want without restrictions. In the Bible, freedom is about being able to choose without restriction to whom or what we devote ourselves. Paul described that choice as servitude to sin or becoming a slave to Christ.Scriptures: Exodus 1:1-2:10; Exodus 15:1-18; Exodus 17:1-16; Deuteronomy 30:15-20Spiritual Practice: Living With IntentionalityUnit 2JusticeIn the commandments that God gave in the covenant at Sinai, God repeatedly called the Israelites to extend justice and share their blessings with widows, orphans, and strangers in their midst. This triad represented the most vulnerable people within ancient society. Widows, orphans, and strangers appear frequently throughout the Old and New Testament narratives in ways that illustrate this divine mandate. The measure of justice or righteousness found throughout Scripture is whether one cares for the “widow, the orphan, and the stranger.” The lessons in this unit invite us to ask ourselves, who are the most vulnerable in our society? Who in our community are excluded from the common good? Who has trouble providing for themselves or gaining access to the courts and public services?Scriptures: James 2:14-17, Exodus 22:21-27; 1 Kings 17:8-24, Luke 21:1-4; John 9:1-7, 35-38; Luke 18:1-8; Ezekiel 47:21-23Spiritual Practice: AwarenessUnit 3Faithful ConversationsWe increasingly find ourselves living in communities and working with people from diverse backgrounds. While we may not agree with the beliefs of others, we seek peaceable and neighborly relationships. This lessons in this unit explore the models for neighborly conversations with people of various faith traditions.Scriptures: Acts 17:16-31; 2 Kings 5:1-19; Exodus 18:1, 13-27; Romans 14:13-19Spiritual Practice: Listening
The Jew Named Jesus: Discover the Man and His Message
by Rebekah Simon-PeterAuthor Rebekah Simon-Peter says "Jesus was born a Jew, raised a Jew, lived a Jew, died a Jew, and resurrected a Jew. He was no backsliding Jew, but an observant Jew. He honored and observed the Sabbath and the Jewish holidays. But most of all, he honored and observed the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, or what we call the Old Testament . . . How could he do anything but love his own people? I believe it’s important for the church to own that and to claim it proudly. Jesus was Jewish—through and through. Why is that important? I believe how we see, name, and claim Jesus has everything to do with how we see, name, and claim each other." Simon-Peter, an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, was born and raised a Jew, first Reform, then later Orthodox. She challenges Christians to rethink Jesus’ identity as a Jew, and in the process, to consider ways traditional Christian theology has contributed to anti-semitism. How can we continue to heal the breaches between Jews and Christians? How can the biblical texts enrich our understanding of Jesus as a practicing Jew? How can our Christian faith deepen and grow as we consider ways to respect Jesus’ identity as a faithful Jew?
Noah Built His Ark In The Sunshine
by James W. MooreNoah built his ark on a sunny day; trusting in God, he prepared in advance for the storm that was to come. He didn't wait until the last minute. He used the sunny days to get himself ready. He used those bright days to build up the resources he would need when the rain and the floods came later. In his story, we learn many important things about his faith, gratitude, and spiritual strength. But the question is, "How do we get there? How do we reach that level of spiritual maturity? That kind of faith and spiritual maturity doesn't just happen overnight. We have to build it! We have to work at the faith, practice it, express it, study it, share it. And as we do, our faith will grow, and our gratitude will deepen, and we too will be able to pray, "Lord, whatever this day may bring, you are here, you are in it, you are with us, so may your name be praised!"
Just in Time! Wedding Services
by Rev J. Wayne PrattThe pastor fills a unique role in wedding service planning. This slim volume helps the pastor offer care with sensitivity while addressing the spiritual needs and complexities of weddings in today’s world. Following a brief introduction to a variety of wedding situations, including interfaith and second marriages, the author provides prayers, litanies, Scripture readings, and meditations for every aspect of the wedding service from processional to declaration of intention, Scripture and other readings, prayers, exchange of vows and rings, unity candle and other uniting rituals, and more. The Pastor’s Wedding Toolkit includes guidance on: Local Legal Requirements Church Policy Statement Pastor’s Policy Statement Interfaith Marriages Second and Subsequent Marriages Wedding Information Form Basic Music Guidelines Brief Wedding Meditations on: A Christmas Wedding The Music of Love The Genesis of Marriage To Blossom in Marriage To A Well Known Young Couple There Is Love Renewing Your Vows And more . . .
Being Brave: A 40-Day Journey to the Life God Dreams for You
by Kelly Johnson"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)God has made us brave, not fearful beings. In a forty-day devotional format, author and blogger Kelly Johnson invites you to consider a new way of thinking about what it means to be brave and challenges you to seek a greater intimacy with God and the people God has placed in your life. Through Scripture, stories, prayers, and thought-provoking questions, you will recognize the seeds of divinely inspired bravery and learn the strength found in community. Using letters of the word brave as a guide, Being Brave highlights what God’s Word has to say about the characteristics of bravery: Bold, Resilient, Authentic, Vulnerable, and Engaged and Empowered by the Spirit. Banish the fear that holds you back. You are a brave soldier!
Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love (Fear of the Other)
by William H. WillimonIn this no non-sense book, reliable spiritual guide, Will Willimon, invites readers to consider the gospel command to love (and not merely tolerate) those considered to be "Other" or outside mainstream Christian culture. Rooted in the faith of Israel and the Christian story and vision, Willimon brings a Wesleyan perspective to bear on what may be the hardest thing for people of faith to do: keeping and loving the "Other" as they are - without any need for them to become like us. Emphasizing biblical teaching to receive Others for who they are and their differences as gifts and mysteries bearing the grace of God, Willimon also offers a strong critique of the privileged who all too often rush to speak of reconciliation and evade the injustice of huge inequalities faced by foreigners and strangers - as well as the antagonism the stranger experiences. He identifies concrete, everyday ways persons are formed in welcoming others without annihilating their differences.Rooted in the New Testament understanding of Gentile outsiders grafted into the covenant community, Willimon invites readers to an on-the-ground faith that remembers the God who comes to us again and again through so-called outsiders, strangers, immigrants, and those without status. Beyond welcome, Christians must become "other" to the world, shaking off the dominant culture’s identity and privilege through practices of listening, humility, and understanding. "I love Will Willimon, and I love this book. Will writes with prophetic sarcasm, a touch of humor, plenty of self-effacement, and a pastor’s heart. And his words will make you laugh, cringe, cry, confess, and repent. This is a very timely book. I urge you, prospective reader, as you read this blurb on the back cover: buy and read it! You’ll be grateful you did." —Adam Hamilton, senior pastor, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, KS; author of Half Truths "This gutsy, biblically rich, theologically searing book by Willimon gigs everybody’s sacred cow. Not only is the one whom Christ loves Other but God is Other. The ground beneath us shakes the walls that divide us. If you are holed-up happy with people who look like you, don’t read this thing. It will screw up your world." —Tex Sample, Robert B. and Kathleen Rogers Professor Emeritus of Church and Society, Saint Paul School of Theology, Leawood, KS"Timely and prophetic, Willimon’s call to love the Other will quickly take hold of your soul, changing your preaching and your life. This book is not just a reminder of our Christian calling to welcome the Other but a call to conversion, a new way of seeing the neighbor and a new way of being in the world God desperately loves." —Karoline M. Lewis, Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN "Bishop Willimon’s new book should come with a warning: Do not read unless you are ready to be changed and want to change the world!" —O. Wesley Allen Jr., Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TXNow with a New Introduction!
Holy Living: Spiritual Practices of Building a Life of Faith (Holy Living)
by Beth Ann Estock"While physical training has some value, training in holy living is useful for everything. It has promise for this life now and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8 CEB) Christians crave a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. The spiritual disciplines are historical practices that can guide us in our daily walk, bringing us closer to Christ. The Holy Living series brings a fresh perspective on the spiritual disciplines, enabling us to apply their practices to our current lives. Practicing these spiritual disciplines opens us to God's transforming love.Many believers are familiar with the fruits of the Spirit Paul wrote about in his letter to the Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Discernment is a contemplative practice that opens us to these gifts. It offers us the capacity to see more clearly and touch the depth of our holy existence here on earth. This book introduces us to this ancient practice and helps us discover how practicing it can lead us to moments in which we sense meaning and purpose in our lives by desiring what God desires and embodying the love that is God.This is one of series of eight books. Each book in this series introduces a spiritual practice, suggests way of living the practice daily, and provides opportunities to grow personally and in a faith community with others who engage with the practice. Each book consists of an introduction and four chapters and includes questions for personal reflection and group discussion.Other disciplines studied: Celebration, Confession, Neighboring, Prayer, Simplicity, Study, and Worship.
Almost Christmas Leader Guide: A Wesleyan Advent Experience (Almost Christmas)
by Matt Rawle Ingrid McIntyre April Casperson Magrey deVegaIn 1741, John Wesley preached his famous sermon titled "The Almost Christian" in which he encouraged people to follow Christ wholeheartedly. We should not be satisfied with being almost Christian but rather strive towards being altogether a Christian.In Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience, author and pastor Magrey deVega leads a group of authors to explore how we can make the same commitment to Christ during Advent, connecting our Wesleyan heritage with the traditional Advent themes of Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace.In this book, perfect for Advent, deVega and the other authors break down the barriers that prevent us from experiencing an "altogether" love, hope, joy, and peace in Christ in our lives and in the world around us. They demonstrate the promises God offers to us that makes those longings a reality, inviting us to claim those promises for ourselves this Advent and celebrate an altogether Christmas.Chapters include: Altogether Love Altogether Hope Altogether Joy Altogether PeaceThe Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
Jesus Is the Question: The 307 Questions Jesus Asked and the 3 He Answered
by Martin B. CopenhaverContrary to some common assumptions, Jesus is not the ultimate Answer Man, but more like the Great Questioner. In the Gospels Jesus asks many more questions than he answers. To be precise, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked 183 of which he only answers 3. Asking questions was central to Jesus’ life and teachings. In fact, for every question he answers directly he asks—literally—a hundred. Jesus is the Question considers the questions Jesus asks—what they tell us about Jesus and, more important, what our responses might say about what it means to follow Him. Through Jesus’ questions, he modeled the struggle, the wondering, the thinking it through that helps us draw closer to God and better understand, not just the answer, but ourselves, our process and ultimately why questions are among Jesus’ most profound gifts for a life of faith. A game-changer of a book.
Divergent Church: The Bright Promise of Alternative Faith Communities
by Tim Shapiro Kara FarisNew faith communities are appearing across the U.S.. Many of them bear little resemblance—on the surface—to ‘church’ in its conventional form. But when we look a little deeper we see striking continuity with the most deeply rooted practices of the Christian faith in community. What are those practices? What do these unconventional, alternative faith communities look like? How are they, perhaps, indicators of a hopeful new future for the church? And what can we learn from them?Authors Kara Brinkerhoff and Tim Shapiro spent more than a year researching and exploring these questions, closely examining the life of a dozen alternative faith communities across the country. They include new monastic communities, food-oriented communities, affinity group communities, house churches, hybrid churches and others. They are creative, ingenious, innovative, clever, dynamic and transformative. But they represent human expressions of activities that have always been part of human religious congregations: hospitality, learning, storytelling, care, leadership, worship and honoring place. This fascinating book goes beyond simply analyzing current trends. It reveals how innovative Christians are engaging in time-honored practices, creating new types of communities, which will shape the church to come. Further, it shows us how we too might innovate while holding true to the essential practices of our gathered faith. This is an instructive picture of Christian community, past, present and future.
A Fragile Hope
by Cynthia RuchtiJosiah Chamberlain's life's work revolves around repairing otherpeople's marriages. When his own is threatened by his wife's unexplaineddistance, and then threatened further when she's unexpectedly plungedinto an unending fog, Josiah finds his expertise, quick wit and cleverquips are no match for a relationship that is clearly broken. Feelingbetrayed, confused, and ill-equipped for a crisis this crippling, hereexamines everything he knows about the fragility of hope and thestrength of his faith and love. Love seems to have failed him. Willwhat’s left of his faith fail him, too? Or will it be the one thing thatholds him together and sears through the impenetrable wall thatseparates them?
John Leader Guide: The Gospel of Light and Life (John series)
by Adam HamiltonThe Gospel of John is the most deeply spiritual of the four gospels. It includes some of the loftiest and most loved verses in all the Bible: "And the Word became flesh…," "For God so loved the world…," "You who are without sin cast the first stone…," "I am the resurrection and the life…," "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." The writing is filled with rich images and profound truths, but John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that his readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they "may have life in his name."Join Adam Hamilton and experience a season of spiritual growth and life-changing renewal while exploring the major themes of John while reading the entire Gospel of John.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the bible study program including session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options. This guide centers around the book, the videos, and Scripture.
How to Start and Sustain a Faith-Based Young Adult Group (How To Start Ser.)
by John SchroederThis book will be a basic resource for persons to use who are interested in starting and sustaining a faith-based small group for young adults. It will include how to start a young adult group, how to take the temperature of the group, how to prioritize and divide time, tips for lively discussions, dealing with problems especially common in young adult groups, how to adapt material, how to create options that relate especially to young adult groups. See also the 20/30: Bible Study for Young Adults Series
The Switching Hour 34098: Kids of Divorce Say Good-bye Again
by Evon O. FlesbergThe Switching Hour is that time both hoped for and dreaded, when children go from one world to another as they shuttle between divorced parents. Written from the child's point of view, this book will help parents simplify family life as children transition between parents. Filled with facts and practical advice, The Switching Hour stresses that, even with the best intentions and parenting skills, children and parents must come to terms with living divided lives. "Besides parents experiencing a divorce, The Switching Hour should be read by every teacher, child care worker, minister and children's worker. Perhaps every lawmaker, judge, lawyer, social worker, and welfare staff should also be required to read it."--Linda Ranson Jacobs, DC4K (DivorceCare for Kids) Executive Director"Profound, passionate, courageous, deeply insightful . . . Dr. Flesberg has heeded Elijah’s call 'to turn the hearts of parents to their children.' (Malachi 4:6 and Luke 1:17). To read and use this book is to be confident that our children in our homes, churches and synagogues will be loved, protected, listened to, and cared for during their parents divorce and all the years following. Clergy often witness role reversal in divorce where the children cease to be the children and become the caretakers of their parents. Dr. Flesberg provides a concrete book which helps any parent and child to keep close through and following divorce. There is real healing on these pages. This book is a warm coat in a chilling wind. Professor Flesberg’s book fulfills an urgent need in our homes and faith communities. There is healing, God’s healing, in these pages. Help has come. --April Ulring Larson is Bishop of the LaCrosse, Wisconsin Area of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America"In this book, Dr. Flesberg makes the point that children in divorce have feelings. They are more than just chess pieces to be moved around to satisfy the needs or demands of the parents. The painful and poignant stories in this book, told from the perspective of a child, should help parents, attorneys, judges, mediators, and counselors understand how to consider children more in their plans. She makes it clear the traumatic toll on children is all too real. Dr. Flesberg gives many good suggestions and thought-provoking ideas to help parents and children post-divorce."--Marietta Shipley,The Mediation Group of Tennessee, LLC, Nashville"Some 20 million children in the U.S. are shuttled between divorced parents. At each change, at each 'switch' of location, children confront burdens and fears visible only to themselves. In this generous book, Dr. Flesberg reveals those burdens and fears to the parents, grandparents, teachers, and counselors who wish to help. The Switching Hour is an essential book for families, teachers, and caretakers."--Volney P. Gay, Ph. D., Vanderbilt University, Nashville"Through quotations, letters, postcards, and vivid scenarios and vignettes, Evon Flesberg captures the hardship that children of divorce experience by living in two homes. She also gives specific suggestions for helping children cope with 'the switching hour' and other challenges in their lives."-- -William Bernet, M.D., co-author of Children of Divorce: A Practical Guide for Parents, Therapists, Attorneys, and Judges"Evon Flesberg, has written an important work. She illuminates our understanding by flipping the switch on a national dilemma: kids of divorce saying hello and goodbye again and again. The poignant stories of these kids present us with voices most often never heard, and give us insights to their fears, pain, frustrations, and challenges. Begging the question . . . What can we do? Evon presents clear guidelines of both words that can be spoken and actions to take that will make all the difference in the lives and future of these children. Her recommendations will serve as a guide to true caring, compassion, and understanding . --Teresa Flint-Borden, author, Women Married to Men in Ministry: Breaking the Sound Barrier TogetherFrom the Circuit Rider review: "The Switching Hour is that somew
Man's Best Hero: True Stories of Great American Dogs
by Ace CollinsFrom Lassie to Old Yeller to Rin Tin Tin to Marley, dogs have stolen our attention and our hearts. In real life, our own pets are more than just canine companions; they are members of our family. And for some, they are heroes and brave servants.In Man’s Best Hero, prolific author (and lifelong dog lover) Ace Collins provides a collection of short, dramatic stories about dogs that have gone the extra mile. Though not trained to perform heroic acts, circumstances and the remarkable bond between the dog and its owner led these animals to perform amazing feats that defy logic. Whether it is saving a drowning man, jumping in front of a truck to push a toddler to the curb, or tearing the burning clothes off a child’s back, the actions presented in these stories display courage, loyalty, intelligence, and other admirable qualities of life and faith.These compelling portraits, told first in the words of the dog and then through exciting narrative that recounts the dog’s actions, will touch reader’s hearts and will leave them with a greater appreciation for their furry friends.
Seized by Truth: Reading the Bible as Scripture
by Joel B. GreenWe read the Bible and interpret Scripture in order to live in grace-filled relation to God's divine purpose.When we approach the Bible as Scripture author, Joel Green, takes seriously the faith statement that the Bible is our Book; these scriptures are our Scripture. We are not reading someone else's mail--as though reading the Bible had to do foremost with recovering an ancient meaning intended for someone else and then translating its principles for use in our own lives. When we recall that we are the people of God to whom the Bible is addressed as Scripture, we realize that the fundamental transformation is not the transformation of an ancient message into a contemporary meaning, bur rather the transformation of our lives by means of God's Word. This means that reading the Bible as Scripture has less to do with what tools we bring to the task, however important these may be, and more to do with our own dispositions as we come to our engagement with Scripture. We come not so much to retrieve facts or to gain information, but to be formed and ultimately, transformed. Scripture does not present us with texts to be mastered but with a Word, God's Word, intent on mastering us, on shaping our lives.
Abundant Living: 364 Daily Devotions
by E. Stanley JonesThe business of life is to live and to live well. But in this day and age we know almost everything about life except how to live it. We can dissect life and explain its parts and then fail to put it together again in such a way that it becomes a coordinated, harmonious whole. Through the vibrant writings of E. Stanley Jones, discover not only how God desires more for us than we could ever think or imagine, but freely gives us that abundant life of body, mind, and spirit.Abundant Living, the sequel to Victorious Living, continues the journey toward extraordinary life through trusting God and self-surrender. Written in 1942 by one of the greatest Christian leaders of the day, experience this classic devotional with a new foreword by Leonard Sweet.
An Introduction to Jesus and the Gospels 18183
by Frederick J. Murphy“Jesus and the Gospels” is one of the most popular religion courses at colleges, and it is required at many seminaries and divinity schools. This textbook, written by an award-winning educator, is designed for a semester-long course in both these settings. Moreover, it could be used as a supplementary text in courses on christology, the historical Jesus, New Testament literature, and the Bible.Murphy will provide an introduction to the gospels that does justice to the full range of modern critical methods and insights. He will discuss the implications of these methods for how we understand the nature of the gospels and how we can read them today. The chapters will sketch the portrait of Jesus that emerges from each gospel, and then examine the “canonical” view of Jesus by comparing and contrasting these pictures, as well as the ones that emerge from the non-canonical gospels and from the modern quest for the historical Jesus. Chapter list: Introduction, Theological and Historical Backgrounds; Chapter 1, What is a Gospel? Chapter 2, History of Critical Methods for Gospel Study; Chapter 3, The Gospel of Mark; Chapter 4, Q; Chapter 5, Matthew; Chapter 6, Luke; Chapter 7, John; Chapter 8, Other Gospels (Gospel of Thomas, Infancy Gospels, other Apocryphal Gospels); Chapter 8, Christian Interpretations of Jesus; Chapter 9, The Historical Jesus; Chapter 10, Conclusion; Glossary; Further Reading; Notes; Subject Index. (Charts, sidebars, illustrations, and maps.)
Synergy: A Leadership Guide for Church Staff and Volunteers
by Ann A. MichelThe people are the church—not just the pastor. Yet, in many congregations there is a heavy imbalance in the ownership of ministry. Clergy and paid staff are seen as God’s agents in the world, and congregants as occasional participants. Sometimes, clergy and other leaders perpetuate this imbalance.Ann Michel presents a more inclusive, collaborative understanding of ministry, which affirms the gifts and calling of both clergy and lay servants. She uses the concept of "synergy" as a theological framework undergirding this approach. Michel lays out an inclusive and collaborative paradigm of ministry affirming the work of both lay and clergy servants.Synergy also provides practical advice on the day-to-day skills of synergistic or collaborative ministry – how to engage others in ministry, how to build teams, how to manage meetings, how to develop others as leaders, etc. The book helps church workers, paid and unpaid, understand how their ministry relates to the mission of God and the ministry of the church, and provides practical guidance on the interpersonal ministry skills essential to any expression of collaborative ministry."Synergy is both a practical and deeply spiritual resource that helps provide a more collaborative way of thinking about ministry shared between clergy and laity. Ann has captured the challenges that can present themselves as laity serve in ministry not only from her research but also from her personal experience as a lay person and respected Seminary theologian, and she offers practical ways to equip laity to fully live in this call of lay servants and lay staff members. As a lay person who has served on a church staff for more than 23 years, understanding this synergistic energy articulated so well in Ann’s writing has reignited my passion and affirmed my call." - Debi Williams Nixon, Managing Executive Director, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
Cinco marcas de un metodista: Five Marks of a Methodist Spanish
by Steve HarperCinco marcas de un metodista confirman nuestra identidad como seguidores genuinos y fructiferos de Cristo: 1. Un metodista ama a Dios 2. Un metodista se regocija en Dios 3. Un metodista da gracias 4. Un metodista ora sin cesar5. Un metodista ama a su projimo Este breve libro, disenado para ser compartido con otras personas, ofrece una meditacion sobre cada una de estas caracteristicas. Con oracion, apliquelos en su peregrinaje con Jesus. Si usted es parte de la familia metodista o wesleyana de todo el mundo, estas cinco marcas le otorgaran un mayor conocimiento y aprecio de por que y como seguir a Jesus. Si usted se encuentra en otra parte del cuerpo de Cristo, puede emerger con una base solida y fuerte para mantener su fundamento espiritual. Las personas cristianas que sigan estas cinco marcas, tienen caracter. Cada capitulo termina con preguntas para reflexion o discusion. Now available in Spanish! Five marks confirm our identity as genuine and fruitful followers of Christ: 1. A Methodist Loves God 2. A Methodist Rejoices in God 3. A Methodist Gives Thanks 4. A Methodist Prays Constantly 5. A Methodist Loves Others This brief book, suitable for sharing with others, provides a meditation on each of these characteristics. Prayerfully apply them to your journey with Jesus. If you are part of the worldwide Methodist or Wesleyan family, these five marks will grant a greater knowledge and appreciation for why and how you follow Jesus. If you are located in another part of the body of Christ, you can emerge with a solid foundation to keep your spiritual house standing strong. Christians marked by these five habits, when taken together have character.Each chapter ends with questions for reflection or discussion.
Anchored In: Experience a Power-Full Life in a Problem-Filled World
by Micah MaddoxProblems can make you feel like God is far away, but they can also be the very things that bring you closer to him.Anchored In isn’t a book of Christian cliché’s or sweet stories to warm the heart but rather an authentic look at the hard parts of life. It challenges us to stop running from and clinging to the past, and to grasp tightly to the only unshakable Anchor that is able to sustain our souls through the storms of life. Micah shares personal stories, such as her father’s abandonment of her family, and couples them with biblical application to offer real-life glimpses of God at work. She offers inspiration to live a life full of God’s power rather than one that causes us to turn away and be paralyzed by problems. Living anchored in God’s presence is a beautiful gift that few truly experience simply because they do not understand the key to God’s power – surrender. Or if they know to surrender, they do not know how to let go of the problems that consume their lives. Through simple, tangible steps learn to surrender in every season of life.Hearing from God is not reserved for a chosen few, but rather promised to those who believe. If you are longing to experience God’s power in a deeper way, this is a journey for you."When heartbreaking seasons shake us to our core, we often grab for everything other than God. But Micah tenderly reminds us page after page that Jesus is the only true Anchor who will hold us, steady us, and bring us through to the other side of every storm."— Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries As a friend and guide, Micah Maddox will walk with you through life's hard times and show you how, through God's power, you can get to the other side with greater freedom, strength and victory.— Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of You're Already Amazing There are times when life hurts deeply. Though the grief, struggles and pain, we need reassurance that we are not alone. Micah Maddox’s book Anchored In, renews our hope and reminds us that God’s power can carry us through the stormy seas of life. Through scripture, stories and personal applications, Micah lovingly offers hope, victory and strength for everyone’s journey.— Karol Ladd, author of Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive and Power of a Positive Woman Life is hard. Most of us have learned that truth firsthand, the hard way. Trials, broken dreams, and the unexpected storms of life can leave us stuck in the past or numb in the present. Anchored In is more than a pep talk or quick-fix formula—it is a way of life. It should be required reading by every believer, whether your storm is in the past, the present, or looming on the horizon. Regardless of the forecast, grab a copy and get anchored in!— Vicki Courtney, best-selling author of 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter, Move On, and Rest Assured Micah speaks about deep issues, pains, and struggles because she has been there. In the pages of Anchored In, you will find the healing hope of God. It’s brave, authentic, and powerful.— Courtney DeFeo, author of In This House, We Will Giggle When I watch the news each morning and feel the swirl of circumstances around me, it’s easy to feel powerless in this crazy world. Micah reminds us that it’s not our job to be powerful. It’s our gift to be connected to a powerful God. Through the vulnerable telling of her personal story and the timeless truths she embeds, Micah holds out a lifeline to us that’s Anchored In hope.— Amy Carroll, author of Breaking Up with Perfect and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writer With tenderness and understanding garnered through personal experience, Micah Maddox points us to the healing power available to those who are anchored in relationship with Jesus Christ. Some shredded places in my heart have been mended.— Cindi Wood, speaker, author of Anonymous: Discovering The Somebody You Are to God One of the purposes of an anchor is to keep the ship from drifting or being dragged by the wind. A drifting ship could easily be damaged. A drifting Christian f
The Gospel of Mark: Interpreting Biblical Texts Series (Interpreting Biblical Texts)
by Donald H. JuelThis volume is written for anyone who--for whatever reason--is drawn to the New Testament. It is also for those who are not so drawn, for it is written out of the conviction that good readers need to be formed. Anyone can read the Bible; no particular level of education is required, but readers need to learn what to look for in stories that may seem distant and strange. The long tradition of reading the Scriptures in the church is not the enemy in such an enterprise, but audiences change, and the Bible must be heard and wrestled with in each new situation. This volume focuses on the Gospel according to Mark, probably the first of the four Gospels to be written. It has received the least attention of the four in the history of the church. The explosion of Markan scholarship in the last decades tells a fascinating story that is not the focus of this study but informs it. The result of intense engagement with Mark within and outside the academic community has not achieved a meeting of the minds. Mark’s Gospel does not easily yield its secrets. It is the case, however, that conversing about Mark has been enormously interesting and productive for the church as well as the academy. This volume is written to open readers to its remarkable story. Where engagement will finally lead remains as unpredictable and as promising as the Gospel itself.