Reframing a Relevant Faith


Book Description

Many people expect faith to be inflexible and unchanging. It is relevant because it always has been, at least to them. To admit change is to bring on the end of faith and all of its benefits. Others believe that a relevant faith is by nature shallow and unrooted. Author and educator Drew Smith disagrees. He believes that it is both possible and necessary to reframe faith in such a way that it is relevant to our present society. At the same time, this reframed faith is still a historic faith. It is definitely not shallow and in fact is rooted deeply in the person and teaching of Jesus. Chapters look at why a faith should be progressive, how it can be rooted in the scriptures, the importance of the person of Jesus, and what this means for the mission of the church. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and discussion, making it easy to use this guide in group study. Those who are looking for an alternative to an anti-intellectual and narrow Christianity will find in this book an essential and friendly guide.




The Unshakable Truth


Book Description

The name Josh McDowell promises real-life, on-the-street Christian apologetics. In his first Harvest House book, Josh joins his son Sean to draw on his life’s work and comprehensively address a vital issue: why an entire generation of young Christians—and millions of older believers—is confused about what they believe, why they believe it, and how it’s relevant. The Unshakable Truth is uniquely positioned for younger Christians because it presents apologetics relationally, focusing on how Christianity’s doctrines affect relationships. The authors... ground every assertion in the overarching story of creation, incarnation, and re-creation. distill 12 crucial “faith statements”—for example, “A personal Creator God exists.” explain why each statement is trustworthy, how it applies to real life, and—using examples, stories, and experiences—what its relevance is. A spiritual gold mine for parents, youth workers, pastors—anyone wanting to reveal Christianity’s relevance to today’s life and culture.




Brave by Faith


Book Description

Learn from the book of Daniel how to live confidently for Christ today. What does it look like to live with joy in a society that does not like what Christians believe, say or do? It’s tempting to grow angry, keep our heads down, retreat or just give up altogether. But this isn’t the first time that God’s people have had to learn how to live in a pagan world that opposes God’s rule. In this realistic yet positive book, renowned Bible teacher Alistair Begg examines the first seven chapters of Daniel to show us how to live bravely, confidently and obediently in an increasingly secular society. Readers will see that God is powerful and God is sovereign, and even in the face of circumstances that appear to be prevailing against his people, we may trust him entirely. We can be as brave as Daniel if we have faith in Daniel’s God! "The message of Daniel is incredibly relevant for us in our generation. Not because it maps out a strategy for how to deal with our new lack of status ... or because Daniel was a great man and we need to follow his example. The reason is that it will help us to believe in Daniel’s God." Alistair Begg, author.




Faith


Book Description

Delve into this thought-provoking collection of personal essays from award-winning and bestselling authors who explore the perennial question: What do I believe? Whether believer, skeptic, agnostic, atheist, or something other, these twenty-four authors share a fascinating, daring, and multifaceted perspective on what faith means (or doesn’t mean). The collection of personal essays includes bestselling authors such as Anne Perry, who writes about a deeply spiritual faith that embraces and sustains her through every step of her life. Caroline Leavitt writes about tarot cards, mediums, and quantum physics to explain her concept of faith. Afghan-American author Tamim Ansary beautifully captures his childhood curiosity amidst his Islamic views. There is the irrepressible Malachy McCourt’s anti-religion rant, and then Pam Houston’s signature wit and sense of irony, which gives the question of faith a surprising twist. Honest, provocative, and candid, Faith begins a larger conversation and invites the question: What do you believe?




Science and Faith


Book Description

How does science enhance faith? Is God relevant in an age of science? Science and Faith: Student Questions Explored investigates the relationship between science and Christianity in a series of thoughtful and accessible articles written by experts. Chosen from InterVarsity’s Emerging Scholars Network blog, each chapter addresses common faith- and science-related questions. In part one, Science and Faith delves into why Christians should pursue scientific discovery, as well as the Bible’s viewpoint on scientific method and inquiry. Part two begins the conversation on the direct relevance of science to faith and how Christian scientists can talk to their colleagues about their faith, while part three discusses how conversations about science can take place between Christians. Finally, part four explores the history of science and the church and the question “How can the history of science encourage the church?” While ideal for graduate students who are exploring their faith and their chosen scientific fields, this book can also be used in church settings or as a personal resource. The book provides questions to launch small group conversation about faith/science, whether you’re a science PhD, a ministry leader, or an interested layperson. Since each reading is based on questions from real students, it may also be a resource for Christian faculty teaching the sciences. Contributors include Ruth Bancewicz, Gerald Rau, Greg Cootsona, Andy Walsh, and more.




Irresistible Faith


Book Description

"I love everything that Scott Sauls writes." -- Christine Caine What if Christians became the best advertisement for Jesus? Jesus said his followers would be a light to the world and a city on a hill--a warmly inviting, neighbor-loving, grace- and truth-filled destination for all. He envisioned his followers as life-giving neighbors, bosses, employees, and friends, the kind of people who return insults with kindness and persecution with prayers. Rooted in biblical convictions, they would extend love, empathy, and care to one another as well as to those who don't share their beliefs. Over time their movement would become irresistible to every nation, tribe, and tongue. Irresistible Faith is a blueprint for pursuing this vision in our current moment, of redeemed individuals and a renewed community working for a restored world. This is a way of being that gives a tired, cynical world good reason to pause and reconsider Christianity--and to start wishing it was true. "I miss the kind of church Scott describes in this book, and I don’t think I am alone." -- Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz and Building a StoryBrand "An important call to resist the urge to lobby and position ourselves, but rather to be driven by gospel-powered love." -- Raechel Myers, founder and CEO of She Reads Truth "An antidote to much that is wrong with our Western, American version of Christianity. " -- Gabe and Rebekah Lyons, authors and founders of Q




Faith is a Verb


Book Description

Through research and "faith-life" stories, readers are encouraged to view growing in faith as a life-long process. Addresses key questions in an adult's faith life such as doubt, stages of growth, and more.




My Faith Book


Book Description

Capture your favorite God moments in your very own My Faith Book! Glue in a picture of your small group or youth group, write down your answered prayers, tape in your concert tickets, list the top ten things you are thankful for-after all, there's no wrong way to fill it! It's supposed to be messy and maybe even a little chaotic. With a few, fun prompts and plenty of space to document your faith journey, you'll unleash the creative within and create a legacy piece you can look back upon or even share with others.




Ancient Book Relevant Faith


Book Description

The Bible is an old book riddled with mistakes and full of myths. Jesus was a good man, a great moral teacher. Those who adhere to these commonly held beliefs are invited to reconsider. Are you a skeptic? The facts presented will challenge you. Do you reject the Bible as untrustworthy and irrelevant? The information in these pages may change your views. Do you believe the Bible but do not know why? You will be equipped with answers. Do you need evidence to believe? You will find it in more than one way. The compelling case for the truthfulness and reliability of the Scriptures and for the credibility of the message dispels the myths about the Bible and about Jesus. In Ancient Book, Relevant Faith you will discover a firm foundation for a faith that gives hope in all circumstances and assurance of God's compassion and unconditional love. Author Bio: Mary Tilma grew up in The Netherlands and immigrated to the United States in 1977. She has a graduate degree in English from the University of Groningen (The Netherlands) and a Master of Arts from Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, PA. Her belief that the Bible was not trustworthy based on its age, its human authorship, and rejection of the claim to divine inspiration, was turned upside down when she was faced with evidence to the contrary. Her subsequent study of the Scriptures and investigation into the nature of the Bible reinforced her transformed view. She and her husband reside in Pennsylvania.




Listening to the Spirit Within


Book Description

When God speaks, are you really listening? In this compilation of faith-based essays, nationally award-winning journalist and CNN Contributor Roland S. Martin addresses a number of contemporary issues from a spiritual perspective. Honest, forthright and focused, Martin speaks candidly - based on what God has placed in his spirit - about the relevance of faith in everyday life, and how living a life for the Lord can have a positive effect on all aspects of our lives. The topics include: - The real meaning of the prayer of Jabez - Don't just thank God, represent Him - A spiritual lesson from Sex in the City - A spiritual graduation - Showing gratitude for God's blessings - Spiritual mentorship - Rediscovering the "C" in YWCA - Your trial is your testimony - Ordinary people, extraordinary God - Spiritual warfare: Stay prepared for life's battles If you want to be blessed, this is a book that you must get today!