God of the Gray Areas


Book Description

Life isn't always black and white. But even when you're living in the muddled middle, God wants to shine His light into the events of your life; the mundane, the spectacular-even the dark corners. God of the Gray Areas is a book full of true stories, a fascinating glimpse into one woman's life that will reveal how God is at work in your own life. Like a spiritual reality show, it is a grab bag of surprises that will encourage you to come alive to the reality of God's truth-in living color. Jennifer Lopes shares her triumphs, her embarrassments, and her observations of life events, uncovering the comedy, the tragedy and the divine. These simple stories will show you how to hear God speak, and how to see through His eyes, whether you're at Disney World, on the ball field, or just learning to love your neighbor.




Discipleship Defined


Book Description

"DON'T read this book if you want to remain comfortable! Eric challenges us to consider what Biblical discipleship looks like based on what Jesus did. Eric writes this book with the integrity of a man who is not merely theorizing about the way things ought to be, rather he is describing what is actually happening as he builds Biblical disciples in the context of the inner city. This book is soundly Biblical, challenging and practical. This book is about building disciples not programs." Roger Hershey, Campus Crusade For Christ "It is a joy to highly commend to all Discipleship Defined, for it is exactly the prescription that is needed for the Church to regain much of our lost effectiveness. "Discipleship Defined" has carefully described, yet without programming it into a rigid system, how to go about this challenging task." Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., President Emeritus Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary "Eric Russ gives us some very straight forward thinking about discipleship, a topic widely misunderstood and undervalued. Moving away from piety-driven discipleship, Russ points us toward a holistic, Christ-centered way of following Jesus." Jonathan Dodson, Lead Pastor Austin City Life, Austin, TX. "Eric has a healthy obsession about strong discipleship, and it shows in a gracious way in this guidebook for muscular commitment. Can you be obsessed and still have a gracious spirit? Eric does, and so does this book!" Knute Larson, Senior Pastor The Chapel, Akron, OH (1983-2009) Eric Russ is lead pastor of Mack Avenue Community Church in Detroit, Michigan. He is married to Sara and has four children. For more information visit www.discipleshipdefined.com or www.mackave.com.




Chasing Elephants


Book Description

Many people know what to believe and why to hold to those beliefs. But the majority of them don’t know how to do when it comes to the countless decisions we must make that the Bible doesn’t specifically address. Chasing Elephants carefully examines the biblical subject of freedom in Christ. Taking into account values, priorities, accountability, and cultural issues, Author Brent Crowe extracts a set of principles to act as a theology of belief for the seemingly gray areas of life. With these principles as a guide, you will be prepared to handle the moral or ethical decisions you will face in life.




1 Corinthians


Book Description

As the gospel spreads to the far corners of the earth, the apostle Paul is under mounting pressure to provide direction to maturing churches before they go astray. It's with this urgency that Paul covers many topics that are especially relevant in today's society. Pastor John MacArthur will take you through the first letter to the church in Corinth to show how this church in particular allowed their worldliness to affect the church's priority of spreading the gospel—and how Paul's response gives Christians black-and-white boundaries in a gray world. As Paul explains doctrinal truths directly relating to sin and righteousness, he outlines a foundation for godly behavior. Paul's letter is a valuable tool of correction and encouragement for believers—then and now—to be alert, firm, mature, strong, and loving. —ABOUT THE SERIES— The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates: Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text. Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context. Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life. Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.







The Bible and Morality


Book Description

For Christians, Holy Scripture is not only a source of revelation on which to ground one's faith, it is also an indispensable reference point for morality. They are convinced that in the Bible they can find indications and norms of right behaviour to attain fullness of life. This use of Scripture is not of course without its problems caused by the different times and circumstances in which people find themselves today compared with biblical times. In 2002, the Pontifical Biblical Commission, at the behest of the then-President Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, set about to examine the problem of the relationship between the Bible and morality by posing itself the question: what is the value and the significance of the inspired text for today's morality? This document seeks then to explain the context for norms of morality encountered in Scripture, and shows also that, while there remain moral questions which cannot be fully answered from Scripture, nevertheless Scripture does offer criteria which are helpful in finding solutions.




No Grey Areas


Book Description

In 1994, Joseph N. Gagliano calmly sat back, put his hands behind his head and smiled as the NCAA clocked ticked down the remaining last seconds of the game. It was the third game in a row Joe had bet on where the point spread had to land on a specific number. With millions at stake, was he nervous? Not at all. As the buzzer sounded on the 3rd game, his duffle bags were filled with millions in cash. How? Joe had fixed the outcome of the games. No Grey Areas tells the incredible, true story of the man who orchestrated the largest sports point shaving betting scam in sport's history. But that is only where the story begins... It is always the cover up, not the crime, where white collar criminals get caught. Joe was caught, convicted and served time in Federal prison for his role in coordinating and financing the 1994 ASU point shaving scandal. His journey continued as Joe came out prison in late 2000 with a passion to clear his name and a desire to remove perceptions held by others of him. He embarked on an aggressive path to success; building a sizeable chain of full service car washes, making millions in real estate, living a life of luxury, and even buying a private jet just to get to his yacht in San Diego quicker. But the story does not end there.... A few years later, the 2008 financial collapse engulfed the world and because of Joe's "grey areas" a banking deal landed him in prison for a 2nd term. Labeled a 2-time felon, he made some brilliant and yet morally questionable decisions while searching for the true meaning of success. Inside these pages, you'll get a backstage pass on what it was like to slowly fall into the "grey areas" of scandal, greed, corruption, money, and business. Joe's honest, detailed telling of this life of infamy, history, and successes along with the consequences of his decisions will amaze and inspire you. No Grey Areas is a riveting read, filled with all the elements of a great non-fiction book, except that is a TRUE story. Reminiscent of The Wolf of Wall Street and MoneyBall, this gripping personal life story will carry the reader through the internal struggles of poor life choices and fortune squandered. It is a captivating journey of morally questionable decisions, and the pursuit of freedom, all during a harrowing ride to redemption.




Song of the Risen God


Book Description

The thrilling conclusion to the Coven Trilogy from New York Times bestselling author, R. A. Salvatore. War has come to Fireach Speur. The once forgotten Xoconai Empire has declared war upon the humans west of the mountains, and their first target are the people of Loch Beag. Lead by the peerless general, Tzatzini, all that stands in the way of the God Emperor's grasp of power is Aoelyn, Talmadge, and their few remaining allies. But not all hope is lost. Far away from Fireach Speuer, an ancient tomb is uncovered by Brother Thaddeus of the Abellican Church. Within it is the power to stop the onslaught of coming empire and, possibly, reshape the very world itself. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.




God's Favorite Place on Earth


Book Description

When He came to earth, Jesus Christ was rejected in every quarter in which He stepped. The Creator was rejected by His own creation. “He came to His own and His own received Him not,” said John. For this reason, Jesus Christ had “no where to lay His head.” There was one exception, however. A little village just outside of Jerusalem named Bethany. Bethany was the only place on earth where Jesus was completely received. God’s Favorite Place on Earth is a retelling of Jesus’ many visits to Bethany and a relaying of the message it holds for us today. Frank Viola presents a beautifully crafted narrative from the viewpoint of Lazarus, one of the people who lived in Bethany with his two sisters. This incomparable story not only brings the Gospel narratives to life, but it addresses the struggle against doubt, discouragement, fear, guilt, rejection, and spiritual apathy that challenges countless Christians today. In profoundly moving prose, God’s Favorite Place on Earth will captivate your heart with its beauty, charm, and depth. In this book you will discover how to live as a “Bethany” in our world today, being set free to love and follow Jesus like never before.




The Hospitality of God


Book Description

What happens when two bishops known for their liturgical sensibilities travel to study alternative Christian communities on two continents? Bishops Mary Gray-Reeves and Michael Perham traveled throughout the U.S. and U.K. to study fresh expressions of church and identify the principles that link these new forms of worship and community. The Hospitality of God captures their practical and inspiring findings and builds a bridge between fresh new voices and the institutional church.




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