The Gospel According to James and Other Plays


Book Description

This collection of five award-winning plays by Charles Smith includes Jelly Belly, Free Man of Color, Pudd’nhead Wilson, Knock Me a Kiss, and The Gospel According to James. Powerful, provocative, and entertaining, these plays have been produced by professional theater companies across the country and abroad. Four of the plays are based on historical people and events from W.E.B. Du Bois and Countee Cullen to the Harlem Renaissance. Accurate in the way they capture the political and cultural milieu of their historical settings, and courageous in the way they grapple with difficult questions such as race, education, religion, and social class, these plays jump off the page just as powerfully as they come to life on stage. This first-ever collection from one of the nation’s leading African American playwrights is a journey down the complex road of race and history.




The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer


Book Description

Maybe Jesus was joking, the disciples didn't know what they were doing and the New Testament is a lot funnier than you might think. You would think it weird if someone suddenly ascended into heaven, right? Reading between the lines, do we detect a touch of rivalry between Peter and John? And surely the lack of parables in the latter's mystical tome is simply crying out to be redressed . . . In this sparklingly witty book, BBC sitcom writer James Cary gives us a new and liberating way of looking at the gospel as he entertainingly relates it to a modern context, with references ranging from Charles Dickens to The Vicar of Dibley. Cheerfully playing around with the text, he takes the Bible seriously but allows us to laugh at our own petty vanities and foibles - and be enlightened in the process. The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer is ideal for anyone wanting to liven up their Bible reading and looking for new ways to be thrilled by this sacred text. It's also perfect for priests, pastors, youth leaders and all those involved in ministry and giving sermons, as James Cary shows using comedy and humour is a brilliant way to communicate the gospel. Warm, funny and full of brilliant insight and Christian humour, The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer will make you laugh out loud and shake your head in awe. You'll never read the Bible the same way again.




Rich Wounds


Book Description

Profound reflections on the cross that help you to meditate on and marvel at the sacrificial love of Jesus. This book can be used as a devotional, especially during Lent and Easter. These profound reflections on the cross from David Mathis, author of The Christmas We Didn’t Expect, will help you to meditate on and marvel at Jesus’ life, sacrificial death, and spectacular resurrection-enabling you to treasure anew who Jesus is and what he has done. Many of us are so familiar with the Easter story that it becomes easy to miss subtle details and difficult to really enjoy its meaning. This book will help you to pause and marvel at Jesus, whose now-glorified wounds are a sign of his unfailing love and the decisive victory that he has won: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) This book can be used as a devotional. The chapters on Holy Week make it especially helpful during the Lent season and at Easter.




The Gospel of the Beloved Disciple


Book Description

"A stunning new gospel--in the words of Jesus' beloved disciple, a woman."--Dust jacket.




The Message of James


Book Description

The apostle James addressed his readers directly and pointedly, using vivid images from ordinary life and attention-gripping statements. In this revised BST volume, J. Alec Motyer's rich exposition brings James's letter to life for today's readers, drawing out memorable themes such as the link between enduring trials and maturity, the implications of careless and evil words, the need for purity, and more.




The Lost Gospel of John


Book Description

The Gospel of John in the King James Holy Bible is only 15 pages, but this new Gospel of John is a massive volume packed with intense knowledge.




The Gospel According to Paul


Book Description

From Bible teacher John MacArthur, a revelatory exploration of what the apostle Paul actually taught about the Good News of Jesus. The apostle Paul penned a number of very concise, focused passages in his letters to the early church that summarize the gospel message in just a few well-chosen words. Each of these key texts has a unique emphasis highlighting some essential aspect of the Good News of Jesus Christ. The chapters in this revelatory new book closely examine those vital gospel texts, one verse at a time. John MacArthur, host of the popular media ministry Grace to You, tackles such questions as: What is the gospel? What are the essential elements of the message? How can we be certain we have it right? And how should Christians be proclaiming the Good News to the world? As always, the answers John MacArthur gives are clear, compelling, well-reasoned, easy to grasp, and above all, thoroughly biblical. The Gospel According to Paul is written in a style that is easily accessible to lay people, including those who know very little about the Bible, while being of great value to seasoned pastors and experienced ministers. The Gospel According to Paul is the third in a series of books on the gospel by John MacArthur including – The Gospel According to Jesus and The Gospel According to the Apostles. The Gospel According to Paul is also available in Spanish, Evangelio según Pablo.




James of Jerusalem


Book Description

By paying attention to passages in the New Testament where "James, the brother of the Lord" or "James, the Righteous One", or simple "James the Just" appears (directly or indirectly), this study illustrates James' role within the early Christian movement. It shows the richness and diversity of early Christianity and how it defined itself in relationship to its roots in Judaism and ever-increasing number of believers who joined the movement from the wider Greek and Roman worlds.




Fair Play: Diversity and Conflicts in Early Christianity


Book Description

This collection of essays in honour of Heikki Räisänen, New Testament professor at the University of Helsinki, consists of 22 essays written by his colleagues and students on Jesus, the gospels, Paul, early Christianity, and biblical interpretation. Räisänen's own research has been characterized by methodological awareness combined with a keen interest in ethical issues. Both these aspects come to expression in his insistence on "fair play" as a correct scholarly attitude involving an honest dialogue, a real encounter, and a recognition of diverging opinions. In this spirit, most of the essays in this book lay emphasis on issues related to early Christian diversity and conflicts, and to their challenge in modern society. The book is useful for scholars, academic teachers and students interested in various aspects of the New Testament, early Christianity, and hermeneutics.




The wisdom of Jesus


Book Description

In the wisdom of Jesus , immerse yourself in a historical and spiritual exploration of the original teachings of Yeshua, revealed through ancient and mysterious texts. This unique book reveals fresh perspectives on early Christianity, focusing not only on the Gospel of Thomas but also on the writings of James, Mary Magdalene, and Philip, as well as the fascinating Discourse of the Savior. Discover how these texts, including papyrus 87.5575, shed a different light on Jesus' words, often in contrast to the canonical versions. This book is an invitation to rediscover the teachings of Jesus, freeing them from established dogmas to reveal their deep and universal wisdom. The Wisdom of Jesus is not just a historical study; it is a guide for those searching for meaning, offering a renewed perspective on spirituality and human nature. A fascinating journey that transforms the perception of the teachings of Jesus, suitable for everyone, believers, sceptics or simply curious. Join this spiritual adventure to explore the timeless wisdom of one of humanity's greatest sages.