Watching the Disciples - eBook [ePub]


Book Description

LENT This Lenten study looks at the twelve disciples as they tried to follow Jesus and live the challenging life to which he had called them. Examining the mistakes of the Twelve can help us to assess our own discipleship in order to see where it may need strengthening. During these weeks of Lent, as we join the Twelve in their on-the-job-training to become disciples of Jesus, we hope to find guidance for our pilgrimage. This seven-session study, appropriate for both group and individual use, provides one lesson for each week in Lent. Each lesson includes a Scripture reference, a brief reflection, questions for study or discussion, a brief prayer, and a focus for the coming week. MARY JANE GORMAN is a writer, teacher, and retreat leader living in Greenville, South Carolina, and she is the author of the book Tending Body, Heart, Mind & Soul: Following Jesus in Caring for Ourselves (Abingdon Press). Formerly professor of economics at Furman University, she has served on the board of United Ministries, a nonprofit community organization, and is a leader in First Baptist Church, Greenville.







CEB Common English Bible with Apocrypha - eBook [ePub]


Book Description

Take a fresh look at the Bible while you experience a new translation. The Common English Bible is relevant, readable, and reliable. The result is a new version that the typical reader or worshipper is able to understand. 115 leading biblical scholars from 22 faith traditions and 77 reading specialists in 13 denominations worked on this translation. Contains Apocrypha books.




Why? - eBook [ePub]


Book Description

When the ground shakes, and a poor nation's economy is destroyed; when the waters rise, washing away a community's hopes and dreams; when a child suffers neglect and abuse; when violence tears apart nations; where is God? If God is all powerful, and if each one of us is a beloved child of God, then how can God allow tragedy and suffering to infest his creation? When we lift our prayers to God, and no answer seems to come; when we earnestly seek to know the will of God for our lives, yet can't seem to discern it; when God seems far away; where is God? If God counts the hairs on our head, and knows every sparrow that falls, why is finding and understanding God's will so difficult at times?In Why? Making Sense of God's Will best-selling author Adam Hamilton brings fresh insight to the age-old question of how to understand the will of God. Rejecting simplistic answers and unexamined assumptions, Hamilton addresses how we can comprehend God's plan for the world and ourselves. "When it comes to the weightiest problems for our faith, like suffering and unanswered prayers and God's will, philosophers don't get the job done for me. But thoughtful pastors do. For me, the one thoughtful pastor who offers wisdom for our deepest questions is Adam Hamilton. This book is a rare gift and the kind of book that needs to be close at hand for all Christians. This book proves theology has to be done by pastors."-Scot McKnight, author of A Community Called Atonement "As someone for whom the 'Christian answers' I grew up with failed to satisfy the troubling questions of my adulthood, I deeply appreciate Adam Hamilton's thoughtful book Why? I recommend this book to anyone who longs to leave behind simplistic answers and discover a God who invites them into a collaborative process of bringing redemption, love and hope to a world in desperate need."-Lynne Hybels, author of Nice Girls Don't Change the World "Unlike many Christian writers these days, Adam Hamilton does actually make sense of God's will. This is a profoundly satisfying treatment of common misconceptions about God. Everyone who asks 'Why?' when confronted with evil, innocent suffering, unanswered prayers, and failure to perceive God's will should read this book."-Roger Olson, author of Questions to All Your Answers




CEB Common English Bible Catholic Edition - eBook [ePub]


Book Description

Take a fresh look at the Bible while you experience a new translation. The Common English Bible is relevant, readable, and reliable. The result is a new version that the typical reader or worshipper is able to understand. 115 leading biblical scholars from 22 faith traditions and 77 reading specialists in 13 denominations worked on this translation.




Living with the Mind of Christ - eBook [ePub]


Book Description

This is the 11th year for a thematic Lenten study offering. This study will include 7 sessions, one for each Sunday in Lent, including Easter Sunday. Each session features a scripture reference, a personal reading and questions for personal reflection or group discussion; suggestions for ways to deepen the Lenten journey or a focus for the coming week may also be included. This particular study is based on Philippians 2:1-11 (“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus...”). The goal is to discover what it might look like for us, in very practical ways, to live with the mind of Christ.




God Loves Me and All My Feelings


Book Description

As a pastor I see many people who stifle and stuff their feelings, particularly “negative” ones. Even more problematic is that they believe this is what God wants them to do. From an early age they received the message explicitly, or implicitly, that said God wants you to be happy all the time. The truth is this: God loves and accepts us in the whole breadth of our feelings, from joy to excitement, anger and sadness, and everything in-between. This message matters because it builds two essential qualities for authentic relationship: self-awareness and openness. Because God loves me and all my feelings there is nothing to hide or fear. Through accessible language and bright, beautiful pictures children and their parents are able to internalize this message of God’s love and acceptance.




The United Methodist Music & Worship Planner 2022-2023 NRSV Edition - eBook [ePub]


Book Description

An all-in-one resource that helps both the music director and pastor plan the worship services for each Sunday and holy day of the year, The United Methodist Music and Worship Planner 2022-2023 is lectionary-based and places at your fingertips: Weekly pages in spiral-bound format that help you plan the entire worship year, from September through August. Eight or more suggested hymns for each service keyed to United Methodist worship resources: The United Methodist Hymnal, The Faith We Sing, Worship & Song, The United Methodist Book of Worship, and The Africana Hymnal. Complete lectionary text of the Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel readings using the NRSV translation. Reproducible worship planning forms. Resources for holidays and special days. Suggestions for prayers, solos, anthems, visuals, and much more. Also available with Common English Bible texts




Turn to the Lord


Book Description

2022 Catholic Media Association first place award in pastoral ministry: catechetical 2022 Catholic Media Association second place award in faith formation God calls each of us to a life of goodness, and our yearnings to become more like God invite us to lifelong practices of conversion. The sacrament of confirmation is a pivotal moment anchoring a Catholic’s commitment to God. But do our current sacramental preparation programs really inspire candidates to turn toward the Lord? Leonard J. DeLorenzo demonstrates how preparation for Confirmation can be life-giving for both candidates and those who accompany them. Turn to the Lord: Forming Disciples for Lifelong Conversion empowers parents, confirmation sponsors, and all who contribute to the holistic formation of young people to share the goodness of God in ways that shape hearts, minds, hands, and habits.




Stories Aren't Just For Kids


Book Description

Stories are a God-designed way to impact hearts. In a world increasingly anti-Christian, how can you communicate in a way that slides under listener's defences? How can you leave them hungry for more? But many Christians reject stories as just for kids. Christine Dillon has trained thousands of people in storytelling. 10 myths come up over and over again, and they block Christians from using this life-changing ministry tool. MYTH 1: Adults won't listen to stories MYTH 2: Stories are only for non-literate cultures MYTH 3: Men won't listen to stories ... MYTH 6: Storytelling won't grow mature disciples MYTH 8: Storytelling will lead to heresy ... Using stories from around the world Dillon tackles each myth and challenges you to master this tool. This book is also available in both forms of written Chinese.




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