Trauma and Grace


Book Description

This substantive collection of essays by Serene Jones explores recent works in the field of trauma studies. Central to its overall theme is an investigation of the myriad ways both individual and collective violence affect one's capacity to remember, to act, and to love; how violence can challenge theological understandings of grace; and even how the traumatic experience of Jesus' death is remembered. Of particular interest is Jones's focus on the long-term effects of collective violence on abuse survivors, war veterans, and marginalized populations, and the discrete ways in which grace and redemption might be exhibited in each context. At the heart of each essay are two deeply interrelated faith-claims that are central to Jones's understanding of Christian theology: first, we live in a world profoundly broken by violence; second, God loves this world and desires that suffering be met by words of hope, of love, and of grace. This truly cutting-edge book is the first trauma study to directly take into account theological issues.




Future Grace, Revised Edition


Book Description

Explore this stunning quality of God’s grace: It never ends! In this revision of a foundational work, John Piper reveals how grace is not only God’s undeserved gift to us in the past, but also God’s power to make good happen for us today, tomorrow, and forever. True life for the follower of Jesus really is a moment-by-moment trust that God is dependable and fulfills his promises. This is living by faith in future grace, which provides God's mercy, provision, and wisdom—everything we need—to accomplish his good plans for us. In Future Grace, chapter by chapter—one for each day of the month—Piper reveals how cherishing the promises of God helps break the power of persistent sin issues like anxiety, despondency, greed, lust, bitterness, impatience, pride, misplaced shame, and more. Ultimate joy, peace, and hope in life and death are found in a confident, continual awareness of the reality of future grace.




Simply by Grace


Book Description

Grace distinguishes Christianity from all other religions. Although commonly used among Christians and non-Christians, the word is too often misunderstood or underappreciated. And yet God's grace is not only the key to becoming a Christian, but also the key to the assurance of salvation and living in freedom to serve God and others. "Simply by Grace" is an easy-to-read introduction to a core Christian belief. By looking at the major questions and issues that surround the concept of grace, Charles C. Bing helps readers understand and appreciate this God-given gift and how simple it really is. "Because only when you understand the simplicity of His grace," writes Bing, "can you begin to understand its deep riches also."




Parenting with Grace, 2nd Edition Updated & Expanded


Book Description

Would you like to raise almost perfect kids? Family therapist and parent Gregory Popcak and his wife, Lisa, are back with their second edition of Parenting with Grace: The Catholic Parents' Guide to Raising almost Perfect Kids. This latest updated version continues to guide parents through each stage of child development, from infancy through adolescence, offering additional age-specific advice on "parenting with grace." Practical, faithful, and humorous, Parenting with Grace will help you discover: Seven factors that make Catholic parents unique. How to C.A.R.E. enough to parent your very best Practical, faith-filled solutions to common problems of every childhood stage -- sleep problems, tantrums, faith issues, childhood fears, dating, dealing with technology and media, and much, much more! This book's uniquely Catholic approach to parenting combines vigorous relational advice with careful theology and plenty of good humor." -- Publishers Weekly




Is It Just Me?


Book Description

Have you ever wondered if you’re the only one who’s hurt, struggling, lonely, and confused? It’s not just you. Grace Valentine wants you to know one thing for sure: You’re not alone in your struggle. You’re not the only one feeling freaked out by the future. You’re not the only one dealing with crap. You’re not alone! Many women joke about having trust issues—laughing at their struggle because it feels common but secretly feeling there is no hope. Grace Valentine was one of them. In her twenties, she realized her trust issues were not humorous because, in reality, hers were trust issues with Jesus, her community, her family, and herself. And they were destroying her faith. Grace told herself she was simply being realistic, but the truth was, she was entangled with doubt and lies. In Grace’s second book, Is It Just Me?, she’ll walk you through how to handle rejection, stop joking about your issues, and find peace and healing for your scars by answering five deeply felt questions: Am I the only one who is tired, overwhelmed, doubting, and fearful? Am I the only one who feels hurt and lonely? Am I the only one who still is struggling to find my purpose? Am I the only one struggling to trust that God is there? Am I the only one confused about how to be an adult? Grace’s prayer is that as you journey with her through early adulthood, you’ll remember you have a Savior who loves you, flaws and all. By learning to trust in God’s design and His plans for your future, you’ll find you have everything you need to thrive in your twenties—and beyond.




Amazing Grace


Book Description

Grace loves stories, whether they're from books, movies, or the kind her grandmother tells. So when she gets a chance to play a part in Peter Pan, she knows exactly who she wants to be. Remarkable watercolor illustrations give full expression to Grace's high-flying imagination.




Praying with Paul


Book Description

God doesn't demand hectic church programs and frenetic schedules; he only wants his people to know him more intimately, says top-selling author D. A. Carson. The apostle Paul found that spiritual closeness in his own fellowship with the Father. By following Paul's example, we can do the same. This book calls believers to reject superficiality and revolutionize their lives by embracing a God-guided approach to prayer. Previously published as A Call to Spiritual Reformation, this book has now been updated to connect more effectively with contemporary readers. A study guide, DVD, and leader's kit for the book are available through Lifeway and The Gospel Coalition.




Call It Grace


Book Description

"Theology is a place and a story. Theology is the place and story you think of when you ask yourself about the meaning of your life, of the world, and the possibility of God." So begins Serene Jones's epic work of raw truth, fierce love, and spiritual teaching as muscular as the fractured soul of this century demands. From her abiding Oklahoma roots to her historic leadership of a legendary New York seminary, her story illuminates the deep fault lines of this age--and points beyond them. With a voice that is at once frank and poetic, humble and prophetic, intimate and practical, Jones makes complex teachings around hatred, forgiveness, mercy, justice, death, sin, and grace understandable and immediately applicable for modern people. Excavating the wisdom of great theological voices--Soren Kierkegaard, Reinhold Niebuhr, John Calvin, James Baldwin, James Cone, Luce Irigaray, Saint Teresa of Avila--she brings them to life with an intimacy and vividness that illumines our lives and our culture now. At the same time, and with great beauty, Call It Grace reveals Serene Jones as a towering voice of a new, and urgently necessary, public theology for this century.




Habits of Grace


Book Description

The Christian life is built on three seemingly unremarkable practices: reading the Bible, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. However, according to David Mathis, such “habits of grace” are the God-designed channels through which his glorious grace flows—making them life-giving practices for all Christians. Whether it’s hearing God’s voice (the Word), having his ear (prayer), or participating in his body (fellowship), such spiritual rhythms of the Christian life have the power to awaken our souls to God’s glory and stir our hearts for lifelong service in his name. What’s more, these seemingly simple practices grant us access to a host of spiritual blessings that we can only begin to imagine this side of eternity—and the incredible joy that such blessings bring to God’s children today.




Truth and Grace Memory Book


Book Description

Geared towards toddlers through fourth graders, this resource presents a solid plan for Scripture memory through exposure to great hymns and catechetical instruction.