From Inspiration to Understanding


Book Description

The way in which we read the Bible grows out of what we believe the Bible to be. Thus it is impossible to discuss methods of interpretation without considering our view of inspiration, the gathering of the canon, and even the reception of the Bible by the community of faith. And so, Edward W. H. Vick starts this comprehensive discussion of hermeneutics—the interpretation of Scripture—by looking at what the Bible is, and what empowers its authority. He brings a lifetime of experience, teaching and writing to the task. In this examination, he takes up such diverse topics as inspiration, canonization, authority, infallibility, inerrancy, verbal inspiration, sola scriptura, tradition, myth, and many related topics. Dr. Vick always relates these elements to the overarching questions: How shall we read Scripture? How shall we understand it? How does it impact the way we live and act? There are many books on how to read the Bible, but there are few that will offer this comprehensive and systematic study. If you apply the principles you find here to your own study, you will find the scriptures opening up in new ways. Dr. Vick will help you move beyond the assumptions that often stand in the way of our personal Bible study and see the remarkable variety and power that is mediated through this book we call the Bible.




God's Promise of Victory


Book Description

Love. What was created to be so beautiful that words for centuries have been unable to encompass its many facets, has now become for many a twisted and painful symbol for many who have suffered abuse of any kind. And yet in spite of that pain, we continue to seek love's beauty once again. This book is written by one who has passed through the flames of abuse, shame, guilt, and confusion. Only by God's grace has she come out on the other side in victory. She was given the courage to look at her pain, identify, forgive, and live again as someone new and ready to live again. Within these pages may you also find hope, courage, and healing as you take those first steps toward your own victory. May you glean some wisdom that will give you strength for today as you follow the author's own steps through the process of revelation. May you also find daily, practical new habits of thinking and living in real love for yourself and others.




The Space Between


Book Description

Should your faith and your spirituality be a matter of simply private concern, or should they connect to social action? This book explores the disconnect between social and religious progressivism. The author maintains that both social and religious notes are essential for those who want to further a progressive agenda that creates equity and compassion, restores the dignity of all people, and ensures the full participation of all in common life, common wealth, and the common good. The Space Between builds bridges across the space between these elements, both between social and religious belief, but also between contemplative action and active contemplation. This book is an vigorous and unashamed call for social action, but specifically a social action that grows from contemplation, but also for the balance and strength that comes from resting and waiting.




Process and Ministry


Book Description

Get ready for another adventure in process theology. Theology can transform your ministry and process theology provides a spiritual GPS to help us navigate the complexities of twenty-first century ministry and congregational life. Process theology reminds us that the physical, geographical, and spiritual limitations we experience are the womb of possibilities. In the concreteness of our ministries, we discover God’s vision for ourselves and our congregations. This text invites us to claim our pastoral role as shamans of the spirit, wise preachers, healing companions, and prophetic witnesses. Written by an experienced theologian, pastor, and spiritual guide, this brief text provides a flexible and open-ended vision for 21st century ministry in our postmodern, pluralistic, and post-Christian world.




I Pledge Allegiance


Book Description

What does it really mean for Christians to live as faithful kingdom citizens in today’s world? Bitter partisan conflict. State-sanctioned torture. Economic injustice. Ethical corruption. Even a cursory glance over daily news headlines shows a stark contrast between the American political state and the kingdom of heaven. Where, then, does the Christian’s ultimate allegiance lie? In I Pledge Allegiance David Crump issues a clarion call to Jesus’s twenty-first-century disciples, stirring them up to heed God's word and live out their kingdom citizenship here on earth. Closely examining the ethical teachings of Jesus and his apostles in the New Testament and using real-world examples to illustrate the vital issues at stake, Crump challenges Christians to embrace the radical, counterintuitive, upside-down way of Jesus—a way of living and thinking that turns the world’s values on their head, smashes through stale political and cultural conventions, and welcomes God’s kingdom into the very heart of our shared society.




The Letters of John


Book Description

What do the letters of John, tucked away near the end of the New Testament, tell us other than that we ought to love one another? That's a good message but can we put some muscle into it? With the help of Dr. Robert D. Cornwall and his new study guide on the Letters of John in the Participatory Study Series, we certainly can Cornwall guides us through a historical, theological and practical study of these three little letters, taking 1st century material, helping us understand it clearly, and applying it to our daily lives in the 21st century. Besides its value in studying these books, this guide provides a model for a successful small group or individual study of any Bible passage. Each lesson includes readings, questions, exercises, and a suggested prayer in closing helping to bring the application home. This study is useful for individuals and small groups, but can also be valuable in planning a sermon series.




Out of the Office


Book Description

Theology is often seen as a discussion of dry doctrines, suitable mostly for academic institutions, but separated from the practice of faith. In this third volume of the Academy of Parish Clergy's Conversations in Ministry series Dr. Bob Cornwall, church historian, theologian, and pastor, shows the ways in which one's theology shapes one's ministry in the church and in the world. Besides discussing the theological roots of ministry and mission, this book is firmly placed in the 21st century, looking at the virtual world as our parish as well as more traditional connections. Practical. Systematic. Spiritual. Down-to earth. If you are looking for a way to put more life, focus, and meaning into your ministry as a pastor or church leader, this is the book for you.




Tending the Tree of Life


Book Description

There is nothing quite so valuable as a book that is rooted in difficult and real personal experience, constructed with sound theological thinking, and applied in a practical manner. That combination is rare, but Richard Voelz manages it in this book. Often those who are in ministry, in positions of leadership in the church, fail to respond to needs, or seem insensitive to them, simply because they have no idea what to say and what to do. We have celebrations and commemorations in the church for traditional holy days and for major transitions of life, and we ought to do this. But what takes the theology celebrated, taught, and lived on days like Christmas, Good Friday, or Easter and applies them to daily hardships experienced by members of the community? If we are to be an effective community, serving as an extended family for one another, we cannot limit ourselves to talking about, celebrating, or even mourning just the expected things. We need to be able to connect with people who are mourning for any sort of loss. In this book, you will learn how to reach out to people who are dealing with issues of reproductive loss in a way that can bring healing to individuals and to the community. It will speak strongly to pastors, but should also be helpful to church leaders, especially those in small groups. It will help build understanding and lay the groundwork for making these events of life a part of our continuing concern and our plan to bring wholeness and healing to our churches and to the world.




Jesus Is with Me


Book Description

Do your young people need encouragement? This study on Moses and Joseph demonstrates how God is with us, even in the worst situations! Since “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), He has the same answers for us as He did for Bible heroes. Jesus Is with Me is a Bible study guide for youth-group leaders and teens highlighting the major themes of Bible passages. A companion to Gospel Light’s five-session SonWest Roundup VBS Program for children, it can also be used as a stand-alone 12-week Bible study. Background commentary, small-group guides, a leader’s guide, reproducible handouts and more help point to Jesus in every Bible passage.




Third Way Allegiance


Book Description

Both the United States and the church demand total allegiance. As York addresses various topics, he shows how easy it is to confuse our allegiance to the church with our allegiance to the state. Ultimately York wishes to be provocative in attempting to rouse Christians out of their tendency to make an idol of the sacred rituals that constitute their nation.