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This popular history of ancient religions is “a wonderfully illuminating, prodigious tour de force of ecclesiastical anthropology” ( Kirkus Reviews , starred review). At the time of Jesus’ birth, the world was full of gods. Thousands of them jostled, competed and merged with one another. Rulers and ruled turned to religion as a source of order and stability. To explore the power that religious belief has had over societies through the ages, Selina O’Grady takes the reader on a dazzling journey across the empires of the ancient world. Throughout, she seeks to answer why, amongst the countless religious options available, the empires at the time of Jesus ‘chose’ the religions they did? Why did China’s rulers hitch their fate to Confucianism, a philosophy more than a religion? And why was a tiny Jewish cult led by Jesus eventually adopted by Rome’s emperors rather than the cult of Isis which was far more popular and widespread? The Jesus cult , followed by no more than 100 people at the time of his death, should have disappeared in a few generations. Instead it became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Why did Christianity grow so quickly to become the predominant world religion? And Man Created God looks at why and how religions have had such an immense impact on human history and in doing so uncovers the connection between politics and religion—a connection which still defines us in our own age. This is an important, thrilling and necessary new work of history. “A gifted storyteller. . . . accessibly, engagingly, and vividly evokes the sights, sounds, smells, and colors of much of the ancient world.” — Booklist |
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How can the people of God develop churches in ways that help and don't hurt poor neighborhoods? In urban ministry, Christians too often treat the poor as goodwill projects instead of people. Because of this mindset, many remain unchurched. Healthy, local, urban churches are needed because they combine personal empowerment and community transformation. Every poor neighborhood needs uncommon churches that will seek the common good of their communities. Alvin Sanders engages hard truths about these neighborhoods and provides a model for how to do ministry in difficult conditions. The local, urban church is the key to community transformation, as it plays three crucial roles of empowering, partnering, and reaching. Pastors and church planters interested in Christian community development will find here practical insights into the power of the local church, which is often underrated. Churches can serve their communities and improve the quality of life of every facet of the neighborhood. |
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An essential collection of Books 1, 2 and 3 in the Conversations with God series   This powerful and engaging volume collects the first and bestselling three books in Neale Donald Walsch's beloved Conversations with God series, complete with a foreword by the author.   Offering a fresh perspective for spiritual seekers, Walsch’s books have inspired millions of readers around the world, introducing a compassionate, accessible God and deceptively simple truths that have the power to change lives forever. Whether you consider yourself religious, spiritual, or simply open to life’s most profound questions, this uplifting volume will offer inspiration, solace, and a pathway toward truth and deeper understanding. |
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Explanations of nearly 1,000 ancient idioms, metaphors, and figures of speech in the Old and New Testaments, from a renowned Bible translator. George M. Lamsa, who was raised speaking Aramaic in a community that followed customs largely unchanged since the times of Christ, offers accurate translations of important idioms, metaphors, and figures of speech found in the Scripture—and provides clear explanations of their meaning in biblical context. Just as Shakespeare, Milton, and Browning wrote in the vernacular for English-speaking people, Moses, the prophets, and the apostles wrote for their own people in the plain language of their times, so that even the unlearned might understand God’s Word. Over the centuries, inaccurate translations and misunderstandings of customs and concepts have led to difficulties in bringing the biblical message to contemporary English-speaking readers. For example, when a man says to Jesus, “let me bury my father,” Lamsa points out that this expression means, “Let me first take care of my father until he dies.” Traditionally, scholars assumed that this man’s father was dead and that Jesus was not interested in his burial. Lamsa's scholarship offers a more accurate understanding of the intent and spirit of this passage. Idioms in the Bible Explained and a Key to the Original Gospels  goes far in correcting such errors that have crept into Biblical scholarship. Obscure and difficult passages from both Old and New Testaments are listed and compared with the King James version (though it will be helpful when used with any English version). These make clear the original meaning of such ancient idioms and assure that our grasp of the biblical message is more sound and rewarding. To further uncover the original teachings of Scripture, Lamsa discusses at greater length such topics as “The Language of Jesus,” “Aramaic Phraseology,” “The Sayings of Jesus,” “Early Translations,” and more. |
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With poetry and clarity, Thich Nhat Hanh imparts comforting wisdom about the nature of suffering and its role in creating compassion, love, and joy – all qualities of enlightenment.  “Thich Nhat Hanh shows us the connection between personal, inner peace, and peace on earth.” —His Holiness the Dalai Lama In The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching , now revised with added material and new insights, Nhat Hanh introduces us to the core teachings of Buddhism and shows us that the Buddha’s teachings are accessible and applicable to our daily lives. Covering such significant teachings as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Three Doors of Liberation, the Three Dharma Seals, and the Seven Factors of Awakening, The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching is a radiant beacon on Buddhist thought for the initiated and uninitiated alike. |
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In a world of competing voices about what church is all about, Gene Getz, with the wisdom God has granted him over decades of ministry, provides a solidly grounded and thoroughly biblical approach to how God assesses the strength, health, and maturity of a local church.  Previously titled The Measure of a Church . He addresses... -The definition of the church -The standard of measure by which the church should be defined (Is it centered on Christ?  Does it display the fruit of the Spirit?  Is it growing in its ability to display faith, hope, and love?) -How does one measure leadership? -How does one measure worship? -What is the one, ultimate standard the church is measured by? |
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We often try to do a lot for God--without him. Relaxed is a call to let go of spiritual performance, reject our cultural tendency to live under pressure, and find freedom to walk with God and toward God, one gentle step at a time. Jesus was never in a hurry to be anywhere other than where he was, trusting and obeying his Father. Could the same be said of us? We long to know peace, purpose, and contentment, but life's stresses, the world's discouragements, and our own striving for growth get in the way. In Relaxed, pastor and teacher Megan Fate Marshman explores what it means to set aside our addiction to trying to figure everything out and relish a slower, compelling, powerful, and relaxed life with God. As Megan takes us word by word through Proverbs 3:5-6, she helps us discover: The joy of a continual, intimate relationship with GodWhat God calls us to do with the burden of shame and guiltWhat it looks like to be relaxed in the midst of grief, financial stress, mistakes, and fatigueThe freedom and forgiveness of being found "in Christ"How to incorporate rhythms of walking with God into our everyday routines God never intended for us to be in control. As we lean away from our own understanding and into an intentionally relaxed spiritual life, we join Jesus in trusting a God who knows what he is doing--and isn't worried about a thing. |
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"This book is a must-read." —John Burke, New York Times Best-Selling Author “Her own Journey to Faith and Belief in Itself is compelling and beautiful.” —Jim Woodford, Author of Heaven an Unexpected Journey Millions of people experience miracles every year, yet we rarely hear about them. Could these miraculous events be proof of a divine presence among us? Drawing from her experience as a Certified Nurse Anesthetist of over a decade, Julie Hedenborg shares 32 testimonies of miracles, healings, and near-death experiences. These astonishing accounts, personally compiled by Julie, reveal incredible miracles through the voices of those who experienced them. As proof that these miracles still occur every day, Julie shares her key testimonies that showcase the miracle-working power of God and are designed to strengthen your faith. You will discover real testimonies as: Jesus Shows a Man the Crucifixion Brain-Dead for 11 Hours, a Man Experiences Heaven The Resurrection of a Child after Eight Hours of Not Breathing A Police Officer Is Healed after 10 Years of Paralysis A Man Is Taken Up into a Tornado and Survives Jesus Appears and Heals a Man’s Terminal Cancer And many more extraordinary accounts. “This book is an inspiring reminder that God still performs miracles, signs, and wonders today!” —Dr. Michelle Bengtson, Board-Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist “Your faith will be uplifted…” —Shaun Tabatt, Author & Podcast Host |
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Equip young readers with the tools they need to defend life’s most important battlefield—their mind—with this powerful resource from New York Times bestselling author and renowned Bible teacher Joyce Meyer.  In this young readers' edition of her bestselling book, Joyce Meyer helps kids navigate through the complex world of the mind, providing easy-to-understand insights and valuable tools on topics such as recognizing and understanding thoughts and feelings, and training our minds to dwell on all the goodness God has planned for us.    Each chapter tackles a specific topic with these helpful sections:     ·Introduction with supporting Bible verses    ·Relatable stories that apply the topic to everyday life    ·Quick activities for kids to engage in    ·Powerful memory verses    ·A sample prayer that shows how to bring concerns to God  A powerful look at protecting what matters most, this book is a valuable addition to any young believer’s library. |
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Accurate. Beautiful. Trusted. Renowned for its beautiful balance of scholarship and readability, the NRSV faithfully serves the Church in personal spiritual formation and in the academy. The foremost Bible translation vetted by Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, and Jewish scholars invites you to deeply explore Scripture. This edition bears the imprimatur of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and includes the 73 books of the Roman Catholic Canon in an anglicized text. Features: The text of the New Revised Standard Version (Catholic Canon), vetted by an ecumenical pool of Christian academics and renowned for its beautiful balance of scholarship and readabilityImprimatur of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Canadian Conference of Catholic BishopsAnglicized textIntroductory materials for every book of the BibleA timeline of Church and world historyConcordance for finding key versesSixteen-page map section |
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Over 1 million copies sold What every church will always need The need for talented, vigorous leaders in the church cannot be overemphasized. Such times demand active service of men and women who are guided by and devoted to Jesus Christ. With more than 1 million copies sold, Spiritual Leadership stands as a proven classic for developing such leadership. J. Oswald Sanders, a Christian leader for nearly seventy years and author of more than forty books, presents the key principles of leadership in both the temporal and spiritual realms. He illustrates his points with examples from Scripture and biographies of eminent men of God, such as Moses, Nehemiah, the apostle Paul, David Livingstone, Charles Spurgeon, and others. Featured topics include: • The cost of leadership • The responsibility of leadership • Tests of leadership • The qualities and criteria of leadership • The art of reproducing leaders • The one indispensable requirement of leadership Sanders holds that even natural leadership qualities are God-given, and their true effectiveness can only be reached when they are used to the glory of God. Let this classic be your guide for leadership, and watch how God works through you to do great things for His glory. |
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Th is gripping New York Times bestseller tells the true story of a Hamas insider who rejected his violent destiny and pursued peace . . . at the risk of everything. Since he was a small boy, Mosab Hassan Yousef has had an inside view of the deadly terrorist group Hamas and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The oldest son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founding member of Hamas and its most popular leader, young Mosab assisted his father for years in his political activities while being groomed to assume his legacy, politics, status . . . and power. But everything changed when Mosab turned away from terror and violence and embarked on a spiritual journey, embracing instead the teachings of another famous Middle East leader. Son of Hamas contains: • new information about the world’s most dangerous terrorist organization and unveils the truth about Mosab’s own role • details of his agonizing separation from family and homeland • the dangerous decision to make his newfound faith public • his belief that the Christian mandate to “love your enemies” is the only way to peace in the Middle East Now available with a chapter about events since the book’s release such as the revelation of Mosab’s Israeli intelligence handler’s true identity, and Homeland Security’s effort to deport the author. |
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Neville Lancelot Goddard was born on 19 February 1905 in St. Michael, Barbados in the British West Indies, the fourth child in a family of nine boys and one girl. He came to the United States on board the S.S. Vasari to study drama at the age of seventeen (September 1922) and whilst touring with his dance company in England he developed an interest in metaphysics. On his return he gave up the entertainment industry to devote his full attention to the study of spiritual and mystical matters. Neville studied with a mentor, Abdullah, learning Hebrew, the Kabbalah, and the hidden symbolic meaning of Scripture. After travelling extensively throughout the United States, Neville eventually made his home in Los Angeles where, in the 1950s, he gave a series of talks on television and radio, and for many years lectured regularly to capacity audiences at the Wilshire Ebell Theater In the 1960s and early 1970s, he confined most of his lectures to Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. He discussed his doctrine, referred to as “The Law,” on television in the Los Angeles area, saying, “Learn how to use your imaginal power, lovingly, on behalf of others, for Man is moving into a world where everything is subject to his imaginal power.” Enjoy all 10 Neville Goddard Spiritual Classics plus the 1948 Class Lessons: 1. At Your Command 2. Your Faith Is Your Fortune 3. Freedom For All 4. Prayer, The Art of Believing 5. Out Of This World 6. Feeling is the Secret 7. The Power of Awareness 8. Awakened Imagination & The Search 9. Seedtime & Harvest 10. The Law and The Promise 11. 1948 Class Lessons |
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The Prophet by Kahlil Gibrán is a collection of poetic essays that address topics ranging from friendship and love to good and evil.  |
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With over a million copies sold, this classic work is essential reading for all who ask, “Where has my struggle led me?”   A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt’s  The Return of the Prodigal Son  catapulted Henri Nouwen on an unforgettable spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.   As Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting in light of his own life journey, he evokes a powerful drama of the classic parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as God loves, and to be loved as God’s beloved, will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and is here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times. |
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You have an enemy . . . and he’s dead set on destroying all you hold dear and keeping you from experiencing abundant life in Christ. What’s more, his approach to disrupting your life and discrediting your faith isn’t general or generic, not a one-size-fits-all. It’s specific. Personalized. Targeted.   So this book is your chance to strike back. With prayer. With a weapon that really works. Each chapter will guide you in crafting prayer strategies that hit the enemy where it hurts, letting him know you’re on to him and that you won’t back down. Because with every new strategy you build, you’re turning the fiercest battles of life into precise strikes against him and his handiwork, each one infused with the power of God’s Spirit.   New York Times bestselling author Priscilla Shirer, widely known for her international speaking, teaching, and writing ministries, brings her new role from the 2015 film War Room into the real lives of today’s women, addressing the topics that affect them most: renewing their passion , refocusing their identity , negotiating family strife, dealing with relentless regrets , navigating impossible schedules , succeeding against temptation , weathering their worst fears , uprooting bitterness , and more. Each chapter exposes the enemy’s cruel, crafty intentions in all kinds of these areas, then equips and encourages you to write out your own personalized prayer strategies on tear-out sheets you can post and pray over yourself and your loved ones on a regular basis.   Fervent is a hands-on, knees-down, don’t-give-up action guide to practical, purposeful praying. |
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Leadership guru John C. Maxwell and his friend Jim Dornan share their straightforward, effective way for making an impact on the world: make an impact on individual people. How? Through influence. How to Influence People will empower you on your journey to becoming a potent and positive influence in your relationships both great and small. By pouring your life into other people, which is Dr. Maxwell’s definition of “mentorship,” you can truly make a difference. And when you have a meaningful impact on the lives of those around you--from your children and coworkers to your customers and the barista at your favorite coffee shop--it makes a difference in your life too.You’ll learn to perceive the stages of influence in your relationships and skillfully navigate your progress--from perfect stranger, to helpful confidant, to inspiring mentor--until, ultimately, you attain the highest honor there is for an influencer: becoming a multiplier of other influencers. |
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Refresh your weary soul with living water from God's Word. Everyone goes through difficult seasons, tough losses, and moments that feel unbearable. In today's world, people thirst more than ever for reassurance and guidance. Streams in the Desert provides a river of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration to weary travelers. ABC's Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts reads Streams in the Desert every day. Roberts said, "It's my most prized possession…my family, each of us has a copy and we read it every morning…it just brings us closer together." In this edition, you'll find: 366 devotions that appeal to men and women of all agesMore Scripture, Subject, and Contributor IndicesA powerful collection of meditations, Christian writings, and ScripturePrecise NIV text to help believers embrace timeless messages of God's faithfulness Easy to read, yet true to the essence of the original, this Streams in the Desert offers a refreshing daily dip into God's purpose, plan, and enduring promise. |
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This complete and revised edition of " The King James Bible" was designed for optimal navigation on the iPad and other electronic devices. It has both book and chapter navigation links. In just a few clicks, you can be reading any verse in the Bible.  This format has Direct Verse Access which enables the reader to jump directly to the book/chaper/verse desired How to Use the Direct Verse Access:  All you need to do is type an abbreviated book name (see complete list of abbreviations), then period, then chapter number, period again, and then verse number and finally press “find” and you will be reading at that particular verse in seconds. For example, if you wish to select verse 15, chapter 5 of Genesis, you would: 1. Type the standard abbreviation for Genesis, which is “ ge ” then period , then number " 5 " and finally period then “ 15 ” in other words: ge.5.15 2. Click “ find ” twice and you are there. |
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Staying busy is easy. Staying well rested-now there's a challenge. How can you keep your energy, happiness, creativity, and relationships fresh and thriving in the midst of never-ending family demands, career pressures, and the stress of everyday life? In Sacred Rest , Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a board-certified internal medicine doctor, reveals why rest can no longer remain optional. Dr. Dalton-Smith shares seven types of rest she has found lacking in the lives of those she encounters in her clinical practice and research-physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, creative-and why a deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. Sacred Rest combines the science of rest, the spirituality of rest, the gifts of rest, and the resulting fruit of rest. It shows rest as something sacred, valuable, and worthy of our respect. By combining scientific research with personal stories, spiritual insight, and practical next steps, Sacred Rest gives the weary permission to embrace rest, set boundaries, and seek sanctuary without any guilt, shame, or fear. |
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In these days of danger, trouble, and evil, New York Times bestselling author Joseph Prince reveals how God's children can have round-the-clock protection through the power of prayer. The Prayer of Protection unveils the Bible's ultimate psalm of protection, Psalm 91, to help you understand more about how God guards His children. Joseph Prince offers simple keys and practical advice to finding and resting in the secret place of the Most High, where no evil can even come near you. You'll begin to live unafraid and with boldness as you allow the certainty of your heavenly Father's love and the sure promises of His Word to guard your heart against every fear. Come under the wings of the Almighty and live life divinely protected, positioned, and free from all fears with our covenant-keeping God! |
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Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life features the wisdom that spiritual leader and counselor Henri J. M. Nouwen brought to the essential question asked by every Christian and seeker: What should I do with my life?   Nouwen emphasizes listening to the Word of God—in our hearts, in the Bible, in the community of faith, and in the voice of the poor as a way to discern God’s plan.   Although the late Henri J. M. Nouwen counseled many people during his lifetime, his principles of discernment were never collected into a single volume. Now, in association with the Nouwen Legacy Trust, Michael Christensen—one of Nouwen’s longtime students—and Rebecca Laird have taken his coursework, journals, and unpublished writings to create this and other books in the series exploring God’s will for your life. |
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For every person who draws strength and direction from the Bible, there are many more who struggle with it. Some call it a long book with fine print and obscure meaning. Some call it a mystery, a chore to read, or an undecipherable puzzle. The good news is you can easily solve this problem. With over 300,000 sold, this revised and expanded edition of Living by the Book will remove the barriers that keep Scripture from transforming your life. In a simple, step-by-step fashion, the authors explain how to glean truth from Scripture. It is practical, readable, and applicable. By following its easy-to-apply principles, you'll soon find yourself drawing great nourishment from the Word—and enjoying the process! The Living by the Book Workbook is the perfect compliment to provide practical application of lessons. |
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This is an electronic edition of the complete book complemented by author biography. This book features the table of contents linked to every part and chapter. The book was designed for optimal navigation on the iPad, PDA, Smartphone, and other electronic readers. It is formatted to display on all electronic devices including the iPad, Smartphones and other Mobile Devices with a small display. |
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Our world yearns for how-to guides and the secret to a fulfilled life. However, no truth is man-made. The wisdom that God granted to King Solomon is the same wisdom that would benefit us today—if only we would seek it. The book of Proverbs offers principles to develop godly character daily. From the dangers of speaking without listening to the satisfaction inherent in fearing the Lord, author Warren Wiersbe will unpack the Scriptures in ways that will help you apply these spiritual truths. Having pastored three churches, Wiersbe is a man who has dedicated his life to a deep understanding of the Word. Allow the insight he's gained over the years to penetrate your heart. Soon, wisdom will be your companion, and folly your sworn enemy. |
