Download or read book A Bigger Table written by John Pavlovitz and published by Westminster John Knox Press. This book was released on 2017-09-22 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: No one likes to eat alone; to approach a table filled with people, only to be told that despite the open chairs there isn't room for you. The rejection stings. It leaves a mark. Yet this is exactly what the church has been saying to far too many people for far too long: “You're not welcome here. Find someplace else to sit.†How can we extend unconditional welcome and acceptance in a world increasingly marked by bigotry, fear, and exclusion? Pastor John Pavlovitz invites readers to join him on the journey to findâ€"or buildâ€"a church that is big enough for everyone. He speaks clearly into the heart of the issues the Christian community has been earnestly wrestling with: LGBT inclusion, gender equality, racial tensions, and global concerns. A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, Hopeful Spiritual Community asks if organized Christianity can find a new way of faithfully continuing the work Jesus began two thousand years ago, where everyone gets a seat. Pavlovitz shares moving personal stories and his careful observations as a pastor to set the table for a new, more loving conversation on these and other important matters of faith. He invites us to build the bigger table Jesus imagined, practicing radical hospitality, total authenticity, messy diversity, and agenda-free community.
Download or read book A Bigger Table Expanded Edition with Study Guide written by John Pavlovitz and published by Westminster John Knox Press. This book was released on 2020-10-20 with total page 233 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Bigger Table invites readers to envision a church that is big enough for everyone, by holding up a mirror to the modern church and speaking clearly on issues at the heart of the Christian community: LGBT inclusion, gender equality, racial tensions, global concerns, and theological shifts. John Pavlovitz shares moving personal stories, his careful observations as a pastor, and his understanding of the ancient stories of Jesus to set the table for a new, positive, more loving conversation on these and other important matters of faith. Though there are many who would remove chairs and whittle down the guest list, we can build the bigger table Jesus imagined, practicing radical hospitality, total authenticity, messy diversity, and agenda-free community. This new edition includes a small-group study guide complete with ideas for exploring A Bigger Table in a congregation-wide sermon series and program along with a new foreword by Jacqui Lewis and new afterword by the author to explore the challenges of living out the bigger table when voices of hate and exclusion seem stronger and louder than ever.
Download or read book If God Is Love Don t Be a Jerk written by John Pavlovitz and published by Westminster John Knox Press. This book was released on 2021-09-28 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thou Shalt Not Be Horrible. Imagine for a moment what the world might look like if we as people of faith, morality, and conscience actually aspired to this mantra. What if we were fully burdened to create a world that was more loving and equitable than when we arrived? What if we invited one another to share in wide-open, fearless, spiritual communities truly marked by compassion and interdependence? What if we daily challenged ourselves to live a faith that simply made us better humans? John Pavlovitz explores how we can embody this kinder kind of spirituality where we humbly examine our belief system to understand how it might compel us to act in less-than-loving ways toward others. This simple phrase, "Thou Shalt Not Be Horrible," could help us practice what we preach by creating a world where: spiritual community provides a sense of belonging where all people are received as we are; the most important question we ask of a religious belief is not Is it true? but rather, is it helpful? it is morally impossible to pledge complete allegiance to both Jesus and America simultaneously; the way we treat others is the most tangible and meaningful expression of our belief system. In If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk, John Pavlovitz examines the bedrock ideas of our religion: the existence of hell, the utility of prayer, the way we treat LGBTQ people, the value of anger, and other doctrines to help all of us take a good, honest look at how the beliefs we hold can shape our relationships with God and our fellow humans—and to make sure that love has the last, loudest word.
Download or read book Tactics Study Guide Updated and Expanded written by Gregory Koukl and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2020-08-18 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In a world increasingly indifferent to Christian truth, followers of Christ need to be equipped to communicate with those who do not speak their language or accept their source of authority. In this updated and expanded study guide, apologist and radio host Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to get in the driver's seat in discussions about faith, keeping any conversation moving with thoughtful, artful tact. Readers will learn how to maneuver comfortably and graciously through potential minefields, stop challengers in their tracks, turn the tables, and--most importantly--get people thinking about Jesus with conversations that look more like diplomacy than D-Day. Drawing on extensive experience defending Christianity in the public square, Koukl demonstrates how to: Initiate conversations effortlessly Present the truth clearly, cleverly, and persuasively Graciously and effectively expose faulty thinking Skillfully manage the details of dialogue Maintain an engaging, disarming style even under attack Designed to be used alongside the updated and expanded Tactics Video Study, this study guide provides a game plan for communicating the compelling truth about Christianity with confidence and grace.
Download or read book Dream Big Bible Study Guide written by Bob Goff and published by HarperChristian Resources. This book was released on 2020-06-09 with total page 113 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rediscover how to pursue your dreams, see beyond limitations, and find clarity in God's plan for your life. Once upon a time we had big dreams. But life became a maze of responsibilities, obligations, and expectations. Maybe we see that there's more to life and more to faith, but we're distracted by the next crisis or urgent diversion, and that stirring of purpose always seems out of reach. We still have dreams, but we're no longer in touch with them... This video Bible study (DVD/digital downloads sold separately) will help you understand that God has a plan for your life. Bestselling author Bob Goff provides a step-by-step road map to breaking through the barriers that are holding you back. Each of the five sessions explores a different aspect of what it means to dream big: Get Ready to Dream Big – Before he healed him, Jesus asked the blind man, "Do you want to get well?" You have to want to dream again before you can come to any clear idea about who you are. Set Absurd Expectations – Dreaming big requires you to suspend your practical way of seeing things long enough to look beyond logistics and limitations. Clear the Path – Discover new paths through places you previously assumed were impassable by looking at the reasons you think you can't pursue your dreams. Push Through Setbacks – Learn to push through your fear of another failure by exploring the story of Peter trying to walk on water. Land the Plane – Time to advance from ideas and get started by taking action with real steps. If anyone knows how to live life to the fullest, it's Bob Goff. He's already dazzled readers with his audacious, live-out-loud approach and stories told in Love Does and Everybody, Always. Yet as unique as Bob might seem, he had to make his own choice to dream big, and he wants to take you and your study group on this journey and help you rediscover the dreams God has for you and to turn them into reality. No matter where you are in life, it's not too late to dream big. Designed for use with the Dream Big Video Study available on DVD or streaming video, sold separately.
Download or read book After Evangelicalism written by David P. Gushee and published by Westminster John Knox Press. This book was released on 2020-08-25 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Named one of the Top 10 Books of the Year in 2020 by the Academy of Parish Clergy "Drawing on his own spiritual journey, David Gushee provides an incisive critique of American evangelicalism [and] offers a succinct yet deeply informed guide for post-evangelicals seeking to pursue Christ-honoring lives." —Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Calvin University Millions are getting lost in the evangelical maze: inerrancy, indifference to the environment, deterministic Calvinism, purity culture, racism, LGBTQ discrimination, male dominance, and Christian nationalism. They are now conscientious objectors, deconstructionists, perhaps even "none and done." As one of America's leading academics speaking to the issues of religion today, David Gushee offers a clear assessment and a new way forward for disillusioned post-evangelicals. Gushee starts by analyzing what went wrong with U.S. white evangelicalism in areas such as evangelical history and identity, biblicism, uncredible theologies, and the fundamentalist understandings of race, politics, and sexuality. Along the way, he proposes new ways of Christian believing and of listening to God and Jesus today. He helps post-evangelicals know how to belong and behave, going from where they are to a living relationship with Christ and an intellectually cogent and morally robust post-evangelical faith. He shows that they can have a principled way of understanding Scripture, a community of Christ's people, a healthy politics, and can repent and learn to listen to people on the margins. With a foreword from Brian McLaren, who says, “David Gushee is right: there is indeed life after evangelicalism,” this book offers an essential handbook for those looking for answers and affirmation of their journey into a future that is post-evangelical but still centered on Jesus. If you, too, are struggling, After Evangelicalism shows that it is possible to cut loose from evangelical Christianity and, more than that, it is necessary.
Download or read book The Case for Christ for Kids written by Lee Strobel and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2006 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tries to explain in plain terms who Jesus was according to the Bible, and suggests reasons why the Bible should be believed.
Download or read book Discerning the Voice of God written by Priscilla Shirer and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2012-01-01 with total page 221 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: OVER 350,000 COPIES SOLD! Do you feel that the ability to hear God's voice is for other people and not for you? Is it only for people who lived in Biblical times? Not at all! The God who loved you enough to die for you loves you enough to talk to you. And wherever you are in your spiritual walk, God will find a way to speak to you in a way you will understand. Become acquainted with the Voice that has spoken from a fire and a cloud, with visible signs and an invisible Spirit, through a burning bush and burning hearts. Hear from some of the most well known Christians in history about how God speaks to them, and discover for yourself how you can discern the voice of God. One of Priscilla’s bestselling titles, Discerning the Voice of God is now completely revised with updated content and reflection questions. Each section contains insights that will aid you in your desire to hear Him speak. Discover the treasure of recognizing how God keeps in touch with his beloved people.
Download or read book Discipleship Essentials written by Greg Ogden and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2019-01-15 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We grow in Christ as we seek him together. Jesus' own pattern of disciple-making was to be intimately involved with others. This expanded 25-session workbook by Greg Ogden, perfect for small groups or individuals, helps us influence others as Jesus did—by investing in a few. Working through it will deepen your knowledge of essential Christian teaching and strengthen your faith.
Download or read book Undivided written by Vicky Beeching and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2018-06-12 with total page 311 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Vicky Beeching, called “arguably the most influential Christian of her generation” in The Guardian, began writing songs for the church in her teens. By the time she reached her early thirties, Vicky was a household name in churches on both sides of the pond. Recording multiple albums and singing in America’s largest megachurches, her music was used weekly around the globe and translated into numerous languages. But this poster girl for evangelical Christianity lived with a debilitating inner battle: she was gay. The tens of thousands of traditional Christians she sang in front of were unanimous in their view – they staunchly opposed same-sex relationships and saw homosexuality as a grievous sin. Vicky knew if she ever spoke up about her identity it would cost her everything. Faced with a major health crisis, at the age of thirty-five she decided to tell the world that she was gay. As a result, all hell broke loose. She lost her music career and livelihood, faced threats and vitriol from traditionalists, developed further health issues from the immense stress, and had to rebuild her life almost from scratch. But despite losing so much she gained far more: she was finally able to live from a place of wholeness, vulnerability, and authenticity. She finally found peace. What’s more, Vicky became a champion for others, fighting for LGBT equality in the church and in the corporate sector. Her courageous work is creating change in the US and the UK, as she urges people to celebrate diversity, live authentically, and become undivided.
Download or read book Wait Is This Racist written by Kerry Connelly and published by Presbyterian Publishing Corp. This book was released on 2022-03-01 with total page 249 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A "Be-It-Yourself" Guide to Anti-racism for Churches and Church Leaders Whether you have been an ally for years or just recently opened your eyes to racial injustice, guiding your predominantly white church toward anti-racism is a daunting task. Where do you even begin? White churches especially feel an urgency to respond but at the same time suffer a sense of overwhelmingness and futility, as if no one action, sermon series, or service project will solve the problem of racism in America. And they're right. Instead, we must begin to look deeply at our organizations—our traditions, our ministries, our leadership, our ways of making decisions, our ways of interacting with the world beyond the church—to identify and address implicit biases and to discover how white pseudo-supremacy has been encoded into our way of "doing church." Wait—Is This Racist? is here to guide you and your church through this challenging and uncomfortable work. Intentionally interactive, practical, and biblically based, Wait—Is This Racist? guides church leaders and staff through an examination of all aspects of church life, including leadership, preaching and liturgy, music, small groups, buildings and grounds, and more, to help churches create an action plan that will take them toward not only becoming anti-racist but also actually doing anti-racist work. Offering educational tips, powerful stories, and insightful questions, anti-racism consultants Kerry, Bryana, and Josh will accompany you through this necessary work so that your church can truly become a justice-oriented organization that leans more fully into the kin-dom of God. Features: A clear audit of church operations and reasons why this work is so important Workbook-style questions at the end of each chapter A workable action plan for churches to implement what they have learned Tips, encouragement, and questions for BIPOC leaders in primarily white churches Helpful glossary of terms to aid general understanding
Download or read book Opening Your Heart written by Lisa Brenninkmeyer and published by . This book was released on 2015-06 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This introductory course has been designed for women who are brand new to Walking with Purpose as well as those with more experience in Bible study. The themes we'll explore are the timeless, foundational, core questions that people return to century after century. Delving into these topics will help fill holes in our spiritual foundations so that we have something firm to stand on when life gets shaky. A DVD series, Priorities complements the course. Immensely practical and encouraging, Opening Your Heart is the perfect starting point as you seek to grow closer to God.
Download or read book Understanding Your Potential written by Myles Munroe and published by Destiny Image Publishers. This book was released on 2011-07-28 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Understanding Your Potential is a motivating, provocative look at the awesome potential trapped within you, waiting to be realized. This book will cause you to be uncomfortable with your present state of accomplishment and dissatisfied with resting on your past success. It will turn your failure into motivation and mediocrity into excellence.
Download or read book Hope and Other Superpowers written by John Pavlovitz and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2018-11-06 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Overwhelmed by the news cycle and the state of affairs in our world? Pastor, blogger, and powerful voice in the Resistance, John Pavlovitz has the answer: this rousing and inspirational guide, drawing from lessons of our favorite superheroes, for how we can band together, live more heroically (and meaningfully), and save the world. It’s exhausting to give a damn these days, isn’t it? Perhaps you’re feeling anguished about what you see on the news or in your social media timeline, or by your personal circumstances, and are paralyzed waiting for political or religious leaders, or celebrities, to rescue us from it all. But what if you didn’t have to wait for someone else? What if you could be the hero? This book—a spirited call to action—shows you how. In these pages, John offers a path away from the vitriol and toward compassion, and a plan to transform our burdens into dreams and our outrage into activism. Drawing from lessons of beloved fictional superheroes, John shows us how to identify our origin story, build protective suits of armor, guard against our personal kryptonite, and vanquish our villains. He also identifies ten specific “superpowers” that we can enlist to make our lives and our world better. Along the way, he shares inspiring anecdotes and profiles about ordinary people who saw a gap in the world in empathy or kindness or gratitude and decided to fill it. Hope and Other Superpowers is an invitation to anyone hoping to be the kind of person the world so desperately needs—the kind who can save it. In other words: it’s an invitation to you.
Download or read book Hell s Best Kept Secret written by Ray Comfort and published by Whitaker House. This book was released on 2004-07-01 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How many souls have you won to Christ? How many are still walking with the Lord? All, some, a few? The facts are: Evangelical success is at an all-time low. We’re producing more backsliders than true converts. The fall-away rate—from large crusades to local churches—is between 80 to 90 percent. Why are so many unbelievers turning away from the message of the gospel? Doesn’t the Bible tell us how to bring sinners to true repentance? If so, where have we missed it? The answer may surprise you. One hundred years ago, Satan buried the crucial key needed to unlock the unbeliever’s heart. Now Ray Comfort boldly breaks away from modern tradition and calls for a return to biblical evangelism. If you’re experiencing evangelical frustration over lost souls, unrepentant sinners, and backslidden “believers,” then look no further. This radical approach could be the missing dimension needed to win our generation to Christ.
Download or read book Canoeing the Mountains written by Tod Bolsinger and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2018-04-24 with total page 278 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Do you ever feel that you are leading in uncharted territory? Pastor and consultant Tod Bolsinger draws on decades of expertise guiding churches and organizations in this expanded practical leadership resource, offering illuminating insights and practical tools to help you reimagine what effective church leadership looks like in our rapidly changing world.
Download or read book Don t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table Study Guide with DVD written by Louie Giglio and published by Thomas Nelson. This book was released on 2021-05-25 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this six-session video Bible study, author and pastor Louie Giglio draws on Psalm 23 to show how believers in Christ should never give the enemy a 'seat at the table' and let him into their lives.
