Download or read book Called to Be Church written by Anthony B. Robinson and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. This book was released on 2006-02-15 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biblical scholar Robert Wall and pastoral leader Anthony Robinson here join forces to bring the Acts of the Apostles forward to our time as a resource for congregational renewal and transformation.Featuring both careful exegetical study and exciting contemporary exposition, the fifteen chapters of Called to Be Church each first interpret the text of Acts as Scripture and then engage Acts for today's church. The book dives into many of the most vexing issues faced by the church then and now -- such issues as conflict resolution, pluralism and multiculturalism, sexuality, money, church and state, the role of the Holy Spirit, and more.Enhanced by study questions at the end of each chapter, Called to Be Church will lend itself especially well to small-group study within congregations. Pastors, lay readers, students, and ordinary believers alike will find the book helpful and inspiring.

Download or read book A Church Called Tov written by Scot McKnight and published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. This book was released on 2020-10-06 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Scot and Laura do an amazing job of teaching us what a good church looks like.” —Beth Moore What is the way forward for the church? Tragically, in recent years, Christians have gotten used to revelations of abuses of many kinds in our most respected churches—from Willow Creek to Harvest, from Southern Baptist pastors to Sovereign Grace churches. Respected author and theologian Scot McKnight and former Willow Creek member Laura Barringer wrote this book to paint a pathway forward for the church. We need a better way. The sad truth is that churches of all shapes and sizes are susceptible to abuses of power, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse. Abuses occur most frequently when Christians neglect to create a culture that resists abuse and promotes healing, safety, and spiritual growth. How do we keep these devastating events from repeating themselves? We need a map to get us from where we are today to where we ought to be as the body of Christ. That map is in a mysterious and beautiful little Hebrew word in Scripture that we translate “good,” the word tov. In this book, McKnight and Barringer explore the concept of tov—unpacking its richness and how it can help Christians and churches rise up to fulfill their true calling as imitators of Jesus.

Download or read book The Church Awakening written by Charles R. Swindoll and published by Hachette UK. This book was released on 2010-09-08 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In THE CHURCH AWAKENING, Charles Swindoll discusses the challenges, struggles, and priorities of the church in the twenty-first century. He reveals the problems inherent in the entertainment-based postmodern church and shows how a return to biblical teaching will restore its strength and impact. Now being replaced by a feel-good message instead of what Christians need to know to stand strong in a world that's lost its way--Swindoll exposes the problems of--and solutions for--the postmodern evangelical church. Just as he opened readers' eyes with his bold statements in The Grace Awakening, now he offers a straightforward volume revealing how to reestablish a life-altering church with Christ as Lord and Master. Illuminating and empowering, THE CHURCH AWAKENING will ignite a revolution in the way Christians "do church" for years to come.

Download or read book Church of Cowards written by Matt Walsh and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2020-02-25 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What Would You Surrender for God? Christians in the Middle East, in much of Asia, and in Africa are still being martyred for the faith, but how many American Christians are willing to lay down their smartphones, let alone their lives, for the faith? Being a Christian in America doesn’t require much these days. Suburban megachurches are more like entertainment venues than places to worship God. The lives that American “Christians” lead aren’t much different from those of their atheist neighbors, and their knowledge of theology isn’t much better either. Matt Walsh of The Daily Wire exposes the pitiful state of Christianity in America today, lays out the stakes for us, our families, and our eternal salvation, and invites us to a faith that’s a lot less easy and comfortable—but that’s more real and actually worth something. The spiritual junk food we’re stuffing ourselves with is never going to satisfy. As St. Augustine said over a millennium ago, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him. Only God Himself can make our lives anything but ultimately meaningless and empty. And we will never get anywhere near Him if we refuse to take up our cross and follow Jesus. This rousing call to the real adventure of a living faith is a wake-up call to complacent Christians and a rallying cry for anyone dissatisfied with a lukewarm faith.

Download or read book Christ s Call to Reform the Church written by John MacArthur and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2018-10-09 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What does the church need to hear today? As many have said, the church must always be reforming. It must continually move closer to a truer, more faithful expression of the gospel. The risen Christ’s powerful letters to the seven churches in Revelation are a guide to just that. Based on John MacArthur’s exposition of these letters, Christ’s Call to Reform the Church is a plea to the modern church to heed these divine warnings, to reform before it succumbs to the kinds of compromise and error that invite God’s judgment. Christ’s Call to Reform the Church admonishes the church today to learn from the mistakes God’s people have made in the past, rather than commit them again. The Word of God has many benefits, one of which is that it reveals our blind spots. That's what this book does—it shines a light on problems we didn't know we had. May it be embraced by Christians everywhere, spurring them toward the God-honoring, grace-driven work of continued reformation.

Download or read book Called to Stay written by Caleb Breakey and published by Harvest House Publishers. This book was released on 2013-10-01 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Will You Stay? Caleb Breakey prays to God you do. In Called to Stay Breakey takes a refreshingly honest look at the church, the problem of Millennials leaving, and the stark reality of why the church desperately needs them. He holds nothing back as he unleashes an ambitious rallying cry to heal the church and inject his generation’s desire for truth, passion, and conviction into other believers. Caleb knows that answering the challenge of his own generation leads to a transformed church. And a changed church can change the world.

Download or read book Called to Communion written by Joseph Ratzinger and published by Ignatius Press. This book was released on 2010-10-21 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a book of wisdom and insight that explains how providential are the trials through which the Catholic Church is now passing. The need of the Papal Primacy to ensure Christian unity; the true meaning of the Priesthood as a sacrament and not a mere ministry; the necessity of the Eucharist as the Sacrifice of the Savior now offering Himself on our altars; the role of the Bishops as successors of the Apostles, united with the successor of St. Peter, the Bishop of Rome; the value of suffering in union with Christ crucified; the indispensable service of the laity in the apostolate - all these themes receive from Cardinal Ratzinger new clarity and depth. Learn more about Pope Benedict! Visit the

Download or read book Woke Church written by Eric Mason and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2018-10-02 with total page 206 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Between the Christianity of this land, and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference.” –Frederick Douglass, 1845 The prophets of old were not easy to listen to because they did not flatter. They did not cajole. They spoke hard words that often chafed and unsettled their listeners. Like the Old Testament prophets, and more recent prophetic voices like Frederick Douglass, Dr. Eric Mason calls the evangelical church to a much-needed reckoning. In a time when many feel confused, complacent, or even angry, he challenges the church to: Be Aware – to understand that the issue of justice is not a black issue, it’s a kingdom issue. To learn how the history of racism in America and in the church has tainted our witness to a watching world. Be Redemptive – to grieve and lament what we have lost and to regain our prophetic voice, calling the church to remember our gospel imperative to promote justice and mercy. Be Active – to move beyond polite, safe conversations about reconciliation and begin to set things aright for our soon-coming King, who will be looking for a WOKE CHURCH.

Download or read book Jesus Called He Wants His Church Back written by Ray Johnston and published by Thomas Nelson. This book was released on 2016-03-01 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As early as 50 AD, Christians had gotten away from knowing who Jesus really is. Our generation is no different. In every decade we, as Americans, lost something important that we couldn't afford to lose: In the 1950's, we lost innocence In the 1960's, we lost respect for authority In the 1970's, we lost love In the 1980's, we lost values In the 1990's, we lost faith In the 2000's, we lost security In the 2010's, we lost hope in the future What can restore what we've lost? Only Jesus. Jesus gave us His name, His friendship, and a commission to accept responsibility for ourselves and for the world. When introduced to His wordsandways we'll rediscover the Jesus who: Wants His enemies won over, not wiped out Wants you to stop playing it safe Believed great things were possible no matter what things are like right now Was full of grace and truth Unleashed compassion Believed no one was too far from God to return to Him Came to seek and to save that which was lost Loves the church Pastor Ray Johnston shares the Jesus of the Bible and how we can be Christians without being jerks. He reveals how the radical message of the gospel calls us to love and serve not only our neighbors but our enemies as well. That’s the Jesus the American Church has missed and needs to meet. Jesus' mission is clear—risk everything in order to take care of people, starting in our home, neighborhoods, cities, and those in need around the world. That's the Jesus the American Church has missed and needs to meet.

Download or read book Church of the Wild written by Victoria Loorz and published by Broadleaf Books . This book was released on 2021-10-05 with total page 262 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 2024 Nautilus Book Awards Silver Winner in "Religion / Spirituality of Western Thought" CategoryWinner of the Living Now Book Award, Church of the Wild reminds us that once upon a time, humans lived in an intimate relationship with nature. Whether disillusioned by the dominant church or unfulfilled by traditional expressions of faith, many of us long for a deeper spirituality. Victoria Loorz certainly did. Coping with an unraveling vocation, identity, and planet, Loorz turned to the wanderings of spiritual leaders and the sanctuary of the natural world, eventually cofounding the Wild Church Network and Seminary of the Wild. With an ecospiritual lens on biblical narratives and a fresh look at a community larger than our own species, Church of the Wild uncovers the wild roots of faith and helps us deepen our commitment to a suffering earth by falling in love with it--and calling it church. Through mystical encounters with wild deer, whispers from a scrubby oak tree, wordless conversation with a cougar, and more, Loorz helps us connect to a love that literally holds the world together--a love that calls us into communion with all creatures.

Download or read book Reclaiming Church written by J.J. Warren and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2020-02-04 with total page 93 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Reclaiming Church, J.J. Warren continues his call to reaffirm the Church be welcoming to all, including young people like those he led at Sarah Lawrence College who “didn’t know God could love them because their churches said God didn’t.” The book addresses three points of importance to young people looking to be part of a church community, and a call: 1. The identity and nature of God 2. The role of Scripture in discerning God’s call 3. The author’s own experience of God, church, and identity In the final chapter, “We Are the Church,” Warren focuses on practical and positive steps for joining voices, being heard, building bridges, and working together for young people to reclaim Church in their lives. Key Features • Affirms to the LGBTQ community and those who love them that the Church is for all. • Inspires younger progressive people to stay within the Church and work to renew the call of ministry. • Explores the Church’s beginnings and emphasis on community. • Calls readers to focus on practical and positive steps to reclaim Church in their lives.

Download or read book The Call written by Cletus L. Hull III and published by Word Association Publishers. This book was released on 2019-04-04 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Join me in an adventure of moving a local church in western Pennsylvania from the traditional 1950’s style to a 21st century missions-minded contemporary congregation. In The Call you’ll find insights into the challenges of leading a church into uncharted waters, through the biblical teaching of effective evangelism and discipleship. Discover how the Bible, vision, creativity, teamwork, and more, relate to today’s postmodern churches. You are invited to share in the surprising love of God found just a few miles northeast of the city of Pittsburgh PA. The Call will encourage your congregation, regardless of your size. The Call encourages us to build a church on the foundation of scripture and address her specific needs. With resolve and perseverance, we can minister successfully to REACH, TOUCH, and BLESS our spheres of influence for Christ!

Download or read book 9 Common Lies Christians Believe written by Shane Pruitt and published by Multnomah. This book was released on 2019-02-19 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Maybe God isn't who you think He is. Maybe He's much better. Pastor and speaker Shane Pruitt guides readers in identifying the Christian cliches we've all heard that are actually unbiblical lies. He then counters with the truths about God as presented in the Bible, truths that bring encouragement and freedom for our lives. God won't give you more than you can handle. Really? Pastor and speaker Shane Pruitt shines a light on this and other Christian cliches that upon further inspection are actually unbiblical lies that keep far too many believers stuck in spiritual immaturity.

Download or read book Biblical Eldership written by Alexander Strauch and published by . This book was released on 2000-10-01 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Alexander Stauch was not satisfied that the church was following God's plan for leadership. His intense study and search of the scriptures resulted in this fantastic Biblical view of leadership God's way. You and your leadership will greatly benefit from studying this book.

Download or read book Outgrowing the Ingrown Church written by C. John Miller and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 1986 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a book for pacesetters -- church leaders who desire to help their churches break free of the things that turn them in on themselves. It is a masterly mix of biblical principle, objective analysis, and personal experience.

Download or read book Hearing the Call written by Nicholas Wolterstorff and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. This book was released on 2011-01-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is the Word of the Lord for a world of injustice? What does it mean to hear the cries of the oppressed? What does liturgy have to do with justice? These questions have been at the heart of Nicholas Wolterstorff s work for over forty years. In this collection of essays, he brings together personal, historical, theological, and contemporary perspectives to issue a passionate call to work for justice and peace. An essential complement to his now classic Until Justice and Peace Embrace, the forthcoming Love and Justice, and Justice, this book makes clear why Wolterstorff is one of the church s most incisive and compelling voices. Between the Times invites us not simply into new ways of thinking, but a transformational way of life.

Download or read book Booty Call in the Church written by Carolyn Denise and published by Xulon Press. This book was released on 2007-05 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: BOOTY CALL IN THE CHURCH Carolyn Denise Pastors, Deacons, Choir members, and members all fall prey or are themselves the culprit to the growing number of sexually active Single or adultery committing Christians. "I would love to see you in a bathing suit." The married pastor said to the church member. "Will you be my booty partner?" The deacon asked. This book goes into great detail as it dares to talk about what no one wants to talk about but all know is happening in our churches today, Booty Calls! Carolyn Denise, author of A Mother's Tongue.Overcoming Verbal Abuse. is use to dealing with tough controversial issues. The once homeless Carolyn now a published author, public speaker, college grad and home owner, can be reached at NyLoRac Enterprises Inc. PO Box 608355, Orlando, FL 32860-8355 phone number 321-251-4915 You can also contact Carolyn Denise at www.goodnewsfromthehood.com or email her at [email protected]