Download or read book Faithful Presence written by David E. Fitch and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2016-12-01 with total page 235 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Missio Alliance Essential Reading List of 2016 In our quest to renew the church, Christians have walked through seeker-friendly, emergent, missional, and other movements to develop new expressions of the body of Christ. Now in the post-Christian world in North America we're asking the question again: is there a way to be the church that engages the world, not by judgment nor accommodation but by becoming the good news in our culture? In Faithful Presence, noted pastor and scholar David Fitch offers a new vision for the witness of the church in the world. He argues that we have lost the intent and practice of the sacramental ways of the historic church, and he recovers seven disciplines that have been with us since the birth of the church. Through numerous examples and stories, he demonstrates how these revolutionary disciplines can help the church take shape in and among our neighborhoods, transform our way of life in the world, and advance the kingdom. This book will help you re-envision church, what you do in the name of church, and the way you lead a church. It recovers a future for the church that takes us beyond Christendom. Embrace the call to reimagine the church as the living embodiment of Christ, dwelling in and reflecting God's faithful presence to a world that desperately needs more of it.

Download or read book Faithful Presence written by Bill Haslam and published by Thomas Nelson. This book was released on 2021-05-25 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Two-term governor of Tennessee Bill Haslam reveals how faith--too often divisive and contentious--can be a redemptive and unifying presence in the public square. As a former mayor and governor, Bill Haslam has long been at the center of politics and policy on local, state, and federal levels. And he has consistently been guided by his faith, which influenced his actions on issues ranging from capital punishment to pardons, health care to abortion, welfare to free college tuition. Yet the place of faith in public life has been hotly debated since our nation's founding, and the relationship of church and state remains contentious to this day--and for good reason. Too often, Bill Haslam argues, Christians end up shaping their faith to fit their politics rather than forming their politics to their faith. They seem to forget their calling is to be used by God in service of others rather than to use God to reach their own desires and ends. Faithful Presence calls for a different way. Drawing upon his years of public service, Haslam casts a remarkable vision for the redemptive role of faith in politics while examining some of the most complex issues of our time, including: partisanship in our divided era; the most essential character trait for a public servant; how we cannot escape "legislating morality"; the answer to perpetual outrage; and how to think about the separation of church and state. For Christians ready to be salt and light, as well as for those of a different faith or no faith at all, Faithful Presence argues that faith can be a redemptive, healing presence in the public square--as it must be, if our nation is to flourish.

Download or read book To Change the World written by James Davison Hunter and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2010-04-14 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The call to make the world a better place is inherent in the Christian belief and practice. But why have efforts to change the world by Christians so often failed or gone tragically awry? And how might Christians in the 21st century live in ways that have integrity with their traditions and are more truly transformative? In To Change the World, James Davison Hunter offers persuasive--and provocative--answers to these questions. Hunter begins with a penetrating appraisal of the most popular models of world-changing among Christians today, highlighting the ways they are inherently flawed and therefore incapable of generating the change to which they aspire. Because change implies power, all Christian eventually embrace strategies of political engagement. Hunter offers a trenchant critique of the political theologies of the Christian Right and Left and the Neo-Anabaptists, taking on many respected leaders, from Charles Colson to Jim Wallis and Stanley Hauerwas. Hunter argues that all too often these political theologies worsen the very problems they are designed to solve. What is really needed is a different paradigm of Christian engagement with the world, one that Hunter calls "faithful presence"--an ideal of Christian practice that is not only individual but institutional; a model that plays out not only in all relationships but in our work and all spheres of social life. He offers real-life examples, large and small, of what can be accomplished through the practice of "faithful presence." Such practices will be more fruitful, Hunter argues, more exemplary, and more deeply transfiguring than any more overtly ambitious attempts can ever be. Written with keen insight, deep faith, and profound historical grasp, To Change the World will forever change the way Christians view and talk about their role in the modern world.

Download or read book Seven Practices for the Church on Mission written by David E. Fitch and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2018-03-06 with total page 149 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jesus gave his followers seven key practices: The Lord's Supper Reconciliation Proclaiming the gospel Being with the "least of these" Being with children Fivefold ministry gifting Kingdom prayer When we practice these disciplines, God becomes faithfully present to us, and we in turn become God's faithful presence to the world. Pastor and professor David Fitch shows how these seven practices can revolutionize the church's presence in our neighborhoods, transform our way of life in the world, and advance the kingdom. Our communities can be changed when they see us practicing our faith. Go and do.

Download or read book Finding God Faithful Bible Study Book written by Kelly Minter and published by Lifeway Church Resources. This book was released on 2019-08 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Trace the path of Joseph's life in the Book of Genesis to observe how God's sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments. Learn to recognize when God is working during periods of waiting, trust God's plan when life doesn't make sense, and rest in the sufficiency of His presence in every circumstance. His provision is enough, His presence is constant, and His purpose is unstoppable. (8 sessions) Features: Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups Personal study segments to complete between 8 weeks of group sessions Teaching videos, approximately 35 minutes per session, available for purchase or rent Benefits: Place your hope in the God who is with you. Learn to trust God's purposes when life doesn't make sense. Recognize how God is working in your waiting. Rest in the sufficiency of God's presence in every circumstance.

Download or read book The Practice of the Presence of God written by Brother Lawrence and published by BEYOND BOOKS HUB. This book was released on 2024-02-12 with total page 3 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Practice of the Presence of God is a spiritual classic written by Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century Carmelite monk. This small but impactful work is a compilation of letters and conversations attributed to Brother Lawrence, offering profound insights into cultivating a continuous awareness of the presence of God in everyday life.

Download or read book City Changers written by Alan Platt and published by David C Cook. This book was released on 2018-01-01 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Bible is clear about God’s love for the city, be it Babylon,Nineveh, or Jerusalem. Thousands of years later, His lovehasn’t changed—and God still calls His people to speak truth to the cities of the world. In City Changers, Alan Platt shows how we need to be in the classrooms, boardrooms, and marketplaces of our communities, engaged with society and ready to offer hope to the broken. Alan gives practical answers and inspiration for influencing the spiritual, social, and cultural dimensions of where we live, as he tells his remarkable story of watching God’s church deeply affect cities around the world. Generations of changed lives tell us that Christianity can radically transform society, beginning with spiritual transformation in the lives of individual people. As Alan writes, the church is called as a missional presence to instill the character and presence of Christ into the core of the community.

Download or read book The Power of Presence written by Joy Thomas Moore and published by Grand Central Publishing. This book was released on 2018-09-18 with total page 311 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For single parents, working parents, and caregivers who worry about the time they spend away from their children, the mother of The Other Wes Moore shares strategies to raise happy, well adjusted kids. As the mother of Wes Moore, whose memoir about overcoming the obstacles that face a fatherless young black man was a huge bestseller, Joy is constantly asked: How did you do it? How can you be a good parent, have a career and stay healthy when you don't have a partner to pick up the slack? How do you connect with a child when you can't always be there? Joy's answer is "presence." Specifically, seven different ways of being a force in a child's life, ensuring that they feel your influence. We can't always be physically there for our children, but the power of presence can help us to be a voice in the back of their minds that guides them through difficult times. In The Power of Presence, Moore explores seven pillars of presence--heart, faith, mind, courage, financial freedom, values, and connectedness--that all parents can use to positively influence their children. Using compelling stories from women who have been there and practical advice on everything from savings accounts to mindfulness, this book is a compassionate look at what it takes to raise great kids even in less than ideal circumstances. /DIV

Download or read book God s Indwelling Presence written by James M. Hamilton, Jr. and published by B&H Publishing Group. This book was released on 2006-08-01 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Does the Holy Spirit do the same things now and in the New Testament times that He did in Old Testament times? Volume one in the NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY STUDIES IN BIBLE AND THEOLOGY series for pastors, advanced Bible students, and other deeply committed laypersons addresses this challenging subject. God’s Indwelling Presence asks and explores to answer: What are the spiritual differences and similarities between Old Testament and New Testament believers? Did God dwell in Old Testament believers as He does in New Testament believers? Were Old Testament believers born again (that is, experience regeneration)? What do the words indwelling and regeneration mean? How is the Holy Spirit’s ministry similar or different during Old Testament and New Testament times? Users will find this an excellent extension of the long-respected NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY.

Download or read book The Practice of the Presence of God written by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection OCD and published by ICS Publications. This book was released on 1994-12-13 with total page 262 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The only English translation of the French critical edition, this volume includes a general introduction, bibliography, and testimonies about Brother Lawrence by those who knew him. With 5 photos and illustrations. More Information The third centenary of the death of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection inspired the Belgian Discalced Carmelite Conrad De Meester to present this new critical edition of Brother Lawrence's classic on the Practice of the Presence of God, including all of his letters, maxims, and conversations. This book also contains a detailed general introduction to the life and works of Brother Lawrence, as well as the testimonies of his biographer.

Download or read book Ministry of Presence written by Whit Woodard and published by . This book was released on 2011-01-01 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: MINISTRY OF PRESENCE speaks to the heart of chaplaincy. It deals with the history and definition of chaplaincy as well as the chaplain's call to ministry and relationship to his church. Specific challenges within the framework of chaplain ministry such as pluralism, prayer, and proselytizing are also addressed. MINISTRY OF PRESENCE would easily fit in the library of those already in the chaplaincy, chaplain candidates who are preparing for ministry, or anyone who is interested in learning about chaplaincy.The principles presented are not simply theory but have been born out of the context of Whit's experience and practicing what he preaches. His insights will encourage and challenge anyone seeking to minister from a biblical perspective in any venue of chaplaincy.

Download or read book The Great Giveaway written by David E. Fitch and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 2005-11-01 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "North American evangelicals learned to do church in relation to modernity," asserts David Fitch. Furthermore, evangelicals have begun to model their ministries after the secular sciences or even to farm out functions of the church whenever it seems more efficient. As a result, the church, too often, has stopped being the church. In The Great Giveaway, Fitch examines various church practices and shows how and why each function has been compromised by modernity. Discussing such ministries as evangelism, physical healing, and spiritual formation, Fitch challenges Christians to reclaim these lost practices so that the church can regain its influence. Pastors, leaders, and students who minister to the postmodern world will find in this book fresh insight that will stir the hearts of many and spark much-needed discussion about the evangelical church.

Download or read book In the Presence of Jesus written by Paul Bane and published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. This book was released on 2021-10 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A 40-day journey to calm your restless, anxious thoughts and listen for the voice of Jesus. In the stress, noise, and activity of modern life, there is a way of finding inner peace and contentment. In the Presence of Jesus will help you learn to quiet your mind and focus your attention on the grace and love that is only available in God's presence. Deeply faithful to Scripture and infused with the truth of Christ's unwavering love on every page, In the Presence of Jesus is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step, daily guide that will empower you to transfer the truth of His everlasting love for you from your head to your heart. This 40-day journey will help you focus on the character of Jesus and open your spirit to His presence in your life. Every day, you'll experience: an invocation welcoming Christ's presence into your devotional time a personal note as if it were written by Jesus to you, drawn carefully from Scripture and opening your heart to the grace of Christ Bible verses to meditate on daily prayers, reflection activities, and blessings to help you focus on Christ's presence with you throughout your day. Awaken moment by moment to the presence of a loving God--and find peace for your mind and soul.

Download or read book Hope and the Nearness of God written by Teresa White FCJ and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2022-02 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A reflection on the meaning and quality of Hope for the period of Lent and beyond

Download or read book Presence Power and Promise written by David G. Firth and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2011-10-06 with total page 417 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the first verses of Genesis, the Spirit of God makes a dramatic appearance in the Bible. However, despite the importance of the Spirit in the Old Testament, it has been the focus of surprisingly little scholarship. In response, this volume assemblesa host of premier Old Testament scholars to address various aspects of the subject. Major thematic essays and studies of relevant biblical texts are arranged in eight main sections: orientation of the Ancient Near Eastern context; the Spirit and its relation to creation, wisdom, creativity, prophecy, leadership and the future, and finally the Spirit at Qumran.

Download or read book A Faithful Presence written by Hilary Russell and published by SCM Press. This book was released on 2015-10-30 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Together for the Common Good (T4CG) is a national initiative that encourages people of goodwill, especially from different Christian traditions, to work together for the common good across political and belief traditions. Its growing network comprises people of all Christian denominations, along with other faith traditions and secular allies, and includes on-the-ground social action practitioners, clergy, lay people, political thinkers, academics, theologians, commentators and policy makers. The project is guided by an independent, ecumenical steering group inspired by the partnership between Bishop David Sheppard, Archbishop Derek Worlock and Free Church leaders in Liverpool a generation ago. In A Faithful Presence: Working Together for the Common Good, Hilary Russell, a founder member of T4CG, explores how faith-based collaboration works best for the common good. This is a short accessible book, written in non-technical language, designed to be of interest to practitioners, clergy and lay, especially those who create, manage and implement social justice initiatives. It contains lots of illustrative examples of the ways in which churches are working together for the common good to strengthen civil society, through social action, service provision, community building, prayer and advocacy. As well as making use of her other experience, Hilary draws on the findings of T4CG’s 12 month research process, which explored these issues through interviews, case study stories, opinion pieces and delegate input at T4CG’s inaugural conference.

Download or read book Culture Making written by Andy Crouch and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2023-09-12 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christianity Today Book Award winner Publishers Weekly's best books The only way to change culture is to create culture. Most of the time, we just consume or copy culture. But that is not enough. We must also do more than condemn or critique it. The only way to change it is to create it. For too long, Christians have had an insufficient view of culture and have waged misguided "culture wars." But Andy Crouch says we must reclaim the cultural mandate to be the creative cultivators God designed us to be. Culture is what we make of the world, both in making cultural artifacts as well as in making sense of the world around us. In this expanded edition of his award-winning book Crouch unpacks the complexities of how culture works, the dynamics of cultural change, and tools for cultivating culture. Keen biblical exposition demonstrates that creating culture is central to the whole scriptural narrative, the ministry of Jesus, and the call to the church. With a conversation between Crouch and Tish Harrison Warren as the new afterword, this expanded edition addresses the current landscape and forges a way for the future of culture making. Enter into it with guided questions for reflection and discussion for a deeper experience.