Download or read book Living with Purpose in a Polarizing World written by Albert M. Erisman and published by Hendrickson Publishers. This book was released on 2024-06-04 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Western culture is increasingly polarized, and Christians often feel they are “under siege” by the dominant secular culture. Compounding the problem is that Christians cannot agree among themselves how to respond to a culture that is increasingly “post-Christian.” The authors have observed five basic responses by Christians to this feeling of “exile”: (1) assimilation and acceptance of the new cultural norms, (2) withdrawal from cultural engagement, (3) anger directed toward society (and toward other Christians who don’t see the issues as they do), (4) fear, or (5) seeking power to “take back the culture.” Scripture calls us to a different way, speaking into the world with a new voice. Micah calls us to “seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly” with God, Jeremiah calls us to “seek the good of the city,” and Jesus calls us to be salt and light while knowing that in this world we “will have trouble.” In short, we are to engage the culture we live in as disciples of Jesus. But how practically is that done? In this book, the authors look carefully at the lives of twelve biblical characters who also lived in “challenging times” for guidance in navigating our post-Christian world. Rejecting assimilation, withdrawal, anger, fear, and power-seeking, we are challenged today with the ancient words of Mordecai to Esther: “Who knows whether for just a time as this you have come to this position in your life?”

Download or read book A Biblical Perspective on Life s Purpose in the Age of Postmodernism written by David Kondru and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2020-12-22 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of the book is to revitalize the essentials of Christian living in a way God wants us to be especially when the bible based moral values and the absolute truths to establish the meaning of life were degraded and whitewashed in this postmodern world. At this juncture, it is a definite need to search for hidden and forgotten Judeo-Christian values that define the meaning of human life and its worth in the eyes of the Living God. Its sole purpose is to know Who God is and His standard of living when this world is influenced and reshaped by cultural darkness, revolutions and counter revolutions that are antithetical to the bible.

Download or read book Living a Purpose Driven Life written by Rebecca Jacobs and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-09-24 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: LIVING A PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE: IMPACT YOUR WORLD In a world often filled with uncertainty and distractions, the desire to lead a purposeful life resonates deeply with many individuals. It is a quest for meaning, a search for significance that goes beyond the superficial pursuits of success and pleasure. And as Christians, we are called to live lives that are centered on a higher purpose, one that aligns with the very heartbeat of our Creator. In this journey of discovery, we find that our purpose is intricately woven into the fabric of God's divine plan. The foundational understanding of living a purpose-driven life is rooted in recognizing that we are not here by chance or accident. Our existence is intentional, crafted by the hands of a loving God who uniquely designed each of us for a specific purpose. In the pages of Scripture, we encounter stories of individuals who were called to fulfill a particular purpose, often against daunting odds. The accounts of these individuals remind us that God's purposes are not limited by our limitations; rather, they are fulfilled through our willingness to yield to His guidance and plan. Living a purpose-driven life involves aligning our desires, choices, and actions with the divine purposes set before us. It is about recognizing that our talents and gifts are not solely for personal gain but for the building up of God's kingdom on earth. While the world may entice us to seek fleeting pleasures and achievements, the pursuit of a purpose-driven life leads us to a deeper, lasting fulfillment. It is a call to live counter-culturally, valuing eternal treasures over temporary gains. In this pursuit, challenges and obstacles are not detours but opportunities for growth, refining our character and strengthening our faith. In this book, we will journey together through the transformative principles of living a purpose-driven life. We will explore the concept of discovering our unique divine design, navigating challenges with faith, making choices that honor our calling, and cultivating a heart of service and love. We will delve into the importance of building meaningful relationships, embracing gratitude and contentment, and walking by faith even in the midst of uncertainty. As we embark on this journey, may our hearts be open to the guiding whispers of the Holy Spirit, leading us deeper into the purposes that God has prepared for us. May we be inspired by the examples of contemporary and biblical figures who embraced their callings and left legacies that continue to impact generations. And most importantly, may we find our ultimate purpose in glorifying God and advancing His kingdom, for in doing so, we fulfill the very reason for which we were created. In the chapters that follow, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery, faith, and transformation. We will uncover the beauty of living a purpose-driven life that not only transforms us but also brings light and hope to the world around us. Together, let us dive into the depths of God's plan for our lives, embracing the adventure that awaits us on this remarkable journey of purpose.

Download or read book The Leader s Guide to Storytelling written by Denning and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2005-04-22 with total page 386 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In his best-selling book, Squirrel Inc., former World Bank executive and master storyteller Stephen Denning used a tale to show why storytelling is a critical skill for leaders. Now, in this hands-on guide, Denning explains how you can learn to tell the right story at the right time. Whoever you are in the organization CEO, middle management, or someone on the front lines you can lead by using stories to effect change. Filled with myriad examples, A Leader’s Guide to Storytelling shows how storytelling is one of the few available ways to handle the principal and most difficult challenges of leadership: sparking action, getting people to work together, and leading people into the future. The right kind of story at the right time, can make an organization “stunningly vulnerable” to a new idea.

Download or read book From Pentecost to Patmos 2nd Edition written by Craig L. Blomberg and published by B&H Publishing Group. This book was released on 2021-07-01 with total page 681 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Pairing depth of scholarship with contemporary application, the authors of From Pentecost to Patmos have produced a unique introductory New Testament textbook. Craig Blomberg and Darlene Seal provide the context and clarity that readers need to better understand Acts through Revelation, showcasing the historical, linguistic, and theological implications found in each book. This second edition includes expanded footnotes and a lengthier, up-to-date introduction to Paul. Newly added review questions, maps, and diagrams enhance the scholarship and make the resource truly user-friendly.

Download or read book Bible Stories for Adults written by John Davidson and published by Enlighten Publications. This book was released on 2023-11-24 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 52 Narratives of Faith: Timeless Wisdom Interwoven with Modern Insights from Philosophy and Psychology In an age where the modern world constantly demands our attention, the timeless tales from the Bible beckon with a beacon of ancient wisdom and spiritual depth. "Bible Stories for Adults: Exploring Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World" artfully bridges the gap between age-old narratives of Christianity and the complexities of today's world, tailored especially for discerning adults. 📘 Why This Book is a Must-Have: 🌱 Personal & Spiritual Growth: Journey through 52 intricately retold stories from the Bible, each fostering a deeper connection with themes of faith, hope, and love. Allow these narratives to guide your personal growth and fortify your faith journey. 💡 Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges: Experience familiar biblical tales with a fresh perspective, unveiling lessons of forgiveness, redemption, grace, and mercy that remain startlingly relevant today. 🙏 Deepen Your Faith: Whether you're deep-rooted in Christianity, exploring spirituality, or simply seeking self-improvement, these stories resonate with the teachings of Jesus, the guidance of God, and the comforting whispers of the Holy Spirit. 🌍 Relevance in the Modern World: From the power of prayer to the essence of community worship, discover how these biblical narratives offer invaluable advice, motivation, and comfort in navigating contemporary dilemmas. ❤️ Universal Themes of Love and Hope: At its core, this collection champions themes of unwavering love, steadfast hope, and the transformative power of faith, echoing the universality of human experience across time. "Bible Stories for Adults: Exploring Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World" promises more than just tales—it's an invitation to a deeper relationship with the timeless teachings of Christianity. Dive in and let these stories inspire, guide, and uplift your spirit, offering a beacon of hope and comfort in an ever-evolving world. 🌟 Order your copy today and embark on a transformative journey of spirituality, personal growth, and profound insight into the enduring tales of the Bible. 🌟

Download or read book The Accidental Executive written by Albert M. Erisman and published by Hendrickson Publishers. This book was released on 2015-03-10 with total page 191 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

For people in the workplace, there is a great deal to learn from Joseph in the book of Genesis. He spent time both at the top and at the bottom—as a leader and as a slave in Egypt. In this new book about faith and work, author Albert M. Erisman shares lessons learned from the frontlines of business, government, and education, and how they connect to Joseph’s life. Through the author’s own work experiences and interviews with business leaders across the world, you’ll learn that Joseph dealt with issues that are still common in the business world today. Studying his life can offer guidance and encouragement in any workplace.

Download or read book Surrender to Love written by David G. Benner and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2015-09-24 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this expanded edition of a spiritual formation classic, David G. Benner explores the twin themes of love and surrender as the heart of Christian spirituality. God doesn't want his people to respond to him out of fear or obligation, but invites us to enter into an authentic relationship of intimacy and devotion—by surrendering to love.

Download or read book Open Hearts in Bethlehem written by Kenneth E. Bailey and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2013-06-05 with total page 81 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Here is an exciting Christmas drama informed by Kenneth Bailey's career as a renowned biblical scholar and by his years of living in the Middle East. The drama (featuring 30 minutes without music or 50 minutes with music) is biblically accurate, heartwarming and perfectly suited for church performance.

Download or read book Freedom and Dialogue in a Polarized World written by Sharon Schuman and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2013-12-11 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Freedom and Dialogue in a Polarized World argues that our most cherished ideas about freedom—being left alone to do as we please, or uncovering the truth—have failed us. They promote the polarized thinking that blights our world. Rooted in literature, political theory and Mikhail Bakhtin’s theories of language, this book introduces a new concept: dialogic freedom. This concept combats polarization by inspiring us to feel freer the better able we are to see from the perspectives of others. To say that freedom is dialogic is to apply to it an idea about language. If you and I are talking, I anticipate from you a response that could be friendly, hostile, or indifferent, and this awareness helps determine what I say. If you look bored or give me a blank stare, I might not say anything at all. In this sense language is dialogic. The same can be said of freedom. Our decisions take into account the voices of others to which we feel answerable, and these voices coauthor our choices. In today’s polarized world, prevailing concepts of freedom as autonomy and enlightenment have encouraged us to take refuge in echo chambers among the like-minded. Whether the subject is abortion, terrorism, or gun control, these concepts encourage us to shut out the voices of those who dare to disagree. We need a new way to think about freedom. Freedom and Dialogue in a Polarized World presents riveting moments of choice from Homer’s Iliad, Dante’s Inferno, Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, Milton’s Paradise Lost, Melville’s “Benito Cereno,”Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, Kafka’s “In the Penal Colony,” and Morrison’s Beloved, in order to advocate reading for and with dialogic freedom. It ends with a practical application to the debate about abortion and an invitation to rethink other polarizing issues.

Download or read book The Ways of the Alongsider written by Bill Mowry and published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. This book was released on 2016 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Ways of the Alongsider is more than a Bible study. It's a new pathway for making disciples in life2life ways!

Download or read book Why We re Polarized written by Ezra Klein and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2020-01-28 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ONE OF BARACK OBAMA’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2022 One of Bill Gates’s “5 books to read this summer,” this New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller shows us that America’s political system isn’t broken. The truth is scarier: it’s working exactly as designed. In this “superbly researched” (The Washington Post) and timely book, journalist Ezra Klein reveals how that system is polarizing us—and how we are polarizing it—with disastrous results. “The American political system—which includes everyone from voters to journalists to the president—is full of rational actors making rational decisions given the incentives they face,” writes political analyst Ezra Klein. “We are a collection of functional parts whose efforts combine into a dysfunctional whole.” “A thoughtful, clear and persuasive analysis” (The New York Times Book Review), Why We’re Polarized reveals the structural and psychological forces behind America’s descent into division and dysfunction. Neither a polemic nor a lament, this book offers a clear framework for understanding everything from Trump’s rise to the Democratic Party’s leftward shift to the politicization of everyday culture. America is polarized, first and foremost, by identity. Everyone engaged in American politics is engaged, at some level, in identity politics. Over the past fifty years in America, our partisan identities have merged with our racial, religious, geographic, ideological, and cultural identities. These merged identities have attained a weight that is breaking much in our politics and tearing at the bonds that hold this country together. Klein shows how and why American politics polarized around identity in the 20th century, and what that polarization did to the way we see the world and one another. And he traces the feedback loops between polarized political identities and polarized political institutions that are driving our system toward crisis. “Well worth reading” (New York magazine), this is an “eye-opening” (O, The Oprah Magazine) book that will change how you look at politics—and perhaps at yourself.

Download or read book John Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video written by Kyle Idleman and published by HarperChristian Resources. This book was released on 2023-03-14 with total page 124 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR TRUST? We all believe in something. We all put our faith in what we trust will sustain us and help us move ahead. For some of us, that might be a relationship or a job. For others, it could be an education, a financial portfolio, or a political platform. But the disciple John, in his Gospel, invites us to put our belief in something much more secure. As he states, “These things [in my Gospel] are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). In this six-session video Bible study, bestselling author and pastor Kyle Idleman reveals that John didn’t write his Gospel just to tell us about a profound teacher or a powerful miracle worker. Rather, his purpose was to tell us about the very Son of God who came to this earth so that we “may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). John challenges us to trust in Christ—and to demonstrate our faith in him through the way we live and love others. The 40 Days Through the Book series helps you actively engage with God’s Word. Each study encourages you to read through a book of the Bible at least once during the course of the study. As you do, you will gain an understanding of the background and culture of the book, insights into key passages that you might have overlooked before, and clear takeaways that you can apply today to your life. Sessions and video run times: The Word Became Flesh (15:30) Grace for the Outcast (15:00) Grace for the Broken (15:30) Truth for the Clueless (18:00) Truth for the Confused (15:00) We Have Seen His Glory (17:30) This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself—with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide. An individual access code to stream all video sessions online. (You don’t need to buy a DVD!) Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2028. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

Download or read book The Sacred Overlap written by J.R. Briggs and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2020-09-08 with total page 287 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The widening of political, racial, generational, and religious differences leads too often to an "us vs. them" mentality. The Sacred Overlap communicates a refreshing vision that embraces tension and shows us how to live in radical love and faithfulness between the extremes that isolate and divide people. The gospels display how Jesus was committed to crossing the either/or waters of the cultural and societal wars of his day. His miracles and parables often broke or ignored religious and political lines that seemed all important. He comforted the disturbed and disturbed the comfortable. Using Jesus' example, J. R. Briggs offers a fresh and relevant understanding of evangelism and discipleship in our present time of extreme polarization. Without sacrificing biblical integrity, The Sacred Overlap is a joyful exploration of the complexity of life in the peace of Christ. With careful discernment, Briggs: Shares creative ways to engage with God's mission of ministering to those who are intrigued by Jesus but turned off by church. Explores what it means to be joyful in the midst of heart-wrenching pain and earthly suffering. Models what it means to maintain a posture of convicted civility which emphasizes both grace and truth. The Sacred Overlap helps readers see how Christians are called to live with their feet firmly planted in two different worlds—in both heaven and earth—living naturally with both the sacred and the ordinary. Only then can a Christian be a faithful witness and disciple of Jesus.

Download or read book Stuck Together written by J. Nelson Kraybill and published by MennoMedia, Inc.. This book was released on 2023-04-11 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What does it mean to be a peacemaker in a polarized world? It can feel as if the world—and the church—has never been more polarized. But when we feel worn down by the chasms dividing us, we can take hope from the early Christian vision of God uniting all things in Christ, a hope that can lead us to act. Stuck Together explores Bible stories and narratives ancient and modern that inspire us to open hearts and minds to persons with whom we disagree as we gain confidence in our own convictions. Drawing from Scripture, from his own life journey, and from the witness of others, author J. Nelson Kraybill demonstrates how even small steps of reconciliation by confessionally grounded Christians can have big effect and give loving Christian witness in a polarized church and society.

Download or read book The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Latinoax Theology written by Orlando O. Espin and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2023-03-22 with total page 580 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The new edition of the standard resource for those teaching or learning Latinoax theology Now in its second edition, The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Latinoax Theology remains the most up-to-date, fully ecumenical collection of scholarship in the field. Bringing together contributions by a diverse panel of established scholars and newer voices within various theological disciplines, this comprehensive volume challenges Western readings of Christianity and offers fresh insights into theological truth from varied cultural and ethnic perspectives. The Companion addresses a wide range of Latinoax contexts while highlighting the thought of female, male, and LGBTQ+ Latinoax scholars in theology, introducing readers to this significant movement. Each chapter provides the historical background of a particular topic, explores its treatment by Latinoax theologians, discusses the current state of the topic, and offers the unique perspective of internationally recognized authors. The revised second edition incorporates recent developments within Latinoax studies, featuring new and expanded chapters that reflect numerous traditions of thought, up-to-date sources and methodologies, diverse intra-Latinoax communities, and contemporary Latinoax theologies and theologians. This invaluable and unique companion: Provides a systematic account of the past, present, and future of Latinoax theology Features new essays by the most influential voices in the field, incorporating recent research from Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical scholars Addresses the Latinoax experience of alienation and marginalization Represents the wide range of ecclesial and theological traditions Discusses Latinoax in timely contexts such as politics, immigration, feminism, gender, queer theory, and social and economic justice Edited by one of the world’s leading Latino theologians, The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Latinoax Theology, Second Edition is an indispensable resource for academic scholars, undergraduate and graduate students, and instructors in universities and seminaries covering courses in theology, political thought, Latinoax studies, religion in the United States, and related topics.

Download or read book Abraham s Silence written by J. Richard Middleton and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2021-11-16 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is traditional to think we should praise Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son as proof of his love for God. But have we misread the point of the story? Is it possible that a careful reading of Genesis 22 could reveal that God was not pleased with Abraham's silent obedience? Widely respected biblical theologian, creative thinker, and public speaker J. Richard Middleton suggests we have misread and misapplied the story of the binding of Isaac and shows that God desires something other than silent obedience in difficult times. Middleton focuses on the ethical and theological problem of Abraham's silence and explores the rich biblical tradition of vigorous prayer, including the lament psalms, as a resource for faith. Middleton also examines the book of Job in terms of God validating Job's lament as "right speech," showing how the vocal Job provides an alternative to the silent Abraham. This book provides a fresh interpretation of Genesis 22 and reinforces the church's resurgent interest in lament as an appropriate response to God.