Download or read book Disunity in Christ written by Christena Cleveland and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2013-10-04 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Despite Jesus' prayer that all Christians "be one," divisions have been epidemic in the body of Christ. Though we may think we know why this happens, Christena Cleveland says we probably don't. Learn the hidden reasons behind conflict and divisions, the unseen dynamics at work that tend to separate us from others. Here are the tools we need to build bridges.

Download or read book Unity and Disunity in Ezra Nehemiah written by Mark J. Boda and published by Sheffield Phoenix Press Limited. This book was released on 2008 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Until the late 1960s the scholarly consensus was that Chronicles-Ezra-Nehemiah was a single, unified literary work. Then arguments began to be mounted for treating Chronicles as a distinct composition, and the majority of scholars were swayed by these arguments, though others retained the older consensus view. In recent years, some scholars have begun to suggest that Ezra and Nehemiah are distinct literary entities. This new debate is the occasion for the present volume. Here scholars from around the globe (Canada, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Korea, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States) showcase current scholarly explanations for the final shape of this literary complex known as Ezra-Nehemiah. Fourteen scholars present their approach to the unity or disunity of this literature employing research methodologies that range from the diachronic to the synchronic. Critical responses to this emerging research are provided by three reviewers (Joseph Blenkinsopp, Tamara Eskenazi and Hugh Williamson) whose work laid the foundation in earlier decades for much of the discussion today. The result is a rich conversation which provides an enlightening resource for the study of these biblical books in particular as well as for reflection on the impact of one's interpretive framework on the study of ancient literature in general.

Download or read book Holy Disunity written by Layton E. Williams and published by Westminster John Knox Press. This book was released on 2019-10-08 with total page 237 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: These days, there’s no dirtier word than “divisive,” especially in religious and political circles. Claiming a controversial opinion, talking about our differences, even sharing our doubts can be seen as threatening to the goal of unity. But what if unity shouldn’t be our goal? In Holy Disunity: How What Separates Us Can Save Us, Layton E. Williams proposes that our primary calling as humans is not to create unity but rather to seek authentic relationship with God, ourselves, one another, and the world around us. And that means actively engaging those with whom we disagree. Our religious, political, social, and cultural differences can create doubt and tension, but disunity also provides surprising gifts of perspective and grace. By analyzing conflict and rifts in both modern culture and Scripture, Williams explores how our disagreements and differences—our disunity—can ultimately redeem us.

Download or read book Divided We Fall written by Luder G. Whitlock and published by P & R Publishing. This book was released on 2017 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Division. Polarization. Strife. That's life-as-usual in today's world. But it shouldn't describe the church. It's time for Christians to listen, reach out, and work together for the common good. But how can God's people achieve true unity in a fallen world? What sort of cooperation is actually possible? Luder Whitlock has an answer-a good one-and an appeal. He shows how we can learn from studying God's views on church unity and from historical schisms as well as agreements. And, once we embrace the goal of unity, Whitlock points us to specific, realistic steps we can take to realize a united community under God. Book jacket.

Download or read book The Mark of the Christian written by Francis A. Schaeffer and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2013-04-23 with total page 65 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christians have not always presented an inviting picture to the world. Too often we have failed to show the beauty of authentic Christian love. And the world has disregarded Christianity as a result. Francis A. Schaeffer challenges Christians to respond compassionately to a needy world and to show the mark of Christ in all their actions.

Download or read book The Purpose Driven Church written by Rick Warren and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2007-09-04 with total page 401 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The issue is church health, not church growth—if your church is healthy, growth will occur naturally. So how do we make healthy churches, driven by purpose? In order for any church to thrive, it must be built around the five New Testament purposes given to the church by Jesus Christ. In this classic of Christian church stability, pastor and bestselling author of The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren unpacks this proven five-part strategy that will enable your church to grow: Warmer through fellowship. Deeper through discipleship. Stronger through worship. Broader through ministry. Larger through evangelism. Every church is driven by something. Tradition, finances, programs, personalities, events, seekers, and even buildings can each be the controlling force in a church. But Warren will show you how to concentrate on building people and let God build the church. In other words, healthy, consistent growth is the result of balancing the five biblical purposes of the church. And The Purpose Driven Church will show you how to do that. “The Purpose Driven Church has brought focus and direction to more pastors and church leaders than you can count. What a gift!”—John Ortberg, bestselling author.

Download or read book Don t Limit God written by Andrew Wommack and published by Destiny Image Publishers. This book was released on 2014-10-01 with total page 109 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: God has more for us than what we are experiencing. We have all limited God in our lives at some point in one way or another. Fear of success, fear of persecution and imaginations are all ways that we limit God. We often see ourselves in a certain way but we have to change that image if we want to experience the abundant life that God has for...

Download or read book Paul and the Economy of Salvation written by Brendan SJ Byrne and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2021-08-17 with total page 303 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This major contribution to Pauline scholarship by a widely-respected New Testament scholar is the culmination of over forty years of teaching on Paul. Brendan Byrne demonstrates that topics often discussed in Pauline studies and Christian theology go astray when the significance of the last judgment falls from view. Offering a fresh Catholic perspective that engages with centuries of Protestant interpretation, this book recaptures the significance of the motif of the last judgment for the interpretation of Paul.

Download or read book The Apostle Paul and the Christian Life written by Scot McKnight and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2016-02-23 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The "new perspective" on Paul, an approach that seeks to reinterpret the apostle Paul and his letters against the backdrop of first-century Judaism, has been criticized by some as not having value for ordinary Christians living ordinary lives. In this volume, world-renowned scholars explore the implications of the new perspective on Paul for the Christian life and church. James D. G. Dunn, N. T. Wright, Bruce Longenecker, Scot McKnight, and other leading New Testament scholars offer a response to this question: How does the apostle Paul understand the Christian life? The book makes a fresh contribution to the new perspective on Paul conversation and offers important new insights into the orientation of the Christian life.

Download or read book Tozer on Christian Leadership written by A. W. Tozer and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2007-09-10 with total page 407 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Leadership Wisdom from the Late, Great A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer knew spiritual leadership as a grave task, one demanding great devotion and even greater dependence. Tozer for the Christian Leader makes the late pastor Tozer into your personal mentor. Saying the hard things you need to hear as well as words of grace to build you up, he displays God’s Word in its full spectrum: as a sword and as bread. Ignore him and you forfeit the wealth of his wisdom for you. Plug your ears and you silence his word that instructs so highly. Read without action and you waste treasures given freely. Tozer will inspire you to work hard for God. He will call you to cultivate a Spirit-filled heart. He will urge you to have great faith—to see God big, pray expectantly, and worship fully. He will help you be a better leader, one fit for service to the Most High God. These daily reflections, grouped thematically by month, are ideal readings for any Christian leader—pastor or otherwise.

Download or read book Generous Spaciousness written by Wendy VanderWal-Gritter and published by Brazos Press. This book was released on 2014-05-13 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Committed Christians may respond differently to gay and lesbian Christians. How can we engage those with whom we might disagree and navigate our journey together in a way that nurtures unity, hospitality, humility, and justice? Through her extensive experience in ministering to gay and lesbian Christians, Wendy VanderWal-Gritter has come to believe we need a new paradigm for how the church engages those in the sexual minority. She encourages generous spaciousness, a hope-filled, relational way forward for those in turmoil regarding a response to gay and lesbian Christians. This book offers a framework for discussing diversity in a gracious way, showing that the church can be a place that welcomes a variety of perspectives on the complex matter of human sexuality. It also offers practical advice for implementing generous spaciousness in churches and organizations.

Download or read book Perseverance and Apostasy in the New Testament written by Dongsu Kim and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2022-05-27 with total page 637 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Perseverance and Apostasy in the New Testament thoroughly examines all the New Testament texts relevant to the controversial questions of whether a genuine believer can apostatize and/or whether an apostate can be restored. The primary contribution of the book lies in the in-depth exegesis of the relevant New Testament Greek texts against the socio-historical circumstances of each faith community in the New Testament. The book inductively shows that the New Testament writers maintain a uniform perception on perseverance and apostasy based on Jesus’ words that bear upon the subject described in the Gospels. It also illuminates questions of the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, the role of the Holy Spirit for the believer’s perseverance, and the role of Satan for the apostates’ falling away. The book is a needed addition to earlier works on perseverance and apostasy. ENDORSEMENTS The debate over the issues of perseverance and apostasy will likely remain in the church until the coming of Christ. Many despair of ever coming to a definitive conclusion, often contending that the biblical evidence is inconsistent and beyond resolution. Don Kim’s near-exhaustive analysis of the relevant NT texts proves otherwise. He is thoroughly conversant with virtually all contributors to this subject and his meticulous contribution will surely prove to be the standard for future dialogue. Anyone who proposes to engage with this controversial matter cannot afford to overlook this remarkably helpful and insightful book. Dr. Sam Storms, Lead Pastor of Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City Enjoying God Ministries Don Kim has written an amazingly thorough and careful study on perseverance and apostasy in the New Testament. Scholars disagree on how to interpret these difficult passages, but Kim defends well his own understanding, and his important study will have to be reckoned with in future work on this controversial topic. Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Perseverance and Apostasy in the New Testament is a well-executed and thorough examination of New Testament texts that bear upon or otherwise illuminate the difficult question of whether a true believer can apostatize. The author neither avoids difficult questions nor skirts challenging texts. Rather, he carefully works his way through each relevant New Testament text’s central exegetical questions, offering judicious insights and integrating those insights into a collective explanation. I found some of my own assumptions challenged while reading this book. I am happy to recommend it as a helpful addition to—and sometimes needed correction of—earlier works on perseverance. Dr. Kenneth Berding, Professor of New Testament Talbot School of Theology at Biola University Perseverance and Apostasy in the New Testament concentrates on the crucial questions of whether genuine believers in Jesus could apostatize and whether the NT presents a consistent picture on that very issue—by providing a careful exegetical treatment of numerous passages across the New Testament, beginning with the Synoptics and John’s Gospel, walking through Acts and the letters, and completing with the book of Revelation. One’s theological presuppositions will, of course, affect how he/she receives and responds to Kim’s case. It will also be unrealistic to expect even those agreeing passionately with Kim to concur on every detail in a tome of this magnitude. Yet, undoubtedly, Perseverance and Apostasy in the New Testament proves to be an essential reading for pastors and theological students who (should) wrestle with the issue of perseverance and apostasy and the relevant biblical texts to form their own conclusions. This well-written book will serve its readers effectively by sharpening or challenging their views, if not both. Dr. John Lee, Associate Professor of New Testament Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary This substantial study by Dongsu Kim is a decisive demonstration of the historic doctrine of the perseverance of the saints taught and defended by the Reformed tradition. “Perseverance and Apostasy in the New Testament” provides a thoroughly biblical and hermeneutically and canonically sensitive study. Kim’s exposition is scholarly, rigorous and articulate. He argues persuasively that the various biblical writers’ engagements with apostasy are consonant with the Scriptures’ declarations of divine sovereign grace in salvation. “Perseverance and apostasy in the New Testament” is an extensive arsenal of biblical and theological insights that will be of value for exegetes and theologians alike. Dr. Peter A. Lillback, president, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia The Reformed doctrine of perseverance of the saints has recently been tremendously challenged and egregiously distorted. For example, the New Perspective on Paul has seriously rejected the traditional wisdom, advocating revisions not only of the doctrine of perseverance but also justification. In response to these criticisms, challenges and distortions, this book provides a most comprehensive and compelling antidote with profoundly detailed and meticulous exegetical engagements with the New Testament texts. Dr. Kim did an excellent job in presenting a powerful and persuasive case for God’s gracious and faithful preservation of true believers in Christ. This is a masterpiece and must read for anyone interested in Scripture’s teachings about the ideas of perseverance and apostasy. Dr. Sung Wook Chung, Professor of Christian Theology Denver Seminary Kim asks whether New Testament authors maintain a consistent theology of perseverance and apostasy or not. Is it conceivable that divinely inspired authors contradict each other with different theologies of perseverance and apostasy? Or must we admit they contradict each other and deny plenary verbal inspiration of Scripture? Kim is fully aware that no scholar asks these questions without theological presuppositions which predetermine his answers. He himself enters this hermeneutical circle with his own working definitions of perseverance and apostasy. He challenges himself and his readers allow the New Testament itself to revise and refine our theological presuppositions and working definitions. Kim is also aware of the error of selective evidence. To avoid it, he chooses passages from the entire New Testament that he deems critical to understanding the subject of perseverance and apostasy. Kim’s book is new essential reading for everybody who wants to formulate a comprehensive New Testament theology of perseverance and apostasy. Dr. Andrew D. Parlee, Professor of Systematic Theology Greater Europe Mission, Thirdmill Seminary

Download or read book The Message for the Last Days written by K.J. Soze and published by K.J. Soze. This book was released on 2019-06-17 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This award-winning book examines the foundation of Bible prophecy brought forward from the Old Testament to the New. The Message for the Last Days is a comprehensive look back to the foundation of God’s word as it secures the reality of the gospel. The Future is Revealed by Understanding the Past

Download or read book Jesus according to the New Testament written by James D. G. Dunn and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. This book was released on 2019-01-03 with total page 179 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New Testament scholar James D. G. Dunn has published his research on Christian origins in numerous commentaries, books, and essays. In this small, straightforward book designed especially for a lay audience, Dunn focuses his fifty-plus years of scholarship on elucidating the New Testament witness to Jesus, from Matthew to Revelation. Dunn’s Jesus according to the New Testament constantly points back to the wonder of those first witnesses and greatly enriches our understanding of Jesus.

Download or read book The Canon of the New Testament written by Bruce M. Metzger and published by OUP UK. This book was released on 1997-03-06 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A study of the long and gradual process in Church history which led to recognition of the canonical status of the books of the New Testament.

Download or read book Multiply written by Francis Chan and published by David C Cook. This book was released on 2012-11-01 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jesus gave his followers a command: “Follow me.” And a promise: “And I will equip you to find others to follow me.” We were made to make disciples. Designed for use in discipleship relationships and other focused settings, Multiply will equip you to carry out Jesus’s ministry. Each of the twenty-four sessions in the book corresponds with an online video at www.multiplymovement.com, where New York Times bestselling author David Platt joins Francis in guiding you through each part of Multiply. One plus one plus one. Every copy of Multiply is designed to do what Jesus did: make disciples who make disciples who make disciples…. Until the world knows the truth of Jesus Christ.

Download or read book The Lost World of Scripture written by John H. Walton and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2013-11-01 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Walton and Sandy summarize what we know of orality and oral tradition as well as the composition and transmission of texts in the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world, and how this shapes our understanding of the Old and New Testaments. The authors then translate these insights into a helpful model for understanding the reliability of Scripture.