Download or read book Sanctified Imagination written by Ivan L. Hartsfield and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2023-07-14 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first of its kind, this seminal work charts the unlikely theological quest for Christian holiness by founder Charles Harrison Mason and the Wesleyan-Holiness Pentecostal tradition known as the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States. Through fresh research and critical analysis, this book challenges existing assumptions by scholars and reveals how little-known black renewal movements informed Mason's theological understanding and that of the movement. The rich theological resources of this historically marginalized movement are not primarily accessible in academic journals, position papers, or theological treatises. Instead, these resources function as "lived religion," where the theological presuppositions are embedded in primitive worship, ecstatic religious practices, and countercultural distinctives. By unpacking the "lived religion" of this self-professed sanctified church, this book explores how sanctification and the practice of Christian holiness shaped and empowered the COGIC, its people, and its practices in creative and profound ways--resulting in a radical holiness ethic that emerged from an inexhaustible exilic vitality with personal, social, and political implications. Given the challenge of Christian nationalism today, this book provides a framework that informs Christian identity and faithful living for the broader Christian community.

Download or read book Sanctified Imagination written by Ivan L. Hartsfield and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2023-07-14 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first of its kind, this seminal work charts the unlikely theological quest for Christian holiness by founder Charles Harrison Mason and the Wesleyan-Holiness Pentecostal tradition known as the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States. Through fresh research and critical analysis, this book challenges existing assumptions by scholars and reveals how little-known black renewal movements informed Mason’s theological understanding and that of the movement. The rich theological resources of this historically marginalized movement are not primarily accessible in academic journals, position papers, or theological treatises. Instead, these resources function as “lived religion,” where the theological presuppositions are embedded in primitive worship, ecstatic religious practices, and countercultural distinctives. By unpacking the “lived religion” of this self-professed sanctified church, this book explores how sanctification and the practice of Christian holiness shaped and empowered the COGIC, its people, and its practices in creative and profound ways—resulting in a radical holiness ethic that emerged from an inexhaustible exilic vitality with personal, social, and political implications. Given the challenge of Christian nationalism today, this book provides a framework that informs Christian identity and faithful living for the broader Christian community.

Download or read book The Dream of God written by Verna J. Dozier and published by Church Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2021-08-17 with total page 89 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A beloved teacher helps modern people live the Bible’s message more fully. Respected teacher and author Verna Dozier explores the ways that humanity and the institutional church have strayed far from Jesus’s original message. To help us get back on track, she examines the Bible: a theological and historical record of hundreds of years in which two communities of faith (Jewish and early Christian) explored their own life experiences. Our task now is not to ask which interpretations are correct, but to ask “what did it mean to them” and “what does it mean for us?” Dozier encourages us to see Christianity not as creed or institution, but as “the vision of a new possibility for human life rooted in an ancient understanding of God and lived out by a Nazarene carpenter.” Through adept storytelling and study, Dozier reawakens our sense of calling and our desire for truth. This new and revised edition includes a new foreword by Sophfronia Scott and a study guide.

Download or read book Preaching and Teaching with Imagination written by Warren W. Wiersbe and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 1997-02-01 with total page 433 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: No more dreary three-point sermon outlines! Wiersbe coaches preachers to creatively proclaim the living Word so hearers experience God's truth changing their lives.

Download or read book Imaginative Preaching written by Geoff New and published by Langham Global Library. This book was released on 2015-10-14 with total page 179 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From generation-to-generation there has been an anguished cry from preachers about preaching – there is no imagination! The Scriptures present the wondrous hope and vision of “Kingdom Come” and yet contemporary preaching can often be mute and blind by comparison. This book explores what is possible when the Scripture to be preached is prayed through the agency of two ancient prayer disciplines: lectio divina and Ignatian Gospel Contemplation. Through the experiences of eight vocational pastor-preachers this study tracks the difficulties, discoveries and delights as they commit to utilizing these prayer disciplines as part of their regular sermon preparation. The reader will be orientated to what a biblical imagination entails and how praying the Scriptures affects the preacher, sermon and listener. Careful explanation of how to pray using lectio divina and Ignatian Gospel Contemplation is included. This work is, in places, a raw examination of the forces that regularly conspire against the preacher as they endeavour to faithfully expound the Scriptures. The study is a rousing exclamation of the joy experienced when a preacher’s imagination and their preparation is formed by the Spirit, bringing the Scriptures to bear on all who speak and hear it.

Download or read book The Evangelical Imagination written by Karen Swallow Prior and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 2023-08-08 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Provides plenty of fodder for those wishing to explore what evangelicalism is and reimagine what it might become. It's an eye-opener."--Publishers Weekly Contemporary American evangelicalism is suffering from an identity crisis--and a lot of bad press. In this book, acclaimed author Karen Swallow Prior examines evangelical history, both good and bad. By analyzing the literature, art, and popular culture that has surrounded evangelicalism, she unpacks some of the movement's most deeply held concepts, ideas, values, and practices to consider what is Christian rather than merely cultural. The result is a clearer path forward for evangelicals amid their current identity crisis--and insight for others who want a deeper understanding of what the term "evangelical" means today. Brought to life with color illustrations, images, and paintings, this book explores ideas including conversion, domesticity, empire, sentimentality, and more. In the end, it goes beyond evangelicalism to show us how we might be influenced by images, stories, and metaphors in ways we cannot always see.

Download or read book Imaginative Prayer for Youth Ministry written by Jeannie Oestreicher and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2006 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book describes how imaginative prayer can powerfully transform our spiritual journeys, and it provides a collection of imaginative prayer exercises for youth ministry use.

Download or read book The Power of Imagination written by Kerry Kirkwood and published by Destiny Image Publishers. This book was released on 2012-08-21 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Just imagine! Does God want you to use your imagination? Are Christians to turn off their imaginative, creative side when they become mature believers? The answers may surprise you! The Power of Imagination reveals the part of spiritual life that is often shunned or closeted away because it may seem New Age or too unconventional. On the contrary, when believers use their imaginations to see beyond current circumstances into the realm where God paints pictures in their minds, healings are commonplace, goals are accomplished, dreams come true, and victories are celebrated! But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:14-18). You can develop the ability to see as God sees. You can see the future that He planned for you before you were born. Through the power of your God-given imagination, nothing is impossible—no problem too big, no relationship too broken. This exciting new way of living is thoughtfully and biblically presented in a refreshing and empowering way that will keep you imagining for years to come. Topics include: How to Develop a Godly Imagination Supernatural Vision Living from the Inside Out Discerning Vain Imaginations Seeing the Unseen Deep Calls Unto Deep A special chapter is devoted to healing the orphan spirit that can keep people from becoming all God intended for them—walls are identified and torn down, replaced with a beacon of beauty and light shining throughout the spirit, body, and soul. Just imagine!

Download or read book A Poet Explains Imagination written by Paul Matta and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2013-01-14 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Paul Matta tells the story of the imagination in 3 parts. He begins by introducing the reader to God's imagination. He then discuss the artistic achievements and failures of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. And finally Matta talks about Jesus' imagination. How much do you know about your artistic connection to Adam and Eve? The Garden of Eden was fertile ground for pure imagination. God encouraged Adam to be creative. Adam learned to be expressive in the garden too. Together Adam and Eve held a creative weapon that they neglected to use on the serpent. That weapon was the imagination. Learn more in this book.

Download or read book Walking in the Supernatural written by Beni Johnson and published by Destiny Image Publishers. This book was released on 2012-01-17 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Journey along! Selecting forty invigorating excerpts from their popular books, Bill Johnson and his associates have created another cup of spiritual java—an excellent blend of inspiration, encouragement and humor. Take a deep whiff of what Bill, his wife Beni, and their friends Danny Silk, Kevin Dedmon, Banning Liebscher, Chris Overstreet, Judy Franklin, Eric Johnson and Paul Manwaring have brewed specially for you. The cappuccino-sized stories are guaranteed to lift your spirit and sooth your mind. Flavorful chapter titles include: Taking Captive Every Scary Thought Lifeguards Must Be Swimmers Too Stupid to be Loved Post-Katrina Miracles Faith Is Spelled R-I-S-K Are You a Chevette or a Lamborghini? As you sip through each chapter, relax in God’s presence, learn to listen to His voice, and follow His directions. God will take you into exciting new territory, and your explorations will not end with the final page of this enjoyable book.

Download or read book Rising with Hope written by Mark Chironna and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 2024-05-21 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Even when the darkness seems complete, the light of hope is closer than you think. Sharing the lessons he learned during his own battle with anxiety and depression, Mark Chironna empowers you to move from your dark depths into the shining heart of hope. Weaving the best of theology and Christ-centered psychology with practical help, Scripture, and encouragement, this 30-day devotional will help you · navigate the darkness with courage · cultivate hope-filled daily habits · pray with honesty and expectancy · implement life-giving spiritual practices · look to the future with anticipation It's easy to lose hope when the darkness never seems to lift or the mental and spiritual battles rage on with no end in sight. Yet you are never lost. You can--and will--rise with hope again.

Download or read book Increase Your Anointing written by Bill Vincent and published by RWG Publishing. This book was released on 2023-03-16 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: God said that we are to do greater works. Most ministries are not even doing the works of Jesus. Things are about to change. God has spoken that what I have discovered is being made available so that we can all attain the prize of our high calling. It is time for us to flow in miracles signs and wonders. I'm talking about even in the local Church. Get ready for an increase of the anointing. Remember it is going to cost you something but it will be worth it. You are about to discover three life changing types of anointing. There is the revelatory, the breaker, and the kingly anointing. This is the most important things I discovered that brought a higher level anointing.

Download or read book The Oxford Handbook of Jonathan Edwards written by Douglas A. Sweeney and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2021-02-02 with total page 728 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Oxford Handbook of Jonathan Edwards offers a state-of-the-art summary of scholarship on Edwards by a diverse, international, and interdisciplinary group of Edwards scholars, many of whom serve as global leaders in the burgeoning world of research and writing on 'America's theologian'. As an early modern clerical polymath, Edwards is of interest to historians, theologians, and literary scholars. He is also an interlocutor for contemporary clergy and philosophical theologians. All such readers—and many more—will find here an authoritative overview of Edwards' life, ministry, and writings, as well as a representative sampling of cutting-edge scholarship on Edwards from across several disciplines. The volume falls into four sections, which reflect the diversity of Edwards studies today. The first section turns to the historical Edwards and grounds him in his period and the relevant contexts that shaped his life and work. The second section balances the historical reconstruction of Edwards as a theological and philosophical thinker with explorations of his usefulness for constructive theology and the church today. In part three, the focus shifts to the different ways and contexts in which Edwards attempted to realize his ideas and ideals in his personal life, scholarship, and ministry, but also to the ways in which these historical realities stood in tension with, limited, or resisted his aspirations. The final section looks at Edwards' widening renown and influence as well as diverse appropriations. This Handbook serves as an authoritative guide for readers overwhelmed by the enormity of the multi-lingual world of Edwards studies. It will bring readers up to speed on the most important work being done and then serve them as a benchmark in the field of Edwards scholarship for decades to come.

Download or read book Seeing through Spiritual Eyes written by Kirk Farnsworth and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2014-09-22 with total page 124 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bring the otherworldly mystery of spiritual reality down to earth. Understand how Satan can gain entry into the personal lives of Christians. Learn how to find peace in church conflict without having to flee, fake it, or fight back. Put an end to toxic memories from a painful past. Experience meaningful life in the Spirit.

Download or read book Meeting God in Scripture written by Jan Johnson and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2016-09-08 with total page 261 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dallas Willard Center Book Award Finalist Jesus is speaking to us here and now. Lectio divina is a practice of Scripture reading that treats the Bible not only as a text to be examined, but also as the living Word of God spoken anew to us. Experienced Bible teacher Jan Johnson gives us forty Scripture meditations, organized topically, giving us the tools we need to practice lectio divina on our own. Each meditation can be used both individually and in group settings, and includes an introductory space of quiet along with an optional preparatory exercise; the full text of a passage from Scripture with explanations of unusual or important words, and with cultural and historical background as needed; cues to help us enter the text; space to contemplate the passage, respond to God in prayer and rest in his presence; and an exercise to "try on" one of the main ideas of the passage in our daily lives. Meeting God in Scripture moves us beyond merely understanding what the text meant in its original context to a direct spiritual encounter with Christ.

Download or read book The Message of Proverbs written by David J. Atkinson and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2023-07-18 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book of Proverbs is the most practical book in the Bible. Its instruction in the art of living has been long tried and long proven. Its proverbial seeds of discernment are ready to be planted and rooted in the receptive soil of wisdom's hearers today. As much as we glean from the surface of Proverbs, there remains still more in its depths. David Atkinson's commentary wonderfully illumines the ancient cultural and religious background of the discourses and sayings of Proverbs. More important, Atkinson brings the wisdom of Proverbs into conversation with the wisdom of God now more fully displayed in Christ, clarifying the place of Proverbs in the pattern of God's Word. Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Proverbs offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text. This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated language and a new interior design.

Download or read book Dreaming With God written by Bill Johnson and published by Destiny Image Publishers. This book was released on 2006-12-28 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Forget about redesigning your living room or adding ""curb appeal""-how about redesigning the world! Author Bill Johnson reveals the secrets of using God's unlimited supply of everything to transform your family and community, your job or business, the nation and the world.You were created to be a ""design star"" by using your unique: Imagination. Creativity. Wisdom. Dreams. There are rooms in your world that need your special touch-your child's classroom; your coworker's office; your neighbor's heart.There are regions in your world that need your inspiration-your community's poor; your state's policies; your nation's leaders.God has given you a blank check to create a better world-just sign your name!