Download or read book Surprised by the Parables written by Michelle Lee Barnewall and published by Lexham Press. This book was released on 2020-01-22 with total page 104 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jesus' parables can't simply be interpreted, they must be experienced. In the gospels, Jesus used parables to teach transformative lessons and convey deep spiritual truths about the kingdom of God. But he often used them to confront and challenge his audience as well, forcing them to open or close their hearts to the kingdom. Jesus understood the power of stories, but there are some things lost in translation when we try to interpret those same stories thousands of years removed from their original context. The unexpected twists and surprises in the parables might be missed by a modern audience because they're unfamiliar with the underlying points of reference. In Surprised by the Parables, Michelle Lee Barnewall explores the ancient context these parables drew from. These stories of grace reveal many of the mysteries central to God's character, and understanding the ancient world behind them will help us see the parables from a new perspective.

Download or read book Surprised by God written by Christina Zaker and published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. This book was released on 2020-12-21 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Zaker introduces foundational elements of theological reflection including definitions and guidance through various methods. Offering a lens for reflection based on the unique way Jesus' parables surprise and invite listeners to collaborate in the kingdom of God, the book foregrounds the importance of honest spiritual reflection.

Download or read book Hear Then the Parable written by Bernard Brandon Scott and published by Fortress Press. This book was released on 1989-01-01 with total page 484 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hear Then the Parable is an innovative literary-social reading of all the parables of Jesus.

Download or read book Surprised by Hope written by N. T. Wright and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2008-02-05 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For years Christians have been asking, "If you died tonight, do you know where you would go?" It turns out that many believers have been giving the wrong answer. It is not heaven. Award-winning author N. T. Wright outlines the present confusion about a Christian's future hope and shows how it is deeply intertwined with how we live today. Wright, who is one of today's premier Bible scholars, asserts that Christianity's most distinctive idea is bodily resurrection. He provides a magisterial defense for a literal resurrection of Jesus and shows how this became the cornerstone for the Christian community's hope in the bodily resurrection of all people at the end of the age. Wright then explores our expectation of "new heavens and a new earth," revealing what happens to the dead until then and what will happen with the "second coming" of Jesus. For many, including many Christians, all this will come as a great surprise. Wright convincingly argues that what we believe about life after death directly affects what we believe about life before death. For if God intends to renew the whole creation—and if this has already begun in Jesus's resurrection—the church cannot stop at "saving souls" but must anticipate the eventual renewal by working for God's kingdom in the wider world, bringing healing and hope in the present life. Lively and accessible, this book will surprise and excite all who are interested in the meaning of life, not only after death but before it.

Download or read book Jesus Parables about Priorities written by Rev. James W. Moore and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2010-09-01 with total page 88 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: James W. MooreParables slip up on us. They flip our values. They turn our world upside down. They surprise us. This is the great thing about the parables of Jesus: They are always relevant and always personal. They speak eloquently to you and me, here and now. In this book, we will examine some of Jesus’ thought-provoking parables, parables about priorities, to see if we can find ourselves and God’s truth for us in these magnificent “truth-stories.” They are, after all, truth-stories from the mind of Jesus that can change our lives as they proclaim God’s truth for you and me. —adapted from the introduction Each of the six chapters features a key passage of Scripture and is centered on a theme from one of Jesus’ parables, including The Priority of Love The Priority of Grace The Priority of Being Prepared The Priority of Courage The Priority of Forgiveness The Priority of Strong Foundations JAMES W. MOORE, popular speaker and preacher, is the author of Yes, Lord, I Have Sinned, but I Have Several Excellent Excuses; God Was Here and I Was Out to Lunch; When Grief Breaks Your Heart; There’s a Hole in Your Soul That Only God Can Fill; and many other books. He and his wife, June, live in Fairview, Texas.

Download or read book The Parables of Jesus Coloring Book Devotional written by Laura James and published by FaithWords. This book was released on 2017-01-03 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Worship with art as you color-in 46 stunning illustrations based on the parables of Jesus, each with a corresponding devotion and prompts for spiritual reflection and artistic exercise. God's creativity is everywhere. It's mirrored by His creation--even evident in the illustrative teachings of His Son. This stunning book of 46 soulful, colorable pictures is based on the parables of Jesus. Color the parables, be immersed in their valuable lessons in a unique way, engaging your own creativity, and strengthen your faith. Also included are 46 uplifting devotions, one related to each parable, and 46 thought-provoking prompts for meaningful reflection and artistic expression. These pages provide worshipful exercises to inspire the artist in you, with space for illustrated prayer and journaling.

Download or read book Surprise the World written by Michael Frost and published by NavPress. This book was released on 2016-01-14 with total page 141 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sharing your faith doesn’t have to be complicated. Christians are called to be a witness for Christ in daily life, to surprise people around us with the good news of the gospel. Yet putting that mission into regular practice can seem overwhelming. Author Michael Frost, a renowned expert on evangelism, offers refreshingly simple tactics to make evangelism fulfilling, exciting, and effective. Surprise the World teaches clear and practical tools for making evangelism part of your daily life. This short and easy read covers the BELLS method, along with thought-provoking questions and prompts for applying each habit. You’ll learn about each of the five habits: Bless others Eat together Listen to the Spirit Learn Christ Understand yourself as Sent by God into others’ lives Ideal for personal use or training groups on evangelism, the inspiring lessons in this book will transform your view of evangelism in daily life. “A timely wake-up call for believers. A concise and helpful encouragement to those seeking to live on-mission in their communities.” —Ed Stetzer, author and pastor “Eminently doable, entirely practical, and exceptionally effective!” —Felicity Dale, author of An Army of Ordinary People “If every believer developed a lifestyle that included these 5 habits, I’m convinced a great spiritual awakening would take place.” —Al Engler, mission director of Nav Neighbor

Download or read book The Parables of Jesus written by R. T. Kendall and published by Chosen Books. This book was released on 2008-09 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: IN THIS KINGDOM, NOT EVEN THE ROYALS ARE IMMUNE TO DANGER With a sexy FBI agent posing as her suitor, Princess Laila of Qamsar is home for the wedding of her brother the Emir. In truth, the beautiful royal and Harris Truman are on an undercover mission: to find the infamous terrorist her brother is suspected of aiding. But once the festivities begin, Laila faces a bigger threat than Al-Adel. Her secret meetings with Harris pose a danger to her safety—and her heart. To gain his love and live in freedom as his equal is her ardent desire. But will she betray her traditions for a man whose kisses are part of a charade?

Download or read book Parables from Nature written by Mrs. Alfred Gatty and published by . This book was released on 1864 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Parables written by Paula Gooder and published by Canterbury Press. This book was released on 2020-09-23 with total page 121 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The third volume in the Biblical Explorations series from bestselling New Testament writer Paula Gooder explores a major exponent of the Gospels: the parables of Jesus. Covering every parable, this volume focuses on some of the best-known stories in the gospels, mining their meaning afresh today. It considers why Jesus spoke in pictures and opens up the world behind the parables to reveal just how striking, memorable and challenging they were for their original hearers. Biblical Explorations is an exciting series that offers an accessible and informed study of the best loved texts in Scripture. Rooted in the conviction that greater understanding of the Bible leads to deeper discipleship, it is an essential resource for preachers, teachers and study group leaders, as well as those who simply wish to get to know the Bible better.

Download or read book Short Stories by Jesus written by Amy-Jill Levine and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2014-09-09 with total page 275 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The renowned biblical scholar, author of The Misunderstood Jew, and general editor for The Jewish Annotated New Testament interweaves history and spiritual analysis to explore Jesus’ most popular teaching parables, exposing their misinterpretations and making them lively and relevant for modern readers. Jesus was a skilled storyteller and perceptive teacher who used parables from everyday life to effectively convey his message and meaning. Life in first-century Palestine was very different from our world today, and many traditional interpretations of Jesus’ stories ignore this disparity and have often allowed anti-Semitism and misogyny to color their perspectives. In this wise, entertaining, and educational book, Amy-Jill Levine offers a fresh, timely reinterpretation of Jesus’ narratives. In Short Stories by Jesus, she analyzes these “problems with parables,” taking readers back in time to understand how their original Jewish audience understood them. Levine reveals the parables’ connections to first-century economic and agricultural life, social customs and morality, Jewish scriptures and Roman culture. With this revitalized understanding, she interprets these moving stories for the contemporary reader, showing how the parables are not just about Jesus, but are also about us—and when read rightly, still challenge and provoke us two thousand years later.

Download or read book Parables as Subversive Speech written by William R. Herzog II and published by Westminster John Knox Press. This book was released on 1994-05-01 with total page 313 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: William Herzog shows that the focus of the parables was not on a vision of the glory of the reign of God but on the gory details of the way oppression served the interests of the ruling class. The parables were a form of social analysis, as well as a form of theological reflection. Herzog scrutinizes their canonical form to show the distinction between its purpose for Jesus and for evangelists. To do this, he uses the tools of historical criticism, including form criticism and redaction criticism.

Download or read book Hints of Heaven written by Fr. George Rutler and published by Sophia Institute Press. This book was released on 2015-03-09 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christ knew that the splendor of heaven is too great for us to bear just now, and so he used parables as clues to the mystery of paradise. In them are hints of heaven, and they offer profound spiritual advice meant to guide us on the road to eternal glory. In our age, Christ's Parables are often reduced to exercises in moralism. In these pages, Fr. George Rutler - acclaimed author and EWTN television host - unveils these deceptively simple stories, showing you their hidden meanings and how they apply to our own age and way of life. Let Fr. Rutler take you on an enriching tour of Scripture's 24 parables as you learn: Tares in the Field of the Lord: Why it's necessary that scandals beset the Church - and how it brings about a stronger harvest. The Mustard Seed: Why it gave hope to the early Church and prefigures her glorious future. The Yeast: How God speaks in a gentle and inward voice which melts the soul, and how you could be drowning Him out. The Hidden Treasure: Are you responding properly to the unique gifts Christ has given you? The Net: Many will be sifted out. How to be sure you're among the souls He keeps. The Unmerciful Servant: Not only must you forgive, you must convert the offender. Are you a channel for God's grace? Laborers in the Vineyard: Are you letting selfishness and pride get in the way of the salvation of your neighbor's soul? The Two Sons: The dangers of agnosticism. Are you guilty? You may be astonished at the answer. The Marriage of the King's Son: Why frequent reception of the sacraments is necessary for dwelling at the wedding feast. The Ten Virgins: There's a difference between watching and being prepared for Christ's return. Are you ready? The Ten Talents: God has given you a special gift. Do you know what it is, and how you should use it? The Two Debtors: How to know if you are going "through the motions" without Christ's love. The Good Samaritan: Do you know the most overlooked element of this parable? It may surprise you. The Rich Fool: Our capacity for self-deception is limitless. Learn the only way to be truly know yourself. The Barren Fig Tree: Time is running out, and we have one last chance to cultivate virtue. Will you bear fruit in time? The Great Supper: There's room for all in the heavenly banquet, but not all will find room. Are you making excuses that lead you into isolation? The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin: Do you judge others, or do you receive them as Christ did? Why your approach to lost sheep could cost you your soul. The Prodigal Son: Learn how this famous parable explains why God created mankind and chose to give Himself to us. The Unjust Steward: The world is filled with evildoers. Are you mirroring the light of Christ? The Rich Man and Lazarus: Learn the evils of self-sufficiency, and the dangers of taking gifts for granted. The Unjust Judge: Why you must persevere in prayer despite your continued sins. The Pharisee and the Publican: Why even though you may not commit great sins, your failure to put faith into action could ruin your soul.

Download or read book Stewards of Eden written by Sandra L. Richter and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2020-02-25 with total page 173 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sandra L. Richter cares about the Bible and the environment. Using her expertise in ancient Israelite society as well as in biblical theology, she walks readers through biblical passages and shares case studies that connect the biblical mandate to current issues. She then calls Christians to apply that message to today's environmental concerns.

Download or read book Parables written by Megan McKenna and published by Orbis Books. This book was released on 2014-07-30 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Christianity s Surprise written by C. Kavin Rowe and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2020-10-20 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At its beginning Christianity was surprising, powerful, creative, world-shaking. Today in the West it is many times familiar, common, and expected, losing its power to surprise and transform. We have developed societal amnesia and ignorance of what Christianity originally was – and what it still can be. We need to recover the surprise of Christianity. We need to ask the same fundamental questions as the early Christians, which will help us rediscover the surprising power of Christianity in our midst. Focusing on the surprise of the gospel message takes us into the heart of what it is to understand Christianity at all, and thus what it is to remember and relearn the life-giving power and witness that went with being Christian at the beginning. This remembering and relearning can, in turn, surprise us all over again and chart a course for our witness today.

Download or read book Howard Thurman written by Gowler, David, B. and published by Orbis Books. This book was released on 2018-08-28 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: