Pope John XXIII called the Second Vatican Council so that the Church’s doctrine might be “more widely known, more deeply understood, and more penetrating in its effects.” However, since the close of the Council in 1965, the results are wanting. Rather than announcing the gospel boldly in the present age, the Church has been seemingly reduced to silence. How did she lose her voice? How did the structures of proclamation, intended to hand on the Catholic faith, devolve and even contribute to vaporizing a Catholic culture? Because He Has Spoken to Us traces such developments from fixed points drawn from the fluid theology of Karl Rahner to their postmodern condition—successive steps that usher in the crisis by subduing, dismissing, and silencing the tradition. This postconciliar anthropocentric structure can now be better understood, critiqued, and displaced by a Ratzingerian approach. Rather than embracing a “given” demanded by contemporary context, Ratzinger proposes the revelation of the Logos in Jesus Christ as the “given,” the true object of Christian faith. His alternate proposal requires the courage to face the full scope of the Christian structure, accessed through the Church’s tradition, and a willingness to proclaim the gospel personally and with humble confidence.

J. I. Packer maintains that anyone who wants to know God will want to know as much as they can of what is in the Bible. For through it God reveals himself and his purpose to us; and in it we discover his fellowship and grace. Packer presents the case for reliability of the Bible and urges us to return with open hearts to reading God's word, and to discovering its overwhelming power in our lives.This challenging sequel to Knowing God is a great resource for the Christian journey.

This book amplifies and exemplifies what God has spoken that came to pass. It is to help you see God not in a new dimension but in his original dimensionthe one that speaks and comes to pass; the one that speaks and follows through; the covenant keeper, the unchanging changer. This book is to guide you methodically and carefully to listen to the Word of God, the promises of God and to see it, not only unfold in your personal life but to see it fulfilled, because once he has spoken, it will come to pass. That is why he says with emphasis and clarity, The grass withers, the flower fades: but the Word of our God shall stand forever. Chapter one helps you to understand the legitimacy, the power, and the credibility in the Word of our God. Chapter two showcases and authenticates what God has done particularly through Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and others. Chapter three is the icing on the cake, what God did for Ishmael, because of the value he puts on his Word and power and authority behind it. Chapter four shows how God speaks so that you can distill his promises for yourself. Chapter five details why God speaks. Chapter six is concerned with how you can benefit, maximize, and apply the Word of God to your life. Chapter seven is to help you sing Hallelujah over the situations of your life, when you can see that with God, all things are possible. The purpose of this book is to encourage you to crave to hear the Word of God for your situation. Once God has spoken to your situation, consider it done. No matter how hopeless, helpless, disappointing, unexplainable, or discouraging the situation may be, whatever he has spoken shall come to pass.

It was two years ago when I set a goal to read the entire Bible. That in itself was not a big feat for me because I have done it many times before, in fact, I have lost count. This time was a little different. My plan was to set a pace so I could do it four times. When you repeat things, you are more apt to remember them. The end goal was to get a clearer understanding of the Bible as a whole. At the same time, I was doing this; I was involved in a small Bible study group where we were doing a chronological parallel study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. All the pieces were starting to fit together. When I was young and in school, I was not a good student. I did not like English or History. I was more of a math person. I like Science as well. All this has changed since I became a Christian. It all started when I was almost forty. First, I taught myself to type. My daughter, who was in high school at the time brought me one of their last year's typing books, and I went through all the lessons. I never timed myself, but I do all right. At least I do not use two fingers anymore. The reason I mentioned History is because I took a liking to it. I devoted much time to studying church history. I am not saying I know everything; who does? However, I have learned some interesting things by studying and researching it. Got to love Google for finding things. However, one has to remember you cannot believe everything you Google. This book you are considering came about by all the hours I spent researching and writing about what I learn from the Gospel of John and looking at it in light of all the other scriptures. What I am trying to do is pass a little of my knowledge on to you, and I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Introduction What if I told you that God wanted to talk to you? And He was waiting in the next room, and all you had to do was walk through that door, and you could have a conversation with Him. Well, I am pointing you to the door, and He is waiting for you to open it so He can come in. Christ said, “I am the door….” Do you need answers to life’s hard questions? First open the door because the Lord said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me.” If you just read these words, then I ask you, “can you hear him, and did you just not listen to what he said?” Then come to Christ for he is the way, the truth, and the life, and He said no one could come to the Father except through Me. Simply put, Christ does not come in without an invitation. He outside wants to come into your life He wants to sit down and share a meal with you and fellowship across the table with you. But people are so busy with life and dealing with all their problems they say; I don’t have time to sit and talk to the air. They think that God does not hear them or he is not even there. I am here to tell you that this is just not true. God hears every word, and He listens to what you have to say, and the best part is he answers you. Now our problem is we don’t believe this because God never spoke to us like a man would speak, but God has a way to commune with us without uttering a word. And I can prove this to you if you just read on. I can remember the first time that I realized God had spoken to me. Not in an audio voice, but a direct answer to a prayer. You see, I wasn’t even a Christian yet, and God heard my cry of desperation and gave me an instant answer to a prayer. I was, what man calls, down on my luck, but now that I look back on it I can see it was God trying to get my attention and not bad luck. Sometimes God allows things to fall apart in our lives to get us to turn to him for help. I was never a man of prayer or a religious kind of guy so when things started to happen, (not good things) like losing my job, the car falling apart, not being able to pay the rent, not being able to feed my family of six kids and my wife. Then getting kicked out of my home, running out of fuel oil in the middle of a Minnesota winter, just to mention a few things. And not knowing many people because we had just relocated and I had no family to turn too, so I thought I would try a little prayer. I figured I had nothing to lose because everything was already gone. I remember getting down on my knees in a freezing house where I was bundled up in a big overcoat and seeing my breath as I prayed. I said, “Lord if you are out there you are the only one that can help me.” There was more, but this was a faithless prayer because I wasn’t even sure that God was going to hear me, or that He was even going to answer me. Yes, I felt like I was talking to the air. If you would like to hear the whole story how God spoke to me? Go to this link. UNSHACKLED. And if you just want to read about it go to this link: UNSHACKLED. And if you just want to read about it just go to the end of this book I will put it there to make it easy for you to find. After being convinced that God hears everything I said and He knows everything I did, I wanted to know more what He wanted for me in my life. At this point, my journey began. I started my journey by reading His word, the Bible. Just like humankind needs food to build up the body to live a physical life, one needs spiritual food to live a spiritual life. Even the Lord said it was written, “Man shall not live by bread (food) alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” And it is said of the Bible that it is God-breathed, or God inspired. Think of it as an orchestra with God being the Composer and the Director and those in the orchestra as being those putting forth what God already revealed. The writers, (those whom God used to pen the words) that He composed for humankind. The Bible should be like music in a believer’s ear. Now just like we have an ear for certain music we seem to have a certain book of the Bible that has a sound that we enjoy, and I am no different, and I like the Gospel of John. Maybe it is because it played a big part in bringing me to Christ and making me realize who He is. I believe that each writer of the gospels presents Christ differently. First Matthew introduces Christ as a King. Mark as a Servant, Luke as a Man, and John as God. He brings out the Deity of Christ. And for that reason, I would like to go through this Gospel of John with you. Seeing how John starts his gospel I feel it would be good to look at the word John used to introduce Christ. He presents to us “The Word.” Seem strange at first, but you will see from the original language what John was doing. The New Testament is the Greek New Testament written in Greek, and the Greek word used here is “ Λέξη, “ but if we only look at this word “Word” without taking it in the context that John used here we will miss what John is trying to relate to us. First, the English meaning is a noun, a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing. May I add, it takes the plural “Words” to make up a sentence whether written or spoken. It is an essential element of speech. It is a unit of language. No matter what language you speak or write, you will find words. Second, the Greek meaning, a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea. Third, a Biblical definition is the sayings of God, Old Testament prophecy given by the prophets. A person. As the Living Word.

The Essential LDS Collection embodies a profound exploration of the Latter-day Saint (LDS) faith, bringing together a remarkable range of narratives, doctrinal discussions, and historical analyses. This anthology stands out for its diversity in literary styles, from poetic expressions of faith by Eliza R. Snow to the doctrinal expositions of Joseph Smith Jr. and the historical recountings by B. H. Roberts. The significance of each work within the collection highlights various facets of LDS belief and practice, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the church's theological foundation and evolution. The inclusion of seminal texts such as Joseph Smith's revelations offers not just insight but a connection to pivotal moments in LDS history. The backgrounds of the authors and editors in this collection paint a rich tapestry of the LDS churchs development and the varying individual contributions to its doctrine and community. Figures like Brigham Young and Joseph F. Smith represent pivotal leadership roles that shaped the direction and identity of the LDS church, while scholars and historians like John A. Widtsoe and William Alexander Linn provide depth through critical analysis and reflection. This anthology aligns with key historical and cultural movements within the LDS church, offering a nuanced understanding of its complexities and the diverse voices that have shaped its narrative. The Essential LDS Collection is recommended for anyone interested in understanding the breadth and depth of the LDS faith through its literature. This anthology presents a unique opportunity to explore the converging and diverging paths of thought and belief within the church, facilitated by the works of its most influential figures. For scholars, members of the LDS church, and those fascinated by religious studies, this collection provides an unparalleled insight into the LDS faith, inviting readers to engage with the profound discussions and reflections that have defined this community.

The Essential Books of Mormons - Complete Collection is a seminal anthology that encapsulates the profound spiritual and historical journey of the Latter-day Saint movement through its most pivotal writings. This collection boasts a remarkable range of literary styles, from doctrinal essays and personal revelations to historical narratives and poetic musings. Its diversity mirrors the rich tapestry of Mormon belief and the evolution of its theology, offering readers an unparalleled insight into the foundations of one of the world's youngest major religions. Noteworthy are the works that delve into the early struggles, visionary experiences, and doctrinal expositions that have shaped the faith, providing a comprehensive overview without centering on a single author's perspective. The contributing authors and editors, including Joseph Smith Jr., Brigham Young, and James E. Talmage among others, bring together a diverse array of backgrounds ranging from theologically foundational figures to pivotal reformers and poets. Their collective contributions reflect not only the historical and cultural milieu from which the Mormon faith emerged but also its enduring relevance in contemporary discourse. This anthology aligns with significant cultural and religious movements, showcasing the development of Mormon thought and its interaction with broader religious and historical narratives. The Essential Books of Mormons - Complete Collection invites readers on a journey through the heart of Mormon doctrine and history. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the multifaceted perspectives and literary styles of its authors, fostering a deeper understanding of the Latter-day Saint movement and its teachings. Scholars, believers, and curious readers alike will find in this anthology an invaluable resource for education, reflection, and inspiration, making it an indispensable addition to any collection dedicated to understanding the breadth and depth of religious thought.

Is there evidence for the existence of God, defined as the transcendent entity responsible for all material existence? The author believes that there is, albeit such evidence is not necessarily proof for everyone. In this two-part study, Wayne Talbot firstly presents the evidence that has convinced him that God is the most plausible explanation. With a limited but sufficient understanding of the nature of existence, in terms of energy, matter, space, and time, he demonstrates his primary axiom: that nothing can explain itself. The natural corollary of this is that scientists will never be able to explain the origins of material existence by examining the material itself. An explanation of origins must always lie outside the entity being examined. This is why scientists cannot explain the origin of the proposed singularity and why some scientists seek an alternative to the Big Bang model of our universe, even resorting to logical absurdities such as the universe creating itself out of nothing while in the presence of something. With the reality of God being his presupposition for what follows, the author examines the case for monotheistic religions versus polytheistic, concluding that the latter are antithetical to a God who is one. Left with a choice between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, he concludes that if God has communicated his guidance for living to any, it is most likely Judaism as recorded in the Hebrew scriptures. The question becomes, Which parts of those scriptures were intended for the children of Israel alone, and which were for all people for all time? Researching ever deeper, he reveals what he has come to believe about how God wants us to relate to him and the specific guidance that should be reworded for contemporary times. The spirit of Torah is so much more than the mere words.

The Folly of Preaching contains a wealth of theoretical and practical insights into preaching from some of today's best-known preachers, scholars, and homiletics teachers. Many of these contributions derive their inspiration from Paul's letters to the church at Corinth, in which the apostle vigorously defends both the message of the gospel and his own manner of proclaiming it. Several of the twelve exemplary sermons rounding out The Folly of Preaching continue reflecting on the key theme of grace amid weakness and need, expounding passages from Paul's Corinthian correspondence. Of all the current preaching books available, few come close to the compilation here of eminent figures in contemporary preaching. Contributors: Elizabeth R. Achtemeier Charles G. Adams Donna E. Allen John L. Bell David G. Buttrick Tony Campolo Stephen C. Farris John N. Gladstone Edwina Hunter Michael P. Knowles Cleophus J. LaRue Thomas G. Long Martin E. Marty Haddon W. Robinson John R. W. Stott Diane McLellan Walker