It may surprise you to know that the majority of non-Christians are not hostile to the faith or looking for a fight. In fact, most are open and even curious about spiritual matters. Yet evangelism training and apologetic resources are often geared toward knowing what to say to hardcore atheists and evolutionists, who make up less than 10 percent of the unchurched population. If you're ready to have respectful and fruitful spiritual conversations with your spiritually curious friends, neighbors, and family members, Mark Matlock offers this research-based approach. He shows you how to · create a church culture that is open to spiritual exploration and discovery · help foster meaningful connections to Jesus and his Church · start spiritual conversations and break through common communication barriers · bridge the gap between traditional Christianity and the modern spiritual climate · and much more

“Properties of Feelings is a read beyond comprehension into the unknown shadows of the universe. Being beyond strength and imagination I cannot explain it further this author has seen the best of the world. It bleeds is the strength and commitment of this book. Believing is the end of everything is the statement of this book. How can I survive is the question this book attempts to solve. Now I will tell you to look no further if you are exploring the universe and in search of answers to the impossible. Why can’t I believe is the question we most often ask in a universe that says the answers aren’t there. Keep trying and if you think the answers aren’t there ask again. Ever wonder where your feelings come from? I cannot explain it but your feelings are real and the universe will support this idea. It isn’t the idea that you are real it is the idea that feelings make it so. Belief is supported through strength and courage and conviction. Heart is everything in a world of plenty. Life begins and ends on a notation that sings. Politics is everything to a philosophy that ordains it. Now I must excuse this book as far as I can tell it believes in something called the notation. But enough about that if you believe in something you believe in your feelings. Ask more about them and you will find them in this book. Properties of feelings is a manuscript that feels.”

'Thank God for Kate and this book' Dawn French 'Kate's natural warmth, wit and wisdom shines through every page' Sara Cox ***** Hello there, come on in. Firstly, I know what you're thinking, 'I'm not religious so I'm not sure if this is for me' but, the truth is, we can all benefit from having a little faith and it will look different to each of us. Granted, some of the stories about a man who can walk on water and come back from the dead are anything but normal, but the point isn't about what we believe in, it's about believing in something. It's what humans have always done, it's in our DNA, because having faith in something makes us feel connected. It makes us feel like we matter. Faith means we are in it together, that we believe we will be OK. So, yes, this book is about faith, but it's also about being human, because believing in things is just part of our existence. Wherever you sit on the faith spectrum, I'm here to tell you it's okay. You don't have to sign up to all of something to get something out of some of it. You don't have to like every song on the album. My belief has guided me through life's ups and downs, and I hope that sharing what I've learned will help you face your own challenges armed with hope, and plenty of lasagne. Love, Kate x

Science and faith are often seen as being in opposition. In this book, award-winning sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund questions this assumption based on research she has conducted over the past fifteen years. She highlights the ways these two spheres point to universal human values, showing readers they don't have to choose between science and Christianity. Breathing fresh air into debates that have consisted of more opinions than data, Ecklund offers insights uncovered by her research and shares her own story of personal challenges and lessons. In the areas most rife with conflict--the origins of the universe, evolution, climate change, and genetic technology--readers will find fascinating points of convergence in eight virtues of human existence: curiosity, doubt, humility, creativity, healing, awe, shalom, and gratitude. The book includes discussion questions for group use and to help pastors, small group leaders, and congregants broach controversial topics and bridge the science-faith divide.

The ultimate goal of this book is to increase anyone's faithlessness, weak faith, or little faith to a substantial gravity of mature and deep faith in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, since true faith is the bridge between God and man. The Bible clearly spells out "Jesus is the author and finisher of faith," and every believer in Him ought to follow His footsteps. While reading this book, a genuine transformation in your faith may take place, and you may feel the amount of faith slowly enhances and spiritual darkness gradually vanishes. Feel the light arrive which would eventually portray the "bright and morning star," and it is nobody but Jesus Christ. He is the "Bishop of all souls" who knocks at every door to open and anyone opens by faith, He would dine with him or her, and that person would truly understand He is the author and finisher of your faith.

God created us to be curious. We innately wonder about the world, one another, ourselves, and our Creator. But fear of the unknown, cultural taboos, technology, or even church leaders can smother our curiosity. Popular writer Lore Ferguson Wilbert has belonged to Christian communities that discouraged curiosity. The point of the Christian life was to have the right answers, and asking questions reflected a wavering faith. But Wilbert came to discover that the Bible is a permission slip to anyone who wants to ask questions. Reflecting her own theological trajectory toward a more contemplative, expansive faith, Wilbert invites readers to foster curiosity as a spiritual habit. This book explores questions God asks us, questions we ask God, and questions we ask each other. Christianity is not about knowing good answers, says Wilbert, but about asking good questions--ones that foster deeper intimacy with God and others. A Curious Faith invites readers to go beyond pat answers and embrace curiosity, rather than certainty, as a hallmark of authentic faith. Foreword by Seth Haines.

This book provides new insights on the unique role of doctoral students and new faculty as they join other stewards of the academy working within Christian higher education. Weaving together a variety of voices—graduate students, pastors, and seasoned scholars—the book examines the Christian university’s relationship to the Church and how faith and stewardshipcan guide the pursuit of teaching and scholarship.

Hasinoff brings the untold history of the World in Boston of 1911, 'America's First Great Missionary Exposition,' to light, focusing on how the material culture of missions shaped domestic interactions with evangelism, Christianity, and the consumption of ethnological knowledge.

Exalting Jesus in John is part of the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series. Edited by David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, this new commentary series, projected to be 48 volumes, takes a Christ-centered approach to expositing each book of the Bible. Rather than a verse-by-verse approach, the authors have crafted chapters that explain and apply key passages in their assigned Bible books. Readers will learn to see Christ in all aspects of Scripture, and they will be encouraged by the devotional nature of each exposition presented as sermons and divided into chapters that conclude with a “Reflect & Discuss” section, making this series ideal for small group study, personal devotion, and even sermon preparation. It’s not academic but rather presents an easy reading, practical and friendly commentary. The author of Exalting Jesus in John is Matt Carter and Josh Wredberg. “The balance of biblical accuracy, clear outlines, captivating illustrations, and life-changing applications make this commentary a must-have addition to the library of every pastor and everyone else who wants to understand and apply the Gospel of John.” Stephen Davey, Th.M., D.D., senior pastor, Colonial Baptist Church, Cary, North Carolina; president, Shepherds Theological Seminary, Cary, North Carolina “Matt and Joshua provide an excellent resource on John's Gospel. With a clear outline of content, a concise purpose for writing, and a faithful handling of the text as it points to Jesus, the authors give the reader a valuable resource for study and preaching. They herald a clear message to remind the reader, ‘The gospel is the good news that you no longer have to wander about in the darkness and despair of sin, but you can enjoy the light of righteousness through Jesus Christ’ (p. 27). I commend this commentary as it will prove beneficial for many, for years to come.” Lane Harrison, D.Min., lead pastor, LifePoint Church, Ozark, Missouri “The Gospel of John has no shortage of commentaries, raising the obvious question: what sets this one apart from all the others? The unique contribution of Matt Carter's work is rooted in his personal profile. Carter is both a highly successful church planter and long-tenured pastor who has built and led a large church through text-driven preaching. A church holding forth the truth in the heart of one of the most socially liberal cities in the country. A church that has multiplied itself many times over through planting new churches in their own city and in some of the most difficult countries on the planet. As a trustworthy, twenty-first-century pastor-theologian, Carter has not only produced a commentary, but a sermon and bible study starter for preachers and teachers seeking to accurately interpret and prophetically apply the Word of God to this radically changing culture.” Nathan Lino, senior pastor, Northeast Houston Baptist Church; president, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention “This commentary on John is incredibly practical. Written from a pastor's heart, it provides both deep theological insight and practical application. Both ministers of the gospel and people in the pew need this work!” Jerry McCorkle, executive director, SpreadTruth Ministries, Bloomington, Illinois “As a pastor for more than twenty-one years, I appreciate a commentary that stands on solid scholarship while at the same time fitting comfortably in the pulpit. Any pastor, teacher, or small group leader will be able to open this book and find a Christ-centered resource at their fingertips which will enhance their preaching or teaching ministry. In fact, any believer reading this Christ-centered exposition will find themselves learning more about the Lord Jesus Christ and His place in Scripture. The Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series seeks to exalt Jesus. This volume succeeds in meeting that goal!” Eric Peacock, D.Min., senior pastor, Westchester Baptist Church, High Point, North Carolina “As the church navigates an age of profound confusion and doubt, the Gospel of John serves as an immoveable anchor. This commentary is an invaluable tool for believers in understanding and applying God’s Word to our lives as we combat the litany of competing worldviews that surround us. This work remains faithful to the timeless truth of Scripture while challenging contemporary issues in a thoughtful manner. Believers will be well-served by using this book to supplement their efforts to delight in God’s Word and to live by faith in Jesus, the Savior of the world.” Kevin Peck, lead pastor, The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, Texas “John said the purpose of his Gospel was ‘so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name’ (20:31). This volume is a literary GPS in helping us arrive at that place. Carter and Wredberg wed exegetical integrity with sermonic beauty, and they combine historical accuracy with contemporary relevance, all to show us Jesus. Pastors, teachers, and all who love the Bible and its Christ will be helped greatly by this work.” Jim Shaddix, Ph.D., D.Min., W. A. Criswell Professor of Expository Preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina “Josh and Matt have given us a gospel-fueled treatment of John. You will discover, as I have, that this volume exposes areas you thought you had conquered. Worship your way through this exposition by these two Christ–Centered Ninjas.” Kyle Shearin, D.Min., pastor of preaching and vision, Faith Family Church, Oak Grove, Kentucky