This book has grown out of a ministry that has spanned nearly four decades. It is built around the conviction that theology does matter for theology has to do with words from God, words spoken back to God and words spoken to the world. Luther once remarked something to the effect that the cross alone is our theology. Before Luther there was the Apostle Paul who came to the Corinthians with "the word of the cross" (1 Cor. 1:18) determined to know nothing among them but Jesus Christ and Him crucified (see 1 Cor. 2:2). In essays, sermons, and homiletical studies this volume seeks to continue that apostolic aim. A significant portion of this book is devoted to sermons. Sermons, of course, are written to be preached rather than published. None the less, there is value in reading sermons. Such reading is a way of meditating on God's Word. This reading might also prompt other preachers to explore an overlooked dimension of a text for their proclamation. Sermons are never generic; they always have a context. Many of these sermons were preached in Kramer Chapel on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne where the author has served as a professor since 2000. These sermons are preaching for future preachers, equipping them in the way of Luther's oratio, meditatio, and tentatio for the burdens and joys of the pastoral office. There are occasional sermons from conferences, funerals, and ordinary congregations. Over the years, Prof. Pless has preached at over thirty ordinations or installations of pastors. A sampling of these sermons are included. They bear the imprint of the bond that exist between professor and student. More importantly they promote Jesus Christ as the Lord who calls men into the ministry and enlivens and sustains them there with His Gospel for the good of His flock. The remainder of the book is devoted to essays in pastoral theology covering the range of the author's interest from Hermann Sasse to vocation, liturgical practice to the Small Catechism, challenges to confessional Lutheranism in North America to the office of the ministry. Many of these essays originated at conferences both in the USA and abroad. The contents of this volume flow from the pulpit, desk, and podium of a man who seeks not novelty or creativity but faithfulness to the word of the cross.

How might practice theories and engagement with practice contribute to and advance theological study of religion and religious life and practices? This volume explores and discusses how theological engagement with practice, theoretically as well as empirically, might profit from theories of practice developed in disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, education and organisational studies during the recent decades, but so far scarcely employed within theology. In part I, the volume unfolds key components of practice theory, especially as they have more recently been developed within sociological practice theories, reflect on their significance and potential with regard to theology. In part II, these perspectives are employed in the study of concrete religious practices - established as well as experimental religious practices, and collective as well as individual ones. By unfolding connections between theology and practice theories, and reflecting on practice theories' analytical and theoretical potential for theological study of religion, the book will be of interest for any scholar in the study of contemporary religion and practical theology.

New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice A groundbreaking and endlessly surprising history of how artisans created America, from the nation's origins to the present day. At the center of the United States' economic and social development, according to conventional wisdom, are industry and technology-while craftspeople and handmade objects are relegated to a bygone past. Renowned historian Glenn Adamson turns that narrative on its head in this innovative account, revealing makers' central role in shaping America's identity. Examine any phase of the nation's struggle to define itself, and artisans are there-from the silversmith Paul Revere and the revolutionary carpenters and blacksmiths who hurled tea into Boston Harbor, to today's “maker movement.” From Mother Jones to Rosie the Riveter. From Betsy Ross to Rosa Parks. From suffrage banners to the AIDS Quilt. Adamson shows that craft has long been implicated in debates around equality, education, and class. Artisanship has often been a site of resistance for oppressed people, such as enslaved African-Americans whose skilled labor might confer hard-won agency under bondage, or the Native American makers who adapted traditional arts into statements of modernity. Theirs are among the array of memorable portraits of Americans both celebrated and unfamiliar in this richly peopled book. As Adamson argues, these artisans' stories speak to our collective striving toward a more perfect union. From the beginning, America had to be-and still remains to be-crafted.

Sunday morning. Church as usual. The worship team finished singing, the offering was collected. Pastor Craft turned the service over to me. I ascended to the pulpit. "Have you ever wrestled with God? I have," I declared. My sermon was about the importance of being honest with yourself and sharing your struggles with others. I invited those who were proud of their deliverance to join me on the platform, but how could I reciprocate given my hidden proclivities? I felt the urging of the Holy Spirit to admit my own struggle. Confession was good for the soul, right? Yet, I continued to wrestle with God. I can't tell them, Lord. What will they think of me? How can I hurt them by exposing my shame? This will just kill them. But the prompting of the Spirit was unmistakable... So I named the beast.

Studying the New Testament can be an exciting--and intimidating--experience. This readable survey is designed to make the adventure less daunting and more rewarding. Two experienced classroom teachers offer a new edition of their bestselling and award-winning textbook, now with updated content and a new interior design. Other distinguishing features include: • abundant images, maps, and charts--all in full color • sidebars that address ethical and theological concerns and provide primary source material • focus boxes isolating key issues • chapter outlines, learning objectives, and summaries • study questions Students of the New Testament will find this introductory text both informative and engaging. An accompanying website through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources offers a wide array of resources for students and professors. Resources for students include flash cards, self quizzes, and introductory videos. Resources for professors include discussion questions, suggestions for class activities, PowerPoint slides, an instructor's manual, and a test bank.

Poe's 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' introduced the world to its first literary detective, Le Chevalier C. Auguste Dupin, and established many literary devices used in future fictional detectives, including Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. Beyond Rue Morgue invites its authors to continue Dupin's exploits, while retaining that touch of the strange and macabre for which Poe's work is so well known.

Well this manual was birthed to make things easier for both the pastor and the citizen. Some of the contents of this manual will hurt a little but it will settle a lot. I have been a pastor for the last 14 years, and have been in word ministry for the last 30 years, in music ministry for the last 35 years so I think I have something that I can say that will help the body of Messiah fully embrace her function and call.

Children's ministry can be fun and meaningful when you use these incredibly creative resources from Godprints--"The Most Creative Children's Ministry Resource Ever!" Every activity helps kids learn what God is like and how to become more like Him! That's why we say - these are Resources That Leave a Godprint!

Spur-of-the-Moment Crafts presents over 200 fun Bible craft ideas and instructions--loaded with flexibility and creativity--that don't require any advance preparation. A perfect resource for busy teachers who want to reinforce biblical truths in an easy, fun, and memorable way. Designed for children in grades 1-6.