In this groundbreaking work, Norman R. Petersen integrates contemporary literary-critical, sociological,and anthropological insights into the traditional arena of historical-critical methods. he demonstrates how these new approaches can be used to interpret biblical texts, especially Paul's letters. The Letter to Philemon serves as a case study. Yet Petersen focuses on the narrative world of Paul as well, for one cannot be truly understood without the other. This work articulates a sociology of letters, explores the social structures which underlie the social relations of the actors in Paul's world, and deals with the systems of belief, knowledge, and value that define the identities of these actors and motivate their actions. Here is cutting-edge scholarship.

John Koenig presents a rich variety of prayer practices that reflect the real prayer experience of Christ and his followers. Recapturing the earliest believers' extraordinary encounters with the Holy, Koenig offers prayer as instruction for the mind, renewal of the spirit, and help in effecting positive change in one's life.

"So, what do you really want to do?" Most people spend more time thinking about how to get what they want rather than determining exactly what they should want during their life journey. Modern dictionaries define vocation as a regular occupation or profession, but its roots are found in Scripture as positively responding to a call from God that leads to a comprehensive Christian life. This book traces the history of vocation from its scriptural roots to our present postmodern-age usage, then guides the reader through charismata, the Greek word for gifts. It explores individual giftedness, responsibilities within community, and vocational choices. A hexagonal charismata portfolio model is presented with practical applications for establishing habits and balancing life aspects for Christians of all ages. This book will help you rediscover the biblical meaning of vocation, regardless of where you are along the journey of faith.

An insightful study into the relationship between the uncontrollable Holy Spirit and the liturgical right of confirmation. What is the connection between confirmation" and the charismata?"

Carter writes a piece which will stir the sympathies of pastors thwarted by their own efforts to emulate a congregation's successful predecessor. Within months, these pastors see little success as fatigue and burn-out set in. All Christians are graced with specific and distinctive spiritual gifts. Too often pastors forget that God has given them particular gifts for ministry. While all pastors must attend to the different tasks of congregational ministry, they need to discover those functions for which they have been particularly gifted. When they begin to make these gifts the focus of their ministry, then deep personal satisfaction and connection with others results. This book is written to help pastors overcome the false belief that if their ministry is to succeed, it must emulate that of a high-profile orator. Carter explains that when we make our distinctive gifts the center of our ministry, we lose the illusion that we are in control, and instead trust that God will complement us with others' gifts to meet the needs of God's people. Key Features: includes a "consumer guide" to spiritual gift inventories; resource lists including retreat centers, congregations, and publications. Key Benefits: Provides pastors a biblical/theological framework for understanding ministerial gifts.

For the Spirit, being somewhat forgotten is an occupational hazard. The Holy Spirit is so actively involved in our lives that we can take his presence for granted. As they say, familiarity breeds contempt. Just as we take breathing for granted, we can take the Holy Spirit for granted simply because we constantly depend on him. Like the cane that soon feels like an extension of the blind man’s own body, we too easily begin to think of the Holy Spirit as an extension of ourselves. Yet the Spirit is at the center of the action in the divine drama from Genesis 1:2 all the way to Revelation 22:17. The Spirit’s work is as essential as the Father’s and the Son’s, yet the Spirit’s work is always directed to the person and work of Christ. In fact, the efficacy of the Holy Spirit’s mission is measured by the extent to which we are focused on Christ. The Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity who brings the work of the Father, in the Son, to completion. In everything that the Triune God performs, this perfecting work is characteristic of the Spirit. In Rediscovering the Holy Spirit, author, pastor, and theologian Mike Horton introduces readers to the neglected person of the Holy Spirit, showing that the work of God’s Spirit is far more ordinary and common than we realize. Horton argues that we need to take a step back every now and again to focus on the Spirit himself—his person and work—in order to recognize him as someone other than Jesus or ourselves, much less something in creation. Through this contemplation we can gain a fresh dependence on the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives.

The first thing that you must learn about spiritual gifts is that you have one. You may not realize it, but you function in your gift daily. God has equipped each member of the Body of Christ with a special ability to do His will. This special ability is called a spiritual gift. Many readers of this book will feel a sense of discovery of who they are in Christ. They will discover their spiritual gifts for the first time, and they will learn how to move forward in the ministry that God has entrusted to them.

After decades teaching biblical concepts, author David S. Vanz believes many people have an incomplete understanding of the Holy Spirits activities in their lives today. In Rediscovering the Holy Spirit, he encourages Christians to set aside unbiblical opinions and rediscover the Holy Spirit, deepen their relationship with God, and allow him to guide their individual lives. Vanz discusses how rediscovering the Holy Spirt requires prayer and a close look at the information within the scriptures. He examines the book of Acts as an example of the power and tools available to serve Gods purposes in the past; he believes this knowledge supplies a framework to understand ways the Holy Spirit is working today. Sharing both personal and biblical observations, Vanz attempts to remove many of the false teachings and realize the accurate message. Rediscovering the Holy Spirit communicates that one can grow closer to Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit through scripture, worship, ministry, evangelism, and loving one another.

Your Spiritual Gifts Inventory Pack is available for use with small-group members. This book identifies, defines, and discusses 32 spiritual gifts including giving, healing, hospitality, service, evangelism, and music. Bryant encourages you to discover the particular gifts the Holy Spirit has given you and challenges you to use these gifts to build up the body of Christ. The book includes a "Grace Gifts Inventory" to help you identify and apply the spiritual gifts in your life.