Invoking the biblical motif of Jacob's struggle with the Face of God (Genesis 32), Simon D. Podmore undertakes a constructive theological account of 'spiritual trial' (tentatio; known in German mystical and Lutheran tradition as Anfechtung) in relation to enduring questions of the otherness and hiddenness of God and the self, the problem of suffering and evil, the freedom of Spirit, and the anxious relationship between temptation and ordeal, fear and desire. This book traces a genealogy of spiritual trial from medieval German mystical theology, through Lutheran and Pietistic thought (Tauler; Luther; Arndt; Boehme), and reconstructs Kierkegaard's innovative yet under-examined recovery of the category (AnfAegtelse: a Danish cognate for Anfechtung) within the modern context of the 'spiritless' decline of Christendom. Developing the relationship between struggle (Anfechtung) and release (Gelassenheit), Podmore proposes a Kierkegaardian theology of spiritual trial which elaborates the kenosis of the self before God in terms of Spirit's restless longing to rest transparently in God. Offering an original rehabilitation of the temptation of spiritual trial, this book strives for a renewed theological hermeneutic which speaks to the enduring human struggle to realise the unchanging love of God in the face of spiritual darkness.

The Christian has been given the great privilege of knowing God through Jesus Christ. While the Bible clearly shows us who God is, what he has done for us, and what he expects from our lives, that knowledge is nothing more than accumulated information unless acted upon. That knowledge must be wrestled out in everyday life as we seek to truly experience God for who the Bible declares him to be and seek to submit ourselves to his ways. In Struggling with God, author pastor Sam Sumner gives all Christians a basic overview of some key beliefs and practices of the Christian faith. Using examples from his own life and scripture, he shows how God patiently perseveres with those who struggle to know him and live in a way that pleases him. Dealing with such deep themes as the trinity, the struggle between good and evil, the redemptive story, the deity of Christ, and even the Holy Spirit, Struggling with God presents a theology for real life.

In Poems of Human Struggle and God's Love, author Margaret Freeman grapples with the issues of faith, trusting in God, and the often uneven path of life. She believes that the awakening to the glory of God is increasing on earth, and she considers all aspects of this through her poetry. From the loving support her sister needed when her grandson was born with health issues ("The Rock") to the disobedience of Adam and Eve ("Shame"), Freeman explores the emotions that we experience every day as we face life's challenges through God's grace. Freeman's poetry gives voice to our insecurities, doubts, and questions--and the idea of Christ-consciousness over self-consciousness, a cooperation with the Holy Spirit that brings us God's mercy and grace during our trials while shielding us from Satan's torment. Only God and his loving embrace can prepare us for our ever-present spiritual needs. Poems of Human Struggle and God's Love encourages us to find the love and understanding that is only possible through a strong relationship with God. The Light Within My soul, it was in darkness. Self tried so hard to win. But the devil was self's master; My spirit locked within. Shut fast the prison door Until friends prayed for me, And in came the risen Lord. When I chose to trust in him, To give up the old self-rule, He gently dealt with sin, Beliefs, and judgements In my subconscious mind. Burnt up by the Holy Spirit, My spirit's free now to shine.

This is my story. Everyone has one. My story involves waiting on and trusting in God. This is not a blind faith. I believe this book will help anyone that is currently waiting on God to answer a prayer, anyone that is struggling with doubt and fears about trusting God, and anyone that is thinking about dating and/or marriage and wants to know some of what the Bible says. As I said, this is my story and it is my hope and prayer that it can help you as God writes your story.

This volume presents a wide-ranging selection of Jewish theological responses to the Holocaust. It will be the most complete anthology of its sort, bringing together for the first time: (1) a large sample of ultra-orthodox writings, translated from the Hebrew and Yiddish; (2) a substantial selection of essays by Israeli authors, also translated from the Hebrew; (3) a broad sampling of works written in English by American and European authors. These diverse selections represent virtually every significant theological position that has been articulated by a Jewish thinker in response to the Holocaust. Included are rarely studied responses that were written while the Holocaust was happening.

There are many devotional books available containing brief, daily inspirations that benefit all who read them. This book is different in two respects. The first is obvious: it contains two readings per day—732 in all. The second, more important difference is that the author wanted to do more than offer inspiration; this would make this book no different than so many others. The messages in the book are study sketches in that the content is not only inspirational, but also educational, challenging, and encouraging. Most of these writings were based on author Michael J. Akers’s teaching of adult Bible studies for more than thirty years and learning what really brought adults to want to deepen their knowledge and application of the Word of God.

A Sinner was a 33 year old ordinary English working class man, content and happy with his family life. One day he curiously attends a Christian Fellowship in a local community centre. After many visits and much thought he eventually accepts Christ as his personal saviour. Two years later he finds he is given a preaching commitment. Here is his lay preachers notes of some 20 years, biblical expositions with historical and contemporary commentaries. It is a warts and all record, not only of serous scriptural sermons but also on church and personal life experiences some humorous some tragic. He is critical of much of established religion and the fact he reluctantly uses a pen name tells of his fears of the changing face of his country and shows his belief that much of its freedoms for Christians and free speech in general has been and is being lost. He holds no theological exams or college training and does not qualify for what he describes as the hindrance of a dog collar, but believes in Gods Holy Spirit that has and does convict man if mans heart is willing to be open to Him. So are any or any part of these words Gods word? Thats for you with the Holy Spirit to decide.

The unique richness of the book of Job cannot be simply explained—it must be experienced. In this collaboration between pastor father and scholar son Bill and Will Kynes, you will find exposition, spiritual application, and a deeper look at the thornier aspects of the text, equipping you to consider how you too might practice defiant faith.

Living Water is available to all who believe! This book promises to feed your faith and stir the up God’s Living Water within you! Expect to learn more about the gift of God's Holy Spirit and how this gift strengthens you and helps you as you walk out God's plan for your life!

"God is still calling believers today, just as He did in earlier times, and God's empowering call extends to clergy and laity alike. ... this book will help anyone seeking to hear God's call with greater clarity and act on it with greater conviction" -- BACK JACKET.