Leisure and Fellowship in the Life of the Black Church explores why leisure and fellowship in congregational life of African American churches matters. The book provides a biblical and theological foundation for the concepts of work, rest, Sabbath, play, leisure and fellowship. Moreover, the book explores how religious tradition and doctrine shape and constrains our attitudes and behaviors about leisure, fellowship and living abundantly. Several churches are lifted as exemplars based on the way that they embrace leisure and fellowship within their respective congregations. In the closing chapters, the book examines what leisure and fellowship might be like in Heaven and how we engage Christ and each other in congregations.

After a teaching career of more than thirty years, having taught across all grade levels and a broad range of subject areas, Friendship and Fellowship in the Local Church: a 21st Century Perspective is a product of an encompassing ministry experience in the local church for both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking congregations as a teacher, deacon, and pianist—a research-based study with a pragmatic and practical view on the needs of one of the most unrecognized and misunderstood populations: those of the inmate believers. The Gospel message is clear, and the members of the body of Christ have a responsibility to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV). The message of our Lord Jesus Christ is as real today as it was centuries ago: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest (John 4:35 NIV). Believer inmates are members of the body of Christ; their conversions are real, their transformations are evident, and their faith is strong. Yet they, too, need the support of other members of the body of Christ, for the Holy Spirit works through each member, as he or she is gifted in order to address and attend to the unique needs of the incarcerated believer inmates. Hear their silent cries as they are revealed in the Friendship and Fellowship in the Local Church: a 21st Century Perspective. The Gospel of John states the reason Jesus visited Samaria: “Now he had to go through Samaria” (John 4:4 NIV). And in NKJV, it states, “He needed to go through Samaria.” For Jesus, it was a need. Jesus knew the importance of reaching out to those who were marginalized, who were ostracized, and who were highly criticized and judged. They had been abandoned, but Jesus had other plans. Later he met the Samaritan woman, and through her, her village and her town received the Good News about the Messiah: “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony” (John 4:39 NIV). His own disciples were blind to this need; they were subject to the day’s misconceptions and misinterpretations and biases. Later, Jesus pronounces one of the most significant statements of the Gospel message: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35 NIV). Friendship and Fellowship in the Local Church: a 21st Century Perspective is a call to reach a group of people that have been abandoned and rejected: to address their needs—spiritual, social, emotional, and psychological. It is like Jesus said, “A field ripe for the harvest.” It is an eye-opener—a pioneer research study addressing the needs of one of the most deserted and neglected populations, considering it covers a topic difficult to discuss and is of much controversy. Paul said, “Remember my chains” (Colossians 4:18 NIV). When Jesus was accused of associating with those that were outcasts, his reply was, “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13 NIV).

Learn the ways God wants us to grow as Christians and how to cooperate with Him through the disciplines of grace. Spiritual Growth shows you how to grow and the many resources God provides to nurture you.

The Christian Life At Its Best is a memoir of one couple's journey as God guides them to His Will through the most intense events of their lives. From unemployment, business failure, bankruptcy, depression, rejection, isolation fear, confusion, questioning God and the like. Through their struggles, readers gain valuable insight on: God's Will and purpose in our lives Our true security; Resting in God as we leave all worry in His hands; The peace that passes all understanding; Exchanging our lives for His; Serving in our gifts; No longer doing God's Will in our own strength; Putting our trust and confidence in Him; The reality of God's promise to guide our every step; Realize God's purpose for you as you better experience God's love and the freedom that is in Christ. Grow in greater fellowship with Him, and learn how our feelings keep us in defeat while the truth sets us free from that which enslaves us. No matter where you are in your Christian life, this classic is for you.

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today’' context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.

Missionary Paul Borthwick and pastor Dave Ripper show how transformation through our personal pain enables us to minister faithfully to a hurting world. They candidly share about their own struggles and how they have seen God's kingdom advance through hardship and suffering. We can become powerful witnesses to Christ as a result of our brokenness.

A guide to overcoming. Walter Justice has an answer for the disillusioned and broken-hearted. It's called overcoming. He guides them through a painful, but victorious process of confronting the greatest obsticle in their lives-themselves. What ensues is a radical restructuring of values and life. Jesus was and is the ultimate Overcomer, and those who follow Him are called to overcome too. Eventually, the believer will be able to say like the Lord Jesus Christ, "In me he hath nothing." FellowshipofGhosts.com

THE BLESSED CHRISTIAN LIFE is a compilation of three celebrated Christian classics and their timeless messages surrounding Christian living. HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (first published in 1906) by R. A. Torrey outlines the basic principles of the Christian faith so that believers can enjoy a rewarding and successful Christian life. The practical guidelines also encourage readers who feel like they have not fully attained the Christian life they desire. ACCORDING TO THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD, (first published in 1692) aspiring to union with God is the ultimate goal of every soul. It renders the simple wisdom of Brother Lawrence accessible to every Christian who yearns for the fullness of life. A CHRISTIAN’S SECRET OF A HAPPY LIFE (first published in 1875) by Hannah Whitall Smith is a spiritual classic that prompts readers to always follow God’s will and divine guidance, and to weigh up everything in life against Scripture. THE BLESSED CHRISTIAN LIFE is perfect for both new believers and those mature in their faith who long to be reminded of the victory they have gained in Christ.