Exiled on the island of Patmos, the apostle John found himself one day in the presence of the Son of God. As he fell down to worship, the apostle was commanded to write what he saw and heard, and to record and send messages to seven churches, encouraging them and challenging them in the way of the Lord. That was then; this is now. What might the Spirit say to our churches today? What might the Spirit be saying to you? Chris Lewis and the Epiphaneia Network put that question to their friends. This book includes some of the responses they got. With contributions from such significant voices as Andy Crouch Ron Sider Tim Challies Peter Rollins Sarah Lance Makoto Fujimura and others, Letters to a Future Church paints a portrait of the world as we have it and the mission we have in it. You may find your calling in this book; you may even find your own voice.

Many Christians are nervous about politics - isn't the political world murky and sleazy, a den of deceit and backstairs deals? At the same time, the image of Christians in politics isn’t great either – often seen as judgemental hypocrites, intolerant and hateful control freaks... shouldn't this mean that faith and politics should be kept firmly apart? In A Mucky Business, Tim Farron, former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Party and friends, explore and defend why Christianity and politics should and must work together. If Christians are to love their neighbours, they need to engage with the issues that affect everyone. Why should Christians leave their beliefs at the door when they enter public life? No one else does! Tim Farron shares his experience as the UK’s best known Christian MP and draws on case studies from across the political spectrum. Many of these case studies come from his successful A Mucky Business podcast. Demonstrating that it’s possible to be both a Christian and to step into the political world with confidence. A Mucky Business will both inspired and better equip christians to care about politics, pray knowledgeably, and engage with politics effectively.

The book is in a non-denominational point of view. Sclripture readings and text reflect the author's protestant background. It is written to teach readers about dealing with problems that all believers must face. It is especially concerned to show results of recednt Biblical scholarship. It avoids terminology and vocabulary that would be a problem for readers who are not college graduates or scholars. The book is relevant to all persons who seek strength for everyday living. Ps. 1:10, Gal. 2:20, 1 Pet. 5:7.

A Bible for Men That's Focused on Godly Character and Faithful Living. As the world changes around us, it can be hard to hold onto your identity as a godly man. If you are struggling to find your place as a Christian, it helps to remember that while the expectations of the world seem ever-changing, the expectations that God has for you hold true. Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men strives to help you connect with your identity in Christ as it highlights timeless virtues that are still valued today. It is designed to speak to Christian men honestly and straightforwardly about their role as Christians in the face of cultural pressures and a changing society. And it speaks to character traits men need to cultivate in today's world, like confidence rooted in inner strength, self-possessed dignity and calm, kindness, joy, and leadership based in service. Drawing on the truths of Scripture, the features in this Bible will motivate you to redeem your God-given passions, drives, and purposes so you can live out your faith. Myths articles expose commonly accepted myths of our culture that many men believe. Each article opens with the first-person story of a man who believes a particular myth and how that affects his life. Then, principles from the Bible refute the myth and offer practical guidance and help. In addition, the Think About notes take you to the heart of important topics such as money, sex, and pride. Factoid-filled Get to Know profiles introduce you to 50 men from the Bible, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. You'll find questions to reflect on, either alone or in a small group study, in the Questions for Growth. And the Knowing God notes highlight attributes of God, teaching you that knowing the character of God can help you live as a man created in his image. Altogether, these resources offer you knowledge, wisdom, and clarity to strive to become a godly man, rooted in timeless virtues. Features: Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) 100 Myth articles—States a commonly accepted myth that the world tells you is true, then refutes the myth with the truth of God’s Word. 50 Get to Know profiles—Interesting information about men of the Bible. 200 Rooted: Questions for Growth—Questions for personal reflection or small-group study. 200 Knowing God notes—Highlights an attribute of God as revealed in Scripture. 300 Think About notes—short teaching notes on life topics such as money, sex, and pride. Articles to help men further their Bible study 66 book introductions Subject index

It's a strange phenomena; the spirit's desire to experience existence as a mortal. The idea is counterintuitive to most of us - which is strange as well because most of us came here as spirits. The vast power of a spirit chooses limitation. I suppose that if we could choose to be limited in ability for a short time we might, but only for a short time. This book assesses a true warrior within the world. The unknowing soldier's hopes, visions, and intentions are examined to determine if he shares God's dissatisfaction with the world. The story takes a look at one or two of God's creations, destine to die by their own hand. The soldiers are suspended in time and knowledge. Before they become aware of what has happened to them, they are examined to determine if their motivations within this world are worth defending - to see the genuine motivation that defines their actions. By knowing what they know, we see the true vision of humanity without the disingenuous haze that surrounds and compromises our existence. This is a dialogue between either a man and God or a man and madness - You decide.

The doctrine of stewardship is one of the most oft-proclaimed in the church today. On its basis we understand it to be our Christian duty that we exercise stewardship over the planet, God's creation. Yet this doctrine is also among the least-examined. Critically important assumptions are made without any serious attempt to discover whether they are supported by Scripture, and whether they can support the massive superstructure erected upon them. For very serious claims are made on the basis of these assumptions, whereby the church is called to subscribe to a massively intrusive program to rectify offenses to nature, it being the suffering victim of a rapacious human race. Does the Bible call Christians, indeed humanity, to take up the role of planetary stewardship in order to preserve nature from mankind's hurtful intervention? That is the question up for examination in this book.

In this critical time in history, this volume argues that what is urgently needed is a cogent, clear, biblically based and theologically grounded rationale for the manner in which the church speaks and acts in the political arena. Lured at times into other-worldly quietism because of the pressure of historical events or distorted through a rigid understanding of the two kingdoms, the church of the Reformation has at times been silent in addressing the political factors that create and contribute to hunger, injustice, and war. This book looks carefully at the public witness of Martin Luther and its meaning for preaching, teaching, and carrying out public ministry today. Luther's conviction was that government is responsible to God for containing evil and maintaining peace and good order, and for ensuring that no person is hungry or in want. The book asks critical questions: When should the church support the state's agenda? When should it resist? What are the options for critical but constructive cooperation? This helpful volume includes essays from leading Lutheran theologians, a summary description of what this means for local ministry, and a study guide to encourage conversation and action.

In God Cares Enough: The Message of Jonah, author L. Edward Hazelbaker delves into the central theme of God's boundless care for both His followers and His enemies, extending to all of Creation. Through the story of Jonah, Hazelbaker explores the depth of God's love and His relentless pursuit of reconciliation. Jonah, a man who had previously experienced a close relationship with God and had been an instrument of His will, is called to a new and challenging task by the Lord. Reluctant and resistant, Jonah chooses to reject this divine calling, setting in motion a captivating series of events. Hazelbaker highlights the fascinating dynamic between God's response to Jonah's disobedience and his misconceptions and ungodly attitudes. Through Jonah's story, readers gain insight into the fact that even God's chosen and redeemed children can possess flawed understandings, emotions, and beliefs that deviate from His will. This book powerfully demonstrates that God goes to great lengths to address and transform these ungodly attitudes in His people. Within the pages of God Cares Enough readers not only witness the Lord's dealings with Jonah but also uncover God's genuine emotions and His intentions for His followers and the future of the world. Through Jonah's journey, the author provides profound lessons that remind us of God's compassion, mercy, and the transformative power of obedience. If you desire to discover the depths of God's care and uncover the profound messages embedded in the story of Jonah, this book is an essential read. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and transformed as you embark on this captivating exploration of God's unwavering love for His creation.

This book examines a number of facets of contemporary culture and sets forth what thoughtful Christians have been and should be thinking about each one. Written in honor of Carl F.H. Henry on the occasion of his eightieth birthday, the essays in God and Culture are on these topics and by these contributors: •hermeneutics Kevin J. Vanhoozer •pluralism D.A. Carson •eschatology Geoffrey W. Bromiley •anthropology Robert J. Priest •psychology Warren J. Heard, Jr. •philosophy George I. Mavrodes •history Lewis W. Spitz •economics Ian Smith •law Phillip E. Johnson •politics Sir Fred Catherwood •literature Leland Ryken •art Edmund P. Clowney •media Larry W. Poland •science Charles B. Thaxton •environment Loren Wilkinson •bioethics Nigel M. de S. Cameron •human sexuality Armand M. Nicholi, Jr. •personal life-style and leisure J.I. Packer Each of these authors has demonstrated a profound interest in thinking "Christianly" about his subject. Some of the essays scan the ways previous Christians have tried to evaluate each cultural "slice"; all of them offer some guidance regarding what Christians need to bear in mind as our culture rushes on. Some contributors adopt the well-known grid of H. Richard Niebuhr in his classic Christ and Culture; others cut fresh paths. The aim throughout is to foster fidelity to Christ and his gospel while encouraging a comprehensive Christian outlook on our rapidly changing world.