Abstract theology is overrated, for God can be found in even the most ordinary of things. Jesus used things like a lily, sparrow, and sheep to teach about the kingdom of God. And in the Old Testament, God repeatedly describes himself and his saving work in relation to physical things such as a rock, horn, or eagle. In God of All Things, pastor and author Andrew Wilson invites you to rediscover God in this way, too--through ordinary, everyday things. He explores the idea of a material world and presents a variety of created marvels that reveal the gospel in everyday life and fuel worship and joy in God--marvels like: Dust: the image of God Horns: the salvation of God Donkeys: the peace of God Water: the life of God Viruses: the problem of God Cities: the kingdom of God God of All Things will leave you with a deeper understanding of Scripture, the world you live in, and the God who made it all.
The issue of idolatry has been with the human race for thousands of years; the subtle temptation is always to take what is good and turn it into the ultimate good, elevating it above all other things in the search for security and meaning. In this timely and challenging book, New York pastor Timothy Keller looks at the issue of idolatry throughout the Bible -- from the worship of actual idols in the Old Testament, to the idolatry of money by the rich young ruler when he was challenged by Jesus to give up all his wealth. Using classic stories from the Bible Keller cuts through our dependence on the glittering false idols of money, sex and power to uncover the path towards trust in the real ultimate -- God. Today's idols may look different from those of the Old Testament, but Keller argues that they are no less damaging. Culturally transforming as well as biblically based, COUNTERFEIT GODS is a powerful look at the temptation to worship what can only disappoint, and is a vital message in today's current climate of financial and social difficulty.
When an idol and fan stand face to face and the idol's mask comes off, is it simply the fan staring into a mirror, admiring their own reflection? Idol Limerence explores the mass phenomena of the Korean idol, in particular, BTS and how it intersects with the psychological experience of limerence, as originated by Dorothy Tennov. Further phenomena will be introduced with an exploration of persona as a link to a fantasy realm accessed by both idol and fan. Culminating in the exploration of the revolutionary capacity of BTS and their fan base, ARMY, who were created in their image. Echo's narrative spans from her first love as a child to falling in love with BTS as an adult, an experience she feels is largely out of her control. Idol Limerence is a love story wrapped in social theory that spans this universe and the next. Insperence is the space where the revolution can begin to take hold; insperence is where we can all become revolutionaries. In many ways, we already are.Idol Limerence: The Art of Loving BTS as Phenomena by Wallea Eaglehawk is a scholarly and literary work on the phenomenon that is BTS, the most popular and influential music group of our generation. Idol Limerence is a cognitive and emotional state of loving adoration and attachment to an Idol or celebrity. Echo, a young millennial woman, finds herself falling deeply in love with a group of blouse-wearing Korean men who sing, dance and dish out uncommon potent eye contact like it's a period drama. This book joins Echo on her journey from first love as a child to falling in love with K-pop group BTS as an adult. Echo learns just how and why she can't control her feelings towards BTS, not that she really wants to; and this is not an isolated experience, she is not alone but part of BTS' fan base, ARMY. The theory of Idol Limerence is developed from the psychological idea of limerence and linked to sociological concepts of identity, persona, parasocial relationships, love and celebrity. The theory development is interwoven with the love narrative of Echo which shows how Idol Limerence can be a 'safe-love' alternative for millennials overwhelmed by loving and dating in a world on the brink of collapse. If the question is 'Why can't I stop thinking about what my life with BTS would look like?' Idol Limerence is the answer and becoming a revolutionary to save the world is the result.
Offered a spot at the Star Academy, one of the biggest K-pop companies, seventeen-year-old singer Alice Choy must navigate culture clashes, egos and extreme training practices to come out on top, despite the efforts of an influential blogger trying to tear her down.
Libby I found Killian drunk and sprawled out on my lawn like some lost prince. With the face of a god and the arrogance to match, the pest won’t leave. Sexy, charming, and just a little bit dirty, he’s slowly wearing me down, making me crave more. He could be mine if I dare to claim him. Problem is, the world thinks he’s theirs. How do you keep an idol when everyone is intent on taking him away? Killian As lead singer for the biggest rock band in the world, I lived a life of dreams. It all fell apart with one fateful decision. Now everything is in shambles. Until Liberty. She’s grouchy, a recluse —and kind of cute. Scratch that. When I get my hands on her, she is scorching hot and more addictive than all the fans who’ve screamed my name. The world is clamoring for me to get back on stage, but I’m not willing to leave her. I’ve got to find a way to coax the hermit from her shell and keep her with me. Because, with Libby, everything has changed. Everything.
Read the Amazon reviews and you'll discover why women are saying: "This is the study to do in your small group!" Women are being delivered from Anxiety Overeating Anger and more...
Glimpses of God's Grace in the Hospital Room If you've ever spent time in a hospital, you know that it can be a place of struggles and hardships. These hardships aren't limited to physical problems; often when our bodies are in pain, our spiritual lives can suffer too. Former trauma surgeon Dr. Kathryn Butler experienced this firsthand as she walked alongside patients, colleagues, and friends through various illnesses and aching loss. In Glimmers of Grace, Butler draws from this experience to guide believers through the deep questions of God's trustworthiness in the midst of suffering. Blending memoir and devotional reflections, Butler interweaves her own stories of grace with narratives from Scripture to reveal how God's steadfast love endures even in times of great affliction.
