The Bible is full of images of God caring for his creation in all its complexity. Yet experts warn us that a so-called perfect storm of factors threatens the future of life on earth. The authors assess the evidence for climate change and other threats that our planet faces in the coming decades while pointing to the hope God offers the world and the people he made.
HEAR THE CHRISTMAS STORY AS YOU'VE NEVER HEARD IT BEFOREMAKE THE JOURNEY TO THE MANGER ALONG WITHMARY AND JOSEPH, THE SHEPHERDS AND THE MAGIHas the Christmas season become the most stressful time of the year instead of the most wonderful time? Do you struggle to keep Christ in Christmas?The story of the Nativity is told in a mere 40 verses of scripture-19 in the Gospel of Matthew, 20 in the Gospel of Luke and 1 in the Gospel of John. Yet nearly each word of every verse is packed with meaning. We are all familiar with holiday words like "joy" and "glory." Have you ever wondered about their deeper meaning? The glory of the Lord (Luke 2:9) is not just part of the Christmas story but something we can experience in our own lives. Joy reminds us of the child-like innocence we used to have and can recapture.In Luke 2:20 we read "And the shepherds returned." The shepherds were still shepherds; witnessing the miracle of the Incarnation of Christ didn't change their status. It changed their hearts. Let All Creation Rejoice: Reflections for Advent, the Nativity and Epiphany is a series of short daily reflections on the scripture readings of the season, to be read during the Orthodox Christian Advent and Nativity season between November 15 and January 7.Spending a few minutes each day reading and reflecting on these scriptures will not change your status either. It will change your heart. You will better understand the "good news of a great joy," and why "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." AND AS YOU PREPARE TO AGAIN CELEBRATE GOD'SGREATEST GIFT TO US, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER WITHA MORE GRATEFUL HEART YOUR GIFTS TO HIM. Father Stavros N. Akrotirianakis is a Greek Orthodox Priest who serves St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Tampa, Florida."
The author of Desiring God reveals the biblical evidence to help us see and savor what the pleasures of God show us about Him. Includes a study guide for individual and small-group use. Isn’t it true—we really don’t know someone until we understand what makes that person happy? And so it is with God! What does bring delight to the happiest Being in the universe? John Piper writes, that it’s only when we know what makes God glad that we’ll know the greatness of His glory. Therefore, we must comprehend “the pleasures of God.” Unlike so much of what is written today, this is not a book about us. It is about the One we were made for—God Himself. In this theological masterpiece—chosen by World Magazine as one of the 20th Century’s top 100 books, John Piper reveals the biblical evidence to help us see and savor what the pleasures of God show us about Him. Then we will be able to drink deeply—and satisfyingly—from the only well that offers living water. What followers of Jesus need now, more than anything else, is to know and love—behold and embrace—the great, glorious, sovereign, happy God of the Bible. “This is a unique and precious book that everybody should read more than once.” —J.I. PACKER, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia
A book of about 100 poems about nature, animals, and God. Divided into 7 sections, this book of poetry and prose looks at the wonders and fun of flowers, insects, skies, and the ocean, and finishes off with a section devoted to praising God for all He has done and created. Alongside this collection of poems are carefully curated photographs, many of which served as the muse for the writings. Ms. Knight seeks to show the wonder of God's creation through the words and pictures in this small volume.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals a God whose creative power and loving care embrace all that exists, from earth and sky and sea to every creeping, crawling, swimming, and flying creature. Yet the significance of the Bible’s extensive teaching about the natural world is easily overlooked by Christians accustomed to focusing only on what the Bible says about God’s interaction with human beings. In Creation Care, part of the Biblical Theology for Life series, father and son team Douglas and Jonathan Moo invite readers to open their Bibles afresh to explore the place of the natural world within God’s purposes and to celebrate God’s love as displayed in creation and new creation. Following the contours of the biblical storyline, they uncover answers to questions such as: What is the purpose of the non-human creation? Can a world with things like predators, parasites, and natural disasters still be the ‘good’ world described in Genesis 1? What difference does the narrative of the ‘Fall’ make for humankind’s responsibility to rule over other creatures? Does Israel’s experience on the land have anything to teach Christians about their relationship with the earth? What difference does Jesus make for our understanding of the natural world? How does our call to care for creation fit within the hope for a new heaven and a new earth? What is unique about Christian creation care compared with other approaches to ‘environmental’ issues? How does creation care fit within the charge to proclaim the gospel and care for the poor? In addition to providing a comprehensive biblical theology of creation care, they probe behind the headlines and politicized rhetoric about an ‘environmental crisis’ and climate change to provide a careful and judicious analysis of the most up-to-date scientific data about the state of our world. They conclude by setting forth a bold framework and practical suggestions for an effective and faithful Christian response to the scriptural teaching about the created world. But rather than merely offering a response to environmental concerns, Creation Care invites readers into a joyful vision of the world as God’s creation in which they can rediscover who they truly are as creatures called to love and serve the Creator and to delight in all he has made.
25 Bible meditations based on Scripture verses and teaching nuggets from John Stott, with commentary and prayers from Christopher Wright. Accessible and bite-sized, fresh and exciting, each meditation deepens our appreciation of the timeless spiritual truths of Advent and Christmas. Introduction: The God who comes and comes - and comes again Week 1 The God who comes in Scripture's story 1 God comes rejoicing in creation 2 God comes questioning sinners 3 God comes promising a meal 4 God comes bringing life and light 5 God comes sending light to the nations 6 God comes to put things right 7 God comes bringing a whole new world Week 2 The God who came in person 8 My rock and my salvation 9 God comes to the rescue 10 God comes to speak 11 God comes for a meal 12 God comes to stay 13 God comes to forgive 14 God comes to lead the way Week 3 The God who came as promised 15 The One who came to do God's will 16 The promise of God's return 17 The promise of a ruler from Bethlehem 18 The promised herald of salvation 19 The promise of a transformed world 20 The promised light for the nations 21 The promised sin-bearing Servant Week 4 The God who will come in Glory 22 Creation rejoices 23 Creation renewed 24 Creation redeemed 25 Immanuel: God with us!
At the heart of the rarely read or preached books of Obadiah, Nahum, and Zephaniah are important themes like God's character; facing up to sin and judgment; responding in repentance; and hoping for future salvation and restoration. In this BST volume, you'll find prophets that spoke to the real world and continue to speak to us today.
In a world of increasing globalization, we live amidst a clash of cultures, religions, and worldviews – each battling for the human heart and mind. In this in-depth study, Yusufu Turaki offers a theological framework for engaging this clash of perspectives in Africa, where traditional African religions, colonialism, and exposure to Christianity have each had a lasting impact on contemporary African worldviews. Professor Turaki undertakes a systematic analysis of the nature of African Traditional Religion, its complex history with Christianity, and the need for African Christian theology to address its cultural and historical roots effectively. He provides both a conceptual framework and practical guide for engaging African cultures and religions with compassion, understanding, and a firm foundation rooted in scriptural truth. This book is an excellent resource for students of religion and theology, as well as those interested in Africa’s traditional heritage or drawn to the important work of cross-cultural and inter-religious dialogue.
The Action Bible presents more than 230 fast-paced narratives in chronological order, making it easy to follow the Bible’s historical flow and building up to the thrilling climax of God’s redemptive story. Plus, these spectacular updates take the action to a whole new level: 25 new stories showcase a more extensive exploration of God’s work in our lives. 23 expanded stories highlight additional experiences of the people who tell God’s story. 128 new pages of illustrations deliver a richer artistic experience with more close-up faces, historical details, and dramatic colors. Every page sparks excitement to explore God’s Word and know Him personally. Readers will witness God’s active presence in the world through stories from the life of Jesus and great heroes of the faith. Let this blend of powerful imagery and clear storytelling capture your imagination and instill the truth that invites you to discover your own adventure of life with God. Sergio Cariello’s illustrations for The Action Bible leap off the page with the same thrilling energy that earned him international recognition for his work with Marvel Comics and DC Comics.
Are you living the life you always dreamed of? This 30-day devotional is your tool to discover God's big dream for your life. Be inspired by scripture, stories, and practical advice about how to live the abundant life God has for you. Ephesians 3:20 says that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine. But how? Dream Big will guide you through what God's word says about: - God's dream for the world. - Jesus' dream for the church. - God's unique dream for you. - Practical steps to live out your big dream. By the end of this 30-day journey, you will have a clear picture of God's good plan for your life, and tools to live your big dreams! "Heather is an anointed Truth teller and her writing draws me into deeper relationship with God every time... May this book cause you to be still, hear the greatness of His love for you, and dare to 'dream big' with Him." Amanda Falk, Christian Recording Artist "Why settle for a small life? In Dream Big, Heather Boersma challenges us to catch hold of God's dreams for our lives -and to really live! Rooted in Scripture, by the end of the 30 days you'll know more about God, about yourself, and about your calling, and you'll be ready to fly!" Sheila Wray Gregoire, author and speaker About the Author: Heather Boersma is a Canadian Christian speaker, writer, and teacher. Her writing has been published in SUSIE magazine and she posts daily insights on her blog, Dreaming Big (www.heatherboersma.com/blog). Heather lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with her husband Alex, their son Cohen and their crazy dog Bailey.
