In Pastor, Jesus Is Enough, Jeremy Writebol invites pastors to hear the words of the risen Jesus in the seven letters within Revelation 2-3: Pastors love Jesus most Pastors suffer Pastors teach and tell the truth Pastors become like Jesus Pastors abide in Jesus Pastors find their value in Jesus Pastors repent The exhortations in Revelation 2-3 are directed to churches. But they also exhort pastors. In these letters, Jesus draws near to pastors--whether hurting or straying--and reminds them of his sufficiency. In these warnings and promises, Jesus has hard words for pastors. But they are words of life. Most of all, Jesus urges pastors to keep their focus on him. Being enough is exhausting. But pastor, the good news is that you cannot be enough. Because only Jesus is enough.
Many of us don't know our neighbors. If we do know them, we aren't sure how to grow the relationship or talk about our faith with them. Placed for a Purpose provides a theologically rich framework for neighboring that helps people live missionally where God has placed them. Authors Chris and Elizabeth McKinney seek to provide a sustainable vision for the "low and slow" lifestyle of neighboring and supply practical tools that help people invest in their communities, value each step in the process, and build meaningful, gospel-motivated relationships with their fellow image-bearers right next door. Endorsements "If you've ever had the desire to see God work in and through you right where he has you, then Placed for a Purpose is the perfect practical and heart-engaging guide." David Robbins, President and CEO of FamilyLife "This excellent resource trains our church planters why and how to engage in neighboring." Philip Douglass, Covenant Theological Seminary; Director of Church Planting for Missouri Presbytery of the PCA "I have no doubt that Placed for a Purpose will be the catalyst behind thousands of changed lives." Polly Conner, Co-founder of Thriving Home; Co-author of From Freezer to Table & From Freezer to Cooker "When you read Placed for a Purpose, you will find yourself wanting to create margin in your life so you can be more present with the people who live right outside your front door." Dave Runyon, Co-author of Art of Neighboring "The material in this book is really good-insightful, educational, motivating, and actually fun to do while you make new friends." Dave Cover, Co-lead Pastor, The Crossing, Columbia, Missouri "This book could radically change the way we view and engage our neighbors." Courtney Doctor, Coordinator of Women's Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition; Author of From Garden to Glory: A Bible Study on the Bible's Story About the Authors Chris and Elizabeth McKinney live in Columbia, Missouri with their four daughters and a Pomeranian. They work for Cru City and serve as associate staff at their church, The Crossing. They write, speak, and are passionate about helping people love their next-door neighbors.
In Pastor, Jesus Is Enough, Jeremy Writebol invites pastors to hear the words of the risen Jesus in the seven letters within Revelation 2–3: Pastors love Jesus most Pastors suffer Pastors teach and tell the truth Pastors become like Jesus Pastors abide in Jesus Pastors find their value in Jesus Pastors repent The exhortations in Revelation 2–3 are directed to churches. But they also exhort pastors. In these letters, Jesus draws near to pastors—whether hurting or straying—and reminds them of his sufficiency. In these warnings and promises, Jesus has hard words for pastors. But they are words of life. Most of all, Jesus urges pastors to keep their focus on him. Being enough is exhausting. But pastor, the good news is that you cannot be enough. Because only Jesus is enough.
Biblical reflections helping you to have faith and to trust God in hard times. Life doesn’t always go the way we hoped, and sometimes God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we’d like. Challenging circumstances, especially ones with no immediate end in sight, can cause us to question God’s character, his purpose and his ways. Each of these 20 biblical reflections examines a truth about God and shows how it provides an anchor for the soul in hard times. Author Katie Faris writes with warmth and compassion, weaving in stories of her own family’s struggles with complex medical conditions. She encourages readers to entrust their confusing circumstances and unanswered questions to the Lord and place their hope in his promises. In so doing, they will be sustained in their suffering and enabled to live joyfully and fruitfully, loving and serving God and others, in the midst of their struggles. This beautiful hardback book will help you if you are going through hard times, or walking alongside those who are. It is also a great gift for a brother or sister in Christ who is struggling.
Pastors aren’t superheroes—they have fears and limitations just like everyone else. Zack Eswine knows this from personal experience and has a wealth of wisdom to offer those who feel like they don’t measure up. Written in a compelling memoir style, The Imperfect Pastor is full of insightful stories and theological truths that show how God works unexpectedly through flawed people. By talking honestly about the failure, burnout, pain, and complexities that come along with church ministry, Eswine helps pastors accept their human limitations and experience the freedom of trusting God’s plan for their church and life.
Man Enough challenges the idea that there is one way to be a man. The masculinity that pervades our church and culture often demands that men conform to a macho ideal, leaving many men feeling ashamed that they’re not living up to God’s plan for them. Nate uses his own story of not feeling “man enough”, as well as sociological and historical reflections, to help men see that manhood isn’t about what you do, but who you are. It’s not about the size of your paycheck, your athletic ability, or your competitive spirit. You don’t have to fit any masculine stereotype to be a real man. In our culture and churches more thoughtful, quieter, or compassionate personalities, as well as stay-at-home dads, are often looked down upon; and sermons, conferences, and publications center on helping men become “real men”. This pressure to have one’s manhood validated is antithetical to Gospel living and negatively affects how men relate to each other, to women and children, and to God. Man Enough roots men in the Gospel, examines biblical examples of masculinity that challenge the idea of a singular type of man, and ultimately encourages men to conform to the image of Jesus—freeing men up to be who they were created to be: a son of God who uniquely bears His image.
A Gospel-Rich, Reproducible Model for Making Disciples as Jesus Intended Biblical discipleship emphasizes encouragement, repentance, and spiritual growth—essential parts of the Christian life. However, well-meaning believers often struggle to follow Jesus, unaware their views are too legalistic, licentious, or individualistic. How can churches and Christians develop a healthy, successful path to disciple-making? In this second edition of Gospel-Centered Discipleship, Jonathan Dodson presents an effective, Spirit-led model for sanctification. Reminding readers that real discipleship is imperfect yet transformational, Dodson encourages Christians to engage more authentically with others as they grow in faith. Drawing from his own failures and successes while following Jesus, Dodson defines discipleship, describes the heart of a disciple, and gives practical guidance for mentor and peer-based discipleship as Jesus intended. Revised and Expanded: Includes three new chapters and new illustrations Applicable: Shows how discipleship can be practical and gospel-centered Theological: Addresses the Holy Spirit's involvement in discipleship Foreword by Matt Chandler: Author of The Explicit Gospel
This is a biblical, theological, and mystical exploration of God that reveals the bigger, closer, and more human God hidden behind the traditional Trinity than many commonly understand and experience. Drawing upon scholars, scientists, mystics, and his own experiences, the author presents a new framework for knowing God.
How does the Jesus of the New Testament compare to the Jesus we think we know so well? Join bestselling author Philip Yancey as he conducts an enlightening biblical and historical investigation into the real Jesus. From the manger in Bethlehem to the cross in Jerusalem, Philip Yancey presents a complex character who generates questions as well as answers--a disturbing and exhilarating Jesus who wants to radically transform your life and stretch your faith. In The Jesus I Never Knew, Yancey: Cuts through existing views and preconceptions of Jesus, citing experts from church history, modern history, and popular culture Discusses how different people and cultures view Jesus Dissects popular quotes about Jesus Points us back to the Bible The Jesus I Never Knew will engage your heart, mind, emotions, and senses, preparing you for a new, life-changing encounter with the real Jesus described in the Gospels. Praise for The Jesus I Never Knew: "This is the best book about Jesus I have ever read, probably the best book about Jesus in the whole century. Yancey gently took away my blinders and blazed the trail through my own doubting fears, pious know-it-all, and critical balderdash until I saw the Savior anew and thought I heard him ask me, 'Now whom do you say that I am?' and I understood the question as I never had before." --Lewis B. Smedes, Senior Professor, Fuller Seminary "Philip Yancey takes the reader with him on his very personal journey to Jesus. In The Jesus I Never Knew, I became convinced that the Jesus I met--in some ways for the first time--has known me all along. This book is destined to become a favorite--to recommend to those still seeking Jesus and to pass along to those who've met him, but long to know him more." --Elisa Morgan, President Emerita, MOPS International
Not a Fan has already called more than one million readers to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple--moving from fan to follower in their relationship with Jesus. After years of serving God, pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman had a startling revelation: for too long, he had been living as a fan of Jesus; someone who tried to make Christianity seem as appealing, comfortable, and convenient as he possibly could to others. Idleman decided something had to change--he needed to embark on the journey of becoming a completely committed follower of God, not just a fan. Fans want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires sacrifice, while followers are all in and completely committed to Christ. Not a Fan gives you the tools you need to determine exactly where you stand when it comes to your relationship with Jesus. No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness and a touch of humor, Idleman invites you to: Examine your relationship with God Determine if you're following Jesus or just following the rules Pray the way Jesus prayed Start truly living for the one who gave his all for you This expanded and updated version of Not a Fan also includes a new introduction and an entirely new chapter about how to practically live out the book's core message. Join Idleman as he challenges you to take an honest look at your relationship with Jesus and discover what it really means to be a follower.
