Since the first century, Christians have detected "seeds of the Word" in the surrounding culture. No matter how charred or distorted the fragments, we can always uncover inklings of the Gospel, which can then lead people to God. Through this evocative collection of essays, Bishop Robert Barron finds those "seeds" in today's most popular films, books, and current events. How do Superman, Gran Torino, and The Hobbit illuminate the figure of Jesus? How does Bob Dylan convey the prophetic overtones of Jeremiah and Isaiah? Where can we detect the ripple of original sin in politics, sports, and the Internet culture? Finding the "seeds of the Word" requires a new vision. This book will train you to see.
The landmark World Council of Churches convergence text, The Church: Towards a Common Vision (2012), which has the potential to become this generation's Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (1982), invites the churches to envision how their own distinctive visions of the church might have a place in the global church's imagination of the ecumenical future. Seeds of the Church: Towards an Ecumenical Baptist Ecclesiology is a collaborative effort by members of the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Baptist Doctrine and Christian Unity to respond to this invitation. This book contends that the distinctive Baptist ecclesial vision is best embodied in twelve core practices of Baptist churches and their interrelationship: covenanting, discerning, gathering, befriending, proclaiming, equipping, baptizing, discipling, caring, theologizing, scattering, and remembering. Seeds of the Church opens a window on what is possible when Baptists engage with people of other Christian traditions in the exploration of the common heritage of people belonging to the one household of faith. The global Baptist theological voices represented in this volume offer it as a reading of an ecumenical text in a Baptist key that paves the way for ecclesiological renewal--among Baptists and in the whole church to which they belong.
C.S. Lewis likened hard times to "God's megaphone," a season when the Creator's ways are made clear and proven merciful. Mustard Seeds author Lynn Coulter agrees, writing here across fifteen essays about the natural graces and "God signs" that emerged during a three-year period of hardship and sustain her faith today. From personal events (her parents' deaths, a job loss) to universal cripplers (stress, worry), Coulter's fresh anecdotes unearth the little daily markers of God's love and care while staying rooted in Scripture. Her writings fuse the observational strength of Anne Lamott's nonfiction with the warm delivery of Sue Monk Kidd's devotional books and are sure to be passed around as tools of encouragement and faith strengthening among friends. Chapters include "Used People," "Deep Healing," and "Nothing without Joy." Endorsements Starred review. Coulter, a magazine journalist, takes the familiar biblical story of faith the size of a mustard seed to illustrate how God can use even the most horrendous "lifequakes" as faith-builders. Coulter opens her compilation of life essays with a personal story from her childhood, when the concept of mustard seed faith was first planted after a teacher offered the class mustard seed charms as an attendance reward. Though Coulter eventually lost the charm, she never forgot its message. Years later, after the death of her parents, her husband's job loss, financial setbacks, and her own shattered shoulder, the author's faith was in pieces. She wrestled long and hard to regain closeness with God. In each of these tender topical chapters, Coulter uses everyday happenings from nature, parenting, work, illnesses, and church to reaffirm a single lesson: God is intimately involved in every aspect of life and he cares with a watchful affection. Readers will find strength from Coulter's story and solace in God's promises regarding faith and grace. --Publishers Weekly "Reading Mustard Seeds feels like time spent conversing with a dear old friend over a cup of coffee. Lynn's honest story of how she renewed her faith in Jesus will be a blessing and a source of encouragement." --Mickey McLean, Web Managing Editor, WORLD Magazine "A sensitive, thoughtful book, filled with new beginnings, hope, and the wonder and beauty of the search for God." --Amy Blackmarr, author of Going to Ground: Simple Life on a Georgia Pond
"Seeds of Hope asks what kind of Church we are inviting young people to join and then analyzes the contemporary social and spiritual landscapes in search of signs of hope for the future of the Church."--BOOK JACKET.
Oral Roberts was barely making ends meet when he discovered the three key principles of Seed-Faith in God’s Word. “They have never failed me,” he shares. “When I had no earthly source or person to turn to, when I was alone with nothing but big problems and challenges facing me, these principles showed me God is my Source. They showed me how to use my giving as a seed I was planting, and to expect God to multiply it even if it took a miracle.” The Miracle of Seed-Faith has revolutionized the lives of millions of people. As you read it, let God show you how you can get your needs met through His eternal plan of seedtime and harvest, sowing and reaping, giving and receiving. Man’s economic systems may fail, but God’s plan never does. By getting into the rhythm of Seed-Faith living, you’ll learn that His more-than-enough resources are always available to you.
Priscilla Shirer is an inspiring Bible teacher, popular author, and internationally acclaimed speaker. Her desire is to see women everywhere better understand who they are in Christ by hearing the enduring truth of Scripture. For over a decade she has shared the deep truths of Scripture in a simple, straightforward way that assists the listener in applying truth to her life.
The Two Seeds is an exposition of Genesis 3. “And Hashem Elohim said to the Woman [Eve], ‘What is this you have done?’ And the Woman said, ‘The Serpent [the Nachash] beguiled [cheated, outwitted, and deceived] me, and I ate.’ And Hashem Elohim said to the Serpent, ‘Because you have done this, you are cursed above all [domestic] animals and above every [wild] living thing of the field; upon your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust [and what it contains] all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the Woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He will bruise and tread your head underfoot, and you will lie in wait and bruise His heel’” (Gen. 3:13ff). After the Fall of Man (Adam), the war in heaven led by the archangel Michael against the dragon, thence, the ancient serpent Satan, would continue on the earth. “And the huge Dragon was cast down and out—that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, he who is the seducer [deceiver] of all Humanity the World over; he was forced out and down to the Earth, and his angels were flung out along with him” (Rev. 12:1ff, 19:1ff; Isa. 14:1ff; Ezek. 28:1ff; Luke 10:1ff; John 16:7ff; among others). The war between the two seeds would be a war of the spirit beings fought through human beings and other living things to the detriment of those who make the wrong choices during the battles to save the world of man! How did it begin, and how will it end? Prophet Daniel (12:8) wanted to know more and wrote, “And I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said: O my Lord, what shall be the issue and final end of these things?” This is the one question every believer is dying to know, literally.
The Mining Bible - Facts, Jokes, Tips, Seeds & More (Unofficial Minecraft Book) THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL MINECRAFT BOOK AND IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH MOJANG OF MINECRAFT. Welcome to the Mining bible which is packed with awesome Minecraft content including facts, seeds, jokes, secrets, tips, combat guide and loads more cool Minecraft stuff. This book will keep Minecraft fans entertained for weeks so please enjoy.
