As Christians, we live busy and harried lives, most often because we are eager and earnest to join with God in His work in the world. In the confusion and sheer volume of opportunities and ideas vying for our attention, we must constantly return to the words of Jesus to find our focus and purpose, for the truths He spoke, when believed and applied, lead to our flourishing. Using parables and stories, Jesus spoke most often of the kingdom of God as what matters--the ways of the kingdom, the values of the kingdom, and the cultivation of the kingdom here on earth in light of its fulfillment in heaven. In other words, the kingdom of God defines who we are and what we do as Christians. Many Christians don't have a working knowledge of the kingdom and their true citizenship in a way that affects their daily lives and decisions. Seek First the Kingdom cuts through the clutter of life with the words of Jesus, urging readers to stop, think, take notice, and reorient themselves solidly around the kingdom. Features: 8 weeks of personal study to complete between 8 group sessions Leader guide to help guide group meetings Benefits: Explore the kingdom of God in-depth, learning what the kingdom of God is, and how we enter it. Embrace the life Jesus offers us within the kingdom and the way we find joy as His subjects. Understand how the ways, values, and cultivation of the kingdom of God define who we are. Learn to confront our allegiances to idols and false kings, re-ordering our worship. Identify our places in the kingdom of God and how we can join in the work that God is doing here and around the world.
FIND WHAT MATTERS MOST. BUILD YOUR LIFE AROUND IT. In an age of distraction, everyone is looking for something that gives purpose and perspective on life. Jesus says it's the kingdom of God. But the kingdom is not just another religious idea. Rather, God's loving reign brings clarity and coherence to all of life - identity, work, play, relationships, justice, character - in a way that is profound and practical. Seek First brings theology to the streets, giving a vision for the kingdom that will truly change your life. "Treat presents the message of the kingdom in a way that gives us a grander vision for life, whether in the workplace or on the basketball court." - CHRIS BROUSSARD, NBA analyst and sports broadcaster "Few books do as good a job as this one in showing us how giving up everything for Christ and his kingdom is the pathway to our greatest gain. Seek First is a gem!" - SCOTT SAULS, author and senior pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church "With insight and passion Treat reveals why we ought to reorient our lives and reprioritize our loves . . . practical and powerful." - MARIELLE WAKIM, editor, Los Angeles magazine "A prophetic and urgent note to the generations . . . a clearly written and much-needed book!" - KEVIN J. VANHOOZER, professor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.
The publication of the King James version of the Bible, translated between 1603 and 1611, coincided with an extraordinary flowering of English literature and is universally acknowledged as the greatest influence on English-language literature in history. Now, world-class literary writers introduce the book of the King James Bible in a series of beautifully designed, small-format volumes. The introducers' passionate, provocative, and personal engagements with the spirituality and the language of the text make the Bible come alive as a stunning work of literature and remind us of its overwhelming contemporary relevance.
For anyone who is curious to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ, Seeking First the Kingdom: 30 Meditations on How to Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength was written to help those pursuing Christ to take the next step in spiritual maturity. You want to go deeper and grow closer, but how? By identifying four core areas of your relationship with God (heart, soul, mind, and strength), Fr. John Bartunek helps determine what areas you're stuck in. Short chapters and reflection/discussion questions make this book digestible and applicable to your life. By identifying where you need to grow, you'll experience renewed enthusiasm and discover a new depth to your prayer life.Seeking First the Kingdom is full of practical examples and down-to-earth wisdom which will show you how to bring Christ into each facet of your life. In these 30 meditations, you'll learn:-How to bring every dimension of your being into your relationship with God-How to handle the emotional roller coaster of everyday life-How to overcome spiritual obstacles and roadblocks-Ways to develop virtue and grow in holinessAlong the way, you'll discover how to cultivate a deep and joy-filled friendship with Christ - an adventure that begins today, here on earth, and continues for all eternity.
In this little volume of 200 pages we have a series of dissertations on spiritual subjects, addressed especially to Christians, including thoughts on the Mountain Sermon, the Beatitudes, the Spirituality of the Law, the True Motive in Service, the Lord's Prayer, and on Not Judging but Doing. It is an earnest and affectionate plea for a higher plane of Christian living, and a more thorough and consistent Christian life and character. The writer's style is clear and simple, hut full of that eloquence and warmth of heart which is sure to reach the heart of the reader and plant there its own convictions. It is one of those books which cannot be read with indifference. It is full of an affectionate persuasiveness which is sure to make itself felt.
Do you have a nagging feeling that something's missing from your church experience? You're not alone. And it's time to discover a better way. Church-reform advocate and Bible scholar Peter DeHaan, PhD is a strong proponent of meaningful Christian community. In Jesus's Broken Church he uses Scripture to guide us into right practices and away from the off-track customs that most every church adheres to. The problem is that today's church follows an Old Testament model. We go to a building where we have professional clergy serve as our liaison between us and God. Then we pay for the whole thing with our tithes and offerings—just like Moses instructed. But Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament. Through him we are the church, we are living stones. We don't need to go to a building. As the church, we take it with us wherever we go. And we don't need paid clergy either. Each of us serves as priests to one another. Or at least we should. In Jesus's Broken Church, you'll discover: - How Jesus moves us from an Old Testament understanding to New Testament enlightenment - The early church's approach to their meetings, which we neglect to follow today - Essential New Testament practices that are more important than song and sermon - Biblical ideas to inform the activities of our spiritual communities - Seven religious concepts that require reformation If you happen to like how your church functions, then don't buy this book. It will only make you mad. But if you sometimes leave your Sunday service feeling let down, that something is lacking and there must be more, then this book can guide you into a new direction. Get your copy of Jesus's Broken Church today to discover what's missing and how to fix it.
"A timely and groundbreaking take on the roots of the Christian church and its place in the entirety of God's kingdom. . . . There is no better time than now to learn about and become firmly grounded within your spiritual heritage." —from the foreword by Perry Stone The early church was made up of Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus, and the church's culture was rooted in Judaism and a Jewish understanding of God's relationship to His people. Over time, however, Christianity became increasingly more Roman than Jewish, and the church lost its identity. Rabbi Curt Landry's personal story is remarkably similar. Born to a Jewish mother and a Catholic father, Landry was put up for adoption, and for more than thirty years he had no understanding of his heritage, his roots, or who his parents were. But when he discovered the truth of his story, his life changed completely. The key to a life of power and purpose is understanding who you are. In this revelatory book, Curt Landry helps Christians discover their roots in Judaism, empowering them to walk in the revelation of who they really are and who they are born to be. Reclaiming Our Forgotten Heritage reveals the mysteries of the church, letting Christians grasp the power that comes from connecting with their true identity.
New Edition - Improved format and 40% more material. Pursuing Intimacy With God Bible study books & site to help you grow closer to God and enjoy intimacy with God. Our site includes many Bible studies for life and a large variety of Bible study topics. The Bible study book includes Bible study topics on Intimacy With God, Walking With God, How to Pray to God, Prayer in the Bible, How to Study the Bible, How to Seek God With All Your Heart, How to Hear God’s Voice, Meditate on God’s Word, True Worship in the Bible, Praise As A Spiritual Weapon, Praise Is Placing A High Value on God, How to Have Abundant Life, God’s Calling For Your Life, God’s Promises in the Bible, Faith Is Vital For Intimacy With God, Waiting on God, God’s Purpose & Mission For His Church, Revival & Spiritual Awakening, The Kind of Christian & Church God Wants… The PIWG Bible Study Book is ideal for individuals, or for small groups, Sunday School classes, and discipleship classes at your church Pursuing Intimacy With God website: www.intimacywithgod.com God has used the PIWG I & II studies to bless many people: "Words to appreciate I just can't find but please accept my gratitude. The study has really transformed my life and family." - Samuel "The time and effort you sow into reaching thousands upon thousands of people globally has and continues to touch lives and edify the body of Christ. I am thankful to God and to your ministry for your work." - Carlos, South Africa "We want you to know how much this guide has been a blessing to us. We have been using it on a regular basis and I'm sure it will always be a resource in our permanent library. Keep doing what you are doing. This has really changed our lives."- Carrie, US "What an awesome thing that your ministry is sharing with the world. God's word is user friendly, spoken as Jesus did where all can understand and want to learn more of Jesus, study more and do his will. I have never found such detailed shared information of God's word all in one book." - Ruby, US "Thank you so much for your website. I've benefited so much from it and it has helped me so much in my relationship with Jesus! I believe its the no1 thing I need to pursue." - Zsuzsi, Hungary "Your website, what I've read so far is an overwhelming refreshing shower to my spirit. To discover a ministry that focuses on loving God is so utterly a confirmation to me. What could be more important? Fathomless depths. Thank you for your precious hearts." - Julia, US "Just wanted to say thanks for this site. I typed in the search because this is what God has been doing in my life. Drawing me into intimacy." - Stephen, Australia "The material on your website is awesome. Glory to God !" - Ray, US "I am in awe of the study book. I did not expect to receive so much information. Thank you." - Olivia US "I have been blessed by your site & studies." - Dorota, Poland "The study was excellent ! I could understand it. It was done beautifully and simply... God has changed our lives through this study. We are both working for a soft and humble heart." - Nancy, US "Once again I cant thank you enough; your help is much appreciated and I am so grateful towards you for this." - John, Ireland "I will certainly join in praying for this study and for you as you continue to work with it as the Lord directs. Those weeks of study were so very meaningful to me! - Reid, US "Hi, Thank you for publishing this great material." - Johan, South Africa "Praise the Lord. Please I request a copy of your wondrous book." - Meshak, Uganda
