The Joy of the Gospel
The Joy of the Gospel

Author: Pope Francis

Publisher: Image

Published: 2014-10-07

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 0553419544

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The perfect gift! A specially priced, beautifully designed hardcover edition of The Joy of the Gospel with a foreword by Robert Barron and an afterword by James Martin, SJ. “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus… In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.” – Pope Francis This special edition of Pope Francis's popular message of hope explores themes that are important for believers in the 21st century. Examining the many obstacles to faith and what can be done to overcome those hurdles, he emphasizes the importance of service to God and all his creation. Advocating for “the homeless, the addicted, refugees, indigenous peoples, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned,” the Holy Father shows us how to respond to poverty and current economic challenges that affect us locally and globally. Ultimately, Pope Francis demonstrates how to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ, “to recognize the traces of God’s Spirit in events great and small.” Profound in its insight, yet warm and accessible in its tone, The Joy of the Gospel is a call to action to live a life motivated by divine love and, in turn, to experience heaven on earth. Includes a foreword by Robert Barron, author of Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith and James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage

The Church as Salt and Light
The Church as Salt and Light

Author: Stan Chu Ilo

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2011-06-16

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 1630879614

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This book is an attempt at a critical, constructive, and creative theological praxis of social transformation in Africa. The authors apply a multi-disciplinary approach to examining how Christianity in Africa is engaging the problems of Africa's challenging social context. This is a prophetic work that applies the symbols of "salt" and "light" as ecclesiological images for reenvisioning the path towards procuring abundant life for God's people in the African continent through the agency of African Christianity. The contributors to this volume ask these fundamental questions: What is the face of Jesus in African Christianity? What is the face and identity of the Church in Africa? How can one evaluate the relevance of the Church in Africa to African Christians who enthusiastically embrace and celebrate their Christian faith? In other words, what positive imprint is Christianity leaving on the lives and societies of African Christians? Does the Christian message have the potential of positively affecting African civilization as it once did in Europe? What is the relevance and place of African Christianity as a significant voice in shaping both the future of Africa and that of world Christianity?

Christian Zionism in Africa
Christian Zionism in Africa

Author: Cynthia Holder Rich

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2021-01-06

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 1978711743

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Christian Zionism—a movement based on the belief that support of Israel, and Israeli ownership of and residence in Jerusalem, is a prerequisite for Christ’s return—has been a significant substratum within theologies and ecclesiologies of many churches in the US and Europe for centuries. Since the 1970s, US-based Christian Zionism organizations, encouraged by and collaborating with the Israeli government, have used a significant amount of resources to spread the movement into other regions of the world, including Africa. In many African countries, Christian Zionism combines perniciously with Prosperity Gospel preaching, interpreting Genesis 12:3 as a divine map to gain blessings—material and otherwise—through complete and uncritical support for the modern-day State of Israel. Many African governments have come to understand that this support is lucrative--and coercive. African officials working with Israel learn that openly supporting Palestine will result in their partnerships with Israel being discontinued. Contributors to this interdisciplinary volume analyze the meaning and ramifications of the emergence of Christian Zionist ideologies in Africa and its churches, in interfaith work, in politics, in law, and in the use and abuse of power between peoples of different races, histories, economic strength, and influence on the international stage.

What Is the Mission of the Church?
What Is the Mission of the Church?

Author: Kevin DeYoung

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2011-09-08

Total Pages: 290

ISBN-13: 143352693X

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Social justice and mission are hot topics today: there's a wonderful resurgence of motivated Christians passionate about spreading the gospel and caring for the needs of others. But in our zeal to get sharing and serving, many are unclear on gospel and mission. Yes, we are called to spend ourselves for the sake of others, but what is the church's unique priority as it engages the world? DeYoung and Gilbert write to help Christians "articulate and live out their views on the mission of the church in ways that are theologically faithful, exegetically careful, and personally sustainable." Looking at the Bible's teaching on evangelism, social justice, and shalom, they explore the what, why, and how of the church's mission. From defining "mission", to examining key passages on social justice and their application, to setting our efforts in the context of God's rule, DeYoung and Gilbert bring a wise, studied perspective to the missional conversation. Readers in all spheres of ministry will grow in their understanding of the mission of the church and gain a renewed sense of urgency for Jesus' call to preach the Word and make disciples.

The Church from Every Tribe and Tongue
The Church from Every Tribe and Tongue

Author: Gene L. Green

Publisher: Langham Publishing

Published: 2018-07-05

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 1783684496

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The Book of Revelation describes a church from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation glorifying the Lamb that was slain. As the church expands in the Majority World and Christianity becomes an increasingly global faith, this vision is an increasingly visible reality. The insights found in The Church from Every Tribe and Tongue are not commonplace. Written by nine theologians and biblical scholars from Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America, each provides fresh perspectives surveying the most pressing ecclesiological issues in their various regions. The end result is a prescient analysis and constructive proposal detailing how the worldwide church can bear witness in a diverse and changing world.

Africa and the New Face of Mission
Africa and the New Face of Mission

Author: Charles A. Ebelebe

Publisher: Rlpg/Galleys

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13:

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In Africa and the New Face of Mission, Ebelebe argues that the mission theory and practice of the Irish Spiritans in Igboland (1905-1970) was forged in the socio-political and faith environment of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century Ireland; an environment that produced a Church that was sacramentized, devotional, conservative, and clerical. It was this Church that the Irish Spiritans took to Igboland, and the Church that has largely endured there until now. The author considers this regrettable and calls for inculturation as the only way forward. He highlights the significant contribution of the Igbo Catholic Church to the growing pool of missionaries from the South and argues that for this Church to be truly Igbo, it must be selective in what it reclaims from its Irish Heritage and must draw from the resources of Igbo traditional culture and religion. In this way, the Church can better equip its growing number of missionaries to other nations. Book jacket.