This playful yet substantial "dogmatic" book of theology addresses our central human longing to be deeply loved. This is also an incarnational theology, putting us in contact with a God who is willing to roll in the earth with us, dive in to rescue us, and whose tracks can be seen throughout our homes and lives. Illustrated with lovely charcoal drawings, Dogspell challenges readers to believe that God loves, welcomes, and longs to greet us as much as a dog.
The Author truly believes that the dog is God's most perfect creation, and it shows by the unconditional love dog shows for man. This trait is not shown by any other creature and only shown in the relationship dog has with man, and is a gift from God to man. God is the only other that shows this unconditional love towards man, so the Author feels the dog is very special in God's eyes, even the name "Dog" is a reflection of the name "God". This book will touch on all your emotions, happiness, sadness, anger and in the final chapter this Author's vision of why dogs go to heaven, you will feel the unconditional love given to man only from God and Dog. We all have heard the Gospel stories of Jesus, but the Author tastefully injected a loving companion dog into some of these beautiful stories. He knew some might take offense with him messing with the Gospels, but he is a man of great faith as well as a dog parent, and he takes great pain in writing this book so as to not change the Gospel's real meaning. The best way to see if this book is for you is to hit the look inside button, and you will be able to read the full chapter before you buy. There are a few purely fictional chapters that were added, but they are respectfully written and take nothing from the scriptures.
The Gospel According to Sam is a collection of thirty "animal stories for the soul," written by William Miller, a priest who's considered to be one of the best preachers in the Episcopal Church. The "Sam" in the title is Miller's Airedale, a lovable, "wounded healer" of a dog who survived a house fire that burned off his ears but couldn't extinguish his spirit. Sam becomes a vehicle for healing, humor, adventure, spiritual growth, and prayer for Miller and his parishioners. Sam isn't a typical warm-fuzzy, feel-good animal stories book, however. Miller writes with an earthy sense of humor and a Southern voice that has the reader laughing out loud--think of Molly Ivins, but with the voice of faith and prayer added in for good measure, and a low tolerance for sickly sweet theology. But then he slips in the zinger that cuts through the laughter and goes for the soul. His meditations aren't limited to Sam or even just dogs; birds, pigs, squirrels, rabbits, fish, bugs, and even yaks feature in his stories. An honest awareness and appreciation of the depth and breath of life are hallmarks of these real life adventures and thought provoking reflections.
And so we arrive at the purpose of this book: to awaken a generally torpid and negligent modern evangelical church out of its doctrinal stupor. In particular, it is designed to reassert the clear gospel-"the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Rom 1:16)-and contrast it against several of its present day corruptions. As one insightful pastor comments upon Philippians 3:2, "Any attempt to please God by one's own efforts and draw attention away from Christ's accomplished redemption is the worst kind of wickedness." This book seeks to counter such wickedness. As in Paul's era, modern day believers must be warned against "dogs" and "evildoers" who still seek to distort the gospel by adding human achievement to God's work in salvation.
Revisit the story of Jesus through the eyes of man’s best friend—a special dog named Barley. No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah. He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before. Barley’s story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarving family who finds Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver’s home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea. On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told. “An incredibly inspiring and beautiful tale of a blessed journey of lessons learned as told through the voice of one man’s (and humanity’s) best friend, a loving dog named Barley. Ron Marasco transports both heart and mind heralding understanding and acceptance while weaving rich religious history within the pages of this unique adventure.” —Kristen Chenoweth, Tony and Emmy award–winning actress “If you need a spirit-lift, a book of hope, a read that will urge you to believe that hope is worth the risk, you are holding the right book. Do yourself a favor—read and enjoy!” —Max Lucado, New York Times bestselling author of How Happiness Happens and Anxious for Nothing “Some of the greatest life lessons about courage, loyalty, trust, and patience . . . I’ve learned from my dog. Read The Dog Who Was There and learn an amazing lesson about faith.” —Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Noticer and The Traveler’s Gift “The Dog Who Was There is a page-turning read that stops and opens the heart. Revealing profound truth with compelling grace, Ron Marasco offers a singular vision of the greatest story ever told.” —Beth Henley, Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright of Crimes of the Heart and The Jacksonian “The Dog Who Was There is a wonderful, engaging book that adds a completely new perspective to the Passion story. Ron Marasco has created a character in Barley who will entertain and inspire readers. The retelling of Christ’s ministry through the human characters connects the reader in a unique was to the Gospel message, but it is Barley who will charm people of all ages.” —Kevin Baxter, EdD, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles Inspirational standalone novel with biblical elements. Book length: 52,000 words. Includes discussion questions for book clubs.
Our treatment of animals is a gospel issue, Andrew Linzey contends, because those individuals and institutions that could have become the voice of God's most vulnerable creatures have instead justified cruelty and oppression. He offers an inspiring personal account of the gospel truths that have sustained his commitment to the cause of animals for more than twenty-five years.
A man had two dogs. The one he fed grew the biggest. There's an old parable about a man who had two dogs that were constantly at war with each other. One of the dogs was good, representing virtues like loyalty and kindness. The other dog was bad, representing vices such as hatred and lust. Which dog won in the end? That's easy: the one he fed. In the same way, we have two fundamental natures battling for our attention on a daily basis--a sinful flesh and a righteous spirit. Through Christ, we have the ability to choose which nature we will "feed," leading us either further away from or closer to His likeness. Feed the Dog is a video-driven Bible study for middle and high school students (grades 7-12). Through the artistry of illusion and his unique gift of evangelism, Brock Gill guides students to realize the importance of nourishing the spirit through the daily practice of spiritual disciplines. Over the course of eight sessions, students will learn that spiritual disciplines are something we develop over time. With practice and perseverance, students will be able to discern the truth and focus on what's important. They will "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Ps. 34:8), growing in their relationship with Christ and pointing others to Him. Features: Interactive weekly teaching videos (approximately 8-10 minutes each) available separately for purchase or rent Leader Guide to facilitate small group discussion (located at the back of each book) 6 days of personal study to complete between group sessions Biblically rooted and gospel-centered 8 group sessions, 7 weeks of homework
"Eugene Peterson maintains that how we read the Bible is as important as that we read it. The second volume of Peterson's momentous five-part work on spiritual theology, Eat This Book challenges us to read the Scriptures on their own terms, as God's revelation, and to live them as we read them. Countering the widespread practice of using the Bible for self-serving purposes, Peterson here serves readers with a nourishing entrée into the formative, life-changing art of spiritual reading." - from the back of the book.
A World War I canine hero saves the day in this action-packed, heartwarming story. When the British military asks for dogs to help the war effort, Darling's family reluctantly sends her to be trained as a mercy dog. Through gunfire and poisonous gases, it's Darling's job to find injured soldiers on the battlefield and fetch help from the medics. After saving the lives of numerous soldiers, Darling suddenly finds herself in need of rescue. Will she ever make it back to England? This wartime adventure is a touching and exciting introduction to World War I. Darling's story of bravery and devotion reminds readers that dogs can be so much more than pets. The Dog Chronicles series features fast-paced, fascinating historical fiction about working dogs, perfect for readers who love books
