New and different readings of biblical texts are one consequence of a growing awareness of the environmental crisis and how it relates to social relations, especially in urban settings. Walter Brueggemann explores readings from Isaiah and how they relate to the environment and urban crisis. He approaches the readings as an artistic-theological history of the city of Jerusalem--a case study of urban environmental crisis that resulted from a lost sense of covenantal neighborliness. Reflecting on Jerusalem, its failure, demise, and prospect, Brueggemann uncovers some alarming parallels in today's urban cities, and offers a demanding but hopeful challenge to faith.
In Kingdom Stewardship, Dr. Tony Evans inspires you to broaden your perspective of Christian stewardship. In this encouraging and challenging book, you will learn that stewardship includes how you manage all that God has given you—your time, your talents, and your treasures—to advance God’s kingdom and bring Him glory. While many stewardship books focus on managing financial resources, Tony Evans says that your finances are one small part of a much bigger calling. He teaches that God owns all things, and you are the manager of His assets. When you bring your entire life into alignment under God, you will be blessed with purpose and the abundant life that comes from living by God’s eternal principles.
How does prayer work? What does the Bible really say about money? Does the Bible have anything to say about friendship? You’ll find answers to these questions and many more, quickly and easily in The Handbook of Bible Application. The Bible is full of wisdom about life. Yet it’s not always easy to connect the dots between the various Bible passages on any particular subject—whether it’s a question about dealing with money or about overcoming depression. The Handbook of Bible Application is your guide to the Bible, organized by topics that impact the way you live your life every day: accountability, attitudes, contentment, depression, doubt, encouragement, friendship, money, popularity, sex, singleness, worry, and hundreds of other topics. This is a biblical resource you won’t want to be without.
The Retirement Reformation will change the way we think about what our culture calls retirement. While acknowledging the reality of longevity, Bruce Bruinsma challenges both individuals and faith-based organizations to reexamine, reshape, reform, and revitalize the fastest-growing segment of our society. God has a unique call for each of our lives, and it does not stop at sixty-five or seventy.
Feeling overwhelmed and unproductive? The answer isn’t to do more. What image forms in your mind when you think of productivity? An assembly line? Spreadsheets? Business suits or workplace uniforms? In the ancient world, productivity didn't conjure images like these. Instead, it referred to crop yield and fruit bearing. This agrarian imagery helps us understand productivity through a biblical lens. Jesus taught, By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit (John 15:8). Who doesn’t want to have a truly productive life—to bear much fruit? But how does this happen in the places we hold dear—the home, workplace, and in our communities? We often feel overworked and overrun, defeated and discouraged. The world says be productive so that you can get all you can out of this life. The Bible says be productive so you can gain more of the next life. In Redeeming Productivity, author Reagan Rose explores how God’s glory is the purpose for which He planted us. And he shows how productivity must be firmly rooted in the gospel. Only through our connection to Christ—the True Vine—are we empowered to produce good fruit. This book shows how we can maintain the vitality of that connection through simple, life-giving disciplines. Readers will discover manageable applications like giving God the first fruits of our days. Additionally, Reagan discusses how our perspective on suffering is transformed as we see trials as God’s pruning for greater productivity.
The word stewardship comes across as stale and mildly distasteful to many in the church today as a term limited in its scope to euphemistic conversations about financial giving. Yet, as Ronald Vallet points out, when the apostle Paul refers to "stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor. 4:1), he's talking about something much deeper and richer than fund-raising. In Stewards of the Gospel Vallet recovers a more adequate understanding of Christian stewardship in light of both the New Testament and the realities facing today's church as it deals with challenges to justice, to the environment, and even to faith itself. He then applies his reinvigorated concept of stewardship in practical ways to congregations, to their pastors and leaders, and to the seminaries and denominational structures that mold and support those leaders. Enhancing Vallet's broad, gospel-oriented vision of stewardship are thoughtful responses from six seasoned theological educators: Daniel Aleshire, David L. Bartlett, Bruce C. Birch, Terry Parsons, Eugene F. Roop, and L. E. "Ted" Siverns.
A Practical Guide to Embracing God's Plan in Your Life Welcome to "A Comprehensive Guide to Christian Living: Biblical Understanding and Applying Christian Principles to Everyday Life." This book is a valuable resource designed to provide a comprehensive and practical understanding of the Christian faith and how it shapes every aspect of our lives. Whether you are a new believer seeking to establish a strong foundation in your faith or a seasoned Christian desiring to deepen your understanding and application of biblical principles, this book is for you. Who is this book for? This book is intended for anyone who desires to grow in their Christian faith and live a life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is suitable for: New Believers: If you have recently made a commitment to follow Jesus or are exploring the Christian faith, this book will provide you with a solid foundation. It will help you understand the core beliefs of Christianity, the principles that guide Christian living, and practical ways to apply them in your daily life. Seasoned Believers: If you have been a Christian for some time, this book will serve as a valuable resource for deepening your understanding of biblical truths. It will challenge you to go beyond surface-level knowledge and engage with the Word of God in a way that leads to transformation and growth. It will also provide fresh insights and practical applications for living out your faith in various areas of life. Church Leaders and Teachers: Pastors, teachers, and ministry leaders can utilize this book as a teaching tool to equip and disciple others. The comprehensive nature of the topics covered makes it suitable for use in small group settings, Bible studies, discipleship programs, and as a resource for sermon preparation. How to Use the Book This book is organized into twenty-two chapters, each addressing a specific aspect of Christian living. While the chapters can be read independently, they are designed to be read sequentially, as they build upon one another to provide a holistic understanding of the Christian journey. Each chapter delves into a particular theme, explores relevant biblical teachings, and offers practical applications for incorporating these principles into everyday life. To get the most out of this book, here are a few suggestions on how to use it: Read and Reflect: Take the time to read each chapter thoughtfully, reflecting on the biblical passages, anecdotes, and practical applications provided. Consider how the principles discussed apply to your own life and circumstances. Engage in Personal Study: Use the questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter to dig deeper into the topics covered. Consider journaling your thoughts and insights as you study and apply the principles in your daily life. Discuss in Small Groups: If possible, gather with a small group of fellow believers to discuss the content of each chapter. Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions, allowing the insights of others to enrich your understanding and application of the principles discussed. Apply the Principles: As you progress through each chapter, take intentional steps to apply the principles you are learning. Identify areas in your life where change or growth is needed, and seek God's guidance and empowerment through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Personalize the Content: This book provides a framework for Christian living, but it is essential to adapt the principles to your unique context and circumstances. Seek to discern how God is specifically calling you to live out your faith in your relationships, work, community, and other areas of life. Read less
"God's Masterplan For Money" by Terence A. Townsend is a guide to financial stewardship from a biblical perspective. It provides a roadmap to financial well-being grounded in scripture, practical insights, and personal anecdotes. From budgeting to investing, from generosity to responsible stewardship, each chapter offers actionable advice and spiritual reflections. This book is not just about managing money; it's about embracing a divine perspective on wealth, recognizing that true prosperity is found in alignment with God's masterplan. Terence A. Townsend's narrative is accessible, encouraging, and deeply rooted in the belief that financial stewardship is an integral part of a faithful and purposeful life. Whether you are seeking to overcome financial challenges, grow in generosity, or simply gain a deeper understanding of God's purpose for your resources, "God's Masterplan For Money" is a guide that transcends the boundaries of finance, offering readers a transformative and spiritually enriching experience.
