An important answer book for everyone, from seeker to long-time believer, systematically covering the fundamentals of Bible doctrine and Christian living.
The Essentials Explained Master storyteller and essayist C. S. Lewis here tackles the central questions of the Christian faith: Who was Jesus? What did he accomplish? What does it mean for me? In these classic essays, which began as talks on the BBC during World War II, Lewis creatively and simply explains the basic tenets of Christianity. Taken from the core section of Mere Christianity, the selection in this gift edition provides an accessible way for more people to discover these timeless truths. For those looking to remind themselves of the things they hold true, or those looking for a snapshot of Christianity, this book is a wonderful introduction to the faith.
Teach your students the basics of English and the basics of the faith at the same time! What Christians Believe is a Bible study in simple English, specifically designed for people who are learning the language. Chapters titles include:Sin is disobeying GodJesus Christ is our perfect sacrificeGod forgives our sinsJesus Christ is GodJesus died, yet livesHow to become a ChristianAnd much more!What Christians Believe also includes teaching resources, such as:Word lists at the end of each chapter, with vocabulary words definedFill-in-the-blank exercises for students in each chapterAnswers to questions and additional scripture referencesTips for teaching ESL.
We’re all searching. Sometimes the search is easy: simply type a question and the answer pops up. But sometimes our questions are complicated, and the answers are difficult to see and harder to articulate. How do we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? Adam Hamilton believes that some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles’ Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. In this book, Hamilton considers important questions of life, reality, and truth. He explores not only what Christians believe, but also why they believe it and why it matters. Chapters include: God Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit The Church at the Communion of Saints The Forgiveness of Sins The Resurrection of the Body Creed: What Christians Believe and Why is also part of a six-week church-wide program that includes a Leader Guide, DVD, and youth and children resources.
From the author of the acclaimed Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope comes a book that addresses the question that has plagued humans for centuries—what is our purpose? As Christians, what are we to do with that ambiguous time between baptism and the funeral? It's easy to become preoccupied with who gets into heaven; the real challenge is how we are going to live in the here and now. Wright dispels the common misconception that Christian living is nothing more than a checklist of dos and don'ts. Nor is it a prescription to "follow your heart" wherever it may lead. Instead, After You Believe reveals the Bible's call for a revolution—a transformation of character that takes us beyond our earthly pursuit of money, sex, and power into a virtuous state of living that allows us to reflect God and live more worshipful, fulfilling lives. We are all spiritual seekers, intuitively knowing there is more to life than we suspect. This is a book for anyone who is hoping there is something more while we're here on Earth. There is. We are being called to join the revolution, and Wright insightfully encourages readers to find new purpose and clarity by taking us on an eye-opening journey through key biblical passages that promise to radically alter the work of the church and the direction of our lives.
Many people today, both Christians and non-Christians, are confused about or unaware of the essentials of Christian faith. In this book, Anna Wierzbicka takes a radically new approach to the task of communicating "what Christians believe" to the widest possible audience. "The Story of God and People," the heart of the book, sets out the core tenets of Christian faith in narrative form using simple language that is accessible to anyone, even those with no familiarity with Christianity or Christian vocabulary. The Story is not only simple but also universal: though written in English, it is not phrased in full English--English as we know it today, shaped by history, culture, and tradition--but in "Minimal English." Minimal English contains only those 400 or so English words that can be translated into any other language; essentially, it corresponds to the shared core of all languages. In the introduction to the book, Wierzbicka explains Minimal English and minimal languages in general, and in "The Story of God and People" that follows, she demonstrates the effectiveness of Minimal English as a tool for global understanding. At the same time, the use of Minimal English allows her not only to retell the Christian story in a strikingly new way, but also to rethink its meaning, bringing into relief its internal cohesion, logic and beauty.
This full-color book explains basic Christian beliefs in an easy-to-understand way. Includes explanations of 16 essential doctrines, the Trinity, Jesus’ claims, the Resurrection, salvation, and heaven. It covers the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed. Includes charts that compares 12 denominations, the two most common methods of baptism, and four Christian views of the End Times in the Book of Revelation. Includes 6-week study guide for individual or group use. Overview:Essential Doctrines: the 16 key beliefs Christians holdCreeds: These simple summary statements were the early Church’s way of training new believers, and helping them discern truth from error.The Trinity: Simple explanation, plus answers to questions. Includes diagrams, illustrations, and ways of helping people understand what the Trinity is—and isn’t.Life of Jesus: His claims, his miracles, his death, resurrection, ascension, and Second Coming. This covers the key biblical passages. Includes a timeline and a map of Jesus’ travels.Denominations Comparison: Helpful side-by-side comparison of the beliefs of 12 Christian church groups on God, Scripture, Church structure, founder, date, and more. Shows where they are unified and where they diverge.Baptism: Covers Jesus’ command to be baptized, the symbolism in Scripture for baptism, what to expect when being baptized. Includes the most common types of baptism and what biblical basis and symbolism is being emphasized.Understanding the Book of Revelation: Shows four approaches that serious Christians have taken to this book over the past 2000 years. This side-by-side comparison helps Christians focus on Christ—the beginning and the end.Heaven: Compares the popular views of Heaven in the media with the actual passages in Scripture. Very encouraging to know about this place of joy, restoration, and healing. Ideas for Use:Discipleship for individuals or groupsIntro to Christianity (for new believers or a refresher course)Confirmation classesPre-baptism or Baptism prepHomeschoolingSunday schoolHome fellowshipSmall group
Dr Francis S. Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, is one of the world's leading scientists, working at the cutting edge of the study of DNA, the code of life. Yet he is also a man of unshakable faith in God. How does he reconcile the seemingly unreconcilable? In THE LANGUAGE OF GOD he explains his own journey from atheism to faith, and then takes the reader on a stunning tour of modern science to show that physics, chemistry and biology -- indeed, reason itself -- are not incompatible with belief. His book is essential reading for anyone who wonders about the deepest questions of all: why are we here? How did we get here? And what does life mean?