God instituted festivals and feasts. Jesus went to weddings and parties. Christians were made to be people who celebrate, and the focal point of praise should always be God. He is generous, and He is righteous, and believers' natural responses should be celebration.
Why be colorblind when we can be colorFULL instead? Imani and Kayla are the best of friends who are learning to celebrate their different skin colors. As they look around them at the amazing colors in nature, they can see that their skin is another example of God's creativity! This joyful story takes a new approach to discussing race: instead of being colorblind, we can choose to celebrate each color God gave us and be colorFULL instead.
This collection of essays offers a framework for reflection and study by United Methodist laity, clergy, and seminarians seeking to live into our faith’s commitment to ecumenism and interfaith relationships. The vision and voices of writers from around the world are indispensable in understanding the biblical, historical, and theological basis for ecumenical and interreligious work. The writers are Warner H. Brown, Jr. Sudarshana Devadhar, Gaspar Joao Domingos, Adam Hamilton, Benjamin L. Hartley, Hee Soo Jung, Gladys Mangiduyos, Glen A. Messer II, Bruce R. Ough, Stephen Sidorak, Jr., Mary Ann Swenson, and Rosemarie Wenner. Read what others are saying... “This sparkling book celebrates the wide-armed embrace of God’s love. Drawing from personal stories, historical narratives, texts of the Wesleyan and United Methodist traditions, and biblical witness, the authors challenge people to ponder ecumenical and interreligious relations. They offer perspectives and questions that are deeply biblical and Wesleyan and are urgent in a world torn by conflict. They shine light on polarizations and possibilities in the United Methodist Church, the Christian Church universal, and the whole human family. The book is an invitation to reflect but, more important, to pause and appreciate the largesse of God’s love that binds people across chasms of difference.” —Dean Mary Elizabeth Moore Boston University School of Theology “This book is a wonderful resource for all who take seriously the prayer for unity Jesus prayed in John 17:20-21. The authors represent a rich diversity of voices from across the globe, all calling us to focus on that which binds us together in love. I heartily recommend this book to all who are interested in building bridges of unity.” —Dr. Clayton Oliphint Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Richardson, Texas "I urge all United Methodists to read Celebrating God's Love in preparation for the 2016 General Conference, because it serves as a valuable reminder of our commitment to ecumenical and interreligious relationships and dialogue." —Jim Winkler President and General Secretary National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
This timely picture book from Dr. Tony Evans teaches children the values of equality, diversity, and unity from a biblical perspective and provides parents with a starting point for meaningful family discussions about important cultural issues. Dr. Evans explains in simple terms that we all are created in the image of God. We may look different, come from different places, and have a little or a lot, but God loves and values us equally. Therefore, we should love and value others as He does. Made by God also introduces children to the concepts of diversity, unity, and racism from a Christian worldview and gives them practical suggestions on how they can stand up for what's right when they see injustice occurring. This helpful resource gives parents a tool they can use to engage children in important conversations on a variety of topics, including race, inequality, reconciliation, and God's plan for humanity.
Christopher Wright uses this verse as a lens through which he surveys the Bible’s teaching on 'salvation’. Every phrase in the verse resonates with significant themes in the Old and New Testaments, all of which combine to show that the Bible tells the story of God’s salvation very broadly indeed, in relation to the character and purposes of God, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the redemption of all creation, the joy of Christian experience and the responsibility of Christian mission. This clear, deep and warm-hearted exposition enriches our grasp of the Bible’s multi-faceted teaching about salvation.
Do you ever find yourself struggling to fully grasp the true meaning of Christmas? Are you yearning to understand the profound significance behind the celebrations and traditions? If so, you are not alone. Many people feel the same way, and the good news is that there is a way to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this holy season. Yes, you can fully understand and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas! “The Miracle of Christmas: Celebrating God’s Greatest Gift” is here to guide you on a transformative journey through the heart of Christmas. This book will help you uncover the rich, spiritual significance of Jesus’ birth and how it represents God’s ultimate gift of love and salvation. Benefits of Reading This Book: Deepen Your Faith: Gain a deeper understanding of the biblical narrative and its relevance to your life. Celebrate with Purpose: Learn how to keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebrations. Experience Joy and Peace: Discover the true joy and peace that come from celebrating God’s greatest gift. Inspire Generosity: Be inspired to practice kindness and generosity, reflecting God’s love to others. Important Points: Discover the true meaning of Christmas Deepen your faith and understanding of God’s love Celebrate with purpose and joy Experience the peace that comes from knowing Jesus Be inspired to practice kindness and generosity Why This Book is Essential: This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the Christmas story, from the prophecies of the Messiah to the miraculous birth of Jesus. It offers practical insights and reflections that will help you connect with the true spirit of Christmas. Whether you are a lifelong Christian or new to the faith, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christmas and its significance. Call to Action: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your Christmas celebrations and deepen your faith. Get your copy of “The Miracle of Christmas: Celebrating God’s Greatest Gift” today and embark on a journey that will bring you closer to God and fill your heart with joy and peace. Become a happier, more fulfilled Christian by embracing the true meaning of Christmas.