Easter is the high point of the church year and the very heart of Christian hope, and yet sometimes we are tempted to simply move on once Easter Sunday is over. Easter, Season of Realized Hope invites us to linger a bit. Join the women who visit the tomb of Jesus in the early morning and encounter the risen Lord. Travel with the disciples walking to Emmaus and let your heart burn with recognition. Learn from Paul what a difference it makes that Christ is risen. Let your deepest hopes be realized.
Easter is the high point of the church year and the very heart of Christian hope, and yet sometimes we are tempted to simply move on once Easter Sunday is over. Easter, Season of Realized Hope invites us to linger a bit. Join the women who visit the tomb of Jesus in the early morning and encounter the risen Lord. Travel with the disciples walking to Emmaus and let your heart burn with recognition. Learn from Paul what a difference it makes that Christ is risen. Let your deepest hopes be realized.
The Resurrection accounts of Jesus in the Gospels are the most dramatic and impactful stories ever told. One similarity unites each testimony--that none of his most loyal and steadfast followers could "see" it was him, back from the dead. The reason for this is at the very foundation of the Christian faith. She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. (John 20:14) Hope in the Time of Fear is a book that unlocks the meaning of Jesus's resurrection for readers. Easter is considered the most solemn and important holiday for Christians. It is a time of spiritual rebirth and a time of celebrating the physical rebirth of Jesus after three days in the tomb. For his devoted followers, nothing could prepare them for the moment they met the resurrected Jesus. Each failed to recognize him. All of them physically saw him and yet did not spiritually truly see him. It was only when Jesus reached out and invited them to see who he truly was that their eyes were open. Here the central message of the Christian faith is revealed in a way only Timothy Keller could do it--filled with unshakable belief, piercing insight, and a profound new way to look at a story you think you know. After reading this book, the true meaning of Easter will no longer be unseen.
Few people have influenced Christian spirituality, theology, and history as profoundly as Mary, mother of Jesus. Explore three key events early in her life that set the course for her role in salvation history. Learn what it means to be favored by God.
For years Christians have been asking, "If you died tonight, do you know where you would go?" It turns out that many believers have been giving the wrong answer. It is not heaven. Award-winning author N. T. Wright outlines the present confusion about a Christian's future hope and shows how it is deeply intertwined with how we live today. Wright, who is one of today's premier Bible scholars, asserts that Christianity's most distinctive idea is bodily resurrection. He provides a magisterial defense for a literal resurrection of Jesus and shows how this became the cornerstone for the Christian community's hope in the bodily resurrection of all people at the end of the age. Wright then explores our expectation of "new heavens and a new earth," revealing what happens to the dead until then and what will happen with the "second coming" of Jesus. For many, including many Christians, all this will come as a great surprise. Wright convincingly argues that what we believe about life after death directly affects what we believe about life before death. For if God intends to renew the whole creation—and if this has already begun in Jesus's resurrection—the church cannot stop at "saving souls" but must anticipate the eventual renewal by working for God's kingdom in the wider world, bringing healing and hope in the present life. Lively and accessible, this book will surprise and excite all who are interested in the meaning of life, not only after death but before it.
The Hope of Easter Gift Book is a powerful tool that will provide a history, background, basis, and applicable Scripture to the Easter season and lead readers into a deeper experience of the hope of the resurrection.
This volume retells the Easter story, and the essential message is presented through caption, poetry and quotation. The illustrations are drawn from illuminated, medieval manuscripts in the Bodleian Library flowers collection.
The easy accessibility of the Bible in most of the world's major languages can obscure a dramatic and sometimes unexpected story. In Know How We Got Our Bible, scholars Ryan Reeves and Charles Hill trace the history of the Bible from its beginnings to the present day, highlighting key figures and demonstrating overall the reliability of Scripture. Reeves and Hill begin with the writing of the Bible's books (including authorship and dating), move into the formation of the Old and New Testaments (including early transmission and the development of the canon), and conclude with several chapters on Bible translation from the Latin Vulgate to the ongoing work of translation around the world today. Written simply and focused on the overarching story of how the Bible came to us today, Know How We Got Our Bible is an excellent introduction for formal students and lay learners alike. Each chapter includes reflection questions and recommended readings for further learning.
"Embracing Resurrection Hope: Daily Reflections for a Renewed Life during the Easter Season" is a thoughtfully crafted devotional book that provides a comprehensive and transformative experience for readers during the Easter season. This inspiring guide comprises a collection of daily readings, each carefully curated to explore the profound themes of resurrection and hope. The book opens a door to a spiritual journey, inviting readers to reflect on the deeper meanings of Easter and how they can infuse these principles into their daily lives. Through a blend of scripture passages, insightful reflections, and meaningful prayers, it offers a structured and accessible way for individuals to connect with their faith and contemplate the significance of the Easter story. Structured for the entire Easter season, the devotional takes readers through a series of reflections that encourage self-examination, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether it's the themes of sacrifice, redemption, or the ultimate victory of hope over despair, each day's entry is designed to resonate with the reader on a personal and spiritual level. "Embracing Resurrection Hope" is not merely a book; it is a companion for those seeking a meaningful and intentional engagement with the Easter season. The carefully chosen reflections provide a balanced blend of theological depth and practical application, making it accessible for readers at various points in their faith journey. In addition to fostering personal spiritual growth, the devotional also serves as a catalyst for community and shared reflection. It encourages readers to engage in discussions, share insights, and create a collective atmosphere of growth and encouragement. Overall, "Embracing Resurrection Hope" stands as a comprehensive and enriching resource, offering a daily oasis for contemplation, inspiration, and the cultivation of a renewed life grounded in the timeless message of Easter.
