George Verwer has inspired and encouraged thousands in their Christian discipleship. Now three of his best-loved books, The Revolution of Love, No Turning Back, and Hunger for Reality are brought together in this three-in-one collection. The trilogy points us to love as the central theme of Christian life, calls us to effective service, and revolutionizes our lives so that they are consistent and productive.
This book examines the past and present of the English parish system and proposes a new way of structuring the church in England rooted in the Anglo-Saxon world. The English parish is in a state of crisis. Ideally suited to the static, agricultural, hierarchical society in which it developed, it has become a severe impediment to the Church's work today. It needs to change. In this fascinating and insightful book, Nick Spencer explores the parish's past, present and future. He shows that rather than being synonymous with English Christianity, the parish was a comparatively late arrival on the scene, and one whose main roots were economic and social rather than ecclesiastical. He goes on to explain why the parish is now singularly inappropriate for modern ministry, before proposing a genuine alternative based on the system of Anglo-Saxon minster churches out of which parishes grew.
'Between Horror and Hope' is a study of Paul's metaphorical language of death in Romans 6:1-11. The scholarly debate focuses on two main issues; the origin of the 'commentatio mortis' tradition and its development. Dr. Sabou argues that the origin of this terminology is original to Paul; that it was the apostle's own insight into the meaning of Christ's death (a "death to sin") and his understanding of the identity of Christ in his death (as the anointed davidic king) which guided him to create this metaphor of "dying to sin" as a way of describing the relationship of the believer with sin. On the development of this language of death, the author argues that this language conveys two aspects — horror and hope. The first is discussed in the context of crucifixion in which Paul explains the believer's "death to sin" by presenting Christ's death as the death of the anointed davidic king who won the victory over sin and death by rising from the dead. Paul affirms that believers are "coalesced" with what was "proclaimed" about Christ's death and resurrection, thereby allowing him to assert that the releasing of the body from the power of sin is a result of "crucifixion." This "crucifixion" is the "condemnation" inflicted on our past lives in the age inaugurated by Adam's sin and this is such a horrible event that believers have to stay away from sin since sin leads to such punishment. In contrast, hope is presented in the context of "burial." The believers' "burial with" Christ points to the fact that they are part of Christ's family and this is accomplished by the overwhelming action of God by which he pushes us toward the event of Christ's death, an act pictured in baptism. It is this "burial with" Christ that allows believers to share with Christ in newness of life.
Dare to Believe! is the breathtaking story of someone who has followed Jesus' lead through civil wars and unrest, arrests and deportation, as he sought to effectively use media in support of the life, work, and witness of the church in the Middle East and North Africa. The book journeys from the publication of a Christian newsstand magazine for the Arab world to the birth of the region's first Christian satellite and online television services--attracting millions of viewers from all faith backgrounds and ages, unlike Christian television as we may have seen it in the West. Readers will discover and be encouraged by dynamic and courageous Christian communities in the Arab world, Iran, and Turkey--some of whom date the founding of their churches back to the first century--and how God provides for his children and his ministry, even through difficult times.
History Makers will share how the united prayer from yesterday and today can shape the future. This book not only tells a story but also allows you to participate, starting with the prayers at the end of each chapter. These prayers mostly from Scripture and note the texts in footnotes. For a fuller understanding, you may want to read the verses as well as the prayers. The authors have co-written this book to give you a larger picture as to how we all can become history makers.
Greg Livingstone has spent a lifetime planting churches in Muslim communities and can testify to the life-changing power of the gospel in even the most unpromising circumstances. This is his autobiography. Unwanted at birth and born out of wedlock no-one would have considered that Greg Livingstone would become a pioneer in missions to unreached Muslim peoples. You've Got Libya charts his journey and his adventures. This first-hand narrative is full of compelling humor and self-depreciating honesty as Livingstone travels all over the world proclaiming the Gospel. The result is a page turning tour de force that urges the reader to pursue God unreservedly and to join with Him in the adventure of pursuing the lost. Greg's burden for the millions of Muslims who had no gospel witness amongst them led to the launching of Frontiers, a mission agency focusing exclusively on church planting amongst Muslim communities. Today, Frontiers is a movement of more than 1,000 field workers in nearly 50 countries.
Over 100,000 copies sold! Coming Out, Then Coming Home Christopher Yuan, the son of Chinese immigrants, discovered at an early age that he was different. He was attracted to other boys. As he grew into adulthood, his mother, Angela, hoped to control the situation. Instead, she found that her son and her life were spiraling out of control—and her own personal demons were determined to defeat her. Years of heartbreak, confusion, and prayer followed before the Yuans found a place of complete surrender, which is God’s desire for all families. Their amazing story, told from the perspectives of both mother and son, offers hope for anyone affected by homosexuality. God calls all who are lost to come home to him. Casting a compelling vision for holy sexuality, Out of a Far Country speaks to prodigals, parents of prodigals, and those wanting to minister to the gay community. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” - Luke 15:20 Includes a discussion guide for personal reflection and group use.