Ten of the Bible’s best-known femmes fatales parade across the pages of this popular and unforgettable study with situations that sound oh-so-familiar. Women everywhere marvel at those “good girls” in Scripture–Sarah, Mary, Esther–but on most days, that’s not who they see when they look in the mirror. Most women (if they’re honest) see the selfishness of Sapphira or the deception of Delilah. They catch of glimpse of Jezebel’s take-charge pride or Eve’s disastrous disobedience. Like Bathsheba, Herodias, and the rest, today’s modern woman is surrounded by temptations, exhausted by the demands of daily living, and burdened by her own desires. So what’s a good girl to do? Learn from their lives, says beloved Bible study teacher and speaker Liz Curtis Higgs, and choose a better path. Whether they were “Bad to the Bone,” “Bad for a Season, but Not Forever” or only “Bad for a Moment,” these infamous sisters show women how not to handle the challenges of life. With her trademark humor and encouragement, Higgs combines a contemporary retelling of the stories of these “other women” in Scripture with a solid, verse-by-verse study to teach us how to avoid their tragic mistakes and joyfully embrace grace. Let these Bad Girls show you why studying the Bible has never been more fun! Includes Discussion Questions and Study Guide
Focus on 52 female heroes in Scripture, and you’ll discover yourself in the process. Women of the Bible: 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups is designed especially for those who want to delve more deeply, either alone or in a group, into the lives of women like Ruth, Anna, Esther, Leah, Rachel, Mary, Elizabeth, and other women who encountered the living God. This study edition of the bestseller, Women of the Bible, includes an introduction to each woman, major Scripture passages, study materials, and cultural backgrounds. There are 52 studies, one for each week of the year. Newly gathered study aids include helpful charts as well as a complete listing of all women of the Bible, with Scripture references. Space is included to record your thoughts and insights. Each timeless biblical story mirrors the challenges and changes today’s women face. Through understanding these women’s lives, this easy-to-use study resource will help you discover God in their stories–and yours.
The Library of Baptist Classics communicates the timeless, bedrock truths of Southern Baptist heritage. Through books that both inform and inspire, this collection shows how the world is changed by people whose lives are guided by God. Included are a variety of classic sermons, biographies, treatises and other writings by pastors, theologians, missionaries, and educators. Each volume features an introduction, discussion questions, and indexes. -- Introductions put the writing in context -- Discussion questions promote personal and group study -- Indices invite use as sermon illustrations or references
The European Seminar in Historical Methodology is committed to debating issues surrounding the history of ancient Israel and Judah with the aim of developing methodological principles for writing a history of the period. In this particular session the topic chosen was the Omride dynasty-its rise and fall-and the subsequent Jehu dynasty, down to the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians. Participants discuss such topics as the dating of prophetic texts, the house of Ahab in Chronicles, the Tel Dan inscription, the Mesha inscription, the Jezebel tradition, the archaeology of Iron IIB, the relationship between the biblical text and contemporary sources, and the nature of the Omride state. The volume incidentally gives a reasonably comprehensive treatment of the main sources, issues, debates, and secondary literature on this period of Israel's history. An introductory chapter summarizes the individual papers and also the relevant section of Mario Liverani's recent history of the period. A concluding `Reflections on the Debate' summarizes the issues raised in the papers and provides a perspective on the discussion. LHB/OTS volume 421 - ESHM volume 6
The Story Student Edition reveals the unfolding, grand narrative of the Scriptures. Using the accurate, readable, and clear text of the New International Version, this rendering of the Bible allows its stories, poems, and teachings to come together in a single, compelling read. Now with the exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface.
“One the greatest challenges the church faces today,” writes Jerome F. D. Creach, “is to interpret and explain passages in the Bible that seem to promote or encourage violence” (Violence in Scripture, 1). In the past fifteen years, a number of books have been published to help people make sense of God’s violent behavior in the Bible. Yet very little has been written about how to use these (and other) violent texts constructively in church. This leaves religious practitioners—pastors, priests, Sunday school teachers, worship ministers, lay leaders, and others—at a real disadvantage. What should they do with stories that sanction genocide or praise individuals for killing others? How can they use these violent texts in sermons, liturgies, Christian educations classes, and elsewhere without promoting the violent ideologies they contain? In Redeeming Violent Verses, Eric Seibert addresses these questions by focusing on a wide range of practical ways to use violent biblical texts responsibly in the church and beyond. With chapters devoted to using violent verses when preaching sermons, teaching Sunday school, and leading worship, this book is filled with guidelines and specific practices designed to help ministers use violent verses responsibly. Seibert includes numerous examples to illustrate specific ways these verses could be used in ministry settings and pays special attention to dealing with passages that portray God behaving violently. Rather than ignoring these passages or being intimidated by them, Redeeming Violent Verses tackles troublesome texts head-on. It charts a bold path forward, one that opens up new possibilities for ministers by equipping them to use these texts in life-giving and spiritually edifying ways. Religious practitioners of all stripes will find this book immensely helpful, and readers will benefit greatly from the many strategies and suggestions offered here.
It was like thick darkness during the day; not an eclipse that is predicted months and days ahead, but an unexpected event, very unexpected. The fact that one serves God Almighty does not exempt him from problems, suffering etc. Job in the Bible was a righteous man, yet, he had his own share of tribulations. It is in such situations that God demonstrates His power. Such situations can lead one to an extreme: either to adhere more closely to God, or to have doubts about God and His ability to perform. Archbishop Kattey slept on bare, wet ground for nine days and nine nights, under rains and sun surrounded by unknown and dangerous people, but in all these, he held steadfastly to his faith in God. Reptiles and wild animals seemed to avoid him. The world was praying for him. Archbishop Kattey summarises everything as “It’s all about God”.