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Western culture is increasingly polarized, and Christians often feel they are “under siege” by the dominant secular culture. Compounding the problem is that Christians cannot agree among themselves how to respond to a culture that is increasingly “post-Christian.” The authors have observed five basic responses by Christians to this feeling of “exile”: (1) assimilation and acceptance of the new cultural norms, (2) withdrawal from cultural engagement, (3) anger directed toward society (and toward other Christians who don’t see the issues as they do), (4) fear, or (5) seeking power to “take back the culture.” Scripture calls us to a different way, speaking into the world with a new voice. Micah calls us to “seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly” with God, Jeremiah calls us to “seek the good of the city,” and Jesus calls us to be salt and light while knowing that in this world we “will have trouble.” In short, we are to engage the culture we live in as disciples of Jesus. But how practically is that done? In this book, the authors look carefully at the lives of twelve biblical characters who also lived in “challenging times” for guidance in navigating our post-Christian world. Rejecting assimilation, withdrawal, anger, fear, and power-seeking, we are challenged today with the ancient words of Mordecai to Esther: “Who knows whether for just a time as this you have come to this position in your life?”
Charles Birch is Professor Emeritus at the University of Sydney, Australia, and the author of 'Regaining Compassion for Humanity and Nature'. William Eakin is also the coeditor, with Paula M. Cooey and Jay B. McDaniel, of 'After Patriarchy: Feminist Transformations of the World Religions'. Jay B. McDaniel is Professor of Religion at Hendrix College and the author of 'Gandhi's Hope: Learning from Other Religions as a Path to Peace'.
The purpose of the book is to revitalize the essentials of Christian living in a way God wants us to be especially when the bible based moral values and the absolute truths to establish the meaning of life were degraded and whitewashed in this postmodern world. At this juncture, it is a definite need to search for hidden and forgotten Judeo-Christian values that define the meaning of human life and its worth in the eyes of the Living God. Its sole purpose is to know Who God is and His standard of living when this world is influenced and reshaped by cultural darkness, revolutions and counter revolutions that are antithetical to the bible.
LIVING A PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE: IMPACT YOUR WORLD In a world often filled with uncertainty and distractions, the desire to lead a purposeful life resonates deeply with many individuals. It is a quest for meaning, a search for significance that goes beyond the superficial pursuits of success and pleasure. And as Christians, we are called to live lives that are centered on a higher purpose, one that aligns with the very heartbeat of our Creator. In this journey of discovery, we find that our purpose is intricately woven into the fabric of God's divine plan. The foundational understanding of living a purpose-driven life is rooted in recognizing that we are not here by chance or accident. Our existence is intentional, crafted by the hands of a loving God who uniquely designed each of us for a specific purpose. In the pages of Scripture, we encounter stories of individuals who were called to fulfill a particular purpose, often against daunting odds. The accounts of these individuals remind us that God's purposes are not limited by our limitations; rather, they are fulfilled through our willingness to yield to His guidance and plan. Living a purpose-driven life involves aligning our desires, choices, and actions with the divine purposes set before us. It is about recognizing that our talents and gifts are not solely for personal gain but for the building up of God's kingdom on earth. While the world may entice us to seek fleeting pleasures and achievements, the pursuit of a purpose-driven life leads us to a deeper, lasting fulfillment. It is a call to live counter-culturally, valuing eternal treasures over temporary gains. In this pursuit, challenges and obstacles are not detours but opportunities for growth, refining our character and strengthening our faith. In this book, we will journey together through the transformative principles of living a purpose-driven life. We will explore the concept of discovering our unique divine design, navigating challenges with faith, making choices that honor our calling, and cultivating a heart of service and love. We will delve into the importance of building meaningful relationships, embracing gratitude and contentment, and walking by faith even in the midst of uncertainty. As we embark on this journey, may our hearts be open to the guiding whispers of the Holy Spirit, leading us deeper into the purposes that God has prepared for us. May we be inspired by the examples of contemporary and biblical figures who embraced their callings and left legacies that continue to impact generations. And most importantly, may we find our ultimate purpose in glorifying God and advancing His kingdom, for in doing so, we fulfill the very reason for which we were created. In the chapters that follow, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery, faith, and transformation. We will uncover the beauty of living a purpose-driven life that not only transforms us but also brings light and hope to the world around us. Together, let us dive into the depths of God's plan for our lives, embracing the adventure that awaits us on this remarkable journey of purpose.
In his best-selling book, Squirrel Inc., former World Bank executive and master storyteller Stephen Denning used a tale to show why storytelling is a critical skill for leaders. Now, in this hands-on guide, Denning explains how you can learn to tell the right story at the right time. Whoever you are in the organization CEO, middle management, or someone on the front lines you can lead by using stories to effect change. Filled with myriad examples, A Leader’s Guide to Storytelling shows how storytelling is one of the few available ways to handle the principal and most difficult challenges of leadership: sparking action, getting people to work together, and leading people into the future. The right kind of story at the right time, can make an organization “stunningly vulnerable” to a new idea.
52 Narratives of Faith: Timeless Wisdom Interwoven with Modern Insights from Philosophy and Psychology In an age where the modern world constantly demands our attention, the timeless tales from the Bible beckon with a beacon of ancient wisdom and spiritual depth. "Bible Stories for Adults: Exploring Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World" artfully bridges the gap between age-old narratives of Christianity and the complexities of today's world, tailored especially for discerning adults. 📘 Why This Book is a Must-Have: 🌱 Personal & Spiritual Growth: Journey through 52 intricately retold stories from the Bible, each fostering a deeper connection with themes of faith, hope, and love. Allow these narratives to guide your personal growth and fortify your faith journey. 💡 Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges: Experience familiar biblical tales with a fresh perspective, unveiling lessons of forgiveness, redemption, grace, and mercy that remain startlingly relevant today. 🙏 Deepen Your Faith: Whether you're deep-rooted in Christianity, exploring spirituality, or simply seeking self-improvement, these stories resonate with the teachings of Jesus, the guidance of God, and the comforting whispers of the Holy Spirit. 🌍 Relevance in the Modern World: From the power of prayer to the essence of community worship, discover how these biblical narratives offer invaluable advice, motivation, and comfort in navigating contemporary dilemmas. ❤️ Universal Themes of Love and Hope: At its core, this collection champions themes of unwavering love, steadfast hope, and the transformative power of faith, echoing the universality of human experience across time. "Bible Stories for Adults: Exploring Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World" promises more than just tales—it's an invitation to a deeper relationship with the timeless teachings of Christianity. Dive in and let these stories inspire, guide, and uplift your spirit, offering a beacon of hope and comfort in an ever-evolving world. 🌟 Order your copy today and embark on a transformative journey of spirituality, personal growth, and profound insight into the enduring tales of the Bible. 🌟
Pairing depth of scholarship with contemporary application, the authors of From Pentecost to Patmos have produced a unique introductory New Testament textbook. Craig Blomberg and Darlene Seal provide the context and clarity that readers need to better understand Acts through Revelation, showcasing the historical, linguistic, and theological implications found in each book. This second edition includes expanded footnotes and a lengthier, up-to-date introduction to Paul. Newly added review questions, maps, and diagrams enhance the scholarship and make the resource truly user-friendly.
Here is an exciting Christmas drama informed by Kenneth Bailey's career as a renowned biblical scholar and by his years of living in the Middle East. The drama (featuring 30 minutes without music or 50 minutes with music) is biblically accurate, heartwarming and perfectly suited for church performance.
Freedom and Dialogue in a Polarized World argues that our most cherished ideas about freedom—being left alone to do as we please, or uncovering the truth—have failed us. They promote the polarized thinking that blights our world. Rooted in literature, political theory and Mikhail Bakhtin’s theories of language, this book introduces a new concept: dialogic freedom. This concept combats polarization by inspiring us to feel freer the better able we are to see from the perspectives of others. To say that freedom is dialogic is to apply to it an idea about language. If you and I are talking, I anticipate from you a response that could be friendly, hostile, or indifferent, and this awareness helps determine what I say. If you look bored or give me a blank stare, I might not say anything at all. In this sense language is dialogic. The same can be said of freedom. Our decisions take into account the voices of others to which we feel answerable, and these voices coauthor our choices. In today’s polarized world, prevailing concepts of freedom as autonomy and enlightenment have encouraged us to take refuge in echo chambers among the like-minded. Whether the subject is abortion, terrorism, or gun control, these concepts encourage us to shut out the voices of those who dare to disagree. We need a new way to think about freedom. Freedom and Dialogue in a Polarized World presents riveting moments of choice from Homer’s Iliad, Dante’s Inferno, Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, Milton’s Paradise Lost, Melville’s “Benito Cereno,”Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, Kafka’s “In the Penal Colony,” and Morrison’s Beloved, in order to advocate reading for and with dialogic freedom. It ends with a practical application to the debate about abortion and an invitation to rethink other polarizing issues.
Laurie and Matt Krieg are in a mixed-orientation marriage: Laurie is primarily attracted to women—and so is Matt. With vulnerability and wisdom, they tell the story of how they met and got married, the challenges and breakthroughs of their journey, and what they've learned about how marriage is meant to point us to the love and grace of Jesus.