We must avoid becoming a culture of Christians in name alone so we can bear fruit and reflect Christ in our daily lives. A Dangerous Faith explores common struggles Christians encounter in the ongoing walk with Christ—and how to overcome them. Chris Byers explores how to: identify triggers that lead to sin; assess whether you have made a true conversion; understand why you may experience trials in your life as a believer; spread the message of Jesus throughout the world. Throughout the book, the author identifies dangers Christians may face, such as backsliding, division, doubt, hypocrisy, sacrifice, and the devil. With most of these dangers, the more we mature in our walks with Christ—and the deeper we enter into a relationship with God—the more equipped we will be to overcome them and fulfill God’s will and purpose for our lives. Learn to thrive in your relationship with God, strengthen others in their faith, and discern how to resist Satan with the guidance of this book.
If your vision is out of focus, simple tasks like driving, reading, and writing become difficult to do well. Faith is not all that different.In order to follow Jesus and become more like him, it helps if you can see your faith clearly—it helps to have a theology that you live by. Theology is simply the study of God and the Christian faith, and the understanding of how God and faith play out in our everyday lives. In Clear, you’ll walk through the foundations to a Christian theology so that you can better understand God and bring his truths into focus. You’ll learn more about: • God• Jesus• The Holy Spirit• Humanity• Sin• Salvation• The Church• Heaven At your own pace, you can work through the interactive exercises in this book to grow closer to God and to bring your faith into focus. You’ll have opportunities to study the Bible, pray, put your new knowledge into action, and much more. If any part of your faith seems a little blurry, this book will help you see it more clearly.
This is an eleven week small group or individual Bible study of the book of James. Over the centuries followers of Christ have troubled over balancing two key issues: grace and Christian living. James writes to a people who are already saved; he just wants to challenge believers to respond as if they really believe.
Most Christians are living a distorted Christian life. You don't have to be one of them. Imagine a church where 84% of Christians are completely unfamiliar with the essential tenets of their faith, with a crippling misunderstanding of the word righteousness and, in turn, the gospel of Jesus. According to a recent survey conducted by Chris Seay and Barna Research Group, this is not just speculation; it's the reality for the church today. The Gospel According to Jesus takes an in-depth look at this research study, which examines our understanding of the command, "Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness." Most Christians define righteousness as morality. This means that what's being preached by the church is not at all the gospel Jesus intended for His followers. Through personal stories, interviews with today's church leaders, and a detailed study of the book of Romans, Chris uncovers a staggering disconnect between the gospel according to Christians and the gospel according to Jesus--the redeeming, restorative gospel that a broken world so desperately needs. Our role, he says, is to join Jesus in restoring the world. Will you?
I welcome Chris Bruno’s readable and thoroughly biblical exploration of faith and works. He sets the matter in both its wider biblical context at the same time as he makes clear its relevance and importance to faithful Christian living today." –Douglas J. Moo from the Foreword Everything you never knew about the men behind the controversy. Put James and Paul next to each other and some tough-to-answer questions come up. Paul says we’re saved by faith alone, not works—and James seems to say the opposite. If you’ve been around the church for a while, you probably know enough to say "the right thing" if someone asked about these verses. But would your answers hold up to scrutiny? If pressed, would you know what to say? Dive into the life stories of both apostles, learn more about the context of their letters, and discover the truth about the shared message they both proclaimed. No more canned answers or lingering questions, gain confidence and go deeper in Paul vs. James.
Discover how to cultivate an enduring faith, no matter what trials or hardships you are going through. Learn from the examples of the men and women listed in Hebrews 11—those recognized for holding fast to God’s promises despite living in a world of not-yets, what-ifs, and in-betweens. This 40-day devotional has uplifting readings, guided journaling exercises, blessings, and prayers to help you find a safe place during heartache, loss, or loneliness.
Mended Faith shares Cornelia Jude’s struggle to understand why she was the target of repetitive sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, and how unhealthy coping mechanisms—drug and alcohol abuse, reclusive behavior, and self-mutilation—didn’t heal her, but added more brokenness to her already shattered life. Her story mirrors the accounts of many women today living in the shadows of their abuse and who watch its remnants affect their marriages, damage their parenting, and cloud their judgment. Jude builds a case for faith in Christ as the only way to find peace, forgive abusers, and live a life of joy beyond the shadows of pain.
Can a small town full of eccentrics, including the smartest man in the world, survive the onslaught of a control freak Army general and his entourage’s attempts to ruin their peaceful existence in their dairy farming community? Follow the exploits of Bitwiddle Sidestep Quadrilateral as he reluctantly agrees to save the world. His monumental cerebral efforts may just distract him enough to allow his secretary’s long cherished romantic desires to be realized.
Chris Norton was wheeled off on a stretcher after a routine tackle fractured his spine causing significant damage to his spinal cord. Given a 3 percent chance of ever moving anything below the neck, Chris awoke from surgery sixteen hours later defying the odds by shrugging his shoulder, beginning his long-fought journey to recovery.
The authors share how, tired of just preaching the words of the Gospel, they tried to manifest the Gospel in their intentions and actions, and how this shift in focus from words to action changed their family, church, and relationship with God.
What would be the title of the next chapter of your life if someone shares with you the knowledge that Jesus paid it all for you to overcome life's challenges? How about if someone told you that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf and working everything out for your good with encouraging love He has reestablished for you in the name of the sacrifice of His Son? My desire today is to challenge your thinking to come up higher and set down with Jesus a while and learn about Him. God has already prepared for your journey of transformation strategies and information from His Word to overcome everything your adversary has placed in your path. Through life highway, you may not believe this but He believes in you and Christ has qualified you for the victory in Him. When God looks at you, He sees you as a son and a daughter clothed in favor, blessings, and a successful leader of the faith. Take hold of Him today and to those who knew your story and might not believe this, you can look at you now and see what the Lord has done and its marvelous in His sight. About the Author An ordained minister of the Gospel since 2015, Chris has a passion for seeing a transformation over those who have never intimately met the true and faithful eternal author of the Word, King Jesus. Also! See believers who have met Him to rise and operate in their full potential and authority in Christ and as He transforms them with their new identity in Christ by the renewing of their mind, become garden dwellers and rainmakers of the reigning King Jesus. E-mail: rainofhisglory@gmail.com Follow on twitter: https://twitter.com/RainofHisGlory If you would like to be blessed by the ministry of Chris Fry, please contact him at the above e-mail address.
Written from the heart of a true Southern gentleman who walks the talk of his faith and beliefs, Two Heads Are Better than One narrates the God-filled life of author Chris Ladd. Inspired by his deep faith and love of Jesus Christ, he has spent his life in service to others. In this memoir, he tells his stories against the backdrop of Jesus Christhow he brought Christ into his life and how he kept Him number one. Ladd tells of the problems he faced in growing up in Tennessee and Oklahoma but credits the work of his Christian grandmother in teaching him to do the right thing. He discusses how he discovered the meaning of true faith and how to reach for success in life with Christ. In Two Heads Are Better than One, Ladd asserts that God has a plan for all of us and that no matter what happens, He will see us through if we keep believing. Through the stories told in this recollection, Ladd shows you how to be ready for the return of Jesus Christ and how to live a life of happiness, peace, and success according to Gods plan.
Jesus wants evangelizers who proclaim the good news not only with words, but above all by a life transfigured by God's presence." -- Pope Francis In their travels around the country teaching individuals, parishes, and diocese to evangelize, authors Chris Stewart and Tony Brandt have discovered something amazing: when Catholics live their Faith it fills their lives so much joy so that they can't help but share their Faith - which increases their joy! In Casting Nets you'll learn to "catch" people for the Lord using THE SEVEN PILLARS OF EFFECTIVE EVANGELIZATION, Stewart and Brandt's tested and proven principles that allow for effective evangelization, all modeled in the life of Jesus. Prayerful Invitational Hospitable Inspirational Sacramental Formational Missionful Casting Nets is perfect for individuals or parishes searching for an effective program to share the Faith, and as a result, watch their own faith grow!
“Chris Seay is one of my favorite people. He’s a shepherd at heart. His insights on culture always take me into a better understanding of the world we live in. I’m grateful for him in so many ways.” —Don Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz An epic journey into the deepest mysteries of faith Lost is not just a television show. It has become much larger than that, growing into a complex, mystery-filled epic that has garnered over twenty-three million participants. Some might call these people viewers, but you don’t just watch Lost—you participate in it. It demands that you dialogue with the story, seeking theories, discussing with friends, and comparing yourself to the characters. Lost has broken all the formulas for television, and in doing so has drawn together millions of people on a shared journey that explores life, faith, history, science, philosophy, hope, and the basic questions of what it means to be human. It’s the seemingly infinite ideas, philosophies, and biblical metaphors that draw us in and leave us wanting more. The Gospel According to Lost explores each of these elements in an analysis of faith and metaphor—a perfect resource for those who want to go even deeper into the journey. Inside, you’ll discover what Lost has to say about The clash between faith and reas0n, on the island and in real life; The struggle with guilt that consumes each character—and sometimes us too; The dichotomy between fatalism and fate, and what the Bible advises; How being lost—on an island or in society—presents an opportunity for reinvention that liberates some and paralyzes others.
Without even realizing it, many people believe lies about God, such as: “God’s love must be earned.” “God has lost control of everything.” “God gives us everything we want in life.” In The Lies We Believe about God, psychologist Chris Thurman explores the influences that affect everyone’s view of God, the cost of not knowing God for who He really is, and how knowing God more intimately can bring greater meaning and joy to life. This engaging, biblically rooted book calls readers to see the truth of who God is—truth that can set them free to enjoy a deeper relationship with Him.
A deeper and more intimate relationship with God is closer than you think. Have you ever felt as if something were missing from your life? Are you longing for a clearer sense of purpose? Do you feel stuck in a spiritual rut? In What’s Next?, bestselling author Chris Hodges offers a practical guide to all those looking for clarity and direction and reveals the four steps to spiritual maturity: know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. He demonstrates how each step is part of both a linear path and a cycle leading to deeper levels of faith. Accessible and clear, concise and profound, no matter where you are in your journey, What’s Next? is the guide you need to find your way and discover the joy that comes walking the road of richer faith.
LOS ANGELES TIMES AND ECPA BESTSELLER • Kerry and Chris Shook’s grandson Jude lived for only one day after he was born. That one day changed the way they live every day. Now they share their lessons of faith and hope. Jude Samuel Shook lived through only one sunset and one sunrise. Just one rotation of the planet . . . and he went home to be with God. Yet the way Jude unwrapped the divine gift of his one day changed the way his grandparents now live every day. A little boy who lived on this earth for just a handful of hard-fought hours caused Kerry and Chris to wonder, How many of our days make a breath of difference to those around us? Their personal journal of loss, longing, and love eventually became known as the Miracle Book, a record of the ways God showed up in the midst of this hard and unexpected heartbreak. From this book, Kerry and Chris have gleaned fourteen life-altering truths, such as: • When Tomorrow Is Too Much, Pray Just for Today, Lord • You Are Dependent on God for Every Breath • Hard Isn’t the Opposite of Good • Fear and Faith Can’t Occupy the Same Space • There Is a Hidden Gift in Every Hurt These lessons have forever changed the way the Shooks approach each new day. And no matter your current situation, they can do the same for you. Join Kerry and Chris Shook on the journey of making every day matter!
This six-session Bible Study and discipleship resource designed for youth will help work out their spiritual muscles and build their faith. Included in this resource are scripts for training and coaching the adult group leaders, as well as links to video clips of key speakers from the Youth 2015 event. The brief video clips will guide discussion for groups, with individuals setting their own learning and spiritual growth goals.This resource with help strengthen its users' faith and develop leaders.
I dont know about you, but I have to take some comfort in the story of Peters going down into the water. Please dont think me unkind! But how worthless would I feel with my level of unbelief if he had no doubt in him whatsoever as he ventured onto the waters? How low would my head sink, thinking of my unbelief, if he kept the faith and did cartwheels on top of the water? He mightve even started to Riverdance all over the sea! But he didnt. He was human, just like you and me. I mean, he was a disciple who saw the miracles firsthand. He journeyed with Jesus and witnessed the paralyzed walk, the blind see, and the mute speak. And now, he actually sees Jesus walking on the water! What else does he need to see? Nothing. After all this, Peter has the faith to volunteer to step out of the boat and onto the water with Jesus. Wow! How amazing is that? That is beyond courageous in my book. I wonder if he waited with bated breath for Jesus to agree to his request. I wonder if he stepped out of the boat with fear and trepidation, waiting for something firm below his feet or if he pushed his brother Andrew and Bartholomew out of the way to leap onto the waves. Regardless, it didnt take long before the soggy platform started to diminish. And the passage says all he saw was the wind, and down he went. But there Jesus was, with a helping hand to save him and to ask him why he doubted. Its as if Jesus was asking, Aint you seen enough of me to trust me? What else do you want from me before you believe? And I think He has said that to us many times too.
Christian Confidence is a one-stop shop for young Christians who want to bring composure and knowledge to conversations of faith in the twenty-first century. As readers work through the history, theory and practice of apologetics, they will find that defending the faith is not a chore but a practice, meant to bring unity and coherence to the Christian life.
A Deeper Relationship with God is Closer Than You Think Do you find yourself asking, “What do I do next? How do I stay motivated to grow deeper in my relationship with God when I feel complacent, intimidated, or confused? What can I do to get back on track when I hit a spiritual rut?” in What’s Next?, bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges offers a practical guide to all those looking for clarity and direction, and reveals the four steps to spiritual maturity. Chris demonstrates how each step is part of both a linear path and a cycle leading to deeper levels of faith. No matter where you may be on the spiritual spectrum, What’s Next? is the guide you need to find your next step, and discover the joy that comes walking the road of richer faith. The What’s Next? Study Guide includes video discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions. Sessions include: Start the Journey Know God Find Freedom Discover Purpose Make a Difference Designed for use with the What’s Next? Video Study (9780310104148), sold separately. Digital video also available.
Is God still in the miracle business? Did miracles only occur for the early church? Can God really do the impossible? Is the Bible trustworthy, and was Jesus telling the truth? Can we physically experience or even see miracles? Like most people, when I was young, I had faith in Jesus but scoffed at people who said they had witnessed miracles. Then I witnessed one little miracle. I was dumbfounded. I then witnessed another, and then another, and before long I witnessed miracle after miracle . . . incredible miracles that I had been told only the early church could experience. I wrote this book for my children, because I wanted them to have a record of the acts of the Holy Spirit we had witnessed on our journey through life. Everything Jesus said proved to be true. Our family is not special. We are not saints. We are not unusual. We have our problems and shortcomings. I suspect our family is not much different than yours, except perhaps for one thing. We pray for the Lord's help and believe His help is on the way! Jesus said in Mark 11:23""24, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
How can we introduce younger lay people to the practical and accessible Wesley? In The Wesley Challenge Participant Book small groups or whole churches will spend three weeks working through 21 questions that will engage their physical, spiritual and emotional lives and their relationship with God and others. With fast-paced emphasis on graphics and short content bits, the challenge will inspire us to a new kind of commitment—one that is more authentic, vulnerable and soul shaping resulting in thousands of people who have a renewed passion to discover deeper levels of commitment to God and others. Additional components for a three-week study include a comprehensive leader guide and a DVD featuring author Chris Folmsbee, and a youth study guide.
If you've ever been told that “emotions are unreliable,” you may wonder what your innermost feelings have to do with your Christian walk. But in Feeling Like God, Chris Tiegreen explains that no matter how much objective truth we've learned, we can't really relate to God unless we know how he feels. As humans made in God's image, we experience nearly the full range of emotions that our Creator does. And whenever the Holy Spirit shows up in Scripture, it always provokes an emotional response, proving that God himself passionately desires to connect with us on an emotional level. Follow Chris Tiegreen beyond an impersonal, distant faith—and learn what it is to feel like God.
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