Spiritual father of millions, globally influential leader: Pope John Paul II's words have brought inspiration, solace, and courage to those who have listened. The quotes and prayers collected here are both for the faithful and for those who have been touched by and want to know more about this remarkable man. His words on love, family, truth, freedom, human relationships, the power of God, and the importance of hope and prayer explore what it means to be alive and what we are doing here on Earth, and offer answers to some of life's hardest questions.
Available for the first time in English, the private reflections of the modern pope recently elevated to sainthood—deeply personal writings that reveal a spiritual leader who agonized over his service to God, continually questioning whether he was doing enough. As the head of the Roman Catholic Church for twenty-five years, from the final decades of the twentieth century to the first years of the new millennium, Pope John Paul II significantly impacted our world. As famous as a rock star, this powerful leader who conferred with numerous heads of state was the ultimate model of wisdom and religious commitment for numerous Catholics around the globe. Throughout much of his adult life, from 1962 until two years before his death in 2003, John Paul II kept a series of private diaries in which he disclosed his innermost thoughts, impressions, and concerns. Written in his native Polish and never before available in English until now, these journals provide intimate and deeply moving insight into a man, a priest, and a saint’s spirituality and a life devoted completely to God. In God’s Hands lays bare the soul of this powerful, influential statesman, revealing a devout man untouched by his celebrity status; a selfless servant of God who spent decades questioning whether he was worthy of the role he was called to carry out. Over forty years, from his bishopric in Krakow to his election to the papacy to his final years, one question guided him: "Am I serving God?" Entrusted to his personal secretary—who defied John Paul II’s instructions to burn them after his death—these notebooks provide us with a privileged glimpse into the life of a humble man who never took for granted his mission or his exalted role in the church and in the world.
Reaffirming the "greatness and inestimable value of human life," Pope John Paul II discusses in this encyclical letter the present-day legal, ethical, and moral threats to life. In view of today's climate of practical materialism, he addresses, among other issues: abortion artificial reproduction techniques contraception death penalty euthanasia legitimate defense sterilization suicide The Holy Father encourages the faithful to promote and develop the Christian message concerning life, based on the goodness and dignity of life and on the human responsibility to share in the fullness and truth of God's love. In order to build a new culture of human life through prayer and action, he welcomes evangelization efforts and stresses the role of the family in bringing this to fruition. Noting the unique role of women in promoting a "new feminism" that overcomes discrimination, violence, and exploitation, the pope recognizes the witness of love through motherhood and also adds a special word to women who have had an abortion. The letter concludes by looking to Jesus, in order that all may contemplate the life that was made manifest, and to the example and solace of Mary, who is the mother of life.
Chronicles the life of Pope John Paul II and discusses his connections in Poland and Rome, his personal life, and how he made the choice between acting and religion.
Gift book collection of quotes from Pope John Paul II, reflecting his views on a wide variety of issues and his vision for world peace. One of the Words of Wisdom series.
There are more than one billion Catholics in the world, and each one has a similar set of basic beliefs and practices that he or she follows. Some of the teachings of Catholicism are thousands of years old, while others are more recent. So what is the Catholic culture like and what do they believe? Catholicism For Dummies answers these and many other questions. Whether you’re a Catholic or not, you may be totally clueless or just unaware of some aspects of Catholic traditions, history, doctrine, worship, devotion, or culture. No sweat. Regardless of whether you’re engaged, married, related to a Catholic, or just curious about what Catholics really do believe, this book is for you. Catholicism For Dummies is not a catechism or religious textbook, but a casual, down-to-earth introduction for non-Catholics and reintroduction for Catholics. It gives commonsense explanations so that the next time you’re invited to a Catholic wedding, Baptism, funeral, Confirmation, or First Communion, you won’t be totally confused. You’ll also discover other important topics that can help you better understand the Catholic culture—from morality and devotions to worship and liturgy. This book will familiarize you with Catholicism by showing you: What it means to be a Catholic: traditions, prayers, beliefs, and holidays Who is who in the Catholic hierarchy How Catholics worship What the Seven Sacraments and Ten Commandments are The book regarded as the holiest to Catholics: The Bible The Church’s stand on some sticky issues Catholicism For Dummies presents a rich tapestry and history of the Catholic faith—from devotions to doctrines. This intelligent and faithful look at Catholicism will open your eyes to this religion and answer many of the questions you may have about it.
In this moving collection of writings from his final year in this world, we hear John Paul IIs voice again as he calls us to build a society that recognizes universal human rights, to listen to our neighbors cry for help, and to share in one anothers gifts. Also included here is the beloved pontiffs Spiritual Testament.
Faithful, Focused Commentary on the Whole Bible Serious students of Scripture can easily lose their focus among the many Bible commentaries available today, studying for hours yet discovering no meaningful application of God's eternal truth. This one-volume commentary on the entire Bible from one of America's foremost Bible expositors offers instead a minilibrary of understandable resources designed to convey the Bible's overarching message with historical and theological clarity. Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bible—every passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrase—in this valuable one-volume resource. Hundreds of additional study tools complement the commentary, such as Word studies Charts, graphs, and brief articles Overviews of each major division of the Bible Introductions to each biblical book A summary of essential Christian theology Special sections on Jesus's life and ministry Harmonies of historical writings Guidance in studying, applying, and teaching God's Word Readers benefit from the coherence a single commentator provides, finding faithful, understandable, and relevant resources for any passage from the entire Bible. Consistent elements include exploring God's character; seeing Christ in all Scripture; and identifying key doctrines, vital people, and touchstone Scripture passages. The MacArthur Bible Commentary offers pastors, Bible teachers, serious Bible readers, and anyone seeking to read and understand the Scriptures a way to focus their studies while still seeing the entire Bible's application to the Christian life.
A Comprehensive Guide to Discipleship in the New Testament and Today's World Although the concept of discipleship is an integral part of New Testament teaching, it has largely faded from discussion in both the academy and the local church. To revive and reclaim this teaching for believers in the twenty-first century, editors John Goodrich and Mark Strauss have assembled an expert team of scholars to uncover what every New Testament book teaches about discipleship, providing a comprehensive, biblical picture. In addition, other contributors explore discipleship in the context of the local church, spiritual formation, and the life of the mind. Together, these essays point the way forward for becoming more like Jesus Christ, and helping others do the same, in our personal and corporate lives. "An impressive roster of scholars who have addressed a vital but often neglected topic in both the church and in the academy. . . . Rich with insight, Following Jesus Christ represents a major advance in this essential area of study." --Craig A. Evans, Houston Baptist University "We are treated here to a survey of what discipleship means in the New Testament from experts in the field, and we also see some of the wider dimensions of discipleship in this important work. All those wanting to understand discipleship will find this to be a valuable resource." --Thomas R. Schreiner, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
The lifestory of Mary I--daughter of Henry VIII and his Spanish wife, Catherine of Aragon--is often distilled to a few dramatic episodes: her victory over the attempted coup by Lady Jane Grey, the imprisonment of her half-sister Elizabeth, the bloody burning of Protestants, her short marriage to Philip of Spain. This original and deeply researched biography paints a far more detailed portrait of Mary and offers a fresh understanding of her religious faith and policies as well as her historical significance in England and beyond. John Edwards, a leading scholar of English and Spanish history, is the first to make full use of Continental archives in this context, especially Spanish ones, to demonstrate how Mary's culture, Catholic faith, and politics were thoroughly Spanish. Edwards begins with Mary's origins, follows her as she battles her increasingly erratic father, and focuses particular attention on her notorious religious policies, some of which went horribly wrong from her point of view. The book concludes with a consideration of Mary's five-year reign and the frustrations that plagued her final years. Childless, ill, deserted by her husband, Mary died in the full knowledge that her Protestant half-sister Elizabeth would undo her religious work and, without acknowledging her sister, would reap the benefits of Mary's achievements in government.
Noted pastor/teacher John MacArthur takes you through the key aspects of the Bible in this guide for students. For all 66 books, key doctrines, highlighted people, geographic, historical, and cultural background, cross references, how Christ is pictured, character/attributes of God, explanations of key words and interpretive challenges will be examined.In addition, the guide will include: "Why I Believe the Bible" How to interpret each type of literature Charts, timelines, maps "Where to Find It" index of favorite passages and key Bible events, stories, and teachings Doctrinal studies (concise, with references and brief explanations) Index of people in the Bible Topical Index "How to Study the Bible" article
From the moment you pick it up, you'll know it's a classic. The MacArthur Study Bible is perfect for serious study. Dr. John MacArthur has collected his pastoral and scholarly work of more than 35 years to create the most comprehensive study Bible available. No other study Bible does such a thorough job of explaining the historical context, unfolding the meaning of the text, and making it practical for your life. Features include: 125-page concordance, including people and places More than 20,000 study notes, charts, maps, outlines, and articles from Dr. John MacArthur Concise Topical Index
The MacArthur Bible Handbook is the ultimate book-by-book survey of the Bible, including charts, graphs, and illustrations from today's leading expository teacher. A unique reference tool that is committed to quality and biblical teaching—will help you easily understand each book of the Bible, its historical context, and its place in Scripture. Bible Book Basics at a Glance! The meaning of each Bible book's name Who wrote it The date and setting The theme and purpose Its key words, verses, and chapters How Christ is presented (even in the Old Testament) Its contribution to the Bible as a whole A broad summary of the events and highlights it records A detailed outline of the book MacArthur has put in over 60,000 hours of sermon preparation time in his 35 year ministry!
Except for Christ himself, no figure has been more influential in the history of Christianity than the apostle Paul. And yet his remarkable life remains shrouded in mystery. In this probing new book, John B. Polhill scrapes away the myths about this great man and uncovers the truth of his life and thought. Using Acts, the Pauline epistles, and reliable traditions from non-canonical sources, Polhill weaves together the remarkable story of Paul's transformation from persecutor to persecuted, producing a dynamic account of his entire ministry. By placing each of Paul's letters in its proper historical context, Polhill brings new light to these foundation stones of the Christian faith. He follows Paul from his early years in Tarsus and Jerusalem to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, painting a detailed, comprehensive portrait of Paul that will serve as an indispensable resource for students, teachers, and pastors alike.
In this interpretation of the corpus of the thirteen New Testament letters attributed to Paul, Heil establishes a connection between communal worship and the New Testament. The author focuses on the key theme of 'worship', understanding it in its most comprehensive sense in the biblical tradition, with the liturgical and the ethical facets of worship held in dynamic interrelationship. The reader is offered a fresh way of reading and listening to the letters of Paul for a deeper understanding of their original purpose and message.
Valuable tools for study or scholarship. Taking a telescopic view of the Bible, Exploring the Old Testament Book by Book and Exploring the New Testament Book by Book enable readers to see the big picture behind this Book of books, to see how the various parts of Scripture relate to one another. These volumes from gifted expositor John Phillips teaches the importance of taking a few steps back from Scripture in order to gain fresh insight into the message, meaning, and art of the Bible.
This book is Gods Word, prayerfully unfolding glimpses into the clarifying elements of the Greek text, augmented by historical images of his times. Designed to arouse believers and further deepen their Christian commitment, it can change lives and augment Christian growth of lay readers. The language of the NT Greek holds many keys for unlocking the riches of Gods palace. In a special tour of each chapter, one can marvel over stories of valor and tender moments of love, lavishly displayed in rich flavors and stirring narratives that invigorate the soul.
The Thessalonian epistles are probably best known for what they reveal about the last days. But there is much more to these letters than just end times prophecy. In this devotional commentary, John F. Walvoord, one of evangelicalism's most prominent leaders, and Mark Hitchcock, a leading Bible prophecy expert, guide you through the prophecy and exhort believers on practical matters such as moral purity, disciplined living, church relationships, prayer and church discipline. Walvoord's stalwart writing has been greatly expanded upon by Hitchcock, with additional introductory and background material, charts, and in-depth explanations at key points. Now also updated with the Bible content in the English Standard Version (ESV), this volume in the renewed Walvoord Commentary Series stands ready to reach a whole new generation with the spiritual insights the apostle Paul had for the Thessalonians.
John Phillips writes with enthusiasm and clarity, . . . cutting through the confusion and heretical dangers associated with Bible interpretation." —Moody magazine
This 1 and 2 Thessalonians commentary bundle features volumes from the NIV Application Commentary Series, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series, and Story of God Bible Commentary Series authored by Michael W. Holmes, Gary S. Shogren, and John Byron. The diverse features from each of the volumes gives you all the tools you need to master the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
Understand What Scripture Says and How To Live It Today A new commentary for today's world, The Story of God Bible Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in light of the Bible's grand story. The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and laypeople alike. Each volume employs three main, easy-to-use sections designed to help readers live out God's story: LISTEN to the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it within the Bible's grand story. EXPLAIN the Story: Explores and illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical setting. LIVE the Story: Reflects on how each text can be lived today and includes contemporary stories and illustrations to aid preachers, teachers, and students. —1 & 2 Thessalonians— Paul's letters to the Thessalonians hinge thematically on the ongoing need for them to put their hope in God. Like us, the Thessalonians were living in difficult circumstances—living in the tension between death and the promise of Jesus' final return and triumph. "In-between living" requires daily hope, and Paul infuses his letters with hope without overlooking the challenges of the day. Edited by Scot McKnight and Tremper Longman III, and written by a number of top-notch theologians, The Story of God Bible Commentary series will bring relevant, balanced, and clear-minded theological insight to any biblical education or ministry.
John Phillips writes with enthusiasm and clarity, . . . cutting through the confusion and heretical dangers associated with Bible interpretation." —Moody Magazine
Contained in THE WISDOM OF JOHN PAUL II are essential excerpts from papal encyclicals, sermons, addresses, and other statements, both formal and occasional, from throughout his Holiness's papacy. They discuss, matters of faith and conscience, and range from the problems of Contemporary Spirituality and Morality to Progress in the Modern World and Human Rights - all informed by the profound wisdom and deep understanding of a man who devoted his life to God and His peoples.
The apostle Paul wrote this intensely personal and biographical letter to defend his ministry and integrity against the slanderous attacks of false teachers and critics of the Christian movement. After spending eighteen months in Corinth helping to establish a church, the apostle Paul moved on in his mission to build more churches in Asia Minor. But back in Corinth, false teachers began to infiltrate the church, and they were intent on ruining Paul’s character and ministry. This threatened to separate and create chaos among this once-unified body. Pastor John MacArthur will take you through the first letter to the church in Corinth to show how Paul deals firmly with the false teachers and their followers by focusing primarily on Christ, while embracing his own weaknesses and imperfections. As a powerful reminder for struggling and maligned believers everywhere, Paul quotes the Savior: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." —ABOUT THE SERIES— The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates: Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text. Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context. Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life. Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
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