“There I go again, not doing what I want to do and, instead, doing what I don’t want to do. What kind of Christian am I, anyway? Even more: “Who am I, anyway?” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many Christians, perhaps most, have wondered the same thing. Glorified Rubble: Rebuilding the True You (The You God Intended in the First Place) is the journey of a man who spent years after he became a Christian wondering it about himself, feeling trapped in a sin he didn’t want nor how to get out of. A sin most of the church didn’t want to address, except to condemn. A sin that made him feel like a second-class citizen, separate from other Christians. But the man knew he was saved and he loved Jesus. Finally determined to break free of the trap, he turned to the Holy Spirit to teach him directly from scripture how to overcome sin as a Christian. To his amazement, he discovered core biblical truths that applied to him and all Christians – core biblical truths much of the church has lost sight of and are shrouded by secular ideas and language. Glorified Rubble: Rebuilding the True You (The You God Intended in the First Place) is more than a man learning how to overcome sin in his life. It’s a clarion call to every pastor, church leader – every Christian – to return to core biblical truths: the systematic unfolding of the Word of God from Genesis through Revelation. The need to replace making church goers with making disciples! A Reformation!
A prominent religious scholar who isn't afraid to shake our assumptions and probe our imaginations, Patrick Henry has written a guide for the "ironic Christian"—one who strives to integrate truth with faith, to let an expanding knowledge of the world translate into an expanded understanding of God. Drawing on the works of a diverse group of writers and thinkers, from C.S. Lewis and Julian of Norwich to Anne Sexton, Yogi Berra, and Dr. Seuss, he explores the ways in which we can maintain our belief in a God defined by mysteriousness. With humor, humility, and courage, he asks us to join him in this spiritual quest—and in the dizzying, thrilling leaps that faith invites.
“I don’t know how to say what the grace of God is. What I can say is what it’s like for me.” We all know about grace being amazing—after all, there’s a whole song about it—but Patrick Henry reminds us that that’s not all it is. It’s also intimidating, disorienting, demanding, reassuring, and sometimes even just downright mind-boggling. Describing thirty-three different aspects of grace based on his everyday experiences, Henry tells the story of a grace that is wide-ranging and comprehensive—if not always comprehensible. Rather than trying to capture and tame his encounters with God, he lets the mystery of memory speak for itself, exemplifying his mantra that being a Christian is about being “an explorer, not a colonizer.” Flashes of Grace is wise and grounded, earnest and light, faithful and quirky. Henry describes encountering grace in airports, baseball, hazelnuts, and just about anywhere else you can imagine, while engaging with dialogue partners ranging from King Saul and Saint Augustine to Yogi Berra and Captain Picard. For anyone longing to connect (or reconnect) with God, this book provides a surprising journey that broadens perspectives and explores strange new worlds, while loosening stiff spiritual joints so movement can be free and spontaneous.
John Patrick developed G.A.D (generalized anxiety disorder) in his mid 40‘s and became agoraphobic and housebound. Because of his mental health condition, he developed several physical illnesses. At the time some professionals, including John himself, weren’t sure if he was going to make it out of the pit or not. His childhood best friend Jack also suffered from a mental health condition, but never made it out and went home to be with the Lord. This short book is dedicated to his friend Jack, and is a story of how the Word of God was instrumental in redeeming John’s life from the pit and crowning it with love and compassion.
In The Christian Man, Patrick Morley--bestselling author of The Man in the Mirror--offers men practical ways to deal with life's problems and become the men of God they aspire to be. No man fails on purpose. Quite the opposite. When our feet hit the floor every morning, we're looking for a win. But these are turbulent times to be a man. In gathering material for this book, Morley interviewed many men. Their input was powerful. And transparent. They agreed that it's increasingly difficult to juggle all their responsibilities as men, husbands, fathers, friends, workers, churchmen, and citizens. No one understands what you're going through more than men's expert Patrick Morley, author of the landmark bestseller The Man in the Mirror, which has sold over 4 million copies. And now, Morley has put together a game plan so you can get that win you're looking for. The Christian Man is filled with powerful stories and refreshingly practical answers to questions like: How can I lead a more balanced life? How can I have a deeper walk with God? What makes a great husband? How can I become a dad who makes a difference? How should I think about my work? What's the right way to deal with lust? By the end of this must-read book, you will know how to intentionally release the power of God on the issues that matter most to you. You'll be able to walk with confidence in the one identity that matters most: The Christian Man.
Catechesis Taken in the sense of the act of teaching and the knowledge imparted by teaching, this term is synonymous with CATECHESIS and CATECHISM. Didaskalia, didache, in the Vulgate, doctrina, are often used in the New Testament, especially in the Pastoral Epistles. The word katechesis means instruction by word of mouth, especially by questioning and answering. New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia We cannot share what we ourselves do not have This quote was often shared by the founder of the Marian Catechist Lay Apostolate, Father John A Hardon S, J. one of the Twentieth Centuries foremost Theologians and Teachers of Traditional Catholicism. This profound teaching was the impetus for my years of studying our Catholic Faith. I ended my classroom Faith sharing with three years of RCIA; Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults, and am very much aware of its shortcomings, due primarily, to imposed time restrictions. Personal circumstances took me out of the classroom, but led to a very active internet ministry from home. This is a book of Catholic Catechesis, a term meaning instruction by word of mouth, especially in questioning and answering [From the Catholic Encyclopedia]. Through an active participation with the Catholic Answers Forum, [PJM], I was made of aware of an urgent need for supplemental instruction to what RCIA programs were able to impart. So I stared a free on-line course to fill in and add to, what RCIA did not have time to cover. We live in very challenging times, as society, and our government seem to have an agenda to destroy Christianity. Abortions, Divorce, and most recently same sex unions that we are told to call marriage, being legalized add to the confusion and the castration of Christianity. This book contains the Lessons from my course: Building Blocks of our Catholic Faith. It is a not a novel, but a series of Lessons introducing, and then proving, most often Biblically, what we Catholics believe and practice, supported with evidence that substantiates and affirms our Catholic Faith, as the One Founded, desired and guided by both Jesus [John 17:18-19] and the Holy Spirit [Mt. 28:18-19]. Mt. 28: 19-20 Going therefore, teach YOU all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded YOU: and behold I am with YOU all days, even to the consummation of the world. This same command applies to me and you. Each of is called to know, practice, share and live the fullness of our Catholic Faith. By Patrick J. Miron A member of the Marian Catechist Lay Apostolate
The popular blogger and publisher of Envoy magazine offers 10 key reasons why he loves being Catholic (and you should too). Drawing heavily on poignant anecdotes from his own experience as a life-long Catholic born in 1960s, Madrid offers readers a way of looking at the Church--its members, teachings, customs, and history--from perspectives many may have never considered. Growing up Catholic during a time of great social and theological upheaval and transition, a time in which countless Catholics abandoned their religion in search of something else, Patrick Madrid learned a great deal about why people leave Catholicism and why others stay. This experience helped him gain many insights into what it is about the Catholic Church that some people reject, as well as those things that others treasure. Drawing upon Madrid's personal experiences, Why Be Catholic? offers a deeply personal, fact-based, rationale for why everyone should be Catholic or at least consider the Catholic Church in a new light.
I intended to ensure this book, further opens the eyes to the truth and light of God. We can see the need for Christianity worldwide and the Irish and people of Ireland are seen to be one of the special lights of God. I also understand that the foundation of holiness and being holy and the foundation of this also seen in Ireland as well. As touch of Gods hand was on me, this helped in the growing of this book. There is one light and that is God, and from book writing to even a trip to Ireland, I was able to elaborate the blessing of God seen through different points I wrote in this book. Points that can be used in the united states and throughout the world.
This book (wrote over the last 3 years ...2 of them from prison) is my life story/biography, thoughts/proverbs with rhyme and powerful/key Scripture and pictures and has no certain beginning and no definitive end or chronological order ...extremely intimate and convicting ...perfect for non-Christians, "lukewarm" Christians and true Christians alike ...you will be touched
Throughout the history of Christianity, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT” or“queer”) people have been condemned as unrepentant sinners who are in dire need of God’s saving grace. As a result of this condemnation, LGBT people have been subjected to great spiritual, emotional and physical abuse and violence. This issue takes on a particular urgency in light of the ongoing harassment and bullying of LGBT young people by their classmates. Cheng argues that people need to be liberated from the traditional legal model of thinking about sin and grace as a violation of divine and natural laws in which grace is understood as the strength to refrain from violating such laws. Rather Cheng proposes a Christological model based upon the theologies of Irenaeus, Bonaventure and Barth, in which sin and grace are defined in terms of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. This book serves as a useful resource for all people who struggle to make sense of the traditional Christian doctrines of sin and grace in the context of the 21st century.
This book explores the relation between agape (or Christian charity) and social justice. Timothy Jackson defines agape as the central virtue in Christian ethical thought and action and applies his insights to three concrete issues: political violence, forgiveness, and abortion. Taking his primary cue from the New Testament while drawing extensively from contemporary theology and philosophy, Jackson identifies three features of Christian charity: unconditional commitment to the good of others, equal regard for others' well-being, and passionate service open to self-sacrifice for the sake of others. Charity, prescribed by Jesus for his disciples and named by Saint Paul as the "greatest" theological virtue, is contrasted with various accounts of justice. Jackson argues that agape is not trumped by justice or other goods. Rather, agape precedes justice: without the work of love, society would not produce persons capable of merit, demerit, and contract, the elements of most modern conceptions of justice. Jackson then considers the implications of his ideas for several questions: the nature of God, the relation between Christian love and political violence, the place of forgiveness, and the morality of abortion. Arguing that agapic love is to be construed as a gift of grace as well as a divine commandment, Jackson concludes that love is the "eternal life" that makes temporal existence possible and thus the "first" Christian virtue. Though foremost a contribution to Christian ethics, Jackson's arguments and the issues he takes up will find a broader readership.
From one of the most respected names in Catholic Apologetics, Patrick Madrid, comes the new book How to Do Apologetics: Making the Case for Our Faith. And it couldn’t be more timely. Seismic cultural shifts and increased attacks on religious liberty often place Christians in the uncomfortable position of having to defend their beliefs — even their belief in God — when their Faith is called into question by atheists, agnostics, Protestants, or people from other religions. This book is the apologist’s toolkit covering all the topics you need to understand and apply Patrick Madrid’s own successful approach to giving reasons to believe. Using logic, arguments, and evidence to defend the Truth Apologetics with atheists, moral relativists, and non-Christians Special advice and examples for use with Protestants, as well as lukewarm or inactive Catholics Proven strategies for responding graciously to opponents Making a compelling case for God, Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church What you need to do apologetics well PLUS: Patrick Madrid’s recommended books & CDs, and a glossary of key apologetics terms! Patrick Madrid shows how YOU “can demonstrate confidently and effectively that Catholic teaching is reasonable, consistent, and compelling.”
Sex Au Naturel: What It Is and Why It's Good For Your Marriage by radio host Patrick Coffin is a bracing ride across the landscape of the Catholic sexual ethic. If you're looking for intellectual ammo with which to defend and explain the teaching of Humanae Vitae, or if you reject it altogether, you'll agree that Coffin approaches the topic from a wide array of new and persuasive angles. With humor and enthusiasmand a total absence of moralizingyou'll learn: Why Paul VI's landmark 1968 encyclical was widely rejected a generation ago and why it's gaining new respectability now Where exactly the Bible teaches against birth control The differences between contraception and natural family planning (hint: they're more profound than you think) The meaning of the natural law and how it applies to birth control How the dogma of the Blessed Trinity implicit condemns birth control That every single Protestant denomination rejected birth control until 1930 Why the myth of overpopulation is used against the Church, and how to answer it How faithful adherence to the teaching of Humanae Vitae is causally related to marital happiness and longevity Why it's not too late to start over, even if you've been sterilized How to rely on the ever-present grace of God rather than your own strength in faithfully following this challenging, life-giving aspect of Christian discipleship Much, much more!
For two thousand years countless people around the world viewed reality through a Christian lens that endowed their lives with meaning, purpose, and coherence. Today, in an era of unprecedented secularization, many have ceased to find meaning not only in Christianity but in life in general. In Converting the Imagination, Patrick Manning offers a probing analysis of this crisis of meaning, marshalling historical and psychological research to shed light on the connections among the disintegration of the Christian worldview, religious disaffiliation, and a growing mental health epidemic. As a response Manning presents an approach to religious education that is at once traditionally grounded in the model of Jesus' own teaching and augmented by modern educational research and cognitive science. Converting the Imagination is an invitation to transform the way we teach about faith and make sense of the world, an invitation that echoes Jesus' invitation to a fuller, more meaningful life. It is sure to captivate scholars and practitioners of religious education, ministers seeking to reengage people who have drifted away from the faith or to support young people suffering from existential anxiety, and anyone in search of deeper meaning in their religious traditions or in their own lives. Converting the Imagination was a finalist for the 2021 Lilly Fellows Program Book Award: https://www.lillyfellows.org/grants-and-prizes/book-award/
As one of the most significant figures in the history of Western civilization, the apostle Paul has influenced and inspired countless individuals and institutions. But for some, he holds a controversial place in Christianity. This engaging book explores why many people have been wary of Paul and what their criticisms reveal about the church and the broader culture. Patrick Gray brings intellectual and cultural history into conversation with study of the New Testament, providing a balanced account and assessment of widespread antipathy to Paul and exploring what the controversy tells us about ourselves.
In The Five Commandments of Jesus: A New Approach to Christianity, Patrick Amer presents to the ordinary Christian and the theologian alike his new, refreshing, and clear approach to the mission and meaning of Jesus of Nazareth. Amer identifies the five commandments of Jesus as central within the recorded ethical teachings of Jesus. These five commandments show the continued relevance and importance of Jesus in expressing God's will and plan for humankind. The book is clearly written and readily accessible to all readers. Discussion groups across denominations will find that this book meets each reader at the exact point at which we all find ourselves today." Roger Haight, S. J., Union Theological Seminary In this book, Patrick Amer describes his discovery of the five commandments of Jesus. He shows that the commandments are not a random selection of commands. They are an integrated and focused attack on humanity's most deeply embedded anti-social behaviors, those placed there by natural selection. He shows that these behaviors were in ancient times absorbed into humanity's public institutions, and they are still there. The kingdom of God is the community of men and women who live by the five commandments of Jesus, applying them in their personal lives and to public institutions as well. This book examines each commandment to show how it is to be practiced in one's personal life and how it is to be applied to public institutions. By practicing the five commandments of Jesus, the followers of Jesus participate in his redeeming mission and with him save the world.
Servants of Christ are in the transformation business. This kind of transformation will only happen if we refuse to be seduced by false idols like success, money, fame and security - to be the church we were called to be. We need to take ownership of the problems around us and work with people who are suffering in order to find solutions and offer lasting change. Patrick travels the globe to find examples. In Bolivia he reports how Christian backing for education projects is allowing families to find a way out of poverty. In London XLP is mentoring young people to turn aside from violence. In Los Angeles a new future is being offered to gang girls. In high security prisons in the UK and US the Spirit is turning lives around. In Belfast's Shankill Road area a group of elderly ladies is cooking meals for men who sit all day in local pubs ... the list is extensive, and inspiring. The common element is that in all circumstances Christ is offering hope. 'As Christians there is no ceiling to the hope we can bring, even when things look bleak,' Patrick says. 'Extreme poverty has been halved in the last 30 years. This book encourages and challenges the church to think and act creatively to eradicate all types of poverty and suffering.
Many Christian men don’t realize that they have access to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead inside of them. Many are struggling to improve as husbands, fathers, coworkers, and active members in God’s kingdom. However, in order to access and fully learn how to use this power, they must learn to defend themselves spiritually. In this book, Patrick L. Stearns shows how you as a Christian man can grow to your greatest level of effectiveness in your home and your community by learning spiritual self-defense. Stearns shows how applying key biblical Scripture to everyday life can help you to overcome Satan and his demons’ goal to slow down the full development of your spiritual maturity. Stearns uses real-world situations and encounters, along with his own past experiences, to prepare you to use spiritual self-defense and go on the offensive and overpower and overcome anything that is not of God’s kingdom. You will find that, through learning spiritual self-defense, you will realize that you are stronger and more powerful than you realize! You can learn the step-by-step process of enhancing your Christian walk by accessing an unbeatable power: the power of spiritual self-defense!
What makes a healthy church? Specifically, what defines a successful church in heavily populated, richly diverse areas? This book will: Explore what it means to be a church for the city God has called you to engage. Help you learn from past success stories as well as past mistakes in urban ministry. Guide you in developing a philosophy of ministry that can lead to restoration and renewal in your city. According to the United States Census Bureau, over 80% of the population lives in urban areas. Churches in or near cities have to work hard to minister effectively to a diverse group of people, welcoming those of different backgrounds, engaging both the poor and marginalized as well as the wealthy and influential. Church-planters Matt Carter and Darrin Patrick explain the biblical, theological, and historical foundations of ministry within the urban core and how to plant churches where the gospel is faithfully shared and brings substantial benefits to those living in the community. For the City relates the wisdom gleaned from years of serving their cities for the sake of God's kingdom. Carter and Patrick practically equip church leaders and Christians to look at their city as a mission field where individuals and churches can faithfully proclaim the gospel and live out the reality of a community changed and transformed by its message.
This translation of the Confession of St. Patrick is accompanied by a lengthy introduction by Thomas Olden, who argues that St. Patrick's Christianity was closer to that of the Reformed Church than to modern Catholicism. The introduction and translation are both meticulously documented as to sources. This edition also includes the prayer known as "St. Patrick's Armor" or "Breastplate" (the Lorica of St. Patrick). Thomas Olden (1823-1900) was the vicar of Ballyclough, a member of the Royal Irish Academy, and the author of The History of the Church of Ireland.
Suicide was moments away until someone knocked on the door. Author Patrick Vandenburgh explains his life story of teenage alcohol and drug addiction gone awry. A Knock On The Door is a gripping story of a normal, middle-class, star athlete turned twice convicted felon. His life is hopelessly lost until an amazing encounter on a dark, country road. The story becomes even more intriguing when the victims offer forgiveness through Christian love. The destiny of friendship was birthed through a tragic event and A Knock On The Door. This story will move you to tears and shouts of joy as you become a participant identifying with the trials and triumphs of life. No Endorsements at this time. Patrick Vandenburgh is currently serving as Senior Pastor of The Fathers House Church in Lena, Illinois. He studied Bible Theology and Christian Education at Wheaton College and received a History degree from Colombia College. Patrick has served as a Youth Pastor, Senior Pastor, and President of an Evangelistic Ministry entitled Saved By Grace. He has traveled nationally and internationally sharing his story with millions at churches, schools, and prisons/jails. His story has twice aired nationally on the television program The 700 Club. Patrick has been married to his beautiful wife, Tricia, for thirteen years. They have five lovely children- Christa (12), Timothy (11), Ezekiel (8), and Katie Grace (6), and a newborn.
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