Showing results by narrator "Jim Denison" in All Categories

What's the point of the church anyway? The emerging generation is opting out of the church in large numbers. They're embarrassed at how the church is portrayed in the media and dismayed at what appears to be their options for participation. Is church really necessary anymore? Is it even possible? Tim Soerens sees this unsettled state of affairs as an extraordinary opportunity: The church, he says, is on the edge of a new possibility at the very moment so much of it feels like it's falling apart.

In a culture in which science is believed to hold the answers to every question, spiritual realities like the soul are often ignored or ridiculed. We are told that neuroscience holds the key to explaining every aspect of human behavior. Yet Christian philosopher J. P. Moreland argues that scripture, sound philosophical reasoning, and everyday experience all point to the reality of an immaterial soul.

Grounded in both solid theology and communication theory, Devote Yourself to the Public Reading of Scripture will teach listeners how to present Scripture in a compelling way. The book's comprehensive approach includes everything from simple delivery skills to the history of public reading, how to build a culture that values public reading, group reading, and how to prepare yourself spiritually, mentally, and emotionally for public reading.

The Generosity Secret provides a proven strategy to break free from the financial stress that's keeping you from pursuing your passions and living a joy-filled life. This systematic approach to handling money in a God-honoring way guides you step by step away from a life of financial strain to a new reality of financial health and freedom.

This paradigm-shattering book will free you from the forces that would turn you into a victim. It will lead you step by step through a simple process that will free you from the pain of the past and protect you from the pain of the future.

How do we make sense of the world's different religions? In today's globalized society, religion is deeply intertwined with every issue we see on the news. But talking about multiple religions can be contentious. Are different faiths compatible somehow? And how can we know whether one religion is more true than another? In this creative thought experiment, Peter Kreeft invites us to encounter dialogues on the world's great faiths.

In 48 Laws of Spiritual Power, bestselling author Frank Viola lays out the unchanging principles of tapping into God's power and releasing it to serve others. These laws are based on over thirty years of ministry experience—trench-tested in Frank's life and the lives of others who have spent decades in ministry. Though these laws may seem counterintuitive and uncommon, they will equip you to look for God's power in your ministry.

For 3,000 years, people of faith have found meaning and comfort in the 23rd Psalm. This widely known song has had an impact across time and culture. But in the twenty-first century, this psalm appears idle. For many, it only serves as a short reading at the end of funerals. How did this happen?

In this revised edition of a formerly four-volume work, Boice maintains a remarkable practicality and thoroughness that have made this a standard reference of evangelical faith and provides a comprehensive overview of Christian theology. With scholarly rigor and a pastor's heart, he carefully opens the topics of the nature of God, the character of his natural and special revelation, the Fall, and the person and work of Christ. Laypeople, students, and pastors will benefit from this rich source that covers all of the major doctrines of the Christian faith in this one systematic volume.

Tired of living half a life - or even a waking nightmare? Struggling to find meaning in a job you don't like? Facing graduation or midlife changes in a faltering economy? Wishing you could rekindle a dream you gave up long ago? It's time to get your vision checked! In this practical, energizing guide, pastor and author Craig Groeschel shows how to live life fully by finding, naming, and achieving your unique God-given goal.

For more than fifty years, Brother Andrew sought fellow Christians in Communist and Muslim countries and encouraged and equipped them to stand strong in the face of turmoil and persecution. Offering his same bold teaching for the battles we face today, this sixty-day devotional mines the lives of Moses, David, Elijah, Jonah, and Gideon.

In Inspired Imperfection, Gregory A. Boyd adds another counterintuitive and provocative thesis to his corpus. While conservative scholars and pastors have struggled for years to show that the Bible is without errors, Boyd considers this a fool's errand. Instead, he says, we should embrace the mistakes and contradictions in Scripture, for they show that God chose to use fallible humans to communicate timeless truths.

If you are currently providing care for your aging parents or facing the prospect of doing so in the near future, you are definitely not alone. Dr. Grant Ethridge and his wife, Tammy, have been there, having given care during their dads' last days. They know the stress and uncertainty you face. Through their story and those of other caregivers, Grant and Tammy share research and practical tips to aid you in dealing with everyday caregiving struggles and situations. You will learn how to decide which care is best, prepare legal documents, handle family disputes, and much more.

Although most people acknowledge that Jesus was a first-century Jew, interpreters of the Gospels often present him as opposed to Jewish law and customs—especially when considering his numerous encounters with the ritually impure. Matthew Thiessen corrects this popular misconception by placing Jesus within the Judaism of his day. Thiessen demonstrates that the Gospel writers depict Jesus opposing ritual impurity itself, not the Jewish ritual purity system or the Jewish law.

Understanding the New Testament is a daunting but exciting task. Our world is so different from that of the first century. Yet it is important to understand the context and content of the New Testament if we are to be faithful followers. Now, this survey addresses the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions that readers of the Bible may have, such as: How can we tell if what is written in the New Testament is true history or just mythology? When were these books written and why? and What can today's believers get out of letters addressed to people who lived two millennia ago?

Like Daniel in Babylon, Christians today are exiles in a hostile culture. Every day, we face the lions—the easier road of moral compromise, the lure of earthly wealth and influence, the temptation to give into our fears or our apathy. Yet we are called to obey God rather than man, and we need courage to do it. Award-winning apologist Ray Comfort wants to help you develop the fortitude to look into the mouths of lions without flinching, trusting that God will not only bring you to the other side of the trial but that he is refining you through it.

For more than 20 years, The Baby Book author William Sears' advice has been trusted by millions across the country, and around the world. Now, he and The Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription author Vincent M. Fortanasce have put together the essential guide to a clearer, calmer, and happier brain. Laced with relatable personal stories from family members and patients, The Healthy Brain Book weds Fortanasce's deep neurological and psychiatric expertise with Sears' sympathetic bedside manner and listener-friendly writing.

Thomas G. Long, one of America's most trusted and thoughtful pulpit voices, provides a much needed theological and cultural critique of today's Christian funeral. Long begins by describing how the Christian funeral developed historically, theologically, and liturgically and then discusses recent cultural trends in funeral practices, including the rise in number of cremations and memorial services.

Beloved contemporary Christian musician Rich Mullins lived his life with abandon for God, leaving the spotlight to teach music among a Navajo community. An accident cut his life short in 1997, but his songs and ragamuffin spirit continue to teach many. In honor of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Rich's homegoing, this edition of Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven delivers an intimate look at the experiences that sparked praise hits and the values behind his Christ-like candor.

No matter what's making you feel anxious, God cares! Set your heart free as you are encouraged by God's truth and empowered by His love. Be uplifted as you listen to short devotions to quiet your mind, scripture to guide your thoughts, and prayers to help you convey your burdens to the Lord, who can handle them all.