Bücher veröffentlicht von Abingdon Press

Have you ever tried to fight worry with faith and felt you were losing the battle? Have comments like "God's got this!" or "Just pray about it" only left you feeling more burdened? We know we shouldn't worry, but the reality is that we all do at times. And whether it's personal worries about loved ones and daily circumstances or broader concerns about what's happening in the world, we long for something more than platitudes that will help us put real feet to our faith and win the worry battle.In this six-week Bible study on the Book of Joshua, we will join God's people as they arrive on the edge of the promised land only to find themselves in hostile territory, faced with fear and uncertainty. As we dig into the story of how Joshua and the Israelites claimed God's promised victory, we'll discover that winning the worry battle requires more than having faith; it requires learning to fight in faith! Following their bold, courageous footprints, we'll learn how to fight in faith as we internalize God's promises, draw strength from God's faithfulness, act in obedience to God's commands, and believe what our limitless God can do. Through in-depth study of how God gave the Israelites victory over their enemies and generously blessed them, too, we'll be equipped with biblical wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools that will enable us to overcome our daily worry struggles as well as the bigger battles of fear that we face.This comprehensive leader guide includes full session outlines featuring discussion questions, activities, prayers, leader helps, and more.Other available components, each available separately, include a Participant Workbook with five days of lessons per week, and DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions (with closed captioning).

Something in us aches for moremore hope, more joy, more freedom. All around us people are dancing to the steps of bigger, better, and faster, and we can easily join in without even realizing it. Before long complaining and comparing accompany our desire for more, yet we're not any closer to filling the ache inside. God offers us another way. In this study of the Book of Numbers, we'll find a group of people that wandered in the desert for forty years, unable to enter the Promised Land because of their complaining, grumbling, and lack of faith. The New Testament tells us that their story was written to warn us (1 Corinthians 10:6) so that we would not make the same mistakes and suffer the same consequences. God sent his only Son to die to buy our freedom from the sin that leads to discontentment, and we find our own promised land of peace and contentment in the life he gives us.By exploring Numbers we can come to identify the reasons for our complaining, learn contentment while being authentic about the difficulties of life, accept short-term hardship in light of the greater good of God's ultimate deliverance, recognize the relationship between complaining and worry, and discover how to realign with God's character and promises.Together we will learn contentment as we discover more of our incredible God who truly is more than enough. Only God can fill that ache inside and help us focus on his provision and purpose in the midst of life's joys and pains.The Leader Guide, to be used along with the study's workbook and DVD, contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and moreplus leader helps for facilitating a group.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

Something in us aches for moremore hope, more joy, more freedom. All around us people are dancing to the steps of bigger, better, and faster, and we can easily join in without even realizing it. Before long complaining and comparing accompany our desire for more, yet we're not any closer to filling the ache inside. God offers us another way. In this study of the Book of Numbers, we'll find a group of people that wandered in the desert for forty years, unable to enter the Promised Land because of their complaining, grumbling, and lack of faith. The New Testament tells us that their story was written to warn us (1 Corinthians 10:6) so that we would not make the same mistakes and suffer the same consequences. God sent his only Son to die to buy our freedom from the sin that leads to discontentment, and we find our own promised land of peace and contentment in the life he gives us. By exploring Numbers we can come to identify the reasons for our complaining, learn contentment while being authentic about the difficulties of life, accept short-term hardship in light of the greater good of God's ultimate deliverance, recognize the relationship between complaining and worry, and discover how to realign with God's character and promises.Together we will learn contentment as we discover more of our incredible God who truly is more than enough. Only God can fill that ache inside and help us focus on his provision and purpose in the midst of life's joys and pains.The participant workbook includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

When we look around at today's world, hope usually isn't the first word that comes to mind. In many ways we live in an unstable world where marriages fail, bank accounts run low, friendships end, and the everyday demands of a fast-paced life get us down. In the Book of Jeremiah, we find God calling out to His people with a message of hopea message that intentional living is possible even in an unstable world. But how do we do this? Where do we start? Jeremiah offers women hope for living in an uncertain world by learning to navigate the challenges and circumstances of their lives. This six-week study examines God's words of instruction to His wayward people through the prophet Jeremiah, and provides women six guidelines for intentional living to overcome fear, worry, and doubt as they surrender their wills to God's and put their hope in Him alone. Combining rich study of the Book of Jeremiah with practical life application that resonates with the realities and experiences of today's women, this study inspires all women to dare to hope, remembering that God is rich in mercy and love and has good plans for us. The Leader Guide contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and moreplus leader helps for facilitating a group.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

This book is excellent for individual reading or can be used as the small group study book for the Christianity's Family Tree DVD based study.Adam Hamilton is, in my opinion, a national treasure. He embodies the kind of generous orthodoxy so many of us have been dreaming of and praying for. This book provides something truly uniquea kind of orientation to Christianity in its wide array of forms that not only educates but inspires. It's one of the few books I wish every single Christian would read and share with their friends. - Brian McLaren, author of A New Kind of Christian In this wise and practical book, Adam Hamilton serves as a trusted guide to some of the rich diversity of Christian belief and practice. It is a rare feat to acknowledge differences and distinctiveness appreciatively, and Hamilton does it with exceptional grace and insight. - L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School I love this book. Adam Hamilton teaches us that we are far richer than we know, because the beauty and the fullness of the whole church is ours. Read, learn, and be happy. - John Ortberg, author of God Is Closer Than You ThinkIn this book, Adam Hamilton presents a welcoming, inspiring vision of eight Christian denominations and faith traditions. Comparing the Christian family to our own extended families, he contends that each denomination has a unique, valuable perspective to offer on the Christian faith. The traditions he examines are Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism, and Methodism. For each group, Hamilton gives a brief history, outlines major beliefs, and describes some things we can learn from that tradition to strengthen our own Christian faith. Also available is the planning kit for this video-based small-group study Christianity's Family Tree: What Other Christians Believe and Why. Adam Hamilton is pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. Named by PBS's Religion and Ethics Newsweekly as one of the top ';Ten People to Watch,' Hamilton is the author of numerous video based small group studies and books from Abingdon Press.

All Earth Is Waiting invites readers to explore the familiar Advent themes of hope, preparation, joy, and peace with the heavens and earth in mind. Through her powerful and personal reflections, author Katie Z. Dawson calls us to consider how all creation longs for the coming of Christ, taking seriously the notion that the good news of Christ is good news for all the world. Anticipating in Christ's birth the reconciliation of the heavens and the earth, Dawson highlights the responsibility to care for this earth in preparation for Christ's return. This thematic Bible study is designed to be used by individuals and small groups during Advent. Each chapter offers questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, and a focus for the week that will encourage readers to engage a specific act of creation care that will help them apply the week's lesson.Also included are Advent candle lighting liturgies, a Call to Worship, a Prayer of Confession that can be used throughout Advent, and hymn suggestions for each chapter. These can be used for small group worship opportunities or in corporate worship. The book's chapters include: The Source of Hope Clear the Way Discovering Joy The Peace of the World The Reconciliation of Heaven and Earth

From his beginnings as a humble carpenter to his all-important role as the earthly father of Jesus Christ, Joseph's place in the nativity story is sometimes overlooked but contains valuable lessons for all of us. Join Adam Hamilton as he examines Christmas through the eyes of Joseph. Absent from much of the biblical narrative, Joseph never spoke a word, but his courageous actions were crucial to the birth of Christ and God's salvation plan for humanity.As you read this book, you will understand how Joseph's story is much like our own. In life, we encounter circumstances that we would never have chosen for ourselves. At times it can be tempting just to walk away. Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don't understand and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides.Exchange your doubt for courage this Advent and Christmas season. Learn to accept and glorify God's will even when circumstances make it difficult to do so.Additional components for a four-week adult study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and a DVD featuring author and pastor Adam Hamilton. Chapter topics include: A Carpenter Named Joseph Whose Child Is This? Raising a Child Not Your Own The Journey to Bethlehem The Rest of the Story

Explores what Christians believe, why they believe, and why it matters through the Apostles Creed.

Our busy lives are filled with decisions, but are they the important decisions? In this simple, inspiring book, pastor and author Tom Berlin helps us discern six key decisions in our walk with Christ. Includes Scripture, helpful quotations, and space for journaling. 1. The Decision to Follow2. The Decision for a New Life3. The Decision to Mature4. The Decision to Respond5. The Decision to Persevere6. The Decision to Surrender

This volume offers a timely look at the important topic of integrity. What does integrity mean? What does it involve? How do we "do" integrity? Drawing on his experience as a Christian, a minister, and a pastoral counselor, Ronald J. Greer explores the two sides of integrity: personal integrity and moral integrity. Personal integrity involves an integrated life, where we are in harmony with ourselves, while moral integrity reflects the evolution of the word, as the idea of morality and ethics merged with the concept of wholeness Perfect for the graduate or as a gift for anyone at a key turning point in their lives, this small book provides the insight and guidelines that will become the touchstones for a good, well-lived life.

What our Wesleyan legacy means for today's living.

Annotated and critical edition of the letters of one of early Methodism's most influential founders.

Expresses in simple language what the people of this denomination believe and how they interpret the ageless affirmation of the Bible. Includes study guide, 8 sessions.

This Pastoral Record Book enables pastors to maintain accurate, complete, and understandable historical records for reference (i.e., record of sermons delivered), and to provide essential archival information through generations of church pastorates. This book provides ample space for recording pastorates, baptisms, members received, marriages, funerals, sermons delivered, meetings held, special funds raised, lectures and special addresses, churches and parsonages built, and so forth, for 40 years.The book uses acid-free paper and is an ideal gift/resource from the time of the theological diploma, and for use throughout pastoral careers.

Not only are humans born to be generous, we are born in the image of a loving and generous God. And sometimes we need a reminder.These 28 devotionals gathered into four weekly themes, inspire the reader to discover the powerful Christian principles of gratitude, prayer, and faith--leading them back to the generous life they were born to live. The daily readings are written by the diverse group of pastors, business and church leaders, speakers, and authors who make up the Horizons Stewardship Team.Each reading includes scripture, a message containing personal stories and anecdotes, and a challenge to inspire the reader toward the discovery of the powerful Christian principles of gratitude, prayer, and faith--all which will lead them back to the generous life they were born to live.

He left everything to follow his teacher and possessed a passion that would change the world. That's one way to describe Peter. Here's another: poor, uneducated, quick-tempered, and full of doubts and fears. Doesn't even sound like the same man. And that's the point of Simon Peter, a new book and six-week adult Bible study by Adam Hamilton. Peter was just an ordinary guy who heard and followed God's extraordinary call. Discover how you, too, have special gifts, talents, and abilities that God can use to make a difference today. In addition to the Leader Guide and DVD components for adult studies, corresponding youth and children's resources, sold separately, can be used to create a churchwide study.Chapters Include: The Call of the Fisherman Walking with Jesus in the Storm Bedrock or Stumbling Block? ';I Will Not Deny You' From Cowardice to Courage The Rest of the Story

Each of these volumes consists of thirteen detailed Bible studies. These Bible studies can be used for evening Bible study, for home study meetings, for faith communities, for retreats, and for personal Bible study. This book can even be used as a daily Bible study. Written in Spanish, the language is simple with a profound message for readers.

The Bible and Moral Injury offers an exploration (with case studies) of the interpretation of biblical texts, especially war-related narratives and ritual descriptions from the Old Testament, in conversation with research on the emerging notion of moral injury within psychology, military studies, philosophy, and ethics. This book explores two questions simultaneously: What happens when we read biblical texts, especially biblical stories of war and violence, in light of emerging research on moral injury?, and What does the study of biblical texts and their interpretation contribute to the emerging work on moral injury among other fields and with veterans, chaplains, and other practitioners?The book begins by explaining the concept of moral injury as it has developed within psychology, military studies, chaplaincy, and moral philosophy, especially through work with veterans of the U.S. military's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A major part of this work has been the attempt to identify means of healing, recovery, and repair for those morally injured by their experiences in combat or in similar situations.A key element for the book is that one feature of work on moral injury has been the appeal by psychologists and others to ancient texts and cultures for models of both the articulation of moral injury and possible means of prevention and healing. These appeals have, at times, referenced Old Testament texts that describe war-related rituals, practices, and experiences (e.g., Numbers 31). Additionally, work on moral injury within other fields has used ancient texts in another way--namely, as a means to offer creative re-readings of ancient literary characters as exemplars of warriors and experiences related to moral injury. For example, scholars have re-read the tales of Achilles and Odysseus in The Iliad and The Odyssey in dialogue with the experiences of American veterans of the Vietnam war and the moral struggles of combat and homecoming.Alongside these trends, consideration of moral injury has increasingly made its way into works on pastoral theology, Christian chaplaincy, and moral theology and ethics. These initial interpretive moves suggest a need for an extended and full-orbed examination of the interpretation of biblical texts in dialogue with the emerging formulation and practices of moral injury and recovery. This book will not simply be an effort to interpret various biblical texts through the lens of moral injury. It also seeks to explore and suggest what critical interpretation of the biblical texts can contribute to the work on moral injury going on not only among chaplains and pastoral theologians but also among psychologists, veterans' psychiatrists, and moral philosophers.In the end, The Bible and Moral Injury suggests that current formulations of moral injury provide a helpful lens for re-reading the Bible's texts related to war and violence but also that biblical texts and their interpretation offer resources for those working to understand and express the realities of moral injury and its possible means of healing and repair.

Relationships are messy. We're all different and imperfect, and we can struggle to get along--especially with those who disagree with us. Often we find ourselves divided--even as Christians. How can we work out our differences and disagreements with humility and grace, always showing the love of Christ, while still remaining true to what we believe?The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in Corinth about this very thing. The cultural backdrop of Corinth was even more overtly sinful than our culture today, yet Paul boldly encouraged the Corinthian Christians not to ridicule one another or outsiders but to work together to show the love of Christ. In this six-week study we will explore Paul's first letter to the Corinthians to learn how we as Christians are to deal with differences and divisions--whether in the workplace, neighborhood, school, home, social media community, or church. We'll discover that the answer is living and sharing the radical love of Jesus Christ, and we'll unpack what this means and how we can live it out day by day.The Participant Book includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six 25-30 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

The transforming work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer was a central theme of John Wesley's life and work.In The Wesleyan Journey: A Workbook on Salvation, beloved pastor and author Maxie Dunnam invites readers to spend time every day exploring Wesley's understanding of salvation through prayer, study, and reflection.Based on John Wesley's theology and the Bible's teaching on what it means to be saved, this workbook will help readers consider anew God's ever-present grace, the experience of acceptance, pardon, and forgiveness, and the lifelong journey to become more Christ-like.The Pastor Guide offers guidance and tips for pastors on how to use, promote, and share this study, with ideas for how to incorporate it into worship and invite people into the journey. It also contains short session guides and leader helps to facilitate group discussion through an eight-week study.

Ayude a su congregación a hacer visible su corazón generoso. Una parte indispensable del programa de mayordomía de la generosidad extravagante, que trata este libro del Obispo Schnase, es abrir las Escrituras para mostrar la alegría y la gracia de dar. Diseñado para proporcionar lecturas diarias de la Biblia durante las cuatro semanas del programa, este devocional lleva a los lectores a explorar preguntas tales como "¿Por qué damos?", "¿Quién se beneficia más de nuestro dar?" y "¿De dónde viene la verdadera satisfacción?" Al leer y seguir esta guía sobre la disciplina espiritual de la mayordomía, los miembros de su iglesia experimentarán nuevamente la alegría de servir a Dios con su tiempo, talentos y dones. Help implant the heart of giving within a congregation. An indispensable part of the Extravagant Generosity stewardship program, this volume, by Bishop Schnase, opens the Scriptures to show the joy and grace of giving. Designed to provide daily Bible readings for the four weeks of the program, it leads the reader to explore such questions as "Why do we give," "Who benefits most from our giving," and "Where does true contentment come from?" By reading and following this guide to the spiritual discipline of stewardship, church members will experience afresh the joy of serving God with their time, talents, and gifts.

All of us know what it's like to be hurt or betrayed. Often it's asmall breach such as being spoken to rudely or overlooked in a time ofneed. Other times we experience lies, gossip, or harsh words that cut usto the core. Some of us have endured unspeakable pain through abuse,adultery, or abandonment. God knows the pain we cause each other andlongs to help us learn to practice forgiveness. Nowhere do we see forgiveness played out more fully in Scripture than inthe biblical story of Joseph.This six-week study explores what God has to say to us about graceand forgiveness through Joseph's story of trial and triumph found inGenesis 37-50. As we study his dreams, his betrayers, his dysfunctionalfamily, his struggle to forgive, and his journey toward reconciliation,we'll find truths that echo into our own personal situations as well aspractical help for answering common questions, such as:How do I stop dwelling on the hurt?Is forgiving someone excusing what happened?When will I stop having to re-forgive?Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?How can I forgive and still set boundaries?Is it ever okay not to forgive?Whether or not you are working through a hurtful situation right now,you can learn from Joseph how to release your past and present hurts toGod and allow Him to do a supernatural work of forgiveness in yourlife. God wants to use the very things intended to hurt you as a sourceof blessing in your life and the lives of others. The Participant Book includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer. Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

';For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.' (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)God has made us brave, not fearful beings. In a forty-day devotional format, author and blogger Kelly Johnson invites you to consider a new way of thinking about what it means to be brave and challenges you to seek a greater intimacy with God and the people God has placed in your life. Through Scripture, stories, prayers, and thought-provoking questions, you will recognize the seeds of divinely inspired bravery and learn the strength found in community. Using letters of the word brave as a guide, Being Brave highlights what God's Word has to say about the characteristics of bravery: Bold, Resilient, Authentic, Vulnerable, and Engaged and Empowered by the Spirit. Banish the fear that holds you back. You are a brave soldier!

All Earth Is Waiting invites readers to explore the familiar Advent themes of hope, preparation, joy, and peace with the heavens and earth in mind. Through her powerful and personal reflections, author Katie Z. Dawson calls us to consider how all creation longs for the coming of Christ, taking seriously the notion that the good news of Christ is good news for all the world. Anticipating in Christ's birth the reconciliation of the heavens and the earth, Dawson highlights the responsibility to care for this earth in preparation for Christ's return. This collection of 28 Advent devotions is the perfect companion piece to the book and includes Scripture, reflections, and prayers for each day to help you prepare your heart during the season of Advent.