Equippers Tool Box

Heart and Mind Discipleship:

2012-02-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

Heart and Mind Discipleship: Foundational Truths for Authentic Spiritual Growth

These new material available from the C.S. Lewis Institute

Now available for purchase in our web store by clicking here.

To preview pages from the Heart and Mind Discipleship Workbook, click here.

Heart & Mind Discipleship: Foundational Truths for Authentic Spiritual Growth is a ten-week small group discipleship program for new believers or for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of faith in Christ and to focus on growing in Christ. This program was produced with support from Alpha USA and Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and with input from pastors from a variety of denominations. Heart and Mind Discipleship is ideal for churches that are looking to start a discipleship program or for home groups who want to go to the next level after taking an Alpha Course or another introductory course.

Heart and Mind Discipleship is taught by a variety of effective teachers and focuses on key themes each week. For each weekly theme, participants in a group will read a 2,000 word article in the workbook, complete a short bible study on the theme, and meet as a group to hear a 30 minute lecture on the topic. There are also suggested discussion questions for the group to consider after hearing the lecture.

The weekly themes covered are:

1) God’s Character & Personality (Stuart McAlpine, CSLI Senior Fellow and Pastor, Christ Our Shepherd, Washington, DC)

2) God’s Story of Redemption (Bill Kynes, CSLI Senior Fellow and Pastor, Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, Annandale, VA )

3) Understanding Salvation (Randy Newman, Cru and CSLI Teaching Fellow)

4) God’s Plan for Our Growth (Joel Woodruff, Vice President of Discipleship and Outreach, CSLI)

5) The Cost of Discipleship (Tom Tarrants, Vice President of Ministry, CSLI)

Double session

6a) Humility & Servanthood (Bill Kynes, CSLI Senior Fellow and Pastor, Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, Annandale, VA)

6b) Loving God & Neighbor (Frog Orr-Ewing, Chaplain and Missioner, Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics, Rector, Latimer Minster, Beaconsfield, England)

7) Authority of the Bible (Art Lindsley, Senior Fellow, CSLI)

8) The Practice of Prayer (Amy Orr-Ewing, Training Director, European Office of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and Director of Programs for Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics)

9) The Mission of the Church (Joel Woodruff, Vice President of Discipleship and Outreach, CSLI)

10) Sharing the Good News (Gerard Long, Executive Director, Alpha USA)

We believe Heart and Mind Discipleship will be a powerful resource for many churches and home groups. Research consistently shows that Christians today are living lives largely indistinguishable from non-Christians. While people are hungering for the transformation that comes from believing in Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit, too many believers never experience that change. They often don’t fully understand issues of grace, humility, repentance, or even whether or not they can trust the Bible. This program will help each participant better understand their conversion and then understand how to grow in spiritual maturity and exercise their faith over the course of their lives.

The Christian in Complete Armour

2012-02-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Overview

In a world where war is a persistent reality in media and in film, there is a larger, consequential war being waged everyday that is often neglected: the Spiritual war inside of us. Written in the English Puritan era but just as powerful and inspiring today, William Gurnall’s timeless epic The Christian in Complete Armour serves as a beautifully written and action-packed spiritual guidebook

A call to arms for Christians, Gurnall’s expounded sermons on Ephesians 6:10–20 are as practical as they are illuminating. With stunning prose and page-turning excitement, the battle for the soul and the descriptions of the God-given protections and weapons ascribed to the believer are detailed and explained. Gurnall’s masterpiece has been inspiring Christians since the 17th century, and has never been as applicable and urgently needed as the present day.

Key Features

Detailed Table of Contents
Original Introduction by the Author

Praise for the Print Edition

If I might read only one book beside the Bible, I would choose The Christian in Complete Armour.

—John Newton

Peerless and priceless; every line full of wisdom.

—C. H. Spurgeon

A beautiful feature in Gurnall's book is its richness in pithy, pointed, and epigrammatical sayings. You will often find in a line and a half some great truth, put so concisely, and yet so fully, that you really marvel how so much thought could be got into so few words.

—J. C. Ryle

Product Details

Title: The Christian in Complete Armour
Author: William Gurnall
Publisher: T. Tegg
Pages: 827

About William Gurnall

William Gurnall was born in King’s Lynn, Norfolk in 1617. Receiving his B.A. and M.A. from Cambridge, in 1644 he was made rector of Lavenham in Suffolk. Most known for his book The Christian in Complete Armor, Gurnall died in 1679, the year his book would be published in its sixth edition.

CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOUR;

or,

A TREATISE ON

The Saints’ War with the Devil:

wherein a discovery is made of the policy, power, wickedness, and stratagems, made use of by that

ENEMY OF GOD AND HIS PEOPLE

A MAGAZINE OPENED,

from whence

the christian is furnished with spiritual arms for the battle, assisted in buckling on his armour, and taught the use of his weapons;

together with

THE HAPPY ISSUE OF THE WHOLE WAR

WILLIAM GURNALL, A.M.,

formerly of lavenham, suffolk

carefully revised and corrected by the

REV. JOHN CAMPBELL, D.D.

LONDON:

THOMAS TEGG, 73, CHEAPSIDE;

r. griffin and co., glasgow; t. le mesurier, dublin; also, j. and s. a. tegg sydney and hobart town

mdcccxlv

CONTENTS

‘finally, my brethren, be strong in the lord, and in the power of his might .’—Eph . 6:10

i. Of Christian courage and resolution, wherefore necessary, and how obtained

ii. Of the saints’ strength, where it lies, and wherefore laid up in God

iii. Of acting our faith on the almighty power of God

iv. Of acting our faith on the almighty power of God, as engaged for our help

v. Wherein is answered a grand objection, which some disconsolate souls may raise against the former discourse

‘put on the whole armour of god .’—Ver. 11

i. Sheweth that the Christless and graceless soul is a soul without armour, and therein his misery

ii. Sheweth that the Armour that we use against Satan, must be divine in the institution, such only as God appoints

iii. Sheweth that the armour we use for our defence against Satan must not only be divine by institution, but constitution also

iv. Of the entireness of our furniture; it must be the whole armour of God

v. Of the use of our spiritual armour, or the exercise of grace

‘that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil .’—Ver. 11

i. Of Satan’s subtlety, to choose out the most advantageous seasons for tempting

ii. Satan’s subtlety in managing his temptations, where several stratagems used by him to deceive the Christian are laid down

iii. Of Satan’s subtlety in choosing instruments fit for his turn, to carry on his tempting design

iv. This point of Satan’s subtlety, as a tempter to sin, is briefly applied

v. Wherein is shewed the subtlety of Satan, as a troubler and an accuser for sin, where many of his wiles and policies to disquiet the saints’ spirits are discovered

vi. A brief application of the second branch of the point, viz., of Satan’s subtlety as a troubler and accuser for sin

vii. Containing some directions tending to entrench and fortify the Christian against the assaults and wiles of the Devil, as a troubler

viii. Of the saints’ victory over their subtle enemy, and whence it is that creatures so over-matched should be able to stand against Satan’s wiles

ix. An account is given, how the all-wise God doth out-wit the devil in his tempting of saints to sin, wherein are laid down the ends Satan propounds, and how he is prevented in all, with the gracious issue that God puts to these his temptations

x. A brief ...

Available electronically from Logos Software

Sample Chapter from Hendrickson

2012-01-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

This Declaration of Dependence is . . .

A radical solution to these radical times; the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony in bold action. Mature. Strong. Controversial. Governmental not political. Uncomfortable. Where has conform gotten us? Politically incorrect. We have been pursuing things that dont matter, wont last and could cost us everything. The Bible is the first book of law, government, history, economics and education.

We need the gospel; the healing of the brokenhearted, the proclamation of liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and the bound set free. We need you. In a day of extreme sports, extreme weather outbreaks, extreme division, extreme financial crisis, extreme world upheaval, isnt it time for extreme prayer?

As youre praying, youll be shining light, showing love, speaking truth and enthroning glory. Be strengthened as you pray, knowing God hears you and that youre making the difference.

This is not about keeping the status quo. Its not about saving the economy, electing a new leader or having a religious experience. Its not Sunday morning churchianity, its a lifestyle. Its about being transformed into the image of the Son. Its about returning to Yahweh. The prodigals are coming home. Will you declare your dependence?

Foreword by James Nesbit

Introduction

Part 1: Seek His Face

Part 2: Whats in a Name?

Part 3: Rediscovering Liberty

Chapter 1: A Wounded and Broken Nation

Chapter 2: Separation of Secular and Spiritual Areas of Life

Chapter 3: Bondage of Religion

Chapter 4: Fear of Man in Our Schools

Chapter 5: Abortion

Chapter 6: The Church Not Functioning as the Governmental Assembly of the Kingdom of God

Chapter 7: Not Identifying the Real Enemy

Chapter 8: Financial Crisis and Bankruptcy of the Nation

Chapter 9: External Liberty Compromised

Chapter 10: Debtor Nation

Chapter 11: Darkness in the Land

Chapter 12: Liberty is Indivisible (Not able to be Divided)

Chapter 13: Thinking That All Belief Systems are Equal

Chapter 14: The Legal System Oppressing the Poor and Defenseless

Chapter 15: Political Correctness

Chapter 16: A Welfare-Dependent Culture

Chapter 17: False Prophets in the Church Mixing Truth and Error

Chapter 18: Rampant Lawlessness and Rebellion

Chapter 19: Diminished Parental Influence in Education

Chapter 20: Forgetting the Foundations on Which We Were Built

Chapter 21: Self-Centered Nation

Chapter 22: Looking to Civil Government for Rights

Chapter 23: National and Global Chaos

Chapter 24: Baal Worship in our Churches

Chapter 25: Decline of the Nation

Chapter 26: Freemasonry and Secret Societies

Chapter 27: Celebrity Culture in the Churches

Chapter 28: Sin Among Clergy and Church Leaders

Chapter 29: Not Understanding that Yahweh is the Source of Liberty

Chapter 30: Disregarding Gods Covenant

Chapter 31: Increase in Number of Laws

Chapter 32: Culture Has a Religious Base (No Neutrality)

Chapter 33: The Church Failing the Poor

Chapter 34: Immigration Conflicts

Chapter 35: Freemasonry in the Church

Chapter 36: Holding on to Soul Wounds

Chapter 37: Dividing Liberty (Liberty is Indivisible)

Chapter 38: Liberty Starts Within

Chapter 39: Christians and Ministries Living with a Poverty Mindset

Chapter 40: Plea for Mercy

Chapter 41: Anti-God and Anti-Constitution Government Schools

Chapter 42: Breaking Covenant

Chapter 43: False Security and General Sense of Fear

Chapter 44: Election of Leaders that Fear Yahweh

Chapter 45: The System Has Taken Control of the Classroom Away from the Teacher

Chapter 46: Sexual Immorality

Chapter 47: The Declining Standard of Character

Chapter 48: Paying Tribute to Islam

Chapter 49: Postmodernism in the Church

Chapter 50: Environmentalism (A Religious Worldview)

Chapter 51: Turning the Hearts of Other Nations Against Yahweh

Glossary

Appendix: Religion vs. Kingdom

Appendix: Tree of Liberty vs. Tree of Bondage and Tyranny

Appendix: Cycle of Liberty

Where Do I Go From Here?

About the Author

Dr. Marlene McMillan has been teaching Christians and non-Christians how to apply the Bible to daily life and influence our culture for over 20 years. Earning a D.Min. with an emphasis in Church and State Relations has opened doors for town hall debates, media interviews, and a greater level of cultural impact. She has become one of the most highly trained business consultants available, with an established reputation in the areas of Branding and Internet Marketing, Media Interview preparation and Niche Celebrity development. In addition to being in demand as a business speaker, she continues an active teaching ministry and is known as the Nations Expert on the Principles of Liberty. Dr. McMillan resides in Texas

Purchase this book at The Arsenal http://www.arsenalbooks.com/

FIRE BIBLE Student Edition

2012-01-31T21:03:00.000-07:00

There are very few Bibles that are written with attention to the teachings which make the Spirit filled Church the fastest growing Christian group in the world today. The Fire Bible Student addition is a breath of fresh air, as well as, a fantastic tool which allows the student to dig deeper and to move beyond knowing God and His Word to implementing the strategies that allow us to be doing the works of God in the Earth today.

I highly recommend this bible to students and all those who want to see God doing His work in people's lives today! The Fire Bible Student addition is a powerful adaptation of the Life in the Spirit Study Bible.
____________________________________________

The information below is from the Fire Bible web site unless stated otherwise. http://fbse.ag.org/index.cfm

There is much more information videos etc at the Fire Bible site.http://fbse.ag.org/media.cfm

WHAT is the FBSE?

The FIRE BIBLE: Student Edition (FBSE) is a study Bible based on the original notes in The Full Life Study Bible (revised as the Life in the Spirit Study Bible), published in English by Zondervan. This Bible is unique in its Pentecostal perspective.

To see a comparison between the FIRE BIBLE: Student Edition and Life in the Spirit Study Bible http://fbse.ag.org/learnmore.cfm.

What are some of the features?

20 major themes tracked through Scripture.

Background and overview of every Bible book.

Over 80 key issue articles.

Easy-to-read charts, illustrations and maps.

Commentary from a Pentecostal perspective.

Subject index for topical studies.

Glossary of practical definitions of terms and concepts.

The most thorough study notes of any student Bible.

Why Fire? http://fbse.ag.org/docs/whyfire.pdf
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he
talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures
to us?” (Luke 24:32, NIV)

Throughout the Bible, fire often symbolizes the presence, power and work of God. In the
Old Testament, God’s presence guided his people in the form of a pillar of fire (Exodus
13:21, 22). In the New Testament, Jesus himself said, “I have come to bring fire on the
earth” (Luke 12:49). God’s fire usually serve two primary purposes in people’s lives,
depending on how they respond to him (see Deuteronomy 4:24; Jeremiah 23:29; Hebrews
12:29). For those who accept his Word and follow him, his fire purifies and refines them
into what he created them to be. But for those who reject and defy him, the fire of God’s
means judgment that will eventually consume and destroy. Ultimately, God’s fire is
meant to ignite within his people a passion for him and his purposes.

Before Jesus left the earth following his resurrection, he told his followers that he
would send the Holy Spirit to empower them to effectively serve him and spread his
message (Acts 1:1-8). That promise was fulfilled on the on the day of Pentecost (see Acts
2). One of the signs of the Spirit’s arrival was what appeared to be tongues of fire that
separated and came to rest on each person who was filled by the Holy Spirit. Though that
particular sign of fire occurred only on that day, the spiritual empowerment that began at
Pentecost is still available and continues to operate in and through Spirit-filled followers
of Christ to this day.

The notes and commentary in this study Bible reflect an uncompromised
Pentecostal perspective. This is based on a firm belief that Christians today can and
should experience the purposes and power of God’s Holy Spirit in the same way as
Christ’s followers did in the first century church. From Acts to Revelation, you can read
about what Jesus’ followers did through the power of the Holy Spirit. To this day, the
baptism in the Holy Spirit--being immersed in the power of the Spirit--continues to fill
Christians with the desire, urgency and ability to carry out Christ’s command to take his
message throughout the world (see Acts 1:8; 2:42-47; 4:31).

WHY do we need the FBSE?
The NEED
The aim of youth ministry is to help as many students as possible truly come to know
God and to pursue his purpose for their lives. That knowledge must be based on God’s
Word--it’s how He reveals himself to us. To be ignorant of the Word is to be ignorant of
God.
The main issue in reaching today’s students today is not so much a concern over what
they are doing or even the specific struggles, challenges and temptations they are facing.
The primary hurdle in many cases--even among students who are supposedly Christian--
is what they believe or are led to believe. Even when students claim to believe the Bible,
their views of its basic teachings often reveal that they really don’t know the Word.
• 46% believe that Jesus committed sins.
• 51% believe He died but didn’t rise again.
• 63% believe that most religions pray to the same God.
• 48% believe it doesn’t matter what faith you adopt because they all believe the same
principles. Third Millennium Teens, George Barna

The CHALLENGE
On the surface, these statistics could spell spiritual disaster in the years ahead. But the
FBSE can play a pivotal role in reversing these alarming trends.
Rather than being characterized by biblical illiteracy, this generation of students could be
the one that fulfills the Great Commission, reaching the entire planet with the message of
Jesus. But to communicate Christ’s message, we have to know what God has already said
through his Word. After all, we can’t help others understand what we ourselves don't
understand.
The reason most people don’t share their faith isn’t because they don't believe or because
they’re ashamed. They simply aren’t sure what to say if they actually got into a
conversation about Christ, or the Bible, or faith. The FBSE--like no other Bible
available--will help students grasp the deeper issues and answers regarding your faith.
That way, they can step out with confidence and talk about Jesus.

The RESOURCE
The FBSE is the only Bible of its kind specifically geared for students. It doesn’t take the
“what do you think? how do you feel?” approach used by many devotional-type resources. Such an approach can actually compromise on in-depth study Bible that willhelp you understand what the Word is really saying.e’s concept of God’s absolute, uncompromised, unchanging truth. Instead, the FBSE is an in-depth study Bible that will help you understand what the Word is really saying.

The Fire Bible Student Addition needs to be in the hands of every student, both College and High school! Order one for each of your youth today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://gospelpublishing.com/store/startcat.cfm?cat=sAGYOUTHMN&mastercat=&path=sAGYOUTHMN

The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Devotional

2011-12-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

We are challenged in God's Word to walk worthy of our calling. This requires that we learn God's ways in our battle against the world, the flesh and the devil.

We will be using The Christian In Complete Armour for our daily devotional in 2012 to assist us in the daily battle. You do not need to purchase the book but it will add depth to your daily study.

You may also down load the digital versions at Amazon for the Kindle or kindle reader on your phone or computer. The Nook version is also available at Barnes and Noble for about $3.00

The devotional is available by email or face book group at The Passionate Participation in God Project Group. http://www.facebook.com/groups/TPPIGP/

Please share this opportunity with your friends as well.

Book Summary

"The Christian In Complete Armour is a daily devotional written in the seventeenth century by Pastor William Gurnall. As a shepherd of God's people, Gurnall'sknowledge is extraordinary, yet his style is practical and to the point. Hecombines the sweet encouragement of the love and mercy of Christ with the vicious opposition of Satan and the impending judgment of God. His writings are thought provoking, heart searching, and thoroughly scriptural. ?"Cowards never won heaven. Do not claim that you are begotten of God and have His royal blood running in your veins unless you can prove your lineage by this heroic spirit; to dare to be holy in spite of men and devils." "The soldier is summoned to a life of active duty and so is the Christian."?Like a general challenging his troops in the midst of battle, Gurnall gives Christians eternal knowledge that can be embraced daily and used as an inspiring insight to help in us faithfully walk with God. Thanks to Moody Press for their assistance on this project. http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_productDetail.aspx?id=41823&pid=53617

MissioLife

2011-11-23T14:45:00.003-07:00

Have you ever looked forward to getting a new tool or device to make life easier? Missiolife is presented as such a tool. I have been a disciple and a disciple maker for many years and was eagrely looking forward to checking out this material.

Things I liked:

Online access and ability to print out materials.
Well thought out system
Easy to follow flow in the lessons

Things I did not like.

The wording of the materials seemed to believe that everyone using the materials would have some Church background.
As an Example God’s Story gave no lead in or intro that a new believer would relate to, it just jumps into the text and is worded in such a way that it presumes a knowledge of God or Christian teaching.
Another example is this paragraph from the sample material
Heavenly Father—we meet together—your people—one people—your family—bound together—with the woven chord—that binds all of creation together—fashioned from your love.” While these may be things we believe, explaining why we believe them or using other words would be better. So if you are a new Christian or a non-Christian what is a ‘woven cord’ and how does it help in this prayer?
A major weakness is the use of the Message, which is a weak paraphrase and often totally misses what the original language means today. With the New Living, New International and so many other better thought for thought translations available using the Message Paraphrase is not helpful in the building up and development of a new believer.

I have found that the journey from the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Light requires the Christian to tell the story well enough that the new or non believer can grasp and get excited about the reality of God and His amazing plan for mankind.
This not only requires a knowledge of the Bible but the ability to communicate in such a way that you first understand your students worldview when it comes to God so that you do not assume they know what you know or that He accepts what you believe.
When teaching on God’s story from Genesis perhaps we should begin by stating or at least share our presuppositions based on scripture about God’s nature, and why he would want to create the universe or people for that matter.

Conclusion.

MissioLife is a good start to making available an online discipleship program, but it is not something I would recommend at this point for new Christians. It is a good tool for people who have been around church for a while but who have never gotten into a discipleship program.

Rules of Engagement

2011-11-05T15:59:00.003-06:00

Beat the devil at his own game and wage warfare with confidence!

There is a spiritual battle going on, and prayer warrior and intercessor Cindy Trimm has given you a manual to wage effective warfare.
The Rules of Engagement helps you recognize the spirits that operate in the kingdom of darkness and gives you declarations for engaging them armed with God's power and authority.

It is time to take a stand against the powers of Satan.
Using the authority you have been given by God, you can enter the realm of prayer-power where . . .

*Strongholds of the enemy are shattered
*Households, neighborhoods, and cities are radically changed for the good
*Situations that once meant defeat are turned into victory
*The enemy loses his power over our life
*Your true authority as a believer is unleashed
Table of Contents
Foreword by Chuck Pierce
Introduction: Basic Training

Part 1: Rules of Engagement

Chapter 1: YOU – Redefined: True Dominion Starts with Knowing Who You Are

Chapter 2: Your Military Headquarters and the Commander in Chief:

Chapter 3: Activation into War: Getting Your Stripes

Part 2: Your Enemy

Chapter 4: The Battlefield is Your Mind: Where all is Won or Lost

Chapter 5: Knowing Your Enemy: Spiritual Intelligence Agency (SIA)

Chapter 6: Weapons of Mass Destruction: Hiroshima of the Spirit

Chapter 7: Counterattacking the Weapons of the Enemy: Ready, Aim, Fire!

Part 3: Binding the Strongman

Chapter 8: Gearing Up for Battle: What are Your Weapons?

Chapter 9: Engaging the Fight: Strategies and Tactics for Spiritual Warfare

Chapter 10: Reconnaissance: Getting Delivered and Overcoming the Enemy

Conclusion: Forward March!

Glossary
Notes
Index

Endorsements

Every army must know the rules of engagement in order to be effective in warfare. The same is true for the twenty-first-century church. This book is a must for those who are on the front lines, and I heartily endorse it to God's elite forces. The strategies in this book are written by one of God's present day generals who is committed to leading the saints to victory.John Eckhardt, Impact Network and Crusaders Church

Cindy Trimm has spiritual insight that is invariably unique and profound. The kingdom principles expounded in this book provide the power tools needed to change regions dominated by tyrannical, diabolical demonic systems. The systematic methodologies explained here will make an indelible impression and develop the generational dominance of God's people in a kingdom environment. After reading The Rules of Engagement, I am convinced that any person and ministry involved in transforming nations for the future need this resource as a catalyst for change and development. The systems and dimensions described herein will be engraved in the minds of every reader, everywhere. This book is an essential read.Tudor Bismark, Jabula, New Life Ministries

About the Author

Cindy Trimm is a motivational speaker and preacher and a multifaceted executive, life coach, and success mentor who travels up to 48 weeks a year, speaking and empowering people from all walks of life. She has published several books, including Commanding Your Morning, and is known as a popular, charismatic communicator.

Please purchase this book at The Arsenal on the web at www.Arsenalbooks.com

The Christian in Complete Armour

2011-10-30T21:37:00.000-06:00

Begin each day with faith-building excerpts from the timeless classic that C.H. Spurgeon called "peerless and priceless . . . the best thoughtbreeder in all our library."

This masterful work by a spiritually sensitive Puritan pastor explores Satan's war tactics and the God-given armor of the saints, providing contemporary believers with the secret to spiritual victory in Christ. 375 pages, softcover from Moody.

2011-10-06T23:56:00.000-06:00

Come Check out our new page at the Link above. Below you find out more..Vision, Mission and Services offered.

God is: Empowering those who love Jesus and who desire all that He has for this generation

The Vision
Our Vision is to Mobilize Christian believers to Advance the Kingdom of God in the Power of The Holy Spirit. This will be accomplished by bringing individuals and communities of believers into the fullness of all Jesus began to do and teach Acts1:1 as expanded below.

1. Heart of the Father: Discovering a L...ife of Passionate Participation in God and Among His People on a daily basis.
2 . Mind of Christ: Equipping, Teaching and Training God's People in the Word and the Spirit. Both through local groups of believers and online.
3. Empowerment of the Spirit: Encouraging local churches and believers to come together to seek Him and to see His Kingdom advanced. Welcoming God through Worship, Prayer and His Word in homes and throughout the community

OUR MISSION
Our ministry is designed to advance God's agenda in the earth as follows;
1. The Full Measure of Jesus
Abba's Glory was birthed out of a vision to see Jesus' words in Matthew 28:18-20, John 17:22 and Ephesians 4:11-13 come alive in everyone who believes in and wants the full measure of what Jesus has for them.
2. Transformational Discipleship in Every Nation
Building on the principles described in Ephesians 4:10-13 Abba's Glory seeks to fulfill the command of Jesus as given in Matthew 28:18-20 and John 17:22 So that all that he commanded might be fulfilled.
3. Nurturing the Community of the King
Recognizing Christ in others Phi 1:27-2:3, Provoking one another to love Heb 10:19-25; Building up the people of God Eph 4:1-16; Giving honor to each other I Cor 12:12-15
4. Coaching and Encouraging
New and existing leaders as they fulfill their calling, that it might be said of them, 'those who have turned the world upside down have come among us!'
5. Imparting God's Word and Releasing individuals and groups of Christians so that they might have a Life of Passionate Participation in God by doing all that Jesus Began to do and Teach by the power of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus did the will of the Father in fulfillment all that was spoken about Messiah in the Law and the Prophets.

WHAT WE OFFER
1. Personal Discipleship and one on one Mentoring and Life Coaching for Spiritual Formation
2. Abba's Glory Institute, a School of the Word and the Spirit. Offering both online and in person believers training courses and events.
3. Consultation for Vision Implementation with Churches, Para_church and Business organizations.
4. Community Transformational Partnerships among churches and businesses. Providing resources and leadership to assist both in prospering in their individual areas in seeing Christ impact their community.
5. Daily and or weekly devotionals.
6. Believer's Gatherings
7. Published Teachings, Prophetic words and Biblical Articles

Be a Part of our Pray and Plant Test Run

2011-07-20T22:16:00.001-06:00

Be a Part of our Pray and Plant Test Run
We are seeking God's provision to expand the Impact of Abba's Glory. In August we want to offer our Free Bible Institute to more people. So Please Go to the web site www.abbasglory.com/ Then click on the Empower the Vision tab. If you give even the smallest amount it will help us test our new online giving and prime the pump for our upcoming Pray and Plant Event. You may give as little as 25 cents. Thank you! God bless!

Wayne Newcomb
Equipping You for a Life of Passionate Participation in God
www.abbasglory.com/

The Rewards of Fasting

2011-07-09T20:36:00.000-06:00

The Rewards of Fasting by Mike Bickle and Dana Candler
Fasting. It sounds difficult. Fasting every week. That sounds impossible! Our society considers hunger among the worst of fates, but God calls fasting part of basic Christianity.

Hunger for God is not foreign to anyone who loves Jesus¬it is an ache within that makes us desperate. What may be new to some people is that fasting is an avenue God has chosen to answer our hunger and to fuel our experience of Him. Fasting is essential because it answers our cry for more of God.

In order to respond to God's invitation to fast, we must first discover the truth about this grace and discipline, including the joys of embracing voluntary weakness, the amazing benefits of a fasted lifestyle, and the dangers to avoid along the way. This journey of fasting intensifies our experience of God's heart, increases our encounter of Jesus as the Bridegroom, and equips us to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit in the severe times in which we live. Fasting is not something we can neglect or avoid ¬but something we must embrace wholeheartedly.

Mike Bickle is director of the International House of Prayer Missions Base in Kansas City.
Dana Candler and her husband, Matt, are a part of the senior leadership team at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. Dana is the author of Deep unto Deep, a book exploring the journey of intimacy with God, and is an instructor at the Forerunner School of Ministry.

Table of Contents
FOREWORD.....................................................................Page 1
Introduction ................................................................... Page 5

Chapter One:
The Bridegroom God...................................................... Page 9

Chapter Two:
Seven Types of Biblical Fasting.................................... Page 19

Chapter Three:
Understanding the Bridegroom Fast............................ Page 37

Chapter Four:
Hungering for All that God Will Give Us........................ Page 47

Chapter Five:
Fasting: Embracing Voluntary Weakness...................... Page 55

Chapter Six:
Five Expressions of the Fasted Lifestyle...................... Page 67

Chapter Seven:
Fasting to Break Spiritual Strongholds......................... Page 81

Chapter Eight:
Five Rewards of the Fasted Lifestyle ........................... Page 95

Chapter Nine:
Seven Difficulties of the Fasted Lifestyle ................... Page 109

Chapter Ten:
Seven Dangers of the Fasted Lifestyle....................... Page 117

Chapter Eleven:
How to Respond to Global Crisis............................... Page 129

Chapter Twelve :
The Global Bridegroom Fast:
Establishing a Joel 2 Culture...................................... Page 141

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Making Disciples:The Forgotten Secret

2011-05-15T22:06:00.001-06:00

In previous post on my Equippers Network Blog http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.com/ I wrote the following articles ';
1.What Does Success Look Like In Your Church?'
2. Making Disciples: The Forgotten Secret.'
Below is a short list of books to help bring about a proper worldview and ideas for accomplishing our assignment to make disciples of all nations in Matthew 28:20 and to equip them to fulfill God's will by doing the work of the ministry, building up the body of Christ and bring them into maturity in the full measure of Christ as described in Ephesians 4:11-14.
_______________________________________________

1. The Complete Book of Discipleshipby Bill Hull

The first book in The Navigator Reference Library, The Complete Book of Discipleship, is the definitive A to Z resource on discipleship and disciple making for every Christian.
The definitive work on discipleship. The Complete Book of Discipleship is the definitive A-to-Z resource ondiscipleship for every Christian. It pulls together into oneconvenient, comprehensive volume relevant topics such as spiritualgrowth, transformation, spiritual disciplines, and discipleship in thelocal church and beyond. Best of all, it’s produced by The Navigators,the internationally respected organization with more than seventy yearsof practical discipleship ministry experience. Well organized, fully indexed, and readily accessible, The CompleteBook of Discipleship will help you gain a wealth of insight fromexperts in the field, whether by reading it cover to cover or byfinding immediate answers to specific questions.

PRODUCT DETAILSThe Complete Book of Discipleship [ISBN: 1576838978]
http://www.navpress.com/Store/Product/1576838978.html

________________________________________________

2. Discipleship Essentials

A Guide for Building Your Life in Christ By Greg Ogden "Jesus had a big enough vision to think small. Focusing on a few did not limit his influence. Rather, it expanded it! Discipleship Essentials will help you influence others as Jesus did--by investing wholeheartedly in a few."

http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=1169

________________________________________________

3. Transforming Discipleship

Making Disciples a Few at a Time By Greg Ogden "Biblical, practical and tremendously effective, Transforming Discipleship provides the insights and philosophy of ministry behind Ogden's earlier work, Discipleship Essentials. Together, these ground-breaking books have the potential to transform how your church transforms the lives of its people."

http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=2388

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4. Disciplemakers' Handbook

Helping People Grow in ChristEdited by Alice Fryling "What does a healthy discipling relationship look like? What do you do together? In order to answer these and other questions, Alice Fryling gathered a team of experienced disciplemakers. Together they give us practical help in such areas as overcoming our fears about discipling others, beginning a discipling relationship, how to be a friend, learning how people change, modeling the Christian life, using Scripture in disciplemaking, how to help a friend who hurts, and helping others share their faith."

http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=1266

________________________________________________

5. The Passionate Church

Lifeshapes Series Author: Mike Breen, Walt Kallestad "Church, for many pastors and leaders, has become increasingly difficult. Things that used to work, don't work anymore. The landscape of Church and culture have changed beyond recognition. Pastors everywhere wonder—Is surviving all we can hope for? Is this really Church the way Jesus intended?"

http://www.cookministries.com/catalog/index.cfm

________________________________________________

6. Growing True Disciples

by George Barna "How are we doing in discipleship today? In this analysis of American Christians and Protestant churches in relation to discipleship, you will discover many insights into what we're doing, how we're doing, where we're going, and what new directions we might take to enhance the disciple-making ministry of the Church."

http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=Resource&ResourceID=55

________________________________________________

7. The Training of the Twelve

By: A.B. Bruce Published by Kregel Publications / 2000. " Jesus knew his disciples' training was crucial to the success of his ministry. Equip your church for effective service by using the Master's proven principles! Offering a dynamic model for leadership and discipleship, Bruce's timeless classic encourages leaders and laypeople to develop their gifts for God's kingdom by growing in prayer, faith, self-sacrifice, holiness, and more. 576 pages, softcover from Kregel. "

________________________________________________

8. DFD 6 (revised) Growing in Discipleship
by The Navigators

This concise, easy-to-follow study will provide insight and encouragement to help you grow as a true disciple of Christ by learning to share the blessings you've received from God.

See Product Details Preview free sample See Customer Reviews How should you as a growing disciple of Christ truly express your faith?
By sharing the blessings you've received from God. This concise, easy-to-follow Bible study will provide all the insight and encouragement you need to help others become disciples of your loving Lord. Discover the essentials of sharing your faith with others, by helping them trust Christ, providing effective follow-up, expanding your vision to the world, and Growing in Discipleship. Other Items in this series include:
DFD (revised)
DFD 1 (revised) Your Life In Christ
DFD 2 (revised) The Spirit-Filled Follower of Jesus
DFD 3 (revised) Walking with Christ
DFD 4 (revised) The Character of a Follower of Jesus
DFD 5 (revised) Foundations for Faith
DFD 7 (revised) Our Hope in Christ

PRODUCT DETAILSDFD 6 (revised) Growing in Discipleship [ISBN: 1600060099]
http://www.navpress.com/Store/Product/1600060099.html

________________________________________________

This is a place to start and to develop a true discipleship program so that success in your church will look like Jesus!

Warfare Prayer

2011-04-23T21:02:00.001-06:00

If you desire to see the stronghold of evil fall and God's goodness rise upon the earth "Warfare Prayer", by C. Peter Wagner is a must read! GET YOU COPY at The ARSENAL

http://www.arsenalbooks.com/

'You can arm yourself against evil! Warfare Prayer provides a toolbox and an operator's manual for those who take seriously the Scripture that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers."

The author identifies three levels of spiritual warfare: ground-level, occult-level, and strategic-level. This book deals with strategic-level spiritual warfare and covers the why and how of confronting the principalities and powers which, under the command of satan, do their best to make human life miserable and unrighteous.

Our fight is not against human beings. No, it is against rulers, against authorities, against world powers of this darkness, and against evil spiritual beings in the heavenly world, Eph 6:12 PEB).
The demonic world around us is a reality, but all too few believers understand that realm of darkness to say nothing of having the skills to effectively use the weapons of warfare that God has given us.
Based on a combination of sound biblical theology and real-life experiences, this book is a user-friendly guide for those committed enough to join the army of God.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Frontline Warfare
Chapter 2: The Real Battle is Spiritual
Chapter 3: Jesus on the Offensive
Chapter 4: Demons Behind Bushes
Chapter 5: Territoriality Then and Now
Chapter 6: Equipping the Warriors
Chapter 7: Remitting the Sins of Nations
Chapter 8: Naming and Mapping the Powers
Chapter 9: The Rules for City-Taking
Chapter 10: Avoiding the Pitfalls

Twenty-One Crucial Questions Concerning Spiritual Warfare
Introduction: Before We Get to the Questions
Question 1: How does strategic-level spiritual warfare differ from other types of spiritual warfare?
Question 2: Since Scripture teaches that Jesus defeated the principalities and powers on the Cross (see Col 2:14-15), is there really anything left for us to do except to claim Jesus' victory?
Question 3: Do Christians have the authority to confront higher-ranking satanic principalities just as they have authority over ordinary demons in individuals?
Question 4: Our usual concept of prayer is talking with God. How then can we say that "we pray against evil spirits" as, for example, Francis Frangipane did in his book The House of the Lord?
Question 5: Isn't there a danger that command prayers, such as commanding a territorial spirit to leave a city, could lead us into unauthorized areas of ministry? Shouldn't we call upon almighty God to do this?
Question 6: Jude 9 says that even Michael the archangel would not bring a reviling accusation against satan. Isn't this a biblical indication that we should steer away from strategic-level spiritual warfare?
Question 7: In Matthew 18:15-20, binding and loosing are used in the context of exercising Church discipline. Why do you associate binding and loosing with spiritual warfare?
Question 8: As He did with His disciples, Jesus commands us to cast demons out of people, but He gives no explicit command to cast demons out of cities or territories. Therefore, shouldn't we restrict our ministry of spiritual warfare to delivering individuals?
Question 9: How do you know that there is some kind of organized hierarchy among demons? What are the different ranks in such a hierarchy?
Question 10: Is it essential to learn the names of the principalities over a city as a part of the process of city transformation? How can such a thing be justified?
Question 11: The name of your book is Warfare Prayer. Since that is not a biblical term, why do you use it?
Question 12: Terminology is one thing, but there does not seem to be any direct instruction in the New Testament for engaging in strategic-level spiritual warfare. Doesn't this go beyond the established bounds of Scripture?
Question 13: Paul may not have stressed evangelism in his epistles, but in the Book of Acts we see him actually doing the ministry of evangelism. Why don't we see example of Paul doing strategic-level spiritual warfare?
Question 14: If we examine standard Christian theological works written across the centuries, we do not find sections in any of them dealing with strategic-level spiritual warfare. What do you think of this?
Question 15: How about history? Do we have examples of Church history where Christian leaders used strategic-level spiritual warfare as part of their evangelistic advance?
Question 16: Preaching the Gospel has always been the divine method of evangelism. Only the Gospel saves. Why should we consider adding anything like spiritual warfare to it?
Question 17: Directing so much attention to things like spiritual mapping, identifying territorial spirits, and prophetic acts can result in giving too much credit to satan and the powers of darkness. Why should we be glorifying satan?
Question 18: Is it possible for too much publicity about spiritual warfare to actually empower demonic spirits and make them more dangerous?
Question 19: Could strategic-level spiritual warfare simply be a fad? Couldn't it turn out to be like the discredited shepherding movement, which started well but later caused harm to the Body of Christ?
Question 20: Isn't there risk in confronting high-ranking principalities as Paul and Silas did in Philippi? They ended up beaten and thrown into jail. Shouldn't Christians just take a defensive posture and "stand," as it says in Ephesians 6:13? Is it possible that some of us could become needless casualties of war?
Question 21: How would you respond to the suggestion that those engaged in spiritual warfare tend to substitute technique and methodology for holiness, evangelism, and Sprit-guided teaching?Notes

About the Author
C. Peter Wagner serves as founding president of Global Harvest Ministries and chancellor of Wagner Leadership Institute. Peter and his wife, Doris, served as field missionaries in Bolivia. From 1971-2001 he taught in the Fuller Theological Seminary School of World Mission. He has authored over 70 published works. He and Doris have three children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, and live in Colorado Springs.'

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Pause for Power by Warren Wiersbe

2011-01-16T19:01:00.002-07:00

Pause for Power by Warren Wiersbe

A 365-Day Journey through the Scriptures with Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe will inspire readers to experience an unforgettable year of spiritual growth.

Dr Warren Wiersbe bring the rich knowledge of years of study and teaching God's Word to your everyday life as you journey with him through many books of the Bible in this 365 day devotional.

Each day you will get:

• Select scripture readings that explore practical, everyday topics

• Themed commentary from Wiersbe's popular "BE" series

• Thoughtful questions that prompt personal reflection

• A small prayer that carries a big idea

I love the depth and simplicity of these devotionals. They spring from the many years of study, meditation and teaching God's word that Dr Wiersbe has been a part of.

The rich full fruit of life flows from each page.

This is an excellent way to start or end your day and is an EXCELLENT gift for someone else. Each day's brief devotional will keep your hunger for God primed and ready for the Master's leading in your life. The hard cover book has a quality binding and will last for many years.

About the Author:

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of The Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Often referred to as the Pastor’s Pastor, Wiersbe has offered great encouragement to those with whom he has shared ministry. He has preached and taught in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. His published work includes the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible which has sold more than four million copies. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

This book is published by David C. Cook http://www.davidccook.com/

Pause for Power: A 365 Day Journey in the Scriptures by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe

David C Cook/November 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7814-0374-0/372 pages/hardcover with jacket/$16.99

The Names of the Believer in the Bible

2010-12-30T23:45:00.001-07:00

The Names of the Believer in the Bible A Weekly Devotional starts Jan 3rd.

You may have seen studies on the names of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but this is the first study to look at the names of the believer throughout the Bible. In this study you will discover what God says about you. This study will based on original research and be sent out at the beginning of each week so that you may meditate on and dwell in its truth all week and allow it to become a part of your relationship with your Creator-Father. The picture of Who I am in Christ is just a part of the study.

This study is offered as a ministry of Abba's Glory at www.abbasglory.com and will be offered on the Passionate Participation in God Project group on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237088564302

This is also sent out by email to those who request it.

In Addition we will be previewing various books that deal with the names of God, Jesus the Holy Spirit and the Believer on this blog.
The Names in the 'Who I Am in Christ' Poster by Neil T. Anderson is Just A Part of the Study.

SOMETHING MORE by Morris Ruddick

2010-12-06T23:11:00.002-07:00

SOMETHING MOREA Devotional Dimension For The Joseph-Daniel Calling

A Glimpse into the Depths of the Heart of God

Daily devotionals tend to be for those who are not willing or who do not have the time to invest in deep study and meditation on God's Word. This devotional is not your average devotional, but is intended for those have had a glimpse of the deep things of God and who are willing to pay the price for 'Something More
'something deeper, bolder and stronger'. This something that is necessary if you are to fulfill the calling of God to change communities and nations can be found in this new book by Morris Ruddick.

Morris takes you deep behind the scenes and lets you in on the practices and principles that will take you along the pathways of the deep things that flow from the heart of the Father. This is perhaps one of the greatest tools available to take you with your Bible in hand along for the next steps of your journey with the King into the place where the spirit and soul are divided asunder. Below is the publisher preview along with an outline of the content.

For those chosen, the Joseph-Daniel calling requires "something more." The "something more" marks true Kingdom leadership with a maturity that endures. It demands a cost far beyond spoon feeding, or the good intentions, ambitions, or any other notion of man. While the more easily digestible milk mode referred to in Hebrews comes primarily from absorbing information, the meat or proactive mode to maturity takes time, dedication and a first-priority commitment. It is the dividing asunder between the many who are called and the few who are chosen. This book outlines a pathway to steward your calling. It is not designed for those focused on their comforts, the lusts of the flesh or the love of the world. If taken seriously and acted on; it will release the meat of maturity leading to "something more" than might ever come from the best of human efforts.

Table of Contents

Dedication and Acknowledgements
Preface
Introduction
Section 1: The Foundation
1. The Pathway
2. The Calling
3. Penetrating Darkness

Section 2: The Focus
4. Majesty
5. Wisdom
6. Purpose

Section 3: The Strategy
7. The Mantle
8. Dominion
9. Light to the Nations

Section 4: The Goal
10. The Realities
11. The Standard
12. The Kingdom

Conclusion: Spiritual Traction
Epilogue: Beyond Ourselves

Appendix
Reading Chart/Plan
Prayer for the Persecuted Church and believers in Israel

Cleansing Prayer for Clarity in hearing
The Author
Contact Information

The author was recently described by a long-time associate with these words: "Morris Ruddick heads several organizations and corporate entities, including Global Initiatives Foundation, The Ruddick Int'l Group, and a global intercession network. He has led development of entrepreneurial activities in critical needy areas and brought together business and ministry in several nations, including the Messianic Jewish community in Israel, as well as in Africa, Asia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Russia and other areas of need." Mr. Ruddick's Kingdom agendas reflect a unique merging of the secular and the spiritual. He sums it up as "an interlinking of secular business enterprises with overriding Kingdom objectives." Since 1995, Mr. Ruddick has been a voice encouraging and mobilizing Kingdom business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Where Would Jesus Lead?

2010-11-14T20:48:00.003-07:00

Biblical leadership is hard to find today. There are so many seminars and books on leadership that could be renamed books that help you lead in a way that bends people to your will and worldview. They use the latest techniques and best practices to bring about the goals they have established. Sometimes they will throw in Christian ideals and even use scripture, but they do not represent the heart of God or the teachings of Jesus the Messiah.
Jesus made it clear that anyone who wishes to lead must do so by God's rules and not man's
Mark 9:35 And He sat down and called the Twelve [apostles], and He said to them, If anyone desires to be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all. AMP
Mark 10:44-45 And whoever wishes to be most important and first in rank among you must be slave of all.
45 For even the Son of Man came not to have service rendered to Him, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for (instead of) many. AMP

Jesus Himself came as a man among us who while he is both God and man he lived in a way that we could follow him to live by the father's authority or will and he was empowered by the Holy Spirit. 'Where would Jesus Lead', will help you understand leadership from the teachings of Jesus, who is the perfect manifestation and revelation of the father’s heart.

I would challenge you to ask yourself these questions as you read:
1. How does what is being taught compare to how I lead?
2. What must I do to bring my life and leadership into alignment with God's word?
3. Do I need to repent for the way I have lived and lead?
4. Are there people I need to go to and seek to restore godly relationships with as a result of my past leadership errors?

Where Would Jesus Lead?

A Study of Chaordic Leadership

Gary Goodell
Format: Paperback
Price: $14.99 Product # 1767
Length: 186 Pages

Product Review: from Arsenal Books
Jesus modeled leadership by living and walking with His disciples, everyday people, and the religious leaders of His day. You can emulate His leadership style by changing the traditional hierarchical, pulpit-based leadership model of most Western churches to a more relational form of leading from among the people. This leadership style involves participating in the chaos of real, to-way relationships, yet bringing order by training and discipling in the midst of chaordic interaction.

Where Would Jesus Lead? is about leading among rather than leading from, or leading over, or leading from titles, positions, or assumed roles. Author and ministry leader Gary Goodell believes it is time to transition to a more collaborative style of leading, one of coming alongside people, for the peoples sake, and empowering them to achieve their personal God-given destiny. Thinking prophetically, the author courageously contends that interactive relationships that are purposeful yet inherently chaotic are ones to be joyfully embraced.

Practical ideas and applications regarding how to carry out this vision in one-on-one relationships and in small groups are expertly presented. Emphasis on deeper, more effective relationships is Gods heart for the Church in America today.

Table of Contents
Foreword by Graham Cooke
Introduction to Chaordic Leadership
Chapter 1: Now, Heeeres, Johnny!
Chapter 2: Turning Down Celebrity Status
Chapter 3: Where Did Jesus Lead?
Chapter 4: Leadership or Followership?
Chapter 5: Practices or Principles?
Chapter 6: Leading by Listening
Chapter 7: Listening to Lead
Chapter 8: Discipling by Design
Chapter 9: Detailed Discipleship
Chapter 10: Chaordic Groups
Chapter 11: Chaordic or Chaotic?
Chapter 12: Keeping Small Groups Chaordic
Chapter 13: How Relationships and Small Groups Develop
Chapter 14: Is Our Future Chaordic?
Chapter 15: Discovery Questions for Leading Small Groups

Endorsements

James W. Goll, Encounters Network, Author
This book will stretch you! At least it does me. It takes me on a journey of what I really value most love for God and people and attempts to flesh it out in a real time setting. Gary Goodell marvelously and uncomfortably envisions the Body of Christ to be incarnational Christianity instead of ecclesiastical Christianity. True apostolic ministry is more about producing apostolic lifestyle and community versus just functional position. The content of this book is challenging and breathtaking at the same time. Someday I hope to live up to the security that is required to walk in leadership in such a manner. A new wineskin stretches as needed. Is your heart elastic? Read this book and find out!

Bill Johnson, Author
Where Would Jesus Lead? will challenge, encourage, and motivate spiritual leaders to pursue a more authentic expression of the Gospel. I found myself affirmed as Gary Goodell addressed things Ive believed for years but have not had the language for. I also felt very convicted as he addressed things I had overlooked: things that demand attention. This is a refreshing look at who we are and how we should live . . . no, how we must live.

About the Author
Gary Goodell has been involved in Christian ministry since the 1960s. As an evangelist, Bible college dean, former pastor, husband, father, grandfather, and one of the lead dreamers, he is an itinerate coach partnered with other innovative leaders through the international church planting network, Third Day Churches. Gary and his wife, Jane, live in San Diego, California.

Order this from Arsenal books at http://arsenalbooks.com/product/Where_Would_Jesus_Lead_Gary_Goodell/New_Release

The Joseph-Daniel Calling by Morris E. Ruddick

2010-09-28T22:21:00.001-06:00

The Joseph-Daniel Calling
Like Joseph and Daniel in the Bible, God is calling men and women to serve in strategic positions of influence and power in the workplace for His purposes. In much the same way as Joseph and Daniel in the Bible, God is calling men and women of influence and power in the workplace to serve strategically for His purposes.

This book addresses the dynamics of this calling, God’s economy, and the challenges of these uniquely called Josephs and Daniels. Among other agendas, they will be facilitators of the release of the wealth of the wicked into Kingdom initiatives.

Book SummaryIn the face of political instabilities, economic reversals, fear, and uncertainty, Kingdom opportunities not obvious to the world are quietly on the rise. These Kingdom agendas reflect an interlinking of secular enterprises with overriding ministry objectives.
What is emerging is a move of God in the marketplace that will parallel the rise of the parachurch ministry movement of the early fifties. At the forefront of this movement is a group of men and women of God called in the same way as Joseph and Daniel of the Bible. Modern-day Josephs and Daniels will serve strategically as instruments of God’s purpose in secular positions of influence within seats of power of this world. This book addresses the dynamics of this calling, God’s economy, and the preparation, character, and challenges of these uniquely called Josephs and Daniels. Among other agendas, they will be facilitators of the release of the wealth of the wicked into Kingdom initiatives.
Author ProfileMORRIS E. RUDDICK is a business executive, consultant, entrepreneur, missionary, intercessor, conference speaker, board member, and writer. He is at the forefront of mobilizing a unique group of anointed marketplace leaders, referred to as modern-day Josephs and Daniels. As head of a market planning consulting firm serving an array of clients from Fortune 500 firms to respected ministries, his expertise includes business planning, forecasting emerging markets, developing business strategies, funding initiatives, modeling entrepreneurial bypass strategies, and applying principles of biblically based businesses. He was chief architect in two successful corporate turnarounds. His ministry activities target strengthening the brethren in locales ranging from Afghanistan to Israel. But the foundation of both his business and ministry activities is his role in leading a global intercession ministry known as SIGN (Strategic Intercession Global Network), which has as its purpose targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis.

Amazon Authors page

http://www.amazon.com/Morris-E.-Ruddick/e/B001KD7CPM/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1267393791&sr=8-1

Find Out More @ Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/

The Heart Of A King

2010-09-23T00:08:00.003-06:00

The Heart Of The King
The Leadership Measure of the Joseph-Daniel Calling
by Morris Ruddick
___________________________________

In this day when Christian books fill our shelves and call out to us in the marketplace, promising to tell us something new, something important, something that will give us real help to deal with the storms of our day we wonder if any of these authors has actually heard from God. There are few that truly pierce the veil of the common and plunge us deep into the revelational truths found in the secret place of the Most High God!

In ‘Heart of a King’ you will find truths discovered by many hours of deep prayer, searching the scriptures and seeking the Heart of God. Here you will find biblical truth for building community among believers not just building a business. These truths speak to those today who have a Joseph-Daniel calling, written by a pathfinder, entrepreneur and pioneer who truly has the Joseph Daniel mantle and seeks to impart these gems from God’s throne room to all who are willing to pay the price to acquire the 'Heart of a King.'

'These are times that cry out for true leadership in the Body; the type that unites and mobilizes. It is a leadership of sacrifice, whose practitioners refuse to acquiesce to the safe places that fall short; or be seduced by the rule of power of the rule of profit that lures those called by His Name into the intrigues and games played by the world. They are a remnant whose calling is directly from God; not presumption, ambition or any other quest emerging from the heart of man. These are the ones with the leadership mantle of Joseph and Daniel, who are facing the realities, paying the cost and faithfully stewarding their callings of bringing forth God's Kingdom. These are the ones who will themselves receive the keys to release His Kingdom in their domains. These are the ones with the heart of a King.'

Table of Contents
Dedication and Acknowledgements
Preface
Section 1: The Setting and Challenge
Chapter 1: The New Thing
Chapter 2: The Valley of Shadows
Chapter 3: Opportunity Enablers
Chapter 4: Spiritual Clutter
Chapter 5: Discerning the Kingdom
Chapter 6: The Maturity Mantle
Chapter 7: The Cost of the Pathway
Section 2: Addressing the Realities
Chapter 8: The Snare in Success
Chapter 9: Spiritual Intoxication
Chapter 10: The Wealth Transfer Dynamic
Chapter 11: High Calling Realities
Chapter 12: The Throne of Destruction
Chapter 13: The Swirl
Chapter 14: When Iniquity Stops its Mouth
Section 3: Defining the Issues
Chapter 15: Without Pretense
Chapter 16: The Mold
Chapter 17: Honor Fallen Short
Chapter 18: Honor and Integrity
Chapter 19: Priority and Opportunity
Chapter 20: Piercing the Veil
Chapter 21: Prevailing
Section 4: Embracing the Mandate
Chapter 22: The Mantle of Power
Chapter 23: This is the Generation
Chapter 24: The Corporate Community
Chapter 25: The Most Humble
Chapter 26: The Dividing Asunder
Chapter 27: The Leadership Measure
Chapter 28: The Heart of a King
The Author
Contact Information

Available at Arsenal Books http://www.arsenalbooks.com/product/Heart_Of_A_King_Morris_Ruddick/New_Release

What Others Are Saying

HEART OF A KING: Endorsements
'My progress was slow, as I had to stop frequently to praise God, repent, pray, or just express joy or soberness with the content of the pages.
'Judy Haynes, Political Consultant, Co-Founder of the Christian Coalition, Washington, DC

I'n The Heart of a King, God has given significant prophetic revelation to Morris Ruddick on the topic that Jesus talked about the most in the Gospels - the Kingdom of Heaven. This is a timely message and confirms His promise that in the last days that knowledge would increase (Dan 12:4). The Heart of a King illustrates how the Body of Christ can and must come into alignment with a Kingdom of Heaven-centric model which is based upon the pillars of God-centered, community, and increase. This is a new-old paradigm that the Church must embrace in order to partner with what the Lord is doing in this season, or be left behind in religious stagnation. A must read for every believer, this book will challenge the existing church-as-normal paradigm as well as cause each of us to reflect on our own motivations for serving in His Kingdom. As this book illustrates, it’s not what we do for Him that counts, it’s what we allow Him to do through us that has lasting value.'
Jeff Ahern, Management Consultant, President-Sozo Services, Alexandria, VA

“The Heart of A King” eloquently outlines the intricacies of the Joseph-Daniel calling. Morris Ruddick is an articulate voice with a clarion call for this day who makes God's Word and His Kingdom purposes come alive through powerful revelation and understanding. With each reading, you will grasp more and more the fullness of the depth and breadth of this work. “The Heart of A King” is an ordained book, a now directive, a must read designed to usher us into our new era in God's Kingdom.

Jill Mitchell O'Brien, President, Kingdom Connections International, Inc., Houston

"If you are dissatisfied with your status quo and needing an overhaul of your call, then this is definitely the book for you! Morris Ruddick really packs a punch in this sequel to his previous book, 'The Joseph-Daniel Calling'. You'll be compelled to take a fresh inventory of your gifts and calling, with an eye toward right stewardship of all those treasures held in your earthly vessel. Conviction to adopt new holy habits will come upon you as you read each chapter and grasp the keen prophetic insight and revelatory wisdom Morris provides so succinctly here. Expect your spirit to rise within you and your spiritual eyes to see, on a personal level, what God planned for you to inherit and walk in since before the beginning of time. If you believe this is your season for exponential growth, then this book will take you there."
Charlynne Boddie, Author, Founding Director, Charlynne Boddie Ministries, UK

"In a time when many are talking about "building community", Morris Ruddick lays out a framework for that to actually happen. This framework is built upon kingdom entrepreneurship. This framework is simple, yet practical because it is based firmly on the Scriptures. And it is not just nuts-and-bolts. In fact, the most important features are the reliance on hearing God and knowing what to do. Truly, the call Morris relates is to draw closer to the Lord and hear His voice. The way of the Josephs and the Daniels on the surface sounds glamorous. Who wouldn't want power in the courts of Egypt or Babylon? But the path to the throne is marked with seasons in prison or the den of lions. No glamor there. In fact, as Morris clearly points out, Josephs and Daniels are not in this for the glamor or for themselves. It is a kingdom assignment and as such those called to this are more concerned for the people of God than their own personal enrichment or glory. "
David Works, Author, Entrepreneur, Denver

About the Author

Morris E. Ruddick is a business executive, consultant, entrepreneur, missionary, intercessor, conference speaker, board member, and writer. He is at the forefront of mobilizing a unique group of anointed marketplace leaders, referred to as modern-day Josephs and Daniels. As head of a market planning consulting firm serving an array of clients from Fortune 500 firms to respected ministries, his expertise includes business planning, forecasting emerging markets, developing business strategies, funding initiatives, modeling entrepreneurial bypass strategies, and applying principles of biblically based businesses. He was chief architect in two successful corporate turnarounds. His ministry activities target strengthening the brethren in locales ranging from Afghanistan to Israel. But the foundation of both his business and ministry activities is his role in leading a global intercession ministry known as SIGN (Strategic Intercession Global Network), which has as its purpose targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis.

Amazon Authors page

http://www.amazon.com/Morris-E.-Ruddick/e/B001KD7CPM/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1267393791&sr=8-1

Fasting For Spiritual Breakthrough

2010-09-07T00:38:00.002-06:00

FASTING FOR SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH
BIBLICAL BASIS
This book is not just about the technique of fasting, but focuses on the spiritual
results you'll get from nine different fasts, each fast is aimed at a different problem to
accomplish different results. These nine fasts are taken in order from Isaiah 58:6-8.
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen (1) to loosen the bonds of wickedness, (2)
to undo heavy burdens, (3) let the oppressed go free, (4) that ye break every yoke, (5) is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry and that you bring the poor that are cast out of thy house... (6) Then shall thy light break forth like the morning, (7) and thine health shall spring forth speedily; (8) and thy righteousness shall go before thee; (9) and the glory of the Lord shall be thy rear guard" (Isa. 58:6-8).
Each fast has a different name and accomplishes a different purpose and follows a
different prescription. These nine fasts carry the following names:
1. The Disciple's Fast: to break sin's addiction.
2. The Ezra's Fast: to solve problems.
3. The Samuel Fast: for revival and soul winning.
4. The Elijah Fast: to overcome habits.
5. The Widow's Fast: to care for the needy.
6. The Saint Paul's Fast: to make decisions and gain insight.
7. The Daniel Fast: for healing and physical health.
8. The John the Baptist Fast: for testimony and influence.
9. The Esther Fast: for protection.
WARNING:
The fasts suggested in this book are not for everyone. Consult your physician before beginning. Expecting mothers, diabetics, and others with a medial history, can enter the spirit of fasting while they remain on necessary diets. While fasting is healthful to many, the nature of God would not command a physical exercise that would harm people physically or emotionally.
Regal Books 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1 The Disciple's Fast. Fasting for freedom from addiction (Matthew 17:20-
21). If we fast, we can break sin's addiction (the besetting sin) for a life of freedom inChrist.
Chapter 2 The Ezra Fast. Fasting to solve problems, (I Samuel 1:7-9), if we fast for a specific purpose, we may solve a debilitating problem.
Chapter 3 The Samuel Fast. Fasting to win people to Christ, (Samuel 7:1-8). If we fast and pray for revival, God will pour Himself on His people.
Chapter 4 The Elijah Fast. Fasting to break habits and emotional problems, (I Kings 19:2-18). If our fast focuses on our problem, God will show us how to overcome emotional defects and personal habits.
Chapter 5 The Widow's Fast. Sacrificing our physical necessities to provide for the needy (II Kings 17:12).
Chapter 6 The Saint Paul's Fast. Fasting for insight and decision-making (Acts 9:9-19). If we fast for decision-making and insight, God will reveal His will to us.
Chapter 7 The Daniel Fast. Fasting for health and physical healing (Daniel 1:12-20). If we fast for physical well being, God will touch our bodies.
Chapter 8 The John the Baptist Fast. Fasting for an influential testimony (Luke 1:15, Matthew 3:4). If we fast for the influence of our testimony, God will use us.
Chapter 9 The Esther Fast. Fasting for protection from the Evil One (Esther 4:16). If we fast for protection and deliverance from the Evil One, we are "untouchable" until God calls us home.
APPENDICES
i Physical Aspects of Fasting by Dr. Rex Russell, M.D.
ii Encyclopedia Glossary
iii Statements of Christian Leaders About Fasting
iv How To Keep A Journal When Fasting
v Biblical Topics of Fasting
vi Selected Bibliography

Discover nine ways to break bondage and get closer to God through fasting. Learn how fasting can strengthen your faith and draw you closer to God, helping you to be a true overcome in Christ. This book gives you the biblical reasons for fasting, and introduces you to nine biblical fasts each designed for a specific physical and spiritual outcome.

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FASTING MADE EASY

2010-08-30T22:40:00.001-06:00

Almost every person has wondered if there are really any benefits to fasting. Dr. Don Colberts, author of the bestseller Toxic Relief, has now written a book that outlines the needs, benefits, and lifestyle of fasting from both physical and spiritual perspectives. Aware that readers are living in a toxic world, Dr. Colbert presents an easy-to-understand instruction manual that offers a step-by step fasting protocol for better health. This will be readily accepted by people who want to increase their fitness in all areas of their lives. Topics covered in Fasting Made Easy include: *Why should I fast? *How should I fast? *When should I fast? *How do I maintain a fasted lifestyle? *How important is my attitude? *What are the healthy choices I should make-body and spirit? This book is a suggested companion to be sold with Toxic Relief
Fasting can provide fantastic health benefits to your whole being. While it may seem like a "sacrifice," Dr. Don Colbert, author of the bestsellers Toxic Relief and the Bible Cure series, believes fasting is "a powerful tool for health, cleansing, and spiritual empowerment."

In this easy-to-understand instruction manual that offers a step-by-step fasting protocol for better health, Colbert explains the needs, benefits, and lifestyle of fasting from both physical and spiritual perspectives.

Your overall health will improve as you:
Give restorative rest to your digestive tract.
Cleanse your body of undesirable toxins.
Boost you immune system to prevent disease and illness, thus giving you a longer life.
Make yourself look better and help your skin become clearer.
Melt away toxic fat to help you feel better.
Repair and rejuvenate every organ, including your brain.
Bring spiritual cleansing and renewal to your relationship with God.

Featuring daily recipes and testimonials from successful fasters, Fasting Made Easy explains how this biblical key to health will bring renewed vitality, healing, longevity, and deeper spirituality to your life.

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The Begginer's Guide to Fasting

2010-08-30T00:19:00.001-06:00

Publisher’s Description
Since Old Testament times God's people have engaged in the practice of fasting: going without food for a predetermined length of time to accomplish a spiritual purpose. Fasting can be done for any number of reasons, including to know God better, to wait on God for an answer to prayer, to listen to God, to demonstrate sincerity to God, and to worship God.
Serving as a complete introduction, The Beginner's Guide to Fasting shares with readers the myriad benefits of this valuable spiritual discipline. It also gives practical explanations of how to prepare for and carry on one's first fast, what kind of a fast to follow, and how to pray and study God's Word while fasting.
From the back Cover
God created the human body as a finely tuned instrument of enormous power, but it requires fuel to operate. To make sure your body gets enough fuel to run efficiently, God created in you an appetite for food, which we call “hunger.” So, why would you ever ignore hunger and choose not to eat? Going without food for spiritual reasons is called fasting and is a spiritual discipline with a long and important history in Christianity.When accompanied by your earnest prayers, fasting demonstrates your sincerity to God. In The Beginner’s Guide to Fasting, beloved teacher-theologian Elmer L. Towns introduces you to the basics of this powerful spiritual discipline. You’ll find an overview of fasting in the Old and New Testaments as well as answers to your questions about fasting and physical health, social interaction, spiritual warfare and much more. This is an essential handbook for all who long to draw closer to God through biblical spiritual disciplines!

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO FASTING
BY ELMER TOWNS
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
SECTION ONE
The Practice of Fasting
1 Getting Ready
2 My First Fast
3 What Kind Of Fast To Follow
4 Learning to Pray While Fasting
5 Getting Into The Bible When Fasting

SECTION TWO
Passion From Fasting
6 Fasting To Know God
7 Fasting To Wait on God
8 Fasting When You’re Scared
9 Fasting To Listen To God
10 Fasting To Open up Heaven
11 Fasting To Satisfy Your Hunger
12 Fasting To Worship God

Elmer Towns is the author of The Ten Greatest Revivals Ever and The Beginner's Guide to Fasting. He and his wife have three adult children and eight grandchildren. They make their home in Virginia

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Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting

2010-08-23T23:25:00.012-06:00

Christians can change world events!
Christians have altered the course of history and governments by emphasizing biblical methods of prayer and fasting.

Derek Prince recounts from personal experience how history was shaped through prayer during the Second World War in North Africa, the birth of the State of Israel, the end of the Stalin Era, and the independence of Kenya, East Africa.

The book begins in its introduction with a transcript of "A Proclamation for a Day of Fasting and Prayer by the President of the Unites States, Abraham Lincoln" A quote from this proclamation will set the stage for the core of the book:
"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. Intoxicated by unbroken success, we have become too self- sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us!"

Learn how you too can implement change in your family, church, locale, country, and the world through these two powerful weapons. Prayer and fasting.

From the Back Cover
You Can Make a Difference The times we are living in are scary, to say the least. The world is unstable. Global politics are volatile. The rate of change we now experience is spiraling out of control. We're uncertain about what will happen tomorrow, and we feel helpless to do anything about it. Yet what we are facing isn't new. There have been many wars. There have been threats and acts of terrorism. History is spotted with violent episodes of unimaginable carnage and horrors. And what did people do about them? The only thing they could do--they prayed!

Discover with Derek Prince how your prayers can change the world. Using experiences in his own life, he illustrates how you can make a difference. You don't have to fight. You don't have to hold a high political position. You don't have to be a certain age. You don't even have to have power, money, or influence on earth. What is important is your influence in heaven. Whether you are a teenager or an adult, you can learn to touch the heart of God through prayer--prayer that will change the

Table of Contents
Foreword by Lou Engle
A Presidential Proclamation for a National Day of Fasting and Prayer
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Salt of the Earth
Chapter 2: A Kingdom of Priests
Chapter 3: Praying for Our Government
Chapter 4: Rulers Are Gods Agents
Chapter 5: Seeing History Shaped through Prayer
Chapter 6: Fasting Intensifies Prayer
Chapter 7: Fasting Brings Deliverance and Victory
Chapter 8: Fasting Prepares for Gods Latter Rain
Chapter 9: Practical Guidelines for Fasting
Chapter 10: Laying a Foundation by Fasting
Chapter 11: Fasts Proclaimed in American History
Chapter 12: Culmination: The Glorious Church

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God's Chosen Fast

2010-08-20T23:11:00.004-06:00

Having proved over many years the great value and blessing of fasting, the author has written this book to share with others what the Bible has to say about this important and neglected subject. His aim has been to furnish a handbook which deals not only with all the main passages in Scripture that touch on the matter, but also with the practical issues involved.

This is a balanced study which seeks to give to the subject the weight that Scripture gives it and avoids exaggeration and over emphasis. The book includes a biblical index, and an appendix dealing with the textual problems surrounding four references to fasting in the New Testament.

Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Why Fast?
Chapter 2: The Normal Fast
Chapter 3: The Absolute Fast
Chapter 4: The Partial Fast
Chapter 5: When Not If
Chapter 6: The Time is Now
Chapter 7: The Regular and Public Fasts
Chapter 8: Fasting Unto God
Chapter 9: For Personal Sanctity
Chapter 10: To Be Heard on High
Chapter 11: To Change Gods Mind
Chapter 12: To Free the Captives
Chapter 13: They Fasted to Deliver
Chapter 14: For Revelation
Chapter 15: Fleshpots of Egypt
Chapter 16: To Buffet the Body
Chapter 17: What About Asceticism?
Chapter 18: Fasting and the Body
Chapter 19: For Health and Healing
Chapter 20: How to Begin
Chapter 21: How to Break the Fast
Chapter 22: Diary of a Fast
Chapter 23: In the Last Days

Appendix 1: Doubtful References to Fasting
Appendix 2: Answers to Practical Questions
Appendix 3: Healthy Eating
Biblical Index

This Book can Be Purchased at The Arsenal Book Store at http://www.arsenalbooks.com/

The Arsenal which provides Resources for Kingdom Advancement is my choice for buying the best in resources that are on the front edge of the wave of renewal that God is pouring out in the Earth today.

Fasting A 20 Day Study

2010-08-20T00:13:00.000-06:00

The Passionate Participation in God Project will start a 20 Day Study on Fasting starting Sunday August 22nd on our Facebook Group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237088564302

You can get this study emailed to you daily by joining our group at the link above.
You may also find book reviews on fasting books on this blog.

FASTING

The voluntary abstention from an otherwise normal function—most often eating—for the sake of intense spiritual activity.

Fasting was an integral part of the lives of the people we read about in the Bible. They fasted during times of mourning, in repentance, or to seek blessing, answers, or guidance. Everyone fasted together on the Day of Atonement. A normal fast during biblical times involved abstention from all food and liquid except for water, but during extreme circumstances even water was declined (see Esther 4:16).

Jesus undertook an extreme fast of forty days and forty nights when He experienced the temptation in the desert. He also speaks of fasting as a normal part of life for His followers (Matt 6:16-18). Later, in response to a question about why His followers do not fast, He answers that wedding guests do not fast while the bridegroom is with them, but that “the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast” (Matt 9:15). From these words it seems clear that Jesus expected His followers to practice the discipline of fasting.

So why is fasting less common today? Probably the main reason is that we rarely deny ourselves anything, whether food or drink or material goods or entertainment. Fasting forces us to take attention from our desires in order to focus on God. Jesus tells His disciples that His food is to “do the will of Him who sent Me and to complete His work” (John 4:34). Fasting can be a humbling experience, as we see just how controlled we are by our appetites. But it also teaches us that what sustains us is not the food we eat or the pleasures we feel, but God alone.

Yet even now, says the Lord, / return to me with all your heart, / with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.—Joel 2:12
Day 226 Spiritual Practice: Humbling Our Souls Through Fasting
Day 227 Not by Bread Alone
Day 228 David Fasts and Pleads with God
Day 229 A Communal Fast
Day 230 Ahab Fasts and Humbles Himself
Day 231 Sanctify a Fast
Day 232 Fasting for Victory
Day 233 I Afflicted Myself with Fasting
Day 234 Joyful Fasting
Day 235 Rejecting the Royal Rations
Day 236 Spiritual Practice: Fasting from Food
Day 237 Ezra Proclaims a Fast
Day 238 Right Reverence
Day 239 Was It for Me That You Fasted?
Day 240 Fasting in Solidarity
Day 241 Fasting After Saul’s Death
Day 242 The People Assemble with Fasting
Day 243 Return to Me
Day 244 Fasting for the Church
Day 245 They Fasted That Day
The Material above is from the book, ‘A Year With God,’ Edited by Richard Foster

RENOVARE (SPITITUAL FORMATION)

2010-08-15T21:39:00.000-06:00

Connecting with God: A Spiritual Formation Guide
How can we experience god?God has communicated with his people throughout the ages in many ways. Adam and Eve encountered him directly in the Garden of Eden, Teresa of Avila experienced him through visions, and Francis of Assisi heard his voice through nature. Connecting with God gives practical advice for communing on a deeply personal level with God. It uncovers new places to look for God, while providing reflection questions and activities to reinvigorate communication with God in such traditional areas as prayer and Bible study.Divided into twelve chapters conveniently organized for individual or group study, each section explores a different area in which we can deepen our individual communion with God, including: Living with God • Talking with God • Meeting God in Scripture • Listening to God Through the Creation • Hearing God Through Other People • Perceiving God in Circumstances • Seeking God in Silence • Seeing God in Dreams and Visions • Sensing God's Presence • Encountering God's Messengers • Wrestling with God • Walking with God.
Published by, HarperSanFrancisco, softcover, 144 pages.
       The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Guides, created by Richard J. Foster and the team that developed The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible and the longstanding A Spiritual Formation Workbook, provide tangible lessons that help us become spiritually formed, conformed, and transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. Geared for either individual study or use in small groups with chapter structure similar to A Spiritual Formation Workbook, each Renovaré Spiritual Formation Guide explores one facet of our life with God, providing readings from Scripture as well as classic and contemporary works of spirituality.
       The combination of readings, reflection questions, exercises, and activities makes these books invaluable interactive guides that prompt true spiritual growth. And they are a tremendous resource for connecting Scripture study with larger spiritual formation ideas and themes.

Learning from Jesus: A Spiritual Formation Guide
How do we become a student of the Master?To Christians, Jesus is many things: the Son of God, the pivotal figure in whom we put our trust and who speaks on our behalf, a companion in the life of faith. But Jesus is also an incredible example of how to lead a faithful life. Jesus, as a human, walked on earth and confronted the same struggles that we face.
      Our primary mission as his followers is to learn from him--to become his apprentices. In this book we seek to further our apprenticeship by studying everything from Jesus's interactions with those around him to the revolutionary wisdom recorded in the Gospels.Learning from Jesus is organized for individual or group study, and includes chapters on: Expecting the Messiah • And the Word Became Flesh . . . • Experiencing the Second Birth • Redefining Blessedness • Freeing the Sabbath • Feasting on the Word • Confronting the Powers • Welcoming Us into Community • Living Abundance • Balancing Mary and Martha • Bearing the Cross • Abiding in Christ. Each section of this Guide leads you further down the path to true discipleship.
       HarperSanFrancisco, softcover, 160 pages.The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Guides, created by Richard J. Foster and the team that developed The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible and the longstanding A Spiritual Formation Workbook, provide tangible lessons that help us become spiritually formed, conformed, and transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. Geared for either individual study or use in small groups with chapter structure similar to A Spiritual Formation Workbook, each Renovaré Spiritual Formation Guide explores one facet of our life with God, providing readings from Scripture as well as classic and contemporary works of spirituality.
       The combination of readings, reflection questions, exercises, and activities makes these books invaluable interactive guides that prompt true spiritual growth. And they are a tremendous resource for connecting Scripture study with larger spiritual formation ideas and themes.

The Great Omission
"The word disciple occurs 269 times in the New Testament," writes Dallas Willard in The Great Omission. "Christian is found three times and was first introduced to refer precisely to disciples of Jesus. . . . The New Testament is a book about disciples, by disciples, and for disciples of Jesus Christ. But the point is not merely verbal. What is more important is that the kind of life we see in the earliest church is that of a special type of person. All of the assurances and benefits offered to humankind in the gospel evidently presuppose such a life and do not make realistic sense apart from it. The disciple of Jesus is not the deluxe or heavy-duty model of the Christian--especially padded, textured, streamlined, and empowered for the fast lane on the straight and narrow way. He or she stands on the pages of the New Testament as the first level of basic transportation in the Kingdom of God." Willard boldly challenges the thought that we can be Christians without being disciples, or call ourselves Christians without applying this understanding of life in the Kingdom of God to every aspect of life on earth.
He calls on believers to restore what should be the heart of Christianity--being active disciples of Jesus Christ.
Willard shows us that in the school of life, we are apprentices of the Teacher whose brilliance encourages us to rise above traditional church understanding and embrace the true meaning of discipleship--an active, concrete, 24/7 life with Jesus.HarperSanFrancisco, hardcover, 256 pages.
http://www.renovare.org/

So You Think You Know Jesus?

2010-08-01T18:54:00.001-06:00

So You Think You Know Jesus? By D. Thomas Lancaster
http://ffoz.org/blogs/2010/08/know_jesus_better.html/

"Most Christians claim to know Jesus, but most of us don't.
Yes, we know Him as our Lord and Savior, and we know a few parables, a few miracles, and about how he died and rose, but it pretty much stops there. It is possible to be a Christian your whole life and never get to know the real, historical, Yeshua of Nazareth, the first century, Galilean-Jewish rabbi.

Of course, we get to know Jesus by reading the Gospels, but unless you grew up in a Torah observant Jewish home and happen to have an education in first century Judaism, you are not going to understand the Gospels very well.

Remember the first time you had to read Shakespeare? Reading the Gospels without a Jewish perspective and without their rabbinic context would be like a third-grader with no familiarity in Shakespearean English trying to read and enjoy Hamlet. To understand the story and the teaching of Jesus, you simply need more information.

We can get more information from Bible commentaries. Unfortunately, not a lot of people read Bible commentaries. Most people don't even read the Bible, much less a boring commentary in small print with a lot of big words. Even when we do read commentaries, they are sometimes not very helpful. Most Gospel commentaries were written by Christians who did not know Judaism much better than any other churchman. Worse yet, some Christian Bible commentaries are skewed by anti-Semitic prejudices, anti-Torah doctrines, and replacement theology. Those interpretations turn the teachings of Yeshua backwards. A lot of Christian teaching is based upon Christian misinterpretation due to ignorance about the Jewishness of Jesus.

But what if there was a commentary that read more like a story? Imagine a commentary on the Gospels that provided all the important Jewish background information and rabbinic parallels, but did so in a story format, while following the life of Yeshua from His conception to His ascension. Suppose that this commentary harmonized all four Gospels into a continuous narrative so that it felt more like you were reading a novel about Rabbi Yeshua than a commentary on the Bible.

Sound good?
Get on board this fall. Subscribe to "Chronicles of the Messiah," the new Torah Club Volume Four, and get to know Yeshua better.
About the Author: D. Thomas Lancaster is Director of Education at First Fruits of Zion, and regular contributor to Messiah Journal. He is the author of the Torah Club programs, and the books Grafted In, Restoration and King of the Jews."

http://ffoz.org/blogs/2010/08/know_jesus_better.html/

2010-07-30T13:42:00.002-06:00

We are starting a New 20 day devotional study on Monday August 2nd, 2010 at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237088564302

Join this faceBook Group to get this devotional by email daily.
The First 10 days will study, Recognizing Christ in Others
The second 10 days will study, Where Two or Three Are Gathered

FELLOWSHIP

Engaging with other disciples in the common activities of worship, study, prayer, celebration and service, which sustain our life together and enlarge our capacity to experience more of God.
       From the first pages of Genesis, when God created a mate for Adam, through the pages of Paul’s Letters, with his timeless advice on living together in joy and love, to the final pages of Revelation, where we see a glimpse of the company we will keep in heaven, it’s clear that the Christian life is to be a life lived together. Although Jesus often prayed in solitude, He did not travel Judea alone during His Ministry, but called the disciples to travel and minister with Him. Paul’s description of the Church as the Body of Christ (Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 12:12-26; Eph 4) makes it clear that each of us has different gifts and abilities and only together can the Church run smoothly for God’s glory.
       Fellowship can bring us great joy, encouragement, and comfort. It can also bring frustration and disappointment, as we bump up against each other’s sins, shortcomings, and failures to hear and follow God’s voice in our lives. The amount of text that Paul devotes to solving the problems of community living is testimony to just how hard it can be. One way we can sustain our fellowship and focus it upon God is by sharing Communion together. Jesus commanded us to gather together and remember Him when we ate the bread and drank of the cup. Following Jesus’ example at the Last Supper and the example of the early Church, this sharing is one way we focus our fellowship on Jesus.
       The whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love..—Ephesians 4:16
Day 206 Spiritual Practice: Recognizing Christ in Others
Day 207 The Good Work of Unity
Day 208 Growing Together
Day 209 Building Up Christ’s Body
Day 210 Many Members, One Body
Day 211 How to Live in Community
Day 212 Joy in Fellowship
Day 213 Passing Judgment on One Another
Day 214 Loving Our Brothers and Sisters
Day 215 Pleasing Our Neighbors
Day 216 Spiritual Practice: Where Two or Three Are Gathered
Day 217 Devoted Fellowship
Day 218 Life Among the Believers
Day 219 The Worldwide Community
Day 220 Meeting Together
Day 221 Bearing One Another’s Burdens
Day 222 Pray for One Another
Day 223 Sharing in the Lord’s Supper
Day 224 Be at Peace Among Yourselves
Day 225 That They May Be One
The Material above is from the book, ‘A Year With God,’ Edited by Richard Foster

SOLITUDE, the Secret Place of Power With God!

2010-07-11T23:06:00.002-06:00

This 20 day Study Starts 07/13/2010 Hosted by the Passionate Participation in God Project at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237088564302

SOLITUDE The creation of an open, empty space in our lives by purposefully abstaining from interaction with other human beings, so that, freed from competing loyalties, we can be found by God.

The Gospels tell us that Jesus’ very public ministry was interspersed with periods of solitude during which He, either completely by Himself or with the disciples, left the crowds behind to pray. These times of solitude appeared to nourish Jesus for those times when He was in the public eye. He began His ministry with forty days in the desert, just after He was baptized. And He continued the practice of going off alone to pray, often just at the times when His ministry seemed to demand the most from Him.

Solitude is not about becoming a hermit or misanthrope. Indeed, times of solitude can enhance our times of fellowship with others. Neither is solitude loneliness. It is time spent with God. Put this way, it sounds so natural, yet for most of us this time does not just happen. One of the keys to the definition above is the phrase “the creation of an open, empty space.” We must work to create this space, to “purposefully” withdraw even when—especially when—it seems that we have no time to do so. We can all learn from Jesus’ example and take time to focus on our relationship with God, replenishing and nourishing ourselves for busy lives.
Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while. —Mark 6:31

Day 186 Spiritual Practice: Withdrawing to a Deserted Place
Day 187 The Tent of Meeting
Day 188 Wrestling With God
Day 189 Spending the Night in Prayer
Day 190 Hide Yourself
Day 191 I Alone Am Left
Day 192 I Sat Alone
Day 193 He Is With Me
Day 194 Yet I Am Not Alone
Day 195 Opening Ourselves
Day 196 Spiritual Practice: Retreat with God
Day 197 In the Wilderness
Day 198 I Will Bring Her Into the Wilderness
Day 199 Shaping the Soul
Day 200 The Crowds Were Looking for Jesus
Day 201 Rising Early to Pray
Day 202 Come Away and Rest a While
Day 203 I Went Away at Once
Day 204 Preparation Time
Day 205 Down From the Mountaintop

2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity

2010-06-16T00:23:00.002-06:00

Discover the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in Church History. This is information that many church history books leave out and it will change your perception of scripture and God's work in His Church throughout the last 2000 years.

I have required this book as essential reading in Church History classes for several years. This is a the best primer on this subject and is extremly helpful in understanding how the work of the Holy Spirit as seen in the Books of Acts has continued in the church.

The majority of current church history books are written by evangelical scholars and while they are good they were written without and acceptance to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in Church History. The information include in this book can be found if you dig into the original sources and writings of the people mentioned, however Hyatt saves us a lot of work and opens the door to let the light of truth in on much of the Holy Spirit's work in Church History.

Book Preview:
Overwhelming evidence reveals contemporary Christianity roots in Pentecost!
The world is taking notice and realizing that the fastest-growing segment in Christianity has an undeniable history with a pattern and a rich, deep foundation dating back to the New Testament. Explore overwhelming evidence that reveals how the gifts of the Holy Spirit not only have existed in the centuries since the early apostles, but have also survived the Middle Ages, the politicized church of Europe, and have experienced a spectacular revival this century. Learn invaluable lessons from the experiences of courageous men and women who sought God and saw His power in their generation. The reader of this volume will gain a greater appreciation for the work of the Holy Spirit in history and will experience a sharpened sense to discern what God is doing in the church today.

2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity offers convincing evidence that the modern Pentecostal and Charismatic movements are rooted in the two-thousand-year history of the church. Those who identify with these movements will be affirmed in the experience of the Holy Spirit and will gain a new respect and appreciation for the movement of which they are a part. Those outside the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements will also benefit by reading this volume in that they will gain an understanding of this movement that Harvard professor Dr. Harvey Cox says is "reshaping religion in the 21st century."

About the Author:
Eddie Hyatt is the cofounder and president of Hyatt International Ministries, which includes Hyatt Press, The International Christian Women's History Project and The American Center for Revival & Reformation. Eddie holds a doctorate of ministry from Regent University and a master of divinity and master of arts from Oral Roberts University. Eddie and his wife, Dr. Susan Hyatt, reside in Dallas/Fort Worth where they carry out their ministry of preaching, teaching and writing.

There is also good review at http://www.pneumafoundation.com/article.jsp?article=article_0039.xml by Raul L. Mock who is Executive Editor of the Pneuma Review and one of the founding directors of the Pneuma Foundation.

A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years

2010-05-17T12:02:00.003-06:00

A History of Christianity, a six-part series presented by Diarmaid MacCulloch, an Oxford history professor. A History of Christianity investigates the origins of Christianity and what it means to be a Christian. Diarmaid MacCulloch does a magnificent job presenting his argument that the first Christians stayed much closer to its Middle-Eastern roots as it spread east. He describes not only the main ideas and personalities of Christian history, its organization and spirituality, but how it has changed politics, sex, and human society.

This Video presentation of Church history is fast paced and creatively presents the unique spread of Christianity to the east from Jerusalem all the way into China in the seventh century. This was evident to Marco Polo when he visited China and discovered a church in hiding estimated at 700,000 or more adherents. The in depth research which is at the heart of the presentation comes though in many fascinating historic and archeological discoveries.

Diarmaid MacCulloch does everyone an immense favor as he unfolds his research in a fast paced and well told presentation. Christianity’s division into Eastern and Western branches over the issue of Christ divine and human nature is described in brief but precise detail. This serves as the launching point for the video’s unfolding tale of how the message of Good News spread east. The cultures and challenges faced as the Gospel spreads east are portrayed accurately and in a concise manner.

The influence of the early Christians on the Muslim faith as it spread west is just one of the fascinating series of insights gained. The Church’s spread east was not supported by the power of the Roman emperor and therefore was challenged to explain its faith and win people through interpersonal interaction and living out their faith in the face of many opposing religions and cultures.

This video series should be seen by every Christian from teenager to adult. It would also be useful for anyone wanting to know more about the birth and expansion of Christianity. The insights and information provide an excellent foundation from which followers of Jesus the Messiah will be able to interact more effectively with the cultures and religions around them in the world today, as well as, providing an informative fast paced and visually captivating documentation of Christianities spread from its birth place in Israel to become the world most followed faith.

You can find out more about this video series and purchase it at http://www.ambrosevideo.com/items.cfm?id=1344

SECRECY

2010-05-15T21:54:00.002-06:00

SECRECY-By Richard Foster in 'A Year With God.' This is part of our new study at The Passionate Particpation in God Project at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237088564302 Sign Up Today

SECRECY: Consciously refraining from having our good deeds and qualities generally known, which in turn rightly disciplines our longing for recognition.

We often long to talk about the good deeds that we do, wanting others to think well of us. The danger of this inclination is that approval will become our motivation. When we fast or pray or give in secret, as Jesus advises us in Matthew 6, we can know we are doing so for the right reasons, looking to God for approval rather than to our fellow humans. God knows all that we are and all that we do; His heavenly reward for any good that we do will far outweigh any earthly approbation (Matt 6:1). Deliberately avoiding earthly recognition, fame, and attention helps to cultivate within us humility and true love for others. It also gives us the opportunity to meditate on the nature of our God, who the Bible tells us is also “hidden” (Isa 45:15) and “in secret” (Matt 6).

That is not to say that our good qualities will never be recognized by others, just that we leave it to God to point them out, We see Jesus avoiding crowds and performing miracles in private, but the crowds invariably find Him and spread the word about Him. Jesus told us that a city set on a hill cannot be hid, and that we are to be the light of the world, not hidden under a bushel (Matt 5:14-16). Practicing the discipline of secrecy simply relinquishes to God the power to reveal our light. This submission is only appropriate, because everything in us that is good comes from God.

Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. —Matthew 6:6

Day 126 Spiritual Practice: Keeping Our Works Private
Day 127 Not Seen by Others
Day 128 The Appearance of Righteousness
Day 129 In My Secret Heart
Day 130 He Could Not Escape Notice
Day 131 The Light of the World
Day 132 God Will Judge Our Secret Thoughts
Day 133 Riches Hidden in Secret Places
Day 134 Hidden with God
Day 135 The Shelter of the Most High
Day 136 Spiritual Practice: Praying for Others’ Success
Day 137 The One Who is More Powerful Than I
Day 138 Jesus Humbled Himself
Day 139 God’s Splendor
Day 140 Let No One Boast
Day 141 Let Those Who Boast Boast in This
Day 142 Boasting in Christ Jesus
Day 143 We Boast in Our Hope of Sharing the Glory of God
Day 144 God Notices Us
Day 145 A God Who Hides

20 Days of Practicing Secrecy in Your Walk With God

2010-05-15T01:29:00.002-06:00

20 Days of Practicing Secrecy in Your Walk With God starts today on facebook.
This daily devotional study group can be found at The Passioante Particiapation in God Project http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237088564302

Learn to Discipline Your Spiritual Life with this Discipline of Secrecy. Jesus taught us to do our good deeds and works in private and so that we would please God not people.
Learn more by revieving this daily devotional based out of 'A Year With God', by Richard Foster

This Study is divided up into these 10 day sections.
1. Keeping Our Works Private 10 days
2. Praying for Others' Success 10 days

The passioante Participation in God project is sponsored by Abba's Glory Int @www.abbasglory.com. We are a part of the CrossFire International Alliance.

The Gift of Psalms

2010-04-01T00:30:00.006-06:00

The Psalms let you see and feel the deep and passionate relationship that we can have with God. The majesty of God and the weakness of man are there for all to see. Also you find the hope and joy that comes from allowing God to rule and to be an intimate part of your life. The Gift of Psalms pierces the veil of our day to day routine with the majesty and passion of the Psalms. The music and dramatic readings along with the devotional based on each Psalm will encourage, convict and build you up as a variety of individuals read the Psalms which are included.

The Word of Promise ‘The Gift Of Psalms’ Devotional Wisdom from fifty of the Best Loved Psalms. ‘The Gift of Psalms’ package also includes a book of fifty Psalms adapted from the New King James version of the Bible. It contains devotional passages written by Lori Jones for each psalm. In the storage area in the back of the book are three compact discs which have thirty of the psalms and the corresponding devotionals on them.

This is a wonderful gift idea and will bring hours of encouragement and joy as you read or listen to each psalm and the devotional that goes with it. Its layout and design are of good quality, and the hardback book has heavy weight quality pages. It is set up so that each two page spread has the Psalm on one side and the devotional and a prayer on the facing page.

The three compact discs contain thirty of the psalms and devotionals read by people such as: Jason Alexander, Harry Hamlin, Michael York, Gary Sinise, Malcolm McDowell, Richard Dreyfus and others. The different voices make listening experience more enjoyable, and the background music contributes to the quality of the experience.

In conclusion this is a well packaged and produced product. The excellent quality in both the book and the discs are well worth the money. I highly recommend 'The Gift of Psalms' for your personal enjoyment and encouragement. This also makes a memorable gift idea for a variety of occasions!

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1418534374

A History of Christianity on DVD

2010-03-26T22:29:00.002-06:00

A History of Christianity DVD #1
Q & A with Diarmaid MacCulloch,
Host of A History of Christianity
(Part 1 of 2)

Q: A History of Christianity corrects several misconceptions regarding Christianity’s past and traditions, beginning with the earliest days of the fledgling religion. How does the true history of Christianity’s origins differ from the version most of us know?
A: Today, Christianity is seen as a Western faith. Indeed, many in the Muslim world would see Western lifestyles as Christian lifestyles. But Christianity is not by origin a Western religion. Its beginnings are in the Middle East, where there still exist churches which have been Eastern since the earliest Christian era. For centuries, Christianity flourished in the East, and indeed, at one point, it was poised to triumph in Asia, maybe even in China. The headquarters of Christianity might well have been Baghdad rather than Rome, and if that had happened, Western Christianity would have been very different. The story of the first Christianity tells us the Christian faith is, in fact, hugely diverse with many identities. The history of Christianity has been the never-ending rebirth of a meeting with Jesus Christ, the resurrected son of God. For some, like the Oriental and Orthodox churches, the meeting has been through ritual and tradition, or the inner life of the mystic. For Western Catholics, through obedience to the Church. In Protestant churches, through the Bible. And it’s the variety that is so remarkable in Christianity’s journey. It’s reached into every continent and adapted to new cultures. That’s the hallmark of a world religion.

Q: Why does Christian history fascinate you?
A: When I was a small boy, my parents used to drive me around historic churches searching out whatever looked interesting, but soon, they realized they had created a monster. The history of the church became my life’s work. For me, no other subject can rival its scale and drama. For 2,000 years, Christianity has been one of the great players in world history, inspiring faith but also squalid politics. It is an epic story starring a cast of extraordinary people—from Jesus himself and the first apostles to empresses, kings, and popes, from reformers and champions of human conscience to crusaders and sadists. Religious belief can transform us for good or ill. It has brought human beings to acts of criminal folly as well as the highest achievements of goodness and creativity. I will tell the story of both extremes. Christianity has survived persecution, splits, wars of religion, mockery, hatred. Today there are two billion Christians, a third of humanity—Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal, and many more. Deep down, the Christian faith boasts a shared core—but what is it? This is something I wanted to explore on a truly global scale.

Q: Your search for Christianity’s true history begins with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Why does this location tell us about the Christianity’s global roots?
A: The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is said to have been built where Jesus was crucified and buried. At its heart is what’s believed to be his tomb. The church built around the tomb of Jesus is the starting point for a forgotten story, a story that may overturn your preconceptions about early Christianity. Pride of place in this building goes to two churches—the Greek Orthodox church and the Roman Catholic church. It’s true that Orthodoxy and Catholicism dominated Christianity in Europe, in the West, for its first 1,500 years. But as you walk around the edges of the church, you can’t fail to notice other curious little chapels. They’re not Western or European. They’re Middle Eastern and African, and they tell a very different story about the origins of Christianity. Around the back of Jesus’ tomb is Egypt’s Coptic church. There are plenty of other churches at this location, but you need to know where to look: the Syriac Orthodox church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, to name a few. Many versions of Christian history would make these churches unorthodox, yet they are far older than better known versions of Christianity like Protestantism. It’s easy for tourists to dismiss these ancient churches as quaint or even irrelevant. But that would be a big mistake.

Q: What are some general differences between the expansion of Western and Eastern Christianity?
A: In the West, Christianity became the religion of an entire empire. This meant the end of persecution. It brought power and wealth. It gave the Christian faith a chance at becoming a universal religion. In theory, it embraced Christians in the Eastern Empire as well as in the West.

But in the east, many Christians were unimpressed by the new alliance—even hostile. At stake were fundamental disagreements about the direction the faith should take. Jesus had told people to abandon wealth, not to ally with the rich and powerful. It was Eastern Christians in Syria who led the way, showing Western Christianity a pattern for spiritual life. We call this pattern monasticism, a way of life involving isolation from the world, austerity, and suffering. The expansion of Eastern Christianity has often taken place apart from any empire. It has often been a religion of dialogue, not conquest.
The DVD set will arrive in stores, including Sam’s Club, in time for the Easter Season. The series will also be available on Amazon.com.

A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years 6 DVD Set presented by Diarmaid MacCulloch
www.ambrosevideo.com This material is from the publisher.

Prophetic Untimeliness

2010-03-19T13:46:00.004-06:00

From Time to Time I like to let you know about books that catch my interest but that I have not read. Prophetic Untimeliness: A Challenge to the Idol of Relevance is one such book. The material below is from the publisher and Amazon.com.

There is a desperate quest for the Good News (Gospel of Christ)in our soul and therefore in the gatherings we call church. I like Os Guinness's clear and non-sugar coated approach to things and I am looking forward to reading this book completely. I will let you know if I am as interested in what he says after I have finished reading it.

Product Description
The buzz among evangelicals today is about relevance and reinvention, about new ways of "doing church" through revising, innovating, borrowing, mixing, and experimenting. Yet, says Os Guinness, in our uncritical pursuit of relevance, Christians have actually become irrelevant. By our determined efforts to redefine ourselves in ways that are more in line with the modern world than are faithful to Christ, we have lost not only our identity but our authority and significance. Prophetic Untimeliness addresses this issue by giving practical, constructive solutions for living with integrity in the midst of modern pressures. Guinness explores what it means to be both faithful and relevant, and how to be truly relevant without being trivial or trendy. Readers will be challenged to develop "resistance thinking," an approach inspired by C. S. Lewis that balances the uncomfortable truths of the gospel with the pursuit of relevance. Only by being true to Christ and living with integrity and wisdom will we meet the needs of a world that is hungry for some really good news.

From the Back Cover
An immensely thoughtful and provocative book, challenging some trends in our Christian culture and inviting us to reconsider and rediscover. A powerful read. Alister McGrath
Prophetic Untimeliness brings a timely warning. The temptation to dress the faith in today’s fashion guarantees that it will look out-of-style tomorrow only the eternal can reach every time and culture.--Frederica Mathewes-Green
Never have Christians tried to be so relevant. But never have Christians ended up so irrelevant. How can this be? The problem, says Os Guinness, is that our views of relevance and our efforts to redefine ourselves are captive to the seductions and pressures of our modern clock culture. Ironically, we end up as neither relevant nor faithful. And in the process we are in danger of losing not only our identity but our authority, our significance, and even our very soul.
Prophetic Untimeliness is a hard-hitting critique written with deep love for the church. It offers constructive suggestions for living with integrity in the midst of modern pressures and explores how to be truly relevant without being trivial or trendy. Inspired by C. S. Lewis, Guinness outlines a creative approach-resistance thinking-through which the pursuit of relevance is balanced by the disturbing truths of the gospel. Only by such prophetic untimeliness can we be faithful to Christ and speak with integrity and wisdom in a world that is hungry for some truly good news.

Os Guinness is an internationally renowned speaker and author of numerous books, including Time for Truth, The Call, and Long Journey Home. An Englishman, he was born in China, graduated from the universities of London and Oxford, and currently lives in Washington, D.C., where he is Senior Fellow at the Trinity Forum.

The Divine Conspiracy

2010-03-09T01:01:00.006-07:00

The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God

A Powerful, Thought-Provoking Guide to Living the Life Jesus Intends for Us

The material below is from the authors web site http://www.dwillard.org/books/DivConsp.asp

"Is Jesus part of your daily life—here and now? Or, by failing to take him seriously, have you relegated him to the realm of the "hereafter"? In The Divine Conspiracy, biblical teaching, popular culture, science, scholarship, and spiritual practice are weaved together to capture the central insights of Christ's teachings in a fresh way and show the necessity of profound changes in how we view our lives and faith.
Christians for the most part consider the primary function of Christianity to be admittance to heaven. But a faith that guarantees a satisfactory afterlife, yet has absolutely no impact on life in the here and now, is nothing more than "consumer Christianity" and "bumper-sticker faith." In an era when so many consider Jesus a beloved but remote savior, readers of The Divine Conspiracy will explore a revolutionary way to experience God—by knowing Him as an essential part of the here and now, an integral part of every aspect of our existence.

The Divine Conspiracy calls us into a more authentic faith and offers a practical plan by which we can become Christ-like. It challenges us to step aside from the politics and pieties of contemporary Christian practice and inspires us to reject the all too common lukewarm faith of our times by embracing the true meaning of Christian discipleship.

"My hope is to gain a fresh hearing for Jesus, especially among those who believe they already understand him. Very few people today find Jesus interesting as a person or of vital relevance to the course of their actual lives. He is not generally regarded as a real life personality who deals with real-life issues, but is thought to be concerned with some feathery realm other than the one we must deal with, and must deal with now."

"[A]ctual discipleship or apprenticeship to Jesus is, in our day, no longer thought of as in any way essential to faith in him. It is regarded as a costly option, a spiritual luxury, or possibly even as an evasion. Why bother with discipleship, it is widely thought, or, for that matter, with a conversational relationship with God? Let us get on with what we have to do."

"This book, then, presents discipleship to Jesus as the very heart of the gospel. The eternal life that begins with confidence in Jesus is a life in His present kingdom, now on earth and available to all. So the message of and about him is specifically a gospel for our life now, not just for dying. It is about living now as his apprentice in kingdom living, not just as a consumer of his merits. Our future, however far we look, is a natural extension of the faith by which we live now and the life in which we now participate." -- from The Divine Conspiracy

What is "the divine conspiracy"? It is God's plan to intervene in human history... now.
384 pages, hardcover from Harper SanFrancisco.

Chapter Titles :

Chapter 1: Entering the Eternal Kind of Life Now

Chapter 2: Gospels of Sin Management

Chapter 3: What Jesus Knew: Our God-Bathed World

Chapter 4: Who is Really Well Off? — The Beatitudes

Chapter 5: The Rightness of the Kingdom Heart: Beyond the Goodness of Scribes and Pharisees

Chapter 6: Investing in the Heavens: Escaping the Deceptions of Reputation and Wealth Chapter 7: The Community of Prayerful Love

Chapter 8: On Being a Disciple, or Student, of Jesus

Chapter 9: A Curriculum for Christlikeness

Chapter 10: The Restoration of All Things"

________________________________________________

From Harper Collins the Publisher

Book Description
A renowned teacher and writer of the acclaimed The Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas Willard, one of today's most brilliant Christian thinkers now offers a timely and challenging call back to the true meaning of Christian discipleship. In The Divine Conspiracy, Willard gracefully weaves biblical teaching, popular culture, science, scholarship, and spiritual practice into a tour de force that shows the necessity of profound changes in how we view our lives and faith. In an era when many Christians consider Jesus a beloved but remote savior, Willard argues compellingly for the relevance of God to every aspect of our existence. Masterfully capturing the central insights of Christ's teachings in a fresh way for today's seekers, he helps us to explore a revolutionary way to experience God--by knowing Him as an essential part of the here and now, rather than only as a part of the hereafter.

"The most telling thing about the contemporary Christian," Willard writes, "is that he or she has no compelling sense that understanding of and conformity with the clear teachings of Christ is of any vital importance to [their] life, and certainly not that it is in any way essential . . . Such obedience is regarded as just out of the question or impossible." Christians, he says, for the most part consider the primary function of Christianity to be admittance to heaven. But, as Willard clearly shows, a faith that guarantees a satisfactory afterlife, yet has absolutely no impact on life in the here and now, is nothing more than "consumer Christianity" and "bumper-sticker faith."

Willard refutes this "fire escape" mentality by exploring the true nature of the teachings of Jesus, who intended that His followers become His disciples, and taught that we have access now to the life we are only too eager to relegate to the hereafter. The author calls us into a more authentic faith and offers a practical plan by which we can become Christ-like. He challenges us to step aside from the politics and pieties of contemporary Christian practice and inspires us to reject the all too common lukewarm faith of our times by embracing the true meaning of Christian discipleship.

Strategic Spiritual Warfare

2010-02-23T23:46:00.003-07:00

Foundational Spiritual Warfare and the Kingdom of God/Heaven Understanding

Perhaps one of the areas neglected in Spiritual Warfare teaching is that a solid understanding of Jesus Teaching on the Kingdom of God/ Kingdom of heaven empowers us in the establishment of His authority over that of the enemy (Lucifer and his followers).

We operate as children of the King and therefore must understand the kingdom of God/heaven if we are to have a full understanding of our authority, responsibility and operational mandate.

In order to assist in our understanding in these areas the next few books I want to recommend deal with the areas of Spiritual Warfare and the Kingdom of God/Heaven

Strategic Spiritual Warfare
This is one of the best, most practical and insightful Biblical studies of spiritual warfare available. If you are looking for a book/bible study workbook format this is an awesome choice. It is a refreshingly straight forward and easy to follow study of the biblical call to arms that every believers should know and understand. It is great for both personal, group and class room study. I have used it since its first printing for laying a strong foundation for anyone who wants to know about spiritual warfare. Although there have been many other books written on this subject, this is the very best introduction and foundational book available!
Sections include:
I. Call to Arms: A Summons to the Invisible War
1. Open Your Spiritual Eyes
II. Induction: Becoming Part of the Army of God
2. Join God's Army
III. Basic Training: Preparing for War
3. Identify the Enemy
4. Survey Enemy Territory
5. Meet the captain of God's Army
6. Complete Basic training
IV. Mobilization: Active Military Service
7. Arm Yourself with Defensive Weapons
8. Arm Yourself with Offensive Weapons
9. Employ Offensive and Defensive Strategies
V. Invasion: Entering the Combat Zone
10. Take Strategic Territory
11. Resist Enemy Propaganda
12. Set the Captives Free
13. Rescue the Wounded
14. Deliver the Demonized
VI. The Final Briefing: The Last Great Battle of Spiritual Warfare
15. Prepare for the Final Conflict
Bibliography
Notes

You should be able to get this (Strategic Spiitual Warfare) by Pat Hulsey and Ray Beeson at: The Arsenal Bookstore 1-888-563-5150 http://www.arsenalbooks.com

God's Economy, Israel and The Nations

2010-01-23T23:52:00.005-07:00

Book Summary
Genesis 26 describes the dynamic of God's economy. It says: "There was famine in the land and the Lord appeared to Isaac and said, 'Dwell in this land and I will be with you and will bless you and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.'" God's economy operates against all odds, which isn't an option for those living in lands of persecution and distress"and it is emerging as a chief strategy for operating a business or ministry in this post- 9/11 environment. God's economy is based on God's Kingdom rule and embraces not only the realities of God's spiritual riches, but also the community (social) and economic riches outlined throughout the Word of God. It is the reemergence of the ancient biblical principles of entrepreneurship, business, and Kingdom wealth.

In the face of political instabilities, economic reversals, fear, and uncertainty, Kingdom opportunities not obvious to the world are quietly on the rise. These Kingdom agendas reflect an interlinking of secular enterprises with overriding ministry objectives.
What is emerging is a move of God in the marketplace that will parallel the rise of the parachurch ministry movement of the early fifties. At the forefront of this movement is a group of men and women of God called in the same way as Joseph and Daniel of the Bible. Modern-day Josephs and Daniels will serve strategically as instruments of God’s purpose in secular positions of influence within seats of power of this world. This book addresses the dynamics of this calling, God’s economy, and the preparation, character, and challenges of these uniquely called Josephs and Daniels. Among other agendas, they will be facilitators of the release of the wealth of the wicked into Kingdom initiatives.

Author Profile:
The author was recently described by a long-time ministry associate with these words: "Morris Ruddick heads several organizations and corporate entities, including Global Initiatives Foundation, The Ruddick Int'l Group, and a global intercession network. He has led development of entrepreneurial activities in critical needy areas and brought together business and ministry in several nations, including the Messianic Jewish community in Israel, as well as in Africa, Afghanistan, Belarus, and elsewhere." Mr. Ruddick's Kingdom agendas reflect a unique merging of the secular and the spiritual. He sums it up as "an interlinking of secular business enterprises with overriding ministry objectives." Since 1995, Mr. Ruddick has been a voice encouraging and mobilizing Kingdom business leaders and entrepreneurs.
http://strategic-initiatives.org/pages/products.htm#jdcalling

Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN)

2010-01-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Serious Times Require Serious Intercession

S.I.G.N. is an Intercessory ministry designed for the Time and Season We are In!

Please read about it below. then click on it's link and learn more

The material below is from the Sign Web Site
http://www.strategicintercession.org/

Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN)
is a select group of committed intercessors, connected globally by the internet and e-mail, with a calling to intercede for "strategic level issues impacting the Body."

SIGN is not intended to be a "catch all" prayer chain. There are other lists that are dedicated to personal prayer for individuals and local groups.

SIGN addresses issues that are strategic in nature, that typically involve regions or nations, which are global in their potential impact.

Our Purpose is...
To intercede for strategic issues impacting the Body on a transnational or global level. The primary purpose of the Strategic Intercession Global Network is to provide an effective means of communication between intercessors for the purpose of coordinated, Spirit-led intercessory prayer.

SIGN gathers input from reports, as well as the prayer closets of SIGN members. Prayer targets and insights which bear on the issues being targeted are then summarized on www.strategicintercession.org, as well as being sent in more frequent, detailed form to those who have become members of the SIGN e-mail list.

The SIGN email list members consists of individuals, as well as groups (churches, ministries, intercession groups). The task is to provide coordinated, targeted posts that address significant issues and trends impacting the Body that are typically longer term in nature, but which also include shorter term issues, events and occurrences that bear strongly on the longer term trends.

We consider the ministry of intercession as a part of the prophetic giftings, specifically oriented by the description of the sons of Issachar, who were known as "men who understood the times and knew what to do."

Why Is There A Need For The Strategic Intercession Global Network™?

SIGN's focus is globally-impacting events and issues that are strategic in nature. We live in critical times. These are times in which the time spent in intercession will bear much fruit.
Because of the tempo and prophetic nature of the times we are in, the following issues are ones considered pivotal by the SIGN intercession team:

Understanding the Times and Knowing What to Do
Israel and Jewish Revival
The Persecuted Church and Anti-Semitism
Spiritual Warfare Issues
Revival, Change and Emerging Moves of the Holy Spirit
Secular Enterprises Being Used for Kingdom Purposes
Kingdom Wealth Initiatives

In summary, the SIGN advisory team reviews and releases targets of significance as the Holy Spirit directs, without concern or apology for the volume or lack of it. Some may prefer to follow the summaries at our web sites. Others will want the more detailed posts and updates that come from being members of SIGN's e-mail list. Effort is made in the summaries to give evidence of the answers that have either taken place or are emerging relative to the issues we've been targeting.

Occasional mini-teachings on intercession are given as good reminders to the seasoned prayer warriors; and as good foundation for those just heeding the call to intercession, as well as those who are our seasoned

http://www.strategicintercession.org/

I encourage you to support S.I.G.N. as well!

Support SIGN Through the GlobalInitiatives Foundation

The Passionate Participation In God Project

2010-01-07T22:18:00.014-07:00

Dear Reader

I was praying as to how I should focus my study and devotions in the year 2010 and I felt I should spend a year with God in my devotions, research and writing and invite others along for the adventure. I thought you might want to pass it along to your friends.

It offers various levels of involvement and allows each person to Grow in the application of the spiritual disciplines and in their walk with God as their time allows. Below is detailed info on the Passionate Participation in God Project/Adventure/Journey that will start Tuesday Jan 12, 2010.

It offers a simple plan with additional options for those with more time to dig deeper.

This will make your personal transformation into the likeness of Jesus the Messiah a practical and realistic option for your daily life.
Our desire to see this maturing process which we all long for but seem never to find a simple and practical plan to follow up on in our own lives is available "inch by precious inch" if we will seek it in small bites on a daily basis.

One of the key aspects of Spiritual growth is that of biblical spiritual disciplines, without which we live soulish lives ungrounded in God's Word, and subject to the winds of doctrine which men proclaim as new or deep, but which lack the stability found in a firm relationship with God through His written and living Word. This daily devotional adventure will advance us in our growth.

Passionate participation in God project Info
Start Date:1-12-2010

Objective:In A Year with God, will be transformed in your life with God, day by day. You will fulfill the promise of Ephesians 4:13

Place: Wherever you can read the daily devotion.

Required material:
1. 'A Year with God, Living Out the Spiritual Disciplines' by Richard Foster See ordering information below:
A Year with God offers a daily practice designed to increase your personal connection with God through the exploration of the 18 spiritual disciplines

Time required: Enough to do a daily devotional

Optional Items:
1. Online daily Community group interaction opportunity.

Our new Face Book Group is at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237088564302

2. Daily Twitter bites to encourage your journey
3. Blog Articles: that will help you discover the King, His Kingdom and personally grow in measure and stature to the full measure of Jesus the Messiah. Eph 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Optional resources:

1. The Life with God Bible
In The Life with God Bible some of the most notable figures in Christian discipleship offer their insights to help
illuminate how the spiritual practices present in Scripture apply to our everyday lives and circumstances. This is the
resource for connecting Scripture and daily discipleship

2. Life With God:Reading the Bible for Spiritual transformation.
Too often, our study of the Bible focuses on searching for specific information or some formula that will solve our pressing needs of the moment. But what if we approached the Bible differently, and instead of transforming the text to meet our needs, allowed it to transform us?

You can get this online at http://www.renovare.us/buyresources/product/

You can also contact Renovaré USA
8 Inverness Drive East, Suite 102, Englewood, CO, 80112

The Longview Q&A Part 2

2010-01-07T22:13:00.001-07:00

Q&A with Dr. Roger Parrott
Author of The Longview
Part 2

America is paying the price of short-term decision making (i.e., sub-prime mortgages, Bernie Madoff, health care costs, General Motors bankruptcy, et al). As more ministries adopt the prevailing short-term pattern, they move closer to the same outcome—the quick payoff—at the cost of a future crisis. In The Longview, Roger Parrott calls for a seismic shift in the leadership attitudes and actions of readers. Parrott is a seasoned, practical leader who is not afraid to challenge younger leaders to lead for lasting impact, not fleeting bragging rights. The book offers practical insights from both scripture and his own experience. Both young and seasoned leaders will uncover a solid foundation for success for any ministry, organization, or business.

How does the Longview approach get lived out in the every-day demands of ministry leadership?

I suggest that leaders begin by leading as if you’ll be there forever. The heart of the Longview does not begin with actions as much as attitude. Imagine that the organization and position you are in right now is what God wants you to do for the rest of your professional life. For many, it might be discouraging to truly feel “locked in” to your job. But contrary to the mantras of popular career gurus, this is one of the best things that could ever happen to you and your ministry, because to lead as if you must remain in that same position forever—and live with the long-term consequences of every decision—will shift your perspective, align your priorities, and build lasting strength in your organization, rather than allowing you to settle for the comfort and accolades of immediate results.

When a leader is thinking, living, and acting in terms of only the short-range, everyone around him suffers and may be handicapped for years to come because the decisions of today will narrow subsequent options and opportunities. The compounding weight of each shortsighted decision speeds the deterioration of the ministry’s foundation, while a long-term perspective strengthens that substructure for a higher reach in the future. Whether new on the job, nearing retirement, or eyeing a climb up the career ladder, leading as if you’ll be in your current position forever will revolutionize the way you lead.

Give us some examples of leadership principles made with the long term in mind.

This book challenges leaders to think very differently about leadership, so some of the section headings can be a bit jarring because we need to radically break free from conventional leadership models if we hope to return to a biblical pattern of leaderships. So I’m suggesting to leaders ideas such as:

· Planning Will Drain the Life from Your Ministry
· Deflate Your Ego to Expand Your Influence
· Policies are for Cowards
· Learn to Work with the “Untouchables” Of Leadership
· Understand the Diagnostic Triggers to Preempt Conflicts of Interest
· Treasure the Four Gifts Found in Your Rearview Mirror
· Learn to Shepherding A Vision Without Scaring Away the Flock

We live in a quick-fix, immediate-impact, short-view world. But we serve a Longview God. To bridge this gap, Jesus became the ultimate example of Longview leadership amid the clamor for expedient results. Of course His sights were always aimed toward eternity (the ultimate Longview), and He lived and thought in that realm. But even in the practical everyday demands of leadership, Jesus showed us the value of investing in Longview solutions as we serve those in our care. And that’s what I wanted to address in the book – how Jesus lived our Longview leadership in the practical challenges of everyday leadership.

If you could summarize the Longview approach in one rule, what would it be?

To boil it down to one rule, it would be this: be prepared to catch the wind of God.

I am convinced one of the core problems of evangelical leaders is that too often we’ve stopped trying to catch the wind of God in our sails because we’ve become fairly effective at creating our own independent power to get God’s work done.

Would we rather set out to achieve a set of sharply defined goals by revving up the engines to create the best programs, the best ministry concepts, and the best future our well-trained minds could imagine? - OR - Would we rather go wherever the wind of God might take us? While the second choice is clearly our desire, too often we live, plan, and work as if our direction is totally dependent on the power we can generate and the best course we can envision.

There is a world of difference between powerboats and sailboats. And those differences are critical benchmarks for each of us in ministry leadership. (I lay out six of them in the book.) Leaders need to be willing to turn off the power of their organization’s agenda and the best ideas that drive them. We may feel proud when powerboats of ministry are big, well built, and polished, even a small, poorly crafted, and worn sailboat will outdistance a powerboat every time—because only the sailboat is able to catch the wind of God.

About the author: At age thirty-four Roger Parrott became one of America’s youngest college presidents. Parrott is currently the president of Belhaven University, an innovative liberal arts institution recognized as the leading evangelical college in the Arts. He earned a PhD in higher education administration from the University of Maryland. Parrott serves in leadership of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, Mission America Coalition, and Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. He has advised a wide variety of ministries in the US and internationally.

The Longview by Roger Parrott, Ph.D.
David C Cook/October 2009/ISBN: 978-1-4347-6749-3/hardcover/255 pages/$16.99
http://www.davidccook.com/ – http://www.thelongview.info/

Life with God:Reading the Bible for Spiritual transformation

2010-01-02T20:36:00.002-07:00

Too often, our study of the Bible focuses on searching for specific information or some formula that will solve our pressing needs of the moment. But what if we approached the Bible differently, and instead of transforming the text to meet our needs, allowed it to transform us?

That's exactly the idea behind Life with God, Richard J. Foster's much-anticipated book on the Bible. Foster, bestselling author of Celebration of Discipline and general editor of The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible, claims that God has superintended the writing of Scripture so that it serves as the most reliable guide for Christian spiritual formation. According to Foster, the Bible is all about human life "with God." As we read Scripture, we should consider how exactly God is with us in each story and allow ourselves to be spiritually transformed. By opening our whole selves—mind, body, spirit, thoughts, behavior, and will—to the page before us, we begin to grasp all the Bible has to teach about prayer, obedience, compassion, virtue, and grace and apply it to our everyday lives to achieve a deeper relationship with God.

With a wealth of examples and simple yet crucial insights, Life with God is an indispensable guide to approaching the Bible through the lens of Christian spiritual formation, revealing that reading the Bible for interior transformation is a far different endeavor than reading the Bible for historical knowledge, literary appreciation, or religious instruction.

Approaching the Bible that God might use it to transform us, rather than insisting that it cater to our own needs and perspectives—this is exactly the idea behind Life with God, Richard J. Foster’s much-anticipated book on the Bible.

Written with Kathryn A. Helmers, Richard claims that God has so superintended the writing of Scripture that it serves as the most reliable guide for Christian spiritual formation. The Bible is all about human life “with God.” So as we read Scripture, we should consider how exactly God is with us in each story—and allow ourselves to be spiritually transformed. By opening our whole selves—mind, body, spirit; thoughts, behavior, will—to the open page before us, as Foster and Helmers show us to do, we begin to grasp all the Bible has to teach about prayer, obedience, compassion, virtue, and grace—and apply it to our everyday lives to achieve a deeper relationship with God.

The Life with God Bible

2010-01-01T22:59:00.006-07:00

Five years in the making, The Life with God Bible (formerly published as the Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible) seeks to recover the dynamics of Scripture for the spiritual transformation of the people of God: past, present, and future.

It provides a view of God’s community through history, the ups-and-downs, ins-and-outs of a with-God life. While other study Bibles serve as resources for sermon exposition, higher criticism, or personal devotion, the The Life with God Bible helps us capture the reality of living with the Trinitarian community in the ever-present kingdom of God. It recasts the Bible as the primary written resource for informing our minds and transforming our spirits in Christlikeness.

As part of making the Bible more accessible for the process of intentional formation in Christlikeness, The Life with God Bible includes:
• major essays and graphic representations highlighting 15 expressions of the With-God Life;
• essays and notes for each book of the Bible;
• 50+ character sketches giving a sense of the ways key Biblical figures lived with-God;
• an index of places various spiritual disciplines appear in the Scripture.

Sample readings from the The Life with God Bible.

The Life with God Bible Preview - Reading 13

The Notes to John
A Selection by Marva J. Dawn
John 1 - Selected Verses
"And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, 'This was he of whom I said, "He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me."') From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (1:14-17)
1:14a The Word became flesh and lived among us. Glorious mystery again: That God should become human! Imagine if a shoemaker would become a shoe! The Greek word translated "lived" more literally says "pitched his tent" or "tabernacled," which invites us to ponder all the biblical passages about God's glory descending upon the Israelites' tabernacle in the wilderness to signify his presence among them. Compare Rev. 21:3, which extends the hope that someday we will know God again as intimately, face to face, as the disciples did being with Jesus. How can we learn to live that hope more deeply now?

1:14b-17 his glory ... full of grace and truth. Three of the cords from John's webbing (see Introduction) here converge. Though the word grace occurs only in 1:14 and 16-17, this theme underlies the entire Gospel. "Glory" and "truth" both occur in many contexts; each time the words invite us to notice connections, to expand our understanding of how God's glory is revealed and of how his truth undergirds all of life, and to learn skills for recognizing untruthful glories in order to become more devoted to the only glorious truth. Reflect on how the truth of God's Word enables us to sort and judge all the other truths the world offers. How does seeing more of the fullness of God's glory form us for deeper discipleship?
"No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known." (1:18)

1:18 No one has ever seen God. The theme that the Son makes the Father known is fleshed out throughout John. As we constantly ponder each Gospel segment, what do we learn about God from what Jesus does and says, from how he treats people, from his humanity and divinity together? What difference will each insight make in how we respond to our own life situations?
"This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 'Who are you?'" (1:19)
1:19 This is the testimony. John 1-2 presents a series of short, positive interchanges with various members of Jesus' new "crew." Notice that these first disciples are on a voyage of discovery, as indicated by the escalation in experiences and by the names with which they speak of or to Jesus. John hints at this growing awareness of who Jesus is by his notation of seven days (see 1:19, 29, 35, 43, and 2:1), culminating in the first "sign" and the disciples' full belief. How has our own understanding of Jesus grown since we first met him? The awareness that people are at various stages of comprehension frees us to be agents drawing them ever towards new visions and names that lead to belief.

"He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, 'I am not the Messiah.' And they asked him, 'What then? Are you Elijah?' He said, 'I am not.' 'Are you the prophet?' He answered, 'No.'" (1:20-21)
1:20-21 I am not the Messiah. Perhaps we all sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that we're the Messiah. What can foster the sort of humility we need to let God work through us instead?
"Then they said to him, 'Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?'" (1:22)

1:22 (19, 24) Who are you? These verses give the first hint of opposition to those who testify to Jesus. How does John demonstrate the power of humility and truth-telling to free us from our fear of enemies?
"They asked him, 'Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?' John answered them, 'I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.'" (1:25-27)
1:25-27 I am not worthy. Still today people wonder what right Christians have to do what we do or say what we say if we're not big shots. What opportunities does God give us simply to point to Jesus? (See also 1:29-34.)The The Life with God Bible includes the efforts of:

General Editors - Gayle Beebe,

A Year with God

2010-01-01T22:09:00.002-07:00

A Year with God
Living Out the Spiritual Disciplines
By Richard J. Foster

'Many people are longing to find the footprint of God in their daily lives. This beautiful daily companion is comprised of 365 selections of scripture, commentary, meditations, and daily exercises to help readers see how they can bring their entire life into a life with Immanuel - a God who is with his people.

In Richard Foster′s best-selling book, Celebration of Discipline, he explored the "classic disciplines," or central spiritual practices of the Christian faith. Foster showed that it is only by and through these practices that the true path to spiritual growth can be found. In A Year with God, the spiritual disciplines are presented in such a way that does not destroy the soul but enables the reader to enter into a transforming life with God.

Through daily spiritual exercises and meditations, A Year with God explores eighteen spiritual disciplines. The inward disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study offer avenues of personal examination and change. The outward disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and service help prepare one to make the world a better place. The corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration bring one nearer to others and to God. Each discipline will be given twenty days of readings, beginning with scripture and followed by commentary, a meditation, and a spiritual exercise. Practicing these spiritual disciplines will help readers live intentionally, contributing to a more balanced spiritual life and a reformation of the inner self.'

http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061768200/A_Year_with_God/index.aspx

'A Year with God, the latest presentation from award-winning author and Renovaré founder Richard Foster, offers a daily practice designed to increase the practitioner’s personal connection with God through the exploration of the 18 spiritual disciplines previously described in Foster’s best-selling book, Celebration of Discipline, and Dallas Willard's The Spirit of the Disciplines. Drawing from The Life with God Bible (which Foster himself edited), and following in the tradition of writers such as N.T. Wright, Eugene Peterson, and Brennan Manning, A Year with God presents 365 selections of Scripture, commentary, meditations, and daily exercises from the foremost names in Christian spirituality.'

HarperOne, hardcover, 448 pages.

The Church of Facebook,

2009-12-27T00:51:00.006-07:00

How is our rapidly-changing hyperconnected culture impacting the church?

A recent Associated Press article that ran in USA Today discussed how the internet has become the hottest place to build a church. A number of congregations are creating “internet campuses” where visitors can do much more than just watch an internet stream of the local worship service.

These sites are fully interactive and come with their own pastor, live chats, 1-on-1 prayer through IM, communion, and in some cases have conducted long-distance baptisms. As the article says, “The move online is forcing Christians to re-examine their idea of church. It’s a complex discussion involving theology, tradition and cultural expectations of how Christian should worship and relate. Even developers of Internet church sites disagree over how far they should go.”

In response to the article, Jesse Rice, the author of The Church of Facebook, states, “The way we think about and experience church is shifting quickly and radically. Membership in Internet churches is exploding while mainline denominations continue to see their pews emptying fast. What’s going on here and what should be our response?” In The Church of Facebook, Rice takes a hard look at the Internet-driven trends effecting the church worldwide and invites readers to consider, through humor and well-researched information, how we can truly be “the hands and feet of Jesus” in the disembodied worlds of Facebook, Twitter, and online faith communities.

Online social networks like Facebook and MySpace are connecting people like never before. With hundreds of millions of users, they’re creating almost limitless potential to redefine our personal worlds. It’s a movement that’s changing how we form relationships, perceive others, and shape our identity. In his book, Rice takes a deeper look at the movement which, at its core, reflects our need for community. “Our longing for intimacy, connection, and a place to belong has never been a secret, but social networking offers us a new perspective on the way we engage our community,” Rice explains.
This new perspective raises new questions:

1. How do these networks impact our relationships?

2. In what ways are they shaping the way we think of ourselves?

3. And how might this phenomenon subtly reflect a God who longs to connect with each one of us?

Social networking is no fad; it has become a fact of life, especially for teens and twenty-somethings. The Church of Facebook is essential reading for parents and pastors who want to understand this trend and its impact on their children and congregations. Rice’s discussions will engage social networkers of all ages and stages who are wrestling with the very real issues of identity, meaning, purpose, and friendship within the context of virtual communities.

In the end, The Church of Facebook moves readers toward understanding God’s work in the body of Christ, the church. Rice challenges readers to consider new perspectives regarding their social networking habits and how those habits may point to deeper heart issues and, ultimately, our hunger for Jesus.

“What are we to make of the future church?” Rice asks. “How do we go about cultivating authentic community and transformative discipleship within disembodied online environments? It’s more important than ever that we understand the cultural forces pushing and pulling at the church, and how we can best engage them.”

Watch Jesse Rice’s interview with TheOoze.tv!

The Church of Facebook by Jesse Rice David C Cook/October 2009 ISBN: 978-1-4347-6534-5/192 pages/softcover/$12.99

www.davidccook.com

www.churchoffacebook.com

Accomplishing God's Will

2009-12-21T22:04:00.006-07:00

The Truths we proclaim in accomplishing God's will must line up with God's ways not the wisdom of the day or hour. This applies in the following four strategic; Fulfillment of our calling, Leadership principles must guide, Covenant with many people, Moving with the opportunity:

1. Fulfillment of our calling: If we have a calling, gifts and anointing and if we seek God about something that is within the realm of our calling the idea that we have as a result will be His perfect plan, in scope, timing, place or relationship.

Truth: If we have not sought (inquired of) the Lord diligently and truly heard from Him we will march into battle with a plan that may have worked elsewhere or seem good to us but is not God's plan for the hour or the circumstance we face. Israel at AI. Joshua 7 and 8.

2. Leadership principles must guide: We say we should use leadership principles to accomplish the call He has given but without inquiring of the Lord we will be trapped into ungodly results. Look at King Hezekiah's father Ahaz who did what seemed right according to the leadership principles of the day. 2 Chronicles.

Truth: Leadership principles must be based on the foundational truth of the Word made Rhema for the hour and tested by prayer and humbling ourselves before God until we hear the sure Word of the Lord. All that Ahaz did had to be undone by his Godly son.

3. Covenant with many people: We say we should be in relationship with all who will be helpful to our mission or calling.

Truth: If we have not sought (inquired of) the Lord diligently and truly heard from Him we will make covenant with people we should not be in covenant with. Gibeon in Joshua 9.

4. Moving with the opportunity: We think we must be willing to move or stand still as the opportunity seems right.

Truth: When Israel was in the wilderness they had the pillar of cloud by day and the fire by night. They stayed still (encamped) when it was still but were always to be dressed and ready to move as the Lord commanded at the trumpets sound. We must move or wait based on the Lord's leadership not opportunity. Paul seeking to go one way where there seemed to be opportunity and God directing Him in a vision and by His Spirit to go to Macedonia. Acts 16:6-12.

The Longview Q+A

2009-12-21T00:04:00.004-07:00

Q&A with Dr. Roger Parrott,
Author of The Longview
Part 1

"Many of today’s ministries suffer from a near-sighted vision. Too often leaders choose easy solutions over principled, long-term strategies. The results can be devastating, as ignored issues become full-blown crises, and small problems become big challenges.

The Longview (David C Cook, October 2009) is a fresh approach to leadership that will transform how readers make decisions and address problems. Author Dr. Roger Parrott offers proven, practical principles drawn from scripture and his renowned career in educational leadership. Parrott issues readers a timely challenge: Defy the trends of short-sighted goal-making for quick returns by learning to lead for long-term significance.

Do we have a leadership void today?

The problem is not that we don’t have great leaders, in fact, we’ve probably never had more educationally well prepared leaders than we have today. The problem is that leaders are caught in an ever tightening vice grip of unrealistic expectations that pressure them into valuing turn-around over transformation. Today’s leaders are expected to find simple solutions to complex problems, and because these quick-fixes only hold for a short time, leaders from presidents to pastors disappoint those they are leading.

I believe this pattern started in American culture in the 1980s with the quest to get rich quick from junk bonds and buy outs, through the dot.coms in the 1990s, and the explosion of “want it now” credit card debt and built into the real-estate frenzy created by leveraged speculators in the past decide. So leaders have been reared, tutored, and equipped to operate in a world that prizes immediate results over lasting significance.

For three decades skyrocketing incentives have been the norm for all manner of short-term producers—from stockbrokers to college coaches—as leaders at every level have indoctrinated us to believe immediate gains trump long-term consequences. This nearsightedness is eroding the foundational underpinnings of organizational quality and severely handicapping the effectiveness of leaders who are robbing the future to pay for today.

How did the Church become caught up on a short view approach and what are the consequences?

As we often do in the Church, we’ve followed the pattern of the world – in this case, the best of business and organizational teaching – but in mimicking the leadership patters of business and politics, we’ve strayed from the Longview leadership model given to us by Jesus. Because this short view corporate culture has so permeated the church today, we in ministry have loosened our grip on the biblical model for leadership. We have grown to expect and even demand an ever-increasing cycle of measureable and immediate results from our leaders.

Our theology and our ministry passion draw us to talk about Longview outcomes as our heart’s desire, but we have been duped into fostering a generation of leaders, board members, employees, and constituencies who value short-term gain over Longview significance. Ministry leaders believe it and act accordingly—hiring and rewarding people who can promote Band-Aid fixes as monumental solutions, creating plans that promise the moon and always come up short, raising funds from unrealistically compressed donor relationships, and touting those results that can most easily be measured and applauded.

Why do you believe rising leaders are the generation who will value a Longview approach to leadership?

For three reasons I’m convinced this new generation of leaders are ready to embrace Longview leadership:

1. They know the short view doesn’t work. This is likely to be the first generation that has not had a quality of life better than their parents. And they know the reason is we are not dealing with Longview solutions in the macro problems of health care, terrorism, energy, and the economy. And they will be the ones to pay the price for patchwork fixes.

2. They are connected to huge networks of real people through social networking, and listen to them rather than public relations messages – and they know from their peers that sugarcoating a problem doesn’t make it go away.

3. This new generation of leaders is much more focused on mission significance and problem solving than on organizational stature and position climbing. They want to make a difference in the world, and they are willing to dig into problems to find lasting solutions.

The challenge for younger leaders is that they have never been given the tools to lead in a Longview pattern. So the book is not just a call to Longview leadership, but mostly is deals with the everyday nitty-gritty issues of leadership from a Longview perspective."

About the author: At age thirty-four Roger Parrott became one of America’s youngest college presidents. Parrott is currently the president of Belhaven University, an innovative liberal arts institution recognized as the leading evangelical college in the Arts. He earned a PhD in higher education administration from the University of Maryland. Parrott serves in leadership of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, Mission America Coalition, and Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. He has advised a wide variety of ministries in the US and internationally.

The Longview by Roger Parrott, Ph.D.
David C Cook/October 2009/ISBN: 978-1-4347-6749-3/hardcover/255 pages/$16.99
www.davidccook.com – www.thelongview.info

The Longview: Lasting Strategies for Rising Leaders

2009-12-17T18:15:00.004-07:00

What follows is a series of materials on:
The Longview: Lasting Strategies for Rising Leaders

Below is a PR plug from the publisher with other materials to follow.
"Author Roger Parrott explains why leaders need measure lasting outcomes as well as immediate results

We live in a quick-fix, immediate-impact, short-view world. But we serve a longview God.

We need to return to a biblical model of leadership that values transformation over turnaround and measures eternal outcomes as well as immediate effectiveness. In his book, The Longview, Dr. Roger Parrott offers a guide to a leadership lifestyle of lasting significance that will revolutionize the way you lead, and provide you practical tools to lead for the longview.

Chapters of the book present hard hitting revolutionary leadership thinking, such as:

· Planning Will Drain the Life from Your Ministry
· Deflate Your Ego to Expand Your Influence
· Preempting the Stickiest Challenge of Long-Term Leadership
· Shepherding a Vision Without Scaring Away the Flock
· Lead As If You’ll Be There Forever

For three decades our culture has increasingly valued short-term producers-from stockbrokers to college coaches-as leaders at every level have indoctrinated us to believe immediate gains trump long-term consequences. And the Church has been swept up into this same leadership pattern, hiring and rewarding people who promote Band-Aid fixes as monumental solutions, creating plans that promise the moon and always come up short, raising funds from unrealistically compressed donor relationships, and touting to boards and constituencies those results that can most easily be measured and applauded.

From health care and the global financial crisis, to the needs of a businesses, local churches, or community based ministries, Dr. Parrott calls leaders to tackle the foundational eroding of leadership. Christian leaders in the marketplace and in ministry need to courageously break the short-view pattern leadership that has kept us on a course of disappointing results and blocks us from capturing God’s best."

The Longview by Roger Parrott, Ph.D.
David C Cook/October 2009/ISBN: 978-1-4347-6749-3/hardcover/255 pages/$16.99
www.davidccook.com
Visit www.thelongview.info to listen to an interview with the author.

My Concluding Comments on Anatomy of Miracle

2009-12-07T22:33:00.005-07:00

My Concluding Comments on Anatomy of Miracle

This series on interactions had been and continues to be about the book Anatomy of a Miracle, by James B. Richards

In my last response I said the following: “It is oblivious to me that you are a very intelligent and gifted person, I cannot argue you into altering your teaching nor should I as you and I both must answer to God alone. I would however recommend that you research the concepts you teach from the point of view of the new age teachers I have mentioned and listed resources quoted on my equippers tool box blog http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.com review of your material on this subject.

I believe this will protect you and enlighten you as to how these concepts are used by those who do not hold Jesus to be the Messiah use and teach these concepts. The end result is that you would be able to avoid communicating in a way that would hinder your stated goals to me and others. One of the great risk you take when you teach these ideas to those who know nothing about the new age or Gnostic teaching is that they become open to the ideas and may fall prey to New Age teaching that uses the same terminology. Not everyone is as well educated and intelligent as you are or able to discern between what you say your intent is and your content is and a new age writer/teacher who's intent is different and points away from Christ not toward him.”

My additional concern is that when you use quotes from Chinese Philosophers and non-biblical sources without pointing out that the Biblical material is on a different level of truth your non-Christian reader may assume that they are equal and that they have no need of Christ or the that the Bible does require them to come to Christ alone for real Spiritual truth.

The above are Just a few suggestions for you as a writer and teacher to make clear the differences between what you and the New Age teach proclaim.

These are my concluding remarks. I still strongly believe what I have said about these teachings based on personal experience and study, I would prefer to agree to disagree and leave the matter at that for now as I do not see us coming to any type of theological agreement concerning your Anatomy of a Miracle teachings.

I might also add that success in ministry at one point or over a period of time does not mean that everything we believe to be Biblical enlightenment is. This includes methodology as well as content. We must guard our hearts and those we teach from those things that take others away from the truth of God’s Word, even in an attempt to bring them in in a unique way...

Sincerely Equipper