Ephesians, The Church Confronts the Powers of Darkness

"Power and Magic is one of those few books which literally cannot be ignored by any serious bible student. In fact, it makes the classical commentaries on Ephesians that I am familiar with virtually obsolete.
Clinton Arnold has done us all a great favor by throwing vital new light on our understanding of what really motivated the Apostle Paul to write one of his most important epistles."
Peter Wagner, Fuller Theological Seminary

"This scholarly book is a valuable contribution to understanding the spiritual world we live in. Clinton Arnold helps us to understand Paul's message to the early church and consequently to the church at the end of twentieth century."
Neil Anderson, Freedom in Christ Ministries

"Power and Magic is one of the most helpful biblical teachings available on the subject. I know it will be helpful to any reader."
John Wimber, Association of Vineyard Churches

"I consider Power and Magic to be one of the most valuable books in my library. Arnold's research into the world view held by the inhabitants of the Greco-Roman world focusing on spiritual power is outstanding. I continually recommend this book to pastors, missionaries, seminary professors, students, and thoughtful Christians in all my seminars worldwide on spiritual warfare." Ed Murphy

"I have found this book extremely enlightening and consistently biblical. Reading it is a definite must for those who wish to understand the biblical world view."
Ed Silvoso, President, Harvest Evangelism

Simple Church Books

Today's Featured Ministry site is Simplechurchbooks.com. This site is a great resourse for House churches, Simple churches, and Organic churches which are springing up across the nation and the world.

Simplechurchbooks.com was birthed out of a desire to equip and foster House churches, Simple churches, and Organic churches across America and abroad.

Towards this end, we are endeavoring to offer the best resources available on this emerging expression of the Body of Christ.

http://simplechurchbooks.com/Default.aspx

The Journey from Success to Significance

I would like to recommend this small book and this quote from Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/140410111X/104-1431762-5275119?v=glance&n=283155

Best-selling author and nationally renowned motivational speaker John Maxwell looks beyond a worldly view of what matters to find a deeper call and a greater purpose in life. Stripping away the myths of success touted by our culture, he boldly and confidently asserts that true significance is only found by living in relationship with God and by using one's energy and influence to pass along God's love to others. Written in Maxwell's straightforward style punctuated with engaging stories and anecdotes, The Journey from Success to Significance is right on target.

Living Your Strengths Book

Living Your Strengths Book
I believe a part of being wise in leadership is undrstanding who you are and how you function. Below is one on the unique tools available today to measure the way you function. Although no single test or experience can tell who you are or were creted to be. I have found these test to affirm who I am and how I function. I have included my test results for this test so you have an example . This book and test might be a helpful and fun tool to use in your life and with your team, as well. For an example o the test results go to http:/equippersresume.blogspot.com

The following reviw or promo is from the Gallup web site.
American churches are experiencing a power shortage, declare the authors of Living Your Strengths. "People aren't harnessing the power of their innate gifts."
Does their message sound familiar? Have you felt disconnected from your church lately? Are you not attending as much?
Or maybe you're a passionate member who wants to become even more involved, and would also like to inspire others.
Whatever the case, more than half of churchgoers report that they don't get to do what they do best in their congregations. And this is driving people away.
But it doesn't have to be this way. Living Your Strengths shows all members how to use their innate gifts to enrich their congregations -- right now. It teaches you to identify and affirm your talents, and how to use them for growth and service.
"This book is a careful and faith-informed roadmap to discovering our Signature Themes of talent and unleashing the God-given potential within each of us."
-- Lovett H. Weems Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., and author of Take the Next Step: Leading Lasting Change in the Church
This article is seen in it's whole at http://faith.gallup.com/content/?CI=18268

Revolution by George Barna

I am including the material below from the Barna site and a link to another preview that I have posted @ http://equippersedge.blogspot.com

Revolution By George Barna

There is a new breed of Christ-follower in America today. These are people who are more interested in being the Church than in going to church. They are more eager to produce fruit for the kingdom of God than to become comfortable in the Christian subculture. They are focused on the seven spiritual passions that facilitate their growth as genuine people of God and citizens of the kingdom. These people are Revolutionaries. In this courageous new book from bestselling author and renowned researcher George Barna, you will read the results of his studies that have discovered and described a growing national population of more than 20 million adults who are committed to living their faith and making God the top priority in their life. Some are doing so through the ministries of a local church, but many are not.
The emphasis is upon allowing God to transform them in every aspect of their life. This groundswell of spiritual passion and intensity is likely to amount to a Third Great Awakening in the United States, but with a very different look, feel and outcome than previous religious upheavals. In many ways, this new move back to God is designed to return the American Church to its roots – its first-century roots, as depicted in Acts 2.

Topics addressed in this book include:
1. The call to the Church
2. The seven passions of Revolutionaries
3. The current state of the local church
4. Confusion over Church and church
5. Significant cultural trends
6. The emerging spiritual landscape
7. Evidence of God through spiritual min-movements
8. Transformation in today’s world
9. Alternative forms of “doing church”
10. Jesus the Revolutionary
11. The motivations and behaviors of Revolutionaries
12. The impact of the Revolution
13. Characteristics of Revolutionaries
14. Common criticisms of Revolutionaries
15. Affirmations of a Revolutionary
16. How local churches can respond to the Revolution

If you think you are a Revolutionary Christian, this book will encourage you. If you are interested in the future of the Church – and the local church – this book will inform you. If you are a leader in a local church, this book will challenge you. If you are searching for your place in the kingdom of God, this book will guide you.

The Revolution is here. The American Church will never be the same. http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=Resource&ResourceID=196

The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence

"The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence"by James W. Goll

Your heart has been created for the Presence of God, and it is not complete without His Presence living within. Nay-sayers try to convince you that His Presence is elusive and subjective, but their voice is silenced by the desire yearning from within for a union with your Lord and Creator.
As a credible response for those who want to fill that inner void with His perfect union, The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence was written. Author James Goll's own journey into His Presence has brought him face-to-face with angels and the Lord. Jim has heard His voice and has moved in His Presence for many years, carefully recording what he now shares with you. Joyfully, you will discover how the Lord covets union with you as much as you seek His Presence.

You will also:
· Discover the delight of quiet meditation.
· Learn to wait and to watch with your Lord.
· Experience the joy of contemplative prayer.
· Understand the fire of His love.
· Learn about the journeys of others who have sought and found the sweetness of His Presence.
The wisdom contained in this book will give you moment-by-moment confidence and hope as you journey toward the joy and pleasure of His Presence.
James Goll www.jamesgoll.com

Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God by His Spirit Today

The following books are helpful in understanding the history of Revival and Charismatic Movements.

Read related articles at http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.com

1. 2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity by Eddie L. Hyatt
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."
http://www.strangdirect.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16489&cat=0&page=1


2. Dynamics of Spiritual Life By Richard F. Lovelace

Richard Lovelace gives a history of spiritual renewals in light of biblical models. Isolating the elements of live orthodoxy, he proposes a comprehensive approach to renewal. Lovelace looks at such practical issues as renewal of the local congregation, the ways revivals go wrong, the evangelical thrust toward church unity, and Christian approaches to the arts and to social concern.
http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=626


3. Revival by Winkie Pratney
Revival: Principles to Change the World is a reprint of the 1984 classic.
The book uses stories from previous visitations of the Holy Spirit to illustrate fundamental spiritual laws that can change a generation.
The book contains biographical sketches of most great revivalists. Luther, Calvin, Wesley, Edwards, Finney, and Moody are just a few of the important personalities featured in the book.
Historical material from the world's greatest revivals is also included. With a captivating literary style, Pratney takes the reader from the Reformation to the Jesus Movement, detailing timeless principles that both brought and maintained revival. His extensive research uncovers vital truths that make the lessons of the past relevant to today's men and women on a quest for a fresh visitation of God. This book is a must for every student of revival history and those who hunger for revival in their generation. http://www.azusastreet.org/bookstorepratney.htm

4. Rivers of Revival bt Neil T. Anderson and Elmer Towns

Rivers of Revival answers the question many Christians are asking: "What will it take to see revival?" What will it take for a spiritual revival to sweep the nation? Anderson explains how believers must first experience an individual revival before widespread renewal can happen. Only then, says Towns, can a "Power Encounter," "Prayer Evangelism," and five other forms of outreach bring souls streaming to God. You can make the river rise---starting now!
http://www.inspiredchristian.org/were_reading.html

Tools for Your Spiritual Journey

There is a deep passion to grow in Christ and come into a deep and passionate relationship with our Lord and Savior. Often church is not as healthy a place as we would have it to be because it has become a matter of religion and form and not a relationship with our God and creator. The books below will stir you up and provide biblical wisdom for developing a strong walk and fellowship with Him who has set us free and desires that we become one with Him!

The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence by James W. Goll
Published by Destiny Image

"The presence of God is meant to be more than just an occasional event during Sunday morning Worship---you are meant to live in God's presence! In The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence, James W. Goll uncovers ancient and nearly forgotten keys to deeper intimacy with Christ Jesus while revealing the ease of working with Christ instead of for Him."
http://www.destinyimage.com/destiny-image-show-isbn.php?sku=0768423228



Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland

"In Invitation to a Journey, Mulholland helps Christians new and old to understand that we become like Christ gradually, not instantly. Not every personality is suited to an early morning quiet time, so Mulholland frees different personality types to express their piety differently. He reviews the classical spiritual disciplines and demonstrates the importance of undertaking our spiritual journey with (and for the sake of) others."

http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=1386


Drawing Near
A Life of Intimacy with God
By John Bevere Published by Thomas Nelson.
"In Drawing Near, John Bevere invites readers to explore a life of intimacy with God. Emphasizing the need for obedience, he urges us to practice-just as we would practice anything we hope to improve-our communication with the Holy Spirit. Understanding that prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue, Bevere encourages us to listen at the Father's feet. Study questions in each chapter offer opportunity for reflection, and a "How to draw near to God" section offers practical steps toward developing true intimacy with Him."
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=0785261168#

Enjoying God by S. J. Hill Published by Relevant Books
"Enjoying God will challenge and encourage you to pursue a passionate, intimate relationship with God. The book exposes misunderstandings that can damage and jeopardize your faith, and it uncovers a biblical understanding of God as Father. Enjoying God will move you from duty to delight in your relationship with Christ. "
http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.com/ On the lower right hand side.





The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
published by Harper Collins

"Dallas Willard, one of today's most brilliant Christian thinkers and author of The Divine Conspiracy (Christianity Today's 1999 Book of the Year), presents a way of living that enables ordinary men and women to enjoy the fruit of the Christian life. He reveals how the key to self-transformation resides in the practice of the spiritual disciplines, and how their practice affirms human life to the fullest. The Spirit of the Disciplines is for everyone who strives to be a disciple of Jesus in thought and action as well as intention." http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.com/ on the lower right hand side.


Contemplative Bible Reading Experiencing God Through Scripture by Richard Peace published by Navpress

"Contemplative Bible reading (or lectio divina, as it is often called) is an ancient method of approaching Scripture. Consisting of four parts, this method begins with the selected biblical passage and moves to meditating, praying, and contemplating what God is revealing through His Word."

http://www.navpress.com/Store/Product/1576831086.html




Spiritual Journaling
Recording Your Journey Toward God
by Richard Peace published by NavPress
" In Spiritual Journaling, you will learn to recognize the progression from who you have been to who you are meant to become. By taking time to go back and understand the critical elements of your life—the events, relationships, patterns, and experiences that shape you—you will gradually find yourself viewing the future through the lens of conformity to the way of Jesus. "
http://www.navpress.com/Store/Product/1576831094.html



Meditative Prayer
Entering God'presence's byby Richard Peace
published by NavPress
" In Meditative Prayer, you'll discover ways of prayer that make use of your mind and imagination, that address your needs as well as strengthen your spirit. By drawing from a number of different sources—Scripture, wise men and women who have gone before, and one another—this study guide will enable your soul to drink deeply from the inexhaustible well of prayer. (Though you can use this guide for a personal journey of prayer, it is ideally suited for exploration with a small group of like-minded friends.) "
http://www.navpress.com/Store/Product/0891099018.html

BibleWorks Software

I remember the joy and excitement I felt as Dr. Gary McGee taught my New Testament Greek class at Central Bible College thirty-two years ago. I also remember him reminding us to keep using what we had learned so that we could remain ‘good students of God’s Word’ and that we might be able to help others understand the joy of discovering the beauty of wisdom and life God’s Word held for all who loved God.
Over the years as I have studied, preached and taught God's Word I have rediscovered the joy, the richness and the flavor which I first began to experience in that Greek class, were renewed each time I explored the depth of meaning of God’s Word which is found in the original languages.

Today the BibleWorks software has almost completely replaced the three book shelves of Greek and Hebrew books in my library. It’s easy to use interface and powerful search abilities turn what used to be an all day study into a morning of study. I have been able to reduce research and study times from 8-9 hours to 2-3 hours. The time saved has allowed me more time to bathe my study in prayer and to enjoy a more fruitful time of contemplation, and meditation upon the subject being researched.

You cannot find a more powerful, valuable or easy to use software by which you may bring others deeper into the flavor and depth of God’s Word. If you want a more in depth understanding of this software please click on the link that follows. http://www.bibleworks.com/bwintro.html Where you will find:

[What is BibleWorks?]
An overview of BibleWorks
[Video introduction]
A video introduction to BibleWorks
[What's new in version 7?]
Screenshots and brief descriptions of the new features and resources in BibleWorks 7
[Full contents of BibleWorks 7]
Full contents of the BibleWorks 7 package
[Modules]
Separate database modules that can be purchased and added to your BibleWorks installation **[Reviews]Reviews, letters, and feedback from BibleWorks users
[System requirements]
The minimum requirements needed to run BibleWorks

For a free color brochure describing BibleWorks 7,contact us. To download an electronic version of the brochure, click here (requires the free Acrobat Reader).

The Equippers Tool Box Coming Soon

Pre-launch Development Underway! Comeback December 7th for the Fountain Head