LITMIR.BIZ

When someone claims they have a message from God, how do you decide whether to believe them? This question has been with people of faith at least since Abraham heard someone-God, as it turned out-telling him to leave home and go to a place he would be shown. Other people have left their homes thinking God was guiding them, and have ended up with nothing but trouble. And what about books? When someone claims a book is inspired by God how do you determine whether they are right or wrong? Very often they will be telling you that your eternal destination depends on believing what they say, and yet others will say that their book is right. Is it possible to know? Interpretations of those books can be equally difficult to judge. People with special interpretations of scripture often claim just as much authority as those who claim to be prophets. If you reject their interpretation, you are rejecting God himself. How do you make a wise decision? Writer and Bible teacher Henry Neufeld wrestles with these questions in these pages. You may not like some of the answers, but you will be challenged as he calls us each to focus first on the conversation with God and then to each be responsible for learning God's will for our individual lives.

Подробнее

Much of the text in the Bible is in the form of stories. From Old Testament tales of the patriarchs to the parables of Jesus, the reader is confronted with a variety of narratives. Even in those places where Bible writers are making and explaining statements of fact, there is a story in the background. What do these stories mean? Bible teacher, writer, and publisher Henry Neufeld thinks that's the wrong question to ask. (Yes, there are bad questions ) We spend a great deal of time trying to reduce Bible stories to a series of statements of fact, sucking the life out of them in the process. We don't understand one of the parables of Jesus better when we've come up with a moral for the story. In fact, we've lost some of the meaning. Instead, Henry suggests learning to think more in the form of stories. In fact, he even asks us to consider looking at the stories behind the various statements of fact in the Bible, finding similarities in our own stories, and even weaving new stories from our imaginations. This, he teaches, is the best way to learn to make scripture come alive and to live it. This collection of short stories is not presented primarily as stories to read, but as a challenge to put your imagination to work as you study the Bible-to write your own stories. When you've let your imagination break the bounds of your life the Holy Spirit can then show you how to live new stories in your own life and in your relationships with family, friends, church, and the entire world. This book includes 25 short stories. All but two of these stories were originally published on the Jevlir Caravansary fiction blog. Two new stories, «The Magic Sword» and «The Juror's Oath» were written just for this collection. Scripture references and thought questions have been provided for each story to help small groups use them in discussions. Come join the story.

Подробнее

Along Bible Paths: Summer Devotions grew out of the daily devotional e-mail list that Jody Neufeld began in 1999 to encourage others to begin their day with the Lord. Many continue to enjoy these thoughts in their e-mail every weekday morning, or via the Jody's Devotionals blog. This book is a collection organized for the summer. We hope many more will enjoy these in printed form.

Подробнее

What does it mean to believe that God is the creator? Are you required to dismiss the findings of modern science and the theory of evolution? While Christians share a belief in “God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth,” they do not all agree on just when and how God created. Many are unaware of the many different views on origins that are held by Christians and on the theological implications of those beliefs. This book discusses the basic Christian beliefs on the origins of the universe and of life, but then moves forward to provide some pointers toward a more robust doctrine. It is very difficult to be truly neutral, and the author does not attempt to do so. Rather, he attempts to speak in such a way as to foster further discussion. Key topics include biblical interpretation, the relationship of written revelation and study of the created world, the fall, sin, and redemption, including the glorious purpose God has for all creation. It is suitable as an introduction to the issues involved in this debate.

Подробнее