LITMIR.BIZ

How can we respond spiritually when a pandemic hits our nation? How can our faith help us to face our fears, going beyond panic and denial, to hopeful and courageous action? The Coronavirus is changing everything in our society. It can provoke isolation and self-interested individualism. It can also inspire kindness, generosity, patience, and compassion. Facing the pandemic with God as our companion will deepen our sense of agency as well as peace and move us from self-interest and nation-first to planetary loyalty. This text provides a theological, pastoral, and spiritual pathway to help you, your family, and congregation find your way through the wilderness of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Подробнее

What are the key experiences that have defined the traditional Seventh-day Adventist approach to hermeneutics? Veteran Seventh-day Adventist theologian and philosopher Edward W. H. Vick provides a brief answer to this question in this short book, with only 64 pages of text. Tracing the way interpretation was done starting with the Millerite movement in the 1840s, and working through the influence of Ellen G. White and others, Vick suggests that the hermeneutic used was self-confirming. Each apparent problem solved resulted in further faith in the method. As a result, among traditional Adventists, hermeneutics has taken a particular shape which locks in this set of doctrines, and the doctrines, in turn, uphold the hermeneutic. This book will be especially helpful to Seventh-day Adventists who want to communicate with biblical scholars and theologians outside of their community. It will be of help to those who are not Adventists in understanding the nature and tenacity of SDA hermeneutics.

Подробнее

What is wrong with the author of Ecclesiastes? Why is there a book in the Bible that tells us that all is vanity? Who is the author? Ecclesiastes: A Participatory Study Guide is the ninth volume in the Participatory Study Series and the first that is a guide to an Old Testament book. There has been much controversy about the correct approach to interpreting Ecclesiastes. Is the author clinically depressed? Should you read the book when you're down in order to find someone who can join you in your misery? Is there anything uplifting in it? There are some who have thought the book doesn't belong in the Bible at all. Russell L. Meek takes a different approach. Through a serious study of the language and of the relationship between the text and that of other Bible writers, he discovers a much more positive message. It is still a book that can help you if you're looking at the troubles and problems of the world. But it is more than a place to find a companion in misery. In its text you can find help from someone who knows the way out, who knows how a person of faith, even if that faith is tried to the breaking point, can find enjoyment and rest in God. Its six lessons are thematic, covering issues such as the date, authorship and literary context of the book, the meaning of the key Hebrew word hebel , traditionally translated «vanity,» the theme of death in Ecclesiastes, the way the author makes use of other scriptural text and why this is important to our understanding of the book, injustice, and how we should respond to the troubles of life. It is not just a theoretical study, but always examines how this Bible book can guide us in our lives. This study guide continues the tradition of the Participatory Study Series by helping to model different techniques and approaches for Bible study. The author doesn't just tell you what the text means; he shows you how to discover this and gives you the opportunity to interact with the Bible text for yourself. It's designed for use by small groups, but it is also suitable for individual study. As is the case with each volume in this series, it includes pointers to help with your own Bible study and lists of resources to help guide you.

Подробнее

Following the outlines of the Participatory Study Method, Dr. Robert Cornwall presents a study guide to the book of Ephesians that is both usable and challenging while not skirting the difficult issues. These eight lessons take you through the letter leading from the history and background to modern application and sharing in corporate study and worship. Whether you are approaching this book as an individual, as a small group, or in a larger classroom setting, this study guide will provide you with direction, exercises, and questions for discussion and further investigation. This study guide will be useful for individual study, as a guide to key topics in Ephesians, or for small groups.

Подробнее

"In choosing simplicity, says Dr. Bruce Epperly, «we make room for God's light to flow in and through us.» "Decluttering" is a concept that is all over social media and the news these days. We have books with detailed instructions in how to declutter our houses and live more simply. Epperly takes this beyond the merely material, and teaches how to declutter our minds and spirits as well. Spiritual decluttering is more than a passing fad! In clearing the clutter of our lives, we put first things first and align ourselves with God's vision for our lives. Tis a gift to be simple and one of today's leading progressive theologians and spiritual guides shows us a pathway to experiencing the holiness of everyday life and sharing the gifts of simplicity to heal the world.

Подробнее

What’s a preacher to do with holidays? Some seem to almost preach themselves, especially those in the church calendar. Others are more secular or may seem to conflict with the church calendar. Some are even controversial and require a gentle, but firm touch of the preacher’s art. William Powell Tuck is a master preacher and in this book he demonstrates his sensitivity to the issues raised by some of the holidays and special days of the year along with his grounding in biblical studies, theology, and homiletics. You can read these sermons as essays if you want, but they are not light devotionals. They are serious efforts to grapple honestly with issues and to guide a church community in learning and growing as they celebrate their lives, their families, and their communities. For the preacher, these sermons can serve as models for how to approach these days, as well as providing insight into the various issues involved.

Подробнее

Changing pastors is a critical time in the life of a church, with opportunities for misunderstanding between the congregation and the incoming and outgoing pastors. In this short volume, Dr. Tuck draws on his experience in all phases of this transition to help pastors and congregations understand the process and learn to work together to make such change successful. He addresses the role of the interim pastor, of the church leaders, and the departing and incoming pastors. While this time of change can be a challenge, and in some churches has had negative results, this book provides a guide to the attitudes and actions that will make this an opportunity for growth, new ministry, and continuing spiritual transformation. As a volume in the Conversations in Ministry Series, edited by a committee from the Academy of Parish Clergy, it is selected by parish pastors for parish pastors, and designed for your busy schedule. If you are a pastor and are facing a change of this nature or are a leader in a congregation that is experiencing or about to experience such a transition, Beginning and Ending a Pastorate will provide you with clear, practical, scripturally based, and theologically sound advice for every step of the way. It is, as one reviewer noted, a worthy guide.

Подробнее

Christology and ethics. Is it possible for letters written in the first century to still impact people living in the 21st century? Dr. Allan Bevere, pastor and professor, husband and grandfather, believes Pauls words are not only relevant to our century but timely to the world we are currently struggling to live and influence while still being known as aliens. «The Christians in Colossae are encouraged to look heavenward, not to escape this world, but rather to put this world in heavenly context, to seek the things above is not an escape from earthly realities, but rather the things above puts earthly things in their divine context.» – Dr. Allan Bevere

Подробнее

What is a spiritual gifts? How can I know what gifts are spiritual gifts? The original edition of Identifying Your Gifts and Service was a program for whole church congregations, led by a teacher, to discover their gifts and place of service. It contained a survey, as does this book, but that is not a typical scientific survey designed to discover what kind of personality you have, what you feel like doing, or even what your talents are. The author believes that the key to identifying spiritual gifts is a process of spiritual discernment, a process that takes place in the Body of Christ, your local church congregation or group. This Small Group Edition is designed for a group of people to study together. The lectures and study materials are provided in the various chapters. With the cooperation of your pastor and church leadership, you can identify your gifts and find your place of service in your church congregation. In going through this process you will be invited to shake off some of the walls and limitations you have placed on yourself and open yourself up to the full call that God has on your life. Discovering and using your Spiritual Gifts is an adventure! Get involved!

Подробнее

Does theology have to be dry and boring in order to be serious? Not at all! The prophet Isaiah once said, “a little child will lead them.” But, what about a character from Winnie the Pooh? Can anxious, yet adventurous, Piglet help us understand our relationship with God and one another? Theology is serious business. So serious that it can’t be left solely to adults! Bruce Epperly’s imaginative conversations with Piglet explore the contours of theological reflection from the perspective of Process Theology. Process Theology is often seen as far too complicated for adults to understand and impossible to teach or preach to laypeople. In this text, an experienced pastor and professor and a beloved character from the Winnie the Pooh stories bring Process Theology to life and explore themes such as beauty, spirituality, adventure, friendship, healing, and God’s presence in our lives. In the spirit of Jesus’ parables, Piglet’s Process will inspire your imagination and creativity and invite you on a never-ending spiritual journey with a theologian, stuffed animal, and the healer from Nazareth as your companions. This is a book to read for fun and study seriously. It's theology for everyone.

Подробнее