Visar resultat för..."Authentic Lifestyle"

Something happened to Jesus' followers after they had met him. They started to become like him, striding into the miraculous, doing what Jesus was doing. They started to live an adventurous life of faith.But can we really have the same faith today? The Bible not only says we should, but it also tells us this is God's expectation and goal for us - it's our destiny. Through sometimes crazy yet always colourful anecdotes, seasoned with Bible references, Richard Porter shows us how an awesome adventure of grace, love, hope and faith is available to us all.If your Christian life seems a little too safe, then why not step out in faith and start living a more adventure-driven life! The Adventure-Driven Life will help you:*See how God longs to work through you to show his presence to others*Step out in faith as you hear God's voice*Understand how the dynamic faith of the disciples is available today*Reclaim your understanding of God as truly awesome*Become expectant to see God move in your life*Have a more passionate and exciting walk with GodThrough biblical teaching and personal stories, The Adventure-Driven Life will stir your faith and encourage you to live a more adventurous life as you follow Jesus more closely.

Leadership in the church really matters, but sadly it is often undermined by toxic leaders hitting the headlines. Yet often the most spiritual people in the church do not make strong leaders. So how can we square the circle? Stirrers and Saints offers a timely appeal for Christians of all personality types to answer God's call to be leaders in the church, stirring things up and providing 'saintly' leadership. By exploring spiritual formation practices, studying biblical leaders, and providing practices to help us become leaders, Brian Harris provides practical resources to raise godly leaders who can lead well. Debunking the myth that only 'charismatic' personalities make good leaders, Stirrers and Saints empowers godly people to step into their leadership calling, whatever their leadership style, and lead well from a place of spiritual maturity. Stirrers and Saints will help:*Leaders become more effective and spiritually mature*Provide training resources for ministry teams*Develop and nurture new leaders *Encourage people to step into leadership roles*Create and sustain healthy churchesFull of practical and biblical insight, Stirrers and Saints provides a valuable resource to help churches develop and sustain healthy leadership teams that can lead well both theologically and pastorally.

Withbeautiful illustrations and a rhyme on every page, Bible Storiesintroduces favourite stories from the Bible to very young children.Children and adults will love reading, hearingand learning about the Bible through engaging rhyming stories and bright andlively illustrations. With its own carry handle, very young children can even takeit wherever they go! Bible Stories is an ideal first picture Bible for children aged 4 andunder, and is a lovely gift idea for a Christening, Baptism, Dedicationor baby shower. Bible Stories:* Is the perfect introduction to well-known Bible stories fortoddlers* Has bright illustrations and engaging text that will delightyoung children* Includes a carry handle * Makes a perfect gift for any special occasion* Is ideal for children from 0 to 4 years old

Is there meaning to life? Is history just random? Where does my life fit in? These are topical questions in any age, but particularly so in our postmodern era. Vaughan Roberts addresses these questions and others by examining what the Bible presents as the "turning points" in history, from creation to the end of time.This does not read like a normal history book. It does something far more important, to help you see history as God does, so that you might fit in with His plans for the world.

George Verwer doesn't pull any punches in his heart's cry for a 'grace-awakened' approach to mission. Cutting through superficial spirituality, he has managed to write a remarkable book that is both humble and hard-hitting. OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE should only be read by those who are willing to accept God's grace, catch His vision and respond with action in the world of mission.

"We write this account of the Taliban with probably a unique experience and perspective on them. We have a story that intertwines our lives with theirs long before the twin towers were destroyed and the appalling attacks on America had wreaked their havoc. For much of the Western press, the Taliban were just another fundamentalist regime, renowned for their treatment of women, and their ultra-orthodoxy. They are a group now ingrained upon the visual imagination of the western world."Frog and Amy Orr-Ewing

Gideon may seem like an unlikely hero but to God he was an ideal candidate for ministry. Gideon and his crew of three hundred men with trumpets and clay pots appear surprising victors against the massive Midianite army; however for God they were another opportunity to showcase his strength and power. God takes weak people, meagre resources and unpromising strategies and turns them into something wonderful. From his first face-to-face encounter with the Angel of the Lord to his later struggles with the trappings of success, Gideon challenges us to take our stand for God, to trust his plans, to believe in his promises and to keep our focus. Written with humour and passion, this is an immensely readable and helpful book that will delight those who have discovered the joys of Jeff Lucas' writings before, as well as those who come to it fresh.

In Don't Just Sit There...Have Faith! Ron Dunn examines the origin of true, pure faith, its proper object, its motives and its means, as he tackles tough questions head on.Helping us to discover a living and working faith, this book looks at questions like: Are Christians today facing a faith crises? Why is it that not all our prayers are answered? Why are people now always healed when in faith we pray for them?Don't Just Sit There...Have Faith! will enrich your life and help you to identify counterfeit faith from the real thing.

The child of a Jewish father and a lapsed Southern Baptist mother, Lauren F. Winner chose to become an Orthodox Jew. But even as she was observing Sabbath rituals and studying Jewish law, Lauren was increasingly drawn to Christianity. Courageously leaving what she loved, she eventually converted. In Girl Meets God, this appealing woman takes us through a year in her Christian life as she attempts to reconcile both sides of her religious identity.Here readers will find a new literary voice: a spiritual seeker who is both an unconventional thinker and a devoted Christian. The twists and turns of Winner's journey make her the perfect guide to exploring true faith in today's complicated world.

A thorough and easy-to-use guide to all aspects of running a homegroup. Whether you are a homegroup leader or a church leader involved with homegroup ministry, this is for you. HOMEGROUPS: THE AUTHENTIC GUIDE is a straightforward guide which provides you with practical tips and guidelines on setting up and improving your own homegroup ministry. Throughout the book there are amusing and interesting stories to help illuminate the principles of leadership. This deals with everything from the problems of an over-amorous dog during the prayer time to how to be an effective listener.

The Christian walk is often filled with perserverance, puzzlement, and even persecution. This collection of experiences from 17 leaders will encourage readers along that narrow path. The contributors respond with honesty and vulnerability to questions such as What have you learned? and How is your relationship with God developing? Whether you are just starting out or thinking about finishing well, you will discover a rich source of guidance through this book.

Street Girls tells the inspirational story of the Meninadanca Project - a charity established to reach out to the street-girls of Belo Horizonte in Brazil. It will introduce you to the Street Girls themselves and inspire you with stories of how God has brought hope to their lives through Matt Roper and the Meninadanca team. Its personal, readable style coupled with a poignant immediacy make this a uniquely compelling and moving read.

From five years old, Abbie didn't know who she was supposed to be. To deal with her lack of identity she turned to self-harm, using it as a form of control. Eventually she began the painstaking process of stopping her behavior and discovering who she was in Christ. In her stark autobiography Abigail Robson deals with the delicate and often misunderstood issues of self harm, bulimia and anorexia. Dispelling the often held belief that 'cutting' is purely attention seeking behaviour the book offers first hand insight into the torment which many people suffer in an attempt to cope with the reality of everyday day life. Robson is disarmingly honest at times as she takes the reader through her journey through self hatred, insecurity and desire for control to forgiveness, acceptance and ultimate freedom through Christ. Abigail offers hope without trivializing the immense struggles involved in breaking free from this desperate, lonely and destructive cycle.

The Big Story retells the Bible story, giving a lively overview of what actually happens, witnessing the key events, and meeting the most important characters. It's split into five "acts" - the fathers, the exodus, the kings, the Messiah, and the church. Each of these looks at the story of humans and their relationship with God. The episodes are accompanied by short commentaries, explaining the background, providing information, helping the reader to spot key themes, and simply encouraging people to think about what is happening.

Read and colour in the story of the First Easter from the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to his return to heaven. The story of Easter is introduced at the beginning of the book for children and parents to enjoy together. Then simple phrases from the story are used for each colouring page so the child is able to engage with the story step by step.

In this compelling book, Mark Stibbe argues that God wants to use Christians to speak prophetically into the lives of unbelievers, waking them up to the fact that Jesus is alive and he knows their every thought, word and action. There are many biblical examples of God's people using prophecy in their witness to unbelievers. Jesus used prophecy in His ministry to seekers. After Pentecost, God gave the gift of prophecy to believers as one resource among many in their witness to the world. Furthermore, Christians today receive prophecies for those who don't know Christ, often with immediate and life-changing effects. This book contains many such testimonies.

Richard Welch was challenged by the tremendous needs of Albania resulting in him making a three-week visit with members of his local church. Invisible Servant describes how Richard went to live and work in Albania and the difficulties he experienced trying to become accepted by the local community. Invisible Servant will give the reader a fascinating insight into life in Albania. It will tell candidly the highs and lows of missionary life including the account of Richard's dramatic rescue by the SAS!

A radical approach to church mission and social action that asks, 'If mission is not the central purpose of the church, then what is?' David Devenish believes that the church exists as a means of taking the gospel message to every people group. He believes that the church is very much at the centre of God's purposes, and in this book presents the church, not as a static pastoral community, but as a vibrant, active body totally committed to world mission. David investigates the importance of church planting to reach the nations, looks at Church-based mission and how to make local churches missional in both thinking and practice. Set within a framework of the Kingdom of God, David demonstrates what the kingdom down to earth really implies for Church-based kingdom social action. Finally, he examines the culture and contextualisation of social action along with some of the dangers and difficulties of apostolic mission, before asking the fundamental question, Who will go?

Pete Jackson was the youngest child in a missionary family, who struggled with separation, loneliness and boarding school before emerging as a vibrant young Christian man. Through the letters he wrote home and later the journal he kept, we see Pete as a warm, godly and committed individual who, depite his youth, had a great influence on the people he came into contact with. His desire was to be a man of God and there is no doubt that this story will inspire other teenagers to become men and women of God too.

Abuse happens when someone has power over another and uses that power to hurt. Spiritual abuse occurs when an individual's spiritual life is systematically damaged by religious leaders who use their authority to control, coerce or manipulate God's people for their own purposes, while making it look as though they are God's purposes. This is the moving and powerful story of Adam Harbinson who survived spiritual abuse and learned how to truly forgive. He was a respected member of his local church, which was part of the Shepherding Movement in the late 1980's and early 1990's. However, when he suspected a deep corruption at the heart of the movement and felt it was time to move on, he discovered powerful forces at work that sought to destroy his family, his health and his livelihood. For years he walked in utter isolation through bankruptcy, breakdown and bereavement, but he found true peace true and acceptance as he encountered God's reckless love and extravagant grace.

Food is personal. It touches on issues which are personal, even intimate - your likes and dislikes, comforts and cravings, family history, home life and social life. This is a book about problems related to food. Although eating problems are very real, they're actually the symptoms of a much deeper hunger, which is usually hidden - even from those who are desperate to be free. Maxine Vorster knows about struggles with eating and appetite. This book tells her story and how she overcame those struggles. Her desire is that this book will shed light on the subject of eating disorders and leave you with a sense of hope for the future. - Book jacket.

Mark Stibbe points the reader to a story Jesus told over 2,000 years ago which demonstrates the qualities of a perfect dad. More than that the story paints the clearest picture of what Jesus thought God is really like. It provides a wonderfully accessible introduction to the Father youve been waiting for and contains many new insights into a story loved by millions and known as the parable of parables. "This is a must-read for anyone who wants a direct, honest explanation of how remarkable God who created the universe and more, loves and is interested in an exclusive, intimate, life-transforming relationship with you." - Diane Louise Jordan

Breakout is the story of one church's rediscovery of a Spirit empowered, New Testament model of church. It is an honest, inspiring testimony to the truth that the Gospel of Jesus still maintains its life-changing power and God's people still have it in them to change the world.St Andrew's Chorleywood has been at the forefront of church renewal for over three decades. In the last five years, it has seen substantial growth as the congregation has moved from drawing people to one place, to a model in which well over a thousand believers have been sent out in mission-shaped communities of up to 50 members, meeting in school halls, community centres, coffee shops and other contexts.This daring move has resulted in the raising up of over a hundred new leaders, a massive release of spiritual gifts, great vision and creativity in outreach, and major growth through evangelism.

Rob Rufus argues that grace is the extra dimension that enables Christians to live like Christ, enabling them to tap into the realm of unlimited supernatural^resources and to experience unprecedented potential for growth. Understanding God's grace fully enables us to grow and flourish, fulfilling our destiny and becoming fruitful. Rob's central tenet is that instead of trying to live^up to other people's expectations, it's a relief to discover that God loves us just the way we are. Commendations: "Rob's powerful book advances the 'Grace Revolution' already underway in the churches."Greg Haslam, Minister, Westminster Chapel, London "Rob Rufus has given us an excellent practical guide to show us that true Christian victory is simply learning to live in the grace of God a lesson that so many of us need to^hear again and again."David Devenish, International Team, NewFrontiers^www.authenticmedia.co.uk About the author: Rob was saved out of the Hare Krishna movement. He planted and led Victory Faith Centre, South Africa, for twelve years and then worked with Dudley Daniel at Coastlands Christian Centre in Adelaide, Australia which grew to over 1,000 members. In 2005 he planted a church in Hong Kong.

The amazing life story of former triad gang member Kim Goh. I put the gun to my head, closed my eyes and I pulled the trigger.' For Kim Goh, caught up in a triangle of gang culture and drugs, this was just one of many life threatening situations. A successful businessman by the age of eighteen, Kim Goh's violent pursuits and ability to con people kept him from settling in countries for long.From Thailand to Minorca, New York to Switzerland, his life became more chaotic and restless as he indulged in gambling, drugs, alcohol and sex.Climbing his way up the career ladder of a UK triad, Kim soon found that his volatile nature and anger perpetuated caused his behaviour to spiral out of control with devastating consequences.A gripping tale of a man searching for meaning, and of a God whose intervention is both dramatic and life changing. -Publisher.

Have we replaced the glory of God with our church programs. If so, is there anything we can do to get the glory of God back into our gatherings and individual lives? While we have good music, well-written songs and history to learn from, we can still miss having the presence of God in our meetings the way it was in Bible times. In this challenging and often provocative book, Jarrod Cooper deals with these important questions. Providing plenty of biblical illustrations to support his concerns, Jarrod shakes up more of our conventional thinking on the subject or worship. Can we for example only worship in the presence of the microphone, worship leader and powerpoint. What if all these were stripped away and it was just God and us? What would our worship be like then?

A must-read book equipping you to better protect your child. Day after day the media reveal the latest cases of child abuse, but do we believe these could happen in our street, our church, our home?Policing Innocence is a ground-breaking book for any adult who cares for a child - family, professionals, church leaders and workers, friends, neighbours. Protecting children is a battle, and Policing Innocence is one of the most powerful weapons available to fight that battle. It empowers you by revealing the truth about the pervasive and invisible dangers children face in their everyday lives. Policing Innocence is the best armour you have to protect them; it is never offensive, always appropriate and totally practical.Drawing on her experience as a police officer in the Paedophile Unit, mother of two, and church member, Rebecca Andrews navigates us through a challenging yet vital issue with an entertaining style full of humour and honesty. This book is one of the most important you can read; it is unique in addressing such essential issues, and its easy-to-read style ensures that you will enjoy it.Policing Innocence has been acclaimed on nationwide BBC radio, and addresses crucial subjects like the Justice System, parenting, the Internet, grooming mechanisms, female abusers, the Sex Offenders Register and critically, why so many abusers target churches. Rebecca addresses the burning 'how does it happen' questions, and with refreshing honesty she tells us how she does her job.Policing Innocence is powerful, challenging, shocking, funny, revealing, un-missable - it is a book your child needs you to read