Kevin G. Harney - Böcker

Could sharing your faith be the secret to developing your spiritual maturity?For many followers of Jesus, discipleship means doing certain things to deepen our connection with Jesus Christ. But our spiritual growth checklists are often disconnected from the mission of reaching a lost world with the gospel message.Taking a holistic approach that unites evangelism and discipleship, Kevin and Sherry Harney demonstrate how God's plan for our spiritual growth is intimately connected to his mission to the world.In Organic Disciples, the couple lead ordinary followers of Jesus through seven markers of spiritual maturity, showing how simple shifts in our Bible reading, prayer, community life, giving, service, and other biblical practices can connect us with God's work of reaching people with his love. You'll learn:Why true spiritual maturity will always lead believers outward to engage the world with the good news and truth of Jesus.How to overcome the common roadblocks and false narratives that stand in the way of spiritual maturity.How to design a personal pathway of growth to be more like Jesus in character and mission. Along with the Organic Disciples book, churches and individuals can utilize a free, self-directed online tool at OrganicOutreach.com to help each person identify where they are in their growth journey.Also look for eight-session small group curriculum—Organic Disciples Study Guide (9780310139089)—to take congregations and Christians deeper on this journey.

Connect your journey of discipleship with a passion for the world to meet Jesus Christ. For many followers of Jesus, discipleship means doing certain things to deepen our connection with Jesus Christ. But our spiritual growth checklists are often disconnected from the mission of reaching a lost world with the gospel message.Taking a holistic approach that unites evangelism and discipleship, Kevin and Sherry Harney demonstrate how God's plan for our spiritual growth is intimately connected to his mission to the world.Based on the teachings and reflection of their book, Organic Disciples, Kevin and Sherry will lead you and your group through the seven markers of spiritual maturity and how these biblical practices can connect us with God's work of reaching people with his love:Bible EngagementPassionate PrayerWholehearted WorshipHumble ServiceJoyful GenerosityConsistent CommunityOrganic OutreachTrue spiritual maturity will always lead believers outward to engage the world with the good news and truth of Jesus. You'll learn how to overcome the common roadblocks and false narratives that stand in the way of spiritual maturity and how to design a personal pathway of growth to be more like Jesus in character and mission.Used together with the Organic Disciples book and the free video study and online assessment available at OrganicOutreach.com, churches and individuals can better identify where they are in their growth journey and what the next steps are in becoming more like Jesus.

Often we view prayer as an activity reserved for a certain time, in a certain place, offered in a specific way. Scripture invites us to pray continually. This exhortation is an opportunity for prayer to permeate every aspect of our lives--when we're alone or in a crowd, when it's quiet and when it's chaotic, when we feel like it and when we don't.?Organic Prayer shows us how to make continuous prayer a natural part of our lives rather than something on a spiritual checklist. It helps us encounter God in new ways as we learn to:?open our eyes to see his presence and the world around us?open our ears to hear his voice guiding us?open our hearts to experience freedom and power as we pray?and open our lives as we pray for and with others and shine the light of Jesus in our dark world?Anyone desiring a richer, more transformative prayer life will welcome this fresh take on conversing with our Creator.? Anyone hungering to share the grace and goodness of Jesus in our hurting and confused world will find practical ideas for world-changing prayer.

Knowing Our Faith in Jesus Is TrueMark wrote his account of the life and ministry of Jesus during the time that first-century Christians were facing intense persecution because of their faith. The timing is important. Mark, in penning his Gospel, was proclaiming without apology that Jesus was indeed the Messiah and the Son of God—the fulfillment of Israel's hopes who had indeed ushered in God's reign. Although things looked bleak for Christ followers, they could be sure the foundation of their faith was secure. They would receive an eternal reward if they remained faithful to their Lord.Just like Mark's readers, you need to know that your faith is built on a solid foundation. In this twelve-lesson study, you will explore the context of Mark's Gospel and examine what you can glean from what he wrote and—just as importantly—what he didn't write. This is an invitation for you to learn more about Jesus and life in his kingdom as you examine this unique Gospel from the perspectives of a first-century Christian and a twenty-first century Christian.Each study in the NIV Application Commentary series employs a three-step process to help you understand both the historical meaning of a biblical text and its relevance in modern times. The original meaning section reveals the questions and concerns the author was addressing. The past to present section then explains what significance the original audience would have found in the passage and what significance you can find in it today. Finally, the questions that accompany each section will help you apply the author's words and teachings to your own life and find meaning in them for what you are facing.

Christians in the first century lived in a world ruled by Rome. The vast size of the Roman Empire meant that it incorporated many different people groups who followed many different religions. Christians were thus often confronted with practices mandated by the local authorities where they lived that went against their faith in Jesus. But even more problematic, they were also often confronted with worldviews and systems of belief that went against their faith.This was especially true of the believers who lived in the capital city of Rome. So it was that when Paul decided to visit the city, he first sent them a letter outlining the key principles and "doctrines" of the Christian faith. Paul explained what humans are really like (sinful), what God has done to provide an escape from the consequences of humanity's sin, and what a lifestyle that goes out of a Christian worldview looks like. Today, we need to know the same! We need to have a deep understanding of what we believe so we know how to respond when faced with other beliefs that go against Christ.Each study in the NIV Application Commentary Resources series employs a three-step process to help you understand both the historical meaning of a biblical text and its relevance in modern times. The original meaning section reveals the questions and concerns the author was addressing. The past to present section then explains what significance the original audience would have found in the passage and what significance you can find in it today. Finally, the questions that accompany each section will help you specifically apply the author's words and teachings and find meaning in them for what you are facing in your life.Lessons:The Gospel of Righteousness by Faith (Romans 1–32; 3:21–26)Addicted to Sin (Romans 2:1–3:20)The Righteousness of God (Romans 3:21–4:25)Peace and Hope (Romans 5:1–21)Freedom from Sin (Romans 6:1–23)Freedom from the Law (Romans 7:1–25)Life in the Spirit (Romans 8:1–39)The Problem of Israel (Romans 9:1–10:21)Israel's Future (Romans 11:1–36)The Transformed Life (Romans 12:1–21)Love and Law (Romans 13:1–14)Life Together (Romans 14:1–16:27)

No book in the Bible has been interpreted as widely as Revelation. Many have found the visions that John depicts to be especially fertile ground for speculation and spiritualization. However, if we want to truly understand this fascinating book, we have to focus on what it meant to its original readers. In doing this, we do not deny its genre (apocalyptic), its purpose (prophecy), its methods (use of symbols), or its message for readers today. Rather, we seek the timeless truths the book relates to believers in Christ both past and present.Although many details in Revelation are debatable, the basic thrust is not. God summons us from our preoccupation with the world to recognize, in light of his ultimate plan for history, what really matters and what really does not. God first gave Revelation to a culture where people would hear the words of the book and imagine the stark and terrifying images; to be struck by the full force of the book, we must likewise use our imaginations to grasp the images of terror. Revelation is not meant for casual or "lite" reading; to genuinely hear it summons us to grapple with God's judgment on a world in rebellion against him.Each study in the NIV Application Commentary Resources series employs a three-step process to help you understand both the historical meaning of a biblical text and its relevance in modern times. The original meaning section reveals the questions and concerns the author was addressing. The past to present section then explains what significance the original audience would have found in the passage and what significance you can find in it today. Finally, the questions that accompany each section will help you specifically apply the author's words and teachings and find meaning in them for what you are facing in your life.Lessons:From God with Love (Revelation 1:1–20)Whoever Has Ears, Let Them Hear (Revelation 2:1–3:22)Catching the Vision (Revelation 4:1–5:14)Who Can Stand? (Revelation 6:1–17)Saints on Earth and in Heaven (Revelation 7:1–1:17)Last Call—Repent! (Revelation 8:2–11:19)A Battle for Souls (Revelation 12:1–14:20)Come Down, Angels (Revelation 15:1–16:21)A Need for Wisdom (Revelation 17:1–18:20)The Last Battle (Revelation 19:1–20:15)The Hope of the Saints (Revelation 21:1–27)God with Us (Revelation 22:1–21)

In many ways, John's Gospel functions as both a Gospel and a letter. As a Gospel, it tells the story of Jesus and his role as revealer of God the Father and provider of redemption to all humanity. As a letter, it encouraged first-century Christians in the life they had chosen, revealed how life in Christ was different from Judaism, and corrected false teachings (like those of the Gnostics). But fundamentally, John's Gospel narrates the life of Jesus and reveals that he was truly the Son of God.Jesus had lived in the flesh among the people. John, being one of Jesus' closest disciples, had witnessed Jesus teaching those who followed him, seen the miracles that he had performed, and was there when he was crucified and then raised from the dead. Yet in spite of all the miraculous signs, pointed teachings, and resurrection, there were still questions about Jesus' divinity. So John sought, through his own personal testimony, to reveal why Jesus was fully divine while also being fully human. John made it clear that Jesus would be filled with power from the Holy Spirit and that when Christ left the earth, he made that same power available to all his followers—both in the first century and for followers today.Each study in the NIV Application Bible Study series employs a three-step process to help you understand both the historical meaning of a biblical text and its relevance in modern times. The original meaning section reveals the questions and concerns the author was addressing. The past to present section then explains what significance the original audience would have found in the passage and what significance you can find in it today. Finally, the questions that accompany each section will help you specifically apply the author's words and teachings and find meaning in them for what you are facing in your life.Lessons:The Word Becomes Flesh (John 1:1–18)A Rabbi Meets the Teacher (John 3:1–21)A Thirsty Woman Finds Water (John 4:1–42)The Hungry Struggle with the Bread of Life (John 6:1–71)The Crowd Debates the Source of Living Water (John 7:1–52)The Blind Confront the Light of the World (John 8:12–9:41)A Family Experiences Resurrection (John 11:1–57)The Master Serves (John 13:1–38)The Son Promises the Spirit (John 14:1–31)The Vine Prepares the Branches for Fruitfulness (John 15:1–16:4)The Light Plunges into Darkness (John 18:1–19:42)The Lord of Life Returns (John 20:1–29)

In Genesis, the starting point is revelation. Especially after the Tower of Babel, it becomes evident people had forgotten who God was. The moves God made were essentially concerned with putting himself in front of the world's peoples. He covenanted with Abram and his family for them to represent him by the way they lived according to the law they embraced. This covenant is about revelation (what God wants for us), not salvation (what we get from God). Of course, in the end, revelation leads to redemption and salvation, but the order is important. Get the order wrong and religion falls prey to all kinds of temptations—self-centeredness, individualism, and false gods. Forgetfulness of God is still a problem. Today it takes a different form; instead of asking who God is, we are more likely to ask whether God is. But we are still fixed in a sometimes unhealthy way on salvation—what we can get—instead of first opening ourselves to revelation. A proper reading of Genesis reminds us of who God is and what God did. Only when we get those two things straight can we faithfully embrace what God does for us.Each Bible study in the NIV Application Commentary series is designed to help readers with the difficult but vital task of bringing an ancient message into a modern context. This is accomplished through a three-step process: (1) an original meaning section, which reveals the questions and concerns the author was addressing; (2) a past to present section, which explains what significance the original audience would have found in the passage and what significance readers can find in it today; and (3) application and reflection questions, which help readers apply the author's words and teachings to their own lives and find meaning in those words for what they are currently facing.

How to Find Your Best FitWhether you grew up going to church twice on Sundays or never set foot in a church at all, finding and sinking your roots into a church community is crucial to your spiritual well-being. Finding the right church home can be a huge challenge, and also a lot of fun.Kevin and Sherry Harney point out that, while no church is perfect, some will fit you better than others. They show what a healthy church looks like, how to handle hot issues facing churches today, and how to determine whether a church's unique worship style will inspire or distract you. Even better, the Harneys help you discover how to plug into a church and experience the joy of giving back. In the words of the authors, "Church can be one of the most joy-filled, life-giving experiences you will ever have."Practical, encouraging, and true to the Bible, this book is your road map to finding a spiritual community you can really love.

You can serve God and his people for a lifetime and do it with passion and joy. You do not have to become another casualty in the growing number of leaders who have compromised their integrity, character, and ministry because they failed to lead an examined and accountable life. The road forward is clearly marked. Leaders must make a decision to humbly and consistently examine their inner lives and identify areas of needed change and growth. Also, wise leaders commit to listen to the voices of those who will love them enough to speak the truth and point out problems and potential pitfalls. Kevin Harney writes, “The vision of this book is to assist leaders as they discover the health, wisdom, and joy of living an examined life. It is also to give practical tools for self-examination.” Sharing stories and wisdom from his years in ministry, Harney shows you how to maintain the most powerful tool in your leadership toolbox: YOU. Your heart, so you can love well. Your mind, so you can continue to learn and grow. Your ears, your eyes, your mouth … consider this your essential guide to conducting your own complete interior health exam, so you can spot and fix any problems, preserve the things that matter most, and grow as a source of vision, strength, and hope to others.

It’s easy to talk about changing your life. Here’s how to actually do it.

John's Gospel reveals the wonder of Christ as seen through the eyes of a close friend. As you study the book of John, you will develop a deeper, more personal understanding of our Savior. You will come to know his thoughts and character. You will see him in his glory . . . Marvel at his beauty . . . Be changed by his wisdom . . . And discover the riches of following him closely and knowing him well.

Nearly all churches and ministries consider themselves dedicated to evangelism, and many explicitly include outreach in their mission statements. But few are actually bearing fruit. Kevin Harney diagnoses this problem and offers guidance for multiplying the outreach impact of churches. Organic Outreach for Churches provides direction for local congregations to weave evangelism into the fabric of the church.Commitment to the Great Commission is not simply about sending money and prayers to missions or holding occasional events to reach out (although these things are good). Organic outreach happens when evangelistic vision and action become the domain of every ministry and the commitment of every person in the congregation. This will not happen accidentally. There is huge spiritual and practical resistance to such changes. But the only way evangelism will become an organic part of a church is when every leader and each member is gripped by a commitment to proclaiming the gospel.This book is a roadmap for pastors and leaders who wish to infuse evangelistic passion into every aspect of their church's life.

Fulfill One of Your Deepest LongingsEvery follower of Jesus has a sincere desire to share God's love with others. We want to tell friends and family about who Jesus is, what he means to us, and all he has done for them. Deep in our hearts we have a burning passion to pass on the good news we have received. But, where do we start? We want to share our faith, but we don't want it to feel awkward, uncomfortable, or unnatural for them or for us! Organic Outreach for Ordinary People will help you shape a personal approach to passing on the good news of Jesus in natural ways. This is not a system or a program. It's a collection of biblical practices that you can incorporate into your life starting today. You can begin right where God has placed you. You can share the love and message of Jesus in a way that fits exactly how God has wired you. In this practical and easy-to-read book, Kevin Harney offers the tools needed to reach out with God's love in organic ways. In these pages you will discover that sharing the good news of Jesus can be as natural as talking about your favorite sports team or telling a friend about a wonderful new restaurant. On the golf course, over coffee, while taking a walk - anywhere and everywhere - become a bearer of grace. Share the amazing love of God. Tell the life-changing story of Jesus. Discover ordinary ways to communicate God's love and the message of salvation - naturally.

If a person has extra time, nothing to do, and finds themself looking for ways to fill their empty days...this book is definitely not for them.No Is a Beautiful Word is designed and crafted for people whose plate is full, whose margin is thin, and whose life feels overloaded. They are looking for help, relief, and wisdom to navigate the countless options that life offers on a daily basis.This book is needed by people who:Go to bed with a "To Do" list that never seems to get totally done.Kindly say, "Yes" and secretly regret it five minutes later.Feel pain and live with guilt when they have to say, "No."Were taught that "No" is a dirty word.Believe that saying "No" is a sign of weakness.Feel trapped by unwise past commitments.Want to say "Yes" to what matters most in life but are too exhausted.Know that their life is out of balance and are seeking to fix it!It will be valuable for:Leaders who have a tough time making the hard decisions because they fear hurting someone's feelings.Executives who feel over extended and pressed to the edges of their capacity.Parents who feel overworked and under appreciated.Students who are trying to balance the intensity of school, work, and their relational world.Retired people who find themselves saying, with subtle humor but aching regret, "I am more busy now than I have ever been!"Single people who go to bed at night exhausted because the day left no margin and offered no oasis of peace.Married people who love their life but secretly dream about time to play, space to relax, and taking a nap.No Is a Beautiful Word is designed to be read briskly, chewed on thoroughly, and acted on practically. The chapters are brief by intention. They range from one paragraph (that's right, some chapters are only a few sentences long!) to four pages.The goal of this book is give people clear concepts, paint a picture of what it looks like to live out the idea, and then move on to the next thought. The vision is to help people learn to say "No" to the things that don't matter (or don't matter as much) so they can say "Yes" to the things that bring life, hope, peace, and lasting meaning.