Empfehlungen basierend auf "Pray First"

A compelling insider account by the nephew of a renowned prosperity preacher on the perils of greed and the power of the true gospel. Costi Hinn—nephew of the world-famous televangelist, Benny Hinn—had a front-row seat to the inner workings of the prosperity gospel: "In one sermon I heard growing up, my uncle taught us that if we wanted God to do something for us, we needed to do something for him." In God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel he gives a chilling account of how prosperity preachers exploit the poor and needy and what it was like to grow up in one of the world's most powerful prosperity dynasties. As Costi began to question the lifestyle he was living and look for an answer to the injustice he saw, he found himself on a journey that eventually led him to abandon the family faith in favor of the overwhelming truth about the real Jesus Christ. This is Costi's story of escape from a false teaching that has ensnared millions. And it’s a call to the church to be salt and light throughout the earth and to stand up for the truth when Jesus Christ is being falsely represented as a commodity. If you want to learn how to reach those caught in deception, or if you've been confused in the past by the insidiously blurred lines between prosperity theology and the true gospel, this book will bolster your faith and encourage your own journey toward the Truth. Spanish edition also available.

The Bible tells us that Jesus was called a lot of names by people. Many of the religious leaders of the day were jealous of his success and wanted to discredit him in the eyes of the public, so they said all sorts of crazy things about him. They whispered that he was an illegitimate child. They accused him of being demon-possessed. They denounced him to the Roman authorities as a rioter and a threat of public peace. In this five-session video Bible study (DVD/digital videos sold separately), pastor and author Rich Wilkerson, Jr. reveals how one of their nicknames for Jesus was true: “Here is a . . . friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 7:34). In the religious leaders’ minds this was one of the greatest indictments imaginable, but for Jesus it was a sign of success because it was the very definition of his mission. Today, Jesus still calls us “friends,” not because of who we are or what we have done but because of who he is. While he was on earth, he knew that people needed to feel as if they belonged before they would want to behave. Rich shows that by following his example, we can have the same clear conviction and compassion for the lost that Jesus did. When we embrace the truth that we all need Jesus equally, and when we trust him to bring transformation in people’s hearts, we will walk as Jesus walked, experiencing the glory of God in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. The Friend of Sinners Study Guide includes video discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions. Sessions include: Missed Message Weight Shift Lost and Found Comfortably Uncomfortable How to Be Great Designed for use with the Friend of Sinners Video Study (sold separately).

Many people believe in and practice praying to the Lord, but the Bible is very clear that the Lord also speaks back to us in various ways! This book goes into detail about the 7 different ways that God speaks to us as found in the Bible, and how that applies to our lives today. It reveals to us that these 7 areas are not just the different ways that God still speaks to us, but that when looked at as a whole they are a picture of what a healthy relationship with God involves. It further shows that this kind of intimate relationship is available to all believers and that this is exactly the kind of relationship that God desires to have with each of us. Throughout the book several Biblical and personal examples are used to validate each section. The reader is also given opportunities to see how God has already been talking to them in his/her own life, and then record these examples at the end of every chapter. Each person who reads this book is challenged to grow in his/her relationship with the Lord and is given many tools to help accomplish that. This is important because when a believer has an intimate relationship with the Lord they hear His voice more clearly. The Holy Spirit is then better able to guide and empower the believer to become victorious in their daily walk.

A new commentary for today's world, The Story of God Bible Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in light of the Bible's grand story. The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and laypeople alike. Each volume employs three main, easy-to-use sections designed to help readers live out God's story: LISTEN to the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it within the Bible's grand story. EXPLAIN the Story: Explores and illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical setting. LIVE the Story: Reflects on how each text can be lived today and includes contemporary stories and illustrations to aid preachers, teachers, and students.   —Acts— The question of Luke's purpose for writing this book has long been a topic of debate among Christians. Some see it as an apologetic defense against the misunderstandings of the Roman Empire. Others maintain that Luke's audience was primarily Christian, and the story of Acts offers pastoral encouragement. Still others believe that Acts was written to address theological issues facing the early church. In the end, no single purpose may be able to account for all the rich complexity that exists in Acts.   Edited by Scot McKnight and Tremper Longman III, and written by a number of top-notch theologians, The Story of God Bible Commentary series will bring relevant, balanced, and clear-minded theological insight to any biblical education or ministry.

What does living a godly life mean today? Delving into 1 Timothy, Elizabeth shares how women can deepen their Christian walk, paying special attention to¼Focus—putting God at the center of everythingHeart attitudes—bearing good fruitBehavior—glorifying GodThis Bible study makes the quest for godliness an exciting and practical journey!

Enlarged print edition now available! Writing in an accessable and anecdotal style, Tom Wright helps us to approach the rich and many-sided story of the book of Acts. Wright shows how the book builds on Luke's Gospel, laying out the continuing work and teaching of the now risen and ascended Jesus in the power of the Spirit. His writing captures the vivid way in which Luke's work draws us all into he story, while leaving the ending open and challenging, inviting Christians today to pick up and carry on the story as we in turn live our lives in the service of Jesus.Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.

In the face of false teachings about Jesus, the apostle John took a direct approach. "I heard Jesus speak," he wrote. "I saw him . . . I even touched him." Just as we would write about someone we knew and loved, John told the early believers the truth about the Savior. But he didn't let them off the hook without an examination of their lives. Pastor John MacArthur will take you through these short but impactful letters, passage by passage, so that you can better understand their message of forgiveness, how to uphold a biblical faith, and the real dangers of spiritual warfare. John was not alone in his concern about the influence of false teachers in the early church. Jude, a half-brother of Christ, also wrote to the believers. In his letter, he firmly urged all believers to fight for truth, and encouraged all followers of Jesus to stand firm in the faith. --ABOUT THE SERIES-- The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates: Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text. Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context. Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life. Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.

DIV This book examines the small library of 24 books common to all Jewish and Christian Bibles—books that preserve the efforts of diverse writers over a span of many centuries to make sense of their personal experiences and those of their people, the ancient Israelites. Professor Christine Hayes guides her readers through the complexities of this polyphonous literature that has served as a foundational pillar of Western civilization, underscoring the variety and even disparities among the voices that speak in the biblical texts. Biblical authors wrote in many contexts and responded to a sweeping range of crises and questions concerning issues that were political, economic, historical, cultural, philosophical, religious, and moral. In probing chapters devoted to each of the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, Hayes reconstructs the meanings and messages of each book and encourages a deeper appreciation of the historical and cultural settings of ancient biblical literature./div

We all admire the hero. That person who's celebrated for accomplishing big things in the face of even bigger odds. Yet heroes aren't defined by their circumstances, but by their choices. They're people who continually choose to serve others, even when no one is watching, and without expecting credit. Based on the books of Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, this study examines three unsung heroes of the Bible who can inspire us today.Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's best-selling "BE" commentary series, BE Heroic has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares small ways we can make a big impact. Because when it's all about being a servant, we all have what it takes to be a hero.

When the Hits Just Keep On Comin’ There are small hits: The car won’t start. You lose something valuable. It’s raining on your five-hundred-person outdoor event. And there are big hits: She’s diagnosed with cancer. You’re being laid off. They’re getting divorced. Regardless of magnitude, each trial causes us to ask, “Lord, do you really care?” Tony Evans bases his resounding, “Yes, He does!” on a thorough analysis of John 11. While interacting with Martha and Mary, who were reeling from news of their brother’s death, Jesus’ words and actions have much to say to us today. Before, during, or after you’re assaulted by doubt, pain, confusion, disappointment, or grief, this powerful book will help you zero in on Christ to ensure that no crisis of any kind will ever shipwreck your faith. “I Need a Miracle.” You’re in over your head. The hits just keep coming. Maybe you could handle this if you knew God cared. But right now? Well…you’re not really sure. Catastrophe, sickness, loss, and other unexpected trials and setbacks can make you doubt that God is good or wants your best. But He is good. And He does care. Tony Evans reveals this truth in a new way through an eye-opening study of John 11. As you delve into the miracle of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead, you will find a pointed message for your own life and specific circumstances. Lingering, crippling doubts, fears, and disappointments have no rightful place in your life. Look up and take heart. God really does care. More than you could begin to imagine. INSIDE LEFT FLAP “Wake up, O L ord !... Why do you ignore our suffering and oppression?” —Psalm 44: 23-24 Questioning God is nothing new. Since biblical times men and women have entertained doubts about His heart, His attentiveness, and His intentions. We demand answers to our cries of Why, God? and How long do I have to endure this? God is not put off or intimidated by your questions. He wants you to be real with Him. But He also wants to be real with you. And that means assuring you that He cares. In hard times and sickness, in fear and confusion, in pain and disappointment. It matters not what you face, but, rather, whom you choose to face. As you seek His comfort, you’ll also find His challenge. Jesus cares too much to leave you where you’re at. So the question is yours to answer: Will you believe Him for life beyond what you’ve ever experienced? Story Behind the Book As senior pastor of the 7,000-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Tony Evans knows when his flock is struggling, he knows the Truth, and he knows how to convey it in a life-changing way. This book is based on a series of messages that he originally gave in 2004 entitled, “Lord, Do You Really Care?” Combining it with another series he delivered on “The Caring Christian” in 2003, this book makes the powerful compassion of Christ applicable to any believer struggling with any crisis.