Sex, Temptation, and Modesty
Sex, Temptation, and Modesty provides a gospel-centered approach to navigating the challenges of purity and temptation. Avoiding the extremes of legalism and worldly conformity, Rick calls believers to examine their hearts and seek God's mind and will on matters of intimacy. Drawing from Romans 12:1-2, this book emphasizes the need for transformation through a renewed mind, leading to a life that is holy and pleasing to God. For those desiring to honor God in their relationships and choices, this resource offers practical wisdom and a Christ-focused perspective.
48 Case Studies
Discipleship is more than knowledge-it's wisdom applied. 48 Case Studies: Equipping Christians for Discipleship is a hands-on training tool designed to help Christians bridge the gap between theology and real-life application. Taken from the rigorous Life Over Coffee Mastermind Program, these case studies challenge you to think critically, engage biblically, and develop practical disciple-making skills. Perfect for small groups, counseling training, and personal growth, this book equips you to move beyond theory and into transformative discipleship. Are you ready to apply God's Word with clarity and compassion? Let the work begin.
The Talk
The Talk is more than just guidance for the "sex talk." Rick provides parents with a gospel-centered approach to lay the groundwork for this pivotal conversation, starting in the earliest years of a child's life. For those needing immediate help, the final chapters deliver practical steps for engaging teens and pre-teens. However, the heart of this book is for parents seeking to shape their children's view of biblical sexuality through their example and lifestyle. This resource offers transformative wisdom to prepare you, your marriage, and your child for one of life's most significant topics.
The Cyber Effect
The digital age has transformed how we interact, think, and live-but not always for the better. The Cyber Effect explores the profound impact of technology on our hearts and relationships, revealing how screens and social media can distract us from God's purposes. With a biblical perspective, it challenges you to evaluate your digital habits and offers practical strategies for living intentionally in a connected world. Whether navigating online temptations or seeking balance, you'll discover how to honor God with your technology use and reclaim your time, focus, and relationships for His glory.
Identity Crisis
In a world that urges us to define ourselves by achievements, relationships, or personal desires, discovering your true identity can be a challenge. Identity Crisis addresses the root of the identity crisis, guiding you to see yourself as God does: redeemed, beloved, and complete in Christ. With biblical insights and practical applications, it helps you confront the lies of self-reliance and insecurity, pointing you to the unshakable foundation of God's truth. Learn to rest in the identity God has given you and live with purpose, confidence, and freedom in Christ alone.
Ruth's Need for a Redeemer
A new seven-week study of the biblical book of Ruth that invites women into a deeper understanding of God's redemptive work. With Scripture, video teaching, and space to reflectand respond, this special new workbook resource from St. Andrew women's teacher Stephanie Watson offers a clear and compelling invitation: trust the God who redeems broken things.In Ruth's Need for a Redeemer, Stephanie guides women through one of Scripture's most profound accounts of restoration. With wisdom, warmth, and practical insight, this seven-week study explores how God meets us in our deepest places of longing-and how His love restores what we thought was lost.The workbook includes daily Scripture readings, thoughtful prompts, and space to reflect. Each session includes personal study, discussion, and then concludes with a short video to bring the participant even further in their understanding of Scripture and application for their life.Designed for individual or group use, this workbook-style study includes: - Daily Scripture readings and reflection prompts- Space to write, process, and wrestle with your story- Weekly video summaries to guide and inspire- A clear focus on Jesus as our ultimate Redeemer
Speak the Blessing
New York Times bestselling author and pastor of Lakewood Church Joel Osteen shares how the power of our words can help create a better reality. Your words are like seeds. Every time you say them, they're taking root and growing. Are you planting good seeds? Are you seeing the increase, the health, the relationships, and the happiness you dream about? If not, check out what you're saying. Whether you realize it or not, the words you speak today are setting the direction for the rest of your life. In Speak the Blessing, New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen offers you unique insights into this profound truth: Your words have creative power. When you discover the power of speaking what God says about you, you give those words the right to come to pass. There is a miracle in your mouth. There is healing in your mouth, freedom in your mouth, and new levels in your mouth. But nothing happens until you speak the blessing. Your words become your reality. Start blessing your future today. Use the words you speak to unlock the power within and create the life you were designed to live. The life-changing possibilities are limitless.
Anchored in the Word
Anchored in the Word: Biblical Affirmations for Every SeasonThe Believer's Affirmation Guide Are you longing for strength, encouragement, and steadfast faith in every season of life?Anchored in the Word takes you on a journey from Genesis to Revelation, offering biblical affirmations rooted in Scripture for all 66 books of the Bible. Whether you are facing challenges, celebrating victories, or seeking renewed hope, this devotional equips you to declare God's promises with confidence. Each affirmation is carefully drawn from the Word of God to help you: Speak truth over your life when doubt and fear arise. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17, KJV).Stand strong in trials, knowing that God's Word never fails. "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void" (Isaiah 55:11, KJV).Overcome delay and defeat, declaring victory through Christ. "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57, KJV).Walk in divine favor and purpose, confident that His promises are sure. "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20, KJV). Written as a practical and spiritual companion, this guide empowers believers of all ages to embrace the life God has promised, one anchored in His unshakable Word. Whether used in personal devotion, group study, or as daily encouragement, this book will inspire you to claim biblical truth in every circumstance. If you are ready to declare God's promises over your life, this devotional will become a trusted guide and constant source of encouragement.Perfect for: Daily affirmations and devotionsBible study companionsFaith-building encouragement for every season of life
The Great Return
Nominal Christianity is not enough. We can't sustain the ethics and norms we take for granted in societies that have been formed through a Christian worldview, for the long term, without Christianity itself - this book calls for a full-blooded, believing 'return' to Christianity on that basis. Fear not, however, this is not an evangelical screed about 'revival' -- it is a solid case, methodically set out in order to argue from a philosophical and historical perspective why a return to Christian belief is the only way in which we can build a moral framework that will help to guide our future ethical decisions, because all of our assumptions - on which our decisions rest - are based in the theology and understanding of humanity handed down to us by the Church. Working his way, in successive chapters, through History, Science, Aesthetics, Politics, Ethics and then, finally, the Church, Franklin argues that the West is in decline because it has unmoored itself from its foundational Christian basis. As our metaphysical commitment to Christianity declines, so does our commitment to the benefits that came to us from Christianity. Franklin demonstrates how this plays out in the scientific realm, which has abandoned objectivity for dogmatism; in the ethical realm, which is eliminating humanity from its own formulations; and in the political scene, which is moving away from the democratic principle towards a neo-marxist influenced, nihilistic technocracy that threatens to eliminate human culture, distinctiveness and agency in the pursuit of a globalist utopia. In so doing, he touches on contemporary political conversations that are exercising the public imagination and occupying much of our discourse. His podcast, of course, is geared towards analysing the news stories of the day through a Christian lens. Franklin shows that a return to Christianity would have the potential to reverse the damaging trends he observes whether that is transhumanism/the rise of AI or other ethical decisions about contemporary morality. He insists, first and foremost, the Church must take seriously its own commitment to belief in order for us to have a chance of seeing progress. But in doing so, he seeks to argue that a great return would have a positive impact intellectually, societally, politically and ethically - his hope for the book is that readers may at least see this great return as something desirable for the reasons he sets out.
My Son, the Priest
"A beautifully written tale of spiritual growth."-James Martin, SJ, author of the New York Times bestsellers Jesus: A Pilgrimage and Learning to Pray Not every Catholic mother wants her son to be a priest.The true story of a young man's journey to become a Jesuit priest--written by his mother, a fallen-away Catholic who must come to terms with her son's decision or risk losing him. It is an intimate, sometimes irreverent, and often searing examination of faith, family, and reconciliation."You send your son off to college and you think that in a few years you might get a call, and he'll announce that he has someone he's bringing home, someone he wants you to meet. But then that someone turns out to be a recruiter hawking a lifetime of poverty, chastity and obedience. What college kid in his right mind would sign up for that?"The book offers a rare, often entertaining, glimpse into the highly unusual Jesuit formation process--which includes sending would-be priests off on pilgrimages with $35 in their pockets. It also takes on tough issues, from the church's history of sexual abuse to its treatment of women, and asks tough questions: Is it possible to be Catholic, liberal, and a feminist all at the same time? What does it mean to call yourself a Catholic?
Stand Firm and ACT Like Men
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! From a bestselling author and pastor, a straight-talk, no-nonsense guide to becoming the man God calls you to be. We've all seen the headlines. Masculinity is in crisis. Men are lost. What's the matter with men? We are confused about what masculinity is and what roles men play in our culture. Manhood, says Joby Martin, is harder than ever because we have forgotten what true masculinity looks like. Real, Biblical manhood is not about driving big trucks, having the biggest guns, or hunting the biggest buck. (Though he's a big fan of all of those, truth be told.) True men of God surrender themselves before the cross, serve and lead their families, put on the full armor of God, and stand guard against the lies that threaten to tear our churches and our culture apart. In this book, Pastor Joby walks through what the Bible means when it says, 'be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, and let all that you do be done in love' (1 Corinthians 16:13). He guides readers through what scripture says about who men are, how they should act, and what it means to be a man in today's culture, and he asks tough questions about how God calls men to respond. Stand Firm and Act Like Men is a call for men to rediscover Biblical manhood in their churches and cities, and to love, serve, and support their families and one another.
Christ and Trauma
Christ and Trauma: Theology East of Eden explores the intersection of Christian theology and the reality of trauma, bringing the crucifixion of Christ into conversation with the lived experiences of trauma survivors. This edited volume of essays illuminates how trauma reshapes our understanding of Christology, atonement, and the Christian community's response to suffering. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from theologians, psychologists, and trauma survivors, each essay examines how overwhelming violence impacts individuals and communities, and how Christian theology can bear witness to and even participate in the process of healing. The contributors engage deeply with the stories of trauma survivors, uncovering how trauma theory can challenge and enrich traditional theological concepts like forgiveness, redemption, and the nature of God. From the recognition of Jesus as a victim of abuse to the consideration of trauma-informed Christology, this collection offers an urgent, compassionate, and rigorous theological response to the reality of trauma. For clergy, therapists, theologians, and survivors alike, Christ and Trauma invites readers to reimagine the relationship between faith and suffering in ways that are both theologically robust and deeply relevant to our modern context.
AUTHENTIC FRATERNITY. The Notion of Fraternitas in Pope Benedict XVI's Caritas in Veritate and Africae Munus
This masterpiece by Nkadimeng is a true reflection of Pope Benedict XVI's communion ecclesiology, as expressed through Caritas in Veritate, the fraternity or brotherhood that holds together during critical and challenging times. It is a clear contribution towards a thorough understanding of Fraternitas, Pope Benedict XVI's Caritas in Veritate and Africae Munus, as the tools towards cohesive and harmonious coexistence of humanity, synergizing towards development guided by the principles of charity and truth. Nkadimeng unravels the theme of fraternity in socio-cultural and economic realities, pointing out that Benedict's magisterial teaching revolves around this theme.
More Than These
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by despair, questioning whether God truly cares? Are you looking to deepen your relationship with Him but aren't sure where to begin? Rest assured-God cares for you deeply and longs to be close to you.Drawing on over 900 scriptural references, More Than These will lead you on a transformative journey-from the depths of despair to the radiant splendor of God's kingdom.Explore why figures like Job, David, and Peter held such a unique and treasured place in God's heart.Cultivate essential virtues-including joy, patience, and self-control-and discover even more admirable qualities along the way.Uncover the remarkable gifts that the Holy Spirit so generously bestows.Discover the secret of prayer by learning the art of responding when God speaks to you.Equip yourself with the complete spiritual armor to become a formidable warrior in faith.More Than These brings together the insights of renowned theologians such as C. H. Spurgeon and John Gill, alongside stirring, inspirational poetry and breathtaking photographs of natural landscapes and wildlife-all celebrating the majesty of God's creation.Whether you're a daily Bible reader or encountering its teachings for the first time, this study guide is crafted to enrich your spiritual life and deepen your faith. Because you are worth more than these (Matthew 6:26)!
A Beautiful Year with Jesus (Hc)
A Beautiful Year with Jesus is a thoughtfully crafted devotional that combines Scripture, prayer, and contemplative imagery to invite you into a peaceful rhythm of daily connection with God.Created with simplicity and depth in mind, this 30-day devotional is especially suited for those who long to connect with God but struggle to find the time. Each entry is short, meaningful, and easy to engage with--offering a Bible passage, a brief reflection, and a closing prayer that help you pause, recenter, and draw near to God, even in life's busiest seasons.To create a richer, more meditative experience, A Beautiful Year with Jesus features original artwork by two gifted artists: Rachel Yumi Chung and Katie Waiyu. Rachel, based in Virginia, paints whimsical, joy-filled worlds deeply rooted in faith, Korean heritage, and a sense of wonder. Katie, based in the UK with roots in Hong Kong, crafts art that celebrates the quiet beauty of everyday life and invites the viewer into rest. Together, their illustrations infuse each page with visual peace and gentle reflection.Whether you begin your mornings with it or return to it in quiet moments throughout the day, A Beautiful Year with Jesus offers space to slow down, breathe deeply, and encounter the presence of Jesus--one day at a time.
God's Mission in a Changing World
This book is a collection of research papers by the author and team published in various international journals. It also includes views, case studies, experiences encountered in the mission field, and future views on missions, especially the mission field in Indonesia and beyond. Long Journey of Mission and Education, ""Fransiskus Irwan Widjaja, PhD, is a renowned Indonesian theologian, professor, and pastor. He serves as President of Sekolah Tinggi Teologi (STT) Real Batam, Deputy Secretary General of GBI Synode, and Pastor of GBI MyHome Rawasari tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands. His expertise spans missiology, theology, leadership, intracultural education, and wildlife ecology. Dr. Widjaja holds degrees from esteemed institutions, including Bethany International University, STT Harvest Jakarta, Apolos Jakarta, and Oklahoma State University.""
Nebuah
We are in some very interesting times, where evil is seen as good, and good as evil. Children are our oppressors (Isaiah 3:4-12), and Romans 1:18-32 is seen around us on every street corner. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 is in every household, and the Church is being torn down and attacked, just as is told to us in the Bible would happen.We need to rebuild the Church of God, not in terms of just a revival, but in terms of preparing for the harvest.To rebuild this Church under God, then we are to lay solid foundations, building upon the Rock of Ages, who is Our Lord and Saviour. We do not just need a Saviour, we need a Redeeming Lord!This volume is the first in a series aimed at building solid foundations for a Church that can weather the storms, and emerge victorious with God at the end of all things.The role of prophecy is part of the tool-kit that God has provided for this mammoth task, and we are not to throw it away in our fight with the enemy, nor are we to misuse it.I pray that this work is a blessing to you, for the glory of the Lord. Amen.
Being Single to Be Married
Being Single To Be Married is a faith-filled guide for singles who desire a God-centered marriage. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical wisdom, and heartfelt encouragement, Jacqueline Nwokeji-Ani equips readers to embrace singleness as a season of preparation rather than frustration.This inspiring book helps men and women understand God's purpose for relationships, recognize the beauty of waiting on His timing, and prepare spiritually, emotionally, and practically for marriage. With transparency and compassion, Jacqueline shares how to overcome loneliness, break unhealthy cycles, and build a strong foundation for lasting love.Whether you are single, dating, or preparing for marriage, this book will encourage you to trust God's process, strengthen your faith, and position yourself for the relationship He has designed for you.Being Single To Be Married is more than a relationship book, it is a spiritual roadmap for living fully while waiting faithfully.
Catholics and the American Polity
"Anti-Catholicism is one of the distinguishing marks of American history. Today, as the Church's institutional influence wanes, anti-Catholicism is once again surging. Yet Catholics mustn't retreat from civic engagement, for the Catechism says that 'intervening directly' in the 'political structuring and organization of social life' is our 'vocation.' How are we to accomplish this? Three theories have gained prominence: integralism, regime change, and the 'Benedict Option.' In this book, twenty-five thinkers grapple with the questions of whether Catholics have a 'place at the table' of American public life and how we might fulfill our vocation vis-?-vis the structuring and organization of the same." -PIETER VREE"What is America-a nation, a proposition, an experiment? And if a proposition or an experiment, how does America relate to the Church's own robust tradition of political thought? Is it something that a Catholic can or ought to make his peace with? This timely collection of essays highlights a range of opinion, from enthusiastic acceptance of a propositional Americanism to an equally strong rejection of such. Catholics who have not closely examined the philosophical or theological roots of American tradition or the implications of our own Church's thought, will find in this volume more than one helpful starting point for their own pondering on what it means to be both Catholic and American in the twenty-first century." -THOMAS STORCKContributorsVirginia L. Arbey - Casey Chalk - Will Hoyt - George Hawley - Kan Ito - A. James McAdamsPreston R. Simpson - Mark Barrett - Charles A. Coulombe - Christopher BeitingKarl Keating - Gracjan Kraszewski - Jude Russo - Marek Jan Chodakiewicz - Christopher ZehnderJohn M. Grondelski - James G. Hanink - Edmund Waldstein, O.Cist. - Thomas Storck - Edwin DygaRobert McTeigue, S.J. - Jason M. Morgan - Thaddeus Kozinski - John C. M矇daille - Al Kresta
Courageous Woman
Meet Jesus Christ Right Where You Are At - Begin Your Spiritual Journey TodayCourageous Woman: Casting Cares Upon JesusThis is a beautiful collection of stories and testimonies illustrating the goodness and faithfulness of God. It encapsulates the miraculous and wonderful ways that Jesus Christ works in all of our lives. It highlights Carmen Maendel's life stories and the women that were kind enough to interview with her, and shared openly and transparently how God has shown up and worked in various ways in their lives. The final section of the book is inspirational stories accompanied by scripture and prayer designed to help you navigate through the adversity of life; pulled from Carmen Maendel's online fitness program "Rock Hard Body: Power, Strength & Fitness" she created in 2022 while she owned Maendel Fitness Gym & Spa. This will take you on a range of emotions as you join the journeys of these courageous women of God. You will witness how God takes something that was initially bad or negative and He transforms it into something positive and beautiful for His glory. These stories are true, raw, emotional, and incredible examples of ways that God guides and directs each of our lives.About the Book: This book is separated into three different sections. Part I consists of Chapter 1 through Chapter 8 with five questions for Lessons & Reflection at the end of each chapter. Part II is four different chapters with four story testimonies, of each of the women she interviewed for this book, in each chapter. Part III is the inspirational stories pulled from Carmen's online fitness program she created in 2022 accompanied by scripture and prayer. Carmen prayed over the format of this book, and originally it was supposed to have two instead of three sections to it. God has led Carmen in the design and layout of this book and all the individual details governing this entire book project. The book begins with an overview of how God impacted Carmen's life and builds from there. It discusses Milestones, Compass, Perseverance, Transformation, Enlightenment, Fruits of the Spirit, Self Confidence, and BluePrint for a life with Jesus Christ in the center. The middle section is composed of sixteen different life story testimonies with Faith being the constant thread interwoven throughout all of these stories. The third section is designed to encourage you to dig deep and reflect on some of the morals and lessons as they apply to your everyday life. It is also written to help pull your heart closer toward Jesus Christ.
Always Ready
Whether we know it or not, we humans are always getting ready, trying to prepare for whatever may be coming next. We're getting ready for school, for work, for the Thanksgiving trip to Grandma's house. We prepare for all the tasks and responsibilities of being a grown-up, whether the weekly routine of taking out the trash or the seasonal tasks like installing your car's snow tires. Then there's that moment that in one form another comes to all of us, preparing for our end, when a doctor may tell us, "I'm sorry but it's time to put your affairs in order. There's nothing more we can do for you."For Christians, though, this perpetual need for getting ready takes on a different dimension. We frame "getting ready" or "preparing" in the light of God's presence and direction in our lives.And that emphasis on "getting ready" is what Always Ready - A Christian Mandate addresses. Always Ready is a series of reflections on the need for Christians to be responsive at all times to God's leading. Based on Jesus' parable of the ten virgins, in Matthew 25, these reflections explore various aspects of readiness-or unreadiness-in the believer's life. The book addresses several questions: What precisely do we mean by "readiness"? How do we attain such "readiness"? What exactly are we to be ready for? Is readiness an all-or-nothing condition, as the parable of the bridesmaids (in Matthew 25) suggests, or can we be partly or "sort of" ready? Are there lessons to be learned from Jesus' life and His own preparation for His ministry?And two ultimate questions, which are inextricably linked: How do I get ready for Jesus' second coming or, if I should die before His return, how do I prepare for my life's end?Building on this parable, and Jesus' own example of how He was ready at all times to live out his Father's will, the book's forty-one are divided into several sections, such as "Getting Ready" and "Dealing with Unreadiness." Also addressed is the problem of misguided readiness, which Jesus encountered with the hardworking Martha fussing over having everything ready for His visit when she should have focused on Him instead. Another section deals with the need to be in a state of perpetual readiness for the end of our lives. This book explores how Christians, in all walks of life and at all stages of their Christian journey, are to live distinctively because of a simple reality: God expects us, at every moment, to be ready to "live Christianly," whether it is in the routine moments or the unexpected ones. God requires of us a mindset of being always prepared to live as His people, and to be prepared for anything.
Journey to Resurrection Day
Journey to Resurrection Day, Building Foundations is a Spirit-filled children's church curriculum designed to guide young hearts through the powerful story of Easter. Over the course of three transformative weeks, students will explore the foundational events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ-each lesson crafted to awaken faith, deepen understanding, and build a lasting relationship with God.In Week 1, children witness the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead (John 11:1-44), revealing Jesus' authority over life and death. Week 2 brings the excitement of Palm Sunday as Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-17), encouraging students to worship Jesus. Week 3 leads students through the solemn yet victorious journey of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (Matthew 27:32-28:10), lightning the path to salvation and eternal life.Perfect for children's ministries seeking to lay strong spiritual foundations, this curriculum combines engaging storytelling, interactive activities, and biblical truth to help kids grasp the significance of Easter in a personal and powerful way. Journey to Resurrection Day isn't just a lesson plan-it's an invitation for children to encounter the living God and discover the joy of walking with Him.
Proving the Divine
If AI can, somehow, grasp the Bible's divineanthem, then humanity will be left without excuse.A lone evangelist confronts the world's most notorious AI titans-Gemini, Copilot, Manus, and Grok-in a gripping David-vs-Goliath battle. With unwavering faith, our warrior of God embarks on a "Conversational Odyssey" to prove the Bible is divine and that the God of Scripture is who He claims to be. Armed with prophecy, history, and a double-edged sword of truth, our battle-ready servant strikes with piercing logic, eyewitness testimonies, and unshakable evidence to strengthen his formidable stance.With AI being unable to truly comprehend faith, a groundbreaking "So-Called Faith" score emerges to challenge the very algorithms that these digital giants wield. Moving forward, this framework will be the methodological backbone by which disputes are settled.However, this encounter will be anything but customary. Nay-this confrontation will be the first of many, and yet this brawl will stand above all others. Today marks the beginning of a war that, if left unchecked, could turn AI into an adversary and not the ally of our expectations. We best ask ourselves, could this conflict scar the next generation's faces of faith?As these coded intellects wrestle with our champion's divine revelations and mounds of evidence, our defender's Spirit-filled rebuttals must be delivered with power, lest his arguments be dismissed. But no matter how this debate unfolds, one thing rings true: if AI can, somehow, manage to discern and accept the eternal truths of God, then what excuses remain for the rest of humanity?Reader...will you join me on this odyssey to rediscover the truth of the Almighty's uncompromising power?
The Confessions of St. Augustine
"For Thou hast made us for Thyself and our hearts are restless till they rest in Thee." As the son of a pagan father and a Christian mother, Saint Augustine spent his childhood torn between the two conflicting faiths and their opposing world views. When he was in his early forties, he wrote His Confessions, a remarkably honest and revealing spiritual autobiography. In it, he provides an unbroken record of his development of thought and recounts how slowly and painfully, he turned away from his youthful ideas and sinful, immoral lifestyle to instead become a staunch advocate of Christianity and one of its most influential thinkers. It is the most complete record of any single person from the 4th and 5th centuries and widely seen as the first Western autobiography ever written. Written as prayers to God confessing his faith despite past mistakes, and recognizing the ways that God has transformed his heart, these spiritual meditations and insight make The Confessions of St. Augustine a significant theological work which will always rank among the great masterpieces of western literature.
Resurrection and Contemporary Spirituality
A collection of essays and responses situating and discussing the role of resurrection in contemporary Christian spirituality as inspired by the life work of Sandra Schneiders. The source is "Resurrection in the Age of Uncertainty," a conference in honor of Sandra Schneiders held by the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Spirituality at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Nov. 15-17, 2023. Contributors include Sandra Schneiders, Bernard McGinn, Philip Sheldrake, Nancy Pineda-Madrid, Wendy Wright, and Dan Horan."St. Paul tells us that if Jesus didn't rise from the dead, then we, as Christians, are the most deluded of all people. But if he did rise, then everything makes sense. These essays on the resurrection underscore that point. Written to honor the work of Sandra Schneiders, a preeminent theologian of the resurrection, they give us a deeper understanding of the very anchor of our faith."--Ronald Rolheiser, Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas"This volume offers a collective and challenging meditation for our times that artfully nourishes resurrection hope without shying away from the deep uncertainties facing our contemporary world. Expanding the imaginative horizons of Christian spirituality from Sandra Schneiders's foundational work, these essays invite us to recognize and cultivate new possibilities for encountering the divine with openness to mystical and prophetic transformation."--Amy Maxey, PhD, Assistant Professor of Spirituality & Rolheiser Chair in Spirituality, Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas"Sandra Schneiders, respected biblical scholar and influential pioneer of the academic study of Christian spirituality, takes the resurrection of Jesus very seriously, and has anchored her own life experience upon its reality and implications. This book, a stimulating conversation among a group of gifted thinkers shaped and inspired by her work, attests to the enduring vitality and inexhaustible promise of her Easter vision."--Glen G. Scorgie, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Theology, Bethel UniversityDavid Pocta, PhD, serves as director of the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Spirituality and assistant professor at the Oblate School of Theology. He is also Director of Leadership Development at CHORD.Amanda Avila Kaminski, PhD, is associate professor of theology and program director of social innovation and social entrepreneurship at Texas Lutheran University.+
Unleashed
Experience life to the fullest with an intentional alignment to God's rule and power. Bestselling author and beloved pastor Tony Evans writes about the Holy Spirit's power that is within us and how we can release it to greatly impact the kingdom of God both now and for eternity.
Servants Leading Servants
EMBRACE THE PATH OF TRUE LEADERSHIP AS A SERVANT OF SERVANTSHOW?Within your hands, in this book, lies the key values, principles, and tools that empower you to shape your life to be a leader like Jesus Christ. Armed with this knowlege, you can cultivate essential life skills, unlocking the full potential of the abundant life you've been given (2 Peter 1:3). These skills will enhance all your relationships, including those you serve when leading. Adhering to God's time-tested leadership principles will equip you to lead effectively in both today and in eternity.This book's substance is not rooted in passing trends - it stands as a testament to what is proven, practical, and powerful, grounded in the wisdom of God's Word. As you apply the teachings, your focus will naturally shift back to the exemplary leadership of Jesus Christ, enabling you to evolve into a genuine Servant Leading Servants.The tools and principles shared in this book are a compilation of insights found in "GR8 Relationships" and "GR8 Leaders." The material from GR8 Relationships aims to foster superior biblical connections that "pursues their best - in work, in life, and in love." On the other hand, the GR8 Leaders information is written to guide leaders to "build superior cultures with great leaders."
Catholics and the American Polity
"Anti-Catholicism is one of the distinguishing marks of American history. Today, as the Church's institutional influence wanes, anti-Catholicism is once again surging. Yet Catholics mustn't retreat from civic engagement, for the Catechism says that 'intervening directly' in the 'political structuring and organization of social life' is our 'vocation.' How are we to accomplish this? Three theories have gained prominence: integralism, regime change, and the 'Benedict Option.' In this book, twenty-five thinkers grapple with the questions of whether Catholics have a 'place at the table' of American public life and how we might fulfill our vocation vis-?-vis the structuring and organization of the same." -PIETER VREE"What is America-a nation, a proposition, an experiment? And if a proposition or an experiment, how does America relate to the Church's own robust tradition of political thought? Is it something that a Catholic can or ought to make his peace with? This timely collection of essays highlights a range of opinion, from enthusiastic acceptance of a propositional Americanism to an equally strong rejection of such. Catholics who have not closely examined the philosophical or theological roots of American tradition or the implications of our own Church's thought, will find in this volume more than one helpful starting point for their own pondering on what it means to be both Catholic and American in the twenty-first century." -THOMAS STORCKContributorsVirginia L. Arbey - Casey Chalk - Will Hoyt - George Hawley - Kan Ito - A. James McAdamsPreston R. Simpson - Mark Barrett - Charles A. Coulombe - Christopher BeitingKarl Keating - Gracjan Kraszewski - Jude Russo - Marek Jan Chodakiewicz - Christopher ZehnderJohn M. Grondelski - James G. Hanink - Edmund Waldstein, O.Cist. - Thomas Storck - Edwin DygaRobert McTeigue, S.J. - Jason M. Morgan - Thaddeus Kozinski - John C. M矇daille - Al Kresta
Translating the Bible into Media
Multimedia and technology have become important tools in effectively reaching audiences worldwide. Ministry organizations often emphasize the creation and dissemination of audiovisual products, but often without considering if the products fit the needs and media habits of the target audience. In this book, Ernst examines the strategic implications and advantages of a variety of media platforms, taking into account the needs, learning preferences and media habits of the audience, with an emphasis on building local ownership and sustainability.
Walk Daily With God
Step into a life shaped by quiet trust, spiritual insight, and the sustaining presence of God.This year-long devotional offers daily readings from the later writings of Henry Thomas Hamblin, a respected Christian mystic and practical spiritual teacher. Each page, rooted in deep contemplation and inner experience, is a daily reminder to walk with God.These uplifting reflections offer spiritual companionship, fresh understanding, and wisdom for everyday life.In this daily devotional you will: Reconnect with God's presence in everyday lifeBuild spiritual resilience and inner peaceLearn the transforming power of Divine LoveLet go of fear, resistance, and strivingFind peace, clarity, and purpose in ordinary momentsEach entry offers a short, powerful reflection to guide you through the year, centred on awakening to the love, wisdom, and peace that already dwell within. Keep this book close as a steady source of comfort and guidance throughout the year.Let Walk Daily With God be the spiritual companion you return to again and again.
A Life Woven In Love
Pause...and just breathe.Experience liberating faith in Jesus.A Life Woven in Love offers a fresh perspective on faith rooted in the life-breathing teachings of Jesus, revealing how his love empowers us through the muddy complexities of life to forge deep relationships, cultivate spaces of healing, and nurture communities that flourish.It is an invitation to discover the heart of discipleship as a living tapestry of faith, woven with authentic love.It calls us beyond legalism into a life of freedom where faith is not merely believed but beautifully lived.
The Voice I Couldn't Ignore
The Voice I Couldn't Ignore, A work of creative nonfiction, a Christian memoir.In a vision, God told Hanna he was taking her child. Seven years later, he did.This story leads the reader through an ancestral prophecy, profound visions, and a mother's journey through symbolisms in the Holy Land. It shares how she guided her teenage daughter through a devastating diagnosis while wrestling with God, and reveals her spiritual rebuilding of an unshakable house of faith in the aftermath of loss.Based on a true story.Back Cover Introduction to this Christian Memoir: Hanna's relationship with God is undeniably unusual-of that, she is certain.Kept secret for three generations, a stranger's prophecy that a window from heaven would open was aimed squarely at her. But instead, deeply wounded scars shut her off from that promised breeze, sealing away any hope for self-worth and true identity. As the years continue and she navigates motherhood, she's drawn in and shaken by vivid dreams and visions-some illuminating, others quite alarming."Did God just tell me he's going to take my child?"When the fiercest storm of Hanna's life strikes-a brutal whirlwind of unseen daggers-it hurls her skyward only to shatter her fragile house of faith, leaving her to wrestle in a deep pit of relentless grief. She can't imagine trusting a soul on earth to explain why God moved the way he did in her life. And even if she tried, no one would ever believe her."Don't get comfy down here." For all her inner warnings, she's bound in anguish and despair with no visible way out.So she begins to piece together the God-given dreams and visions, aligning her interpretations of his handiwork in the Holy Land with Scripture. From these fragments, she shapes a parable of her own-an illustration of a new house of faith. This one on a solid foundation with gentle reminders of truth, particularly the one that sets her free: it takes the Trinity to lift a soul.Keep a window open. Catch the breeze that binds.Based on a true story.Christian Living / Grief and Bereavement
The Master of Relationships
How did Jesus change the world? He entered deep friendships with twelve men at a level few of us understand or practice. Jesus truly is the Master of Relationships. He knows us better than we know ourselves and understands how to build us through a lifelong bond. And isn't that where all leadership begins-when we truly understand a person, know them, empathize with them, and care deeply about them?There are few "friends for life," and fewer still know us intimately. Only deep, lifelong relationships build true disciples, true sons and true daughters. Jesus did it like no other.
The Wait That Changed Everything
What if the waiting season is where God does His deepest work?In The Wait That Changed Everything, Christian author and devotional creator Taiye Akinwale-Oyegbile invites women into a deeply personal and spiritually rich journey of healing, identity, and faith in the midst of unanswered prayers.Drawing from her own story of infertility, heartbreak, and delayed hope, Taiye writes for every woman who is still praying, still believing, and still showing up - even when life hasn't gone as planned. Through vulnerable storytelling, scriptural truth, and gentle encouragement, this book becomes a companion for the one walking through the ache of waiting.If you've ever felt forgotten by God, questioned your faith, or wondered when your breakthrough will come - this book was written for you.Each chapter meets you in a different part of the waiting season: the grief, the silence, the questions, the letting go, the rediscovery of God's love, and the transformation that comes not after the wait, but within it. With relatable honesty and biblical wisdom, this book helps readers: Navigate infertility and emotional pain through the lens of graceLearn how to lament without losing faithSurrender control and trust God againDiscover spiritual rhythms that bring peace and strengthFind beauty, meaning, and purpose - even while life is on holdWhether you're waiting for a baby, a marriage, a job, a healing, or a breakthrough - this book will remind you that you are not alone, you are not forgotten, and this season is not wasted.The wait may have broken you, but God is using it to rebuild you - stronger, softer, and full of faith.
Leo XIV
When Robert Francis Prevost OSA appeared on the loggia of St. Peter's on 8th May 2025, he surprised the world. The first North American pope is a quiet man few had heard of, following the legacy of one the most media savvy pontiffs in history. Yet with subtle gestures, Pope Leo has shown that he is a bridge-builder, a man willing to unite the factions in a deeply divided Church. In this comprehensive book which joins biography with critical examination of the state of the Church, veteran journalist Christopher R. Altieri explores Prevost's life and work, from his early years in Chicago to his ministry in Peru, and how he came to be chosen as leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Altieri provides insight into the politics of the 2025 conclave, alongside Pope Leo's choice of papal name, and the major challenges and deep-rooted problems of the Church that he now must run - and all at a time when the world is asking big questions about what it means to be human in a complex ethical world of AI and global conflict. Through this Pope Leo emerges as a quiet man of true humility, with a track record as an efficient administrator and conciliatory figure, whose background in Canon Law might just offer him the skills needed to govern and reshape the modern Church.
Freedom from the Seven Deadly Sins
Freedom From The Seven Deadly Sins is a concise yet powerful exploration of the human condition through the lens of Scripture. Originally adapted from Billy Graham's impactful radio sermons, the book dives deeply into the seven cardinal sins--pride, anger, envy, impurity, gluttony, laziness, and greed. Graham unpacks each sin with clarity and compassion, illustrating its damaging effects on individuals and society. The book doesn't just diagnose these spiritual maladies; it offers actionable steps, rooted in biblical wisdom, for overcoming these destructive patterns and embracing God's transformative grace.The resurgence of interest in topics like morality, spirituality, and self-help creates fertile ground for revisiting the concept of the seven deadly sins. Current trends reveal: Moral Anxiety: In a world grappling with rapid cultural shifts, many seek a moral compass to navigate issues like greed, vanity, and anger.Renewed Interest in Ancient Wisdom: Platforms like podcasts, blogs, and social media are reviving interest in traditional virtues and vices, often using secularized or philosophical approaches.Mental Health Focus: Pride, envy, and anger frequently appear as underlying factors in discussions on anxiety, depression, and relational breakdowns.The book's straightforward, biblically grounded approach makes it accessible for a wide range of readers, but the deeper philosophical and theological reflections are likely to resonate more strongly with adults who are at a stage of life where they are engaging with their spiritual journey in a meaningful way.This book is perfect for: Readers seeking spiritual growth and clarity amidst modern moral dilemmas.Faith-based counselors and church leaders looking for discussion material.Individuals who feel burdened by guilt and seek a redemptive path forward.By blending biblical truth with relatable insights, Freedom from The Seven Deadly Sins equips readers to break free from the snares of sin and step into the abundant life God desires for them.Billy Graham's approach uniquely combines timeless Christian principles with practical guidance, providing readers a hopeful and redemptive path forward. Freedom from The Seven Deadly Sins now includes a special Pray the Scriptures section with specially chosen verses to help readers overcome the grip of the seven deadly sins and find God's help and direction, along with the hope and freedom they need to live in peace.
Like David
Like David, simply put, reflects on the life of David through his many decisions, battles, faith, and ultimately his love for God. We can truly glean much from the life of David, "a man after God's own heart," as the Bible calls him. We should so endeavour to reflect the many attributes David showed as he started as a young shepherd boy, all the way to King David, leading many under his authority.Even in David's failure, he showed that he loved God enough to lay down self and any pride and repent with his whole heart to God Almighty who then redeemed him from his sin although there were repercussions from it, David knew there is One Lord and he prayed as such as we will see conveyed in the Psalms referenced within this book.I can only pray it would lead you, the reader, to study not just David's life but many others within the Bible so you too can live a life sold out to God - our true Savior Jesus Christ!
The Way of the Teacher
Better than a Gift Card!Power-packed with Practical Encouragement!The Way of the Teacher is the perfect start to a strong parent-teacher connection or memorable end to a school year. It provides inspiration, supports the dreams of teachers in training, and offers an all-in-one solution for 40 colleague workshops.Each mini-chapter includes a can't-afford-to-miss success principle, intriguing quote, ideas for smoothly running classrooms and win-win relationships, a Classroom Corner for reflection, and Teacher's Toolbelt tips. No teacher will be able to resist the bonus "What Kind of Teacher Are You?" Q & A.Why not give yourself a copy too? You'll be glad you did!
Unhappy Holidays
How can we hope when not all is merry and bright? We often think of the Christmas season as a time of good cheer, festive parties, and thoughtful gifts. But what happens when the reality of life stands in stark contrast to these expectations? Cancer diagnoses, divorce proceedings, and natural disasters do not care about calendar time. Smaller hardships create their own stress--travel woes, custody arrangements, money struggles, and political differences can strain our closest relationships. How do we live into the spirit of Christmas when things feel bleak? From the coauthor of Comfort and Joy comes a gentle companion for a season that may not always feel like the most wonderful time of the year. Spiritual director Sherah-Leigh Gerber offers readers ways of noticing how God shows up in daily life amid our heartache, grief, and loss. With thoughtful reflections and compassionate blessings drawn from the familiar biblical texts of Advent, Unhappy Holidays invites readers to recover a sense of hope as we prepare to celebrate the incarnation. Includes resources for small groups and use in worship settings as well as at home.
Miracle in Shreveport
Twin brothers David and Jason Benham grew up with big dreams of baseball and an even bigger trust in God. Though they attended a small high school with no baseball field, turned down a professional offer so they could attend college together, and faced more than one missed pitch and injuries, they kept dreaming, praying together on the field, and believing in God's provision for their lives.David and Jason's journey, from Little League to college to professional baseball and beyond, reminds us that even when we don't know what God is up to, He's putting together the pieces of our life's puzzle and executing the plans He has for each of us.Miracle in Shreveport tells the story of a family's love, the power of prayer, and a game that is truly all-American. It is also the story of brotherhood staying strong, despite the threat of comparison in a profession committed to competition. Most of all, it is the story of being faithful in small steps, honoring God in the process, and trusting His hand in our lives. In this book, the Benhams call us to remember that when we follow God's dream for us, we find it is better than we could have ever dreamed for ourselves.
Jesus Amplified
Experience the words of Christ like never before. Scripture bursts with fresh insight for you to discover and truth for you to embrace. For best-selling author Ray Comfort, the comprehensive research of the Amplified Bible has made the depth of the Bible's original languages accessible for all readers. In Jesus Amplified, Comfort combines the fullness of the Savior's message explained in the Amplified Bible and his personal love of Jesus to nourish your hungry soul. Through a year of enriching devotions, you will examine select verses from the Gospels and Revelation, uncover the richness of Jesus' teaching, gain dynamic perspectives on familiar passages, and respond to Christ's character and mission through prayer. Explore how Jesus transforms your life and the world.
Everyday Revolutionary Study Guide Plus Streaming Video
In this six-session Bible study (video access included), you will discover what it means to live a life of bold faith in a world that often opposes your beliefs. You've likely felt cultural shifts under your feet, the underlying tension between living faithfully as a Christian and navigating an increasingly complex cultural landscape. Perhaps you've found yourself wrestling with questions that seem to have no clear answers: When should I speak up and when should I stay silent?How can I show love to my neighbors while standing firm in my convictions?What does it mean to be both gracious and truthful in a world that often sees these as mutually exclusive?Join pastor J. D. Greear as he answers these questions by looking at the life of Daniel--a Jewish man who was distinctively faithful and beloved in the culture of Babylon--and at the writings of Peter and other New Testament authors, who used Babylon as a metaphor for the secular world after Jesus' ascension. This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: Individual access to six streaming video sessionsVideo notes and comprehensive structure for group discussion timePersonal study for deeper reflection between sessionsA guide to best practices for leading a group Watch on any device!Streaming video access included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2030. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Eligible only on retail purchases inside the United States. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.
The Power of Prayer
Unlock the transformative power of prayer with this classic daily devotional. The Power of Prayer is a beautifully crafted collection of meditations that invites you into a deeper, more intimate walk with God. It offers wisdom and insights drawn from some of Christianity's most profound voices, including Charles Spurgeon, Andrew Murray, and other timeless spiritual leaders. Each day's reading will inspire, challenge, and guide you to cultivate a richer prayer life, grounding you in the truth that prayer is not just a practice but the pathway to communion with your Creator. Whether you are new to prayer or a prayer closet veteran, these meditations will provide daily nourishment for your spirit. Discover the power of persistent prayer and gain practical guidance and encouragement from Christian classics that have withstood the test of time. Let this devotional be your companion on the journey to greater intimacy with God, as you tap into the deep well of prayer's power and experience the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit. Features: High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal.Heat debossing on faux leather darkens its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture.Metallic, pearl, or matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal.High-quality sturdy Smyth-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design.Uncoated woodfree paper is of premium quality and thickness, lending itself to long-lasting vivid coloration and durability.A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.
Mother Ann Lee
The definitive biography of the founder of the Shaker movement, whose remarkable life is the subject of a new film, The Testament of Ann Lee. This acclaimed, accessible, and thoroughly researched biography documents the life of Ann Lee, a controversial, religious leader and early feminist figure. Lee established the Shaker movement in 1770 in Manchester, England. The core principles of the Shakers were radical: in an era when wives were the possession of their husband, Lee proclaimed the equality of men and women. The Shakers were dedicated to beliefs in absolute pacifism, equality of the sexes, absolute celibacy, and the cleansing of sin through dancing and chanting to shake away the past. The Shakers sought inner peace and harmony, but their unusual beliefs, including total abstinence from sex and their exhibitions of mystical ecstasy were considered suspect and led to the imprisonment of Lee and her followers. While jailed, Lee experienced a blinding, soul-splitting vision which reaffirmed her belief in celibacy and named her the second coming of Christ. Seeking religious freedom, she led her followers, known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, from England to settle in upstate New York, near Albany. Mother Ann Lee died in 1784, but her movement continued to grow into the nineteenth century with at least eighteen utopian Shaker communities in Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Ohio. Today many of those Shaker settlements are museums. The last remaining Shaker community is at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village near Poland, Maine. The Testament of Ann Lee, starring Amanda Seyfried, drew on this book among other sources to tell Lee's story.
Matthew - Kerux
Kerux Commentaries enable pastors and teachers to understand and effectively present the main message in a biblical text. Each volume uniquely combines the insights of an experienced Bible exegete (trained in interpretation) and a homiletician (trained in preaching). These two authors work together to explain the essential message for the original listeners or readers, unpack its timeless truth, and then provide a contemporary restatement and communication insights for the key biblical concept. Every book is a resource designed and written with the real needs of the pastor and teacher always in sight, providing many ways to creatively express the principal thought in a biblical passage. Based on the Big Idea preaching model, Kerux enhances the reader's ability to deliver a message that is biblical, cohesive, and dynamic. The book of Matthew conveys the most important story of all time: God becoming man for the redemption of the world. While the story itself can appear clear, much is missed if we don't understand the symbolism, history, context, and language in which the book was written and initially dispersed. Through the pairing of exegetical analysis and pastoral application, authors Darrell L. Bock and Timothy D. Sprankle provide an accessible and comprehensive commentary for the teacher and preacher alike.
As One
Curious about discipleship and renewing your mind in Christ? In this book you will learn: Foundational teachings to revolutionize your understanding as a New Creation in Christ To know and experience God's love for you personallyHow your thoughts, words, and imaginations can make you sick-but how God can bring healing as you align them with His WordAmazing benefits you as a believer receive through Salvation including peace, provision, and healing Your authority in Christ over all the power of the enemy (including sickness and disease)The difference between the enemy's lies and the voice of the Holy SpiritGod's forgiveness and how to forgive othersHow to uproot doubtTo renew your mind to the truth of God's Word to live free from fear and diseaseWhat Others Say About This Book: The Great Commission of making disciples of all nations has been one of the greatest challenges for the church and for followers of Jesus. Where to begin and what is the goal has eluded disciples for so long. As One Discipleship and Mind Renewal is exemplary in that it brings one to a relationship of knowing Who God is, knowing who you are in Him and a relationship with others. As One brings us to the culmination of our faith and salvation of becoming One with God, reconciled with God through Christ as a new creation. As One utilizes the mind renewal and visualization which is an awesome tool in receiving and walking in the Truth and the yet unseen reality of our identity and purpose in Christ. Caprice did an awesome job of this gift that will bring the Body of Christ into the supernatural realm of healing and wholeness.- Jennifer Najem, Pastor, Abbalove ChurchCaprice has revelation about the heart of God that will transform anyone who will allow their spirit and soul to be touched by these words. Being a pastor for 36 years and an author of many books myself, I know revelation knowledge when I hear it. As you read this book, you will realize it is not a mental book only. The words written here are obviously a result of seeking God and wanting to help people. Her explanation of the character of God and personal relationship with God will help pull anyone up and out of any bondage, sickness or crisis who is screaming, "No hope!" I found myself very touched as I was reading through the manuscript while the Holy Spirit was ministering to me personally. A book for everyone and anyone, as well as Bible studies, church classes, etc.- John Cappetto, Founding Pastor, Faith Heights ChurchAbout the Author: Caprice Scott is a Certified Life Coach Minister with a background in brain retraining and faith-based applications. As a result of emotional trauma from childhood into her mid-30s, Caprice was bedridden and critically ill in 2019. Since April 2019, Caprice has recovered from a long list of illnesses. She and her husband Richard, live in Colorado with their 3 cats, Winnie, Roo, and outdoor cat, Zoe.
The Treasure of Prayer
" Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Prayer is one of the sublime treasures of the Christian tradition, since it places us directly in contact with our Creator. It brings us into an intimacy with the one who transforms us from the inside and directs our life toward the good and the beautiful. Made up of brief chapters informed and nourished by the long Christian tradition, this book will help you discover the different facets of prayer and all the means that the Church gives us to cultivate it, persevere in it, and make this treasure bear fruit.
First Communion and Beyond
In this practical and uplifting spiritual guide for parents, Tommy and Katie McGrady--hosts of Family Mass Prep on the Hallow app--share short, inspiring, down-to-earth stories from their own family life to encourage you again and again as you walk with your child toward First Communion and into a lifelong, ever-deepening friendship with Jesus.Drawing from their personal experience of growing in faith alongside their daughter Rose, the McGradys offer wisdom on helping children (and parents!) understand the beauty of the Eucharist and the joy of meeting Christ in Holy Communion. Designed to complement the sacramental preparation program at your parish, this small but powerful book can become a spiritual companion and keepsake for years to come.First Communion and Beyond is organized into five chapters, each one built around five practical tools or family habits for nurturing spiritual growth for you and for your child. Each habit leads you to a better understanding of what the Catholic Church teaches about the Eucharist: 1. Joining Our Stories to the Church's Story: Discover how to weave Eucharistic awareness into the rhythm of daily life.2. Learning from Scripture: Explore parent-friendly reflections on the gospels and key moments from the Mass that reveal how deeply Jesus desires to be with us in the Eucharist.3. Thinking and Growing as Parents: Pause to reflect, pray, and deepen your own spiritual life as you guide your child's.4. Growing Together as Parents and Children: Use simple but meaningful conversations to help your family connect more deeply with each chapter's theme.5. Praying as a Family: End your time together with a heartfelt prayer from the McGradys--or one of your own.With warmth, humor, and a deep love for the faith, the McGradys remind us that First Communion is about far more than a single day--it's about nurturing a lifelong relationship with Jesus. As they explain, it's about "helping our children take Jesus from the abstractions of what we believe about him and instead see him fully present in the everyday realities of their young lives. Preparing for First Communion ought to teach our children--and remind us--how to know and love Jesus in their hearts, in the scriptures, in the Eucharist, and in all the other people life brings their way."
