The Character of the Church

The Character of the Church
Author: Joe Thorn
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Total Pages: 115
Release: 2017-03-07
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0802494692

What makes a church a church? Is it "where three or more are gathered"? Is it songs and a sermon on Sunday? Does it require structure and leadership? How do you know? The Character of the Church dispels confusion by describing the five elements of a biblical church. Concise, accessible, and historically informed, it teaches God’s design for church so you know what to look for in one—or even how to lead one. Useful for training in membership classes, discipleship groups, and elder boards—and even for devotional reading—The Character of the Church is at once theological, practical, and experiential. Readers will not simply be informed, but led to a deeper appreciation of the church of God and its essential marks: The word of God is faithfully preached The sacraments are rightly administered Leadership is biblically formed and functioning Discipline is practiced with grace The mission of the church is shared by all This book will bring churches and Christians back to the biblical picture of a local body, perfect for any believer eager to grow and help others do likewise.

The Character of the Church

The Character of the Church
Author: Billy Crone
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2020-01-07
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1948766418

Millions of people right now are suffering from traumatic brain injury and they don't even know it. A new epidemic is sweeping the nation causing untold numbers to completely forget who they are. So who are these people? Believe it or not, it's the American Church. Why? Because we say we know who we are as the Church, but half the time with our lips and lives, we act like we've forgotten who we are. We're simply suffering from practical amnesia. This is not only detrimental in our walk with Christ, it keeps others from believing in Christ. Therefore, to avoid this irony of Christian's living with practical amnesia, this book, The Character of the Church seeks to remind Christians of their God-given identity in Jesus Christ. We are: The Body of Christ, A Body of Love, A Body of Rebels, A Body of Brides, A Body of Peace, A Body of Worshippers, A Body of One, A Body of Strangers, A Body of Warriors, A Body of Hope, A Body of Disciples, A Body of Witnesses, A Body of Joy, A Body of Servants and A Body of Winners.

The Life of the Church

The Life of the Church
Author: Joe Thorn
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Total Pages: 102
Release: 2017-03-07
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0802494676

What should a church do? Look at your church’s calendar and you will learn something of its mission. But how do you know it’s the mission Jesus gave? In The Life of the Church, Joe Thorn explains the mission of the church and the three rhythms for fulfilling it. The result is a simple, memorable model for church life and ministry, grounded in Scripture and aligned with historic practices. Useful for training in membership class, discipleship groups, and elder boards—and even for devotional reading—The Life of the Church is at once theological, practical, and experiential. Readers will not simply be informed, but led to a deeper conviction about their role in the body of Christ. Pastors will be equipped to refocus their ministries, and Christians to fulfill their purpose: be and make disciples. If you wonder what it means to be saved into a body of believers, why the various parts of a worship service matter, and how to engage in the world as a citizen of heaven, then The Life of the Church is for you. It answers this critical question: “Why does the church exist, and how does it shape my life?”

The Other Half of Church

The Other Half of Church
Author: Jim Wilder
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Total Pages: 206
Release: 2020-08-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0802498558

Could brain science be the key to spiritual formation? Why does true Christian transformation seem fleeting? And why does church often feel lonely, Christian community shallow, and leaders untrustworthy? For many Christians, the delight of encountering Christ eventually dwindles—and disappointment sets in. Is lasting joy possible? These are some of the questions Michel Hendricks has considered both in his experience as a spiritual formation pastor and in his lifetime as a Christian. He began to find answers when he met Jim Wilder—a neurotheologian. Using brain science, Wilder identified that there are two halves of the church: the rational half and the relational half. And when Christians only embrace the rational half, churches become unhealthy places where transformation doesn’t last and narcissistic leaders flourish. In The Other Half of Church, join Michel and Jim's journey as they couple brain science with the Bible to identify how to overcome spiritual stagnation by living a full-brained faith. You'll also learn the four ingredients necessary to develop and maintain a vibrant transformational community where spiritual formation occurs, relationships flourish, and the toxic spread of narcissism is eradicated.

Radical

Radical
Author: David Platt
Publisher: Multnomah
Total Pages: 242
Release: 2010-05-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1601422210

New York Times bestseller What is Jesus worth to you? It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily... But who do you know who lives like that? Do you? In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus. Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment -- a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.

The Heart of the Church

The Heart of the Church
Author: Joe Thorn
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Total Pages: 99
Release: 2017-03-07
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0802494684

What does the church believe? Every church has a driving confession, but what is the confession of a true and biblical church? The Heart of the Church answers with the gospel. It explains the story of the gospel, its basic doctrines, and God’s work in salvation. Fresh yet consistent with classic expressions, it helps churches reclaim their essential identity and return from distracting pursuits. Useful for training in membership classes, discipleship groups, and elder boards—and even for devotional reading—The Heart of the Church is at once theological, practical, and experiential. Readers will not simply be informed, but led to believe in, rejoice in, and be transformed by the truth of God for His gathered people. Without the gospel, the church does not exist. This book is Thorn’s full and detailed exploration of the message that is indispensable to the church’s life and identity. For any church lacking power, any Christian feeling dry, or any person seeking truth, The Heart of the Church brings relief, direction, and light, leading to worship.

After You Believe

After You Believe
Author: N. T. Wright
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 326
Release: 2010-03-02
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0061730556

From the author of the acclaimed Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope comes a book that addresses the question that has plagued humans for centuries—what is our purpose? As Christians, what are we to do with that ambiguous time between baptism and the funeral? It's easy to become preoccupied with who gets into heaven; the real challenge is how we are going to live in the here and now. Wright dispels the common misconception that Christian living is nothing more than a checklist of dos and don'ts. Nor is it a prescription to "follow your heart" wherever it may lead. Instead, After You Believe reveals the Bible's call for a revolution—a transformation of character that takes us beyond our earthly pursuit of money, sex, and power into a virtuous state of living that allows us to reflect God and live more worshipful, fulfilling lives. We are all spiritual seekers, intuitively knowing there is more to life than we suspect. This is a book for anyone who is hoping there is something more while we're here on Earth. There is. We are being called to join the revolution, and Wright insightfully encourages readers to find new purpose and clarity by taking us on an eye-opening journey through key biblical passages that promise to radically alter the work of the church and the direction of our lives.

The Believers' Church

The Believers' Church
Author: Donald F. Durnbaugh
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 329
Release: 2003-09-16
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1592443486

The most comprehensive and authoritative review and analysis of that line of church history which runs from the sixteenth-century Anabaptists...to the present age of...church struggle and lay renewal.... The authoritative volume in the field...imperative reading for scholars and other thinking Christians. Franklin H. Littell A classic. John H. Yoder The best-yet synthetic presentation of the Believers' Church stance as a tradition. . . . The basic document which should be read by Catholics or 'mainstream Protestants' who have hitherto understood the radical reformation heritage through polemic categories alone, or as an episode of only one century. 'Journal of Ecumenical Studies' An admirable and comprehensive treatment of 'sect-type' churchmanship. . . . Indispensable material from which our judgments can be formed and our vision stimulated. 'The Christian Century'

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catechism of the Catholic Church
Author: U.S. Catholic Church
Publisher: Image
Total Pages: 849
Release: 2012-11-28
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 030795370X

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.