Catholic ecclesiology stands at the threshold of a new moment in the reception of the Second Vatican Council. The election of Pope Francis—coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of the council—has inspired a fresh consideration of its teaching in such diverse areas as ecumenism, inculturation, missiology, and ministry. The chapters in this volume have their origin in a special symposium that called together over forty of the leading Catholic scholars from throughout North America in order to discuss the future of theological reflection on the church. The nine essays in this volume guided that conversation and offer an entry into some of the most pressing issues in ecclesiology today.

A lift-the-flap board book all about church from the creator of Open the Preschool Door, Open the Barn Door, and Open the Garage Door! Little ones will love lifting 11 fun flaps to find a smiling Sunday school teacher, their friends and family, arts and crafts, and much, much more in this bright and engaging board book. With a simple story and colorful and inviting illustrations, this is the perfect way to introduce children to what a day at church can be like.

Few treatments of the death of Jesus Christ have made a point of accounting for the gruesome, degrading, public manner of his death by crucifixion, a mode of execution so loathsome that the ancient Romans never spoke of it in polite society. Rutledge probes all the various themes and motifs used by the New Testament evangelists and apostolic writers to explain the meaning of the cross of Christ. She shows how each of the biblical themes contributes to the whole, with the Christus Victor motif and the concept of substitution sharing pride of place along with Irenaeus's recapitulation model.

Author and church-growth expert Charles Arn reveals how vital congregations are good at empowering their people to pursue their unique strengths. It is by discovering the passions of its individual insiders that a church can creatively and effectively draw the outsiders into its fellowship and into Jesus. This book is crucial not only for a church's leadership, but for all motivated members who have a vision for engaging more of their local body in relevant ministry. See how God has been drawing believers out of the pews, through their church's walls, and directly into their communities by way of their side doors. God is using his people to make disciples, and they are actually loving it! FREE downloads available, including Planning Guide, Assessment Charts, Congregational Survey, discussion guide, and more!

Jesus said He would build His church; our job is to follow. The Church of the Open Door calls us to a dynamic, Spirit-filled life as the body of Christ. Warren Wiersbe’s study of Acts, the Epistles and Revelation paints a picture of what the church should do and be.

This will be a typical Sunday morning sermon. That was a joke, of course. It ought to be. This title was bestowed upon me by God. When I heard that, I felt a shiver run down my spine. The Open Doors of Satan. We should all be aware that we frequently give way to an open door. We occasionally open something in our lives without even realizing it. To break in, all you need is access, access to something otherworldly. I'm not referring to the supernatural or celestial realms. I'm referring to Satan's supernatural world. When you talk about the supernatural, you're talking about the realm of the unknown. That's not only good, but also bad. Our souls can be accessed through a door. There is a door, and the enemy can enter through it. It makes no difference whether it's merely a crack. All you need is a crack in your door, and he'll be able to come in. Between light and darkness, this door is slightly open. Our adversary is confined to the world of darkness by God's holy decree. He doesn't have access to light. The law will not be changed by the Bible. Jesus triumphed, and that power remains in our midst. Is it necessary for us to know whether or not we can still open the door? I'm sure there are a few of you who are perfect, and because you're so holy, you'll be going to Heaven soon. You've never had anything wrong with you. You never sin, and I know that, but for the rest of us, there is an open door that occasionally appears, and it occurs as a result of something we do. I'm going to discuss a specific aspect of one problem that is linked to a slew of other issues. I know you're going to be excited, so take a deep breath and relax so you can stay focused. We are free of these wicked forces, but if the door is left open, Satan and his henchmen get legal access. Their goal is to keep the places that open the door under control. Because all they need is access, and once they have access, they have legal rights. We have granted the adversary legal rights because we have given them to them. Have you ever felt as if the enemy was deliberately targeting you? Let's face it, I've been there. "You're the one who opened the door," God stated one day. Have you ever received a word from God and then requested a different one? Hallelujah. Access by the enemy invariably leads to death, destruction, and the loss of freedom. It could even be your life on the line. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus refers to these doors as gates. "The gates of hell," he said precisely. Are these the gates of hell? Any Christian should be aware that the adversaries have had access to a large portion of the Body of Christ at times, and the Body of Christ has just shrugged it off as normal. Do you realize there are a lot of folks who don't believe in the demon realm, don't believe in fighting a good faith struggle, yet still attend church? Do you recall what a prophet once told me? "If the enemy isn't stirring things up against you, if he isn't coming for you, then you're on the wrong track," he says. God be praised. Hallelujah. Right now, I can confidently state that I am on the right track. I used to have a good season, but not anymore.