A collection of inspirational words of wisdom from one of the first female spiritual leaders.

“This is a series of stories of what it looks like to walk with God, over the course of about a year.” So begins a remarkable narrative of one man’s journey learning to hear the voice of God. The details are intimate and personal. The invitation is for us all. What if we could hear from God . . . often? What difference would it make? We have a lot to sort through on any given day. A whole lot to navigate over the course of a week or a month. Am I in the right place? The right relationships? How am I going to come up with enough money to do the things I want to do? And what about love—is this the one? Will it last? What is causing all those fears I keep pushing down inside? Why can’t I overcome those “habits” that look more and more like addictions? Am I at the right church? Should I even go to church? What is God doing in my life? All day long we are making choices. It adds up to an enormous amount of decisions in a lifetime. How do we know what to do? We have two options. We can trudge through on our own, doing our best to figure it all out. Or, we can walk with God. As in, learn to hear his voice. Really. We can live life with God. He offers to speak to us and guide us. Every day. It is an incredible offer. To accept that offer is to enter into an adventure filled with joy and risk, transformation and breakthrough. And more clarity than we ever thought possible.

Incorporates up-to-date exegesis on the Gospel of Matthew, accompanied by the author’s experiences in South Asia, where many cultural practices are similar to those of biblical times.

This Companion offers an integrated introduction to the study of Jesus.

From the customs of religious life to common domestic and social practices, The Essential Companion to Life in Bible Times is your quick and reliable guide to the cultural backgrounds that formed the backdrop of biblical writings. Unlike many similar works, this Bible companion is organized thematically, making it easier to scan over broad subjects at one go. Topics include: The family—describes what the Bible says about children and childbirth, education, the different roles performed by men and women; as well as topics like sex, marriage, divorce, old age, death, and burial. The household—from house architecture and furniture to topics of everyday survival, such as food and its preparation, water access, and how illnesses were handled. Work life—discusses major Old Testament occupations and trades, from livestock and woodworking to commerce. Social life—includes explanations of population, the calendar, economics, crafts, travel and trade, dress, and music. Government—how different aspects of governance were handled in towns, larger cities, and the state, including the roles of the king, elders, and officials. Israel's religious life—from the use of high places and altars, to the importance of the tabernacle and the temple, to the role of priests and Levites. Between the brief introductions you might find in a study Bible and the overwhelming amount of detail in an exhaustive reference handbook, Essential Companion to Life in Bible Times strikes the perfect balance of manageable information, giving any student of Scripture the keys to unlock commonly misunderstood passages as well as deepen your appreciation of even the most familiar Bible stories.

This revised edition of Companion God is a unique commentary resource that combines contemporary biblical scholarship with the perspective of a third world culture similar to that of biblical times. Based upon the author's many years of teaching and preaching the Gospel of Matthew, along with his experience of having spent six years living in Nepal and India, the biblical text is accompanied by an engaging and anecdotal presentation drawing upon the practices and customs of the tribal cultures indigenous to that region, such as arranged marriages; animal sacrifices; festivals resembling the Israelite Passover; foot washing; week-long weddings; extended family; smothering hospitality; tribal traditions; and dealing with widespread leprosy. The five narratives and discourses in the Gospel of Matthew leading to the passion, death, resurrection, and the Great Commission are considered, along with the major Matthean themes; the Beatitudes; the Lord's Prayer; Jesus' conflicts in dealing with the Pharisees; and insights with practical application to contemporary life. This commentary is an ideal resource for use in colleges, Bible study programs, Bible study groups, and homily preparation. Book jacket.

Masterfully explains Augustine's major work The City of God book by book through engagement with theology, history and political science.