This book contains a call from God for us to have intimate fellowship with Him. Too often we try to achieve in the flesh that which can only be accomplished by His Spirit; for all that we are and all that we do should proceed from our relationship with Him. Many will take time off of work and travel long distances to experience the love of God, but few will take time off of work for solitary prayer with no other purpose than to hear His voice (Psalms 27:4). Intimacy with God without Pretense addresses twenty-three facets of Christian life, all with the same focus: to hear His voice, know His will, and feel His heart.

These refreshing meditations challenge women to grow in their spiritual lives and draw closer to God in the midst of untidy real life.

Christian faith is about more than belief and practices—it is also about the kind of people we become. This Good and Beautiful Series book addresses the toxic self-narratives that hinder spiritual growth, reminding us how Scripture reveals the beauty of our own souls and serving as a companion as you discover who you truly are in Christ.

The book Democratic Imperialism serves as an educated, moderate Muslim's response to the West, particularly to the United States in the ways it attempts to impose its brand of democracy on the Muslim people. Many Americans have never been exposed to this perspective, either through the news media or in personal conversations. This book poses and clearly answers a compelling question: Are Americans qualified to export or impose their brand of democracy in the Middle East? Middle Easterners were once upon a time the pioneers of knowledge, science, justice, and education in their own history and civilization. Islam even helped pave the way for the Renaissance in Europe. Farid Younos, as a scholar of not only social sciences, but also the culture of the Middle East, namely Islam, argues that democracy in the land of Islam is not functional. The deeply rooted value system and way of life of Islam calls for a different system, especially when western democracy has its own problems and has failed to bring justice for all at home. Liberal democracy as a secular system negates the role of faith in the political system of the Middle East, and this negation is the main concern for many Muslims worldwide. The question arises as to why the United States of America tries to impose its brand of political system in the Middle East while knowing that it is not a workable idea. Democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq proved to be fatal. The first objective of any political system should be to bring peace for its people. Unfortunately not only is peace in these countries an elusive idea, but also the needs of the underprivileged, the destitute and the poor are not met. This study provides an alternative approach for Muslim countries: an Islamic political system from a fresh view point. An Islamic system could be an ideal system for Muslim countries if Muslims would make an effort to not only meet the needs of their people, but also meet the needs of the international community. The purpose, presumably, of all parties, is peace in the region, and that peace is not possible if Islamic economic, social and political ideas are ignored and replaced by a manifesto of globalization.

"Using narrative, testimonies from leaders and members, and photographs, this book tells the story and explains the remarkable influence of the Vineyard Church of Anaheim on both the early years of the Vineyard movement and the emergence of contemporary worship in the broader church. Not only does this volume present an in-depth look at the congregation's pastor, John Wimber, and the church's first several years, it also tells an inspiring story of revival and renewal for people hungering for deeper knowledge of God. With interviews, sermon excerpts, sidebars, timelines, and a glossary of terms to enhance the text, Worshiping with the Anaheim Vineyard addresses core issues about knowing God intimately for all Christians."--

Reignite your deepest passion for good preaching. Renew your commitment to developing sermons that work to stimulate, encourage, and motivate your hearers to follow God. Lloyd John Ogilvie, former U.S. Senate chaplain and longtime pastor of Hollywood Presbyterian Church, will be a strong and motivating companion as he guides you to deeply consider who you’re preaching to and the needs they have answer life-relevant questions through diligent study of the Word build a sermon that flows well, from introduction to conclusion confront lack of passion and fear of failure in your own heart guard your inner life and build a fellowship of accountability around you If you want to give sermons that work to draw people to the truth of God’s Word and then send them into the world in the power of Jesus Christ, A Passionate Calling will help you fulfill that godly desire.

Sacred Pathways reveals nine distinct spiritual temperaments--and their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies--to help you improve your spiritual life and deepen your personal walk with God. It's time to strip away the frustration of a one-size-fits-all spirituality and discover a path of worship that frees you to be you. Experienced spiritual directors, pastors, and church leaders recognize that all of us engage with God differently, and it's about time we do too. In this updated and expanded edition of Sacred Pathways, Gary Thomas details nine spiritual temperaments and--like the Enneagram and other tools do with personality--encourages you to investigate the ways you most naturally express yourself in your relationship with God. He encourages you to dig into the traits, strengths, and pitfalls in your devotional approach so you can eliminate the barriers that keep you locked into rigid methods of worship and praise. Plus, as you begin to identify and understand your own temperament, you'll soon learn about the temperaments that aren't necessarily "you" but that may help you understand the spiritual tendencies of friends, family, and others around you. Whatever temperament or blend of temperaments best describes you, rest assured it's not by accident. It's by the design of a Creator who knew what he was doing when he made you according to his own unique intentions. If your spiritual walk is not what you'd like it to be, you can change that, starting here. Sacred Pathways will show you the route you were made to travel, marked by growth and filled with the riches of a close walk with God. A Sacred Pathways video Bible study is also available for group or individual use, sold separately.