Though bringing people to new birth in Christ through evangelism is essential, says Peterson, isn't it obvious that growth in Christ is equally essential? Yet the American church does not treat Christian growth and character formation with equivalent urgency. We are generally uneasy with the quiet, obscure conditions in which growth takes place, and building maturity in Christ too often gets relegated to footnote status in the text of our lives. In Practice Resurrection Peterson brings the voice of Scripture -- especially Paul's letter to the Ephesians -- and the voice of the contemporary Christian congregation together to unpack what it means to fully grow up "to the stature of Christ." Peterson's robust discussion will move readers to restore transformed Christian character to the center of their lives. This helpful study guide is designed to enable small groups in schools or churches -- or even individuals -- to delve deeper into the timely wisdom of Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing Up in Christ. Peter Santucci here breaks up Peterson's book into thirteen "sessions," each of which contains a summary, select quotes to consider, questions for interaction, and a prayer drawn from the text of Ephesians that is covered in the corresponding book chapter.

Eugene Peterson considers the words of the Word made flesh. His probing of the parables and prayers of Jesus will inform and inspire all who love the Gospels. He explores the common speech of the Bible, and carefully exercises God's gift of language so that Jesus' words of storytelling and prayer "dazzle us with truth."

Are you intimidated by theology? Confused? Bored? Michael Jinkins knows it doesn't have to be that way. "Theology is our critical and prayerful reflection on the totality of life," he writes. "We all do theology on a regular basis, whether or not we are conscious of the fact." In Invitation to Theology Jinkins offers a knowledgeable, helpful and caring guide to walk you through the basics of the Christian faith. Following the pattern of the ancient summary of the Christian faith, the Apostles' Creed, Jinkins highlights the key doctrines of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, humanity, church, salvation and resurrection. He cuts a clear path through theological terms, traditions and debates. And in the spirit of C. S. Lewis, he invites you to consider some of the most profound reflections--from the distant past to the present day--on Christian belief. Throughout this fascinating journey, the main road is always kept in view: "The meaning and shape of our life together as a community of persons is grounded in the inner life of God, the Trinity, and has been revealed to us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ." If you are eager to think about your faith, to examine what and why you believe and to reflect on how such faith can be lived out in our world, Invitation to Theology is the book for you.

Shows in a thought provoking and profound manner, how the experience of the resurrection was from the first one of forgiveness and of healing memories of injury, guilt and failure.

This book Practicing the Presence of the Living God intends to be a guide for a spiritual journey. It can be used in a retreat center, at home, or at work when you are able to secure a few moments of quiet solitude and silence. It is structured around seven days - the number of days normally used for a spiritual retreat. However, the seven days can be reduced to a weekend if this is all the time you can afford. It can also be spread to a much longer time if your circumstances do not allow you to have this amount of hours at the same time. All that you need is your total self. God is totally present to you and you should be totally present to God also. It is based on Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection's little book The Practice of the Presence of God. More Information The content of Brother Lawrence's book encompasses a lifelong application that is life-changing. Its message is transformative in its utmost clarity and simplicity because it reveals the heart and soul of everyone's life purpose and work - to live joyfully in the presence of God no matter what our circumstances are. In his book, Brother Lawrence reveals a very ordinary life that most of us would not really desire, and yet as he fulfilled his everyday duties in the midst of the most mundane and tedious tasks, he learned to live the happiest and most rewarding life. With his gracious humility, "he thought...only of doing little things for the love of God since he was not capable of doing great things." Indeed, he modeled a life lived in the glory of God's love, peace, and joy. No wonder his book was called a "little spiritual classic," a "devotional masterpiece," an "unparalleled classic," and a book "relevant and timeless." Jean Maalouf in his thorough knowledge of Brother Lawrence's teachings becomes an exceptional guide for a retreat with Brother Lawrence. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jean Maalouf has two doctorates from Paris-Sorbonne University and L'Institut Catholique de Paris. He is the author and editor of more than twenty-five books that include the bestseller, Experiencing Jesus with Mother Teresa, and the three books on prayer: The Healing Power of Prayer, I Can Tell God Anything: Living Prayer, and Bold Prayers from the Heart. He also wrote numerous articles on spiritual, educational, psychological, philosophical, cultural, and social issues, as well as contributed to the Encyclopedia of Catholic Social Thought, Social Science, and Social Policy. He is a member of several associations that include the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars, the American Academy of Religion, the Society of Christian Philosophers, and Contemplative Outreach: Centering Prayer.

This small group guide includes in-depth lessons for one-on-one discipleship, small group, or large group settings. Explore this resource and find the riches of grace, the implications of the gospel, and the knowledge and love of God you’ve been waiting for. Ephesians: The Love We Long For offers Scripture-based, theologically rich content with an easy-to-follow structure to engage readers. Smith invites men and women to reflect on the God of the Bible by reading the book of Ephesians slowly. He shares how the New Testament letter presents the love we all deeply long for—God’s great love for us in Jesus. In this guide, discover the implications of God’s love for every aspect of your life and relationships. With rich discussion questions and Scripture-based teaching, Smith helps readers see Jesus more clearly in the themes found in the book of Ephesians.

In Practice Resurrection Peterson brings the voice of Scripture--especially Paul's letter to the Ephesians--and the voice of the contemporary Christian congregation together in understanding what is involved in the practice of becoming mature--growing up to the "stature of Christ". --from publisher description.