The characters in Scripture are often portrayed as one-dimensional--as caricatures instead of human beings with real needs, authentic pain, and compelling fears. When their problems are viewed as one-dimensional, so is their faith. Approaching biblical characters in this way can inhibit listeners' ability to hear the biblical witness as relevant to their own lives and can minimize the impact of Scripture on their faith journey. Real People, Real Faith provides practical tools to portray biblical characters as multidimensional human beings who encountered and journeyed with God. Placing high value on historical, cultural, and scriptural contexts, Cindy Halvorson demonstrates techniques for generating holistic characters, particularly by exploring archetypical human reactions and spiritual longings. She shows how the preacher can use this method to reimagine the biblical characters, present figures with whom listeners relate and empathize, and draw portraits of real people whose relationship with God is in many ways like listeners' own--people with whom they may sojourn and grow. When listeners are touched by a biblical character's story and shown how their relationship with God was transformed, they too may experience the Divine's love and care for them.

For Christians seeking to apply their faith to everyday life, Real Faith for Real Life invites readers to answer the call of discipleship and provides guidance and examples of how to do so successfully. Michael Foss, author of Power Surge, encourages readers to rely on six time-tested marks of discipleships that encourage the practice of faith in everyday life: Daily prayer Bible reading Weekly worship Christian service Relationships that encourage spiritual growth Giving in the spirit of generosity Using Bible passages and real-life stories, Foss illustrates how each mark of discipleship enhances and supports the growth of a person's faith journey. This book also includes study questions and journaling suggestions for small group discussion and individual reflection.

In a culture that has lost touch with love, compassion, and meaning, how can parents be intentional about building a spiritual foundation for their children’s development? In looking to their own upbringing for guidance, parents often feel even more at a loss—they don’t want to make the same mistakes their parents did, so they either become too strict, or they take a completely hands-off approach. A pastor, a teacher, and a mother, Karen Marie Yust offers a refreshing array of resources and provisions to guide and sustain parents and children on thier mutual journey. Drawn from a three-year study of children’s spirituality, as well as the best in theological tradition and literature, Real Kids, Real Faith provides insight and a variety of helpful tips for nurturing children’s spiritual and religious formation. Yust challenges the prevailing notion that children are unable to grasp religious concepts and encourages parents to recognize children as capable of authentic faith.

Unearth fresh insights for your life from women who lived thousands of years ago. In this DVD study participant s guide, learn how God moved in the lives of six women in the New Testament whose struggles to live with faith and courage are not unlike your own."

Seventeen leading scientists reveal the harmony between their science and their faith.

21 Stories of Faith: Real People, Real Stories, Real Faith Are you living a life of faith? Or are you weighed down with doubts, worries, and fears? In this book you will read 21 real stories of faith from ordinary, everyday people like yourself. Some of the stories focus on coming to faith in Christ for the first time, while other stories share lessons learned about faith during a difficult season in their lives. Ultimately, we hope and pray that God uses these stories to inspire and encourage you in your own walk of faith. That by reading this book, your eyes will be fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2) allowing Him to strengthen your faith. Because "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." ~Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) Join us in this journey of living a life of faith!