In the world of early Byzantine Christianity, monastic rules acknowledged but discouraged the homosexual impulses of adult males. What most disturbed monastic leaders was adolescent males being accepted as novices; adult men were considered unable to control their sexual desires for these "beautiful boys." John Chrysostom, the Archbishop of Constantinople (397-407), virulently denounced homosexuality, but was virtually the only Byzantine cleric to do so. Penances traditionally attached to heterosexual sins--including remarriage after divorce or widowhood--have always been much more severe than those for a variety of homosexual acts or relationships. Just as Byzantine churches have found ways to accommodate sequential marriages and other behavior once stridently condemned, this book argues, it is possible for Byzantine Christianity to make pastoral accommodations for gay relationships and same-sex marriage.

Conflict simply is. Believing that we can somehow avoid it can only damage our relationships, but when we learn to integrate our needs and wants with those of others, it can be a catalyst in our relationships for deeper loving care. Dr. David Augsburger’s Caring Enough to Confront is a classic in Christian peacemaking. It teaches the reader how to build trust, cope with blame and prejudice, and be honest about anger and frustration. Dr. Augsburger challenges readers to keep in mind that the important issue is not what the conflict is about, but instead how the conflict is handled. He offers a biblically based model for dealing with conflict to teach Christians how to confront with compassion and resolve issues in a healthy and healing way. Whether in family, church or work relationships, Caring Enough to Confront gives readers the tools to make the most of every conflict.

A Bible for outreach Mini-Dictionary Maps Book introductions Outlines Guides to reading the Bible Readings for special days Famous passages in the Bible 1,354 pp.

The beloved and timeless King James Version is made available in an affordable quality edition for Sunday schools, Bible clubs, church presentations, and giveaways. This handsome award Bible will withstand heavy use thanks to better quality paper and supple but sturdy cover material. Includes full-color maps. A great way to honor special achievements--at a budget-conscious price!

While the culture has sought to cancel Christians and Christianity, the truth is that we should have canceled many things about the world’s culture a long time ago. We have to break the strongholds of culture’s influence over us as a holy people. In Cancel the Culture, you will find encouragement to: · Be different on social media · Pull away from the spirit of materialism · Rid yourself of the influence of pornographic material · Get free of the deceptive trap of the world’s entertainment · Pursue unity over division · Protect yourself and loved ones from dark forces in online gaming · Avoid the pitfalls of secular education We are not going to reach the culture if we are living just like them. We have to be different to make a difference! Cancel the Culture will lead you through a series of 12 challenges meant to pull you away from the influence of culture and draw you closer to God. You can use this book as a personal challenge to cancel the influence of culture in your own life. But even better, your small group, Bible study, or Sunday school class can walk through these together as weekly or monthly challenges. There are people in your church who are falling for the lies of culture right now, and you can use this book to snatch them from the flames.