Retells, in simple text, the Bible story of God's promise of a child to Abraham and Sarah, discusses its application to modern life, and emphasizes that nothing is too difficult for God.

Bedtime Bible Stories with little wondering questions for little people. The answer come alive in these simple retellings of twelve favourite Bible stories, including the stories of David, Pharaoh, Deborah, Gideon, Nehemiah, Mary Magdalene, The Good Shepherd and Andrew.

When the superannuated biblical Sarah learned that she would give birth to a son, she burst out laughing, and that son's name-Isaac-was forever a testimony to this moment of holy mirth. In The Mother of All Laughter: Sarah & the Genesis of Comedy, Terry Lindvall argues that there is a biblical place for laughter. At times, he lets truth be obscured by a good story (as when he cites the famous Neil Armstrong/"Mr. Gorsky" urban legend as fact), but he raises important points about humor for Christians.

Some people think the Old Testament has nothing to say about God as our Father, or about the Holy Spirit, whilst others try to find Jesus somewhere on every page of the Old Testament. Chris Wright brings a much-needed corrective to these misconceptions in his masterful three-in-one volume, Knowing God – The Trilogy. After exploring the identity and mission of Jesus in the light of the Scriptures he knew so well – our Old Testament, the book goes on to see how God reveals himself as Father in the same Scriptures, and works powerfully through his Spirit. Wright’s thoughtful and engaging exposition of multiple biblical texts invites us to encounter the Trinity not just as a doctrine we affirm but as persons we can know.

From Eve's rebellious taste of wisdom to the righteous anger of Job's wife, Judaic scholar Vanessa Ochs' vivid collection of stories breathes new life into biblical matriarchs. Intimate, familiar, and wise, the heroines in "Sarah Laughed" are revealed to be inspiring role models for women today. 0-07-140290-X$24.95 / McGraw Hill Professional

Here's a different angle on humor--it can be a spiritual practice, an expression of a theology of joy, hope, and grace. Humor is so valuable, for it offers self-care, healing, and renewal, precious gifts in times of pressure and tension. Olson begins by telling of three unforgettable friends who lived their lives with joy and zest--a practice that opened doors and aided their own sense of well-being. Playfully, he continues by exploring the known benefits of humor. Next considered is the amazing variety of humor in the Bible, a basic theology of a laughing God, and the caring ethic of humor that emerges from this theology. Finally, there is a discussion of how this practice of humor enriches worship, caregiving, and administration. Laughter in a Time of Turmoil draws to a close considering spiritual disciplines/practices and why humor belongs among these practices. Suggestions are then offered on how to grow in this spiritual practice. Discussion questions are provided for each chapter to help groups enjoy their conversations about the book. This book will help you think and laugh, or laugh and think (take your pick) and then be on your way rejoicing.

Shows the ways in which humour can be recovered for religion. This book argues that religion is diminished when it fails to understand and embrace its own historical connection. Its chapters deal with topics ranging from humour as an expression of intimacy to humour as the maintenance of the soul.