How ordinary citizens band together to bring about real change In an America where the rich and fortunate have free rein to do as they please, can the ideal of liberty and justice for all be anything but an empty slogan? Many Americans are doubtful, and have withdrawn into apathy and cynicism. But thousands of others are not ready to give up on democracy just yet. Working outside the notice of the national media, ordinary citizens across the nation are meeting in living rooms, church basements, synagogues, and schools to identify shared concerns, select and cultivate leaders, and take action. Their goal is to hold big government and big business accountable. In this important new book, Jeffrey Stout bears witness to the successes and failures of progressive grassroots organizing, and the daunting forces now arrayed against it. Stout tells vivid stories of people fighting entrenched economic and political interests around the country. From parents and teachers striving to overcome gang violence in South Central Los Angeles, to a Latino priest north of the Rio Grande who brings his parish into a citizens' organization, to the New Orleans residents who get out the vote by taking a jazz band through streets devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Stout describes how these ordinary people conceive of citizenship, how they acquire and exercise power, and how religious ideas and institutions contribute to their successes. The most important book on organizing and grassroots democracy in a generation, Blessed Are the Organized is a passionate and hopeful account of how our endangered democratic principles can be put into action.

A guide aimed at teens to bring greater understanding of the historical context behind biblical stories Many Christians are vaguely familiar with numerous Bible stories but do not know their context in the literary or historical arc of the Bible. Blessed to Bless gives meaningful organization to the multitude of Bible stories covered in over 1500 years of religious history. Primarily for teenagers, this book can be a resource for any individual or study group wanting a basic, yet comprehensive introduction to the Bible. The themes, interpretations, genres, and philosophical framework of Holy Scripture are offered to the reader, organized into four historical “arcs.” Each chapter offers scripture, accompanying commentary, and questions for reflection or discussion. Bible vocabulary concepts are highlighted throughout the book, making it a perfect tool for youth group study, a biblical literature curriculum, or a personal challenge (for instance, to read the Bible in a year). A Leader Guide is available for free download on the Church Publishing website for classroom usage.

Jesus Christ is coming again! That is the Blessed Hope which has since the earliest days of the Church energized Biblical Christians looking for the full revelation of God's redemption. The author sketches the history of interpretations of Christ's second coming and then carefully and lucidly examines the Biblical passages on which this doctrine is based. His conclusion is that the Blessed Hope is the second coming of Jesus Christ, not a pretribulation rapture that believers in a secret coming of Jesus. Yet he concludes that there should be liberty and charity within the Christian community for all who hold to the expectation of "the blessed hope and appearing in glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ."

Ellsberg offers devotional sketches on history's greatest women and gives insight into the way that women of all faiths and backgrounds have lived out the lives of sanctity, mysticism, social justice, and world reform.

From the celebrated author of "War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning" comes a startling expos of the political ambitions of the Christian Right--a clarion call for everyone who cares about freedom.

Blessed Are the Chosen is an eight-lesson interactive Bible study for individuals or small groups based on season 2 of the groundbreaking television show, The Chosen. This study brings both the Old and New Testaments to life in an approachable and conversational way. This study guide works in tandem with each episode of the show and includes: A deeper look at God’s character, power, and promises using the framework of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount Script excerpts, quotes, and illustrations from each episode Scripture to provide lesson context Pictures and bios of characters for increased connection Conversational features to invite Bible knowledge Guiding questions for group or individual discussion or reflection Once we belong to Him, we’re not only given a new identity; we’re ushered into a new reality—one that is sure, powerful, and life changing. And so— We have hope no matter our circumstances. We have assurances and resources, even in life’s trials. We are blessed in all things because we are chosen by Him.

An Understandable and Reliable Guide to Revelation Over 12 chapters, Blessed covers the full text of the book of Revelation, exploring its call to patient endurance as God's sovereign plans for judgment and salvation are worked out in the world. In this book, Guthrie shows how Revelation is less about when Jesus will return and more about who we are to be, what we are to do, and what we can expect to endure as we wait for Jesus to return to establish his kingdom in the new creation. With a friendly and engaging tone, Blessed takes the fear, intimidation, and confusion away from studying Revelation, providing a solid and accessible resource that individuals and small groups can use to study this important yet often avoided book. Understand the Book of Revelation: Helps readers make sense of Revelation's unique apocalyptic symbolism, visual imagery, and Old Testament allusions Transformative Personal Application: Every chapter asks and answers the question, What does it mean to hear and keep this part of Revelation and thereby experience its promised blessing? A Focus on What Is Clear and Uncontroversial: Highlights Revelation's call for a costly allegiance to Christ and a refusal to compromise with the world rather than focusing on interpretive approaches and disputes