Many congregations are searching for fresh approaches to telling the good news -- and Thespian Theology is just what you need to inject a healthy dose of fun into the scriptural message. Twelve of Jesus' parables are depicted in a humorous, offbeat way in scripts that were originally developed for presentation by a high school-age youth group. While the plays are especially appropriate for adolescents, they also maintain a focus on the biblical text and will appeal to all ages. Pastors and youth leaders will discover that these simple, easy-to-perform sketches can be an excellent tool for reaching out to unchurched people and getting them excited about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Everyone who participates in (or witnesses a performance) of these sketches will enjoy them while learning about God in the process. Some of the amusing titles include: Who Is My Neighbor? or The Parable of the Good Geek (The Good Samaritan) Wilfred Wonderful's Weightless Wooden Widget Works (The Unforgiving Servant) Hey... Who's in Charge Here? (The Laborers in the Vineyard) Irkum D. Judge, Esq. (The Judge and the Widow) A graduate of Harvard University (B.A. and M.B.A.), John A. TenBrook has been addicted to the theatre ever since he appeared in Harvard's famous Hasty Pudding Show as an undergraduate. He has worked in marketing and public relations for the Westvaco and Friendly Ice Cream corporations, and has also served as Director of Community Relations for two social service agencies in the Springfield, Massachusetts area. He is currently the Communications Coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

Stimulate audiences to see the scriptural message in a new light with these inspiring sketches based on Cycle C lectionary readings for the Lent and Easter seasons. Originally developed for presentation by a high school-age youth group, the simple, easy-to-perform scenes in this latest installment of John TenBrook's popular Thespian Theology series are an excellent tool for sharing the Gospel with unchurched people and getting them excited about Jesus Christ. Each skit is introduced by brief "Thespian Theological Thoughts" on the drama and the scripture texts. These versatile pieces can be staged as an alternative to the Sunday sermon or used for youth programs and other fellowship settings -- they're sure to enlighten audiences of all ages while leaving an indelible impression. Some of the intriguing titles include: - Dust Thou Art... Art Thou Dust? (Ash Wednesday) - Moses The Fig Tree (Lent 3) - The Spiritual Struggle Of Sidney Centurion (Passion/Palm Sunday) - "But I Wasn't There... Ya Gotta Show Me!" (Easter 2) - Let Everyone Who Is Thirsty Come (Easter 7) A graduate of Harvard University (B.A. and M.B.A.), John A. TenBrook has been addicted to the theatre ever since he appeared in Harvard's famous Hasty Pudding Show as an undergraduate. His career has included marketing and public relations positions with the Westvaco and Friendly Ice Cream corporations, and TenBrook also served as community relations director for two social service agencies in the Springfield, Massachusetts, area.

Matthew Farlow traces the thoughts of Balthasar and Barth so as to enter into theological truth of God's Being-in-Act. This exploration embarks on a journey into the reality of our Triune God who has engaged his creation so as to elicit fellow actors. God seeking out humanity is God with us, a truth that not only informs our theological endeavors, but invites us into the dramatic performance of reconciliation. As Farlow illumines, God is an acting God who seeks fellow participants in his ongoing drama of salvation. Through the dramatizing of theology, the church and her theologians come to realize God's threefold movement--revelation, invitation and reconciliation. It is a unified act that startles humanity, and thus theology, out of its "spectator's seat," so as to drag it onto the world's stage. As Farlow discusses, it is through the dramatizing of theology that we find ourselves best equipped to participate faithfully in the role of a lifetime.

A Theology of John’s Gospel and Letters introduces the first volume in the BTNT series. Building on many years of research and study in Johannine literature, Andreas Köstenberger not only furnishes an exhaustive theology of John’s Gospel and letters, but also provides a detailed study of major themes and relates them to the Synoptic Gospels and other New Testament books. Readers will gain an in-depth and holistic grasp of Johannine theology in the larger context of the Bible. D. A. Carson (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) says about Köstenberger’s volume that “for the comprehensiveness of its coverage in the field of Johannine theology (Gospel and Letters), there is nothing to compare to this work.” I. Howard Marshall (University of Aberdeen) writes, “This book is a ‘first’ in many ways: the first volume that sets the pattern for the quality and style of the new Biblical Theology of the New Testament series published by Zondervan; the first major volume to be devoted specifically to the theology of John’s Gospel and Letters at a high academic level; and the first volume to do so on the basis that here we have an interpretation of John’s theology composed by an eyewitness of the life and passion of Jesus.” The Biblical Theology of the New Testament Series The Biblical Theology of the New Testament (BTNT) series provides upper college and seminary-level textbooks for students of New Testament theology, interpretation, and exegesis. Pastors and discerning theology readers alike will also benefit from this series. Written at the highest level of academic excellence by recognized experts in the field, the BTNT series not only offers a comprehensive exploration of the theology of every book of the New Testament, including introductory issues and major themes, but also shows how each book relates to the broad picture of New Testament theology.

Feminist biblical interpretation has reached a level of maturity that now makes possible a commentary series on every book of the Bible. It is our hope that Wisdom Commentary, by making the best of current feminist biblical scholarship available in an accessible format ... will aid readers in their advancement toward God's vision of dignity, equality, and justice for all. - Book jacket.

Embark on a transformative journey through the genres of visual arts and spirituality with Discerning Beyond the Screen. Toya Booth skillfully navigates the intersection of Christian-based films and spiritual disciplines, offering practical insights and strategies to deepen one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. From academia to ministries and personal endeavors, this groundbreaking book serves as a versatile resource for individuals and institutions alike seeking innovative approaches to spiritual formation. As Booth delves into the essence of spiritual disciplines through storytelling media, readers are invited to explore theological considerations where creativity meets spirituality. Through engaging analysis and real-world examples, Discerning Beyond the Screen unveils how these approaches can nurture discipleship and propel the church beyond its traditional confines. Whether you are a scholar seeking academic insights, a pastoral leader looking for fresh discipleship strategies, or an individual yearning for personal growth, this book offers transformative perspectives to revolutionize your spiritual journey. Discover the unique perspective and actionable guidance that Discerning Beyond the Screen offers, and embark on a journey of spiritual growth unlike any other.