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Understanding Your Young Teen is a book on early adolescent development for parents of young teens and pre-teens. Parents of young teens will 1. Gain an understanding of the unique and not-always-obvious realities of early adolescent development. This new understanding can greatly enhance parents patience, parenting approaches, and relationship with their child. 2. Review the developmental uniquenesses of the young teen years. Most parents dont fully appreciate the changes that are taking place in their teens bodies, minds and relationships. This resource will give them a solid understanding of those areas. 3. Explore new research and cultural changes. Parents will get a better understanding of the changing landscape of teen culture and see how much as changed since they were young teens. The bulk of the book will be based on the first half of: Middle School Ministry. The developmental chapters will be re-written for parents, and will not only include the developmental issues themselves, but the practical implications for parenting and living with young teens. A strong pro-young teen bias will permeate the book, as my affection for young teens and conviction that this age is a great opportunity for faith formation will be woven through all chapters. While the book will be based on research and experience, the tone will be conversational, from one parent of young teens to others. First-person tense will be used throughout, along with examples from my family and extensive involvement with young teens.

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The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context.

To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections:
Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context.Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible.Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved.
This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.

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Intellectuals Don't Need God and Other Modern Myths

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Building Bridges to Faith Through Apologetics

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Rethinking Effective Apologetics for the Present Age.

Christians have always had to defend their faith against all kinds of criticism and misunderstandings, but these attacks change overtime, and the strongest arguments of the famous classical apologists who preceded us are not necessarily the strongest today.

Intellectuals Don't Need God is written to today's faithful apologists who are trying to commend Christianity in terms of its relevance to everyday life and not just its inherent rationality. Its focuses are:
Understanding and overcoming the barriers of faith in today's culture.Presenting the points of contact between daily life and spiritual longing.Demonstrating the apologetics of today in action.
Theologian and scientist, Dr. Alister McGrath (author of the ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Winning biography of C. S. Lewis) shows convincingly that appeal to reason is only one of many possible bridges between the non-Christian and the gospel. In today's world, cerebral and emotional concernssuch as a sense that life lacks purpose or a deep sense of longing for something unknownare often more effective starting points for modern apologetics.

Dr. McGrath combines the clarity of a brilliant scientific mind with a deep commitment to Christ and to reaching non-Christians. Intellectuals Don't Need God is for apologists and seekers alikefor both those defending and questioning the validity and value of Christianity.

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Of the most common approaches to apologetics, which is most effective?

The goal of apologetics is to persuasively defend Christianity against charges of falsehood, inconsistency, or credulity. It's an intellectual discipline that serves to bolster the faith of Christian believers and to aid the task of evangelism, but are some methods more effective than others?

Five Views on Apologetics examines the "how-to" of apologetics, putting five prominent techniques under the microscope:
Classical represented by William Lane CraigEvidential represented by Gary HabermasCumulative Case represented by Paul D. FeinbergPresuppositional represented by John M. FrameReformed Epistemology represented by Kelly James Clark
Offering a forum for presentation, critique, and defense, this book allows the contributors for the different viewpoints to respond to the others. Your own informed conclusions can then guide you as you meet the questions of a needy world with the claims of the gospel.

The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

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Zondervan, Stanley N. Gundry, Steven B. Cowan

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From master storyteller Walter Wangerin, Jr. comes this familiar biblical saga told in a fresh, transfixing way. Youll feel youve never heard it before! Melding historical accuracy with imaginative detail, Wangerin uses the biblical books of Judges and Ruth to explore themes of love, faith, grief and community set against a backdrop of war and political instability. The widow Naomi grieves the deaths of her two adult sons after the shocking murder of a beloved adopted daughter, while pondering her responsibilities toward her Moabite daughters-in-law. Ancient Israel is in chaos. When her daughter-in-law, Ruth, begs to return to Israel with Naomi, events are set in motion that will change the course of history. But wait...this isnt the tame, flannel graph story you heard in Sunday School. In the tradition of Anita Diamants The Red Tent and Elissa Elliotts Eve: A Novel of the First Woman, Wangerin imbues his tale with strong female characters and an earthy realism that gives the timeless Old Testament narrative so much power. Youll find echoes of contemporary issues throughout: deceit, heartbreak, loss, war, and, of course, the power of love. Naomis combined strength and tenderness becomes the pivot upon which a nation turns; her decisions ultimately lead to the founding of the family lineage of Jesus Christ. Breathtaking descriptions, shocking violence, and inspirational courage make this spellbinding novel by a beloved award-winning author a story you wont soon forget. Its the perfect novel for your book group, and a satisfying read for those who love thoughtful biblical fiction.

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The Story of How We Found Our Way out of the Mormon Church

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A gripping story of how an entire family, deeply enmeshed in Mormonism for thirty years, found their way out and found faith in Jesus Christ.

For thirty years, Lynn Wilder, once a tenured faculty member at Brigham Young University, and her family lived in, loved, and promoted the Mormon Church. Then their son Micah, serving his Mormon mission in Florida, had a revelation: God knew him personally. God loved him. And the Mormon Church did not offer the true gospel.

Micah's conversion to Christ put the family in a tailspin. They wondered, Have we believed the wrong thing for decades? If we leave Mormonism, what does this mean for our safety, jobs, and relationships? Is Christianity all that different from Mormonism anyway?

As Lynn tells her story of abandoning the deception of Mormonism to receive God's grace, she gives a rare look into Mormon culture, what it means to grow up Mormon, and why the contrasts between Mormonism and Christianity make all the difference in the world.

Whether you are in the Mormon Church, are curious about Mormonism, or simply are looking for a gripping story, Unveiling Grace will strengthen your faith in the true God who loves you no matter what.

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Surprised by Hope Bible Study Participant's Guide

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Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church

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Many Christians believe our future in heaven is all that really matters. But that's not what the Bible teaches. In this six-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), premier Bible scholar N. T. Wright brings you inside the Scriptures to grasp the full, breathtaking hope Jesus offers the world, and its impact on your life today.

Gain an exciting new vision for your life on earth in light of your future in heaven. Wonderful as is the promise of heaven, a glorious hereafter is just part of what salvation is about.

What about today? Jesus called his followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Your life here and now is of tremendous consequence, and what you believe about the future has a direct impact on how you live in the present.

In six transforming, faith-inspiring sessions, premiere biblical scholar N. T. Wright opens your eyes to the amazing full scope of what God's Word has to say about the world to come and the world that is.

Filled with discussion questions, thoughts for reflection, and ideas for personal application, this study guide will help you get the most out of each session as you explore such questions as What is heaven really like? Is our main duty as Christians simply to help non-Christians get there? What hope does the gospel hold for this present life? In what ways does God intend for us to experience that hope personally and spread its healing power to the world around us?

Surprised by Hope provides a clearer vision both of the future and of God's kingdom at hand today.

This study provides individual and group activities, additional background material, and between-session personal studies that will enhance your experience of the video sessions.

Sessions include:
Hope for the WorldThe Hope of the ResurrectionThe Hope of HeavenThe Hope of Jesus Second ComingThe Hope of SalvationThe Hope of the Church
Designed for use with the Surprised by Hope Video Study (sold separately).

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N. T. Wright, Kevin G. Harney, Sherry Harney

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Encouragement from Those Who've Been There

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The wife of a minister is made of the same stuff as any other woman, but her circumstances set her apart. If youve married into the ministry, you know the difficulty of balancing the demands of your church and your family, the stresses of clergy marriage, the pressure of unrealistic expectations, and the setbacks of ministryand the joys. Other than Jesus himself, only a ministry wife really understands what its like to be a ministry wife. This devotional is written for you. In its pages, youll find not only wisdom and encouragement from Gods Word, but also the reassurance and solidarity of fellow ministry wives who are traveling the road with you and who know the territory. Kathy Chapell, Jeanne Hendricks, Barbara Hughes, Heather Olford, Jan Ortlund, Noel Piper, Sue Sailhamer, Paulette Washington, and many others share their experiences and their hearts in ninety daily reflections that begin with a Scripture verse and conclude with a prayer. Their insights are short, honest, intimate, and practicaland they always point you back to the One who is your ultimate source of help and guidance.

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Continuing a Gold Medallion Award-winning legacy, the completely revised Expositor's Bible Commentary puts world-class biblical scholarship in your hands.

A staple for students, teachers, and pastors worldwide, The Expositor's Bible Commentary (EBC) offers comprehensive yet succinct commentary from scholars committed to the authority of the Holy Scriptures. The EBC uses the New International Version of the Bible, but the contributors work from the original Hebrew and Greek languages and refer to other translations when useful.

Each section of the commentary includes:
An introduction: background information, a short bibliography, and an outlineAn overview of Scripture to illuminate the big pictureThe complete NIV textExtensive commentaryNotes on textual questions, key words, and conceptsReflections to give expanded thoughts on important issues
The series features 56 contributors, who:
Believe in the divine inspiration, complete trustworthiness, and full authority of the BibleHave demonstrated proficiency in the biblical book that is their specialtyAre committed to the church and the pastoral dimension of biblical interpretationRepresent geographical and denominational diversityUse a balanced and respectful approach toward marked differences of opinionWrite from an evangelical viewpoint
For insightful exposition, thoughtful discussion, and ease of uselook no further than The Expositor's Bible Commentary.

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Zondervan, Tremper Longman III, David E. Garland

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Choosing Christianity in the World of Ideas

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This world is a battlefield in the arena of ideas. The prize is the heart and mind of humankind. In this book, Ronald Nash outlines the Christian way of looking at God, self, and the world. He holds that worldview up against the tests of reason, logic, and experience, particularly discussing the problems of evil and the alleged "nonsense" of the historic Christian doctrines and of Jesus' incarnation and resurrection. He finds the Christian worldview sound and urges Christians to equip themselves intellectually to defend the faith on that battlefield. He particularly hits the attractions to our generation of naturalism and the New Age movement, pointing out their weaknesses and pitfalls as well as those of older worldviews. "Christian theism," he writes, "is a system that commends itself to the whole person"; but he stresses that a great difference exists between "belief that" and "belief in."

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NIV 2011 The New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible is the worlds most popular modern English Bible  easy to understand, yet rich with the detail found in the original languages.

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Loving Your Kids the Way Jesus Loves You

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Love-Powered Parenting is written out of a love for parenting and a deep desire to encourage parents. Yes, there are experiences in parenting that can cause deep hurt. Yes, there are realities in parenting that certainly will cause you to feel inept. Yet at the core of it all there is a deep gratefulness for the gift that God gives in the opportunity to love a child.

This book is a biblical guide to parenting. And by "biblical guide" we mean these pages are intended to take you on a journey through what the truth of God's Word has to say about parenting. The main goal is not to uncover psychological truths about your child--there are many good resources on psychological theory; nor does it include practical tips for everyday circumstances such as how to get your kids to eat their green beans.

Here, we will explore the simple and profound principles of God's Word to distinguish psychological truth from error, educational reality from untested theory, and we'll be looking at these tips within the broader context of God's principles for parenting.

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Tom Holladay, Chaundel Holladay, Rick and Kay Warren

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Test, Train, Affirm, and Send the Next Generation of Pastors

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Are You Called to Ministry?Those who are involved in full-time ministry often say they have been called to do what they do. But what does that mean? Who does the calling, and how is it received?  In Prepare Them to Shepherd, pastor Brian Croft unpacks the biblical model for preparing individuals for full-time ministry. In the past, training and sending individuals into full-time pastoral ministry and missionary work was viewed as the responsibility of the local church. Today, much of that responsibility has been delegated to Bible colleges, seminaries, and parachurch and mission organizations.The aim of Prepare Them to Shepherd is to challenge local churches to recover the biblical model for ministerial training and assume responsibility to identify and prepare gifted and godly individuals for service in Christs body. Part of the Practical Shepherding series of books, this insightful book provides pastors and ministry leaders with the practical help they need to test, train, affirm, and send those who are called into ministry.

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Finding Faith---A Search for What Makes Sense

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Does having faith mean abandoning reason? It's easy to get that impression. Still, it seems reasonable that a supremely intelligent God would want you to use your God-given intellect on your spiritual journey as much as in any other aspect of your life.

Faith may not stand on rational thinking alone, but a solid faith should walk hand in hand with intellectual integrity.
Does it really matter what I believe?What is the relationship between faith and knowledge?Why are there so many religions?Do all paths lead to the same God?
This book helps you sort through the questions, objections, and concerns you can't help but raise. A Search for What Makes Sense will help you think your way clearly and honestly to answers that satisfy because they're your answers--conclusions you've arrived at personally without manipulation, coercion, or game-playing.

For faith to exist and grow it's got to make sense--good sense, carefully-thought-out sense. And chances are it does.

FINDING FAITH

The Finding Faith books A Search for What Makes Sense and A Search for What Is Real don't try to tell you what to believe; they are guides in learning how to believe. If you think the spiritual journey requires turning your back on honesty and intellectual integrity, these two companion volumes will speak to both your mind and your soul.

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NIV, Questions of the Bible about the Life of Jesus: Excerpts from The Quest Study Bible

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This unique Zondervan Bible Extract is one of three courses taking you quickly into passages every Christian should know. In this bite size edition youll spend two weeks studying the life and teachings of Jesus from passages in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each daily reading should take only about 10 minutes. There are 14 chapters of scripture included. This digital extract edition is designed to address common, uncommon, and perplexing questions people ask about Scripture.

"Why was the Birth of Jesus announced to Shepherds?"

"What does it mean to take up one's cross?"

"How can we do greater things than Jesus did?"

While it does not contain the full Bible it does contain all the verses associated with the Q&A on the Life of Jesus reading plan.

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Create a wedding that reflects your Christian values with this guide to wedding traditionsDo you know where your favorite wedding traditions came from? Do you want to create a wedding that reflects your Christian faith and practice? From something borrowed, something blue to white veils and bridal gowns, from orange blossoms to tossing rice at the happy couple, youll learn about the meaning and historical significance of traditions for before, during, and after the wedding. For every Christian bride who wants to let her light shine, Carry Me Over the Threshold will help you create a memorable wedding that reflects your deepest spiritual values.

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Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where youll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each womans story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams ... and secrets. Youll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle can clash with the English way of lifeand the decisions and consequences that follow. Most importantly, you will be encouraged by the hope and faith of these women, and the importance they place on their families. In A Life of Joy, the fourth installment in the series, eighteen-year-old Lindsay Bedford has reached a crossroads. Should she stay in the small Amish community she's known and loved for four years or return to the English life in her hometown in Virginia where her older sister is a college student? An extended visit to Virginia might just tip the scales as Lindsay reconnects with friends, joins a new church, works on her GED, and is pressured by her sister to stay and "make something of herself." Will Lindsay leave her aunt Rebecca and become English or settle in Bird-in-Hand and join the Amish church? Legions of Clipston fans want to know. Full of well-researched Amish culture, Clipston's book is true to form, delivering the best of the Amish fiction genre wrapped around a compelling story, with characters who will touch the hearts of loyal fans and new readers alike.

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The NIV Proclamation Bible offers a valuable resource for those who teach from the Bible regularly and anyone who enjoys studying Scripture in greater depth. This edition, developed by Lee Gatiss in collaboration with the Proclamation Trust, includes a wealth of additional material from leading theologians, pastors, and Bible teachers to enhance your study of the word. The Bible features ten introductory essays on theology, doctrine and the application and interpretation of Scripture, as well as detailed overviews of each literary genre in the Bible--from the historical narratives to the apocalyptic literature. It also features introductions to every Bible book. Sixty-five expert Bible teachers have contributed to the NIV Proclamation Bible including Christopher Ash, Graham Beynon, Gerald Bray, Simon Gathercole, David Jackman, Karen Jobes, Dick Lucas, Douglas Moo, Peter O'Brien, Vaughan Roberts, William Taylor, and Chris Wright. Many of these individuals are also members of the NIV translation team, which takes into account the latest developments in biblical scholarship and language usage when working with the NIV translation. Setting the highest standards of reliability and readability, the NIV is ideal for personal reading, public teaching and group study.
8.4-point type size

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Our churches have hardly begun to tap the potential in the pews. Many Christians have settled for far less than God intends because many have never discovered or developed their spiritual gifts. "An understanding of Ephesians 4:11-16 has changed my entire perspective on my Christian service. I discovered that one of my highest priorities must be equipping the saints for their work of service. Pursuing this objective I have made a second discovery. Exceedingly few believers are conscious of possessing a spiritual gift, and even fewer know what their gift is or what to do about it. My third discovery is that few things can be of greater assistance to a Christian in setting his own priorities or discerning the will of God than knowing his own gift. These are the discoveries that have motivated me to prepare this book," says the author. Included are chapters on: - The Definition of a Gift - The Distribution of the Gifts - A Description of the Gifts - The Distinctions Within the Gifts.

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Coaching Life-Changing Small Group Leaders

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A Practical Guide for Those Who Lead and Shepherd Small Group Leaders

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Small groups transform churchesand lives. Small group leaders often feel the weight of shepherding their members. But who shepherds the shepherd? And what are the best ways to provide that support and guidance? These are the questions answered in Coaching Life-Changing Small Group Leaders. When youre called to coach a small group leader in your church, your mind may be filled with questions: Am I godly enough? What do I have to offer? How do I begin? Although the challenge seems immense, this handbook breaks down the work into reassuring and achievable steps. Originally self-published by Willow Creek Community Church, this expanded and improved edition offers field-tested and biblically supported advice on such topics as modeling a surrendered life to those you shepherd gaining the tools and wisdom you need for coaching helping leaders grow spiritually nurturing the spiritual development and support of leaders. For those who want to coach with excellence and truly help small group leaders thrive, this go-to guide offers practical answers and inspiring examples. Youll find both challenge and promise in these pages as you learn to carry forth your God-given calling with confidence. We ask small group leaders to come alongside their group members, but often no one comes alongside them. This is a great tool from two people who have done exactly that for a long time. Small group leaders everywhere will benefit from this kind of coaching.