Encountering God S Word

Studying the Bible in an academic institution can be very different from studying it in a church service or house group, but for all Christian readers the fundamental task is the same: to understand, and to live out, the meaning of the text as fully as possible. Nevertheless, formal courses in universities and theological colleges will require students to learn information and evaluate opinions that can appear to be of little consequence for most other readers of the Bible. Furthermore, Christians can be confronted with essentially non-Christian worldviews that conflict with their basic convictions; evangelicals will grapple with other Christian perspectives, or with tough questions within their own presuppositions about the nature and content of the Bible. This collection provides an introduction to academic study of the Bible, with the particular needs of evangelical students in mind. These essays are intended to complement standard texts and lecture courses, and offer accessible, up-to-date surveys of key issues, along with valuable orientation and advice.

Preaching occurs when a holy man of God opens the Word of God and says to the people of God, “Come and experience God with me in this text.” Encountering God through Expository Preaching ushers preachers of all levels of experience through the practical steps necessary to preach with power. The authors not only cover the exegetical skills and homiletical techniques necessary for sound preaching, but they also dive deeper to emphasize how a pastor’s character and reliance upon the Holy Spirit are essential to preaching God’s word effectively. As the preacher encounters God in preaching, he will preach with spiritual power and see lives transformed and churches strengthened.

We can all form an unbreakable bond with God. But to do so, we must first enter into a deep and lasting relationship with him. Read, ponder, and pray for guidance from God. Seek to grow in knowledge and understanding of his ways. Then apply lessons from the Bible to our daily routines. Commit to Gods love, grace, and wisdom. Be inspired by his word in the Bible, and draw closer to him. In Encountering God, author Marsha Glynn offers daily reflections that will help fellow believers draw closer to God through words and deeds. After years of reaching out to God through prayer and reading the Bible, Marsha was inspired to share her heart and soul and offer a collection of Bible verses and reflections that bring reassurance of Gods never-ending love, his comfort, and the hope only he can provide. The bond that Marsha has with God is unbreakable. Learn how she developed this bond and has come to believe all things come from God. He makes good come from every experience. We can all be transformed by his love.

In this thought-provoking examination of how people encounter God, Wade Howell examines the way humans come in contact with the divine. Howell presents a biblical, theological, and philosophical case for why people, who are physical, can have a relationship with God, who is spirit. With an emphasis on centrality of the local church, Howell demonstrates how God designed the church to satisfy the most intimate human needs, which God placed in humans so he could be the source of their fulfillment. With a heart for people and a love for God's church, Howell echoes Augustine in showing why our soul is restless until it finds rest in God through his church.

An encounter with God. It's what we were created for and, whether we realize it or not, what we all pursue. However curious we may be about it, though, many believe it's an arcane experience available only to the spiritual elite. David M. Edwards, an acclaimed worship leader, author, and speaker, shares his insights into encountering God in a way that's refreshingly direct, approachable, and biblically grounded. Through personal experience as well as the examples of Moses, Paul and Silas, David, Mary of Bethany, Abraham, and others, Edwards gives a new dimension to their stories that will help readers see it is indeed possible to encounter God in their daily lives.

Well known for his teaching, writing, and editing of Magnificat, the widely popular monthly publication containing the Scripture readings and prayers for the Mass used weekly by several hundred thousand Catholics, Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P., offers here expert spiritual and practical help for priests, pastors and seminarians desiring to preach effectively. Why Preach draws from the author's rich understanding of the Word of God as the challenging, encouraging, and healing presence of Christ, as well as from his own experience as both a preacher and a teacher of homiletics. With an eye focused on the works and examples of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, Father Cameron illustrates that good preaching derives from and leads to an encounter with Christ, the Word of God made Flesh, who comes to us through the Scriptures. The objective of the book is to help preachers to think about preaching in a new, dynamic way. Its aim is to provide a fresh and helpful vision of preaching geared to deepening a preacher's appreciation of what preaching is, and the great spiritual impact that good preaching can have on its audience, so as to increase his desire and ability to preach well.

In Encountering God, Kelly Minter explores how essential spiritual disciplines are to our faith experience and everyday lives. She'll unpack the biblical foundation for these sacred habits along with approachable ways to practice disciplines like prayer, study, worship, rest, simplicity, hospitality, and celebration. Over 8 sessions, you'll discover that spiritual disciplines aren't just one more thing to add to your to-do list, but they can actually create more margin in your life, resulting in deeper peace, communion, and rest. And perhaps most importantly, cultivating habits of faith help you know God more, as you release control to Him, express your need for Him, and walk in glad submission and worship of Him. Features: Personal study segments with homework to complete between 8 weeks of group sessions Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups Teaching videos, approximately 30 minutes per session, available for purchase or rent Explanations of the history and progression of spiritual disciplines from origins to present day along with their biblical roots Practical guidance and activities to live out the various spiritual disciplines at home Benefits: Demystify spiritual disciplines and be empowered to practice them as you draw closer to God. Understand how spiritual disciplines strengthen the Body of Christ, both in communities and individual lives. Reframe your perspective on rest and renewal.

A hands-on and time-tested look at ways to pray that will strengthen your relationship with God and lead to transformation. 7 Ways to Pray explores ancient prayer practices to help you encounter God and avoid an over-intellectualization of your faith. Each chapter shares real-life examples, is rooted in the Bible, and includes prayer exercises for individuals or groups. This is a sourcebook for prayer, not a simple to-do list. Amy is a storyteller that brings these proven practices to life so you can make them immediately actionable. This is a great resource for your retreat, prayer group, or book club. Prayer is a gift from God; praying is a practice. We are always a simple word or single step away from a conversation with God. And yet taking that step or saying that word can sometimes feel confounding. This book draws from the deep well of Christian history to make praying a habit to enjoy in our crazy, bustling, wearying times. With seven ways of approaching prayer and practical examples of those ways to pray, you will find yourself regularly and repeatedly turning to God and finding him happy to hear from you.