Encountering Jesus In The Real World Of The Gospels

Encountering Jesus in the Real World of the Gospels Cyndi Parker Encountering Jesus in the Real World of the Gospels draws readers into a deeper understanding of ancient Israel and first-century Judaismthe clothing, setting, political climate, and moreall to better understand Jesus ministry. Instead of reading the Gospels through twenty-first-century eyes, author Cyndi Parker introduces readers to the larger context with the weight of the Old Testament behind them. This is an approachable and conversational book that introduces the reader to the complex human world of Jesus. Have you ever wondered if it is important that Jesus grew up in Nazareth but moved his public ministry to Capernaum, even though Jerusalem was the capital of Jewish thought? Does it seem strange to you that Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes held significantly divergent religious views, even though they were all Jewish? In this book, Cyndi Parker guides us through the intriguing drama of history that created the context of first-century Judaism. She extends an invitation to readers to take a new look at the long drama of Gods interactions with humanity that reach a climax in the life of Jesus. Encountering Jesus in the Real World of the Gospels focuses on the complexities of the political, social, literary, and religious context of the Gospels. The purpose is to advance readers understanding of the Gospels and help them encounter Jesus, the disciples, and crowds as real people in a real place at a time vastly different from today. Come explore the land of ancient Israel with its dramatic history, culture, and religion. Includes many images, maps, photos, and drawings throughout! About the Author Cyndi Parker (PhD, University of Gloucestershire) teaches in seminaries, universities, and churches around the world. Cyndi lived in Jerusalem for five years, has led dozens of trips to Israel, and continues to develop innovative, educational trips that inspire students of all ages through experiential education.

Applying a comprehensive theory of character to the Gospel of John, Cornelis Bennema provides a fresh analysis of the characters and their responses to Jesus. While the majority of scholars view most Johannine characters as flat, Bennema demonstrates that many are complex, developing, and round. Johns broad array of characters correspond to people and their choices in real life in any culture and time. This book highlights how Johns Gospel seeks to challenge its readers about where they stand in relation to Jesus.

With a firm conviction from years of ministry that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, Father Ronald Leinen shares stories of the living, healing, and life-renewing power he has found in Jesus the Saviour. As chaplain, pastoral counsellor, teacher, and priest, Father Leinen has met hundreds of people whose lives have been transformed by the love of Jesus. From the Gospels and the lives of both laity and religious who have encountered the person of Jesus, Father Leinen shows us how Jesus is alive today and working in people's lives.

New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet Timothy Keller explores how people are changed by meeting Jesus personally—and how we can be changed encountering him today. The people who met Jesus Christ in person faced the same big life questions we face today. Like most of us, the answers handed down to them didn’t seem to work in the real world. But when they met Jesus, things immediately started to change for them. It seems he not only had the answers—he was the answer. In Encounters with Jesus, Timothy Keller shows how the central events and meetings in Jesus’ life can change our own lives forever. "Keller's work belongs on the bookshelf of every serious Bible student." —Examiner "Keller has mined the gold from these texts of Scripture, and any Christian is bound to have their minds expanded and hearts stirred." —Grace for Sinners

Bible What does current New Testament research have to say to people today? Daniel Harrington and Christopher Matthews present these essays of contemporary scholarship on Jesus as we know him through the scriptures. This timely collection invites the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Book jacket.

In this eight-session LifeGuide® Bible Study, Douglas Connelly examines the stories of how eight people--among them a scholar, a failure, a blind man and an adulteress--found their lives changed forever when they met Jesus Christ. Looking at their lives can give you hope when you find yourself dealing failure or with an emptiness nothing in life seems to fill.

Encountering Jesus: A Life-Changing Look at the Son of God Study Guide will lead you through reviewing and applying the material found in Encountering Jesus: A Life-Changing Look at the Son of God. The study guide includes a focus, words to consider, Bible background, reflections, and applications for each chapter.

No disciple had a closer relationship with Jesus than John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved." John records how Jesus changed his life dramatically and the lives of others, including Nicodemus, the religious leader who had a secret meeting with Jesus; the woman at the well, who became an evangelist; and Lazarus, who Jesus raised from the dead.