God As A Gardener Exploring Plants In Bible Parables

Despite differences between God and ourselves, God yearns to communicate with us. In scores of Old and New Testament parables, God used plants to illustrate his nature, spiritual truths about his kingdom, and how he wants us to live. Yet, interpreting Bible parables illustrated by plants isn't easy; 21st century society is far removed from the Bible's original audience. Because westernized individuals live in an industrial and technology-driven society, often contact with plants grown for food is second or third hand at best. We don't have an "aha" moment where we understand a parable by its comparison to a plant, i.e., a fig tree and figs. God as a Gardener encompasses 24 parables illustrated by plants, 12 from the Old Testament and 12 from the New Testament. This Bible Study is written for the average church member who wants to understand the message in parables, but, at the same time desires a Bible study with a unique perspective. The book meets both of these requirements. Further, each chapter contains a colored photograph of an original water-colored illustration of the parables' plant(s).

Despite differences between God and ourselves, God yearns to communicate with us. In scores of Old and New Testament parables, God used plants to illustrate his nature, spiritual truths about his kingdom, and how he wants us to live. Yet, interpreting Bible parables illustrated by plants isn't easy. Twenty-first century society is far removed from the Bible's original audience. Because westernized individuals live in an industrial and technology-driven society, often contact with plants grown for food is second- or third-hand at best. We don't have an aha moment where we understand a parable by its comparison to a plant, e.g., a fig tree. God as a Gardener encompasses 24 parables illustrated by plants, 12 from the Old Testament and 12 from the New Testament. This Bible study is written for the average church member who wants to understand the message in parables, but, at the same time desires a Bible study with a unique perspective. The book meets both of these requirements. Further, each chapter contains a colored photograph of an original water-colored illustration of the parable's plant(s). Carolyn Roth is an award-winning biblical gardener and celebrated author of a book on plants of the Bible. I cannot think of a better person to be writing a book that is sure to capture the interest of millions of Christians who want to learn more about the Bible. Dr. Gerald R. McDermott, Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School. The private and small-group devotional value of this volume is limitless, life-changing, and God-exalting. Dr. Ed Bez, President, Biblical Botanical Gardens Society, Atlanta, Georgia"

Date palm and almond tree, cypress and pomegranate, wheat and cucumbers: these are just a few of the familiar plants mentioned in the Holy Bible. Shrubs, trees, vines, flowers, and food-bearing plants appear throughout the pages of the Scriptures, often used to emphasize a message in a Bible story. Now the gardener in the city or the countryside can become better acquainted with these very special plants by growing and tending them. Gardening with Biblical Plants, by Wilma James, is a complete guide to Scriptural plants and how and where to grow them. "Whether you garden indoors or out, you experience a sense of God's presence while working with plants that kept company with biblical people and become more aware of the important role plants played in the stories of the Scriptures," writes Ms. James. Gardening with Biblical Plants covers over 100 trees, shrubs, herbs, spices, water plants, flowers, and food plants. Ms. James prefaces her instructions for growing each plant with a discussion of habitats, the purpose it served in the Bible, and ways the plant was valued in biblical times. Bible verse that mention each plant are specified, and one verse is directly quoted. In addition to instructions for growing biblical plants indoors or out, Ms. James offers ideas for groupings in keeping with the Scriptures. Carefully prepared line drawings, by Arla Lippsmeyer, aid in identification. Experienced and beginning gardeners alike will not only find that Gardening with Biblical Plants enhances their appreciation of God's Word, but also provides concrete help in planting.

In Rooted: Reflections on the Gardens in Scripture, you'll explore the five major gardens of the Bible with respected author, pastor, and gardener Murray Andrew Pura as your guide. Discover the deeper spiritual meanings each garden symbolizes, and revisit the gospel stories---from creation to Revelation---where you'll glean new insights about leading a Christian life.

Over 35 different plants were named in Gospels. Often, Jesus used plants when he performed miracles and made teaching points; sometimes he used plants to reprimand individuals. This book is the intersection of Jesus's life, teachings, miracles, and parables with plants. God said, "All scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3.16 ESV). That means we must understand the plants Jesus used in the Gospels.

"With a week-by-week format that corresponds to the Christian calendar year, God in the Garden explores the deep-rooted connections between faith and nature and shows how tending a garden can be a spirtual act."--Back cover.