Love Letters To The Church

Love Letters to the Church is a clarion cry from a loving God to the body of Christ, to KNOW HIM, not just know about Him. He longs to draw us with cords of love into the intimate closeness that can come only from knowing His heart. A person could spend his whole life in church doing all the things he feels a Christian should do and never really come to know the God of his salvation. Yes, we can repeat the sinner's prayer, but "getting saved" and becoming a believer is not just about getting fire insurance to keep us out of hell. True Christianity is all about a personal relationship with the living God, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. As you feel God's heartstrings drawing you to a closer and more passionate walk, may you also hear Him calling you to be part of His end-time army, and ultimately, His victorious church. You will be telling the Good News of Jesus, healing the sick, setting the captives free, and preparing a people for Christ's return. The time is too short; we must be ready. Occupy! Occupy! Occupy!

If God had it His way, what would your church look like? The New York Times bestselling author of Crazy Love challenges readers to be the Church as God intends. Do you want more from your church experience? Does the pure gospel put you in a place of awe? Are you ready to rethink church as you know it? Sit with Pastor Francis Chan and be reminded that you are a part of something much bigger than yourself, something sacred. In his most powerful book yet, Chan digs deep into biblical truth, reflects on his own failures and dreams, and shares stories of ordinary people God is using to change the world. Chan says, “We’ve strayed so far from what God calls Church. We all know it. We know that what we’re experiencing is radically different from the Church in Scripture. For decades, church leaders like myself have lost sight of the inherent mystery of the Church. We have trained people sitting in the pews to become addicted to lesser things. It’s time for that to change.” When Jesus returns, will He find us caring for His Bride—even more than for our own lives? Letters to the Church reminds us of how powerful, how glorious the Church once was … and calls us to once again be the Church God intended us to be.

Encourage the Church to address the gift of human sexuality—how to view it, how to deal with it, and how it relates to spirituality A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion: Love Letters to the Church challenges traditional church teachings that brand homosexuality as immoral, using pertinent scripture from the central Gospel to promote a full acceptance of gay and lesbian Christians. This powerful book questions the assumption that gay Christians are morally inferior, presenting testimony from gay men and lesbians about prejudice they’ve experienced at the hands of the Church—and its straight members. Written as a series of ten letters, the book addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the church and appeals for a new understanding and commitment to the acceptance of its gay members. From the author: The purpose of this book is to equip you, Christian warrior of the Gospel of peace, to stand against those who use the Bible to resist change—even that change of which our Lord would approve. In one sense, there is nothing revolutionary about this book. It is a book that respects tradition—but only up to a point: that point where tradition has to change, to give way to what the Holy Spirit is showing us in our day of the mind of Christ. And this is not revolutionary, because tradition has had to change before; it is a developing truth, born of the corporate experience of the children of God, and open to our claiming the exercise of our God-given gift of reason. A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion includes a series of letters that progress from establishing the purpose and credibility of the author, to developing grounding in Scripture and experience, to appealing to the reader to act as an ally of gay and lesbian Christians. The letters include: “Dear Christian Believer,” which aims for the “bull’s-eye” of the reader’s faith “Dear Sexual Being,” which offers a fresh look at a sensitive topic “Dear Confused Church Member,” which discusses what gay people are “really” like “Dear Concerned Church Member,” which discusses what gay people really want “Dear Bible Explorer,” which discusses what the Bible really says “Dear Person Trying to Do the Right Thing,” from “being” to “doing” and much more A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion provides a friendly and informal Biblical rationale for alternatives to traditional church teachings, encouraging the acceptance of gay and lesbian people as fully moral and fully Christian.

Encounter fresh perspectives and inspiration to pursue an authentic walk with Christ through these unlikely love letters.

Joy is everywhere in the book of Philippians. The emotion that Paul poured out in his letter to the church in Philippi shines through in every one of its 104 verses...and Paul wrote it as a prisoner chained to a Roman guard. What gives the Apostle Paul such resounding joy, even in the face of suffering and persecution? In this six-session study (streaming video included), bestselling author and pastor Mark Batterson serves as a tour guide on the letter to the Philippians; uncovering the major themes of joy, gratitude, unity, and purpose found in this inspiring letter. This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself—a 40 Day reading plan through Philippians with discussion and personal reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide. An individual access code to stream all six video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!). The heartbeat of Philippians is for believers to have a Jesus-centered vision of life: a radical vision that, when seen fully, enables us to embrace joy no matter the circumstances. 40 Days Through the Book series: Each of the studies in this series, taught by a different pastor or Bible teacher on a specific book of the Bible, is designed to help you more actively engage with God's Word by understanding its background and culture and applying it in a fresh way to your life. Throughout each study, you'll be encouraged to read through the corresponding book in the New Testament at least once during the course of 40 days. Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

Christians have been told again and again that Jesus loves them, yet many have not stepped into the security and intimacy that His love provides. Whether because of poor past relationships or a lack of good examples, many struggle to find intimacy with their Savior. Now, Rebecca Hayford Bauer invites readers to step into the best love story of all. 7 Love Letters from Jesus is an in-depth study of Revelation 2 and 3, a passage of Scripture that paints a metaphorical picture of courtship, engagement and marriage to the Lamb of God. It's also a passage that Christians have sometimes misread or misunderstood--but no longer! Readers will gain a new appreciation for these vivid images for their spiritual life and begin to see how Jesus views each and every person: as worthy of His relentless pursuit.

What child does not love to receive mail? What if your child could receive and read his or her own personal mail from God? Love Letters from God invites them to do just that! With 18 of the most popular Bible stories, each story is accompanied by a special and encouraging letter. Love Letters from God is the first book in the series written by Glenys Nellist. Unique features include: 18 letters from God Gorgeous, bright illustrations by Sophie Allsopp 9 stories from the Old Testament and 9 stories from the New Testament This picture book is perfect for ages 4–8 and is great for birthdays, Easter baskets, Valentine’s Day, holiday gift giving, or as an addition to your child’s digital library. Check out other titles from this series, Love Letters from God: Bible Stories for a Girl’s Heart, Easter Love Letters from God: Bible Stories, and Christmas Love Letters from God: Bible Stories.