Participating In Abundant Life

Our world is hungry for salvation, but we don't always know how to talk about it. Christians agree that God cares about people's lives both in this world and into eternity. But the ways we describe salvation often separate the spiritual from the material. Many groups emphasize one at the expense of the other, limiting the picture of what God has to offer. Mark Teasdale works to bridge the gaps by taking up Jesus' language of abundant life. This life is something Jesus invites us to participate in—to seek both for ourselves and for others. It's rich and multidimensional, not splitting spirits and minds from bodies and material needs. By connecting biblical perspectives of holistic salvation to contemporary concepts of well-being, Teasdale also shows how Christians can both better communicate in secular settings as well as partner with all people regardless of their faith to seek the common good. Incorporating concepts of material standard of living and subjective quality of life, Teasdale argues, gives Christians common language to share the promise of abundant life with those who hold to secular commitments. Yet we must also boldly present Jesus' invitation to eternal life and discipleship. For churches, ministry leaders, and laypeople Teasdale offers ideas to improve and measure methods of promoting all dimensions of salvation for the good of others.

Designed to involve the individual in systematic Bible study, these twelve well-organized lessons trace the Christian life from conversion to maturity. The illustrative drawings, helpful review questions, and suggested Bible memory verses are valuable for personal research -- and for group discussions. The Abundant Life analyzes the basics of the Christian experience one at a time, picturing them as physical actions. For example, it compares Bible study to eating, prayer to talking, forgiveness to washing. These simple analogies make the material easy to understand. An effective tool for evangelism or individual study, The Abundant Life points out the how-to of obtaining and enjoying a meaningful relationship with God.

Mental illness loves to tell lies. One of those lies is that you should be able to manage what you're struggling with all by yourself, but in Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don't Want to Talk About, pastor and psychotherapist Ryan Casey Waller reminds us that we don't have to suffer alone. Mental health issues aren't a symptom of a spiritual failing or insufficient faith. In fact, suffering is the very thing our Savior seeks to heal as he leads us toward restoration. And yet, as Waller has experienced firsthand, the battle can be lonely and discouraging--but it doesn't have to be. Combining practical theology, clinical insights, and deep empathy, Waller offers a rare mix of companionship and truth, inviting us to: Have shame-free conversations about mental health Discover why self-knowledge is so important to a deep relationship with God Understand the intersection of biology, psychology, and spirituality Explore varying avenues of healing in community, therapy, and medication Be equipped to support loved ones while practicing self-care Waller bridges the gap between the spiritual and the psychological in this empathetic, imminently helpful guidebook, reminding us all that we are not alone. Hope starts now. Praise for Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don't Want to Talk About: "I work with Christian leaders from all over the country and have seen firsthand how desperately we need to be talking about depression and anxiety. What prior generations considered taboo, the leaders of today and tomorrow consider essential. Whether you're new to the conversation of mental health or intimately familiar with its complexities, Waller's book has something for you. I can't wait for you to read this." --Grant Skeldon, author of The Passion Generation and Next Gen Director at Q

Ultimately, to be blessed is to have the full, abundant, and ongoing life that only comes from God. The Abundant Life Day Book contains a year’s worth of daily reminders of what it means to live in the abundance of God’s blessing through Christ. When we begin to see how much God has given to us in Christ, and how much he is worth, we realize that all the things we were hoping to get from God—good health, loving relationships, protection from harm, material provision—are only temporary, tangible reminders of and pointers to all we have in Christ. God wants you to enjoy the assurance of his intention to bless you! The Abundant Life Day Book invites you to celebrate God’s blessings day after day. Republished as Abundant Life in Jesus.

A Life Endured.Is Not a Life!!! As Christ-Followers we are called to do more than endure life. Created in God's image we are overcomers and more than conquerors with specific tasking from the King of kings. Yet cynicism, negativity, and the frantic pace of life send us the message that we should disengage in order to make it through. Power, riches, and pleasures call out to others and lure them down paths they were never meant to travel. Boredom and broken dreams distract others but from time to time we all see with amazing clarity: The way we are living just isn't the way things were supposed to turn out. There was supposed to be more victory, more joy, more significance; this cannot be all there is to our journey. Our vision is more than simple insight; it is a seed planted in John 10:10 when Jesus said He came to provide more than the wonderful gift of salvation: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

This Leader's Guide was written as a companion to "The Abundant Life" also authored by Dr. Viehman, to assist leaders in effectively working with Christians to inspire them to understand how to live an abundant life in Christ. Everything in here, however, is just a guide. Please feel free to use the study and conduct it as the Lord leads you to. Start praying about how to lead your group now! Dr. Viehman believes that the more you pray and ask for God's help with your group, the more God will bless you both. This guide covers your first meeting, which will be an introduction and orientation session, and then reviews each week's lessons from a leader's point of view. Let's get started studying and living The Abundant Life!

"Western neglecting traditional religion is an important factor for the failure of many developmental strategies towards Africa. Therefore, religion(s) of the indigenous peoples must be given the neccesary attention. The book presents the example of the Shona religion playing a critical role in the life of the Zimbabweans. If incorporated, it will contribute to the better success of development initiatives." --back cover