Put Away Your Sword

What does it mean to follow the Prince of Peace in a world plagued by war, violence, and killing? Can the foundational convictions of Christianity, and the experiences of Christians around the world, contribute to a more adequate practice of the faith in contemporary times on matters of war, violence, and peacemaking? This volume addresses these important questions with contributions from Christian scholars and practitioners from across the Majority World (including El Salvador, Brazil, Kenya, and the Philippines) and from the United States and Europe. They include proponents of Christian pacifism and just war theory, advocates for varieties of “just peacemaking” frameworks, and people pursuing slow, modest steps toward reconciling enemies without the use of overarching theoretical frameworks. What holds them together is a sense that the world and the church would benefit from a robust and gospel-based commitment to nonviolence as an alternative to lethal business as usual in addressing conflicts great and small. The topics they consider include constructive aspects of a Christian theology of nonviolence; case studies of gospel nonviolence and pastoral work from violent conflicts around the world; women as victims of violence and makers of peace; and theopolitical questions of just war, armed intervention, and Christian nonviolence.

Edited by J.B. Phillips Chapters indicated but no verse numbers Introduction to each book Index 5 1/2 X 8 1/4 % Font size: 10

Background becomes foreground in Moyer Hubbard's creative introduction to the social and historical setting for the letters of the Apostle Paul to churches in Asia Minor and Europe. Hubbard begins each major section with a brief narrative featuring a fictional character in one of the great cities of that era. Then he elaborates on various aspects of the cultural setting related to each particular vignette, discussing the implications of those venues for understanding Paul's letters and applying their message to our lives today. Addressing a wide array of cultural and traditional issues, Hubbard discusses: • religion and superstition • education, philosophy, and oratory • urban society • households and family life in the Greco-Roman world This work is based on the premise that the better one understands the historical and social context in which the New Testament (and Paul's letters) was written, the better one will understand the writings of the New Testament themselves. Passages become clearer, metaphors deciphered, and images sharpened. Teachers, students, and laypeople alike will appreciate Hubbard's unique, illuminating, and well-researched approach to the world of the early church.

Young people are walking away from the church and those still in the church often struggle with indifference about their faith. But it doesn't have to be this way. It's time for a revolution, a holy uprising. A riot. With passion and authenticity, teen author Sara Barratt calls on her generation to reject apathy and embrace a daring, costly faith. Not content with safe religion that demands nothing of us, Sara shows teens how they can stop giving in to the status quo and devote themselves fully to Christ, following him no matter what their friends do or the culture around them does. She challenges them to give everything over--their comfort zones, their time, their loyalties, their pride--and discover that in losing control they are gaining the life that was meant for them all along. Love Riot is a battle cry from one teen to another to embrace a life of wholehearted commitment and relentless abandon for Christ . . . no matter the cost.

Nothing is more important than what a person believes about Jesus Christ. To understand Christ correctly is to understand the very heart of God, Scripture, and the gospel. To get to the core of this belief, this latest volume in the Foundations of Evangelical Theology series lays out a systematic summary of Christology from philosophical, biblical, and historical perspectives—concluding that Jesus Christ is God the Son incarnate, both fully divine and fully human. Readers will learn to better know, love, trust, and obey Christ—unashamed to proclaim him as the only Lord and Savior. Part of the Foundations of Evangelical Theology series.

Sometimes the greatest evil lies within. When Prince Gerin, King Quentin's son, is kidnapped, the kingdom is thrown into chaos and Quentin is forced to search inward for faith and hope. But is faith enough? At the dawn of a new era, where religious unrest is rampant and uncertainty of the kingdom’s future threatens everyone, it takes courage to stand. From an orphaned servant to a war hero, respected leader, and a fierce man of faith, Quentin has slowly transformed into The Dragon King. But even the powerful can fall prey to weakness.? The world is turned upside-down when the dark sorcerer Nimrood--long thought dead after a battle with the previous Dragon King--returns with a fearsome plan.? Shattered by the death of a dear and trusted friend, the abduction of his beloved son, and the loss of his enchanted sword, Quentin finds his faith tested like never before. At the dawn of a new era, where faith clashes and old evils rear their heads, Quentin and his friends must lead the way despite their own flaws and uncertainty. With the fate of the world hanging on by a thread, their decisions slice through religious unrest and restore hope in what is to come. In The Sword and The Flame readers will find: Christian allegory and themes A sweeping Arthurian styled epic fantasy about hope, destiny, and faith Crossover appeal for young adult and adult readers In?The Sword and the Flame, the final volume of Stephen R. Lawhead's captivating Dragon King Trilogy, the fate of the entire world depends on the outcome of this climactic battle between good and evil.

On a world known as Guiya, the Elfin kingdom of Valkhara is theatened by a dark and evil force. Deschardon, the deathlord, unleashes his army of Gorg upon the lands of Guiya in hope to make the world his sole empire. His force is led by his five inspirited generals, the Shaynelords and is followed by a dark and menacing cloud that stretches over the conquered nations, signifying the deathlord's rule over them. One being has the strength to stand against him; prophesied to be exiled from Valkhara, only to return and save it. Known as the Godchilde, this champion trains with the Elfin priests to master the martial art, Kayata and to command the empowering life force, called the Kiy. With these skills and the mightly blade, Godspel, she may succeed in destroying Deschardon and bringing peace to Valkhara once again.

Readers of the Life Application Study Bible--the #1 bestselling study Bible--will welcome the arrival of the new Life Application Study Bible Devotional. Let the life of Jesus sink into your mind and heart with 312 readings from the gospels--one for each weekday and one for the weekend. In the Life Application Study Bible Devotional: Daily Wisdom from Jesus, each week focuses on a different event in Jesus' life--drawing out daily wisdom from his parables, teachings, conversations, miracles, and interactions with people. You'll learn important biblical principles, become inspired to put God's Word into practical action, and be forever changed by a year spent going deeper with your Savior.