The Disciples Call

There is currently no shared language of vocation among Catholics in the developed, post-modern world of Europe and North America. The decline in practice of the faith and a weakened understanding of Church teaching has led to reduced numbers of people entering into marriage, religious life and priesthood. Uniquely, this book traces the development of vocation from scriptural, patristic roots through Thomism and the Reformation to engage with the modern vocational crisis. How are these two approaches compatible? The universal call to holiness is expressed in Lumen Gentium has been read by some as meaning that any vocational choice has the same value as any other such choice; is some sense of a higher calling part of the Catholic theology of vocation or not? Some claim that the single life is a vocation on a par with marriage and religious life; what kind of a theology of vocation leads to that conclusion? And is the secular use of the word 'vocation' to describe certain profession helpful or misleading in the context of Catholic theology?

You don't have to be perfect to do God's work. Look no further than the twelve disciples, whose many weaknesses are forever preserved throughout the pages of the New Testament. Join bestselling author John MacArthur in Twelve Ordinary Men as he draws principles from Christ's careful, hands-on training of the original disciples for today's modern disciple, you! Jesus chose ordinary men--fishermen, tax collectors, political zealots--and turned their weakness into strength, producing greatness from people who were otherwise unremarkable. The twelve disciples weren't the stained-glass saints we imagine. On the contrary, they were truly human, all too prone to mistakes, misstatements, wrong attitudes, lapses of faith, and bitter failure. Simply put, they were flawed people, just like us. But under Jesus' teaching and touch, they became a force that forever changed the world. MacArthur takes you into the inner circle of the disciples--their selection, their training, their personalities, and their incredible impact. As MacArthur took a closer look at the lives of the twelve disciples, he found himself asking difficult questions along the way, including: Why did Jesus pick each of the twelve disciples? How did Jesus teach them everything he could in just eighteen short months? Can the lessons that Jesus taught the disciples can still influence our faith today? In Twelve Ordinary Men, you'll learn that disciples are living proof that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. As you get to know the men who walked with Jesus, you'll see that if he can accomplish his purposes through them, he can do the same through you.

Acts is the sequel to Luke's gospel and tells the story of Jesus's followers during the 30 years after his death. It describes how the 12 apostles, formerly Jesus's disciples, spread the message of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean against a background of persecution. With an introduction by P.D. James

Mark wrote "the beginning of the Gospel" for Christians who thought it was the end. For that he told them a story of another time when Jesus' disciples thought it was the end but turned out to be the beginning. That is why the passion-resurrection of Jesus dominates the Gospel according to Mark. Using rhetorical and literary analysis, Father LaVerdiere introduces Mark's story as the beginning of the Gospel as we enter a new millennium.

The Call Bible Study Book is an intentional 6-session disciple-making study that answers the question "Who am I as a disciple of Christ?" More than a Bible study on identity, The Call is a disciple-making resource that emphasizes practice and mentoring for group settings of multiple sizes to take disciples on a journey into what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Like all the releases in the Disciples Path series, The Call uses teaching, questions, conversation, exercises, and individual study to facilitate transformational discipleship. It begins by exploring the question "Who is Jesus?" Then it takes group members through the priorities of a disciple, the cost of a disciple, and the fruit of a disciple. Far too often we neglect to teach the trust cost of discipleship. It could end up costing everything, but true discipleship is worth that and even more. The sessions include: 1. Who Is Jesus? 2. What Did Jesus Do? 3. Following Jesus 4. The Priorities of a Disciple 5. The Cost of a Disciple 6. The Fruit of a Disciple The study includes an introduction to the weekly session topic, guided prayer options, and Scripture focus with text and narrative explanation that drives the weekly meeting. Also included each week are discussion questions and group exercises that reinforce the primary teaching points of each topic. Individual study and out-of-group activities have all been crafted to help users take their next step as disciples of Christ. These optional activities include but are not limited to reading plans, prayer exercises, personal study, and journaling. Features: Bible study format, content, and activities created and written by practicing disciple-makers Individual exercises to provide opportunities to practice discipleship A personal Bible study plan Benefits: Examine six facets of what it means to follow Christ. Facilitate transformation through modeling and practice. Use as a "handbook" for one-on-one or two-on-one discipleship situations. Lead effectively--requires minimal leader preparation and allows the facilitator to model what it means to be a disciple. Initiate an intentional discipleship path with individuals or groups.

"Few books have had as great an impact on the cause of world evangelization in our generation as Robert Coleman's "The Master Plan of Evangelism.""--Billy Graham It all started when Jesus called a few men to follow him and share God's message with their neighbors. We are called to do the same. But evangelism can be difficult--even intimidating. With all the evangelism resources available, where should you turn to find advice on how to share the Good News with others? Robert E. Coleman says the answers aren't found in TV evangelism, easy-evangelism guidebooks, or the latest marketing techniques. Rather, he looks to the Bible, to the ultimate example found in Jesus Christ. For more than forty years this classic, biblical look at evangelism has challenged and instructed over three million readers. Now repackaged for a new generation, "The Master Plan of Evangelism" is as fresh and relevant as ever. Join the movement and discover how you can minister to the people God brings into your life.

One of the most memorable Bible experiences a young child can have, and one of the most trusted and treasured gifts you can give. Start the little ones in your life on a journey towards a lasting love of God's Word with the beautiful The Beginner's Bible Gift Edition. Millions of children and their parents can't be wrong. The bright and vibrant illustrations throughout and stunning binding of The Beginner's Bible Gift Edition enhance every word, introducing boys and girls to the timeless stories of the Bible in a way they can read, remember, and, most importantly, live out. Kids will enjoy reading the story of Noah's Ark as they see Noah helping the elephant onto the big boat. They will learn about the prophet Jonah as they see him praying inside the fish. They will follow along with the text of Jesus' ministry as they see a man in need of healing lowered down through the roof of a house. Parents, teachers, and pastors, if you're looking for a gift that isn't just beautifully presented but is also a proven, memorable way to introduce children to the beloved stories and parables of Scripture, look no further than The Beginner's Bible Gift Edition. The Beginner's Bible Gift Edition Is the perfect gift for First Communion, baptisms, baby dedications, birthdays, Christmas, and Easter Contains easy-to-read text that has been parent tested and children approved Features bright, full-color illustrations on every page Includes more than 90 memorable Bible stories Is a highly-trusted, highly-recommended addition to the Beginner's Bible brand, with over 25 million products sold Shines with bright foil on the cover

In the Christian Church the Gospel of Matthew has been considered the most important portrait of Jesus' life and message. Containing Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and a uniquely rich collection of parables, among many other things, Matthew has made a major contribution to the church throughout the centuries, and it still has much to say to the church today. This superb commentary in the Pillar series explores the meaning and relevance of Matthew in an eminently straightforward fashion. Leon Morris writes for readers who use commentaries to discover further what the Bible means. Throughout, he makes clear what he considers to be the meaning of the Greek text that Matthew has bequeathed to the church. A perceptive introduction precedes Morris's warmhearted verse-by-verse exposition of Matthew, an exposition based on his own literal translation of the text. Now a standard reference work on the Gospel of Matthew, this mature, evangelically oriented commentary will continue to meet the needs of students, pastor, and general readers alike.