The Reluctant Prophets

A college-level introduction that invites students into biblical studies through creative, humorous re-telling of the basic biblical narratives. The Bible is foreign territory for students encountering it in introductory classes. Even those who have spent many years in church have rarely read much of it. To most of us it looks like a big collection of rules, lists, and theological arguments. But in reality, most of the Bible is made up of stories. Sometimes they re inspiring, sometimes they re funny, sometimes they re weird, but they re never dull. The best way to get into the Bible, says Robert Darden, is to get to know its stories. In this new approach to introducing the Bible to students, Darden covers the major biblical stories and characters, retelling them in such a way as to bring out their original humor and pathos, and inviting the student to encounter them more fully by moving into the text itself.

Retrace the life of Moses from his modest birth and rescue as a baby to the courts of Pharaoh, from herding flocks in Midian to leading his people out of Egypt. Join Adam Hamilton as he travels from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile, the Red Sea and the wilderness exploring the sites of Moses' life. Using historical information, archaeological data, and biblical text, Hamilton guides us in the footsteps of this reluctant prophet who grew in his relationship with God and by the end of life had successfully fulfilled the role he was given. Turn your own reluctance into boldness as you examine the significant challenges facing Moses and how God shaped his character and life in powerful ways. Additional components for a six-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and a DVD featuring author and pastor Adam Hamilton. For a church-wide study, youth and children resources are also available.

Twelve carefully selected individuals venture from their Southern U.S. location to a predestined site to serve as witness to the return of the Son of God. That witness will then allow them to authenticate and spread the message of this momentous event to a corrupt and violent world. Guiding the groups members to their objective is divine inspiration emanating from an enigmatic figure named Paolo. His choice to lead the group on the mission is a man named is Timothy, an individual who is relentlessly beset by self-doubt and uncertainty. The journey takes the group through hazardous terrain. As they make their way, they are constantly under attack from the forces of evil. Their primary opponent is Satan, who becomes aware of the mission, hopes to thwart the groups effort, and employs the creatures of iniquity to confront and destroy all twelve group members. The reader is introduced to each individual comprising the venture. The nine male members and the three female members relate in first-person narrative their personal feelings, fears, and expectations that they experience along the way. A climactic battle determines whether the group members are successful in their mission.

At age forty-two, Allison Chamberlain is still making a half-hearted attempt to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. Although she has been a pew-sitting member of a church for seven years, “prophet” has never been on the short list of possible careers. Then one Sunday Allison senses a divine nudge to buy a Harley motorcycle and go wherever it takes her. Soon she is wondering if she is called to present the reality of Christ to one of society’s darkest corners—and challenge her own church to look beyond their fears. The first in a brave trilogy from seasoned author Nancy Rue, The Reluctant Prophet shows how one person’s response to God’s call can change a community forever.

Jonah's struggle is our struggle. His pride and presumption is a reflection of our heart. His reluctance to do what God asked of him is a reminder that we too find it difficult to trust God when we do not understand His ways. By examining God's work through the reluctant ministry of Jonah, this book will strengthen the faith of every serious student of God's word whose desire is to better understand His heart for all people and our responsibility to reach them with the gospel.