The Steward Living In Covenant

The Steward Living in Covenant discusses the theme of stewardship from a fruitful new perspective. Ronald Vallet explores Old Testament stories from creation to Isaiah, linking the life of the steward to the theme of covenant -- a first for books in this area. Written as an Old Testament parallel to Vallet's acclaimed Stepping Stones of the Steward, this book reclaims the Old Testament foundations of a fully biblical theology of stewardship. Vallet looks especially at the promise and command aspects of God's covenant with his people as a vital dimension of what it means to be a genuine steward.

This book teaches Christians about their God-given purpose in life. Many people may not know their purpose in life even after they become believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible shows that each believer is a covenant being, meaning that he/she has a God-given spiritual purpose in life (a covenant). Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah, Peter, John, and Paul lived covenant lives before God. It is important that each believer realizes and believes that he/she has a personal covenant with God just like these people, although his/her personal covenant is different from those of biblical figures. The covenant life is inextricably related to our life of holiness, or sanctification. Sanctification is the way through which this covenant is actualized in our life. Thus, the covenant gives the answer to the question, "Why am I here?" And sanctification gives the answer to the question, "How should I live that life in the world?" The covenant person lives as a steward of Jesus Christ. The stewardship is the guiding principle for this person as he relates to material things in the world. And justice is the guiding principle for the covenant person as he relates to other people.

The most vital question confronting the church in North America at the turn of the century is whether it can, in the face of the myriad distractions of modern society, remember who it is, what it is called to do, and, especially, whose it is. In this volume Ronald Vallet explores the biblical basis for stewardship, with major emphasis on God's promises and commands, to help congregations become the households of God that he intends them to be. Vallet also discusses several church-related issues that affect the life and practices of congregations today. He deals with fantasies and fears about money in the congregation, shows the central role that authentic worship plays in focusing congregations on God, examines the proper roles of pastors and laity, and considers the prevailing concepts and practices of modern culture that can entangle today's churches. Vallet's work provides an insightful map for churches as they confront the confusing crossroads of life in our world.

The word stewardship comes across as stale and mildly distasteful to many in the church today as a term limited in its scope to euphemistic conversations about financial giving. Yet, as Ronald Vallet points out, when the apostle Paul refers to "stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor. 4:1), he's talking about something much deeper and richer than fund-raising. In Stewards of the Gospel Vallet recovers a more adequate understanding of Christian stewardship in light of both the New Testament and the realities facing today's church as it deals with challenges to justice, to the environment, and even to faith itself. He then applies his reinvigorated concept of stewardship in practical ways to congregations, to their pastors and leaders, and to the seminaries and denominational structures that mold and support those leaders. Enhancing Vallet's broad, gospel-oriented vision of stewardship are thoughtful responses from six seasoned theological educators: Daniel Aleshire, David L. Bartlett, Bruce C. Birch, Terry Parsons, Eugene F. Roop, and L. E. "Ted" Siverns.

John Rowell sets out a program that will enable affluent churches in the West to give generously across cultures without fear of promoting dependent, hierarchical relationships.

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. Taking the images of "journey" and "steward" as metaphors for the Christian's life, and using parables of Jesus found in Matthew and Luke, Ronald Vallet helps focus a truly biblical understanding of the term steward and the role of believers as earthly caretakers, neighbors, and responsible servants of God. Written to inform and encourage pastors and laypersons who seek to explore new dimensions in their Christian journey, Vallet's inspirational study teaches Christians how to gain a sense of purpose, how to properly use their resources, talents, and money, and how to reach out with compassion for the welfare of others and for the planet. This revised and enlarged edition includes important new discussions in the areas of faith and money and environmental issues. M. Douglas Meeks has written the foreword, and a new epilogue by Vallet explores the mission funding crisis of the church in North America, the changing views on both the church and its mission, and the important role played by theological education. Thought-provoking questions and suggestions for further reflection follow each chapter, and a study guide outlines ways to adapt this volume to adult and youth church and school classes, planning groups, conferences, and small-group settings.

It's the Bible like you've never seen it - it's your life like you've never lived it. The Bible. You may have grown up reading its pages, memorizing its stories, considering its claims. Now you can take a closer look at those familiar passages in this uncommon series: Take a Closer Look, Take a Closer Look for Teens, and Take a Closer Look for Women. Discover a new power-packed and personal perspective that can't help but change your world. You'll experience a fresh encounter with God, the author of the most compelling book in history, and embark on a lifelong adventure designed just for you.