Author: Richard P. Olson Publisher: Resource Publications (CA) ISBN: 9781498252577 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
Description: The book is organized into three divisions, and as the title implies, there is a brief letter in the form of a New Testament epistle to the contemporary church, a portion of which begins each chapter. The first division reexamines the gifts and redemptive possibilities of anger and conflict. The barriers to healthy anger-conflict are considered and addressed. In the second, attention is given to conflicts surrounding the Bible. There is a chapter on conflict and reconciliation in the Bible, followed by suggestions on how people who read the Bible differently from each other can resolve some of those differences. Consideration is also given to discovering biblical priorities for the contemporary church. The third division offers ""vistas of change and reconciliation."" Parables of hope and promise are provided. Insights from the studies of persons and communities as well as ethics and theology are summarized. There is reflection on those unresolved conflicts that continue in spite of our best efforts. Then moral imagination is engaged to visualize the opportunities for a church that moves beyond its present stalemates. Endorsements: ""This is an impressive resource for individuals and groups wanting to re-think the reality of conflict in churches. Olson works with a wide range of biblical stories and texts in pointing a positive path through conflict. In an engaging way, he presents a concise summary of concepts and tools important for responding to congregational conflict. And he goes beyond many authors in presenting the full range of possibilities, not just for reconciliation between individuals, but also between groups and nations. There is a lot here, both for individual readers as well as groups; accessible enough to be read by laypeople and rich enough to serve seminary classes."" --Ron Kraybill peacebuilding consultant and trainer ""I am delighted to read and endorse this important book by Dr. Richard Olson. He writes with the passion of a disciple, the heart of a pastor, and the mind of a theologian who loves the church. This book is written in a manner that encourages reflection and dialogue. It correctly presents conflict as a given in life and as an opportunity to explore new ways of relating. My hope is that church groups, including pastors, will digest and discuss the book before there is perceived conflict as a way to grow as the 'peacemakers' Christ calls his followers to be."" --Rev. Dwight M. Lundgren Coordinator of Intercultural Ministry-Reconciliation National Ministries ABCUSA About the Contributor(s): Richard P. Olson is Distinguished Professor of Pastoral Theology at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kansas. He is the author of many works, including Ask Anything: A Pastoral Theology of Inquiry and Families of the Future.
Author: Richard P. Olson Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers ISBN: 1606083198 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 197
Book Description
The book is organized into three divisions, and as the title implies, there is a brief letter in the form of a New Testament epistle to the contemporary church, a portion of which begins each chapter. The first division reexamines the gifts and redemptive possibilities of anger and conflict. The barriers to healthy anger-conflict are considered and addressed. In the second, attention is given to conflicts surrounding the Bible. There is a chapter on conflict and reconciliation in the Bible, followed by suggestions on how people who read the Bible differently from each other can resolve some of those differences. Consideration is also given to discovering biblical priorities for the contemporary church. The third division offers "vistas of change and reconciliation." Parables of hope and promise are provided. Insights from the studies of persons and communities as well as ethics and theology are summarized. There is reflection on those unresolved conflicts that continue in spite of our best efforts. Then moral imagination is engaged to visualize the opportunities for a church that moves beyond its present stalemates.
Author: Diana Hartling Publisher: Xulon Press ISBN: 159160608X Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 114
Book Description
Love Letters to the Church is a clarion cry from a loving God to the body of Christ, to KNOW HIM, not just know about Him. He longs to draw us with cords of love into the intimate closeness that can come only from knowing His heart. A person could spend his whole life in church doing all the things he feels a Christian should do and never really come to know the God of his salvation. Yes, we can repeat the sinner's prayer, but "getting saved" and becoming a believer is not just about getting fire insurance to keep us out of hell. True Christianity is all about a personal relationship with the living God, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. As you feel God's heartstrings drawing you to a closer and more passionate walk, may you also hear Him calling you to be part of His end-time army, and ultimately, His victorious church. You will be telling the Good News of Jesus, healing the sick, setting the captives free, and preparing a people for Christ's return. The time is too short; we must be ready. Occupy! Occupy! Occupy!
Author: C.V. Bailey Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. ISBN: 1098086694 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 20
Book Description
Love Letters of a Believer is a book from the heart of a surrendered believer. As I struggled with unforgiveness, disappointment, depression, frustration, suicidal thoughts, financial debt, and dyslexia, I began to seek and desire an everlasting relationship with God. After experiencing the power of GodaEUR(tm)s healing through faith and his love for me, I trusted and believed in his Word. I knew that if he healed me in one area, he would heal me in other areas where I needed deliverance, such as wounds of dealing with everyday lifeaEUR"the unhappiness, the brokenness, the regrets. I needed to learn how to pray through my pain, not from my pain and struggles.During my daily prayer time, I began to write letters to God. I shared everything in my heart, the good and bad. As I poured out my flesh on paper, my life as I had known it was beginning to transform. I was being delivered from my old ways the more I revealed myself to God in prayer.Over time, I have given birth to letters that became my love letters of prayer. As I share them with you, I pray that you find inner strength to share your whole heart with God. I pray that they will encourage you to seek a relationship with the father and to know that he will not fail you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). You are not alone! If you are reading this book, there is still life to pursue purpose!
Author: Francis Chan Publisher: David C Cook ISBN: 0830776273 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 128
Book Description
What does God want for His Church? For your church? Building on each of the nine chapters of his latest book, Letters to the Church, Francis Chan urges Christ-followers to ask honest questions about the structure and values of our churches; study God’s commands for the body of Christ; pray in expectation of the Spirit’s power; and get excited about doing whatever it takes to be the Church God desires. Journey with those around you—in your community, your church, or your small group—and take intentional steps toward living out the biblical principles that fueled a world-changing movement. Don’t settle for just going to church. Be the Church. With the Letters to the Church Study Guide, be challenged and guided to passionately pursue Christ and His magnificent, beautiful vision for His Bride. Designed to be used with the Letters to the Church Video Series (available separately).
Author: Tara Klena Barthel Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers ISBN: 1619708728 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 177
Book Description
Discover practical advice on resolving conflicts and dealing with crises within the church---and learn how to turn each situation into an opportunity for grace. In this hope-filled book, experts Barthel and Edling take you through the Acts 15 model of approaching dissension in order to provide a clear, godly way forward to redemptive reconciliation. 204 pages, softcover from Hendrickson.
Author: Stephanie Parker Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 122
Book Description
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things...." There's nothing more special than a love letter with words that gift us with the knowledge that someone cares just for us. A Love Letter is a written expression of how one feels about another. That someone loves us just the way we are, with our accomplishments, our failures, our hopes, our dreams, our highs, and our lows. In "Seven Churches Love Letter," Dr. Parker deciphers the message of love Jesus has given to the Body of Christ. A message that will inspire you to draw closer to Christ, breaking the chains of guilt, hurt, shame, and defeat that tries to hold you in bondage and prevent you from experiencing the fullness of God's love. Because of Jesus, we have a love in the present because our hope for the future is sure in Him.
Author: Frances Taylor Gench Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press ISBN: 1611644143 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 135
Book Description
Conflict is all too common in the church today. But as Frances Taylor Gench reminds us in this book, conflict over scriptural interpretation has been with the church since its earliest days. Gench reflects on those early experiences of conflict, presenting substantive studies of biblical texts showing that discord (such as Romans 14-15; Matthew 14; Jeremiah 28; 1 Corinthians 12-14; John 13-17) and drawing lessons from each about how it informs current conflicts in the church. In the process, she provides a constructive resource to help Christians wrestle with Scripture in the midst of their disagreements. This innovative book can be used by individuals and in groups. Numerous study questions conclude each chapter.
Author: Richard P. Olson
Author: Richard P. Olson
Author: Diana Hartling
Author: C.V. Bailey
Author: Francis Chan
Author: Xulon Press, Incorporated
Author: Tara Klena Barthel
Author: Stephanie Parker
Author: Frances Taylor Gench
Author: Spencer Burke