In this compelling and hard-hitting book, respected preacher and teacher Thomas Long identifies and responds to what he sees as the most substantive theological forces and challenges facing preaching today. The issues, he says, are fourfold: the decline in the quality of narrative preaching and the need for its reinvigoration; the tendency of preachers to ignore God's action and presence in our midst; the return of the church's old nemesis, gnosticism--albeit in a milder form--evidenced in...

The six themes explored in the books of 1 and 2 Timothy enable us in the church today to hear the gospel as expressed to those early Christians. We need to concentrate on worship, be led by faithful leaders, stay strong i nthe faith, love God more than wealth, hear and live God's Word, and serve faithfully in the church. These themes can strengthen our lives of faith as well as the church's witness and service to Jesus Christ. This ovlume includes material for participants as well as outli...

The world is slowly emerging from the worst global emergency in a century, and the myriad struggles of the contemporary moment—division, isolation, illness, and uncertainty—make living our faith a challenge. For Christians, a number of questions have gained new urgency: Where do we find hope when it seems in such short supply? Where are the signs of God's peace in this divided world? Where do we find a deeper sense of joy?Thomas G. Long and Donyelle C. McCray remind us that these a...

The first issue of the International Journal for the Philosophy of Religion appeared in the Spring, 1970. This collection of essays is presented in cele bration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the journal. Contributors to the volume are to be counted among today's leading philosophers of religion. They represent different approaches to the philosophical consideration of religion and their published work is helping shape discussions of the philos ophy of religion as we approach the begin...

This comprehensive narrative history of the California Gold Rush describes daily life during this historic period, documenting its wide-reaching effects and examining the significant individuals and organizations of the time.It is easy to see the vestiges of the California Gold Rush in the state's modern culture. The San Francisco 49ers football team are named after the term given to those who flocked to California in 1849 in search of gold; California is nicknamed...

"James's Account of S. H. Long's Expedition, 1819-1820" is a detailed narrative that chronicles the scientific and exploratory journey led by Stephen H. Long. Edwin James, the expedition's botanist and surgeon, provides a vivid account of the landscapes, flora, and fauna encountered during their travels through the American frontier. The work is notable for its rich descriptions and observations, which contribute significantly to the understanding of the geography and natural history of th...

Preaching has fallen on hard times with many questioning its relevance and even its validity as a New Testament practice. This symposium of specially commissioned essays draws together an international team of thirteen scholars and pastors to address the importance of textual preaching in the history and life of the early church, the historic church, and the contemporary church. Contributions include essays on Old Testament preaching, preaching in Hebrews, gender-sensitive preaching, preac...

In 1928, when Riverside Church (NYC) pastor Harry Emerson Fosdick asked the question in Harpers Magazine, "What's the Matter with Preaching Today?" he did not know that one response to that question had just entered the world in Humboldt, Tennessee. Fred B. Craddock revolutionized preaching theory and practice by flipping pulpit logic from deductive to inductive--often called the preaching-as-storytelling revolution--and in so doing brought renewed interest and impact to the practice of pr...

Designed to empower preachers as they lead their congregations to connect their lives to Scripture, Connections features a broad set of interpretive tools that provide commentary and worship aids on the Revised Common Lectionary. This nine-volume series offers creative commentary on each reading through the lens of its connections to the rest of Scripture and then seeing the reading through the lenses of culture, film, fiction, ethics, and other aspects of contemporary life. Commentaries o...

Designed to empower preachers as they lead their congregations to connect their lives to Scripture, Connections features a broad set of interpretive tools that provide commentary and worship aids on the Revised Common Lectionary.For each worship day within the three-year lectionary cycle, the commentaries in Connections link the individual lection reading with Scripture as a whole as well as to the larger world. In addition, Connections places each Psalm ...

'As swoon-worthy and charming as it is funny and irreverent. Sign me up for everything Brigitte Knightley writes' Olivie Blake, bestselling author of The Atlas SixIn this swoony, witty and heart-stoppingly romantic sequel to instant Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy, the stakes are high, the love is forbidden and the slow burn turns steamy.Osric is a m...

Anton Chekhov, the renowned Russian playwright, presents his collection of 'The Greatest Plays of Anton Chekhov,' showcasing his mastery of both comedy and tragedy in the theatrical world. Known for his unique blend of dark humor and poignant insights into the human condition, Chekhov's plays delve deep into the complexities of human relationships and societal norms. The characters in his plays are often depicted with profound psychological depth, reflecting the author's keen observation o...