Agonizing for the Faith

Agonizing for the Faith PDF Author: Thomas Coutouzis
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781983345920
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 164

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Book Description
Jude is the second to last book in scripture (right before Revelation). Unfortunately, it is one of the least taught books in Christendom even though it is quite possibly one of the most important. This short 25 verse book written by the half-brother of Jesus is call to arms for believers to stand up against the false teaching that has invaded the church. This timely book was not just relevant in Jude's day, but was a admonition for the church in the centuries to follow to be on guard for the agents of Satan who desire to taint the word of God. This book is commentary on Jude and will dive deep into some of the ancient Greek, as well as many other supporting biblical texts to reveal the deep truths the Holy Spirit penned through Jude. There will be many examples of apostasy of the past in the early church, and apostasy in the present. And yes, there will be apostates in this book who are named and their heresy will be presented against the fires of scripture. This book is meant to equip the saints to "agonize" (ἐπαγωνίζομαι) for the faith against the false teaching that is so pervasive in our culture and around the world. The title of this book was inspired by Jude's command to "ἐπαγωνίζομαι" (epagonizomai) in verse 3, which means "to contend earnestly" for the faith (in context). The Greek root word is where our English word "agonize" comes from. It is literally a call for believers to oppose those who would revile the word of God. If we do not oppose those who slander Christ our Savior and His word, then error will find its way into the church and taint all of those exposed. This book will show you the schemes and motives of the false teacher as Jude pulls no punches.

Agonizing for the Faith

Agonizing for the Faith PDF Author: Thomas Coutouzis
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781983345920
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 164

Get Book Here

Book Description
Jude is the second to last book in scripture (right before Revelation). Unfortunately, it is one of the least taught books in Christendom even though it is quite possibly one of the most important. This short 25 verse book written by the half-brother of Jesus is call to arms for believers to stand up against the false teaching that has invaded the church. This timely book was not just relevant in Jude's day, but was a admonition for the church in the centuries to follow to be on guard for the agents of Satan who desire to taint the word of God. This book is commentary on Jude and will dive deep into some of the ancient Greek, as well as many other supporting biblical texts to reveal the deep truths the Holy Spirit penned through Jude. There will be many examples of apostasy of the past in the early church, and apostasy in the present. And yes, there will be apostates in this book who are named and their heresy will be presented against the fires of scripture. This book is meant to equip the saints to "agonize" (ἐπαγωνίζομαι) for the faith against the false teaching that is so pervasive in our culture and around the world. The title of this book was inspired by Jude's command to "ἐπαγωνίζομαι" (epagonizomai) in verse 3, which means "to contend earnestly" for the faith (in context). The Greek root word is where our English word "agonize" comes from. It is literally a call for believers to oppose those who would revile the word of God. If we do not oppose those who slander Christ our Savior and His word, then error will find its way into the church and taint all of those exposed. This book will show you the schemes and motives of the false teacher as Jude pulls no punches.

Crossroads of Agony

Crossroads of Agony PDF Author: Troy D. Ehlke
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1469102986
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 217

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Book Description
Have you ever felt a dissonance between the joy-filled Sunday school messages and the difficult sayings attributed to Jesus in the scriptures? There is a movement in American churches today that separates the Gospel into two parts: attractive and repulsive. It is probably surprising for many to know that there is more in the latter category than in the former. Church leaders know that preaching about suffering and demanding personal sacrifice for the sake of discipleship is not going to win over many converts. In fact, people tend to leave and seek out worship centers that portray Christ in kinder, gentler ways. After all, how many of the most applauded preachers of the present generation focus on Jesus teaching of self-sacrifice? More likely, sermons emerge from a prosperity gospel where God will reward the faithful and give bountifully to those who believe. The problem with this movement is that it makes Christianity one-dimensional and shallow. When hardship becomes an unwelcome visitor in our lives, the gospel of rewards doesnt hold up or provide the slightest degree of comfort. Crossroads of Agony is an anti-thesis to the current trends in American Christianity by revealing the call to suffering that Jesus gives to all who wish to follow him. True discipleship must contend with all sides of the faith, not just the ones that make us smile or feel warm and fuzzy inside. Jesus came not to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34)! As believers, we need to embrace suffering and see the value that comes with hardship undertaken for the sake of the Gospel. This book launches its readership into an investigation of the early church through a survey of scripture, historical events, and emerging literature. Without studying the foundations of the church, contemporary communities of faith are adrift without a dependable point of reference. As Woodrow Wilson said, Those who do not know their past are doomed to repeat it. Our heritage is rich with tradition and reveals the highs and lows of human achievement. Our past is the key to unlocking a future that is keeping with Gods will. Crossroads of Agony exposes readers to a side of Christianity few opt to know about it, let alone use to guide their faith. Those with an adventurous spirit and a thirst for knowledge will discover that suffering is recast in a different light through Jesus message. What most of us have been trying to run away from is in fact something Christ is calling us towards: a life of suffering for the sake Gods message of salvation. We run because we do not find any value in hardship, but instead see it as something life-draining. Jesus, on the other hand, finds immense value in suffering and even life-producing when undertaken with a spiritual purpose. Jesus puts his life on the line for this truth: Suffering yields lifelife that is everlasting. Crossroads of Agony is a look into the darker side of the faith, one meant for advanced Christians. The deepest truths of the faith are not attractive to the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-19), but are quite repulsive. Only when we find ourselves in the pitch black darkness of our faith heritage are we able to emerge into the light of the Gospel that shatters illusions and unites our souls with the divine. If we run from suffering, the best we can achieve is a superficial relationship with God because it means we still value our life above the Gospel. Jesus demands the opposite: the saving Word of God above all else. This level of faith development requires a new understanding of suffering, one where this world is seen as a testing ground, not the end. Reverend Troy Ehlke writes this text in the hopes that people will read it in small groups, devote time to discuss the questions at each chapters end, and develop a renewed sense of call to labor for the kingdom of God. While we experience distress in this lifetime, it is not without reward. In this world, we have the satisfaction that results from spreading the Wor

Painful Tears of Joy

Painful Tears of Joy PDF Author: Debra Lynn Viteri
Publisher: WestBow Press
ISBN: 1512730475
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 323

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Book Description
Painful Tears of Joy is written by Debra Viteri, who has been inspired by the Holy Spirit to give detailed accounts of her personal life and the many trials she has experienced. As you read these pages, it will bring you into a deep knowledge and understanding of her spiritual journey of being a care giver to her husband who suffered from a terminal illness, and how she engaged in spiritual warfare which has always been a large portion of her lessons through lifes unexpected trials. Although there have been many tears, she wants to express how the Lord can turn those painful tears to Tears of Joy. Throughout her book, she will use the greatest Book, the Bible, and a devotional Day by Day that has truly inspired her to walk a victorious life. Debra knows how to choose life, especially when she was used by God to give life to her husband through living liver donation. Are you having difficulty focusing on your challenge ahead of you? Debras desire is for you to learn to walk by faith and not by sight; and for you to know you are a winner despite any negative circumstances. She goes into great detail how she stood by faith when all odds were against her and her family. You will learn about Gods divine plan, for you to live healthy; body, mind and spirit, by using modern medicine, good nutrition and the power of scripture and prayer.

It Doesn't Hurt Anymore

It Doesn't Hurt Anymore PDF Author: Arvis Murrell
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781643494791
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 214

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Book Description
Do you feel like your past follows you around? Maybe you had a painful childhood or experienced trauma later in life. You clearly see how your past holds you back, but you just can't seem to let go of it. Dr. Arvis Murrell understands your situation as she was once bound by a painful past. With a caring and compassionate heart, Arvis uses solid biblical principles and real-life experiences to help guide and lead you safely out of bondage. This book was especially written for those who have been victimized spiritually, physically, or emotionally. This powerful message will bring comfort, encouragement, healing, and restoration to those who hurt and think life has nothing better to offer. If your painful past is holding you back, It Doesn't Hurt Anymore will shed light on deeply rooted scars. Start anew today. Be relieved from the pain, break free from the shadows, and move forward to reclaim the life God has chosen for you. "The pathway to Freedom, Forgiveness and Fullness of Life is found through a personal relationship with Jesus! The necessary steps one takes on this journey are eloquently outlined in this book as the author shares God's amazing transformational experience in her life." - Rev. Steve Baran, President-National Christian Counselors Association.

The Insanity of God

The Insanity of God PDF Author: Nik Ripken
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 1433673088
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 360

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Book Description
An amazing story of a missionary couple's journey into the toughest places on earth is combined with stories about remarkable people of faith they encountered to challenge and inspire those curious about the sufficiency of God.

Celebrating the Wrath of God

Celebrating the Wrath of God PDF Author: Jim McGuiggan
Publisher: WaterBrook
ISBN: 0307565165
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 241

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Book Description
Is There a Purpose to Suffering And Loss? We only have to live to see or experience how agonizing life can be. We are surrounded by child abuse and neglect, starving families, premature deaths of those we love, natural disasters and global disease. How could a God worthy of respect and worship allow such a world to exist? There are no simple answers. But there is hope. For, claims author Jim McGuiggan, suffering may in fact be the last thing we expect–an expression of God’s wrath, which in turn is nothing other than his relentless, loving pursuit of us. If this is true, then suffering is a vital part of God’s work to redeem his creation. Give this claim a hearing, and you just might see the suffering world in a new way–a world shot through with glory and hope and assurance.

Jude - Leader Kit

Jude - Leader Kit PDF Author: Jackie Hill Perry
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781535948029
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
While often overlooked, the Book of Jude remains as relevant today as the time it was written. God has commanded His beloved church to do the necessary work of contending for the faith in a world of unbelief, and as we do, He will keep us from falling into the same deception. In this 7-session study from Jackie Hill Perry, dive into themes of being called, loved, and kept, and learn how to point others to Jesus in grace and truth. We serve others well when we share the whole gospel with them, not just the parts deemed attractive by our culture. Features: Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups Personal study segments to complete between 7 weeks of group sessions Verse-by-verse study for comprehension and application Interactive teaching videos, approximately 8-20 minutes per session WordSearch digital library and extra leader resources Benefits: Recognize God's Word as an anchor in the ever-shifting cultural climate. Discover your God-given identity in a world of deception. See how this small, obscure book in Scripture still speaks to the church today. Video Session Titles and Run Times: Session 1: Jude 1-2 (15:22) Session 2: Jude 3-4 (15:31) Session 3: Jude 5-11 (17:10) Session 4: Jude 14-15 (19:08) Session 5: Jude 20-23 (13:45) Session 6: Jude 24-25 (20:21) Session 7: Wrap-up (8:06)

A Peculiar Glory

A Peculiar Glory PDF Author: John Piper
Publisher: Crossway
ISBN: 1433552663
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 223

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Book Description
God has provided a way for all people, not just scholars, to know that the Bible is the Word of God. John Piper has devoted his life to showing us that the glory of God is object of the soul’s happiness. Now, his burden in this book is to demonstrate that this same glory is the ground of the mind’s certainty. God’s peculiar glory shines through his Word. The Spirit of God enlightens the eyes of our hearts. And in one self-authenticating sight, our minds are sure and our hearts are satisfied. Justified certainty and solid joy meet in the peculiar glory of God.

The Christian Atheist

The Christian Atheist PDF Author: Craig Groeschel
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310597412
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 180

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Book Description
Are you putting your whole faith in God but still living as if everything is up to you? You may believe in God, attend church, and generally treat people with kindness…but are you living as if God doesn't exist? Have you surrendered to God completely, living every day depending upon the Holy Spirit? Pastor and bestselling author Craig Groeschel will lead you on a personal journey toward an authentic, God-honoring life. This honest, hard-hitting, and eye-opening look into the ways people believe in God but live as if he doesn't exist is a classic of discipleship training. Groeschel's personal journey will help you break down your own barriers between simple belief and a more intentional faith. This book will help you: Let go of the shame of your past and know that you’re forgiven. Embrace Christ’s profound love for you. Believe in the power of prayer. Give up control when life doesn't seem fair. Trust God with all your anxious thoughts, heartache, struggles, and pain. From the author of Winning the War in Your Mind, The Christian Atheist is a rallying cry to get honest with God, shed the self-sufficiency and the hypocrisy, and live a life that truly brings glory to Christ.

Preaching to People in Pain

Preaching to People in Pain PDF Author: Matthew D. Kim
Publisher: Baker Academic
ISBN: 1493430866
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 189

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Book Description
Offering an important corrective to a pain-averse culture that celebrates individualism and success, veteran preacher and teacher Matthew Kim encourages pastors to preach on the painful issues their congregations face. Through vulnerability and self-disclosure, pastors can help their congregants share their suffering in community for the purpose of healing and transformation. The book includes stories, shares relevant Scripture texts imparting biblical wisdom, and offers best practices for preaching on specific topics. Each chapter ends with discussion questions and a sample sermon.