Showing results by narrator "David Heath" in All Categories

The situation of American Jews today is deeply paradoxical. Jews have achieved unprecedented integration, influence, and esteem in virtually every facet of American life. But this extraordinarily diverse community now also faces four critical and often divisive challenges: rampant intermarriage, weak religious observance, diminished cohesion in the face of waning anti-Semitism, and deeply conflicting views about Israel.

From marriages to international relations, the more we know, the harder it is to love. We become cynics or stoics, protecting our hearts from the implications of what we know. But what if the vision of vocation can be recovered? For decades Steve Garber has come alongside a wide range of people as they seek to make sense of the world and their lives. With him we meet leaders from the Tiananmen Square protest who want a good reason to still care about China. We also meet with many ordinary people in ordinary places who long for their lives to matter.

Benjamin Franklin: Cultural Protestant follows Franklin's remarkable career through the lens of the trends and innovations that the Protestant Reformation started (both directly and indirectly) almost two centuries earlier. His work as a printer, civic reformer, institution builder, scientist, inventor, writer, self-help dispenser, politician, and statesmen was deeply rooted in the culture and outlook that Protestantism nurtured.

Jesus made gospel preaching a priority for himself, the apostles, and the church. And if we are going to carry out the task of gospel preaching today, we must consider why the Lord committed this sacred duty to his followers. In this booklet, Martin Rizley winsomely describes the nature, necessity, and manner of gospel preaching so that we will better recognize it as the high priority Christ established it to be.

In How Can I Overcome Lust?, Ryan M. McGraw highlights the seriousness of sexual lust and gives listeners hope for overcoming it. He considers the foundational principles of overcoming lust in general, identifies the nature of sexual lust in particular, and applies biblical principles for finding a path through it. As McGraw shows, overcoming sexual lust is made possible by union with Christ as the Spirit makes us like Him through God-given means. He also encourages us to meditate on appropriate truths of Scripture so that our affections can be reordered in a God-honoring way.

With deep faith, knowledge of Scripture, and the wisdom that comes only from experience, Brady guides listeners grieving losses and setbacks of all kinds in voicing their lament to God, reflecting on the nature of human existence, and persevering in hope.

When was the last time you had an honest, heartfelt, yet kind and productive conversation with someone about depression, mental illness, substance abuse, pornography, premarital sex, racism, divorce, abortion, LGBT issues, or politics? If you're tired of avoiding tough conversations, Challenging Conversations is the book you've been waiting for. With straightforward answers to some of the most challenging moral issues disrupting the church, this book will help you build your confidence using three simple steps to becoming a conversant Christian.

We are surrounded by the temptation to glorify ourselves. We post carefully curated selfies on Instagram, chase money and pleasure, and live the "image is everything" lifestyle. We've created a culture of envy, emptiness, and depression. Even the church has bought into worldly values of wealth and status. God put us on this earth not to seek our own glory but to shine the light of his glory on a dying world. Through the life of Moses, pastor and author Michael Youssef shows us how to store up treasure that lasts by living for God's glory.

The Bible is filled with stories of God using ordinary people in extraordinary ways to change the world. Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, and others were just regular, imperfect people who chose to obey God's call - and what a difference that made! God is still in the business of transforming his followers into world changers, and that includes you.

What makes leaders stand out above the crowd? It very often has a lot to do with the relationships they build at home, at work, and in their communities. Relational leaders invest in good habits today so they will be successful tomorrow. Author and ministry coach Boyd Bailey has identified 30 habits that will help you build healthy relationships by promoting a culture of trust, love, and respect with the people you serve. Through practical advice and stories of leaders in action, you will learn how to listen with empathy, lead by example, and so much more.

Christian organizations have come to be known mostly for what we're against. And all too often, that includes being against each other. But amid growing distrust of religious institutions, Christ-centered nonprofits have a unique opportunity to link arms and collectively pursue a calling higher than any one organization's agenda. Rooting for Rivals reveals how your ministry can multiply its impact by cooperating rather than competing with others, modeling Christlike love and generosity in the process.

The lives of many believers rarely escape the tight orbits that circle around their own schedules, their own interests. The familiar gravity of familiar places. But the trajectory of our faith should be one that's continually cycling outward, fueled by a mission and message that God first brought within reach of us, so that we can now join with him in taking it within reach of others. Authors Daniel L. Akin and Bruce Riley Ashford are calling today's church members to lives of going, going out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

With dramatic, vivid detail, the poetic masterpiece of Nahum shows that God refuses to abandon his rebellious people when they stray into destructive paths, instead responding to spiritual adultery with love and power. The application to our own lives may hit close to home, but there is also abundant Gospel hope: Jesus' severe compassion leads him to relentlessly pursue his people for their salvation.

In light of Jesus' second coming, we should not be compelled to hide out until his return; rather, we should be actively participating in his restoration plan for the world as we wait in anticipation. Paul teaches the Thessalonians that the second coming should not paralyze believers from doing work for the kingdom. Instead it should motivate them to live in a way that is pleasing to God. We all have duties to complete before Jesus' return, so we should "...not grow weary in doing good" (2 Thes. 3:13).

This letter was written by Paul while he was imprisoned Rome. The apostle is experiencing persecution for his faith, but this is no surprise to him, nor is it stealing his hope. "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). He is writing this letter to encourage Timothy, his coworker, to be strong in the Lord in spite of suffering. He calls on him to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ, as we should all strive to be ourselves.

John writes to a believer named Gaius urging him to continue walking in truth and love. Along with general instruction for Church leaders, the apostle warns about those who oppose the Gospel of Jesus Christ, specifically warning Gaius about a man named Diotrephes. An individual with selfish ambition that is never satisfied, Diotrephese is no different from much of the opposition we face today. Listen to John as he addresses this in his godly wisdom.

After Jesus rose from the dead, he gave his Spirit to dwell within all who believe in him. The Holy Spirit is our counselor, leading, instructing, and equipping us. A sequel to the Gospel of Luke, this book gives a history of the early Church and provides a heavy emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit. In many ways Acts serves as a transition from law keeping to grace and faith in Christ.

A plumb line and a basket of ripe fruit: two things the prophet Amos sees in visions. But what could these things symbolize? Listen to Amos, a lowly shepherd, as he warns the wealthy and religious Israelites about their idolatry and injustice to the poor. Could God be giving this prophet signs of the coming judgment?

The day of the Lord is coming. This means total destruction of creation. Zephaniah’s message of judgment on all nations is not complete without his message of hope. God will vindicate the righteous, and he blesses those who repent and trust in him. Listen to the prophet Zephaniah, and be encouraged as we too wait for the final redemption in Christ’s second coming.

The Israelites have not been pursuing holiness as they should be. Rebellious and sinful, the people are in need of a savior. The prophet Malachi plays an important role in Israelite history. God warns Israel through Malachi. He tells them to repent and speaks of future restoration, foreshadowing the coming Messiah. Listen to Malachi as he warns the people while still managing to remind them of God's endless love.