Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Two views on homosexuality and the Bible

No issue is more divisive or more pressing for the church today than homosexuality. Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church brings a fresh perspective to a well-worn debate. While Christian debates about homosexuality are most often dominated by biblical exegesis, this book seeks to give much-needed attention to the rich history of received Christian tradition, bringing the Bible into conversation with historical and systematic theology. To that end, both theologians and biblical scholars—well accomplished in their fields and conversant in issues of sexuality and gender—articulate and defend each of the two views:

Affirming view
William Loader
Megan K. DeFranza

Traditional view
Wesley Hill
Stephen R. Holmes

Unique among most debates on homosexuality, this book presents a constructive dialogue between people who disagree on significant ethical and theological matters, and yet maintain a respectful and humanizing posture toward one another. Even as these scholars articulate pointed arguments for their position with academic rigor and depth, they do so cordially, clearly, and compassionately, without demeaning the other.

The main essays are followed by exceptionally insightful responses and rejoinders that interact with their fellow essayists with convicted civility. Holding to a high view of Scripture, a commitment to the gospel and the church, and a love for people—especially those most affected by this topic—the contributors wrestle deeply with the Bible and theology, especially the prohibition texts, the role of procreation, gender complementarity, and pastoral accommodation.

The book concludes with general editor Preston Sprinkle’s reflections on the future of discussions on faith and sexuality.



Friday, October 28, 2016

Book/Course: Growing as God's people

Growing As God's People
By Rev David Strelan (editor) Geraldine Soh (illustrator)
Revised and updated for 2016 and beyond

Special introductory price - $20.00 until 16 December 2016
Will be $34.00 from 17th December 2016

Growing as God's people has been resdesigned with updated layout and graphics for today's generations, whilst  retaining the same accurate, authentic, and reliable ‘Growing’ teaching text from the original

As you use this resource, by yourself or in a group or class setting, it can help you;  

  • Know more about Jesus Christ and the good news of the Gospel
  • Grow in believing and confessing the Christian faith
  • Live a Christian life, with Jesus leading the way. 
  • Face each day with new happiness, purpose, and hope as one of God’s forgiven people.

Growing as God's people is a learning resource based on Luther's Small Catechism

Growing is an important part of your life. And growing as one of God's people in understanding and living the Christian faith is especially important for you.

God makes this kind of growing possible for us. He gives us faith and love for him so that we want to grow in our knowledge of God and in understanding his will for our life. As well, he has given us the means by which growth comes: God's Word and the sacraments through which the Holy Spirit is at Work in our life. As we use these means sincerely, we grow in faith, in knowledge, and in love.

The purpose of this book is to help you grow as a baptised child of God and a member of his church. That is why this book is called: Growing as God's People.   God will help you grow in various ways:

  • in appreciating and faithfully using God's Word and the sacraments;
  • in knowing and confessing the Christian faith as your own;
  • in following Jesus as your Lord and living as one of God's people;
  • in taking your place in the worship and work of your congregation.

You will find many pictures and illustrations in this book. They have been used to help get the message across, and to help you understand better the truths being taught. Of course, growing as a Christian means more than just learning facts about God and his Work.
We grow as Christians when the truths we have learned from God's Word lead us to form God-pleasing attitudes, and to live out the truths in our daily life.   That is why opportunity is given to talk about what you learn, and why suggestions are made about things you can do in your daily life.

The truths of the Christian faith have been arranged into 40 chapters. You will discover that the lessons follow a certain plan.








To order a copy visit http://www.acresources.com.au/products/books/product/160-growing-as-god-s-people-textbook

Monday, October 17, 2016

Hymn lyrics for Lutheran Book of Worship and With one voice

Hymn lyrics for public domain hymns in the Lutheran Book of Worship and With one voice are available here and the Psalms in the Lutheran Book of Worship

Thanks to Rev Amber Bergeron from Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Badger, MN


Saturday, October 15, 2016

Book: When men grieve: Why men grieve differently?

Psychologist Elizabeth Levang, author of Remembering with Love, explains the special ways that men grieve so those who love them can better understand what they're going through.
This book is a very honest and straightforward portrayal of men and grief.  It has helped many men and those who love them to a deeper understanding and to healing.    This book also looks at grief and shows why women seldom understand men's grief and why, so often, men remain in grief for a much longer period, once they begin.

Chapters
New understandings --
ch. 1. When men and women grieve --
"Follow the wind: songs for stained souls" / Ralph O. Robinson --
ch. 2. Language of grief --
"My father" / Jon Masson --
ch. 3. Process of grieving: the thinking male --
"No longer here / Jim Amundsen --
Realities and challenges --
ch. 4. Denial --
"The last fishing trip" / Larry D. Johnson --
ch. 5. Anger --
"The wounded animal syndrome" / Robert W. Ross --
ch. 6. Control --
"A grief resolved" / J.B. Blair --
ch. 7. Bitterness --
"Fatherless" / John L. Jankord --
ch. 8. Addictive behaviors --
"The price of success" / Richard Friberg --
ch. 9. Despair --
"Caught in a golden parachute" / Jim Murrow --
pt. 3. Prospects for renewal --
ch. 10. Time of change and healing --
"Choosing happiness over sorrow" / Thomas Chalfant --
ch. 11. Transformation --
"The circle of grief" / Kent L. Koppelman.