The Inescapable Love of God

Author: Thomas Talbott
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1625646909
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 255

Book Description
Will the love of God save us all? In this book Thomas Talbott seeks to expose the extent to which the Western theological tradition has managed to twist the New Testament message of love, forgiveness, and hope into a message of fear and guilt. According to the New Testament proclamation, he argues, God's love is both unconditional in its nature and unlimited in its scope; hence, no one need fear, for example, that God's love might suddenly turn into loveless hatred at the moment of one's physical death. For God's love remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. But neither should one ignore the New Testament theme of divine judgment, which Talbott thinks the Western theological tradition has misunderstood entirely. He argues in particular that certain patterns of fallacious reasoning, which crop up repeatedly in the works of various theologians and Bible scholars, have prevented many from appreciating St. Paul's explicit teaching that God is merciful to all in the end. This second edition of Talbott's classic work is fully revised, updated, and substantially expanded with new material. ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUDIO FORMAT The Inescapable Love of God is also available as an unabridged audiobook wonderfully narrated by the actor George W. Sarris (running time: 11 hours and 2 minutes). The audiobook can be downloaded from christianaudio.com and Audible.

The Evangelical Universalist

Author: Gregory MacDonald
Publisher: SPCK
ISBN: 0281068763
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 374

Book Description
Can an orthodox Christian, committed to the historic faith of the Church and the authority of the Bible, be a universalist? Is it possible to believe that salvation is found only by grace, through faith in Christ, and yet to maintain that in the end all people will be saved? Can one believe passionately in mission if one does not think that anyone will be lost forever? Could universalism be consistent with the teachings of the Bible? In The Evangelical Universalist the author argues that the answer is ‘yes!’ to all of these questions. Weaving together philosophical, theological, and biblical considerations, he seeks to show that being a committed universalist is consistent with the central teachings of the biblical texts and of historic Christian theology.

Spiritual Terrorism

Author: Boyd C. Purcell
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1452010668
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 504

Book Description
Spiritual Terrorism is about theimpact of fear-based religion on people's lives who have been spiritually abused by a negative conception of God through eternal hell-fire preaching and teaching. The doctrine of eternal punishment in literal fire is at the heart of many forms of spiritual abuse and all forms of spiritual terrorism which is the most extreme form of spiritual abuse. This book effectively explains the symbolic use of fire in the Holy Bible and other Holy Books. The common misunderstanding of the metaphorical usage of fire is the primary cause of spiritual terrorism. Dr. Purcell clarifies the confusion over the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace and judgment which is based on the deeds of lifegood or bad. This allows readers to grasp the liberating truth that people are totally free to live their lives but are also totally accountable, at the end of life, for how they have lived their lives. God will ultimately teach universal empathy and bring about perfect justice for all without violating anyone's free will. Spiritual abuse has the potential to affect all stages of life: in the womb, childhood, youth, young adults, older adults, end of life, and bereavement after the deaths of loved ones. Spiritual abuse may also affect all areas of life: marriage/divorce, emotional/mental/physical abuse, medical treatment or refusal of such treatment for self and children, and domestic and international terrorism. All major world religions are addressed: Judeo/Christianity, Islam, and the Eastern ReligionsBuddhism and Hinduism. Included as well are Native American Beliefs. There is a theme running through all major religions of God's unconditional love, amazing grace, infinite mercy, perfect justice, and a universal homecoming.

Grace Saves All

Author: David Artman
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1532650884
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 166

Book Description
Grace is amazing. About this all Christians agree. Yet nearly all forms of Christianity put significant limits on grace. Those forms of Christianity which proclaim grace alone actually saves typically don’t believe God gives grace to everyone; while those forms of Christianity which proclaim God gives grace to everyone typically don’t believe grace alone actually saves. Must grace either be that which saves alone but doesn’t go to all, or that which goes to all but doesn’t save alone? In Grace Saves All, David Artman argues that grace saves alone and goes to all. This inclusive approach to Christianity is variously called universal reconciliation, universal salvation, or perhaps most accurately, Christian universalism. He contends that the inclusive/Christian universalist approach is necessary because it offers the only Christian theology which successfully defends the goodness of God. For it logically follows that if God is all-good, all-knowing, and all-powerful, then God must also be all-saving. Often dismissed as a modern feel-good theology, Christian universalism is an ancient, orthodox, and biblical theology which was expounded by early Christians and early church fathers. Artman brings much deserved attention to this wonderful spirituality.

Finding God in My Loneliness

Author: Lydia Brownback
Publisher: Crossway
ISBN: 1433553961
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 169

Book Description
Young or old, single or married, male or female—at some point in life, we're all confronted with loneliness. We try to fill the void or change our circumstances so we no longer feel the pain. But what if our pangs of loneliness are meant to point us to something greater? Looking at various aspects of loneliness, Lydia Brownback reminds us of God's power to redeem our loneliness and use it in our lives to draw us to himself. Ultimately, she helps us see that even when we feel misunderstood, forsaken, or abandoned, we're never really alone. God is always with us, and only he can meet all of our needs in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of God

Author: Steven D. Boyer
Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 1441240179
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 264

Book Description
How can I know God if he is incomprehensible? Is it possible to know God in a way that takes seriously the fact that he is beyond knowledge? Steven Boyer and Christopher Hall argue that the "mystery of God" has a rightful place in theological discourse. They contend that considering divine incomprehensibility invites reverence and humility in our thinking and living as Christians and clarifies a variety of theological topics. The authors begin by investigating the biblical, historical, and practical foundations for understanding the mystery of God. They then spell out its implications for theological issues and practices such as the incarnation, salvation, and prayer, rooting knowledge of God in a concrete life of faith. Evangelical yet ecumenical, this book will appeal to theology students, pastors, church leaders, and all who want intellectual and practical guidance for knowing the unknowable God.

Your Best Life Now

Author: Joel Osteen
Publisher: FaithWords
ISBN: 0446510939
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 270

Book Description
In this remarkable New York Times bestseller, Joel Osteen offers unique insights and encouragement that will help readers overcome every obstacle in their lives.

Christianity Without Insanity

Author: Boyd C. Purcell, Ph.D.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
ISBN: 9781478322382
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 222

Book Description
Christianity Without Insanity: For Optimal Mental/Emotional/Physical Health, by Boyd C. Purcell, Ph.D., is about love-based vs. fear-based Christianity [includes a chapter on other major religions]. This book, per the subtitle, is based on the truth of holistic health inherent in psychopathology which Dr. Purcell has taught at a university graduate college. Dr. Lewis Whaley, an oncologist, endorsed this author's previous book, Spiritual Terrorism, with this statement. "As a physician, I can validate Dr. Purcell's understanding of psychopathology. The anxiety which religion, or any other factor, generates has the potential to depress the human immune system, affect every organ, and impair bodily functions." The apostle John captured the essence of the dynamics of psychopathology in these comforting, encouraging, and inspiring words: "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers" (III John 2). No person's soul can prosper and, therefore, no one can be in optimal holistic health if one is living in fear of eternal torture in hell for oneself and/or loved ones. Do you know the symbolic meaning of the mixed metaphor, "salted with fire," of which few people have even heard? If not, you owe it to yourself to read this solidly Biblically-based book. One can believe in Christian Universalism (CU), not in spite of what The Holy Bible teaches, but because of exactly what The Holy Bible teaches about sin, salvation, and hell. Based on Biblical and historical facts, Jesus clearly taught CU—both implicitly and explicitly—just as surely as the grass is green, the sky is blue, God is in heaven, and Christ is Lord!

Who Is This Man?

Author: John Ortberg
Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM
ISBN: 0310413443
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 224

Book Description
The day after Jesus' death, whatever small mark he made on the world seemed destined to disappear. Instead, his impact on human history has been unparalleled, leading believers and nonbelievers alike to ask, Who Is This Man? In Who Is This Man, bestselling author John Ortberg explores the paradox of Jesus, history's most familiar figure while simultaneously the man no one knows. Who Is This Man traces Jesus' incredible life and legacy from his days on Earth to the present moment, showing us: How his vision of life continues to haunt and challenge humanity The ways his influence has inspired movements in art, science, government, medicine, and education How his lessons about dignity, compassion, forgiveness, and hope continue to influence humanity Join John Ortberg as he shares how Jesus' influence has swept over history and how his vision of life continues to impact us today. Praise for Who Is This Man?: "Sometimes in the clutter and noise of 'religion,' we lose sight of who Jesus is. Once again, John Ortberg helps us do what he does best: he helps us see God as he really is and connect with him amid all the noise. This book is a gift." --Dr. Henry Cloud, psychologist, coauthor of the bestselling Boundaries books "We live in a period where the divide between the secular and the sacred has never been greater. Who Is This Man? bridges this gap by sharing in his inimitable and entertaining style the undeniable and profound impact of Jesus Christ on our world. His impact, over two thousand years later, is more profound on the day-to-day lives of people--believers or not--than the impact of any other person at any point in history. John shows how Christ came to teach us how to live and in the process changed the world forever and for good." --Ron Johnson, CEO, J. C. Penney

Inescapable

Author: Catherine Lievens
Publisher: eXtasy Books
ISBN: 1487432828
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 167

Book Description
Sed might be a god, but that doesn’t mean he wants to live as one. That’s why he left his family years ago, and why he’s not looking forward to going back. The only reason he agrees is that as the protector of kingship, he’s needed to help the new king go through his coronation ceremony. Once that’s over, Sed has every intention of going home. Mery never wanted or expected to be king. But he’s a descendant of the old pharaohs, and agreeing to sit on the throne means helping his family, so he doesn’t hesitate. Being king isn’t quite what he expected, though, and he suspects something is happening he doesn’t know about. Once Sed gets to know Mery, he knows he can’t just leave as soon as the crown is on his head. Someone is plotting and trying to manipulate Mery, and Sed can’t abandon him when he needs him most. The fact that he’s falling in love with Mery complicates everything. Mery is the new king, while Sed is a god, albeit a minor one. Will Sed be able to keep him safe, or will they both lose everything they’d never thought they’d have?