The Bible appears to be a book of many great stories, but it is actually one story--the divinely woven account of God's plan for humankind. "Discovering God's Story" is an approachable, illustrated Bible handbook written in chronological order.

An award-winning sociologist’s “fascinating and excellent” history of the origins of the great religions from the Stone Age to the Modern Age (Newsweek). In Discovering God, Rodney Stark surveys the birth and growth of religions around the world—from the prehistoric era of primal beliefs; the history of the pyramids found in Iraq, Egypt, Mexico, and Cambodia; and the great “Axial Age” of Plato, Zoroaster, Confucius, and the Buddha, to the modern Christian missions and the global spread of Islam. He argues for a free-market theory of religion and for the controversial thesis that under the best, unimpeded conditions, the true, most authentic religions will survive and thrive. Many modern biologists and psychologists claim that religion is a primitive survival mechanism that should have been discarded as humans evolved—that in modern societies, faith is a misleading crutch and an impediment to reason. Stark responds to this position, arguing that it is our capacity to understand God that has evolved—that humans now know much more about God than they did in ancient times. Winner of the 2008 Christianity Today Award of Merit in Theology/Ethics

An in-depth look at the powerful story and symbolism behind God's unique design of our universe. Thousands of words have been written about the first ten words in the Bible: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," a simple and profound statement that has ignited a firestorm of debate and controversy. People often only focus on the "how" and "when" of creation, but Story in the Stars explores the "why." Why did God create such a vast universe? Why did He choose the sun and moon to light our paths? Why did He design images with stars in the night sky? The Bible is very clear when it states that God created, named, and positioned all of the stars of the universe in their place in a very specific way-a way that tells us the greatest story ever to be told. In Luke 21:25 Jesus says, "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars." Signs are meant to point us towards something: Jesus. Story in the Stars takes an in-depth look at the Bible and all the signs God mapped out through constellations, planets, and even the way the Earth is tilted. We are uniquely designed by God, and He loves us so much that He ensured a way for all inhabitants of the earth, through all of time, to see the messages of salvation and redemption that He painted in the stars.

How does your personal faith journey relate to the big picture of the Bible? Christians often encounter various Bible passages through unrelated readings, studies, and sermons, making it difficult to grasp the progression of Scripture as a whole. Living God's Word surveys the entire Bible through broad themes that trace the progression of God's redemptive plan, focusing on how each portion of Scripture fits into the overarching narrative. Once you see the Bible as a Great Story, you'll begin to see how your own life fits into what God has done and is doing in the world. Each section of Living God's Word deals with a section of Scripture and includes: Reading and listening preparation An explanation A summary Observations about theological significance Connections to the Great Story Written assignments for further study Living God's Word is ideal for introductory college courses, adult Sunday school classes, small groups, or anyone who wants to understand how their life fits into the story of the Bible, enabling them to live faithfully in deep and important ways.

This book presents a vision of God's big story. This accessible survey introduces the Bible as a whole and shows how the important pieces of the biblical narrative fit together in their right context and perspective. The Bible tells the story in the broadest way, implementing God's kingdom rule in history through a series of covenantal arrangements all in pursuit of a coherent redemptive plan the ultimate goal of which is new creation.

Surveys indicate that most Christians feel disempowered. Wrong (dualistic) thinking, which separates the whole of life into 'spiritual' and 'secular', and creates a division within the Church between those in 'full‐time' ministry and those who are not, has robbed many believers of the joy of knowing their life can make a difference. The purpose of this book is to help give every Christian believer the realization that they have a special, God-given role and place in the fulfillment of God's Story and the Great Commission. Our life‐story fits into God's bigger story (HIStory). Our mission and purpose in life, fits within his global mission and purpose. God is calling us today towards the consummation of his story and his mission. This task is not just for church workers or overseas missionaries. Whatever your vocation in life, you have a destiny to fulfill and a unique contribution to make. With practical tools and study questions.

We live in a world today where chaos and uncertainty rule the world. God's story offers the opportunity to thrive and coexist in our own communities. This book offers a chance to help people to connect with God in a relationship that is very different than the fearful world that surrounds us. Our World... God's Story is about a road that leads to the path of righteousness and the kingdom of heaven.

Have you had an experience of the presence of God? Has a voice, a vision, a dream changed your sense of who you are? Has a sense of oneness with God changed your life? Are you hungry for a God who provides real guidance? This book is for you. Have you wondered if God exists? Have you wondered if God cares about you? Do you wonder if God is still talking to humans? Do you yearn to love God but feel you need to be introduced? This book is for you. In a context in which an intimate interactive relationship with God is not always highly valued, understood, or actively nurtured, and whose importance as the root of social action is sometimes overlooked, this book witnesses to the action of God in the lives of Friends today, and their response to it. Mysticism at work. Frances Taber, Ohio "The stories range all over the human condition and encompass such a broad variety of peoples experience of God that when one needs to read the words of another human being wrestling with an experience similar to ones ownit is possible to find it among the many stories. All of us have so much of the world in our lives, dragging us away from faith, that this kind of book is what we need." Rita Varley, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Library What Canst Thou Say? is a quarterly newsletter that has gathered stories of Quakers sharing their first-hand mystical experience and contemplative practice. It is produced cooperatively by a group of volunteers, who, themselves, have felt the movement of the Spirit and wish to deepen their understanding by interacting with others. This book includes some of the stories and poems published in the first ten years as celebration of our tenth anniversary.

Discovering God sets out to answer the most important question anybody can ask: what is God like? We build our lives on our concept of God; therefore it is vitally important that we know him as he really is. Discovering God uses the Bible to explain in everyday language what God has to tell us about himself. This book will take you on an exciting adventure, with fascinating and life-changing insights into the nature of God. Knowing God is the greatest thing that can happen to you. Discovering God will help you know him better. Dr Roger Aubrey is part of the leadership of All Nations Church based in Cardiff, South Wales. He was born and raised in the city and is a graduate of its University, gaining a Doctorate and a Master's Degree in Christian Theology. Roger was Principal of Covenant College between 1994 and 1998, and, from 2002 to 2008, was Principal of Covenant School of Ministries, School of the Word. An acknowledged and popular teacher, Roger travels extensively; his ministry is characterised by a marrying together of theological truth and practical application. His first book, The Circle of Life, was published in 2007, and you can visit his website at www.rogeraubrey.com. Roger is married to Dianne and they have two children.

The author takes a closer look at the tragedy of the book of Job and finds God's fingerprint of grace on every single page. He delves into the culture of Job's time to make sense of the mannerisms of the characters involved in this extreme story of loss and God's goodness. Many truths that are overlooked and hidden are brought into plain sight as we discover the frailty, humanity and flaws of Job. The author takes a look at centuries old assumptions and applies even older truths of the character of God which tells a different tale than we are used to. This book is refreshing, funny, painfully honest and a very easy read. If you are looking for answers to your "Why's" this book is a must have for you.