Viewing the world with abhorrence, members of utopian sects isolate themselves from its influence. As this book, first published in 1975, shows, they seek to establish and promulgate radically distinctive forms of society according to what they claim to be God’s blueprint and which they believe are destined by his intervention and their example to spread throughout the world. Rooted in the sociology of religion and more particularly in the concepts of sectarianism and communitarianism, this study presents an analysis of three sects: the Shakers; the Oneida Community; and the Bruderhof. The author examines the origins, religious conceptions, social structure and composition, modes of social control, and development of each group; and in a concluding chapter he discusses the utopian sect as a distinctive social form.

Learn to live the life the Father designed for you—and change the world for the better—with this Christian inspiration guide. The Blueprint of God takes readers on a journey of personal faith toward a lifetime partnership with the Father. Those who accept the journey will discover their true identity in God, manifest their dreams, and create a better future for themselves and the people around them. Ultimately, they will help bring about a brighter future for the world. In our true identities as sons and daughters of God, we have been given the mandate to take dominion, be fruitful and multiply. But it’s easy to lose track of the systems of thought that allow us to fulfill this charge when so much other noise is crowding the airwaves. The Blueprint of God helps Christians reconnect to the destinies, dreams, and desires that are hidden inside of them!

From the co-author of the international bestseller Who Built the Moon? comes this well-researched scientific study of the possibility of a divine creator – or God This book puts the idea of God on trial. Whilst the case has been hotly disputed over recent generations with scientists on one side and theologians on the other, evidence either way has been thin on the ground. Faith - belief without evidence - has been the basis for the world's major religions. Most scientists reject the notion of God because they require factual, empirical evidence in order to accept any proposition as being real. However, new information has become available, which appears to provide hard-nosed evidence of God's existence. Can faith be replaced by understanding, and can scientists formally embrace, once again, the concept of a supreme being as they did in Isaac Newton's day? Nothing less than God's 'blueprint' appears to have been discovered - found by chance by the author while researching the science of the Neolithic (late Stone Age) people of western Europe. The case will be tried taking the evidence step-by-step. You, the reader, are the jury. You must evaluate the evidence as the proceedings develop and, to aid you, there will be a brief summing up at the end of each section.At the close of the book you are asked to make a judgment as to whether the case is proven or not. Does God exist?

Christians are transformed by the renewing of their minds. They understand that in large measure how they think about the gospel will determine how they will live for God's glory. They learn to allow the word of God to do its own work, informing and influencing the way they think in order to shape the way they live. In a series of Scripture-enriched chapters Sinclair B. Ferguson's Devoted to God works out this principle in detail. It provides what he describes as 'blueprints for sanctification'an orderly exposition of central New Testament passages on holiness. Devoted to God thus builds a strong and reliable structural framework for practical Christian living. It stresses the foundational importance of fundamental issues such as union with Christ, the rhythms of spiritual growth, the reality of spiritual conflict, and the role of God's law.

God's Prophetic Blueprint presents a clear discussion of Bible prophecies concerning the final days of the earth and God's judgment of mankind, including the rapture of the church, the Battle of Armageddon, and the Great White Throne Judgment. Throughout the book, Dr. Bob Shelton offers answers to many questions concerning "these things" (Matthew 24:6). - Back cover.

Back Cover Summary: This book is an inspirational book. The whole purpose of Biblical Blueprints is to produce hope into fear infected places. Throughout this book you will be encouraged to plant the Gods word into your mind, body, and emotions. You will be inspired to redirect your thought patterns and intentionally place your thoughts into focus. You will also be inspired to change negative patterns by replacing them with positive actions. The difference in today and tomorrow all stems from the seeds that you sow today to produce the Harvest that tomorrow will bring. I pray that you will choose to follow the Biblical Blueprints God has for You.

A highly informative yet fun approach to understanding the world's all-time best-selling book It's pretty hard to build a house if you don't know how to read a blueprint. In the same way, it's difficult to develop your faith if you don't know how to read the Bible—or are reluctant even to open it. In The Bible Blueprint, best-selling author and popular speaker Joe Paprocki cleverly uses a blueprint metaphor to help Catholics gain a solid understanding of the structure and organization of the Bible, and to help them build confidence in navigating its pages. Among other topics, Paprocki covers the different genres of biblical writing, key figures in biblical history, and the methods Catholics rely on to interpret the Bible. Readers are also shown how to consult commentaries, concordances, and other valuable tools of Bible study to deepen their understanding of God's Word. Witty cartoons, sidebars, and quizzes throughout the book keep the tone fun and engaging; eight perforated Bible bookmarks are bound into the book. For the large number of Catholics who have never felt comfortable with the Scriptures, and for any Catholic new to the faith, The Bible Blueprint serves as an effective, nonthreatening introduction to God's Word, as well as a gateway to a deeper relationship with Christ.

Discover the Immeasurable Love of Christ God's grand plan for the redemption of his creation has been in motion since before time began. The book of Ephesians lays out this glorious vision, revealing what Christ's redemptive work means for the people of God and showing us how we should live in light of that reality. Alive in Him draws us into the main themes in the book of Ephesians, showing us how the blessings we have received in Christ empower our obedience and love for God. Designed to be read alongside an open Bible, Alive in Him helps us apply Paul's letter to our daily lives, reminding us of our purpose on earth and directing our gaze to the love of Jesus Christ—a love that has the power to transform how we live.

What is God's ultimate intention? Ask most Christians this question, and you'll likely hear something like this: To save us, to glorify Himself, or to make disciples of Jesus in the nations.But what if there is something deeper? What if God has a master plan, a blueprint from which He operates, that has been hidden from many believers for centuries? The apostle Paul unveiled this mysterious plan almost 2,000 years ago in the book of Ephesians, but unfortunately, it has become a mystery once again in the church. If you've ever felt a sense of unrest over the often-shallow, man-centered modern approach to Christianity, you know there must be more. And there is. God has an ultimate intention, an original plan and purpose from which we've strayed . . . and we need to find our way back.As you will see in The Eternal Blueprint, the way back begins with rediscovering God's eternal purpose, which has driven the ages of history and will drive the eternal ages to come. Before creation, before the garden, and before the fall, the triune God had a vision for the world-a vision that includes you. What's the purpose of life? Where do you fit into God's plans for the world? For eternity? When you discover God's original intention, you will find your true purpose and meaning in life. When you understand the magnificent plan that God established before the foundation of the world, you will know the reason why you were created.As The Eternal Blueprint explains, God has issued you the invitation of a lifetime . . . literally. You were created to be the Father's, the Son's, and the Spirit's eternal inheritance. Once you understand this life-transforming truth, which is at the center of God's eternal purpose, you will never be the same.

Satisfaction can be yours, but it might look different than you thought. Like a lot of young women, Tiffany Smiling had been assured that the path to fulfillment looked like the one she’d seen in her favorite movies: She’d be swept away by a soul mate, live in a southern estate, and start a family. But Tiffany’s story unfolded quite differently. Weeks after serving on her high school’s homecoming court, while doctors operated to remove the brain tumor that was killing her, Tiffany suffered a paralyzing stroke. In the nick of a scalpel she lost her beauty and most of her physical ability. Returning to high school in a wheelchair, head half-shaved and face distorted, Tiffany vowed to be normal and live the dream. And for a season, she did. But just when the fairytale was within reach, God surprised Tiffany. Wooing her heart, God convinced her that there was something even better in store for her. . . .And He has something better in store for you, too. Read Your Dream. God's Plan. and see how the Lord wants to use the broken pieces of your life for His greater plan for you. Smiling's story will help you see the ways God is writing your own amazing story—designed for His glory and your fulfillment.