Questioning Christian teaching and the problem of evil, this book examines the origins of Christian belief, claiming that the Roman Church abandoned its spiritual mission in pursuit of power. The underlying message is one of hope, for anyone interested in regaining a sense of spiritual purpose.

Written by a pastor and father who has walked a painful road, Hope When Life Unravels explores the encouraging, upside-down truths of the book of Job, and other key Bible passages, to remind us of the ways God is present in our pain. Why does God allow suffering? And why does God seem to go silent when we're in pain? In Hope When Life Unravels, Dr. Adam Dooley, pastor and host of the daily radio broadcast A Better Way, searches for answers to our biggest questions about suffering as he shares his son Carson's story of battling leukemia. Adam speaks openly about the gut-wrenching struggle his family endured for three years of life-threatening illness and how God met them in their hours of need--even when it wasn't in the ways they wanted. And, along with his own story, Adam takes readers through the story of Job, unpacking insights about God's character, his love, and how we can stay connected to him even during seasons of pain. Both inspiring and comforting, Hope When Life Unravels invites us to draw closer to a God who is often active in our lives in times when we have trouble seeing him the most.

"I was numb. It was like a dream. I hung up the phone and stared out the front store window at two police officers walking across the street. A dispatcher had just informed me on the phone that they were coming. She also informed me that my wife, Barbara, and my youngest daughter, Joanna, had been in a serious car accident. The reality of what had happened hit me before the officers actually told me that they were gone." So begins The Dark Side of Faith. Follow Pastor Doug as he faces this tragedy and shares his unflinching look at both the causes and the eternal purposes for earthly pain. Learn how you too can overcome any setback and find a way to acceptance and inner peace. Don't get derailed by the inevitable disappointments in life: and - above all - don't waste your pain.

The Christian world has been rocked by the number of prominent leaders, in both church and parachurch organizations, who have been compromised by moral, ethical, and theological failures. This pace-setting volume addresses this alarming problem and offers Christian leaders valuable guidance in dealing with the inherent risks of their work. Using biblical and current examples, the authors describe the characteristics of five types of leaders and the problems that are most likely to develop if their particular dysfunctions develop unrestrained. McIntosh and Rima offer a series of steps for leaders to consider so they can take control of their dark side and learn to harness its creative powers. This edition includes a new introduction, updated information throughout, a self-assessment tool, and other additional material. Includes endorsements from John Maxwell, Leighton Ford, Leith Anderson, and Rob Angel.

'Sin' is an old-fashioned word for some startlingly contemporary problems. Far from being about trivial naughtiness or seedy self-indulgence, it's about the financial scandals that have rocked our world, and most of the ills that beset us today. In The Dark Side of the Soul, the author explains and illustrates the 'Seven Deadly Sins' with contemporary examples. In clear and accessible language, he shows that the traditional Christian concept of sin is a vital tool in understanding what is wrong with human beings. Far from leading people into a guilt-trap, 'sin' is a healthy and truthful word that can help to set us free. Human beings are neither intrinsically evil nor congenitally inclined to virtue, but many of the problems and predicaments that trouble us today can be better understood, and more effectively resolved, if their deeper roots are taken into account. In this fresh interpretation, the author shows that, for example, our economic problems, and our fixation on financial criteria in decision-making, can be understood through the twin lenses of avarice and lust. Our obsessive busyness is a manifestation of sloth; and our desire to control, and our perfectionism, are outworkings of spiritual pride. Crucially, although sin is an important and necessary word for people to understand and come to terms with, it is never, in the Christian worldview, the last word.

With no more than felt and thread, Kata Golda creates toys and practical items for the home that are undeniably charming, stylish, and sweetly imperfect. Her whimsical creations have been selling at high-end boutiques for several years, and now, in Kata Golda’s Hand-Stitched Felt, she shows crafters of all skill levels how to make 25 of her favorites. Ranging from children’s finger puppets and a tooth-fairy pillow to photo “brag” books, messenger bags, and curtains and blankets, most of these projects can be completed in an hour or less. They are made from basic shapes of wool felt sewn together and customized with unique details, all using simple, large stitches. Step-by-step instructions and templates, along with adorable photos and hand-drawn illustrations, make each project simple to replicate. Playful tutorials, such as how to personalize projects with a variety of facial expressions, add to the charm of this delightful book.

Religion.

Develop greater confidence in Christ by learning what God's Word says about how believers are protected and equipped.

Without doubt, the Purpose Driven Church has become a tremendous force in the world, but Noah Hutchings sees a dark side to this force. The Purpose Driven Church religion at best is a distortion of the gospel; at worst, a movement to unite all religions to produce a one-world church. - back cover

The Summons of the Lord of Hosts brings together in one volume several major letters written by Baha'u'llah, Prophet and Founder of the Baha'i Faith, to the monarchs and leaders of His time. In these magnificent documents He exhorts world leaders to accept the basic tenets of His Faith, sets forth the nature of His mission, and establishes the standard of justice that must govern the rule of those entrusted with civil authority. Written between 1868 and 1870, leaders of the East and West are called upon to accept His teachings on the oneness of God, the unity of all religions, and the oneness of humanity. Among the leaders specifically addressed are Napoleon III, Czar Alexander II, Queen Victoria, Nasiri'd-Din Shah, and Pope Pius IX. The Summons of the Lord of Hosts is a vitally important resource for those interested in the scripture and history of the world's great religions.