This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1872 edition. Excerpt: ... That there are sons in His church but little alive to" the immeasurable significance of conversion, and having but little share in the joys and sorrows of God over their lost and rescued brothers, is astoundingly true, and led the Master to add a supplement to his parable. There is such a thing as religious selfishness--taking one's portion of spiritual good and gloating over it in a corner. These are the soul-misers, and have need of repentance as well as the prodigal. They will soon be in the "far country," if they are not already there without knowing it. For if we love not our brother whom we have seen, we certainly will not long abide in God's love. When converts are multiplied in a church, there is always a little band, whose genuine joy is greater than when their corn and wine increase. There is a larger number who try to feel as these feel, and perhaps almost persuade themselves that they do. There is a third class, who pretend to a joy which they know they have not. And there is a fourth and final division, who neither feel nor pretend. Instead of being roused to unspeakable gratitude to God and intense tenderness towards the convert, they are able to stand aloof as critics and skeptics. They are fairly incensed at the " excitement" which pervades the church. They can see nothing in a "revival" to take Christians off their feet. The church's joy should rather be in the number of its respectable members of long standing and good standing. Or, if they express satisfaction at the increase of membership, their complacency is in proportion to the previous moral, social and .financial status of the incomers. The brethren, who have labored so long with that poor drunken coal-heaver, and who are so exhilarated at their success, are...

OVER TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD! It's the most powerful force in the universe, our only hope for love and forgiveness, and a foretaste of eternal life: amazing, radical, life-changing grace. Millions of lives have been changed by award-winning author Philip Yancey's startling exploration of grace at street level. Grace is the one thing the world can't duplicate, the healing force we need, and the key to transforming a broken world. In this revised and updated edition of his personal and provocative book, Yancey offers true portraits of grace's life-changing power. These stories, set in the midst of life's stark realities, evoke such questions as: If grace is God's love for the undeserving, how do I get it? How well are we dispensing grace to a world that knows far more of strife and unforgiveness than it does of mercy? Can grace make a difference in the midst of such atrocities as the Nazi holocaust, and how can it withstand the brutality of hate? With powerful stories, rich theology, and practical suggestions, Yancey challenges us to become living answers to a world that desperately needs to know, What's So Amazing About Grace?

Get an Easy-to-Understand Overview on the Parable of the Prodigal Son: Packed with engaging commentary, fascinating facts, and reflection questions, this easy-to-understand Bible Study pamphlet digs deeper into the beloved Parable of the Prodigal Son. Enjoy compelling life applications and relevant lessons on grace, anger, and compassion. Easily see how all the characters are “prodigals” with a quick-reference chart comparing the attitudes of the— Wayward Son Judgmental Older Brother Loving Father Explains the Historical Context of the Parable of the Prodigal Son Discover how Jewish culture, politics, and religion affected the meaning and lessons of the Prodigal Son parable. For instance, find out fascinating facts, including: Pigs were considered the most unclean animals in Jewish culture. Therefore, when the prodigal longed for pig food, it shows he hit rock bottom. The prodigal son’s request for his “share of the estate” was not just a desire for independence, but a sign of disrespect since family property was ordinarily given after the father’s death. The prodigal son parable is one of three parables Jesus shares in response to critical Jewish leaders. The joy of the father in finding his lost son is meant to teach the Jewish audience to have that same joy in finding their Messiah. Features Relevant Personal and Life Application Questions Whether you have children rebelling against their faith, family members no longer wanting to believe, or friends going through a mid-life faith crisis, discover lessons of healing, such as: How to show Christ-like forgiveness and grace in all relationships How parents can maintain an attitude of trust in God How all Christians can live out the grace the loving father showed to his son How to avoid being overwhelmed with anger and hurt and be willing to embrace our prodigals Includes In-Depth Character Studies on BOTH Prodigal Brothers Explains how both brothers are “prodigal” in their own way Provides key insights into the responses of the self-righteous older brother and the wayward younger brother Breaks down deeper into the reasons for the elder brother’s lack of compassion Shares Comforting Prayers for Those With Their Own “Prodigals” A prodigal is from a Latin word meaning a person who is “wasteful.” In this parable, the meaning is extended to suggest a person who is wasteful with their life. Whether the person is your own child who is rebelling against God, a Christian friend who doubts their faith, or a church member who is no longer sure of her belief, gain comfort with— Key prayers in the Bible as you wait on your prodigal child, friend or family member. Psalms for when you worry about your prodigal Psalms for protection for your prodigal Model prayer as you wait on your prodigal The Parable of the Prodigal Son Bible Study study tackles issues we all face today, and is perfect for Small groups covering the parables of Jesus, new Christians wanting to study God’s grace and forgiveness to all, and anyone needing a fresh reminder of the grace Christians are called to extend to all. Pamphlet has 14 panels, unfolds to 5.5 x 38” long, fits inside a Bible cover.

Giving historical background, The Prodigal Son will reveal Christ's original message as intended for the Pharisees, the disciples, and the world today. --from publisher description.

With over a million copies sold, this classic work is essential reading for all who ask, “Where has my struggle led me?” A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on an unforgettable spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell. As Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting in light of his own life journey, he evokes a powerful drama of the classic parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as God loves, and to be loved as God’s beloved, will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and is here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times.

The New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet uncovers the essential message of Jesus, locked inside his most familiar parable. Newsweek called renowned minister Timothy Keller "a C.S. Lewis for the twenty-first century" in a feature on his first book, The Reason for God. In that book, he offered a rational explanation of why we should believe in God. Now, in The Prodigal God, Keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity and uses the parable of the prodigal son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation. Within that parable Jesus reveals God's prodigal grace toward both the irreligious and the moralistic. This book will challenge both the devout and skeptics to see Christianity in a whole new way.

Home Tonight follows the path of Henri Nouwen’s spiritual homecoming. More than three years prior to writing his great classic, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Nouwen suffered a personal breakdown followed by a time of healing solitude when he encountered Rembrandt’s famous painting. Within his solitude he reflected on and identified with the parable’s characters and experienced profound and inspiring life lessons. This captivating book was created from never-before-published materials that formed the basis of the small workshop inspired by Nouwen’s intimate encounter with Rembrandt’s painting. Readers are led to welcome their unique Belovedness through practices of “spiritual listening,” journaling, and communing with God, thus connecting personally with the unique, unconditional love of the One who created them. Home Tonight is a practical guide for the inner journey home.