Although Paul used language similar to the religions and cultures of his time, he had a unique understanding of the “mystery” of God. The once-hidden plan of God was revealed and fulfilled in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Saul of Tarsus experienced a fundamental change when he encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. This vision gave him new direction and purpose and profoundly changed his understanding of God’s plan for humanity. Paul often uses the phrase “in Christ” or its variations to describe this plan. Being in Christ results in transformation into Christ’s likeness of holiness and love through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Those in Christ form a new community that crosses ethnic barriers, is bound together in fellowship with the Triune God, and fulfills its purpose of holiness before him. Paul’s answer to the struggles people face is simple: when one is united with Christ by dying to the old self and committing to his supremacy, one will find victory over any force opposed to us in this world. This book explores one of the most profound claims in the New Testament that demands a response of its readers.

We've all been let down by so-called community. Why is it so hard for us to connect and grow together for the long haul? Veteran spiritual director Ruth Haley Barton helps us get personal and practical about experiencing transformation together. This interactive guide allows us to grow through and by the experience of transforming community.

Recognized as a modern spiritual classic and perhaps Dietrich von Hildebrand's greatest work, this sublime and practical study gives a penetrating analysis of the true path to holiness for those who love Christ. The first requisite is the person's desire for change, and with that fundamental attitude in mind, von Hildebrand devotes a chapter to each of the successive spiritual attitudes necessary for those who strive for Christian perfection. The Beatitudes are treated with beauty and depth in an uncompromising challenge to every serious Christian to put into practice these teachings of Christ. "A magnificent treatise by a distinguished philosopher on the pursuit of spiritual perfection." -Publishers Weekly "A major contribution to the only important question: the transformation of our soul in Christ." -Archbishop Fulton Sheen "A masterpiece of modern spirituality: eminently practical and highly recommended." -Fr. John Hardon, S.J. "A solid and penetrating analysis of the Christian virtues, and their application in the struggle toward Christian perfection." -Library Journal

Transformation is what Christianity is all about. To follow Jesus is to enter into a journey from an old way of living to a new way of being. As Christians our goal is to become ever more conformed to the image of Christ. Of course we cannot attain this high goal in our lifetime. But we can make progress. We can become more of who we long to be. We can leave behind old ways that have not served us well. We can become more loving to others, more open to God, more in tune with who we are called to be. Such transformation does not happen automatically, even though it is the Holy Spirit working in us to change us. We are asked "to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil 2:12-13). We work; God works in us. This book is about our part in the work of transformation. Spiritual Transformation examines two main themes. 1) The Dynamics of Spiritual Transformation are explored in six small group sessions: what it is and how it happens. 2) The Goal of Spiritual Transformation is described in six small group Bible studies focusing on Romans 12 & 13, where Paul provides a blueprint for how we are meant to live as followers of Jesus.

This practical study guide is a wonderful complement to The Remarkable Women of the Bible by Elizabeth George as well as a powerful exploration of lives changed by God's love. Thought-provoking questions, reflective studies, and personal applications illuminate the riches of a godly life for contemporary women as they glean lessons from women of Scripture: Jocebed teaches the blessing of motherhood. Deborah shares the power of wisdom. Ruth and Naomi demonstrate that gift of devotion. The Remarkable Women of the Bible Growth and Study Guide provides fresh nourishment from a woman's point of view and the keys to a fulfilling, joyful, and meaningful relationship with God. This is an excellent resource for personal or group study.

Is your faith countercultural?When he wrote his first epistle to the church in Corinth, Paul wanted to address two cultural issues that the Christians in the city were wrestling with: prosperity and entertainment. He urged the young believers struggling in the midst of Graeco--Roman society to live lives shaped by Christ. Believers today are not immune to these same worldly temptations the Corinthian church was facing.In Transformed in Christ: 1 Corinthians, Ron Elsdon and William Olhausen show us how Paul uses the cross to define the distinctive patterns of life and behavior which Christians are called. The transformation that comes from cross--shaped wisdom is not a singular moment in a believer's life, but a continual process of refinement. The result is a living, countercultural faith marked by discernment, wisdom, and love.

Teens' Guide to Identity from FamilyLife All teens wrestle with the question "Who am I?" and wonder, What makes me special? Though these questions linger for life, they are most intense in the teen years, where confusion, awkwardness, and a desperate grab for identity reign. So how does a young person answer these critical questions? Where do young men and women find their significance, worth, and value? True Identity is perfect for parents and youth workers to give to the teenagers (14-16) in their lives to help them in their journey. Drawing on experiences and wisdom from a wide array of experts, the book provides compassionate answers to help teens discover who they really are, emphasizing their identity in Christ above all other ways our culture defines them. As the book walks teens through the steps to make their faith their own, it highlights healthy independence and God-honoring relationships. The Passport2Identity curriculum launched in April 2016, and True Identity is its trade book companion.

In the ancient disciple-rabbi relationship, the disciple would follow the rabbi so closely that he would be covered in the dust kicked up from his rabbi's feet. Thousands of years later, though we walk on roads of pavement and not dust, we are still called to be disciples—to follow our Rabbi, Jesus Christ, so closely that we are covered with his life, changed, and made new. Into His Likeness provides an approachable but in-depth exploration of how to live as a disciple and experience the transformation Jesus wants to work in our lives. We might desire to live more like Christ, but we know we fall short. This book simply helps us follow those initial promptings of the Holy Spirit, so that we may more intentionally encounter Jesus anew each day and be more disposed to his grace changing us ever more into his likeness.

Centered on the rule of Christ over the whole of life, explores multiple aspects of holistic ministry including proclamation, evangelism, and social transformation.