Estudio bíblico

Sacred Tension

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 18:07:35 GMT

"The Bible was not written for passive readers or lazy listeners. It was written for active engagement, deliberation, dialogue, and debate, because the Bible itself is fundamentally a conversation."—Old Testament professor and scholar William P. Brown, from Sacred Tension

Embrace the complexities of the Old Testament with curiosity and courage.

As people of faith, the words of the Bible are sacred. They tell us about our spiritual heritage and convey our ever-present hope. But sometimes, if we're being honest, the Bible — especially the Old Testament — can bring more confusion than clarity. Apparent contradictions and a wide variety of different accounts about God, faith, and humanity's role can leave us perplexed with more questions than answers. How are we to read the Bible in a way that helps us understand its deepest truths?

In Sacred Tension, renowned biblical scholar and Old Testament professor William P. Brown challenges our unease by suggesting that the "problem" of dissonance within the Old Testament is in fact one of its most powerful features. To read the Bible with one uniform voice, he asserts, is to miss the richness and complexity of the canon. Instead, the Bible is "a canonical cornucopia, a 'horn of plenty' filled with diverse perspectives tied together by a common affirmation that God is God, expressed in different ways." With expert insight and passionate prose, Brown invites us to consider the Old Testament as a wide-ranging dialogue that is in conversation both with itself and with us, fostering further discussion and mutual discernment.

Each chapter of Sacred Tension addresses a key question central to the Old Testament texts like the nature of God, the purpose of the Law, and the problem of evil. By exploring these themes through the lens of diverse, and often contradictory, perspectives, you'll begin to gain a more nuanced understanding of the foundational texts that have informed Jewish and Christian beliefs for millennia.

Whether you know the books of the Bible by heart or are brand new to biblical study, Sacred Tension will invite you into an exciting new dialogue with these ancient scriptures. In this accessible and insightful introduction to the Old Testament, encounter the texts with curiosity and wonder and open yourself to what this inner tension has to offer those who engage with it.

Written for everyday people who long to better understand the Bible, Sacred Tension invites us to embrace the complexity of the Old Testament and discover the profound truths that lie within its hallowed pages.

Join Old Testament scholar William P. Brown in a revelatory journey through the Bible that will change the way you think about our sacred scriptures and your faith. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter will deepen the dialogue. Let the conversation begin!

Key Features:

Accessible language tailored for a general audience
Thought-provoking exploration of key Old Testament themes
Discussion questions with each chapter
Suitable for both personal study, group study, and academic courses

READ A SAMPLE.

Sacred Tension

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:14:53 GMT

"The Bible was not written for passive readers or lazy listeners. It was written for active engagement, deliberation, dialogue, and debate, because the Bible itself is fundamentally a conversation." —Old Testament professor and scholar William P. Brown, from Sacred Tension

Embrace the complexities of the Old Testament with curiosity and courage.

Key Features:

Accessible language tailored for a general audience
Thought-provoking exploration of key Old Testament themes
Discussion questions with each chapter
Suitable for both personal study, group study, and academic courses

READ A SAMPLE.

Shaped by the Word, Anniversary Edition

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:31:22 GMT

In the foreword to the first edition of Shaped by the Word, Bishop Rueben Job wrote, "One of the great strengths of this volume is that it grows out of the spiritual pilgrimage of a capable and committed biblical scholar. It was my privilege to hear these lectures when they were presented to the first Academy for Spiritual Formation in 1983. They became for those who heard them a window to God."

Nearly forty years later, Shaped by the Word continues to provide this "window to God" to readers across the world.

In a success-oriented world, it is easy for Bible study to become another task to perform rather than a transformational experience. Those who hunger for a deep relationship with God often struggle with barriers that keep us from being able to meditate and listen to God with the deepest core of our being. Shaped by the Word seeks to overcome these barriers through a formational reading of the Bible. In this timeless book, Robert Mulholland shows readers how to listen for God's voice in our study of the Word and allow God to lead our reading and understanding so that we may truly be transformed.

Shaped by the Word, Anniversary Edition

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Nearly forty years later, Shaped by the Word continues to provide this "window to God" to readers across the world.

From Dry Bones to Living Hope

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 22:32:45 GMT

From Dry Bones to Living Hope

Gather Us In

Tue, 24 May 2022 18:21:07 GMT

Gather Us In

A Beginner's Guide to Practicing Scriptural Imagination

Tue, 24 May 2022 18:20:37 GMT

A Beginner's Guide to Practicing Scriptural Imagination

A Family Like Mine

Tue, 24 May 2022 17:46:33 GMT

A Family Like Mine

Revealed

Tue, 24 May 2022 16:04:05 GMT

Revealed: What the Bible Can Teach You About Yourself presents a unique look at a familiar cast of biblical characters through the eyes of a psychologist. While weaving in her personal story of healing, Schaffner uses her professional background to expertly highlight themes of seeking simplicity, finding purpose, and navigating painful and emotional experiences.

Comprised of compelling, relatable stories, Revealed makes the Bible come alive to readers in a personal and meaningful way. Through an in-depth look at the hearts of well-known biblical characters, Schaffner explores ways readers can relate to these cherished stories in their own spiritual lives, acknowledging that everyone shares the common experiences of being pulled toward external measures such as wealth, achievement, and affirmation from others.

The author challenges readers to face the reality of their hearts and begin an inward journey of renewal, listening for God's voice in unlikely places—and through unlikely people. Readers will see themselves more clearly through the lens of scripture and ultimately experience deeper self-awareness and spiritual growth.

For the Common Good

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:41:05 GMT

For the Common Good reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives each Christian one or more spiritual gifts to be used for the common good. It guides readers to discover their own particular gifts and learn to use their gifts to serve others.

Examining key passages in Paul's writings, author Christine Harman leads readers through a personal spiritual gift assessment. She names 20 distinct spiritual gifts—including discernment, compassion, and evangelism—and helps people explore scripture references on each one. After identifying their particular gifts, clergy and laypeople will learn how to apply them for the good of their church, community, and the world. This book is ideal for both group study and self-discovery. The book also includes suggestions for how to build a ministry team or assign people to committees based on the gifts of each individual.

This book is the text for a Lay Servant Ministries advanced course on spiritual gifts. It also can be used for a small-group study.

A Leader's Guide is available for this book.

From Dry Bones to Living Hope

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:39:41 GMT

Though the shadow side of aging is a reality, author Missy Buchanan brings spiritual light and nourishment to people in the later years of life. Older adults struggle with chronic pain and diminished physical abilities. They contend with losses that pile up like the dry bones in the prophet Ezekiel's vision—the loss of loved ones and friends, the loss of their home and belongings, the loss of independence, and the loss of purpose. In a culture that values youth more than age, older adults often feel forgotten and without purpose.

Each chapter of From Dry Bones to Living Hope opens with an intimate, prayerful lament to God from the perspective of the older adult who longs for spiritual renewal and purpose. The authentic voice of lament establishes credibility with older readers who yearn for others to empathize with their struggles. The second part of each chapter, "Cultivating Hope," guides them to God's perspective on aging and specific actions they can take that lead to hope and joy.

Compañerismo en Cristo Guía del líder

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:28:43 GMT

Compañerismo en Cristo, Libro del participante también está disponible para miembros de grupos pequeños.

Usted explorará a profundidad las Escrituras, aprenderá a escuchar a Dios por medio de ellas, y permitirá a su vida ser formada por la Palabra. Experimentará nuevas dimensiones de la oración, practicará nuevas formas de abrir su vida a Dios, y aprenderá lo que significa practicar la presencia de Dios. Usted reflexionará sobre el llamado de Cristo a su vida y descubrirá de nuevo los dones que Dios le ha dado para que lleve a cabo su ministerio personal.

Usted y los miembros de su grupo crecerán juntos como comunidad cristiana y adquirirán destrezas para dirigir grupos pequeños en la iglesia como espacios para la dirección espiritual.

Compañerismo en Cristo ofrece una poderosa experiencia de renovación a través de las prácticas espirituales que le ayudan a compartir más plenamente la vida de Cristo y traer lo que ha aprendido a todas las áreas de la vida de la iglesia. Esta jornada espiritual de 28 semanas le guiará a tener un tiempo diario con Dios por medio de las lecturas individuales y la meditación, y le permitirá reunirse semanalmente con otras personas de su comunidad de fe para participar en una exploración más profunda.

Compañerismo en Cristo provee oportunidades diversas y creativas para aprender las disciplinas espirituales de oración, lectura de la Escritura, estudio, adoración, ministerio y conferencia cristiana. En algunos momentos tendrá nuevas experiencias con la oración, descubrirá sus pensamientos y deseos más íntimos, y recordará dónde ha estado Dios presente de manera especial en su vida. En otros momentos, usted y los miembros de su grupo compartirán historias comunes, preguntas y descubrimientos en su relación con Cristo. Cada semana comenzará con una presentación interesante y desafiante por un escritor/a reconocido en el área de formación espiritual.

Los escritores de estas lecturas son Gerrit Scott Dawson, Adele González, E. Glenn Hinson, Rueben P. Job, Marjorie Thompson y Wendy M. Wright. Además de esa presentación, Compañerismo provee lecturas diarias de las Escrituras y preguntas para dirigirle en su meditación personal. La semana concluye con una sesión de dos horas donde usted puede compartir sus ideas, reflexionar junto a sus compañeros y compañeras y participar en una variedad de experiencias de aprendizaje como grupo.

Compañerismo en Cristo es uno de los recursos más versátiles y completos en el área de formación espiritual. Incorpora lo mejor de la tradición cristiana. Un aspecto único de esta experiencia es que su búsqueda y aprendizaje espiritual serán apoyados por otras personas en su grupo que son verdaderamente compañeras en Cristo.

Compañerismo en Cristo Libro del participante

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:28:33 GMT

Compañerismo en Cristo, Guía del líder también está disponible.

El libro del participante incluye 28 semanas de lecturas y ejercicios dividas en 5 secciones. Los temas de cada semana son presentados por autores reconocidos quienes tienen conocimientos amplios sobre cada tema. En estos capítulos introductorios, escritores como Gerrit Scott Dawson, Adele González, E. Glenn Hinson, Rueben Job, Marjorie Thompson y Wendy Wright combinan el testimonio personal con lo mejor de la tradición cristiana, para ofrecernos el trasfondo para los ejercicios de la semana. Después de la sección de introducción, usted encontrará cinco ejercicios que le ayudarán a meditar más profundamente sobre la temática de cada semana y a preparase para la reunión semanal del grupo. Los ejercicios combinan la lectura de la Escritura, practicas espirituales específicas, y preguntas para que usted reflexione y comente en su diario. Estos ejercicios deben tomarle unos 30 minutos cada día.

For the Common Good

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:17:05 GMT

This PDF Leader's Guide is designed to be used with the participant's book, For the Common Good. It includes discussion guides and activities to help individuals discover their spiritual gifts, identify their abilities and skills, and find ways to use them for God’s glory. It also offers a model for implementing a system based on spiritual gifts to identify and call forth leaders in the congregation. The Leader's Guide offers plans for four 2½-hour sessions to fulfill the 10-hour requirement for an advanced Lay Servant Ministry course.

Compañerismo en Cristo Guía del líder - PDF

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:16:11 GMT

Compañerismo en Cristo, Libro del participante también está disponibles para miembros de grupos pequeños.

Usted y los miembros de su grupo crecerán juntos como comunidad cristiana y adquirirán destrezas para dirigir grupos pequeños en la iglesia como espacios para la dirección espiritual.

Compañerismo en Cristo Libro del participante - PDF

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:16:05 GMT

Compañerismo en Cristo, Guía del líder también está disponible.

We Are the Church ... Let's Act Like It: Sermon Starters

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:15:58 GMT

Engage your whole congregation in a formative study on the book of Acts and explore what it means to be the world-changing church that Jesus intended.

We Are the Church … Let's Act Like It Sermon Starters include reflections and prompts to help pastors write their own message for each week's topic along with a passage from Acts, a Gospel lesson, a prayer, and a benediction for use in worship. The reflections and prompts are in three sections: Introduction, Explore the Scriptures, and Let's Act Like It.

Equip and encourage your church to be an active and transformative presence in the world.

Leading Bible Study

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:11:10 GMT

This course opens a new world for many lay servants who have not had professional training in biblical interpretation. It reminds us as United Methodists that Bible study and biblical interpretation are a core part of our spiritual journey.

The Participant's Book, Biblical Interpretation: A Roadmap, is available through Cokebury.

For the Common Good

Wed, 18 May 2022 14:56:57 GMT

This book is the text for a Lay Servant Ministries advanced course on spiritual gifts. It also can be used for a small-group study.

A Leader's Guide is available for this book.

Revealed

Tue, 17 May 2022 01:14:08 GMT