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The eleventh volume in this series examines New Testament Apocryphal texts, including the Acts of Paul and Thecla, the Acts of John, the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Peter, the Martyrdom of Perpetua, the Acts of Xanthippe and Polyxena, the Acts of Andrew, the Acts of Thomas, and the Apocalypse of Peter, as well as Joseph and Asenath, the Irish apocrypha, and the Greek novels. In this diverse collection the contributors utilize a variety of approaches to explore topics such as the construction of Christian identity, the Christian martyr, heterodoxy and orthodoxy, conjugal ethics and apostolic homewreckers, trials and temptations, the rhetoric of the body, asceticism, and eroticism.

Customer Reviews (1)

Enthusiastically recommended for advanced theology and Biblical literature reference shelves.
Edited by Amy-Jill Levine, A Feminist Companion to the New Testament Apocrypha is an anthology of essays by a wide variety of learned authors exploring apocryphal New Testament texts such as the Acts of Paul, the Acts of John, the Acts of Peter, Thecla, the Apocalypse of Peter, and much more, as well as Irish apocrypha and Greek novels, from a feminist perspective. Specific topics discussed include Christian identity, Christian martyrdom, heterodoxy and orthodoxy, conjugal ethics and apostolic homewreckers, asceticism, eroticism, and much more. An extensive bibiography and index of references rounds out this scholarly and at times technical close analysis. Enthusiastically recommended for advanced theology and Biblical literature reference shelves. ... Read more

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Literary Talks on Writing Short Stories is ideal for those new to the short story genre or for anyone who wishes to improve their writing technique. Collins provides a practical approach and addresses you directly, in a desire effort to impress upon your mind the fundamental requisites of the short story. You will learn:• What is a Short Story?• Making the Short Story Interesting• The Plot• Method of Narration• The Introduction • The Story Proper • Conclusion and Climax• The Writer's Attitude of Mind• And much, much more...This book allows you to discover the ease of short story writing and the techniques by which your ideas may be converted into a short story. This book represents an entirely new chapter in the art of short story writing. Even the experienced writer may find some helpful information and improved method in these literary talks. Eureka F. Collins is an award-winning author, short story writer, inspirational speaker, founder and director of the Living To Be With God (LV2BWGOD) Network (www.LivingToBeWithGod.Net), publisher of the network's newsletter, and the Vice President of Education for a Toastmasters Club. She is the author of the highly acclaimed nonfiction works Strong Winds Change Lives and Love Matters Most. Collins is known for writing inspirational articles and short stories that have a twist to them. Several of her short stories have been featured in three popular anthologies, as well as on FaithWriters.com. Her contributions and style has guided hundreds of writers to knowing the what, how, and why of the short story. Collins' motivating efforts toward inspiring others can be summed up in her own words: "For me, it's about writers helping writers!"She resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with her husband and their son. For more information, visit www.EurekaFCollins.com. ... Read more

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A creative writing instructor uncovers the link between the most casual writing and spiritual growth, helping readers work with that connection, and offering tips on freewriting, list-making, clustering, and streamwriting. Hundreds of exercises help readers uncover creativity and discover real feelings. ... Read more

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Modern treatments of Jewish apocalyptic usually terminate their discussions of this literature with the triumph of Rome over nationalist rebels at the time of the Second Jewish Revolt (132?135 C.E.). They hence fail to appreciate the impact of the subsequent rise of scriptural authority for the Abrahamic religions and the renewed vitality of the apocalyptic genre as a favored literary vehicle for the expression of social and cultural concerns by the major Near Eastern religious communities during the second half of the first millennium C.E. The present volume begins the process of righting this imbalance by providing an English-language anthology of a series of influential Jewish apocalypses emanating from the Near East from roughly the early seventh to the mid-twelfth centuries C.E. Each text is newly translated into English and provided with an annotated commentary that elucidates its historical, literary, and religious contexts. ... Read more

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Excellent all!
Little known texts come to life in a most rewarding way! Excellent work! ... Read more

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Ken Untener (1937-2004), bishop of the diocese of Saginaw for 24 years, was a true pastor both a practical theologian and a prophet who, like the prophets of the Old Testament, sought to call his church back to its roots. A prolific and inspired author and speaker, his writings and talks spanned a wide variety of topics and concerns.

This book is the first compilation of a large selection of his briefer writings. It is organized into six topics: Vision and Creative Imagination, Liturgy and the Word, Ministry of Mercy, Consistent Ethic of Life, Ministry of Prophet, and The Wider Church). Each topic is introduced by Elizabeth Picken, CJ, of Bishop Ken's "Theology Squad."

This eagerly awaited book will appeal to anyone interested in the church's internal concerns and in how the church relates to issues concerning the wider world. It will be of particular interest to the many admirers of Bishop Untener, and will serve as a valuable reference for liturgists, preachers, pastors, students, and teachers of any of the topics addressed in the writings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

EXCELLENT!
Bishop Untener shares some very helpful insights and help. A great resource for all who proclaim the Scriptures.

Starving Christians
It is a honor to have The Practical Prophet among my most cherished / sacred writings.For anyone who is serious about her/his Christian growth and wants to rethink what is important and what is of no eternal value must read these masterful writing(s) by a Christ-filled follower of Christ, Bishop Ken Untener.

Highly recommended.
Catholic Bishop Ken Untener presents The Practical Prophet: Pastoral Writings, an anthology of inspirational and challenging essays especially for Christian ministers. The writings included are divided into the categories "Vision and Creative Imagination", "Liturgy and the Word", "Ministry of Mercy", "Consistent Ethic of Life", "Ministry of Prophet", and "The Wider Church". Each section is introduced by one of the author's trusted advisors. A plain-spoken tone, and a binding call to bring the church back to its roots form a solid common thread between diverse topics in this excellent and thought-provoking resource. The Practical Prophet is as timely and modern-thinking as it is spiritual, addressing serious present-day concerns as well as theological issues. "Day after day we read reports of past abuse by priests. This is the most agonizing experience I have ever had. It's not a thorn in my side. It's a sword in my soul. The pain comes from knowing that some youngsters have been hurt. The pain also comes from knowing that you have suffered as a member of the Catholic Church. It's on my mind every waking hour." Highly recommended.

Practical Prophet Prophetical and Practical
Bishop Ken Untener was one-of-a-very-few-kind of priest and bishop.His talks, his style, his writings, everything about him was remarkable.This book is a fine testament to that man.

Practical Prophet
This is an excellent book written by an outstanding person!Take the time to read it.It is very inspiring, and spoken from the heart to the heart. ... Read more

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Writing to God's Glory is a comprehensive creative writing course designed for all ages and a wide variety of teaching styles and schedules. It can be used to teach anyone to write creatively, even those with special needs.

Jill Bond focuses first on the creative aspects of writing, then follows up with important aspects of grammar and usage. New and seasoned teachers alike will enjoy her hands-on, non-writing, "warm-up" exercises as well as the gentle and encouraging approach she recommends for young writers.

This course can be used as sole creative writing text or as a supplement to other writing curricula. The Teacher's guide and Student's Pages are conveniently packaged in one volume, which contains enough lessons, activites, and drills to keep even the most hesitant of "writers" creating for up to two years!

Jill shows you how to bring out the writer in your pupil with an approach that is refreshing, fun, and based on the only truth there is: God's Truth! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

From Crayon To Quill
When I first rented this book from the home-school library a few years ago, I didn't have a clue . . . though in my own eyes I was an upcoming novelist on the same level as Jane Austin. (Finding a wealth of knowlegde has a way of revealing to us how little we actually knew.) This book taught me about developing charactors, creating a plot, revising, playing on people's emotions, realting truths of God's word in a natural way, and, most of all, foreshadowing. Good examples of foreshadowing are found in all quality literature, and this single aspect seperates the good writers from those who are truely great. After discovering these literary tactics, I began to read novels not so much for enjoyment as for study; to see how they were applied by good writers, and fubbed up by mediocres. One thing which distresses me about modern reading material is the watered downess of the gospel message. Having God in your heart is all good and fine, but people need to know what that means. Let us not be afraid to offend others by speaking of the Lord. Let us not feel that his pressense in our writing is intrusive. Let us be free to do good. ... Read more

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Study after study has shown that public speaking ability is the No. 1 factor that influences a person's ability to climb the career ladder. The ability to convey ideas clearly and persuasively in front of other people even outweighs "who you know."

This resource is a gold mine for those who find themselves speaking, making a presentation for school, leading a class at church, giving a demonstration at work, or introducing a public event.

Stan will share his own proven methods as well as tips gathered from fellow speakers to help overcome the fear of public speaking, inspire listeners, and effectively convey the message.

An entire section is devoted to entertaining stories, inspirational quotations, top 10 lists, and amusing job descriptions that can be used to make your speech humorous, witty, and memorable.Turn a fear into an asset by spicing up your speech with these fabulousstories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A *Must Have* for any speaker
Dr. Stan Toler shares a lifetime of stories, jokes, inspirational quotes, along with practical insight for any speaker. From "Research your Presentation" to "Engage Your Audience" to "Help Your Audience Reach Its Goals" you will find chapter after chapter of advice for the novice to professional speaker. No longer will you need to fear public speaking--embrace speaking as an art of communication. Stan Toler guides you with several pages of online resources and speaker helps. Buy one for yourself and one for a friend. It's that good!

Inspirational Speaker's Resource
I am sure this book is great for the right speaker. Unfortunately, I was not looking to give a Sermon. The book is focused on public speaking in the church environment, not the business environment. ... Read more

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Looking for a source of thought-provoking quotes? Timeless Treasures contains a wealth of insight from writers and thinkers throughout the ages—it features full-length quotations, short poems, scripture, proverbs, light-hearted one-liners, and more. The material is organized into over 65 topical sections, all presented alphabetically for ease of use. Thumb through the pages of the book to find an appealing quotation or quickly conduct a more extensive electronic search using the CD-ROM—you won’t miss a thing, as the book and CD-ROM contain all the same quotes. This is a valuable resource for speakers, writers, and teachers, as well as anyone who wishes to reflect on the insights and humor of some of the world’s best writers and speakers.

CD-ROM Features:
• Contains 2,000* quotations
• Fast copy and paste
• Sort by subject and search on any word
• Rate each quote on a scale of 1-10
• Add your own quotations, illustrations or stories
• Works with other titles in the Stories for Teachers and Preachers series

*For ease of use, many one-liners are grouped together in a single entry by topic.

Requires Windows 98,95, NT or later, 16 MB RAM, minimum 7MB hard disk space, CD-ROM drive. ... Read more

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There's uniqueness to crafting scripts for the church that writers with any level of experience need to know and embrace. Combine a widely published and performed writer with a writer and editor of thousands of scripts, and you find out just how to get a grip on creating a writing ministry in your church and beyond. Paying particular attention to short scripts with concepts that cover all the bases of scriptwriting, this book teaches skills while reminding the playwright of the calling that goes with writing for the church audience. In addition, top writers in the field offer advice in writing process, development, revisions, passion, and more. Every writer will benefit from this knowledge-packed book. ... Read more

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In this introductory writing manual, DeKoven assists the aspiring student in developing the necessary skills and learning the appropriate submittal formats for writing quality term papers, theses or acceptable doctoral dissertations. He presupposes students possess an adequate understanding of language, grammar, spelling and punctuation. (Christian Education) ... Read more

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Do you have a Christian message to share? Are you a Bible Teacher, Christian Business Owner, Minister or Pastor with a good news message? Has God been calling you to write His message down in a book? Writing about your passion or your ministry through a non fiction Christian book is one of the easiest ways to write a book.

In the 12 week course book Writing a Book God's Way In 100 Days, author and book writing coach Earma Brown shows you how to develop a saleable book idea including how to clarify your idea, develop a table of contents, chapter outline, create book matter (parts), develop a 1 page book proposal or prepare to self publish. Discover how to:

Add pulling power to every aspect of your book through passion points before writing chapter one.
Excavate the gold called your knowledge and God's revelation making it easy to complete your book in 100 days.
Put the power of the written word to work for you and your ministry all over the world.
Transform, repackage and repeat your book's core information so you can leverage life long value.

Make your dream of writing and publishing a book a reality. The insightful guidance provided in Writing a Book God's Way In 100 Days will lead you step by step to a successful saleable book in the Christian market.

Earma Brown is an author, book writing coach and writer workshop leader. She has written numerous inspirational titles and how to books including the trilogy set of Armorbearer Training Series books and WOW! Women of Worth. Earma lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband Varn.

"...I used many of the tips that you provided in the lessons. Sometimes I re-read your lessons and new ideas come to me. Funny how my "inner critic" seems to disappear when I read your lessons...You help me to believe in myself and my message, and to have confident expectations for success..Thanks so much." Nicky Vanvalkenburgh, Author, Director, trainyourbraintransformyourlife.com

"Five thumbs up! The course was phenomenal! Thanks for the information and inspiration..." Jaime Rohadfox, Radio Host, Director, womenofdivineaspiration.com

Visit companion websites:
http://WritingABookGodsWay.com
http://100DaysToABook.com ... Read more

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A communications specialist discusses communication in the local church—advertising, talking with the media, communicating with members, and utilizing technology. Includes helpful forms, checklists, and examples from cutting-edge churches. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Computers/Internet coverage a disappointment
This review will seem unnecessarily critical, but I want to do what I can to help churches avoid wasting money -- there are too many folks with no scruples about charging a church whatever they will pay.I do some probono computer consulting for myparish (Trinity, Lime Rock, CT), andbought this book in hopes it would get me current with specific useschurches were making of the Internet. Sad to say, the book's coverage ofcomputers and the Internet was minimal.The chapter entitled"Computers -- An Effective Tool in Ministry" covered pages 203 -210 inclusive -- out of a total of 287 pages.Of these seven pages, twowere glossary.Although I did like one metaphor -- "E-mail is the FAXmachine of the '90s" -- and will probably use it elsewhere in mypractice -- there was little other information of use to me. I noted apiece of misinformation. On page 204, the average cost to have a web sitehosted was identified as $100 - $150 per month.Last evening, whilelooking for web hosting for a commercial client of mine, I found at least50 companies who would host a site of some sophistication for $10 or lessper month. Indeed, I found very few that charged more than $75 per month!I also noted the description of the church with its own server and eightmodems (each with a phone line) to accomodate an on-line prayer circle. While this may have been both innovative and cost-effective when set up,the same functionality (on-line conferencing) is available today via any ofthe "Instant Messenger" services on the Internet for FREE -- noserver, no modem pool, only the Internet connection for each participant.To move away from defects, I suspect this book will be of much use topeople involved otherwise in church communications.Even the short chapteron computers may be of some use in introducing a non-computer-literaterector or pastor to computers and the Internet in a non-threateningcontext. But be aware:computer/Internet costs can be FAR lower than thebook suggests.And, if you're already computer-literate and looking forspecifics on how to apply computers and the Internet to communications inyour parish, you can safely drop the price of this book in the collectionplate instead of buying the book.

It's filled with splendid ideas and suggestions.
Although this paperback has a modest price, its 300 pages add up to a valuable resource -- a pearl of great value -- for ministers, staff members, and other persons with varied leadership roles in local churches.The book shows how to develop an overall plan and provides ample examplesof ways farsighted churches are communicating effectively with theirmembers andways they are reaching the unchurched. It gives solid adviceon advertising, media relations, and use of websites, e-mail and otheroffspring of electronic technology. Contributing to the five-star qualityof this book are itschecklists and forms to keep track of progress. ... Read more

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Words Made Flesh draws together a number of Elaine Graham's shorter writings and essays and thereby maps out the work of a pioneer theological thinker and the development of pastoral and practical theology in the last twenty years. Elaine Graham considers the theological significance of topics as diverse as nativity plays, science fiction, gender, consumerism, cyberspace and urban regeneration. They all share a concern with the way the sources and norms of the Christian tradition can enter into a creative and critical conversation with contemporary experience in order to generate the 'practical wisdom' by which the life of the Church can be directed. They reflect the author's fundamental conviction that theology as 'talk about God-in-the-world' is always practical and public - and that it begins and ends in the complexities of the human condition: where words become flesh. ... Read more

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The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

classic introduction to a much misunderstood genre
As mentioned by others, John Collins is probably the leading scholar of apocalyptic literature, as well as other intertestamental Jewish writings. This volume remains the best, basic introduction to the scope of the vast literature and how it developed over several hundred years. Collins takes just enough of a close-up to intrigue those who want to know more, but not overwhelm those who are just beginning.

As I was doing my initial research on what became my own "Unveiling Empire: Reading Revelation Then and Now" (1999) this book was a steady guide.

I'd also highly recommend Collins' Between Athens and Jerusalem: Jewish Identity in the Hellenistic Diaspora (The Biblical Resource Series) as well as hisJewish Wisdom in the Hellenistic Age (Old Testament Library). Collins is a master of the introductory overview!

Expanding Parameters
John Collins is probably the foremost scholar on apocalyptic literature today. Quite rightly Collins begins his book with a definition of this genre. Apocalypticism is "revelatory liturature in a which a revelation is mediated by an otherworldly being to a human recipient." Is that all? No, there's more that Collins has in mind. This revelation discloses a transcendent reality which envisages eschatological salvation (temporal) and another supernatural world (spatial).

With this definition in mind, Collins excludes much which had been called apocalyptic literature. He excludes Akkadian literature and the more modern political apocalypticism (see
Zimbaro's _Enc of Apoc Lit_) and discounts Persian apocalypticism. Then Collins begins a survey of apocalypticism as he knows it, beginning with the Book of Enoch. The reader is then taken through the Book of Daniel and other 2nd Temple, Diaspora, and Qumran literature until one arrives at early Christianity.

Along the way, what had seemed to be the parameters of a well-defined genre of literature have expanded. When Collins begins to discuss Christian literature, it becomes apparent that that book which had lent its name to Collins' genre of literature was not a pure form of that genre. On page 269 Collins must concede that the Revelation of John is not just an apocalypse but revelation _and_ prophecy.

Collins concludes that apocalypticism was not just the work of one group or movement, but different groups during different situations aand time, and maybe there was no group or movement behind a particular piece of literature at all (p 281).

A Great book for those interested in Second Temple Judaism
I thought Collins did an excellent job at covering how Jewish eschatology came to be.He asserts that apocalypticism did not form in a vacuum, but was instead part of tradition of biblical prophetic and wisdom literature. Collins does good work also in including the apocryphal books of 1 Enochand 2 Esdras. ... Read more

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Every preacher, teacher, or writer knows the value of a good illustration in helping connect the truth of the passage with the congregation or class---and how hard it is to come up with good illustrations week after week.This book contains the cream of the crop: 1001 illustrations carefully selected from among thousands on Christianity Today International's popular website PreachingToday.com. These illustrations are proven, memorable, and illuminating. As the saying goes, they will preach! And they're fresh, all written within the past seven years.Of course the best illustrations are no good if you can't find the right one. These illustrations have been arranged according to twelve master topics, each divided into several subtopics. Further, they've been indexed according both to Bible references and to 500 keywords. A searchable CD-ROM is included, allowing you to get the illustration into your lesson or sermon with ease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

1001 illustrations that Connect:
I am really enjoying this book and it has been beneficial to my ministry. It has great illustrations that can be used as introduction or closing for a message or speech.

Great for a pastor's library
This is such a helpful, updated book of illustrations that most pastors will want to keep within reach as they prepare their weekly messages.

Contains previously published items
I have enjoyed and used Larson's previous offerings of illustrations and was pleased he was bringing out another, but I find many of these are already in other books. It is massive which is a plus and a negative; it's a lot to dig through. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Missing element in most churches today
Roland Allen remains a prophetic voice to the Church bound in safety and man's traditions. Why are there not more miracles? Ask the Spirit. Why is the Church weak? Look to this faithful witness.

profound and prophetic insight into the enterprise of God
Roland Allen was a true prophet.He saw the things that needed to be pulled down in the sorry partnership between the gospel and colonial Brithish culture.He correctly saw the principles of Scripture and spoke them boldly at a time when not many people wanted to listen. This book brings fresh revelation to Christian ministry even after a hundred years of Holy Spirit restoration. ... Read more