This monograph explores the joy theme in Luke- Acts as it relates to the dynamics of rhetoric, narrative and emotion. The Gospel of Luke has been called the "gospel of joy," and the joy theme has also been recognised in Acts. This theme, though, has received relatively little attention in NT scholarship. Joy in Luke-Acts examines the joy theme from a socio-rhetorical vantage point, showing that the joy theme empowers the Lukan rhetoric of reversal. The theme is a primary method in which the narrator seeks to persuade the reader to enter into the values and beliefs that characterise the 'upside-down' world in which YHWH has visited his people in Jesus.

This book in the popular For Today series introduces the reader to the main parables of Jesus in an engaging and accessible way. Professor, author, and preacher Alyce McKenzie makes the familiar parables come alive with new meaning, using the best of biblical scholarship to provide an easy entrance to this major form of Jesus' teachings. With questions for discussion at the end of each chapter, this book is ideal for personal and group study. The For Today series was designed to provide reliable and accessible resources for the study and real life application of important biblical texts, theological documents, and Christian practices. The emphasis of the series is not only on the realization and appreciation of what these subjects have meant in the past, but also on their value in the present--"for today." Thought-provoking questions are included at the end of each chapter, making the books ideal for personal study and group use.

Greg Carey's guide equips readers to develop their own informed assessments of Luke's Gospel. The book begins with an inductive exposition of Luke's singular approach to composing a story about Jesus, examining its use of Mark, clues to its social setting, and its distinctive literary strategies. Recognizing that many readers approach Luke for theological and religious reasons, while many others do not, a chapter on 'Spirit' addresses Luke's presentation of the God of Israel, how the Gospel ties salvation to the person of Jesus, and how the problems of sin and evil find their resolution in the kingdom of God and in community of those who follow Jesus. A chapter on 'Practice' examines the Gospel's vision for human community. While many readers find a revolutionary message in which women, the poor, Gentiles and sinners find themselves included and blessed in Luke's Gospel, this volume calls attention to inconsistencies and tensions within the narrative. Luke does speak toward inclusion, Carey argues, but not in a revolutionary way. Could it be that the Gospel promises more than it delivers? Carey suggests that Luke speaks to people of relative privilege, challenging them toward mercy and inclusion rather than toward fundamental social change. An Epilogue reflects upon contemporary readers of Luke, most of whom enjoy privilege in their own right, and how they may respond to Luke's story.

"...Each fast-moving chapter is packed with Scripture references establishing the essential elements of a disciple's life-style. Sanders spotlights twenty of those elements, including the disciple's partnership with the Holy Spirit, commitment to prayer and spiritual health, relationship to others, and the disciple's relationship to Christ...". [back cover].

A Twelve-week Enliven Path to Discipleship Bible Study series by; Church of God Adult Discipleship. Experience the text of Philippians!; Learn the inductive Bible study method!;Grow spiritually as you discover God's Word!; Philippians: A Path to Joy is an exciting, hands-on, approach to studying the Bible. Philippians is God's victorious answer to the fear and anxiety that plagues our world. In this course, you will be reminded that God not only cares about your soul, but He also wants you to have healthy, life-affirming thoughts and emotions. Written in a highly informed, yet uplifting devotional style, this study keeps the practical Christian life in view every step of the way. The working theme of the entire study is that God wants you to live a life of joy, thanksgiving, and Spirit-filled prayer. Or, as Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice" (Phil. 4:4 NIV). Upon completing Philippians: A Path to Joy, the student will be able to: * Discover the power and beauty of Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. * Discern the positive, life-changing pattern of discipleship woven throughout this great letter. * Devote oneself to the mind of Christ that is so wonderfully set forth in Philippians. * * Disciple oneself and others in the joy, peace, and grace found in one of the most encouraging epistles ever written.

Feasting on the Gospels is a new seven-volume series that follows up on the success of the Feasting on the Word series to provide another trusted preaching resource, this time on the most prominent and preached upon most preached upon books in the Bible: the four Gospels. With contributions from a diverse and respected group of scholars and pastors, Feasting on the Gospels includes completely new material that covers every single passage in the Gospels, making it suitable for both pastors who preach from the lectionary and pastors who do not. Moreover, these volumes incorporate the unique format of Feasting on the Word, giving preachers four perspectives to choose from for each Gospel passage: theological, pastoral, exegetical, and homiletical. Feasting on the Gospels offers a unique resource for all who preach, either continuously or occasionally, on the Gospels.