Scripture Discernment

Author : Luke Timothy Johnson
Publisher : Abingdon Press
Page : 221 pages
File Size : 41,9 Mb
Release : 2011-12-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781426724343

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Scripture & Discernment by Luke Timothy Johnson Pdf

Luke Timothy Johnson begins his study of the practical issue of how decisions are made in the church by admitting to a bias: that there ought to be a connection between what the church claims to be, and how it does things. Because the church claims to be a community of faith, it does not reach decisions simply on the basis of good management policy, or the analysis of market trends, or efficiency, or even ideological consistency, but in response to God's activity in the world that presses upon us and urges us to decision. Faced with how to respond to God's leading, the church decides what to do on the basis of two realities: Scripture and discernment. Because it calls the church into being Scripture is the fundamental authority in the church's life. Yet it is not enough for a congregation simply to turn to the Bible when a decision must be reached, for Scripture does not directly address all issues which face the church today, and those it does often reflect greatly differing historical and social contexts than our own. Thus, added to the authority of Scripture in the church's decision making is a process of discernment, in which the members of the community--under the guidance of the Holy Spirit--recall how God has worked in their lives as individuals and as a community and discern together God's direction for the future. Johnson argues that this very pattern of decision making can be found in Scripture itself, notably in one of the central events of the book of Acts. Beginning with the conversion of Cornelius and culminating in the Apostolic Council of Acts 15, we see how a string of smaller narratives combine to tell the story of God's movement within their midst, and how this narrative became the basis for the reinterpretation of Scripture and the inclusion of Gentiles into the fellowship of the church. Looking at a number of thorny issues facing the contemporary church, Johnson demonstrates how the interaction of Scripture and discernment can and must become the basis for how we respond to the decisions with which the church wrestles today.

Author : Luke Timothy Johnson
Publisher : Abingdon Press
Page : 233 pages
File Size : 43,5 Mb
Release : 1996
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780687012381

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Scripture & Discernment by Luke Timothy Johnson Pdf

Yet it is not enough for a congregation simply to turn to the Bible when a decision must be reached, for Scripture does not directly address all issues which face the church today, and those it does often reflect greatly differing historical and social contexts than our own. Thus, added to the authority of Scripture in the church's decision making is a process of discernment, in which the members of the community--under the guidance of the Holy Spirit--recall how God has worked in their lives as individuals and as a community and discern together God's direction for the future. Johnson argues that this very pattern of decision making can be found in Scripture itself, notably in one of the central events of the book of Acts.

Author : Tim Challies
Publisher : Crossway
Page : 208 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2007-12-19
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781433520525

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The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment (Foreword by John MacArthur) by Tim Challies Pdf

Spiritual discernment is good for more than just making monumental decisions according to God's will. It is an essential, day-to-day activity that allows thoughtful Christians to separate the truth of God from error and to distinguish right from wrong in all kinds of settings and situations. It is also a skill-something that any person can develop and improve, especially with the guidance in this book. Written by a leading evangelical blogger, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment is an uplifting, scripturally grounded work that explains the need for discernment, its challenges, and the steps that will cultivate it. Author Tim Challies does not do the discerning for readers; he simply shows them how to practically apply scriptural tools, principles, and wisdom so that their conclusions about everything-people, teachings, decisions, media, and organizations-will be consistent with God's Word.

Author : Priscilla C. Shirer
Publisher : Moody Publishers
Page : 224 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2012-01-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781575679518

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Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla C. Shirer Pdf

Do you feel that the ability to hear God's voice is for other people and not for you? Is it only for people who lived in Biblical times? Not at all! The God who loved you enough to die for you loves you enough to talk to you. And wherever you are in your spiritual walk, God will find a way to speak to you in a way you will understand. Become acquainted with the Voice that has spoken from a fire and a cloud; with visible signs and an invisible Spirit; through a burning bush and burning hearts. Hear from some of the most well-known Christians in history about how God speaks to them—and discover for yourself how you can discern the voice of God.

Author : Joel B. Green,Jacqueline Lapsley,Rebekah Miles,Allen Verhey
Publisher : Baker Academic
Page : 912 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2011-11
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780801034060

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Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics by Joel B. Green,Jacqueline Lapsley,Rebekah Miles,Allen Verhey Pdf

Leading scholars from the fields of biblical studies and ethics provide a one-stop reference book on the vital relationship between Scripture and ethics.

Author : Antony D. Rich
Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
Page : 367 pages
File Size : 49,9 Mb
Release : 2007-04-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781556353390

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Discernment in the Desert Fathers by Antony D. Rich Pdf

'Discernment in the Desert Fathers' is a study of discernment (Diakrisis) in the life and thought of the fourth- and fifth-century Egyptian Desert Fathers. Rich argues that their understanding of Diakrisis was based upon a practical application of biblical Diakrisis in general and not, as has been argued, primarily a development of the gift of discernment of spirits. He begins with an examination of Scripture and goes on to consider the philosophical and theological background of the period as represented by Plotinus and Origen respectively. An examination of the works of the first theologians of the desert, Evagrius and Cassian, who lived among these first Christian monks and nuns, provides an early interpretation of the sayings of the Desert Fathers or Apophthegmata Patrum. The Greek, Latin, and Coptic sayings that survive are then examined in detail, some of them translated into English for the first time. This indepth analysis (including the comprehensive list of crossÐreferences which will be a valuable resource for scholars researching the subject in the future) provides many insights into the lives of these early Christians and demonstrates how Diakrisis touched every aspect of their inward and outward lives. Rich concludes that Diakrisis was a critical faculty and charism central to the spiritual and practical life of these early monks and nuns in their mystical search for God, for purity of life, and knowledge of him.

Author : Ladislas Orsy, SJ
Publisher : Liturgical Press
Page : 88 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2020-08-14
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780814685075

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Discernment by Ladislas Orsy, SJ Pdf

Pope Francis has said, "Discernment is a choice of courage." In this little wisdom book, Professor Ladislas Orsy shows contemporary readers a well-tested way to listen to the Holy Spirit within and among us as well as offering a way of navigating life's questions through communal discernment. Community discernment is the discovery of a gift by another gift: the discovery of God's plan for the community through the light of faith infused into the minds of its members. While this text was originally written for Jesuits living in community to help them to live God's calling, the principles of Ignatian spirituality outlined here have broad application beyond such a setting today. As such it is: Rooted in history but not a history of discernment Theological but not a doctrinal treatise Practical but not a how-to manual Spiritual but does not belong to any specific school of thought. Succinct and very readable, this book contains a collection of insights suitable for both individual and group discernment exercises.

Author : Hans Burger
Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
Page : 379 pages
File Size : 51,7 Mb
Release : 2024-04-18
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9798385205059

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Jesus Christ, Hermeneutics, and Scripture by Hans Burger Pdf

Soteriology, not epistemology, is the best entrance to theological hermeneutics and to the doctrine of Scripture. The triune God uses Scripture to make the community of believers live in Christ. We hear the words of Scripture in the light of Easter and Pentecost. We understand Scripture from faith in Christ and with the mind of Christ. At the same time, we come to know Christ in Scripture and we receive the mind of Christ by reading Scripture. We remain in Christ by remaining in the Word. Understanding Scripture and Christlikeness mutually reinforce each other. Living a Christian life with God and our neighbor in God’s world will deepen our understanding of Scripture. This book explores the complex relationships between Jesus Christ, participation in Christ, theological hermeneutics, and the doctrine of Scripture. It shows the necessity of a holistic approach of life, knowledge, understanding, and renewal.

Author : Jaquelle Crowe
Publisher : Crossway
Page : 129 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2017-03-16
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781433555176

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This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe Pdf

My name is Jaquelle, and I'm a teenager. I like football movies, sushi, and dark chocolate. But the biggest, most crucial, most significant thing about me is that my life's task is to follow Jesus. He is the One who changed my life. That's what this book is about. It's for teenagers eager to reject the status quo and low standards our culture sets for us. It's for those of us who don't want to spend the adolescent years slacking off, but rather standing out and digging deep into what Jesus says about following him. This book will help you see how the truth about God changes everything—our relationships, our time, our sin, our habits, and more—freeing us to live joyful, obedient, and Christ-exalting lives, even while we're young.

Author : Roberts Liardon
Publisher : Whitaker House
Page : 168 pages
File Size : 54,8 Mb
Release : 2004-06-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781603746076

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Sharpen Your Discernment by Roberts Liardon Pdf

"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold" (Proverbs 3:13–14 NIV). We all know people that we would call wise, prudent, or discerning. What sets these individuals apart is their ability to walk in the guidance of God. Do you feel like you daily receive direction from God? You can! From the Scriptures, author Roberts Liardon sets you on the path to pursuing a life marked by wisdom. With this knowledge and insight, you can: Find out how to be led by the Spirit of God Develop a plan of action for successful decision-making Defeat the spiritual forces of evil in your life Discover the immense power in daily prayer and Bible-reading Sharpen your discernment, and you will be more than a conqueror!

Author : Elizabeth Liebert
Publisher : Westminster John Knox Press
Page : 194 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2008-08-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781611640106

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The Way of Discernment by Elizabeth Liebert Pdf

We all make decisions constantly--some with careful reflection, some without much thought. But what if we understood these decisions, minor as well as major, as matters of faithful Christian living? In this helpful and encouraging book, Elizabeth Liebert introduces the practice of discernment and guides readers through the process of faithful decision making. Following the way of discernment means becoming increasingly able to notice where God is at work in the world and in one's own life--and becoming increasingly generous with one's own life in response. After briefly exploring the Christian tradition of discernment, Liebert then turns to practical steps and exercises that will help readers as they seek God's call in the midst of their decisions, allowing readers to internalize some of these practices and incorporate them into their daily lives.

Author : Joshua Raj
Publisher : Armour Publishing Pte Ltd
Page : 212 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Christianity and culture
ISBN : 9814222399

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A Biblical Approach to Indian Traditions and Beliefs by Joshua Raj Pdf

Author : Edward D. Andrews
Publisher : Christian Publishing House
Page : 316 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2018-03-22
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781945757860

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Let God Use You to Solve Your PROBLEMS by Edward D. Andrews Pdf

In a world fraught with challenges and uncertainty, faith remains our most enduring beacon of hope. "Let God Use You to Solve Your Problems: God Will Instruct You and Teach You in the Way You Should Go" offers a unique exploration of how a steadfast reliance on God's wisdom, coupled with an active role in our own spiritual development, can serve as a roadmap to navigating life's complexities. This book provides an enlightening journey into a deeper understanding of God's role in our lives, not as a miracle worker performing supernatural acts on demand, but as a divine guide illuminating our path through the teachings of Scripture and personal experiences. It shows how, by letting go and trusting in God, we can find the strength, courage, and wisdom to confront and overcome our problems. The author, a conservative Bible scholar, encourages readers to actively engage with their faith, teaching how God instructs us through His Word, life experiences, and our own spiritual growth. Throughout the chapters, readers will learn the art of biblical discernment, nurturing spiritual growth, embracing patience in God's timing, and turning trials into triumphs through God's guidance. This book ultimately underscores the importance of personal responsibility in a faithful Christian life. It provides a nuanced and balanced understanding of faith that inspires action and involvement in our communities, allowing us to serve God and others while becoming reflections of God's love. “Let God Use You to Solve Your Problems” is more than a book; it's a spiritual guide for those seeking to blend trust in divine wisdom with personal initiative, creating a life that is not just endured but lived fully and meaningfully in God's light.

Author : Frances Shaw
Publisher : Peter Lang
Page : 380 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2007
Category : Bibles
ISBN : 3039105647

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Discernment of Revelation in the Gospel of Matthew by Frances Shaw Pdf

In the biblical tradition revelation from God is frequently mediated through certain gifted individuals. Disclosure and hiddenness are both integral to revelation and this study explores how Matthew presents Jesus as a true discerner of revelation and how he seeks to persuade his readers to accept the truth of his claim. Discernment of revelation is a significant motif running through Matthew's Gospel, relating closely to other aspects of his theological dynamic. This is explored by examining the background in the Old Testament and early Jewish literature, model discernment (Jesus), fragile discernment (Peter) and failed discernment (opponents). A general composition critical approach is taken, although insights from literary criticism are also used, especially to explore literary devices familiar in the apocalyptic and wisdom traditions which Matthew uses as persuasive tools.

Author : Wm. Paul Young
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 54,7 Mb
Release : 2017-03-07
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781501101410

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Lies We Believe About God by Wm. Paul Young Pdf

From the author of the bestselling novel The Shack and the New York Times bestsellers Cross Roads and Eve comes a compelling, conversational exploration of twenty-eight assumptions about God—assumptions that just might be keeping us from experiencing His unconditional, all-encompassing love. In his wildly popular novels, Wm. Paul Young portrayed the Triune God in ways that challenged our thinking—sometimes upending long-held beliefs, but always centered in the eternal, all-encompassing nature of God’s love. Now, in Wm. Paul Young’s first nonfiction book, he invites us to revisit our assumptions about God—this time using the Bible, theological discussion, and personal anecdotes. Paul encourages us to think through beliefs we’ve presumed to be true and consider whether some might actually be false. Expounding on the compassion fans felt from the “Papa” portrayed in The Shack—now a major film starring Sam Worthington and Octavia Spencer—Paul encourages you to think anew about important issues including sin, religion, hell, politics, identity, creation, human rights, and helping us discover God’s deep and abiding love.