Authors

Pre-Order: 30% discount applies to all orders until the first copy ships. Release is expected around July 1, 2013.

Christians can accept evolution without dumping God.Worshiping with Charles Darwin: Sermons and Essays Touching on Matters of Faith and Science, shows why and how we can logically and religiously embrace both. Dr. Robert D. Cornwall uses mind and heart, empirical evidence and Scripture to cogently guide pastors, theologians, lay leaders, and congregants through the troubling waters of one of the most controversial topics plaguing Christianity today.

When this dreaded topic is broached, emotions often run high and Christian charity is frequently absent. Bob Cornwall explores with courage and insight, here and in the pulpit, as pastor of Central Woodward Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Troy, Michigan. He takes on the evolution/faith quandary openly and regularly through his sermons, his commemoration of Evolution Sunday (on the Sunday nearest Charles Darwin’s February birthday), and his columns in the local newspaper, The Troy Patch.

Worshiping with Charles Darwin will help you meaningfully consider related issues. Sample sermons, liturgical aids, and tips for engaging community discussion provide practical assistance.

Among Cornwall’s many books–Ultimate Allegiance: The Subversive Nature of the Lord’s Prayer asks us to give our primary allegiance to Jesus and to his kingdom; Faith in the Public Square urges us to make our faith a real civic force–while remaining neighborly and Christ-like; Unfettered Spirit: Spiritual Gifts for the New Great Awakening implores Christians of all traditions to be led by the Spirit toward God-sized goals.

Now he calls on us to bridge the gap between science and faith. Failure to do so could threaten the future of Christianity.

What does it take to make a church congregation a community that fully carries out its mission? What can be done to correct the problems of a dysfunctional community and encourage healthy discipleship? In Out of This World, Darren McClellan studies these questions, not with a purely theoretical approach but rather by studying a specific congregation in a specific situation, and letting the members and former pastors speak in their own words. He then looks at these views through the lenses of John Wesley and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

This is a thoroughly researched, hard hitting, and honest examination of ministry, looking particularly at the structures of the United Methodist Church. There are specific recommendations for Bishops, District Superintendents, newly appointed pastors, and congregational leadership.

An EnerPower Press title.

The creation-evolution controversy is one of the most contentious in Christianity. It may appear to many to be much less important than issues with more direct moral implications. Yet how we view the relationship between science and religion will have a significant impact on how we live and on how we understand our faith and our world.

Herold Weiss comes to this issue not as a scientist, historian, or a philosopher, but rather as a student of Scripture. He believes that the various authors of Scripture view creation in varied and sometimes contrasting ways. Many discussions of creation focus on the first three chapters of Genesis, but Weiss takes in the entire scope of scripture, looking at creation in the prophets, the wisdom literature, Genesis 2, Genesis 1, Romans, the Corinthian letters, Colossians, Hebrews, and finally Revelation.

In a book of this size it is impossible to study all of these areas in depth, but Weiss provides an excellent overview that will help any student of the Bible gain a better perspective on how creation impacts biblical teaching on a variety of issues. His presentation is representative, rather than exhaustive, but it provides a breadth that is much needed, and often lacking, in discussions of this issue.

No matter in which way the biblical authors viewed creation, they were free to affirm their faith in the Creator. Weiss helps us understand that we, like them, can also affirm our faith in the Creator God no matter how we view the natural world and the universe in which we live. The Bible itself demonstrates the independence of faith from any and all cultural descriptions of the material reality of which we are a part.

Publisher’s catalog page: Creation in Scripture (includes a list of additional online retailers)

Buy both Creation in Scripture and Creation: The Christian Doctrine for $19.99. Price separately is $25.98, and standard shipping in the U. S. is free!

This special package combines two books, Creation in Scripture by Herold Weiss and Creation: The Christian Doctrine by Edward W. H. Vick. The debate regarding creation and evolution is a very heated and divisive one in the church today. Rather than attempting to start with a particular position and then adduce the evidence for it, both authors aim to survey a broad range of factors that go into the formation of a doctrine.

Herold Weiss aims to look at the variety of viewpoints on creation that are found in Scripture. Rather than starting from Genesis 1 & 2 and then bringing in other passages only as they elucidate portions of that passage, he instead looks at various sections of the Bible, such as the prophets, wisdom literature, the gospels, the writings of Paul, and yes, Genesis, and asks just what ideas the authors hold about creation and how those fit into the focus of the particular section.

Edward Vick approaches the topic as both a theologian and a professor of theology. His purpose is to ask just what elements go into a doctrine of creation. What would make such a doctrine distinctively Christian.

Both volumes discuss how these passages relate to modern Christian viewpoints, such as young earth creationism, theistic evolution, old earth creationism, intelligent design, and related views.

Buy the print copies direct from this site, or see the publisher’s catalog site for links to online retailers and to ebook editions:

• Creation: The Christian Doctrine (on publisher’s web site)
• Creation in Scripture (on publisher’s web site)

Praise for Creation in Scripture

In Creation in Scripture Herold Weiss presents the essential message that the creation story is complex and is addressed in many ways throughout scripture. As it is, much of the hot debate occurs when people take one particular part of scripture, sometimes out of context and sometimes misinterpreted and then baptize this passage as the one and only infallible description of how God really created or creates. This is the first book I have seen that takes this “overview” approach and considers all the Bible’s commentary on Creation. Kudos to Weiss for this contribution.

Richard Colling, Ph.D.
Author of Random Designer

Wading into the often truculent conflicts over creationism and evolution, Herold Weiss offers up the refreshing input of a biblical scholar who is fully attentive to the cultural contexts and religious variety of biblical traditions. While insisting that the life of faith and scientific inquiry each be given their proper respect, Weiss challenges those who would speak theologically about creation to consider more broadly the entire range of biblical evidence, rather than privileging a few chapters from Genesis. Crafted with great clarity and a wealth of knowledge, readers are treated to a lavish feast of biblical views of creation, from the prophets and Wisdom literature to the letters of Paul and the apocalyptic world of Revelation. What a remarkable little book: at once a bold challenge to creationism, exposing its reactionary impulses and indicting its ideological abuses of the Bible; and, at the same time, a generous invitation for thoughtful Christians to celebrate the amazingly rich and varied portraits of creation, and thereby to bolster their faith in the Creator in a way that is both well-conceived and biblically based.

Terence J. Martin, Ph.D.
Professor of Religious Studies
St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana

In this brief and concise volume, Dr. Weiss demonstrates the importance of exploring the entirety of Biblical evidence on this all too often divisive topic. With clarity and concrete example, he makes clear that this subject does not lend itself to simplistic answers. This volume makes a significant contribution to conversations regarding creation and the Bible. It is my hope that people of faith will use this helpful book to further future dialogue among those who value both Scripture and the human reason with which we have been graced by our loving Creator God! For those who believe that one can be both scholarly and faithful, this is a ‘must read’ book!

Rev. Dr. Robert R. LaRochelle
Author, Crossing the Street and Part Time Pastor, Full Time Church
Pastor, United Church of Christ

Most studies of creation in the Bible have focused on the first two chapters of Genesis, with little reference to the rest of Scripture where much discussion of creation is found. With characteristically wide understanding of the languages, and the historical and cultural contexts in which the Bible was written, and with deep theological insight and spiritual sensitivity, Dr. Weiss has made an important contribution toward rectifying this imbalance. Reading this book will reward everyone concerned with issues regarding the doctrine of creation.

Earle Hilgert
Professor of New Testament Emeritus
McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago

This is a “must read” book for anyone interested in the current discussions on the concept of creation in the Bible, its cultural context, and its relation to current views in science and evolution. It is authoritative, cogent, masterfully articulated. I’ve read widely on this topic and have never read anything its equal. It pulls no punches. Better yet, it is timely, wise, and faith affirming.

Larry Geraty
President emeritus
La Sierra University

Praise for Creation: The Christian Doctrine

In this relatively short volume, Dr. Edward Vick presents a thorough and precise overview of the Christian doctrine of Creation.  This book has enormous value as a stand alone text yet, when coupled with Herold Weiss’ outstanding review of relevant Scriptural texts,  provides theological insights which complement the task of Scriptural exegesis with respect to this important doctrine of Creation.  There is no wasted word in this truly magnificent work as Dr. Vick explains and defines important terminology and challenges us to look at complex questions reasonably and faithfully.  While its topic is creation, it would serve well as a primer in the relationship of faith, Scripture and theology, a relationship with practical applcability to a multiplicity of issues confronting modern Christianity.  In short, this is an outstanding resource in Christian theology, one to which I expect to return many, many times.

Rev. Dr. Robert R. LaRochelle, Author, Crossing the Street and Part Time Pastor, Full Time Church

For the truth-seeker who takes seriously both faith and science, this thoughtful book makes a lot of sense, especially as a follow-up to its companion volume by Herold Weiss (Creation in Scripture).  I found the discussion questions on creation, and the conversation among three Christian friends, unique, provocative, and elucidating features of this masterful contribution to a vexed and timely topic.

– Lawrence T. Geraty, President Emeritus, La Sierra University

Drawing from the history of the relevant developments in philosophy and theology, Vick presents a cogent argument for a confessional Christian doctrine of Creation. To this end he makes important distinctions and gives concrete definitions to the vocabulary needed for the task. He argues that scientific and historical understandings of how the reality in which we live came to be are religiously irrelevant. Instead he presents a Christian understanding of what a doctrine of creation affirms. The clarity of the presentation and the relevance of its message makes this a most welcome contribution to a debate that quite often lacks both. I highly recommend its careful reading to the layperson, the cleric and the professional theologian, be they either Christian or non-Christian.

Herold Weiss, author of Creation in Scripture and Professor Emeritus of New Testament, St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame

Subtitle: Recollections of a Journey

Finding My Way in Christianity: Recollections of a Journey is a story of dealing with the differences within the Christian community that is both personal and theologically reflective. With a diverse cross-cultural background, exceptional theological education, and fascinating personal experience, author Dr. Herold Weiss is uniquely qualified to write about this topic.

This notable book outlines the author’s experiences starting in Montevideo, Uruguay and moving through various educational experiences and teaching positions. It is no accident that the chapter titles reflect geographical locations, as the journey through space provides an illuminating metaphor for the faith journey that accompanies it.

Some of the people you meet in this book will make you angry. Others will make you thankful to be a Christian. Some will evoke your sympathy even as you seek to understand why they acted as they did. All of them will help give you some insight into what goes into a successful journey of faith. You can read Finding My Way in Christianity either as an interesting story or as theological reflection. The author’s experiences will resonate with many of us who have experienced the divisions within the Christian community and dealt with those who would silence dissent. Dr. Weiss’ story comes primarily within one denomination, but it follows outlines that will be familiar to many.

If you find yourself on a journey of faith, you owe it to yourself to read Finding My Way in Christianity.

Megabelt – Nick May ($12.99) A fictional account of the South and its preoccupations with modern Christianity told from the point of view of a boy named Gil growing up in what is otherwise known as the “Bible Belt.”

Prayer Trilogy – Kimberly Gordon ($9.99) Set in the late 1800′s Colorado, this is the story of the Jenkins and Davidson families, one nearly starving on their farm and the other a prosperous business family in the city of Denver. Neither family is perfect but both rely on the power and comfort of prayer to pull them through times of struggle and heartache. The three related stories in this book follow the history of the two families until the surprising and encouraging conclusion.

Tales from Jevlir: Oddballs – Henry E. Neufeld ($7.99) In this collection of ten fantasy short stories, eight collected from The Jevlir Caravansary story blog, and two written especially for this collection, the author portrays parts of an alternate universe he created originally for adventure gaming, but which now forms a background for story writing. Each major character illustrates some aspect of the background world. Together they begin to form a tapestry.

noise flash – Lee Baker ($12.99) A book of modern poetry from the heart of the writer through people, places, and things. Selection of titles: a knight could shine, 24 frames per second, fuzz fire, southern lights, a love hate relationship with vacation, chapel by the river, copiaco, torrance kids, and wild red romantic rest. 

Megabelt – Nick May ($12.99) A fictional account of the South and its preoccupations with modern Christianity told from the point of view of a boy named Gil growing up in what is otherwise known as the “Bible Belt.”

noise flash – Lee Baker ($12.99) A book of modern poetry from the heart of the writer through people, places, and things. Selection of titles: a knight could shine, 24 frames per second, fuzz fire, southern lights, a love hate relationship with vacation, chapel by the river, copiaco, torrance kids, and wild red romantic rest.

Lee Baker has been writing songs since middle school. As a member of several bands, he became the primary lyricist, writing a huge collection of songs that were never used. He did study poetry in college, but it was the sermon poets and metaphysical poets that struck his interest and have been an influence in his work.

Lee feels that while setting goals is important in the writing process, he has learned from a friend-writer that it is “allowing people to read your work and get honest feedback” that has been crucial. “You always grow exponentially more from your critics than from your fans.”

Lee’s inspiration for this collection was people that had an impact, places that have inspired, and things, actually concepts more than inanimate objects.

“I really enjoyed the process of writing this book and writing is always cheaper than counseling,” says Lee Baker. “It’s a good outlet for crazy people. In my life, crazy is in abundant supply.”

Why Four Gospels? – Dr. David Alan Black ($11.99) Dr. Black presents the case for the early development of the gospels, beginning with Matthew, rather than Mark. Using both internal data from the gospels themselves and an exhaustive and careful examination of the statements of the early church fathers, he places each gospel in the context of the early development of Christianity. 

From Inspiration to Understanding: Reading the Bible Seriously and Faithfully  – Dr. Edward W.H. Vick ($24.99) The way in which we read the Bible grows out of what we believe the Bible to be. Thus it is impossible to discuss methods of interpretation without considering our view of inspiration, the gathering of the canon, and even the reception of the Bible by the community of faith. And so, Edward W. H. Vick starts this comprehensive discussion of hermeneutics—the interpretation of Scripture—by looking at what the Bible is, and what empowers its authority. He brings a lifetime of experience, teaching and writing to the task.

Who’s Afraid of the Old Testament God?  – Dr. Alden Thompson ($14.99)  The Old Testament God generally has a rather poor reputation, even in Christian circles. But as the author points out, The Old Testament Scriptures can remain alive and will lead us to a fresh appreciation of all that God has done for us.

Targeted to thoughtful readers, this book addresses a cluster of issues often troubling for the person who seeks to understand the Old Testament.

God’s Desire for the Nations: The Missionary Theology of John Piper – Dr. Philip O. Hopkins ($18.99)  John Piper is known for his support of missions. Many of his books devote sections to the advancement of missions, and almost all of his works have missions implications. Piper’s understanding of missions is based on his understanding of God’s glory, which flows from God’s righteousness.

Dr. Hopkins looks at John Piper’s background and thoroughly examines his written works to provide a clear and thorough discussion of Piper’s missiology and its foundation.

Who”s Afraid of the Old Testament God? (Fifth Edition) – Dr. Alden Thompson ($14.99)  The Old Testament God generally has a rather poor reputation, even in Christian circles. But as the author points out, The Old Testament Scriptures can remain alive and will lead us to a fresh appreciation of all that God has done for us. Some chapter titles: Don’t Let Your New Testament Get in the Way of Your Old Testament, Could You Invite a Canaanite Home to Lunch?, The Worst Story in the Old Testament – Judges 19-21, The Best Story in the Old Testament – The Messiah.

Why Four Gospels? – Dr. David Alan Black ($11.99) Dr. Black presents the case for the early development of the gospels, beginning with Matthew, rather than Mark. Using both internal data from the gospels themselves and an exhaustive and careful examination of the statements of the early church fathers, he places each gospel in the context of the early development of Christianity.

The Old Testament God generally has a rather poor reputation, even in Christian circles. But as the author points out, The Old Testament Scriptures can remain alive and will lead us to a fresh appreciation of all that God has done for us.

Targeted to thoughtful readers, this book addresses a cluster of issues often troubling for the person who seeks to understand the Old Testament. Who’s Afraid of the Old Testament God? speaks very frankly about some of these “problems,” things like sin and the fall, Satan, “moral blemish” passages, strange laws, etc. The chapter titles follow:

1. Don’t let your New Testament get in the way of your Old Testament
2. Behold it was very good and then it all turned sour
3. Whatever happened to Satan in the Old Testament
4. Strange people need strange laws
5. Could you invite a Canaanite home to lunch?
6. The worst story in the Old Testament – Judges 19-21
7. The best story in the Old Testament – the Messiah
8. What kind of prayers would you publish if you were God?

This new, fifth edition leaves the text unchanged, but has larger type and wider margins.

Publisher Catalog Page (includes links to other online retailers).

Note: This replaces ISBN 1-893729-07-9 / 978-1-893729-07-0.

What is the Kingdom of God? What does it mean to be part of the kingdom? These are questions that should occupy the mind of every Christian. But we frequently shy away from the full meaning of God’s rule.

In Christian Archy, Dr. David Alan Black examines the New Testament to find the truly radical and all-encompassing claims of God’s kingdom. In doing so, he discovers that the character of this kingdom is widely different from what is commonly contemplated today. Its glory is revealed only through suffering — a point that Jesus’ disciples, then and now, have been slow to understand. This truth has tremendous implications for church life. The kingdom of God is in no way imperialistic. It has no political ambitions. It conquers not by force but by love. It is this humble characteristic of the kingdom that is a stumbling block to so many today. Christ’s claim to our total allegiance is one we seek to avoid at all costs. But there is only one way to victory and peace, and that way is the way of the Lamb.

This is the first volume in the new Areopagus Critical Christian Issues Series from Energion Publications. We believe it is an appropriate way to begin that series by addressing this foundational question of who we are as part of the Christian church, and why it is important for us to immerse ourselves in God’s word.

The church is in disarray. Theologians and commentators speak of the demise of evangelicalism. Are they alarmists? Is Christianity as we know it in the process of dying?

Writer, scholar, teacher, and missionary Dr. David Alan Black thinks that the answer does not lie in the politics of the left or the right. In fact, he doesn’t think that Jesus tells us what our politics should be. He doesn’t see answers in Christian nationalism. But even further, he sees serious flaws in the very structure of our churches and denominations that prevent us from truly being obedient to the gospel.

The solution lies, not in renewal, revival, or even in reformation, but rather in restoration-a restoration of the church organized as Jesus intended it and according to the example provided by the earliest church sources in the New Testament.

To make the church and its members true servants of Jesus Christ again, we need to change our entire paradigm-to The Jesus Paradigm.

In Why Four Gospels? noted Greek and New Testament scholar David Alan Black, concisely and clearly presents the case for the early development of the gospels, beginning with Matthew, rather than Mark. But this is much more than a discussion of the order in which the gospels were written. Using both internal data from the gospels themselves and an exhaustive and careful examination of the statements of the early church fathers, Dr. Black places each gospel in the context of the development of the early church.

Though Markan priority is the dominant position still in Biblical scholarship, Dr. Black argues that this position is not based on the best evidence available, that the internal evidence is often given more weight than it deserves and alternative explanations are dismissed or ignored. If you would like an outline of the basis for accepting both early authorship of the gospels and the priority of Matthew, this book is for you.

The church in America has come to depend on professionals to “do ministry.” In many churches, the pastor, paid to do the job, is the one who is expected to carry out all functions of the church.

But it was not always this way. Jesus came as God-in-the-flesh. The pattern portrayed in the New Testament is that every Christian is part of the body of Christ, and the function of Christ’s body is to be incarnational, to be Jesus Christ for the world (John 20:21).

Author David Alan Black takes on this attitude of outsourcing our mission in his shortest book, yet one he has said might be the most important that he has written: Will You Join the Cause of Global Missions? If you expect here a call to go to seminary and become a professional missionary, you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, Dave calls for us to replace outsourcing with insourcing. Instead of looking for professionals to do the ministry while the rest of us fill the pews, he is pointing us back to the Gospel Commission and the call on every Christian life to fulfill that Commission.

It is not enough in the 21st century to put a little bit of money into the church and expect the pastor and paid staff to do the work. Each one of us is called to also give of our time and talents.

This little book might be dangerous. You may not be able to put it down without seeing your life radically changed. In fact, the book ends with a call to make precisely that promise.

So will you join the cause of global missions?

(Put me on a waiting list for this book! You will be notified when the book begins shipping.)

Megabelt is a fictional account of the South and its preoccupations with modern Christianity told from the point of view of a boy named Gil growing up in what is otherwise known as the “Bible Belt.”

The readers will find themselves steeped in the world of Gil whose experiences and questions lead him to unravel some of the Bible Belt’s many dominant and passively adopted messages as well as its numerous types of characters.

Gil is the quintessential mind of most inhabitants of the Belt. He is you. He is I. While his experiences greatly reflect those of the author, his encounters will never go unidentified with by the reader.

Megabelt is a fabricated entity describing the world that exists between traditional Bible Belt culture and contemporary Bible Belt culture, the term explores the differences between as well as the ever-growing and ever-changing dynamics of the two.

Megabelt has no message, no moral proclamation or agenda. Its purpose is to highlight the truths of the Bible Belt culture and therefore perform a complete overhaul of its patrons’ thoughts and lifestyles for better or for worse. Any further sort of significance or meaning drawn from its pages is strictly subjective.

Consider
Christianity
Series

Christianity and Secularism is the second volume in the Consider Christianity series, written by Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. It focuses on the evidences for the Christian faith and the conflict between Christianity and secularism. Hushbeck believes that there is good evidence on which to base a belief in Jesus and in the basic doctrines of Christianity. He also believes it is important for Christians to understand their faith and to be prepared to defend it. Chapter titles are The Secularization of Society, A Rose by any Other Name, Is That All There Is, Christianity, The Church, Who Do You Say I Am, Resurrection or Passover Plot, and Is Christianity Relevant. Pastors, Sunday School teachers, Christian education directors and youth leaders will not want to miss this book. (Note: This is a new, slightly corrected edition of ISBN 1-893729-30-3, and is compatible with that volume in terms of content and pagination. It may be used with the study guide to that volume, ISBN 1-893729-33-8.)

This is the book set for those interested in Christian apologetics. It includes the following books:

• Evidence for the Bible ($16.99)
• Evidence for the Bible Study Guide ($7.99)
• Christianity and Secularism ($16.99)
• Christianity and Secularism Study Guide ($7.99)

This is a total value of $49.96 at full retail. With our free, standard U. S. shipping, you can get all for books for just $39.99 (Florida residents must pay sales tax).

Study and discussion questions desgined for small groups and Sunday School classes. This study guide will help you learn to understand your faith for yourself, and how to defend it. Designed to go with Evidence for the Bible, ISBN: 1-893729-51-6.
Small Group Resource

Energion Publications recommends this book as a small group resource.

Study and discussion questions desgined for small groups and Sunday School classes. This study guide will help you learn to understand your faith for yourself, and how to defend it. Designed to go with Christianity and Secularism, ISBN: 1-893729-52-4.

Evidence for the Bible is the first in the Consider Christianity series, written by Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. It discusses the evidence for the inspiration and reliability of the Bible, and deals with objections. It is clear and forceful, but also invites dialogue on this key issue of the Christian faith. Chapter titles are How Did We Get the Bible, The Bible and Modern Criticism, Archeology and the Bible, Science vs. Religion, Science and the Bible, Is the Bible Reliable, and The Word of God or the Speculations of Men. Pastors, Sunday School teachers, Christian education directors and youth leaders will not want to miss this book. (Note: This is a new, slightly corrected edition of ISBN 1-893729-29-X, and is compatible with that volume in terms of content and pagination. It may be used with the study guide to that volume, ISBN 1-893729-32-X.)

Like an aging monument, democracy itself is crumbling.

An ever increasing government threatens both freedom and a financial collapse.

• Judges are acting more like kings themselves than interpreters of the law
• Redistricting, voter fraud, campaign finance controls, and an uninformed electorate threaten the integrity of elections.
• The values that made America the greatest country in the world are being supplanted.
• Government’s attempts to make people’s lives better often have the opposite effect

What is causing this decay? What can we do?

Preserving Democracy was written to answer these questions.

Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. defends American constitutional government by:

1. focusing on specific ideas rather than personalities,
2. being ideologically sharp, yet non-partisan in tone
3. using clear and simple, but never simplistic, arguments.

Are you equipped for the task of Preserving Democracy?

Soup Kitchen for the Soul combines testimony with a challenging scriptural foundation and follows it with specific guidance on how you can get out of your church and make a difference in your community. Each chapter builds on a Bible story and the author’s personal experience, and ends with thought questions, and then action questions. References include specific ways in which you can take action on what you have been studying in the book.

This book is suitable for personal or small group study, or could be used effectively by an entire church to transform their ministry.

In the introduction Crosby says: “Upon entering Seminary, I was required to serve in the community and begrudgingly accepted my assignment, choosing to serve in a soup kitchen. While serving in the soup kitchen, God revealed himself to me in a profound and miraculous way. It was in restudying the scriptures with this new heart knowledge of God that allowed me to see a message of a mission for His people that we lack a connection with today. I began asking, ‘What if … What if I’m not the only one who doesn’t understand the whole mission God has planned for us? What exactly are we supposed to be doing? Where in the Bible can we find directives on our missions for God? What if I wrote a book about radically new old ways of doing the gospel?’”

Soup Kitchen for the Soul is that book.

Over the last 20 years, Hannah May says she has been slowly coming into an understanding of her life’s purpose. Beginning with some in-depth Bible Studies about God’s covenants and His faithfulness to those covenants, she could see that He was not finished with Israel.

She began to have a growing interest in all things Jewish and Israel-related. She studied the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, and how Jesus the Messiah is vividly portrayed in the Old Testament models, which were types and shadows of the reality of who He is, seen in every element of the Tabernacle, as well as all the Feasts of Israel in Leviticus 23. Jesus, the perfect fulfillment of the Jewish laws, doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Hannah’s understanding of His grace, love and mercy in His substitutionary atonement is the foundation and bedrock of her Christian faith.

These are a collection of her stories. She calls them “mysteries” because they truly are mysterious. God is mysterious and when we are walking with Him, it is an adventure. Hannah is not trying to argue theology with people who disagree with her viewpoints. She is sharing her stories and hopes they will create an overall bigger picture of her theology, leaving the reader to take nuggets from them and draw their own conclusions. Hannah says, “It is a progressive revelation with me, as with all of us.”

Christian discussions of creation or origins typically start with one of the standard positions on this contentious doctrine and then presents the arguments in favor of that position. In this book, Edward W. H. Vick looks at creation as a matter of systematic theology. What does it mean for a doctrine to be called “Christian”? How does one derive and express a doctrine of creation that is truly Christian in content? He starts by distinguishing biblical theology, the topic of companion volume Creation in Scripture by Herold Weiss, from the systematic theology approach used in this book.

This book is divided into three parts. Each has its own style and function.

The first presents an introductory statement about how we approach a doctrinal explanation of the theme of Creation. Then we give a theological account of the meaning of the assertion that God is Creator.

The second presents statements by representative respected theologians, as they expound the theme and argue for a separation of theology from science. It presents some quite basic positions.

The third is in the form of a conversation –– an effective way of introducing differing points of view pro and con.

Finally, the book includes a series of questions for each chapter, making it useful as a basis for group study and discussion.

This package includes four books by Edward W. H. Vick:

From Inspiration to Understanding: Reading the Bible Seriously and Faithfully

The Adventists’ Dilemma

History and Christian Faith

Eschatology: A Participatory Study Guide (Forthcoming October 2012; we will ship this separately when released)

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In this first volume of the Participatory Study Series to deal with a doctrine rather than with a book of the Bible, Dr. Edward W. H. Vick tackles the very difficult subject of eschatology, or last things.

This is not your usual outline of someone’s idea of what will happen at the end of the world. Instead, this study guide will lead readers through a systematic study of how one comes to understand this topic systematically and thoroughly from a biblical and theological perspective. Dr. Vick also interacts with Christian history and with major doctrinal statements of various confessions as well as the quest for the historical Jesus.

How is one to understand prophecy and apocalyptic? What does it mean when Jesus says that ‘this generation will not pass’? These questions receive a thorough treatment, not to provide you with all the answers, but instead to provide you with the tools to discover how you can find these answers.

Church small groups, classes, and individuals can all benefit from following this study.

The way in which we read the Bible grows out of what we believe the Bible to be. Thus it is impossible to discuss methods of interpretation without considering our view of inspiration, the gathering of the canon, and even the reception of the Bible by the community of faith. And so, Edward W. H. Vick starts this comprehensive discussion of hermeneutics—the interpretation of Scripture—by looking at what the Bible is, and what empowers its authority. He brings a lifetime of experience, teaching and writing to the task.

In this examination, he takes up such diverse topics as inspiration, canonization, authority, infallibility, inerrancy, verbal inspiration, sola scriptura, tradition, myth, and many related topics. Dr. Vick always relates these elements to the overarching questions: How shall we read Scripture? How shall we understand it? How does it impact the way we live and act?

There are many books on how to read the Bible, but there are few that will offer this comprehensive and systematic study. If you apply the principles you find here to your own study, you will find the scriptures opening up in new ways. Dr. Vick will help you move beyond the assumptions that often stand in the way of our personal Bible study and see the remarkable variety and power that is mediated through this book we call the Bible.

A basic Christian claim is that God is active in human history to accomplish his purpose, which he will do in the end. This book considers some of the implications of this far-reaching claim.

Christian faith is bound up with our personal history but beyond that stretches far into the past. Faith is not identical with historical knowledge, for example with knowledge of the facts about Jesus, facts which must be established historically. That involves using the historian’s methods of investigation. What does ‘God reveals himself in history’ mean? Christians claim to find an ultimate meaning in history. But how can that be? How is it possible to find an overall meaning in history, theistic or otherwise? Since Christians appeal to the New Testament in making the claim that God revealed himself in Jesus, we must go beyond that book to the Christian community which existed before there was a New Testament and out of whose midst its writings came. To understand those books we must interpret. So where do our principles of interpretation come from, and how valid are they? This is the question of tradition.

This small book is an introduction to these interesting topics. Hopefully it will help to clarify important issues and lead the reader to investigate such central matters further.

Pre-Order: Release is planned July 1, 2013 (delayed from March 15, 2013, but on its way!).

One of the weaknesses in Christian congregations today is that many believers do not understand why they believe what they believe. Even those who study often read books that provide easy and superficial answers to complex and difficult questions.

Edward Vick has the answer to that problem and he provides it in Philosophy for Believers. We all believe many and various things. There’s no way to avoid believing. The question is what justifies our beliefs. We need to know how we can evaluate our beliefs for validity and how they relate to our theology and worship.

This book is not for the faint of heart who do not want to dig in and learn. It’s basic but not simplistic. It’s designed for those who haven’t studied philosophy or theology and want to build a thorough framework for future learning.

In thirteen chapters with such titles as “Belief and Believing,” “Meaning and Truth,” “Experience and God, Providence,” “Cause and Effect,” “Miracles,” and “Science and Faith,” he leads the readers from the basics of understanding the difference between belief and knowledge to applications of philosophy in considering contemporary issues.

While this book can be read and studied by an individual, it would be ideal as a text for a church study group or class led by the pastor or a church leader trained to lead fruitful discussions.

The Character of Our Discontent grew out of the author’s conviction that pastors do not preach enough about the Old Testament. The result is 19 chapters, each of which represents a sermon on an Old Testament character. These sermons are lively, fast paced, and practical yet are rooted in sound scholarship and are examples of the homiletical art.

Christians who would like to learn how the Old Testament can enlighten and guide their Christian walk, and pastors who would like to learn how to preach more effectively from the Old Testament will both find these sermons an invaluable aid.

While Dr. Bevere specializes in the New Testament and theology, he believes that pastors (and academics as well) can preach and teach effectively outside their areas of specialty. Indeed, they must, and this teaching can enrich their own learning and the fields of study into which they venture.

The Character of Our Discontent is an adventure in preaching and it invites us into the adventure of living in relationship with God, an adventure that has similar characteristics whether we are learning about God’s call to Abraham or how a call to mission in Africa came to a contemporary English teacher nearing retirement.

Areopagus Critical Christan Issues

As the body of Christ, the church has a prophetic role in the world. Prophets have always spoken clearly to people in power. They have been willing to challenge the decisions made by people who thought they were not accountable to anyone. Sometimes the prophets were respected, sometimes persecuted, but they were never ignored or regarded as irrelevant. So why is it that the church today cannot speak truth effectively to power?

In The Politics of Witness, Dr. Allan R. Bevere asks these questions and proposes an answer. The church has come to depend too much on temporal power and has thus forgotten its divine authority. In finding this answer he goes back to the founding of the church and how it first became dependent on the state. He examines those who have followed, mostly building a political theory that takes the responsibility of ministry from the church and gives it to the state.

You’ll find some names in this that might surprise you. Any discussion of Christianity and the state will involve Emperor Constantine, but what about his modern lieutenants, such as Locke, Jefferson, Franklin, and others?

While the theology applies to the church in any country, Dr. Bevere takes a particular look at the peculiarly American view that the United States of America is somehow God’s chosen people, a nation of destiny in accomplishing the gospel mission.

This book balances brevity with a broad intellectual and historical reach. You will be taken from the founding and foundation structure of Christian theology today to a proposal for how we, as the Church can reclaim our prophetic witness.

This little book is a compilation of Bible verses and other quotations that will encourage and edify you. Scriptures are divided into headings on topics such as “God is Seeking for Us,” “The Power of His Love,” “The Creative Word,” “Self on the Cross” and many more.

The compiler suggests you follow up on the scriptures found here by using a Bible and concordance to search out these topics more deeply.

Color pictures highlight the topics through the book.

Fifty Shades of Grace provides a scriptural look at what the Bible says about relationships. Too often in the education of relationships, abusive and unhealthy relationships if discussed are not done so with enough depth.

This book will compare what society tells us, in the form of entertainment and media, with what God tells us in the Bible about what healthy and loving relationships are. It will explore what abuse is and why many of us are in abusive relationships and what we can do about it. “I hope this book helps people not to fall into the trap of harmful relationships.” — Rev. Shauna Hyde, author.

Prayer Trilogy – Kimberly Gordon ($9.99) Set in the late 1800′s Colorado, this is the story of the Jenkins and Davidson families, one nearly starving on their farm and the other a prosperous business family in the city of Denver. Neither family is perfect but both rely on the power and comfort of prayer to pull them through times of struggle and heartache. The three related stories in this book follow the history of the two families until the surprising and encouraging conclusion.

Victim No More! – Shauna Hyde  ($12.99) A Colorado native, Shauna Hyde grew up with three brothers, no sisters, and a father who was a pastor of a local community church. She was taught that women married for life and no woman she knew was a pastor. This ‘normal’ crashed around her when her first husband left her with a newborn baby to raise alone. Her second husband confessed his unfaithfulness; again her world hit a bruising reality wall despite her efforts to be the ‘best little wife’. Shauna started studying karate and began to see a correlation between the two disciplines that opened her soul to be empowered by the grace of God. God, in turn, taught her and used her to empower others.

A Colorado native, Shauna Hyde grew up with three brothers, no sisters, and a father who was a pastor of a local community church. She was taught that women married for life and no woman she knew was a pastor. This ‘normal’ crashed around her when her first husband left her with a newborn baby to raise alone. Her second husband confessed his unfaithfulness; again her world hit a bruising reality wall despite her efforts to be the ‘best little wife’. Shauna started studying karate and began to see a correlation between the two disciplines that opened her soul to be empowered by the grace of God. God, in turn, taught her and used her to empower others.

“As a United Methodist minister who is also a black belt in Shota Kahn karate I am often asked how I can be both a martial artist and a pastor. There have been a lot of jokes about how I will force people to the altar or smack people who get out of line. Then there is always the joke about no one wanting to disobey me in the church because I know how to hurt them! In reality, anyone who is a true martial artist and/or has a deep understanding of the martial arts knows that it is not about violence — it is about mercy, self-discipline, a lot of routine practice, and a whole other host of characteristics that I would like to address [in this book].”

Shauna shares what she has learned with a solid Biblical foundation through thought-provoking questions that work well individually and with small groups. “Karate is a tool that can help people grow, understand, and become disciplined. Church is a tool that also helps people grow, understand, and become disciplined. The greatest tool of all to be used to empower others is the constant and abundant application of grace.”

Late in 2012 Energion Publications released Dr. Bruce Epperly’s book Healing Marks, which brings the healing stories of Jesus into focus for present day ministry. In April we plan to release Unfettered Spirit: Spiritual Gifts for the New Great Awakening by Dr. Robert D. Cornwall. Finally, in June, we will release Transforming Acts: Acts of the Apostles as a 21^st Century Gospel, also by Dr. Bruce Epperly. This book is not yet even in our retail catalog, but you can see the description on our list of forthcoming books.

In his challenging foreword to Unfettered Spirit, Dr. Bruce Epperly says:

… Do we need to hold a “rummage sale,” as Phyllis Tickle asserts, to get rid of other unnecessary and outmoded doctrines and practices?

At the heart of this potential great awakening is the recovery of the experience and embodiment of the gifts of the Spirit within the church. Bob Cornwall sees the future of the church as involving an awakening to God’s Spirit. Cornwall images a spirit-empowered church that is sensitive to God’s gifts in personal and community life. A spirit-empowered church expects great things from God and this expectation leads to expecting great things from ourselves and our communities. The church has too often “played small” and expected too little from itself and God when Jesus challenges us to do greater things. If we ask and knock, we will experience life-changing and mission-inspiring surprises. Cornwall’s project involves an adventure of the Spirit which gives life to the description of the body of Christ as an interdependent and gifted community of faith. (emphasis mine)

So what is this package all about?

One of the questions I hear over and over again when I visit or teach in various mainline churches is this: How do we bring some life to this church? It’s a good question. In many cases churches are just existing, slowly dying as they become more and more irrelevant to their communities.

Both Bruce Epperly and Bob Cornwall have found some real guidance in the pages of Scripture. They see a challenge there to bring the gospel message to life even in a pluralistic, postmodern society. They have both practiced what they’re preaching in these books, and they bring you strong new ideas. This is biblically rooted theology brought to practical application.

Each of these books will be of great benefit. Together, they can give you the tools to discern what God is trying to do in your church and community and to find the guidance you need to take action.

So until Transforming Acts ships in June, I’m making a special offer. Order the package of all three books, and I’ll ship you Healing Marks right away. Then I’ll ship you the other two as they appear. I’ll do all of this for just $29.99 including shipping. That’s better than 30% off. Once Unfettered Spirit ships in April, we’ll continue the discount at 20% off, then when Transforming Acts is released in June, this package will sell for $39.99 or 10% off the cover price of the three books.

So order your package today. To get this offer, order it from this page, not from the individual book pages. We’ll ship you all three books as they’re released.

(This package includes books on pre-order. Please read our pre-order policies. If you prefer not to make a pre-paid pre-order, you can e-mail us and ask to be notified when each book is released. Our books generally are available for pre-order on Amazon.com as well.)

This book is available for pre-order. Release is scheduled for October 29, 2012.

Bruce Epperly calls Healing Marks a “very personal book” as it comes from over thirty years of experiencing the healing stories of Jesus. From his early years as a young college professor, he sought to make sense of the growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine. For seventeen years, Bruce was a chaplain and professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and was among the first to teach courses on spirituality and medicine at a major medical school. While embracing Jesus’ healing ministry as a pastor, professor, reiki teacher, and spiritual guide, he has also wrestled with the meaning of Jesus’ healing ministry and God’s role in healing and sickness in a personal way as a pastor, friend, child, spouse, and parent, in hospital rooms, hospices, gravesides, and healing services. “I have heard testimonies about the power of God to cure illness, but I have also sat at the bedside of dying friends and congregants, who have done everything right, according to the principles of their faith traditions and philosophies — personal and intercessory prayers, positive thinking and affirmations, meditation and diet, complementary medical treatments, and visits to faith healers and energy workers — along with the best modern medicine has to offer in treatment and palliation,” says Bruce.

Each chapter includes a spiritual practice related to the healing story being considered that is easily shaped for the reader’s personal and spiritual needs. Rev. Epperly also includes questions and spiritual practices for group study and spiritual formation at the end of the book. Chapter titles include Transforming Faith, Forgiveness and Healing, Healing Takes Time, Healing Broken Spirits, A Healing Lifestyle, Healing in a Pluralistic Age, and God, Why am I Sick?.

Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide is the sixth volume in the Participatory Study Series. From beginning to end, the student is invited to absorb the text and allow God’s message to change her or his life. At the same time, it maintains the series standard of providing a guide that takes account of current biblical scholarship and helps the student examine the text critically while also listening to and being guided by the Holy Spirit.

This guide contains eight lessons suitable for use by an individual student, but best used in a small group. The lessons are clearly written so that a laity-led class or small group can use them to advantage. In addition, there is a guide to using the book that provides insights into Bible study in general, and two appendices, one outlining the process of Bible study and one listing and describing useful resources.

Each lesson includes prayers, spiritual exercises, thought questions, and theological reflection. These are designed to help students learn to see the text in a new way and to realize their full potential through the power of the Holy Spirit. This book will not only impact your knowledge of scripture; it will change the way you pray, live, witness, and relate to your community of faith and the world.

Energion Publications catalog page

This package includes all volumes to date.

Learning and Living Scripture – Geoffrey Lentz & Henry E. Neufeld ($12.99) A pastor and a teacher team up to present the Participatory Bible Study Method, an approach to Bible study that is rooted in the conviction that God can and will speak to us in scripture.

The Gospel According to St. Luke – Geoffrey Lentz ($8.99) This study guide gives the seeker historical insight and a fresh look into the Jesus Christ that Luke sought and recorded. Rev. Lentz brings his love of Church history and great thought-provoking questions into a user friendly layout that promotes lively discussions and deep-rooted growth in a group study.

Ephesians: A Participatory Study Guide – Robert D. Cornwall ($9.99)Following the outlines of the Participatory Study Method, here is a usable and challenging guide that does not skirt the difficult issues. Setting a foundation in history and background, Dr. Cornwall brings the letter into modern application and sharing in corporate study and worship.

Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide – Bruce G. Epperly (9.99) From beginning to end, the student is invited to absorb the text and allow God’s message to change her or his life. At the same time, it maintains the series standard of providing a guide that takes account of current biblical scholarship and helps the student examine the text critically while also listening to and being guided by the Holy Spirit. Each lesson includes prayers, spiritual exercises, thought questions, and theological reflection.

To the Hebrews: A Participatory Study Guide – Henry E. Neufeld ($9.99) This study guide to the book of Hebrews is designed for individual or small group studies. Its 13 lessons are ideal for Sunday School classes, small study or prayer groups and Wednesday evening studies.

Revelation: A Participatory Study Guide – Henry E. Neufeld ($9.99) This study exams different approaches to the book of Revelation. There are references to study Bibles and standard reference materials and emphasizes spiritual application-even if you may have problems agreeing on prophetic interpretation, you can share many spiritual lessons.

A Living Psalter: Creative Reflections on the Book of Psalms is one faith community’s atttempt to appropriate the ancient hymns of Israel in a postmodern context. This book is filled with poetry, art, photography, and short stories that provide creative reflections on the Book of Psalms. They invite the reader into a faithful, yet deeply human conversation with God. The creative work in this book covers the extremes of human emotion from exuberant praise to heart-heavy lament. It is a great resource for rediscovering the Psalter as the central prayer book of the church.

Geoffrey Lentz and Henry Neufeld, a pastor and a teacher team up in Learning and Living Scripture to present the Participatory Bible Study Method, an approach to Bible study that is rooted in the conviction that God can and will speak to us in scripture.

They bring together their different experiences and perspectives to present this method of study in a practical, usable way.

There are three key elements to this study:

1. The integration of prayer and study
2. Serious questioning and research that is nonetheless within reach of the non-scholar
3. Study in community with both witness and accountability through sharing

In this guide you will learn to integrate prayer and scripture reading while also being faithful to the historical meaning of the text and its use throughout history by the community of faith. This method is not just about study and learning facts; it’s about letting the God, who gave scripture, live in and through you, as you learn and share.

The Gospel of Saint Luke: A Participatory Study Guide is the newest installment to the successful Participatory Study Guide Series from Energion Publications. This series emphasizes individual and community involvement in the Bible story, inviting students to become part of God’s activity in the world by acting on and sharing what they learn.

Written by Geoffrey D. Lentz, associate pastor at First United Methodist Church, Pensacola, FL, this study guide gives the seeker historical insight and a fresh look into the Jesus Christ that Luke sought and recorded. Rev. Lentz brings his love of Church history and great thought-provoking questions into a user friendly layout that promotes lively discussions and deep-rooted growth in a group study.

Each lesson includes suggestions for prayer, exercises, thought questions, and basic background information on the passages studied. References to study Bibles and other useful resources are provided.

Useful for:

• Small group study
• Individual study
• Discussion and sharing

Small Group Resource

Energion Publications recommends this book as a small group resource.

Except for Fornication is a brief study, less than 80 pages, of statements in the Gospels relating to divorce and remarriage. Dr. Parunak examines the background and context of the statements of Jesus regarding divorce, and relates them to the Old Testament commands on which Jesus was commenting. This historical depth and detailed linguistic analysis will prove useful to Bible students, whether or not they ultimately agree with the author’s conclusions.

This investigation is laid out as a mystery, with each aspect examined carefully in the light of historical and contextual clues. The author examines texts in the original languages and discusses the use of key words in the relevant literature.

Pastors and lay readers alike will benefit from this thorough study.

Iris Elaine Picket lives in a beautiful home, with many servants, and a husband who sees her with the same respect he sees those household slaves. The loss of her child after yet another beating from her husband gives her the impetus to take her maidservant and flee South Carolina, leaving behind her parents, security, even her name and begin a new life in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Once again, author Kimberly Gordon, draws us into the lives of her fictional characters, connecting us in our contemporary lives with her imperfect people who struggle to make good choices, just like us. This story calls us to consider our own secret prejudices as Iris evolves from her childhood beliefs to the truths that she recognizes as she finds friends in those who were once thought of as slaves. Mrs. Gordon writes unapologetically from her Christian beliefs but avoids the distraction of preaching and, instead, offers her characters who are learning from the witness of others and their own time of prayer with God.

We carry our purses everywhere. We don’t leave home without them. They are as diverse and unique as we are. A purse can truly reflect who we are. Is it smooth, black leather or bold pink flowers? Does it hang from our arm or is slung over our back or strapped around our waist?

What if we were given a purse by Jesus Himself full of whatever we would need for the day and season of life? How much would it cost? Who could afford it? It’s free because it is given to us, the Bride, by our Groom, Jesus Christ. Let’s see what Jesus has given – It’s in the Bag!

Margaret Roe, orphaned at the age of eight, lives her life in the same orphanage where her father was forced to leave her when he went off to fight in the Civil War. Now, fifteen years later, she takes care of the present set of children who are in the orphanage and has only a visit to the local confectionery shop as the highlight of her week. Margaret makes an uncharacteristically bold move and signs on as a mail order bride and quickly finds herself on a train to Iowa City, Iowa where she becomes Mrs. Russell Chadwick.

Margaret’s marriage is by no means usual as her husband is kind but distant. As she builds relationships with her neighbors and even her in-laws, her relationship with her husband remains confusing, emotionally hurtful and a test of her faith and trust in God and her husband. How does she know what God really wants her to do? Should she stay with Russell or leave him and begin yet again?

This is author Kimberly Gordon’s third published historical novel. While the characters and settings reflect well the history and mores of the time, the reader can easily draw insight into contemporary life lessons. Mrs. Gordon is a master at laying down biblical principles within the context of the story.

Set in the late 1800′s in Colorado, Prayer Trilogy is the story of the Jenkins and Davidson families, one nearly starving on their farm and the other a prosperous business family in the city of Denver. Neither family is perfect but both know the power and comfort of prayer that sustains their relationship with God.

These stories provide a wonderful reminder that prayer is the key to our intimate relationship to God. The characters are flawed but that only enhances the power and compassion of God in their individual lives to weave a family tapestry and even a larger community picture.

These stories will appeal to young and old alike.

Following the outlines of the Participatory Study Method, Dr. Robert Cornwall presents a study guide to the book of Ephesians that is both usable and challenging while not skirting the difficult issues. These eight lessons take you through the letter leading from the history and background to modern application and sharing in corporate study and worship.

Whether you are approaching this book as an individual, as a small group, or in a larger classroom setting, this study guide will provide you with direction, exercises, and questions for discussion and further investigation.

The Participatory Study Series from Energion Publications is designed to invite Bible students to become a part of the community of faith that produced the texts we now have as scripture by studying them empathetically and with an aim to learn and grow spiritually. The section Using this Book and the appendices are designed for the series and adapted to the particular study guide. Each author is free to emphasize different resources in the study, and individual students, group leaders, and teachers are encouraged to enhance their study through the use of additional resources.

It is our prayer at Energion Publications that each study guide will lead you deeper into scripture and more importantly closer to the One who inspired it.

132 pages.

What happens when a newspaper editor gives his primary editorial slot on Sundays to a pastor? In the case of Bob Cornwall, a pastor in Troy, Michigan, the result is a series of relevant, interesting, and challenging essays that go well beyond the local scene while still managing to be relevant to Americans in their local situation.

Now extensively revised and organized as to theme, these essays form a coherent statement of progressive Christianity at work in the public square. At the same time they are seasoned with a look at how the public square influences the spiritual life of a Christian living in mid-America. The 52 essays in this collection go well beyond one place and time. You will find yourself, your community, your state, your nation, and your world in each.

Can a person of faith be involved in the public square with integrity? Is public policy made better by this action? Can faith remain whole and genuine following the encounter? Read these essays to discover the answers, and perhaps find a new optimism for the future as you do.

“Prayer changes things.” It’s a common saying, and too often Christian discussion of prayer deals only with how we can change other things and other people through prayer. But what if prayer is much more that we imagine? What if it is also the means of correcting our relationship to the Creator and at the same time of changing our relationships with one another? Perhaps prayer can ultimately help transform our theology, what we believe about God, into character and action.

In Ultimate Allegiance, Dr. Bob Cornwall takes us to the Lord’s Prayer, a short and simple prayer that is well-known and often recited. But in each of its major petitions, he finds deep meaning that challenges us to think and to change. In fact, this prayer of Jesus brings us to the ultimate question of just where we should place our ultimate allegiance.

Pre-order: 30% off until the book ships, which will be around June 7!

All too frequently studies of the gifts of the Spirit consist largely of answering two questions: “What are the gifts?” and “Which ones do I have?” In many cases studies go on to a third question: “How can I get more?” In response, institutional churches and theologically and intellectually respectable Christians often tend to avoid the work of the Holy Spirit in the church entirely. It’s much easier to simply close the doors and windows than it is to deal with the wind (John 3:8). After all, they’ve seen the wind blow out the candles, disarrange the altar vestments, and send a chill through the congregants.

Author, pastor, and church historian Bob Cornwall has experienced all of this for himself. He has seen traditional churches and worship. He has seen Pentecostal worship. He has led congregations in difficult times. For more than 30 years, he has studied, practiced, prayed, and lived the work of the Holy Spirit in the church.

The result is Unfettered Spirit: Spiritual Gifts for the New Great Awakening. Here he avoids both the errors of replacing the freedom of the Spirit with human whim and of trying to tame or confine the Spirit that will not be fettered.

He asks: “Do you truly believe that God is present in the world? And, do you believe that God is working through us to break down the walls that divide us from God, from each other, and from the world? And if you do, do you believe that you have been gifted and empowered to participate in this ministry that takes down the walls of egoism, suspicion, greed, self-interest, and hatred?”

If you can say “yes” to these questions, jump right in! This is the book for you. If you are hesitant, or if the idea of the Holy Spirit working unfettered in your congregation and community frightens you, read the first four chapters carefully as Bob lays the theological foundation. You may find your “maybe” or even your “no” turned into a “yes.”

Building on this foundation, Bob continues with five chapters on the gifts of the Spirit as described in Scripture. These are practical discussions that will let you keep your bearings in discussions of the Spirit and, more importantly, in a community where the Spirit is active.

Finally, he concludes with a discussion of how to lead and pastor a church where the gifts of the Spirit are active.

Whether you are a Pentecostal, an evangelical, a mainliner, a progressive, or any other label you might find for yourself or your church, you will profit from reading this book.

When you hear the words “in the original text it says” or “in the original text this means,” it’s time to be wary. Those words often provide the introduction to misleading information. But how can the hearer discern just what is correct and what is misleading? How can pastors avoid giving their congregations misleading information?

“In the Original Text It Says” takes a look at word-study fallacies and how you can avoid them. Author Ben Baxter gives an introduction to word meaning and how word meaning differs between languages. He then examines a series of fallacies, errors that people make in assigning meaning to words in the original languages of the Bible.

But he doesn’t leave it with that theoretical examination. After providing the basis for how to understand Biblical words, he examines the discussion of specific words and phrases from passages in both the Old Testament and the New. He takes these examples from commentaries commonly used by pastors and teachers in sermon and lesson preparation. With each example, he shows how one might misunderstand the linguistic evidence provided, and also how one can properly apply this information.

This book is designed for readers who have had some contact with Greek or Hebrew, but will also be useful to those who have more language skill, but may not have studied linguistics or looked carefully at how to apply their knowledge in teaching.

A questioning approach lies at the heart of our relationship with God. That’s how God engages us. In fact, questioning (or free inquiry), is central to our being human. Yet the major monotheistic religions vary markedly on this matter. In The Questioning God, Dr. Greenham examines the three major monotheistic religions, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, to see how they relate to questioning, both the questions that God asks us, and the questions that we ask about God. His goal is to develop a biblical theology of questioning, avoiding a loss of direction and focus that results from selective questioning, and also a loss of humanity that results from bypassing our questions through an inappropriate submission.

The examination is wide ranging, including chapters on questioning in Islam, Judaism, evangelical and mainline Christianity, along with an examination of the consequences of a non-questioning culture. He ends the book with a proposal for a biblical theology and a look at the practical implications–just what does it mean to pursue this questioning culture.

The author finds that questions are not just valuable, they are essential for serious human interaction. “As questioning beings,” he concludes, “there is no limit to what we might ask, but our questions must always be anchored in the questioning God’s enduring concern to engage us.”

The cross has always been a scandal and sometimes a source of ridicule. At the same time, it is the central symbol of Christianity. Author William Powell Tuck believes that the cross has never been more relevant than it is today. It may be difficult to preach the cross, but it is the duty of Christians to do so. “As long as the church lifts up a hollow, aluminum foil cross instead of a heavy wooden cross, we will always be guilty of heresy in the message we present to the world,” he says.

In the pages of this book you will start by looking the cross as the central symbol of the gospel, a symbol that you cannot forget if you want to preach and live an authentic gospel. From there you will look at how the cross illuminates our understanding of God, and then to the way it guides the way we will teach and serve.

The cross is truly a difficult subject to preach, both because we stand amazed at what it represents and because of what it calls for each of us to do. But however difficult it is, we must not avoid it. Only if we become the church under the cross will we be the genuine body of Christ.

This is a beautifully written book and never boring. It is practical and interesting and filled with Christian hope.
– Fisher Humphreys, professor of divinity, emeritus, Samford University, reviewing in Baptist Today

The theological term for “the last things” is eschatology. It is the Christian doctrine which is concerned with the final “things”, death, the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the immortality of the soul, the final judgment, heaven and hell. Even though these themes are at the heart of the Christian faith, it is often difficult to voice with clarity what we mean by them.

In The Journey to the Undiscovered Country, William Powell Tuck says, “Although there is no clear, simple, New Testament answer on all of these issues, the New Testament is unequivocal in its hope for men and women in Jesus Christ. No one can speak with certainty about such matters as the mystery of death, the resurrection, heaven and hell, the second coming, or the final judgment of God. However, the New Testament does offer some concrete pointers which I believe can be helpful to us. I invite you to join me as we look to see if we can gain some insight to determine the future hope for those who die in Christ.”

The Cross. The central symbol of the Christian faith. “Can a church be an authentic Church and not focus on the cross?” William Powell Tuck began answering that question in his book, The Church Under the Cross, and now he leads us into the second part of his answer in his new book, The Last Words from the Cross.

“The words of our Lord on the cross have become very memorable. These words of Jesus have been designated as the seven last words. They are, of course, more than individual words. They are really sentences or fragments of sentences. One of these seven words is found in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Three of them are found in the Gospel of Luke, and three are recorded in John. No one gospel contains all of them. But, to me, that is a way of authenticating the gospels. Each writer drew on what he remembered or considered most important in those moments or what he had heard from others who shared their experiences.” says Tuck.

A study of these words gives us, His disciples, a deeper insight into Jesus’ thoughts through suffering, facing death, and what His death meant to Him as He met our need for salvation. Rev Tuck further says, “These words reveal his personal agony, his concern for others, his forgiving spirit, his physical suffering, his ultimate trust and faithfulness in the One he had proclaimed. Even in his moments of forsakenness he still resisted the temptation to turn away ultimately from God’s will or deny the One who led him to this shameful death as he identifies with sinners.”

The rift between Protestants and Roman Catholics continues to separate Christians from one another and to diminish our witness in the world. Words such as “heretic,” “apostate,” “idolater,” and “papist” have characterized much of the discussion over the last several centuries since the reformation. While changes in both groups over the last few decades have improved the tone of the discussion, much remains to be accomplished. Author Bob LaRochelle, as a former Roman Catholic and now a United Church of Christ minister, is well-equipped to guide us toward a more constructive relationship.

Crossing the Street speaks to the heart of the Energion Publications mission statement by advocating a “mainstream ecumenical center” in which Roman Catholics and Protestants can come to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the gifts they bring to one another. It demonstrates ways in which these traditions have misunderstood one another and even themselves, and then proposes strategies for both ecumenical cooperation and self-understanding.

This book is founded in a thorough understanding of both traditions and a commitment to ecumenical dialog and cooperation. It addresses both theory and practice. In a series of four chapters, it examines how we live in our own houses, the author’s own story, and then the gifts that each group offers the other.

Pastor and author, Rev. Dr. Robert LaRochelle invites us into his ministry as he shares his experience with some of the most difficult and troubling questions and thought provoking comments he has faced. Through a series of preachings and conversations held in his local church in Connecticut, this book came to be. Within the chapters, Pastor LaRochelle offers his own reflection on each question or statement. He then explains, explores and comments about the discussions that took place on each of these topics, discussions that were actually part of his church’s worship service that morning.

These are real life spiritual issues and take the reader on a journey through the insights of a pastor and congregation in real dialogue with one another. The reader is encouraged to engage in conversations on these issues in their own homes, faith communities, through social media and in the various contexts in which they live their lives. To this end, suggested discussion questions will be offered at the end of each chapter. Here are some of the kinds of questions and comments addressed in this helpful book:

• “Pastor, my wife is in the hospital and they think her cancer has spread. Will you keep us in your prayers?”
• “My 16 year old son says he does not believe in God and never will.”
• “I don’t think you need to go to church to be a good person. I will never raise my kids to go to church.”
• “Pastor, can you come and visit my dad? He is dying.”
• “I am just so thankful for all of my blessings!”
• “I know that when I die, I am going to heaven, where I will see all my loved ones who have died or will die someday.”
• “Some people say the church is a dying institution. What do you think, Pastor?”

This exciting book provides an in depth look at a pastor’s own self examination in the context of the real life struggles of a community of faith, a local church.

Do you believe in angels? Do you believe there is good & evil in this world? The primary character of Covenant, Sam McBride, hadn’t given it much thought until he woke up one morning on a beach & had an encounter with a Savior. A recovering alcoholic & new follower of Jesus Christ, Sam begins a new life that is not without hardships and conflicts, angels and demons.

Daniel Martin brings God’s powerful, extravagant love into the life of a 21^st century town that could be your town. Real, imperfect people make choices and put their faith in themselves or God – and live with the consequences. Choose you this day who you will serve.

Ebook options:

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Note: ebook editions of Covenant are provided by other publishers.

What goes on in the back of clergy folks’ heads that we wish we could talk about? And what do we talk about with no holds barred? In each chapter of this book, Groff offers a spiritual spin on an issue in ministry normally viewed as a distraction. He shows real life ways that a barrier can become a bridge to deepening spiritual life and vocation. A paragraph ends with a question, inviting the reader to pause . . . and ponder. Each chapter ends with a spiritual practice and questions for reflection. Here is ideal grist for intergenerational study groups for ministers, members, and seekers.

Joshua Hawkins is twenty-five years old, a young vice-president for his father’s clothing company, Avarice, and has been given every opportunity to live the American Dream. Joshua Hawkins is twenty-five years old…twenty-five years old, and dead. But Joshua is soon finding out that being dead may be just the thing he needs in order to truly live. Following in the same vein of “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan, the reader is invited to journey with Joshua from death to life. To abandon the burden upon their back, and release the chains that bind. The path will not be easy, but it must be traveled. For at the path’s end, lies eternal life.

Chris Surber brings his passion for Christ again to his third book, Gomorrah Was Religious Too, as he writes “for all those who desire to follow after Christ sincerely, no pretense, no dishonesty, no self deception, and no duplicity. I wrote this book for me.”

The impetus for this book came as he was reading some of the works of Dr. Leonard Ravenhill, evangelist and author of many books, including Sodom Had No Bible. “His words, etched in paper with quill and ink, speak to me on a deep level because I am, as I suspect he was, weary of religion and deeply desirous of the revelation of God to spark revival in the Church. After less than a decade in the Pastoral ministry, I have experienced, witnessed, or seen firsthand the spiritual, emotional, familial, social, and even financial havoc that religion is wreaking on the revolution that Jesus inaugurated in His own blood.”

The goal of the author is not to rebuke, but encourage the Church to rebuild. He wants not to condemn for religious idolatry, but encourage to escape from the trap of religion and pick up the Cross.

“The writing of Ravenhill has greatly fueled my imagination concerning what the Church can be if she will open her Bible in honesty, pray with penitent sincerity, strap on her sandals, pick up her walking stick, and follow after Jesus, rather than to sit comfortably in her pews, happily trading in the revelation of Jesus for the religion of man.”

Jewish Roots Journey: Memoirs of a Mizpah is the personal testimony of one woman who has been on a journey of discovery. As you follow her on this journey you will be entertained, challenged, and inspired. It is an engaging story of God’s leading and spiritual growth in the community of faith.

Author Nancy Petrey shares how she gained a deeper understanding of Scripture, church history, and the history of modern Israel. Some of these revelations were shocking and demanded a response. Nancy relates many “God-incidences” and “clues” from the Holy Spirit that kept her on track in her journey.

The chapters on “Give Me Back My Money,” “Wild Rides,” and “Colorful Characters” will entertain the reader. Other chapters, such as “Prayers, Persecution, and Suicide Bombers,” will inspire the reader to boldness. Throughout the book readers will be challenged to dig deeper and take up their responsibilities as Christian believers, including praying for the peace of Jerusalem and working for the day when Jew and Gentile will be one new man in Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16).

Love. What was created to be so beautiful that words for centuries have been unable to encompass its many facets, has now become for many a twisted and painful symbol for many who have suffered abuse of any kind. And yet in spite of that pain, we continue to seek love’s beauty once again.

This book is written by one who has passed through the flames of abuse, shame, guilt, and confusion. Only by God’s grace has she come out on the other side in victory. She was given the courage to look at her pain, identify, forgive, and live again as someone new and ready to live again.

Within these pages may you also find hope, courage, and healing as you take those first steps toward your own victory. May you glean some wisdom that will give you strength for today as you follow the author’s own steps through the process of revelation. May you also find daily, practical new habits of thinking and living in real love for yourself and others.

The pages of the New Testament contain some 340 questions Jesus asked: “Who are my mother and my brothers?” “Now which of them will love him more?” “Why are you so afraid?” “Do you still have no faith?” “Do you want to get well?” “Who do people say that I am?”

Why did Jesus ask such questions? Surely He didn’t lack information. Were they simply rhetorical? Is there more behind the questions of Jesus than meets the ear?

After 20+ years of study, Chris Bozung suggests that Jesus never asked a question because he needed to know the answer. Jesus’ questions pierce the heart, quicken the thoughts, convict the conscience, and evoke faith. They are Uncommon Questions from an Extraordinary Savior.

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“Not Your Everyday Devotional for Every Day” says author, Greg May. A self-proclaimed fisherman and forgiven sinner, Greg has spent many years leading and discipling through his real and unpretentious example.

Greg May’s love for fishing, family, and gatherings of people has led him to create The Fishin’ Hole in his garage where Bible study, big-screen sports events, and celebrations welcome Christian believers and non-believers alike. And now in Crewed Awakening, Greg shares what he is learning in his own personal time with the Jesus. “I love family. I like fishing. I try to follow Jesus. I mess up some. But He has enough grace, mercy and love to cover my mess. Now that’s my kind of God!”

Pre-Order: Release is expected July 1, 2013. The pre-order price applies until the first book ships to a customer. Until then you get 30% off for a price of $4.19!

A toolbox may be one of the most practical items ever invented by man. It holds many different types of tools that are essential for different functions and yet, here they are, all in one container. But, a pliers cannot drive a nail into a board any more than a hammer can cut a board. Each tool must be used for the task for which it was designed and cared for so that it will last a long time.

Greg May first learned about tools from his grandfather and father. He learned how to use each tool correctly and to do each job to the best of his ability.

Jesus was a carpenter. He learned about tools from his earthly father. He also learned to use tools in making disciples from His Heavenly Father. Greg May has been listening to Jesus for many years talk to him about tools and disciples and now he shares those lessons with others.

For years Granny was a fixture at the veterinary clinic where Pam Bell works. As she watched this special little dog, Pam began to think about all the things that Granny had experienced, and how they would have appeared through her eyes. She decided to tell some of the stories that Granny had experienced during her time in the clinic. These stories are special and real. They are an authentic picture of what happens from day to day in a veterinary clinic. They are told from Granny’s perspective.

This title is printed in full color.

Seeing the Psalter is a unique insight into the Psalms. These 150 poems are at the heart of the faith of Israel and of Christendom. No book of the Bible is more popular. Seeing the Psalter highlights and shows the patterns of repeated word usage in each poem and across the collections of poems. In this book, the Psalter is read and analyzed in sequence revealing a deliberate organization and a coherent message formed over centuries: how do we learn to rule in the midst of enemies?

Each poem is laid out in a very easy to read form. For the English reader, the translation is close and concordant, as far as that is possible. The concordance has been managed through a sophisticated database analysis of the glosses chosen. Seeing the Psalter includes a complete Hebrew-English and English-Hebrew glossary of all words used in the Psalter. The list of all uses of a Hebrew root in the Hebrew glossary enables an in-depth study of word usage. For the Hebrew reader, or for one who wants to learn Hebrew, the text is laid out in a form that enables memorization and the learning of the intricacies of translation. The poetry is phrase by phrase side by side with the English.

Each chapter shows in color the patterns of word recurrence in the poems. Many chapters show the close (or distant) relationships of poems with each other. As you study this work, you will find that all sorts of questions open themselves to you related to the history of the collections, the character of the faith, and the construction of the Psalter itself. A comprehensive index of Biblical references, names, and themes is included allowing you to find things easily in the text.

Each major section of Seeing the Psalter contains brief summaries outlining and highlighting inter-poem relationships and enabling the memorization of the whole. The Psalms are the dialogue between God and his people. It’s not a conversation one would want to miss. You will love this book and reading it will show you the love that is before all things.

In true Celtic fashion, Rev. Dr. David Moffett-Moore views life as a celebration to be shared and a pilgrimage to be explored, tracing his roots to the O’Mordha clan of ancient Ireland and the McQueen’s and MacLean’s of the Scottish highlands.

In Life as Pilgrimage, Dr. Moffett-Moore offers us the image of pilgrimage as a basis for spiritual health. Using the Peregrine falcon as an archetype for pilgrimage, this volume explores the roots of our ancient past to discover meaning for our modern lives. Celtic pilgrimage is about the journey rather than the destination: life is a pilgrimage from the place of our birthing to the place of our rising.

This second edition is expanded and revised.

It will come as no surprise to pastors and their families that the vocation of a minister involves stress. In fact, it involves a great deal of stress. Unfortunately, when many pastors encounter stress they tend to hunker down in the hopes of just surviving. All too frequently the stressful situations that have not been dealt with continue to build up, and the result is fatigue and burnout.

In Wind and Whirlwind, Dr. David Moffett-Moore presents a better way. He has survived the whirlwind in his own ministry, and more importantly, with the help of many others he has learned to turn the stress into an opportunity for growth, both for himself and for the congregations he serves.

In a series of 16 short chapters, he will help you identify the sources of stress, discover ways to manage it spiritually and emotionally, and point you to spiritual disciplines and practices that will help make you a better person and bring success to your ministry.

While the chapters are short, they do not present easy, trite answers to complex problems. Rather, they will help you strengthen yourself, so you can discern the way God is working in your life and ministry.

Each chapter presents topics for meditation and questions for discussion. It is designed to be used by clergy peer groups.

This is the second volume in the Conversations in Ministry series produced jointly by the Academy of Parish Clergy and Energion Publications.

There’s a stereotype of a young, zealous Christian who feels called to the ministry as a pastor, goes to seminary, and then loses his faith as he studies the writings of all those intellectuals and theologians. The stereotype may not be accurate, but there are those who fit this description, not to mention many who leave home for college as passionate Christians and come home unbelievers. More importantly, that stereotype represents a fear—the fear that too much education or contact with those whose beliefs differ from those of a particular community will cause someone to lose their faith.

But there’s another group, much larger, but not heard nearly as frequently. This group consists of people who have gone from the position of fear that creates the stereotype to a position of faith, a faith that is no longer afraid of that outer darkness that looms outside the walls of their religious community. Indeed, they may not perceive any looming darkness at all.

From Fear to Faith, edited by Travis Milam and Joel L. Watts, gives voice to that too often unheard group. It is a collection of essays from those who have lived in fear, have faced the looming dark, collided with their share of brick walls, but have come out with a new-found faith and undismayed trust.

The journeys of faith presented in this book reveal a group deeply insightful and grounded minds, rich in thriving spirituality, joy, and hope. Where there was once trepidation in asking the tough questions of human existence, of the divine relationship with creation, there is now a certain hope found when these authors have struggled to overcome canyons of fear, leaving behind a life of black and white certitude, to live in a beautiful world of gray.

They have learned that having questions and even doubts does not reflect a lack of faith. Rather, hiding in fear from the serious questions indicates a lack of faith in the one who said, “Don’t be afraid.”

Come join in this journey from fear to faith.

Contributors:

Travis Milam (also co-editor)
Michael Beidler
Rev. Shannon Murray
Rev. Josheua Blanchard
Rev. Tony Buglass
Rev. Mark Stevens
Daniel Ortiz
Caitlyn Townsend
John W. Morehead
Steven Douglas
Craig Falvo
Doug Jantz
Joel L. Watts (co-editor)
Ric Hardison (Ric is a counselor at Kanawha Pastoral Counseling)

Pre-Order: This book will be 30% off the cover price until the first copy ships, which is projected to be July 5, 2013.

Some in the church find it very difficult to talk about money, but it’s a subject that cannot be avoided. The church needs money to continue to function. Missionaries need money to carry the gospel. As a result, however reluctant we are to talk about it, we have to do so. And when we do so, we often generate more confusion and resentment than cash.

Some churches require that members be tithers before they can take positions of leadership. This in turn can result in a sort of spying by one believer on another. How much do we each earn? Is our giving equal to 10% of our income?

On the other hand there are those who discount tithing, and consider themselves tithers because they give two or three percent of their income. They may say that they “tithe” 3% of their income.

But what exactly does the Bible teach about tithing and how does that apply to us today? Is there a way for us to become grace-filled givers? Can stewardship, giving, and financing the work of building the kingdom become a joy rather than a duty or a source of dissension?

David Croteau has written at length on this topic before. In this volume of the Areopagus Critical Christian Issues series, he undertakes a brief examination of tithing, stewardship, and giving. He starts by asking just what the Israelites were called on to give by the scriptures. He then follows through the various arguments in favor of tithing as a law applicable to Christians and shows how these arguments fail. Finally, he discusses a basis for gracious, joyful giving as God directs each of us.

In just 96 pages (including all the front matter) you’ll find your understanding of Christian stewardship changed. You won’t find here a license for apathy or selfishness. Instead, you’ll find a challenge to discover and do God’s will in your finances as in every other area of your life.