With Ace Bible Explorer you can explore more than a dozen Bibles and commentaries with special Bible research tools, including dictionaries, thesauri, guides, queries, topic organizers, verse-by-verse comparing, a red-letter highlighter, a personal verse note taker, and planners. You can print, export, copy, or email any verse, description, or commentary. Ace Bible Explorer uses Strong's numbers/dictionary, Easton's Concordance, Matthew's Comment... BibleOcean com :: niv :: bible :: greek :: hebrew :: lexicon :: concordance :: dictionary :: matthew :: mark :: luke :: john :: church :: jesus :: christian :: god :: word :: windows :: Ace Bible
How do you keep track of your family, friends, church and club members, clients, business associates, and so on? Get InTouch as your ultimate Rolodex! InTouch offers very practical and useful searching functions. For instance, do you want a list of XYZ church members? How about a quick Christmas card list? Or a printout of office colleagues? With InTouch , you can assemble such lists instantly!... RAD Software :: RAD Software :: shareware :: rolodex :: address books :: names :: clubs :: church :: phone numbers :: InTouch
A fascinating card game for two in which you play against the computer. In this version you play against Winston Churchill. It was Winston's favourite game in the early 20th century. The original game of Bezique is the ancestor of American Pinochle, which, along with other versions such as Rubicon Bezique and Six-Pack Bezique have become more popular. However if you want a game for two people this is the best.... Malcolm Bain :: cards :: bezique :: winston :: Churchill :: Bezique
Study over 30 Bible translations in English, Asian and European languages with over 800000 references, links, dictionaries and commentaries from all the major scholars. The system will read the Bible to you, remember searches suggest areas 2 search. The easy one system navigation screen means all of the tools and references are at your finger tips. They appear as you need them. No need to hunt down the right reference or the right word.... BibleRiver com :: bible study niv commentary church Matthew testament research devotional nasb amplified strong greek hebrew :: Premium Bible Study
Interactively study 15 modern Bibles with verse by verse commentaries, dictionaries, Strong's Greek and Hebrew lexicon, 20,000 topics,100,000 references, 15,000 comments, a note pad, highlighting, red lettering, compare gospel stories, side by side Bibles & the Apocrypha. Listen to Christian Radio/News/Music or the chapter read to you. Create personal systematic study plans. Also includes non-English Bibles (French,German,Latin,Dutch,Italian,Russ... BibleOcean com :: niv :: bible :: greek :: hebrew :: lexicon :: concordance :: dictionary :: matthew :: mark :: luke :: john :: church :: jesus :: christian :: god :: word :: windows :: Audio Plus Bible Study
1 stars (An unfortunate addition to Rainer's fine history of work) - I am sorry to report that this is one of the worst books I have ever read. It's hard to believe it was authored by Thom S. Rainer. The fundamental problem with research stems from the selection criteria for "breakout churches". The criteria was so abysmally biased by Rainer's desire not to promote growth that stemmed from the involvement of a new pastor that they only produced 13 churches out of 400,000. Rather than taking another pass at identifying churches that would energize us in our calling, they instead decided to write a book lauding these 13 churches as the "good to great" of our time. Before you put this in your shopping cart consider the criteria led them to the selection of churches who: -Have pastors with an average tenure of 21.6 years with this one church (pg. 57) -Current pastor must have participated in both the declining years, as well as the break-out growth (pg. 16) -None of the 13 churches seek to discover a vision (pg. 111) -"Are careful, even plodding in making changes" (pg. 150) If you're looking for a book that will make you feel better about your church which has been declining for years, without giving you much in the way of actionable strategies, you've come to the right place. I hope Jim Collins received a quarter every time his name, his book title, or a page number in Good to Great was referenced! The only thing this book inspired me to do was re-read my copy of Good to Great! 5 stars (Character Counts) - I must start by saying that I am not an advocate of what is typically known as the "Church Growth Movement." However, I believe "Breakout Churches" breaks all the molds of this genre of books. What the remarkable research of this book has demonstrated is simple and yet profound in our day: Church growth is directly related to the godly passion of its leadership and not to the promotion of pragmatic strategies. Several things struck me about the results of... Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHURCH AND MINISTRY CHURCH LIFE CHURCH GROWTH :: Social Theology :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion :: Parish And Churc :: Breakout Churches- Discover How To Make The Leap
5 stars (True Christianity returns to the mainstream. Thank you, Jim Wallis!) - Kudos to Jim Wallis (best known until now as publisher/main writer of of the Christian magazine "Sojourners")for crafting such a well-considered read at a time when the American Church really needs it! Any Christian who is alarmed by the deciededly un-Christlike tactics & teachings of the Relgious Right (epitomized by shamefully out-of-touch leaders such as James Dobson, Jerry Falwell, & Pat Robertson) should buy this book and read it as soon as possible. Wallis lays out a viable plan to "take back our faith" from the hands of the Republican Party, and return Christianity to it's first century roots - a faith of compassion, peacemaking, and service to our fellow man. In one of the book's more facinating chapters, Wallis discusses the theological presuppositions of George W. Bush, and how they have lead him to confuse American imperialism with the Kingdom of God. But it should be noted that Wallis is equally critical of the secular left, and makes some good arguments that true Christianity can never be represented fully or faithfully by ANY political party. As a Sojourners bumper sticker campaign put it, simply by honestly, "God is not a Republican...Or a Democrat". All in all, an EXCELLENT read for anyone who has ever thought that something just doesn't smell right with modern mainstream Evangelicalism. 4 stars (A Very Timely Book) - As a Christian, I have become increasingly troubled by the direction of conservative Christianity in America. Christian leaders seem blindly willing to sell their integrity and their witness to a political party that largely ignores 95% of the Biblical message, all it seems for the sake of political power. I have also been less than enamored by the political left which seems to ignore the importance of faith in people's lives. When I saw a television interview with Jim Wallis, I was so taken with his thoughtful and refreshing approach to faith a... HarperSanFrancisco :: Religion & Church & State :: CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE POLITICS :: United States :: Religion :: Politics & State :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: :: God-s Politics - Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn-t Get It
4 stars (great read) - good intro to the religion for curious readers. also very humorous for those who are lutherans! 5 stars (This is a Fascinating book!) - What a great little book! Anyone negotiating the Lutheran church (especially the ELCA) will enjoy it as it covers, in a concise and occasionally humorous manner, all the things you need to know, want to know and already know about the church. I particularly enjoyed the simple way the Reformation and Martin Luther were presented. It is packed full of interesting items such as: Comparative religion History of the church Anatomy of a Baptism How to receive communion How to stay awake during the sermon How to share your faith How to identify a miracle What to bring to a potluck The top 10 Bible miracles and their meanings The five biggest misconceptions about the Bible The list goes on and on. There are also illustrations, maps, diagrams and other essential tips. This is informative and fun and a book you'll want to keep and give as a gift. Armchair Interviews says: You don't have to be a Lutheran to enjoy and receive benefit from this book. Actually this is a light-hearted look at all things Lutheran. Frankly it is wonderful -- and it's a hoot! 4 stars (Short, sweet chapters get the point across . . . the basics of Lutheranism) - I love this little book! Modeled on the "Worst-Case Scenario Survival" handbooks, it covers basic Christian tenants with a focus on Lutheranism. It's published by Augsburg Fortress, the publishing arm of the ELCA, however it's not overtly ELCA (I think LCMS and WELS Lutherans could appreciate it also). It's probably geared to young adults, but anyone can benefit from it. It covers important basics in a clear, concise way and, in many cases, with a light-hearted tone. It's refreshing to read the chapters about things you've known all your life, like how to pray. The chapters covering the seasons of the church year, comparing various denominations, 60 essential Bible stories, and ... Augsburg Fortress Publishers :: Religion - Denominations - Religions :: Religion - Christian Education :: Religion :: Inspirational - Gifts :: Christianity - Theology - General :: Christianity :: The Lutheran Handbook- A Field Guide to Church Stuff- Everyday Stuff- And the Bible
1 stars (Well meaning but mis-guided) - Hi As a former twelve stepper i know that most 12 step programs especially AA denigrate organized religion......the 12 steps look on the surface to be totally christian but if you study AA's hallowed "Big Book" you'll find many statements that are totally incompatible with orthodoxy...." the spiritual path is broad and never exclusive." which is in direct opposistion to Jesus's statement that the path is narrow and broad is the path that leads to destruction.......When taking a forth step inventory when you get to your sexual inventory it just says to look where you have been selfish..forget adultary...its not mentioned.......bill wilson claimed extreme drunkeness kept him from cheating on his wife but after sobering up he had several misstresses..........they had a group of AA people that their whole job was watching him so he didn't embaress AA..... He Experimented with LSD thinking it was the answer for people who couldn't get the program...... While writing the 12 steps he claimed he got inspiration directly fom a 15th century monk named Boniface..... Dr. Bob the co founder and his wife Anne had regular sceances in their home........i won't post my email here because AA people are fanatic about the cult.....there is a book called Not God .i forget the author but it was taken from AA's archives plus if someone will put there email on a post i can send online documentation about every thing i say..... aa's vuanted success rate is actually about 6% for one year of sobriety and 1% for five years..not an overwelming success... the suicide rate is very high..due mostly being controlled by sponsers that basically browbeat sponsees..i was on the verge of suicide when i left the cult...i had quit the church after being brainwashed that the doctrines of all churches are man made...I have discovered real spirituality not the AA brand.. just watch tv..12 step programs are mentioned constantly as real pop culture now......the suc... Conciliar Press :: Twelve-step programs :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion - World Religions :: Religion :: Pastoral Care And Counseling :: Orthodox Eastern Church :: :: Steps of Transformation- An Orthodox Priest Explores the Twelve Steps
5 stars (The book you need) - As an infectious disease fellow, I recommend that anyone who want be an ID man should have such a book. Most infectious problems and diseases have been detailed in this book, although there are far going of emerging diseases and new antibiotics. The only shortcomes of this book are lackiing comprehensive details and reveiw of antimicrobial therapy for some disease entities. 5 stars (A good clinical microbiology text) - The two volume set is indeed a comprehensive reference work, but individual chapter can be read by themselves. I use this book on almost a daily basis, the only negative against it is that such a large book by its size can only be updated at intervals of a number of years so a folder in which to put your acculated journal articles next to it, until the next edition is advised as, infectious diseases is not a static field. Since there is a CD rom available now that may well be worth checking out. In closing for anybody involved in anything from clinical microbiology to a infectious disease specialist this book is a must. 5 stars (Every Infectious Disease specialist has one!) - I'm an Infectious Diseases fellow, and everyone who rotates through this training program, obtains in some way or another, a copy of this book. It is an awesome review of every known topic in infectious diseases. The first volume consists of I. Principles II. Syndromes. Principles focuses on topics ranging from antibiotics, their mechanism of action, pharmocokinetics and methods of bacterial resistance, to epidemiology and infection control. Syndromes focuses on various clinical problems from the "common cold" to endocarditis. These are heavily researched, and supported with your standard references section for further investigation. Each disease is discussed in detail and includes clinical symptoms, epidemiology, etiology, complications, and treatment. My only criticism is that the treatment sections - often the focus of any infectious disease cons... Churchill Livingstone :: Medical & Nursing :: Medical :: Infectious Diseases :: General :: Communicable Diseases :: Raphael Dolin :: John E Bennett :: Gerald L Mandell :: :: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases- 2-Volume Set
4 stars (The best dictionary for NT Greek) - This is the *best* NT Greek dictionary for students of the Greek New Testament. Thorough scholarship; many entries exhaustively categorize word meanings and all provide references to other ancient literature. A necessity for doing scholarly work in the New Testament, and a serious reference tool for the pastor or student. If you do any work in the NT, you *need* this lexicon. The 3rd edition revamps the earlier glosses and attempts to provide definitions for words. Also has words from the Apostolic Fathers and other early literature. However, the price is VERY STEEP. Especially for students. If you are a student on a tight budget (and don't need to purchase the latest and greatest copy of Bauer), I would recommend doing obtaining a used copy of the 1st edition, which can be found for under $30 at the time of this writing. The glosses are basically the same in 1st and 2nd edition, the only thing that is changed are that more mistakes are corrected. The 3rd edition's definitions are nice, but in general I find it is more helpful to get glosses to point me in the right direction and use a concordance/search program to get a better understanding of how a word is used in the NT. 5 stars (THE Greek lexicon for New Testament research) - For anyone serious about studying the New Testament or New Testament Greek, this is the lexicon of choice. Perhaps that which sets it apart the most is its thorough references to early Christian literature at the time. This gives us a fuller understanding of what words actually mean. Too often we are confined to other examples within the canon of Scripture itself for further light on what a word means. Here we are taken much further. The very informative "Foreword to the Revised Edition" and "Introduction to the Lexicon of the Greek New Testament" are included, and should be read for a greater understanding of how the dictionary works, the history of the lexicon and some tips on Ne... University Of Chicago Press :: Religion & Church History :: Religion - Commentaries & Reference :: Religion :: New Testament Commentary :: N T :: N T :: Greek language :: Biblical :: Greek Languag :: A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature
5 stars ( Catholicism for Dummies ) - AWESOME BOOK and I am not nearly done! Just the mini history of Catholicism in the appendix has been very interesting and a good learning experience for this cradle Catholic. 5 stars (very reliable) - This is a trustworthy book written by Catholic clergy who understand tradition, dogma and doctrine, believe it, and can present it truthfully. It's great for just about anyone, rather cradle Catholic looking to learn a little more or non-Catholic unfamiliar with the faith. I read it around the time of the election of Pope Benedict, and I learned a great deal about the heirarchy. I also thought other sections, such as the one on the vestments, were interesting. These are things Catholics don't learn much about because they are not of major consequence. But don't let that fool you - there is plenty of important information in this book. A great summary of Catholic beliefs! Stay away from Idiots Guide to Catholicism and get this book instead. :) 5 stars (Great Beginner's Book) - This book is a great read for anyone. If your thinking about becoming Catholic, know someone who is, or you just want some more information on the Catholic religion in general then this book is for you. I found this book to be very informational and easy to follow. If you're looking for more information on the general traditions and guidelines of Catholicism, this is a wonderful starting point for that. Overall, it's a great addition to your library. ... For Dummies :: Roman Catholicism :: Roman Catholic Church :: Religion & Catholicism :: Theology :: Doctrinal :: Roman Catholic Church :: Religion - Roman Catholic :: Religion :: Pop :: Catholicism for Dummies
5 stars ( A C lassic for All Times) - Weber's "Protestant Ethic" was originally published in 1904-1905 and later in a second, revised edition (1920). This edition is the second edition, and the translator is Talcott Parsons. In "The Protestant Ethic" Weber famously attempts to explain how the spirit of modern rational capitalism emerged; and he essentially argues that an important part in this process was played by what he termed ascetic protestantism or different types of Protestantism that were activistic and ascetic (most famously Calvinism). Ascetic Protestantism energized businessmen and workers, and valorized a new type of capitalism: rational capitalism which is much more methodical and dynamic in nature than the type of capitalism that existed in Europe in the 1500s ("traditional capitalism"). Today rational capitalism has conquered society and turned it into an iron cage (to use Parsons' famous translation of two words in German that are more accurately - and less imaginatively - translated as "steelhard casing"). "The Protestant Ethic" is by far the most famous sociological study and is unsurpassed in theoretical boldness and creativity. Parsons said that he found it as exciting to read as a detective novel. Most of us have to struggle quite a bit with it - but it is definitely worth it! 4 stars (Not a determinist: someone who pays attention to culture... ) - The main point in Weber's *The Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism* is that the Protestant ethic helped to shape values favorable to the birth of capitalism. Despite that, the author isn't a cultural determinist because he takes care to point out that values help to shape an outcome, but don't produce it for certain. This book is quite interesting, and includes lots of interesting observations regarding Weber's main premise, despite not being overly long. For instance, the author says that due to the fact that Protestant ethic viewed hard work as a duty and looked down on ex... Routledge :: Protestantism & Protestant Churches :: Ethics & moral philosophy :: Sociology of Religion :: Sociology :: Social Science :: Religious aspects :: Protestant work e :: The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (Routledge Classics) (Routledge Classics)
5 stars (One of the most important books...) - you will ever read. I believe that this book is a revolutionary approach to church building. Thousands of churches have used this text to advantage - including my church. 5 stars (Even better the 2nd time!) - This book is one of the best books on churches that I've read...and as a seminary grad (twice) I've read a few. I recently pulled the book off my shelf, blew off the dust, and read it again. I think I've heard everything Rick teaches about church through other speakers and in other books, but the book makes me realize how prophetic Ricks words were back in the early 90's when he was putting this stuff in writing. Pastors and churches in North America are still trying to get it right...and still failing. Contrary to critics, I find Warren's book to be very biblical and right on target. Too many NA churches are trying to do church the wrong way. The Purpose Driven Church is a very easy to read, process book that pleads with churches to adapt methodologies to bring our culture the unchanging gospel message of Jesus Christ. From pastors to seekers, this book will help all realize what a New Testament church should look like in today's culture. 5 stars (This book was not what I expected at all!) - I approached this book with a skeptical and critical spirit. (Too many "seeker sensitive" churches water down the truth in an attempt to reach people. And they end up with shallow church members that are lacking in genuine Christian faith.) However, this book really softened my critical spirit. Some of my opinions were based on misconceptions and misunderstandings. I was impressed by Rick Warren's reasoning and ideas. What surprised me the most is the high expectations of his actual church members. (And members must re-new their membership once a year.) If members don't meet the expectations, they are dropped from the membership roll! The book said that 500 - 700 people a year are dropped from the membership roll... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHURCH AND MINISTRY CHURCH LIFE CHURCH GROWTH :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion :: Parish And Church Management :: Eva :: The Purpose-Driven Church
5 stars (Excellent resource) - McNeal continues the dialogue started by Leonard Sweet. McNeal however does it in a much more practical and accessible way. Recommend highly to anyone seeking to do church for the culture we are just now beginning to realize. 5 stars (Risky, but worth it) - Reggie McNeal offers a powerful alternative to the present-day church culture's Phariseeical worldview. Rather than trying to build the perfect church, as many churches do these days, McNeal advocates working to build the Kingdom of God by reaching people where they live/work/think. For people who are tied to the church culture as the way to reach God, this book will inspire resistance. But Jesus did not say, "The Church is the way, the truth, and the life", He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Those who read this book are challenged to build God's kingdom by exiting the church box to reach those who would never set foot inside a church on their own. 5 stars (Frustratingly Enlightening - and Life Changing!) - Take a new look at all you do in at church, through the lens that Reggie McNeal provides. I've been trying to 'see' this way sincde reading The Present Future for the second time. It is frustrating to realize how church/club-oriented we are. Our structure and traditions are designed to meet the needs of the church (club) and not the needs of individuals. Now, we try to consider FIRST how we're impacting our community with the mission of Jesus, and how people's lives are being transformed; then consider how it affects the church. If we can make the transition, God will use us more effectively. ... Jossey-Bass :: Religion & Christian Life :: Ecclesiology & Church government :: United States :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion :: Institutions & Organizations :: C :: The Present Future- Six Tough Questions for the Church
1 stars (Lacking Respect for Others) - In forty brief chapters Santorum speaks about conservatism, marriage and the American family through the lense of his Catholic faith. He describes Americans as "stewards" whose "task is to secure and increase this patrimony [our inheritance] for our children". What is this patrimony? It is social, economic, moral, cultural, and intellectual "capital". Santorum believes that the family "is at the center of all the types of capital". But his is a rigid and exclusive definition of family - there can only be one mother and one father. Nor is it the family found in the Bible since those often included multiple wives and concubines. It is subtitled, "Conservatism and the common good". The difference between liberals and conservatives is their concept of freedom. Santorum says liberals, or, as he derogatively calls them, "village elders", want "the freedom to be and to do whatever [they] want - freedom to choose, irrespective of the choice, freedom without limits (with the obligatory caveat that you can't hurt anyone else directly)." Opposed to this is the conservative view of freedom. "Properly defined, liberty is freedom coupled with responsibility to something bigger or higher than the self. It is the pursuit of our dreams with an eye toward the common good." The question is who gets to define what is meant by the common good? My guess would be conservatives. Further, "the foundational social unit that instills a devotion to such liberty and that stands against [often sexual] No-Fault Freedom's toxic effects is the traditional family." "Village elders" view human nature differently than conservatives. Santorum believes "conservatives follow the traditional Judeo-Christian worldview, which includes the concept of original sin .... A view of human beings as fallen creatures given to sinfulness." And later, "the truth is that human beings are not born naturally inclined to do the right thing." Is he still livin... Intercollegiate Studies Institute :: Religion & Church & State :: United States :: Politics&International Relations :: Politics and culture :: Politics - Current Events :: Political Science :: Politi :: It Takes a Family - Conservatism and the Common Good
3 stars (Practical Yet Partial) - This book is based on a simple finding: "Research on mid-career, contemporary leaders led to [the] conclusion - few leaders finish well". Further, in the case where leaders did finish well, "their relationship to another person significantly enhanced their development". Thus the stage is set for the subject of mentoring, which the authors describe as (the concise definition): a relational experience through which one person empowers another by sharing God-given resources. Stanley and Clinton are well respected authorities in the field of leadership development, and this book represents a popular and "lightweight" version of far larger tomes, so providing easy access to their ideas. The authors focus mainly on the types of mentor who may enrich our lives, and how. The book explores nine common mentor types, and "ten commandments" required for successful mentoring. Two further types of mentoring receive special attention, namely The Constellation Model (a relational network of upward, downward, and lateral mentoring), and Peer Co-Mentoring (mutual mentoring with a close friend). The emphasis on the "relational experience" of mentoring is arguably both the greatest strength and the greatest weakness of the book. On the one hand, it offers one - in the words of the publishers - "access to the wisdom, experience, vision, and direction of those who have gone before". On the other hand, there is a great deal of emphasis on the values, skills, etc. which are transferred to the one being mentored, yet limited appreciation of how mentoring might point to God. The authors hardly touch on the type of mentoring which focuses on the "encounter with the Holy", and the sovereign grace required for a Christian leader to succeed and survive. In short, it tends towards a "Latin" theology of mentoring. The book has a strong foundation in research and experience, and for this alone it is well worth a look. It is characte... Navpress Publishing Group :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Motivational :: Mentoring in church work :: Interpersonal relations :: Inspirational - General :: Christianity :: Connecting- The Mentoring Relationships You Need To Succeed In Life