Religion & Spirituality Books

I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20I want to tell you what perhaps the greatest Christian who ever lived (the Apostle Paul) thought of the cross of Christ. Believe me, the cross is of deepest importance. This is no mere question of controversy; this is not one of those points on which men may agree to differ and feel that differences will not shut them out of heaven. A man must be right on this subject, or he is lost forever. Heaven or hell, happiness or misery, life or death, blessing or cursing in the last day – all hinges on the answer to this question: “What do you think about the cross of Christ?”Let me show you:1. What the apostle Paul did not glory in.2. What Paul did glory in.3. Why all Christians should think and feel about the cross like Paul.About the AuthorJohn Charles Ryle (1816-1900) graduated from Eton and Oxford and then pursued a career in politics, but due to lack of funds, he entered the clergy of the Church of England. He was a contemporary of Spurgeon, Moody, Mueller, and Taylor and read the great theologians like Wesley, Bunyan, Knox, Calvin, and Luther. These all influenced Ryle’s understanding and theology. Ryle began his writing career with a tract following the Great Yarmouth suspension bridge tragedy, where more than a hundred people drowned. He gained a reputation for straightforward preaching and evangelism. He travelled, preached, and wrote more than 300 pamphlets, tracts, and books, including Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Principles for Churchmen, and Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century. Ryle used the royalties from his writing to pay his father’s debts, but he also felt indebted to that ruin for changing the direction of his life. He was recommended by Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli to be Bishop of Liverpool where he ended his career in 1900.

This book advances that history by exploring stories, images and discourses across a worldwide range of geographical, cultural and confessional contexts. Its twelve authors not only enrich our understanding of the significance of the contextual method, but also produce a new range of original ways of doing theology in contemporary situations. The authors discuss some prioritised thematic perspectives with an emphasis on liberating paths, and expand the ongoing discussion on the methodology of theology into new areas. Themes such as interreligious plurality, global capitalism, ecumenical liberation theology, eco-anxiety and the anthropocene, postcolonialism, gender, neo-pentecostalism, world theology, and reconciliation are examined in situated depth. Additionally, voices from Indigenous lands, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe and North America enter into a dialogue on what it means to contextualise theology in an increasingly globalised and ever-changing world.Such a comprehensive discussion of new ways of thinking about and doing contextual theology will be of great use to scholars in Theology, Religious Studies, Cultural Studies, Political Science, Gender Studies, Environmental Humanities, and Global Studies.

Orphan Daliah Owens has been working for the Smithfield bank for two years without a problem at least until the new manager arrives and her drawer suddenly comes up short. Dismissed from her job and disgraced by a crime she didn't commit, Daliah seeks a second chance with an elderly couple heading to Texas on a wagon train. Facing the hardships of the trail with bravery, compassion, and faith Daliah quickly endears herself to not only her employer but many of the other members of the band as well. Invaluable in her knowledge of herbs for healing and nutrition she is soon recognized as an indispensable helper to all.Spencer Gaines, still bitter after the loss of his wife is a hard man to talk to, but his five-year-old son Chad, and greatest treasure is more trouble than he can handle. Determined to finally settle down near his brother in Texas Spencer signs on as a chief scout for the wagon train but his duties often lead him far afield leaving Chad to get into so many scrapes they could both well be dismissed.Will a devastating accident leave Spencer empty and alone forever or will he not only learn to trust God but also give Daliah his heart?

From the author of the groundbreaking series, A Prairie Heritage, comes the compelling story of fiery-haired, fiery-tempered Tabitha Hale. Rescued from a life of depravity, Tabitha gives her heart to God and her life to nursing. As this tenacious, redeemed woman perseveres toward her vocation, her temper and stubborn independence threaten to derail her aspirations. Will Tabitha pass the trial by fire that is necessary for God to truly use her?And what is Tabitha to do with her feelings for Mason Carpenter, the man who simply refuses to give up on her? Is it even possible for God to ordain a shared future for two such different people, both with fervent callings upon their hearts?When the Great War erupts in Europe, Carpenter leaves for England to train British pilots to fly reconnaissance missions over Belgium and France. Soon after, Tabitha hears God asking her to nurse the war wounded. However, because America has not joined in the fight, Tabitha has few options. Will the elite British Nursing Service make a place for her? Will they accept the services of an American volunteer? And will Tabitha and Mason overcome the differences that stand between them?Revisit Palmer House—a most extraordinary refuge for young women rescued from prostitution. Renew your acquaintance with Rose Thoresen, Joy Michaels, and the others who live at Palmer House. Glimpse the years between Stolen and Lost Are Found. Girls from the MountainBook 1: TabithaBook 2: ToryBook 3: Sarah RedeemedA Prairie Heritage:Book 1: A Rose Blooms TwiceBook 2: Wild Heart on the PrairieBook 3: Joy on This MountainBook 4: The Captive WithinBook 5: Stolen Book 6: Lost Are FoundBook 7: All God’s PromisesBook 8: The Heart of Joy—A Short StoryNanostealthBook 1: Stealthy StepsBook 2: Stealth PowerBook 3: Stealth RetributionBook 4: Deep State Stealth“Vikki writes the kind of faith-filled fiction that hooks you within the first few pages, will not let you go until you have finished, and leaves you wishing for more.”—Janis Braun, Seattle, Washington “Her books are not just for 'chicks'! I was amazed how engrossed I became in the lives of Vikki's characters, and how much I could relate to their situations.”—Ed Dunne, Los Angeles “Be prepared to put life on hold. That's all I have to say!”—Rebecca H., New Jersey “You will laugh, you will cry but, most of all, you will be uplifted.”—LaTisha Holland, St. Augustine, FL

It would be good that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! – Numbers 11:29Previously titled To the Work! To the Work!In the church today, we have everything buttoned up perfectly. The music is flawless, the sermon well-prepared and smoothly delivered, and the grounds meticulously kept. People come on time and go home on time. But a fundamental element is missing. The business of church has undermined the individual’s need to truly live for Christ, so much so, that only a limited few are seeing their life impact the world.Dwight L. Moody takes us deep into Scripture and paints a clear picture of what ought to be an individual’s life for Christ. The call for each Christian is to become an active member in the body of Christ. The motive is love for the Lord and our neighbor. The result will be the salvation of men, women, and children everywhere.About the AuthorDwight L. Moody, determined to make a fortune, arrived in Chicago and started selling shoes. But Christ found him and his energies were redirected into full-time ministry. And what a ministry it was. Today, Moody’s name still graces a church, a mission, a college, and more. Moody loved God and men, and the power of a love like that impacts generations.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Nothing is more important for our own mental, moral, and spiritual development, or for our increase in usefulness, than Bible study. But, not all Bible study is equally profitable. Some Bible study is absolutely profitless. How to study the Bible so as to get the most benefit from it is a topic of immeasurable importance.The practicality and effectiveness of these Bible study methods and conditions have been tested in the classroom, and not with classes made up completely of college graduates, but largely composed of people of very simple education. The methods, however, require time and hard work. It must be remembered that the Bible contains gold, and almost anyone is willing to dig for gold, especially if it is certain that he will find it. It is certain that one will find gold in the Bible – if he digs. As you use the methods recommended in this book, you will find your ability to do the work rapidly increasing by exercise, until you can soon do more in fifteen minutes than you could do in an hour when you started.No book other than the Bible provides the opportunity for intellectual and spiritual development by its study. No other book, and no other subject, will so abundantly repay careful and sincere study. The Bible is read much, but is studied very little in comparison.Table of ContentsCh. 1: Introduction to Methods of Bible StudyCh. 2: The Study of Individual BooksCh. 3: Topical StudyCh. 4: Biographical StudyCh. 5: Study of TypesCh. 6: Study the Books of the Bible in OrderCh. 7: Studying the Bible for Practical Usefulness in Dealing with PeopleCh. 8: The Fundamental Conditions of the Most Profitable Bible StudyCh. 9: Final SuggestionsAbout the AuthorReuben Archer Torrey traveled all over the world leading evangelistic tours, preaching to the unsaved. It is believed that more than one hundred thousand were saved under his preaching. Torrey married Clara Smith in 1879, with whom he had five children. In 1908, he helped start the Montrose Bible Conference in Pennsylvania, which continues today. He became dean of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (now Biola University) in 1912, and was the pastor of the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles from 1915 to 1924. Torrey continued speaking all over the world and holding Bible conferences. He died in Asheville, North Carolina, on October 26, 1928.

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A multi-purpose reference work which should become an indispensable companion for anybody who comes into touch with Hinduism. Includes a dictionary of Sanskrit and vernacular terms; a glossary of terms and concepts; and a survey of the historical development of Hinduism.

The Vachanamrut of Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the most sacred and foundational scripture of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. It contains the profound wisdom of the Vedas, Upanishads, Brahmasutras, Bhagvad Gita, Bhagvat Purana, Dharma shastras like Yagnavalkya Smruti, Vidurniti, and epics like the Ramayan and Mahabharat (Vachanamrut Gadhadha II-28). Bhagwan Swaminarayan says in Gadhadha II-28, "What is this discourse which I have delivered before you like? Well, I have delivered it having heard and having extracted the essence from the Vedas, the shastras, the Purans and all other words on this earth pertaining to liberation."The Vachanamrut is the essence of ancient Indian wisdom as told by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and compiled by his five contemporary scholarly-sadhus who were known for their asceticism and scholarship in Sanskrit, besides their devotion to him. In fact every statement of the Master is packed with and based on His in-depth religious knowledge, spiritual insights and practical experience. It contains practical and philosophical answers to the sincere enquiries of all types of aspirants regarding life in this world and the life hereafter.The Vachanamrut is not only a sacred shastra in the Swaminarayan faith, but a shastra of every day study. All the literate followers read it daily and the illiterate listen to at least a page everyday. It is read and elaborated upon daily in the Swaminarayan mandirs the world over. It is a landmark shastra, philosophically and in all other aspects. It is the first modern Gujarati prose work which the noted Gujarati critic and poet, Shri Uma Shankar Joshi, acclaimed as the very pinnacle of Gujarati prose. The Vachanamrut, a compilation of 273 spiritual discourses, is divided into 10 sections. The discourses were delivered by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the last decade of his life, between 1819 and 1829 CE in Gujarati. They were mostly delivered in ashram-like ambience in secluded places like Gadhada, Sarangpur, Kariyani, Loya, Panchala, Vadtal, Aslali, and Jetalpur.The book records the dialogues and conversation between the master and his disciples, answering philosophical and religious questions, explaining doctrines, and formulating terminology concerning both theoretical and practical points of view in daily life and spiritual sadhna.Vachanamrut is a compound word of two Gujarati words, vachan and amrut. Vachan means words or speech and amrut means nectar. Hence the Vachanamrut comprises the nectarine or divine words of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The Vachanamrut is the amrut (divine nectar) of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the form of His divine words. This amrut leads the jivas to moksha.The discourses were transcribed not by a 1 editor but by five contemporary scholarly-sadhus while they were being delivered. These editors were:Muktanand Swami, the senior most sadhu of Ramanand Swami, 23 years senior to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was the teacher of Bhagwan Swaminarayan when he first arrived in Gujarat. Muktanand Swami is the author of Brahmasutra Bhashya Ratnam, a commentary on the Vedanta Sutra of Badrayana Vyas.Gopalanand Swami, who had mastered ashtang yoga, wrote a commentary on the Dashopanishad and Bhagvad Gita.Nityanand Swami, a profound Sanskrit scholar, authored the Hari Digvijay Kavya in Sanskrit.Shukanand Swami, was a well-known Sanskrit scholar from Dabhan and the personal secretary of the Master.Brahmanand Swami a Jocular Born Poet, by the instructions of Lord Swaminarayan Brahmanand Swami erected three magnificent temples in Muli, Vadtal, Junagadh also as an eminent poet he composed about 9000 devotional songs, which are popular as Brahmanand Kavya.In one of the Vachanamruts, one of the editors, namely, Nityanand Swami, presents 114 edited discourses to Bhagwan Swaminarayan for his approval. He was pleased with the efforts of the editors and authenticated their compilation.

Poet and Zen Priest Tai Sheridan presents modern interpretations of the Lotus, Diamond, Heart Wisdom, and Loving Kindness Sutras in easy to read and inspirational verses. The Buddhist sutras express a path of enlightened living based on curiosity, good will, wisdom, and compassion. They journey through the mountains and valleys of human experience: living and dying, love and loss, anguish and peace. Approaching the sutras is difficult. The Lotus Sutra is a lengthy compilation of parables in an archaic style. The Diamond Sutra is a short but dense treatise on non-dual philosophy. Even the well crafted contemporary versions of the Heart Wisdom Sutra (Prajna Paramita) and the Loving Kindness Sutra (Metta Sutra) use ancient terminology and awkward constructions. The introductions and original preludes entitled "Beating the Celestial Drum" help clarify the central themes of the Sutras. The rendition of the Lotus Sutra is the first English one of its kind. It integrates the entire sutra by topic and synthesizes it into a brief poem and mantra.

Lord Shiva is immortal supreme consciousness who doesn't have the physical realities, but all the physical entities are within him. The one who is responsible for taking care of the process of creation and destruction, and yet he is free from all responsibility. It is very majestic to know that Shiva is entirely different from other deities and never takes birth on earth as a human. He is the ultimate transformer and omniscient Lord of World.In contemporary to that, there is another aspect of Shiva which is more human than us. He is the powerful, peaceful, promising, attractive and beloved husband of Goddess Shakti. This book will take you to the journey of Shiva and Goddess Shakti; you will come to know how they got separated with each other and again united with more love and devotion. Through this book, you will come to know that goddess Shakti keeps manifesting herself to get married to Maheshwar. Their love story gives a meaningful message of respect, trust, and love.

Nature is the visible face of spirit. Trees are universal, archetypal sacred symbols for rebirth, physical and spiritual growth, union, transformation, liberation, sustenance and fertility. Ogam tree symbols give us the keys to unlock their treasure chests of healing medicines, spiritual energy, magic power, and meditation and divination gifts.