Beatitudes From The Back Side (Student/Study Guide)
$16.99
11 Sessions
Additional Info
Using his method of approaching Bible passages from an unusual angle or a unique starting point, J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into the beatitudes, Jesus’ blessings from the Sermon on the Mount.
The book contains sessions and a study guide for personal use or for use in groups.
This book continues Kalas’ popular series of “Back Side” books.
The beatitudes form the introduction to what is no doubt the best-known sermon ever preached. We call it the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5-7), and of course it was preached by Jesus.
When we start examining the beatitudes we realize that in Jesus’ view, happiness is not something we get by pursuing it; indeed, almost the contrary. We are told that we will be happy-or blessed, if you prefer-in what appears to be the near antithesis of happiness. If we choose to live by the beatitudes, we make a declaration of dependence. We put ourselves into bondage to such things as poverty of spirit, purity of heart, and a readiness for persecution. This isn’t the sort of product they advertise on prime-time television; indeed, I’m not sure that it appears overly often in our prime-time worship services. That is because this is not a spiritual quick fix. It doesn’t come in a five-easy-lessons capsule. Instead, it is largely contrary to the way we live and to the way we think.
Before we go any further, however, let me say that over the past twenty centuries a very great many people have found in these beatitudes a depth of peace and joy beyond anything our common culture promotes and seeks. But it isn’t easy, and it isn’t obvious. There’s nothing easy or soft about this kind of dependence. Rather, it is an attitude that demands a huge store of courage. It’s the kind of dependence the trapeze artist displays when he or she lets go of the bar and with no safety net awaiting, flies off into space, trusting.
Welcome to the beatitudes. And may you be eternally happy, beginning now.
-adapted from the introduction
in stock within 3-5 days of online purchase
SKU (ISBN): 9780687650842
ISBN10: 0687650844
J. Ellsworth Kalas
Binding: Trade Paper
Published: May 2008
From The Back Side
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Print On Demand Product
Related products
-
Draw The Circle
$18.99Do you pray as often and as boldly as you want to? There is a way to experience a deeper, more passionate, persistent, and intimate prayer life. Drawing from forty days of true stories, Mark Batterson applies the principles of his New York Times bestselling book The Circle Maker to teach us a new way to pray. As thousands of readers quickly became many tens of thousands, true stories of miraculous and inspiring answers to prayer began to pour in, and as those stories were shared, others were bolstered in their faith to pray with even more boldness. In Draw the Circle, through forty true, faith-building stories of God’s answers to prayer, daily scriptures and prayer prompts, Batterson inspires you to pray and keep praying like never before. Begin a lifetime of watching God work. Believe in the God who can do all things. Experience the power of bold prayer and even bolder faith in Draw the Circle.
Add to cartin stock within 3-5 days of online purchase
-
Kingdom Family Devotional
$18.40This new devotional from Dr. Tony Evans and his son Jonathan Evans will provide both single and married parents with a resource tool to maximize those family devotional times, such as the dinner hour or bedtime. The family virtues-based devotional provides 52 separate topics, one for each week of the year, and five devotionals within each topic that will guide devotional times Monday through Friday. This is a wonderful way to build a spiritually strong family week by week, day after day-a perfect way to head into the weekend. Topics range from the basics of the faith-such as salvation, spiritual warfare, prayer, forgiveness, and discipleship-to essentials of living as followers of Christ: money, prayer, family, friends, and priorities. The subject matter is simplified so even young children can grasp important concepts. This is a perfect resource for busy families.
Add to cartIn stock
-
Life Lessons From James
$14.99Do your Monday actions reflect your Sunday worship? How about your claims to faith? Is your life full of noticeable changes and actions? James, the half-brother of Jesus, wasn’t impressed with talk. He knew that a life of faith was all about actions that revealed a difference in a person’s life. For him, it was not that works save the Christian, but that they mark the Christian. In his letter, he boldly deals with practical issues of faith not bound by culture or place. He shows the importance of living a genuine life of faith. His message is bare-knuckled as he encourages, challenges, and confronts, offering practical words and admonitions to live out our faith.
The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God’s Word. Each lesson includes an opening reflection, background information, an excerpt of the text (from the New International and New King James versions), exploration questions, inspirational thoughts from Max, and a closing takeaway for further reflection. The Life Lessons series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study.
Add to cartin stock within 3-5 days of online purchase
-
God Do You Really Care
$15.99You’re in over your head. The hits just keep coming. Maybe you could handle this if you knew God cared. But right now? Well…you’re not really sure.
Catastrophe, sickness, loss, and other unexpected trials and setbacks can make you doubt the God is good or wants your best. But He is good. And He does care.
Add to cartOnly 1 left in stock
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.