Return to Faith

Return to Faith

Author: Otis Farmer

Publisher:

Published: 2020-04-06

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13:

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Calvin Baxter was living his dream. Annie was the perfect wife, and Taylor was his beautiful infant daughter. He loved his job as the pastor of a thriving community church in Archdale, a typical small North Carolina town where no secrets were ever kept. It didn't matter because Cal and Annie had no secrets to keep. Until on a warm Spring afternoon when Annie and Taylor died in a tragic accident. It was Cal's fault. How could a loving God allow such a tragedy to happen? Relentless anger festered into deep resentment. Self-loathing eventually drove Cal to the edge of suicide, but he never could muster the courage to end it all. Cal declared a ruthless, secret war that raged for ten grueling years. The terrible battles gradually destroyed his faith. It was too late when his congregation discovered their pastor harbored a dark secret that would force Tabernacle Baptist Church to close its doors forever. On the Sunday Cal preached his final sermon, he announced he was stepping away from the ministry. He had no idea what to do with the rest of his life, or where to do it. All that mattered, it had to be far away from Archdale. Cal drove out of town in a very special vehicle named for Annie. He had to make one final stop, to visit Gabby, his mother-in-law, who had long since forgiven Cal for Annie's and Taylor's deaths. Even though Gabby knew it was a waste of time, she encouraged Cal to forgive himself. When they hugged good-bye both Cal and Gabby were certain they would never see each other again. Cal had no destination in mind as he turned south on Highway 109, toward a sparsely settled section of the state. Ahead were clear skies, fresh air and winding country roads. There were no more sermons to prepare. No more prayer requests he doubted would even be heard, let alone answered. He had left behind God, religion and all false pretense of belief. Confident he had begun a brand new chapter in his life, Cal was about to discover he had actually entered a challenging odyssey that would rock him to his very core. He may have lost his faith, but Evil wasn't about to cut him any slack. Cal only thought he had lost it all, until he actually lost it all. As his unexpected journey unfolds, Cal is forced to accept that the man he used to be no longer exists. He is still inside the same body, but is a man he must learn to accept and become. As Cal struggles with his new identity, he may have stepped on the path that returns him to the Faith he abandoned in Archdale.


Book Synopsis Return to Faith by : Otis Farmer

Download or read book Return to Faith written by Otis Farmer and published by . This book was released on 2020-04-06 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Calvin Baxter was living his dream. Annie was the perfect wife, and Taylor was his beautiful infant daughter. He loved his job as the pastor of a thriving community church in Archdale, a typical small North Carolina town where no secrets were ever kept. It didn't matter because Cal and Annie had no secrets to keep. Until on a warm Spring afternoon when Annie and Taylor died in a tragic accident. It was Cal's fault. How could a loving God allow such a tragedy to happen? Relentless anger festered into deep resentment. Self-loathing eventually drove Cal to the edge of suicide, but he never could muster the courage to end it all. Cal declared a ruthless, secret war that raged for ten grueling years. The terrible battles gradually destroyed his faith. It was too late when his congregation discovered their pastor harbored a dark secret that would force Tabernacle Baptist Church to close its doors forever. On the Sunday Cal preached his final sermon, he announced he was stepping away from the ministry. He had no idea what to do with the rest of his life, or where to do it. All that mattered, it had to be far away from Archdale. Cal drove out of town in a very special vehicle named for Annie. He had to make one final stop, to visit Gabby, his mother-in-law, who had long since forgiven Cal for Annie's and Taylor's deaths. Even though Gabby knew it was a waste of time, she encouraged Cal to forgive himself. When they hugged good-bye both Cal and Gabby were certain they would never see each other again. Cal had no destination in mind as he turned south on Highway 109, toward a sparsely settled section of the state. Ahead were clear skies, fresh air and winding country roads. There were no more sermons to prepare. No more prayer requests he doubted would even be heard, let alone answered. He had left behind God, religion and all false pretense of belief. Confident he had begun a brand new chapter in his life, Cal was about to discover he had actually entered a challenging odyssey that would rock him to his very core. He may have lost his faith, but Evil wasn't about to cut him any slack. Cal only thought he had lost it all, until he actually lost it all. As his unexpected journey unfolds, Cal is forced to accept that the man he used to be no longer exists. He is still inside the same body, but is a man he must learn to accept and become. As Cal struggles with his new identity, he may have stepped on the path that returns him to the Faith he abandoned in Archdale.


Back to Faith

Back to Faith

Author: Fred R. Lybrand

Publisher:

Published: 2009-08-01

Total Pages: 316

ISBN-13: 9781607918875

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"Maintaining veneration for Calvin, this work resolves inherent contradictions to the Gospel found in the Reformed tradition. Lybrand reiterates "faith alone in Christ alone," and works accompanying salvation are "normal but not necessary" while cogently requiring the reader to reexamine theological traditions. My prayer for the mindful Reformer: Read and wrestle with these words. Be willing to abandon all, for the clarity of the Gospel cannot be undervalued." Jay Quine, ThM, PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary President, College of Biblical Studies "Fred Lybrand's analysis of the common saying, 'Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone, ' exposes the logical and biblical fallacies inherit in Calvin's famous statement. With careful exegesis he dissects James' discussion of faith and works with fresh insight into this controversial passage. When I read his doctoral dissertation I immediately encouraged him to publish this so that many others could benefit. The book is well written and finally puts Calvin's clich to rest-where it belongs." Jody Dillow, ThM, ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary Adjunct Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies at Rocky Mountain Bible College & Seminary Fred Lybrand is the Founding Executive Director of the Free Grace Alliance, and currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Northeast Evangelical Free Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas. He is the author of five other works, including Preaching on Your Feet (Broadman and Holman).


Book Synopsis Back to Faith by : Fred R. Lybrand

Download or read book Back to Faith written by Fred R. Lybrand and published by . This book was released on 2009-08-01 with total page 316 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Maintaining veneration for Calvin, this work resolves inherent contradictions to the Gospel found in the Reformed tradition. Lybrand reiterates "faith alone in Christ alone," and works accompanying salvation are "normal but not necessary" while cogently requiring the reader to reexamine theological traditions. My prayer for the mindful Reformer: Read and wrestle with these words. Be willing to abandon all, for the clarity of the Gospel cannot be undervalued." Jay Quine, ThM, PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary President, College of Biblical Studies "Fred Lybrand's analysis of the common saying, 'Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone, ' exposes the logical and biblical fallacies inherit in Calvin's famous statement. With careful exegesis he dissects James' discussion of faith and works with fresh insight into this controversial passage. When I read his doctoral dissertation I immediately encouraged him to publish this so that many others could benefit. The book is well written and finally puts Calvin's clich to rest-where it belongs." Jody Dillow, ThM, ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary Adjunct Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies at Rocky Mountain Bible College & Seminary Fred Lybrand is the Founding Executive Director of the Free Grace Alliance, and currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Northeast Evangelical Free Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas. He is the author of five other works, including Preaching on Your Feet (Broadman and Holman).


Against Religion

Against Religion

Author: A. N. Wilson

Publisher: Vintage

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 72

ISBN-13:

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The author argues that religion has inspired many of man's worst evils: war, prejudice, bigotry, cruelty, race hatred and fear. Without it, man would be free to be God. In this polemic, A.N.Wilson singles out the Pope and the Ayatollah for particular attack.


Book Synopsis Against Religion by : A. N. Wilson

Download or read book Against Religion written by A. N. Wilson and published by Vintage. This book was released on 1991 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The author argues that religion has inspired many of man's worst evils: war, prejudice, bigotry, cruelty, race hatred and fear. Without it, man would be free to be God. In this polemic, A.N.Wilson singles out the Pope and the Ayatollah for particular attack.


God is Back

God is Back

Author: John Micklethwait

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 420

ISBN-13: 9781594202131

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On the street and in the corridors of power, religion is surging worldwide. From Russia to Turkey to India, nations that swore off faith in the last century--or even tried to stamp it out--are now run by avowedly religious leaders. This book examines this new world, from exorcisms in São Paulo to religious skirmishing in Nigeria, to televangelism in California and house churches in China. Since the Enlightenment, intellectuals have assumed that modernization would kill religion--and that religious America is an oddity. As these authors argue, religion and modernity can thrive together, and America is becoming the norm. The failure of communism and the rise of globalism helped spark the global revival, but, above all, 21st century religion is being fueled by a very American emphasis on competition and a customer-driven approach to salvation, and its destabilizing effects can already be seen far from Iraq or the World Trade Center.--From publisher description.


Book Synopsis God is Back by : John Micklethwait

Download or read book God is Back written by John Micklethwait and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2009 with total page 420 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On the street and in the corridors of power, religion is surging worldwide. From Russia to Turkey to India, nations that swore off faith in the last century--or even tried to stamp it out--are now run by avowedly religious leaders. This book examines this new world, from exorcisms in São Paulo to religious skirmishing in Nigeria, to televangelism in California and house churches in China. Since the Enlightenment, intellectuals have assumed that modernization would kill religion--and that religious America is an oddity. As these authors argue, religion and modernity can thrive together, and America is becoming the norm. The failure of communism and the rise of globalism helped spark the global revival, but, above all, 21st century religion is being fueled by a very American emphasis on competition and a customer-driven approach to salvation, and its destabilizing effects can already be seen far from Iraq or the World Trade Center.--From publisher description.


Religion Returns to the Public Square

Religion Returns to the Public Square

Author: Hugh Heclo

Publisher: Woodrow Wilson Center Press

Published: 2003-02-28

Total Pages: 410

ISBN-13: 9780801871955

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Despite talk of a "naked public square," religion has never really lost its place in American public life. As the twenty-first century opened, it was re-emerging in unexpected and paradoxical ways. Religious institutions were considered for expanded roles in welfare and education, at the same time that the limits of religious pluralism—as, for example, in the relation of Islam to American values—became a question of urgent public concern. Religion Returns to the Public Square;Faith and Policy in America explores how and why religion has to be mixed up with American politics. Uncovering philosophical, historical, legal, and social roots of this relationship, these essays go beyond hot-button issues to reflect on the current interactions and future possibilities of religion and politics in America.


Book Synopsis Religion Returns to the Public Square by : Hugh Heclo

Download or read book Religion Returns to the Public Square written by Hugh Heclo and published by Woodrow Wilson Center Press. This book was released on 2003-02-28 with total page 410 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Despite talk of a "naked public square," religion has never really lost its place in American public life. As the twenty-first century opened, it was re-emerging in unexpected and paradoxical ways. Religious institutions were considered for expanded roles in welfare and education, at the same time that the limits of religious pluralism—as, for example, in the relation of Islam to American values—became a question of urgent public concern. Religion Returns to the Public Square;Faith and Policy in America explores how and why religion has to be mixed up with American politics. Uncovering philosophical, historical, legal, and social roots of this relationship, these essays go beyond hot-button issues to reflect on the current interactions and future possibilities of religion and politics in America.


Returning Home to Your Catholic Faith

Returning Home to Your Catholic Faith

Author: Sally Mews

Publisher:

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780764810992

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"Returning Home to Your Catholic Faith" addresses with honesty and compassion the fears, hurts, and guilt that many inactive Catholics feel when they first consider returning to the Church. A brief, to-the-point presentation of issues always stress God's mercy; most people who leave and later return do so as part of the process of maturing. Practical tips on how to reconnect with the Church are included. The section on what the Church is like today is a reassuring overview of the opportunities available in a parish. View sample pages. "Paperback"


Book Synopsis Returning Home to Your Catholic Faith by : Sally Mews

Download or read book Returning Home to Your Catholic Faith written by Sally Mews and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Returning Home to Your Catholic Faith" addresses with honesty and compassion the fears, hurts, and guilt that many inactive Catholics feel when they first consider returning to the Church. A brief, to-the-point presentation of issues always stress God's mercy; most people who leave and later return do so as part of the process of maturing. Practical tips on how to reconnect with the Church are included. The section on what the Church is like today is a reassuring overview of the opportunities available in a parish. View sample pages. "Paperback"


Coming Back to Faith

Coming Back to Faith

Author: J Lebron McBride, PhD

Publisher: WestBow Press

Published: 2021-03-29

Total Pages: 254

ISBN-13: 9781664227408

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Have you been bruised or wounded by your faith or belief system? This book is not about arguing theology but about providing practical insights and meditations to enhance the Christian journey. Your faith may be going through a transition. It is the hope of the author of this work that Coming Back to Faith will be a sensitive and caring beacon of hope along the way.


Book Synopsis Coming Back to Faith by : J Lebron McBride, PhD

Download or read book Coming Back to Faith written by J Lebron McBride, PhD and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2021-03-29 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Have you been bruised or wounded by your faith or belief system? This book is not about arguing theology but about providing practical insights and meditations to enhance the Christian journey. Your faith may be going through a transition. It is the hope of the author of this work that Coming Back to Faith will be a sensitive and caring beacon of hope along the way.


Faith Beyond Belief

Faith Beyond Belief

Author: Margaret Placentra Johnston

Publisher: Quest Books

Published: 2012-09-25

Total Pages: 314

ISBN-13: 0835609057

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Faith Beyond Belief gives a much-needed voice to the “good” people who have left their church but whose spirituality continues to mature. Johnston uses first-person stories as well as known spiritual authorities in describing various stages of religious growth. Some of these real-life accounts are by nonbelievers; others are by those among the growing numbers of the “spiritual but not religious.” All are thoughtful people with too much integrity to live what they consider a lie. The stories of the nonbelievers-including an ex-Catholic, a former Mormon, and a clandestine Muslim apostate who left his community after the attacks of 9/11-show how complete confidence in human reason can lead away from literal religious interpretation. But, while that step is a necessary one on the spiritual path, it is only intermediate. Her second set of stories are of people at the “mystic” level who can tolerate paradox and see truth and reality as multidimensional. Johnston’s book will help doubters to see things in a new light as well as those who are struggling to clarify their own spiritual vision. It also points beyond the atheist/believer controversy wrecking such divisive havoc in our culture today.


Book Synopsis Faith Beyond Belief by : Margaret Placentra Johnston

Download or read book Faith Beyond Belief written by Margaret Placentra Johnston and published by Quest Books. This book was released on 2012-09-25 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Faith Beyond Belief gives a much-needed voice to the “good” people who have left their church but whose spirituality continues to mature. Johnston uses first-person stories as well as known spiritual authorities in describing various stages of religious growth. Some of these real-life accounts are by nonbelievers; others are by those among the growing numbers of the “spiritual but not religious.” All are thoughtful people with too much integrity to live what they consider a lie. The stories of the nonbelievers-including an ex-Catholic, a former Mormon, and a clandestine Muslim apostate who left his community after the attacks of 9/11-show how complete confidence in human reason can lead away from literal religious interpretation. But, while that step is a necessary one on the spiritual path, it is only intermediate. Her second set of stories are of people at the “mystic” level who can tolerate paradox and see truth and reality as multidimensional. Johnston’s book will help doubters to see things in a new light as well as those who are struggling to clarify their own spiritual vision. It also points beyond the atheist/believer controversy wrecking such divisive havoc in our culture today.


Fractured Faith

Fractured Faith

Author: Lina AbuJamra

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Published: 2021-09-07

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 0802499430

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After your faith has fractured, let what takes its place be the real thing . . . at last. Somewhere along the way, the Christianity you knew began to crumble. You began to suspect your faith was misplaced. Disillusionment set in. Churches hurt you. Their people failed you. Christian institutions were exposed as fake. And in it all, God was silent. Is He gone? Or is God really there, waiting for you to find Him instead of the counterfeits? If you’re walking this difficult spiritual path, Lina AbuJamra understands you. After experiencing the near deconstruction of her own faith, Lina had to rebuild something more solid when the faith she once knew let her down. With her diagnostic style that comes from her training as an ER doc, Lina helps you grapple with questions like: Where is God in my pain? Is this how Christians are supposed to act? Why did my story end up this way? Is this the normal Christian life? Why is it so hard for Christians to love? Let Fractured Faith help you find your way back to God. You just might discover that the real God has been waiting for you all along.


Book Synopsis Fractured Faith by : Lina AbuJamra

Download or read book Fractured Faith written by Lina AbuJamra and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2021-09-07 with total page 155 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After your faith has fractured, let what takes its place be the real thing . . . at last. Somewhere along the way, the Christianity you knew began to crumble. You began to suspect your faith was misplaced. Disillusionment set in. Churches hurt you. Their people failed you. Christian institutions were exposed as fake. And in it all, God was silent. Is He gone? Or is God really there, waiting for you to find Him instead of the counterfeits? If you’re walking this difficult spiritual path, Lina AbuJamra understands you. After experiencing the near deconstruction of her own faith, Lina had to rebuild something more solid when the faith she once knew let her down. With her diagnostic style that comes from her training as an ER doc, Lina helps you grapple with questions like: Where is God in my pain? Is this how Christians are supposed to act? Why did my story end up this way? Is this the normal Christian life? Why is it so hard for Christians to love? Let Fractured Faith help you find your way back to God. You just might discover that the real God has been waiting for you all along.


Revelation

Revelation

Author:

Publisher: Canongate Books

Published: 1999-01-01

Total Pages: 60

ISBN-13: 0857861018

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The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.


Book Synopsis Revelation by :

Download or read book Revelation written by and published by Canongate Books. This book was released on 1999-01-01 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.