Best Christian Reference

Could ancient figures from the Middle East hold the key to the leaders of our own day, what they do, when they rise, and when they fall? Is it possible that this ancient paradigm has determined not only the events of modern times but also their timing—even down to the exact dates? Jonathan Cahn, who caused an international stir with his New York Times best-selling book The Harbinger , will take you from the ancient Middle East to the news of the modern world on a journey you will never forget. Prepare to uncover the mystery behind your world that will shock and amaze you as you begin a journey of nearly three thousand years, from an arid Middle Eastern landscape to American soil, from ancient palaces to the White House, from ruthless kings and queens to mysterious priests and priestesses, secrets and scandals, idols and gods, prophets and holy men, signs, portents, wonders, and harbingers—as you discover how each of these things holds a mystery that has determined your world and touched your life.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas comes a brilliant and inspiring biography of the most influential man in modern history, Martin Luther, in time for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. On All Hallow’s Eve in 1517, a young monk named Martin Luther posted a document he hoped would spark an academic debate, but that instead ignited a conflagration that would forever destroy the world he knew. A beautifully balanced separation of fact from fiction.” —Hugh Hewitt “If you had to make a list of five people who shaped the modern West, Martin Luther would be on it. With a light and rapid touch that nonetheless is capable of conveying deep truths and insights, Metaxas deftly blends these many elements into a narrative that reads as compellingly as a novel. I imagine that Luther himself—not an easy man to please—would be deeply impressed by this master portraiture.” —Mark Helprin, bestselling author of Winter’s Tale and A Soldier of the Great War. With his customary verve and elegance, profound reverence, and biting wit, Metaxas’s Martin Luther is an education in the meaning of man’s relation to God. Gerald L. Schroeder, lecturer and teacher at College of Jewish Studies Aish HaTorah’s Discovery Seminar “This massive but eminently readable biography of Luther deserves no less an adjective than ‘formidable.’ Eric Metaxas is to religious biographers what Pixar is to cartoons.” —Peter Kreeft, author of Catholics and Protestants: What Can We Learn from Each Other? “If you wish to know why Martin Luther is remembered as one of the most consequential figures in history, and why Eric Metaxas has emerged as one of the most prominent storytellers of our generation, you’ll find the answers in this book. Eric’s skill as a writer and biographer are on full display here, even as he corrects the myths and secures the history of a monk who changed the world.” —John Stonestreet, president of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview. “A biography designed to peel back the myths and reveal Luther as the fascinating and influential man he was . the author’s fast-paced style and attention to interesting details sets this 450-page book apart.” —Institute for Faith, Work & Economics “Turns some centuries-long legends upside down.” —The Blaze “A masterful portrait of a seminal figure.” — Booklist (starred review) “A meaty autobiography of the Reformation leader. Bold, fast-paced, and magisterial like its hero, yet always stylish and witty like its author, this account blows the cobwebs off long-settled expectations, and helps us to understand the man who shook the medieval world and helped to shape the modern world.” —Os Guinness, author of Impossible People “When Martin Luther made it possible to read the Bible for yourself, he did more than anyone else to create the future. Read this book for yourself to understand the story we’re all still living through.” —Peter Thiel, cofounder of PayPal, entrepreneur, and author of Zero to One “Eric Metaxas has blessed us with yet another indispensable biography. With his customary verve and elegance, profound reverence, and biting wit, Metaxas’s Martin Luther is an education in the meaning of man’s relation to God. Gerald L. Schroeder, lecturer and teacher at College of Jewish Studies Aish HaTorah’s Discovery Seminar “This massive but eminently readable biography of Luther deserves no less an adjective than ‘formidable.’ Eric Metaxas is to religious biographers what Pixar is to cartoons.” —Peter Kreeft, author of Catholics and Protestants: What Can We Learn from Each Other? A tour de force.” —Johnnie Moore, Jr., founder of The Kairos Company “If you wish to know why Martin Luther is remembered as one of the most consequential figures in history, and why Eric Metaxas has emerged as one of the most prominent storytellers of our generation, you’ll find the answers in this book. Eric’s skill as a writer and biographer are on full display here, even as he corrects the myths and secures the history of a monk who changed the world.” —John Stonestreet, president of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

With the original Evidence That Demands a Verdict, bestselling author Josh McDowell gave Christian readers the answers they needed to defend their faith against the harshest critics and skeptics. Bringing historical documentation and the best modern scholarship to bear on the trustworthiness of the Bible and its teachings, this extensive volume has encouraged and strengthened millions. - Lee Strobel, Best-Selling Author of The Case for Christ and In Defense of Jesus "When I was a college student full of questions about the authenticity of my faith, I used Evidence That Demands a Verdict as my go-to reference book. - Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family "It is not without reason that Evidence That Demands a Verdict has stood the test of time with readers around the world for nearly four decades. - Ravi Zacharias, Author and Speaker "My friend Josh McDowell and his son Sean have given us an updated and relevant 21st Century tool to encourage faith and trust in the reliability of Scripture. - Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and President of The Urban Alternative "In 1972, shortly after the accident in which I became paralyzed, I picked up a book that helped solidify my belief in God and faith in Christ. I am thrilled for the updated and expanded edition of this landmark resource to reach the hearts and minds of a rising generation, and I trust it will have the same impact in their lives as it did in mine. I'm grateful for Josh and Sean McDowell's relentless passion to equip and empower God's people to confidently and boldly stand for truth.

Know how David's clever understanding of geography and politics led to his marriage with Ahinoam of Jezreel. Discover why Naomi, in the Book of Ruth, couldn't just move back to Bethlehem after her husband's death and use his land again. Find out why Moses and the Children of Israel took the long southern trek from Egypt to the Promised Land, rather than the direct route. "In this integration of biography, history and geography, Paul Wright applies his considerable knowledge of the land to the life and times of people in both the Old and New Testaments. Whether readers have been through the Bible fifty times or this is their first, the pictures, maps and extremely readable text will lead them to fresh insight into this greatest of stories." Beyond the expected features of any atlas clear, visually compelling maps, timelines, and site photos Wright s work displays a number of key strengths that flow from the unique combination of his educational background and his years of living in the land. Second, the work with its deep academic underpinnings in the modern study of history and culture, also displays a remarkably adept handling of the theological significance of the land in general and the setting of particular stories, as well as the literary use of geographical features in the various narratives of both the Old and New Testaments. This is a book that I would highly recommend for anyone looking for help understanding the role of the physical setting of the Bible, the cultural milieu across the centuries it covers, and the unique literary usage of place in the narratives of the both the Old and New Testament. Wright is to be commended for producing such a clear, nuanced, and accurate text, and Rose should be thanked for making it available to us in such an attractive and helpful format. Among the chapters, I was particularly taken with the treatment of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, and the way that Wright was able to take these minor characters and assist readers in a fuller grasp of a classic tale. Dr. Paul H. Wright is President of Jerusalem University College (the Institute of Holy Land Studies) located on historic Mt.

Winner of the Gold Medallion Book Award and twice nominated for the Christian Book of the Year Award, Strobel’s tough, point-blank questions read like a captivating, fast-paced novel. The new edition includes scores of revisions and additions, including updated material on archaeological and manuscript discoveries, fresh recommendations for further study, and an interview with the author that tells dramatic stories about the book's impact, provides behind-the-scenes information, and responds to critiques of the book by skeptics. Lee Strobel probes with bulldog-like tenacity the evidence for the truth of biblical Christianity.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas comes a brilliant and inspiring biography of the most influential man in modern history, Martin Luther, in time for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. On All Hallow’s Eve in 1517, a young monk named Martin Luther posted a document he hoped would spark an academic debate, but that instead ignited a conflagration that would forever destroy the world he knew. A beautifully balanced separation of fact from fiction.” —Hugh Hewitt “If you had to make a list of five people who shaped the modern West, Martin Luther would be on it. With a light and rapid touch that nonetheless is capable of conveying deep truths and insights, Metaxas deftly blends these many elements into a narrative that reads as compellingly as a novel. I imagine that Luther himself—not an easy man to please—would be deeply impressed by this master portraiture.” —Mark Helprin, bestselling author of Winter’s Tale and A Soldier of the Great War. With his customary verve and elegance, profound reverence, and biting wit, Metaxas’s Martin Luther is an education in the meaning of man’s relation to God. Gerald L. Schroeder, lecturer and teacher at College of Jewish Studies Aish HaTorah’s Discovery Seminar “This massive but eminently readable biography of Luther deserves no less an adjective than ‘formidable.’ Eric Metaxas is to religious biographers what Pixar is to cartoons.” —Peter Kreeft, author of Catholics and Protestants: What Can We Learn from Each Other? “If you wish to know why Martin Luther is remembered as one of the most consequential figures in history, and why Eric Metaxas has emerged as one of the most prominent storytellers of our generation, you’ll find the answers in this book. Eric’s skill as a writer and biographer are on full display here, even as he corrects the myths and secures the history of a monk who changed the world.” —John Stonestreet, president of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview. “A biography designed to peel back the myths and reveal Luther as the fascinating and influential man he was . the author’s fast-paced style and attention to interesting details sets this 450-page book apart.” —Institute for Faith, Work & Economics “Turns some centuries-long legends upside down.” —The Blaze “A masterful portrait of a seminal figure.” — Booklist (starred review) “A meaty autobiography of the Reformation leader. Bold, fast-paced, and magisterial like its hero, yet always stylish and witty like its author, this account blows the cobwebs off long-settled expectations, and helps us to understand the man who shook the medieval world and helped to shape the modern world.” —Os Guinness, author of Impossible People “When Martin Luther made it possible to read the Bible for yourself, he did more than anyone else to create the future. Read this book for yourself to understand the story we’re all still living through.” —Peter Thiel, cofounder of PayPal, entrepreneur, and author of Zero to One “Eric Metaxas has blessed us with yet another indispensable biography. With his customary verve and elegance, profound reverence, and biting wit, Metaxas’s Martin Luther is an education in the meaning of man’s relation to God. Gerald L. Schroeder, lecturer and teacher at College of Jewish Studies Aish HaTorah’s Discovery Seminar “This massive but eminently readable biography of Luther deserves no less an adjective than ‘formidable.’ Eric Metaxas is to religious biographers what Pixar is to cartoons.” —Peter Kreeft, author of Catholics and Protestants: What Can We Learn from Each Other? A tour de force.” —Johnnie Moore, Jr., founder of The Kairos Company “If you wish to know why Martin Luther is remembered as one of the most consequential figures in history, and why Eric Metaxas has emerged as one of the most prominent storytellers of our generation, you’ll find the answers in this book. Eric’s skill as a writer and biographer are on full display here, even as he corrects the myths and secures the history of a monk who changed the world.” —John Stonestreet, president of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

From pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller comes the perfect gift for the Christmas holiday—a profoundly moving and intellectually provocative examination of the nativity story Even people who are not practicing Christians think they are familiar with the story of the nativity. Keller achieves his pastoral goal of teaching Christmas’ most important message—‘God alone has the life, truth, and joy that we lack and cannot generate ourselves’—and in doing so, provides solace for those who seek it.” —Publishers Weekly. Praise for Timothy Keller and his other books: “Tim Keller’s ministry in New York City is leading a generation of seekers and skeptics toward belief in God. “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”. — Christianity Today.

The MacArthur Topical Bible is the most user-friendly Bible study tool released in decades. A well-known Bible expositor and conference speaker, he has written more than six dozen books, including the MacArthur New Testament Commentary series and the MacArthur Study Bible.

A master explainer of Christian history, texts, and traditions, Ehrman reveals how an apocalyptic prophet from the backwaters of rural Galilee crucified for crimes against the state came to be thought of as equal with the one God Almighty, Creator of all things. In a book that took eight years to research and write, Ehrman sketches Jesus’s transformation from a human prophet to the Son of God exalted to divine status at his resurrection. --Ilene Cooper HOW JESUS BECAME GOD makes the most astonishing and complex topic in the history of Christianity accessible to every reader, and offers a clear and balanced discussion of how various Christians–and non- Christians-see Jesus. ( Elaine Pagels, professor of religion at Princeton University and author of The Gnostic Gospels ). “ In this lively and provocative book, Ehrman gives a nuanced and wide-ranging discussion of early Christian Christology. How Jesus Became God provides a lively overview of Nicea’s prequel.” ( Paula Fredriksen , Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and author of Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews ). “Ehrman writes very personally, especially in the beginning, and this approach draws the reader into a subject that is littered with curves and contradictions...

The Prophet's Dictionary by Paula Price is an essential tool for laymen, prophets, prophesiers, pastors, intercessors, and dreamers of dreams. Prophetic visions and clues to interpreting their symbolism, imagery, and signs are also included.People from all walks of life can benefit as this book aids in the understanding of what may be expected from prophets or the prophetic ministry.

Interesting to read and easy to consult, The Complete Guide to the Bible is a reliable, jargon-free handbook for average people who want to better understand the entire Bible.

Study the meaning of biblical words in the original languages-without spending years learning Greek or Hebrew. Vine, M.A., was a classical scholar, skilled expositor, and a trustworthy theologian.

Emmet Fox, author of "The Sermon on the Mount: The Key to Success in Life" was a New Thought spiritual leader of the early 20th century, famous for his large Divine Science church services held in New York City. Denying any interest in theology (there is no theology in the Bible, Fox argues), the author instead suggests that what Jesus was after was results: "Jesus explains to us what the nature of God is, and what our own nature is; tells us the meaning of life and of death; shows us why we make mistakes; why we yield to temptation; why we become sick, and impoverished, and old; and, most important of all, he tells us how all these evils may be overcome, and how we may bring health, happiness, and true prosperity into our lives." Fox puts it quite simply: "The Truth turns out to be nothing less than the amazing but undeniable fact that the whole outer world--whether it be the physical body, the common things of life, the winds and the rain, the clouds, the earth itself--is amenable to man's thought, and that he has dominion over it when he knows it."

This collection contains: Be Right (Romans), Be Wise (1 Corinthians), Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians), Be Free (Galatians), Be Rich (Ephesians), Be Joyful (Philippians), Be Complete (Colossians), Be Ready (1 & 2 Thessalonians), and Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon). Be Wise (1 Corinthians): Be Wise guides us through Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, where he encourages his fellow believers to embrace a life of wisdom and truth. Be Joyful (Philippians): Discover Paul's secret to finding joy in Christ as Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe leads you on a verse-by-verse tour through the book of Philippians.

As a Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus gives the Christian a new perspective on the Bible and Jewish history. The Works of Josephus include the following: THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS, his autobiography written shortly before he died. This collection includes the Complete Works of Josephus: Life of Flavius Josephus, War of the Jew, Antiquities of the Jews, Against Apion, and Discourse to the Greeks in easy to use eBook.

Could ancient figures from the Middle East hold the key to the leaders of our own day, what they do, when they rise, and when they fall? Is it possible that this ancient paradigm has determined not only the events of modern times but also their timing—even down to the exact dates? Jonathan Cahn, who caused an international stir with his New York Times best-selling book The Harbinger , will take you from the ancient Middle East to the news of the modern world on a journey you will never forget. Prepare to uncover the mystery behind your world that will shock and amaze you as you begin a journey of nearly three thousand years, from an arid Middle Eastern landscape to American soil, from ancient palaces to the White House, from ruthless kings and queens to mysterious priests and priestesses, secrets and scandals, idols and gods, prophets and holy men, signs, portents, wonders, and harbingers—as you discover how each of these things holds a mystery that has determined your world and touched your life.

With fresh insights and practical ideas, Hodges encourages Christians struggling with our cultural reality to hold God’s standards high and his grace deep—just as Jesus did, and just as his followers today are called to do. Lysa TerKeurst is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the New York Times bestselling author of Uninvited and The Best Yes .

Visioneering, according to bestselling author Andy Stanley, is “a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be.” With warm, down-to-earth practicality, Andy Stanley explores the ordinary life of Nehemiah and his God-given vision for accomplishing the extraordinary. Whether you’re a parent with a vision for your children or a CEO pursuing a corporate vision, Visioneering is the perfect tool to help you develop and maintain God’s unique purpose for your life. Andy Stanley is a pastor, communicator, author, and the founder of North Point Ministries (NPM). Andy and his wife, Sandra, live in Alpharetta, Georgia, and have three children. On December 17, 1903, at 10:35 a.m., Orville Wright secured his place in history by executing the first powered and sustained flight from level ground. For twelve gravity-defying seconds he flew 120 feet along the dunes of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. But what most children abandon to the domain of fantasy, Orville and Wilbur Wright seized upon as potential reality. Wilbur described the birth of their vision this way: Our personal interest in it [aviation] dates from our childhood days. Late in the autumn of 1878, our father came into the house one evening with some object partly concealed in his hands, and before we could see what it was, he tossed it into the air. It was a little toy, known to scientists as a “hélicoptère,” but which we, with sublime disregard for science, at once dubbed a “bat.”. It was a light frame of cork and bamboo, covered with paper, which formed two screws, driven in opposite directions by rubber bands under torsion. A toy so delicate lasted only a short time in the hands of small boys, but its memory was abiding. This childhood experience sparked in the boys an insatiable desire to fly. In doing so, they stumbled upon the principles of physics that would pave the way to their first successful manned flight. If I were to boil it down to a formula, it would look something like this: VISIONEERING = INSPIRATION + CONVICTION +. ACTION + DETERMINATION + COMPLETION Destinations Life is a journey. Where you will end up in the various roles you play; what you will accomplish personally, professionally, domestically, and spiritually. A clear vision, along with the courage to follow through, dramatically increases your chances of coming to the end of your life, looking back with a deep abiding satisfaction, and thinking, I did it. Without a clear vision, odds are you will come to the end of your life and wonder. And let’s face it, much of what we do doesn’t appear to matter much when evaluated apart from some larger context or purpose. But take the minutia of this very day, drop it into the cauldron of a God-ordained vision, stir them around, and suddenly there is purpose! It is the difference between filling bags with dirt and building a dike in order to save a town. Building a dike gives meaning to the chore of filling bags with dirt. Too many times the routines of life begin to feel like shoveling dirt. Specifically, vision weaves four things into the fabric of our daily experience. The thing that makes daydreaming so enjoyable is the emotion that piggybacks on those mind’s-eye images. When we allow our thoughts to wander outside the walls of reality, our feelings are quick to follow. A clear, focused vision actually allows us to experience ahead of time the emotions associated with our anticipated future. Even the most lifeless, meaningless task or routine can begin to “feel” good when it is attached to a vision. Through the avenue of vision, the feelings reserved for tomorrow are channeled back into our present reality. Being the preacher’s son, my primary realm of influence (and acceptance) was church. So I would put up with the traffic, the gas bills, and even leaving their houses early enough to be home by curfew. I was committed to what could be (being on the other side of Atlanta) as opposed to what was (sitting at home in Tucker). The details, chores, and routines of life become a worthwhile means to a planned-for end. Find me a man or woman who lacks motivation and I’ll show you someone with little or no vision. Vision is a big part of the reason you completed college or graduate school. Think of all the seemingly wasted hours of study and class time. Even then you knew that much of what you were memorizing for tests was a waste of time and effort. long years you endured science labs, European history, research papers, and lectures. Like most serious musicians, I accumulated quite a collection of gear: recording equipment, guitars, keyboards, drum machines, and several miles of cable. When Sandra and I were married, she allowed me the luxury of setting up a small studio in the basement of our condominium. It was not unusual for me to retreat to my studio after dinner and emerge just in time for breakfast. As Andrew began to look less like a baby and more like a little boy, I started to give serious thought to my relationship with my children. Having spent ten years working with teenagers, I had a frighteningly clear picture of what could be and what should not be! My vision for my family dictated that I put musical pursuits on hold. There was no way I would be able to develop the relationship I envisioned with my children while pursuing my musical aspirations. A clear vision has the power to bring what’s most important to the surface of your schedule and lifestyle. A clear vision makes it easy to weed out of your life those things that stand in the way of achieving what matters most. A vision makes you an important link between current reality and the future. The Divine Element Granted, you have probably heard or read this type of stuff before. Honoring God involves discovering his picture or vision of what our lives could and should be. With that in mind, rethink the implications of this familiar verse: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. And through Christ he has brought about, and continues to bring about, changes in you in accordance with his picture of what you could and should be. More to This Life All that to say, as Christians, we do not have a right to take our talents, abilities, experiences, opportunities, and education and run off in any direction we please. Missing out on God’s plan for our lives must be the greatest tragedy this side of eternity. Granted, this world offers a truckload of options when it comes to possible visions to pursue. But you were tailor-made, carefully crafted, minutely detailed for a selected divine agenda. His individual vision for your life is a small part of a plan he envisioned and put in motion long before you or I came on the scene—but now I’m jumping ahead. Without God’s vision, you may find yourself in the all too common position of looking back on a life that was given to accumulating green pieces of paper with pictures of dead presidents on them. But let’s face it, at each milestone in your pursuit of more stuff, you feel like you did as a kid after all the presents were opened on Christmas morning. This is why it is imperative that you discover and participate in God’s multifaceted vision for your life. Your uniqueness and individuality will reach its pinnacle in the context of your pursuit of God’s plan for your life. _ _ _ In the pages that follow, you will encounter several features that will assist you in establishing or clarifying God’s vision for your life. Here is where you can start laying down the details of a plan that will insure activation of your vision. Finally, at the end of the book is a small group discussion guide. A small group will help you sharpen your vision and provide accountability as you pursue God’s plan for your life. Let’s face it, if we could heal at will, part the Red Sea with the flick of a wrist, or walk on water, it would make the process of accomplishing our goals much simpler. Vision is born in the soul of a man or woman who is consumed with the tension between what is and what could be. It is this element that catapults men and women out of the realm of passive concern and into action. Vision requires visionaries, people who have allowed their minds and hearts to wander outside the artificial boundaries imposed by the world as it is. Once upon a Time… Around 587 BC, the Babylonians invaded Judah and destroyed the city of Jerusalem, along with Solomon’s temple. On all three occasions the Babylonians took a number of Israelites as captives and resettled them in Babylon. Under the leadership of a man named Zerubbabel, these exiled Jews returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple. But the people refused to turn away from. the very sins God had judged their ancestors for in the days of Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar. The Jews continued to adopt the religious practices and culture of the surrounding nations. By the time our story begins, the political, social, and spiritual conditions in Jerusalem were deplorable. Meanwhile, back in Persia, a Jewish fellow named Nehemiah heard about the plight of his homeland—and he felt something. Little did he know these deep feelings were the initial birth pains of a vision that people would be reading about thousands of years later. In fact, for anyone trying to clarify the right vision to pursue, a good question to ask is simply this: “What breaks my heart?” Most social reform movements that have made a positive impact in the world began with a broken-hearted leader. I think of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his heart for the oppressed in black America. Every significant nonprofit organization that has positively impacted this world began with a brokenhearted leader. He then went on to found World Vision so the same kind of help could be offered to needy children around the globe. But neither did he allow his daily responsibilities to distract him from the burden that had gripped his heart. Developing or discovering a vision for a particular area of our lives takes time. But it is a process that yields a product worth every bit of the agony along the way. Revving our vision engines at the starting line feels like a waste of time. This sense of “time is awasting” is the very thing that compels people To move out too soon. Time allows us to distinguish between good ideas and visions worth throwing the weight of our life behind. Waiting gives us a chance to examine our emotions and sort our minor concerns from major ones. Knowing these guys as well as I did, I’m sure that if they had had the opportunity to sign up and ship out on the day they sensed God’s call on their lives, they would have both headed for the airport. During the process of finishing college, Chip slowly began to lose interest. But Chip followed through with that vision and became active in his local church and effective in the ministry of lifestyle evangelism. Let’s face it, a good motivational speaker can cast such a compelling vision that before you know it you feel like it is your own. As we wait, God will shape and mature ideas into visions that can survive in the real world. If you saw The Empire Strikes Back, you remember the scene in which Luke wants to go rescue his friends before he has finished his Jedi Knight training. They are my friends; I must help them.”. Yoda finally issues a dire warning, “If you leave now, help them you could, but you will destroy all for which they have fought and suffered.”. But Luke is determined to go. In the case of a divinely ordered vision God goes to work in you to prepare you for what he knows lies ahead. Maybe that’s why he inspired the apostle to write the next phrase: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (verse 14). My guess is that without a vision, our willingness to allow God to prepare us would be greatly diminished. Who would suffer the headache of college or graduate school without the vision of job opportunities? Now I don’t know if he actually sat down and calculated how long it would take to deliver Israel by killing one Egyptian at a time. It took Moses forty years to grow into the vision God had designed for him. Meanwhile, back in Egypt, another generation or two dies at the hands of Egyptian taskmasters. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident his service to the king of Persia was in fact his desert experience. For this was a man with immense leadership ability who awoke every day to do a job that tapped little or none of those skills. Do you wake up every day to circumstances that have absolutely nothing remotely to do with the vision you sense God is developing in you? David, the teenage king, spent years hiding in caves. And Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the very king whose ancestors had destroyed the city he longed to rebuild! But from what I read in the Scriptures, I would guess the time required for God to grow you into his vision for your life will be somewhere between four months and forty years. There seems to be a correlation between the preparation time and the magnitude of the task to which we are called. Leading God’s people out of four hundred years of slavery required more than a four-year degree. In the case of a divinely ordered vision, God is working behind the scenes to prepare the way. Ultimately, we are taking part in a massive assault that began one dark afternoon on a hill just outside of Jerusalem. Apart from his intervention and preparation, you and I are incapable of pulling off even our small part of the operation. And he knew that apart from divine intervention there was no way in the world he would be able to take part in the reconstruction of Jerusalem. In fact, as we will see in the next chapter, he went so far as to think through exactly what it would take to pull off a project of that magnitude. Once they feel their idea is from God, they assume all systems are go and they need to quit their jobs, step out on faith, and begin. But the story of Nehemiah, along with numerous other biblical accounts, illustrates the truth that a clear vision does not necessarily indicate a green light to begin. In fact, I have witnessed a good many people with what seemed to be God-ordained visions charge out of the starting gates too early. As a pastor I have counseled with dozens of men and women who were in the process of determining the source of a concern or burden they carried. While developing the material for this book I interviewed several Christian men and women who have visioneered ideas into successful enterprises. If it is God who has begun painting a picture of what could and should be on the canvas of your heart, over time you will begin to sense that not to follow through would be tantamount to an act of disobedience. Time allows your heavenly Father to transition what begins as an idea into a moral compulsion. A second indicator is that there will always be alignment between a divinely originated vision and God’s master plan for this age. As we said at the outset, at Calvary we lost our right to devise our own plans and pursue our own agendas. All divinely inspired visions are in some way tied into God’s master plan. Whether it is loving your wife, investing in your kids, witnessing to your neighbor, launching a ministry, or starting a company, every divinely placed burden has a link to a bigger picture. It was Israel’s strategic role in God’s plan that made Nehemiah’s vision so compelling. Visions are often born in the soul of a man or woman who is gripped by a tension between what is and what should be.

This is the complete Christian Apocrypha as it appeared in pre-1666 King James Bibles. The hidden texts of the Old Testament world - the Apocrypha are the books written at the same time, but not officially accepted.