Showing results for "LETTERS" in Ministry & Evangelism

In the form of warm, relaxed letters to a close friend, C. S. Lewis meditates on many puzzling questions concerning the intimate dialogue between man and God. He considers practical and metaphysical aspects of prayer, such as when we pray and where. He questions why we seek to inform God in our prayers if he is omniscient, whether there is an ideal form of prayer, and which of our many selves we show to God while praying.

Brother Lawrence, a 17th century cook and shoe repairman in a monastery in Paris, was known for his peaceful devotion to God. Though not formally educated, his life experiences in war and his humble service in the priory led others to look to him for wise counsel. His words were later collected into this marvelous short audiobook that has inspired Christians for centuries. The Practice of the Presence of God has been of great help to believers such as John Wesley and A.W. Tozer.

Dive into St. Jeromes most renowned letter, Libellus de virginitate servanda, addressed to St. Eustochium, the young daughter of St. Paula. In this compelling correspondence, St. Jerome passionately encourages Eustochium to embrace the path of virginity while imparting essential lessons on the conduct of a virtuous young woman. Within its pages, you will find his reflections on topics such as the irreversible nature of a fallen virgin (§5), a striking portrayal of fasting and temptation (§7), his unyielding stance on abortion as murder (§13), and the notion of holy pride in virginity (§16)...

The letters of John Knox provide a unique glimpse into his character and temperament, often more revealing than his formal writings. To fully appreciate the rich allusions within, one must consider his domestic life during his time in England. While residing in Berwick, Knox developed a close relationship with Mrs. Bowes, and a deep bond blossomed with her daughter, Marjory, with the mother’s enthusiastic approval for their union. However, this match faced fierce opposition from Marjorys relatives, particularly Sir Thomas Bowes, a notable diplomat who believed that an alliance with an ...

An in-depth study of Romans from today's foremost interpreter of Paul. Romans is often and for good reason considered a crux of Christian thought and theology, the greatest of Paul's letters. And within Romans, chapter 8 is one of the most spectacular pieces of early Christian writing. But to...

While Paul is in Corinth, A.D. 50 – 52, he writes three epistles, two to the church in Thessalonica and one to the churches in Galatia. Paul spends only “three Sabbath days” in Thessalonica (Acts 17: 2) and he encounters such opposition that “as soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea” (Acts 17: 16), lest they be stoned.

Titus is classified among Paul’s letters, but I put it in this lesson before turning to the General Epistles. The General Epistles are all those correspondences written by anyone other than Paul: Hebrews, once attributed to Paul, is now attributed to an anonymous author, someone in Paul’s inner circle; James is attributed to “James, the Lord’s brother” and the leader of the church in Jerusalem (Galatians 1: 19); 1 & 2 Peter are attributed to the Apostle Peter; 1,2,3 John are attributed to the Apostle John; and Jude is attributed to Jude, another of the Lord’s brothers (Matthew 13: 55).

What does the word "church" mean to you? Jesus said the church is His and that He would build it. He also said the church is a group of people, not a place. This study looks at the spiritual condition of the church throughout history. These letters are from Jesus to real churches with real conditions and have significant application to our lives today.

Have you ever felt in over your head? When Eric Peterson became the pastor of a brand-new church, he quickly and wisely turned to his dad for guidance. Eugene Peterson, author of more than 30 books, including his best-selling memoir The Pastor and his groundbreaking Bible The Message, here reflects on pastoral ministry in all its complexity - from relationships to administration to the sheer audacity of leading God’s people in a particular place. This is Eugene Peterson at his best - lifelong wisdom written with deep love.

Dive into the profound insights of Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 20 February 1878 until his passing in 1903 at the remarkable age of 93. Born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci, he was not only the oldest pope in history but also one of the most intellectually vibrant, shaping modern Catholic social teachings through his groundbreaking encyclical, Rerum Novarum. Known affectionately as the Rosary Pope, he authored an impressive eleven encyclicals on the rosary alone. This collection brings together thirty of his most influential encyclicals and letters, addressing a rich tapestry of ...

In On the Spirit and the Letter, St. Augustine responds to Tribune Marcellinus, who expressed surprise at the claim that man could live sinlessly with divine assistance. Marcellinus questioned how something could be deemed possible if there are no examples to prove it. Augustine passionately defends the concept of grace, illustrating that while the law is good and holy, it alone cannot save us; it often amplifies our guilt when we know our duties but lack the ability to fulfill them. He emphasizes the necessity of the Spirit’s support, which fills our hearts with grace, enabling us to love ...

Delve into the profound insights of Pope Pius IX, the longest-reigning pontiff since St. Peter, who authored over forty Encyclicals during his remarkable thirty-two-year papacy (1846-1878). This collection features twenty-six of his pivotal letters, offering a unique glimpse into the thoughts and teachings of a transformative era in the Church. (Summary by M.S.C. Lambert, LC)

Discover a remarkable collection of 10 out of the 12 Encyclicals penned by Pope Benedict XV, who served as Pope from 1914 to 1922. While public domain English translations of In Hac Tanta and Principi Apostolorum Petro were not found for this compilation, the remaining letters offer profound insights into the Churchs teachings during a tumultuous time in history. Join Maria Therese as she presents these important works.

Journey back to 1841 and 1842 as Fr. Pierre-Jean DeSmet navigates the rugged and untamed American West, driven by a mission to share the gospel with the Flatheads. These Native Americans had sent numerous delegations from Montana to St. Louis, pleading for a Blackgown priest to guide them in their Christian faith. Fr. DeSmets heartfelt letters to his Jesuit Superiors reveal not only his extraordinary commitment and selflessness but also the trials he faced—fatigue, hunger, thirst, and dangers that echo the challenges of the apostle St. Paul. Alongside his spiritual quest, he offers ...

Discover the heartfelt correspondence of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (1572 – 1641), a revered Roman Catholic Saint who founded The Congregation of the Visitation following her husbands death. Guided by her spiritual mentors, including St. Francis de Sales and later St. Vincent de Paul, her letters—written between 1611 and 1641—offer a glimpse into her profound faith and relationships with her children, relatives, fellow nuns, and other spiritual seekers. Join us as we explore the wisdom and warmth of her written words, beautifully narrated by Maria Therese.

During his eleven-year pontificate from 1903 to 1914, Pope St. Pius X authored 16 encyclicals, each addressing pivotal topics such as the lives of saints, The Immaculate Conception, The Restoration of All Things in Christ, and Catholic Social Action. This collection features 14 of his significant encyclicals, capturing the essence of his teachings. Notably, his most famous encyclical, Pascendi, is available separately at this link Pascendi Dominici Gregis (Summary by Maria Therese).

In the remarkable collection of letters by Newton, we uncover a profound and sacred purpose that resonates throughout his writings. His keen insights into human nature, paired with astute observations of the world around him, make these letters not only fascinating but also deeply enriching. Newtons distinctive style perfectly complements the intimate nature of epistolary communication, allowing readers to engage with his thoughts on a personal level. Most strikingly, these letters reveal an extraordinary depth of experiential knowledge regarding the power of faith, illuminating the essence of...

Discover the profound insights of Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903) through his collection of eighty-eight Encyclicals penned during his remarkable twenty-five-year pontificate (1878-1903). This compilation features fifty-six of his most impactful letters, delving into a wide array of topics including the Rosary, socialism, Christian marriage, labor rights, freemasonry, the relationship between Church and state, human liberty, dueling, the Holy Eucharist, and much more. Join Maria Therese as she brings these timeless teachings to life.

Dive into Letters from Hell, a captivating Christian fantasy novel that echoes the thought-provoking essence of C.S. Lewis The Screwtape Letters. Narrated by Otto, who has met an untimely demise, this work unfolds through his poignant letters detailing the torments and regrets born from a life steeped in self-indulgence. As he reflects on his own fate and that of other lost souls in Hell—a temporary holding place before the final judgment—readers are invited on a journey of discovery and introspection. The narrative is further enriched by a preface from the esteemed George MacDonald. - ...

The Book of Titus offers practical guidance for building strong, healthy Christian communities. This short letter emphasizes sound teaching, wise leadership, and the importance of living out one’s faith through good works. In this study, readers explore its themes of integrity, encouragement, and everyday Christian living, gaining a clear and accessible understanding of Paul’s message to Titus.