The study of the so-called General or Catholic Epistles has been hampered, argues Ben Witherington, by the failure to properly discern their genre. Several of these "letters" are much better understood as homilies--although, like the rest of the New Testament, they are situation specific. In this first of three volumes, Witherington extends his innovative socio-rhetorical analysis of New Testament books to the latter-Pauline and non-Pauline corpora, placing each text within its socioreligious milieu and illuminating the particular issues that confronted each congregation as well as the rhetorical strategies employed by each author in addressing those issues. Throughout, Witherington shows his thorough knowledge of recent literature on these texts and focuses his attention on the unique insights brought about through socio-rhetorical analysis that either reinforce or correct those gleaned from other approaches. Strikingly, based on his rhetorical analysis of the Pastorals, he makes the case for Luke as Paul's amanuensis for these letters. He also makes a strenuous argument against New Testament pseudepigrapha. "Bridging the Horizons" sections point to the relevance of the text for believers today, making this volume of special value to pastors and general readers as well as to students and scholars.

Letters and Homilies for Hellenized Christians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on Titus, 1-2 Timothy and 1-3 John (Volume 1) (Letters and Homilies Series)

Witherington III, Ben

Religion & Spirituality

IVP Kids

It's bedtime again, but Isaiah can't sleep. It seems he's got too many things on his mind: things he's worried about. So Mom helps Isaiah imagine what it would be like if each of his worries were a block that he could stash in his backpack.As Isaiah imagines hiking through the woods carrying his worry pack, he discovers the joy and relief of trusting Jesus with everything--especially those worries.This tender story written by Ruth Goring, paired with Pamela C. Rice's warm illustrations, will be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content.Discover IVP Kids and share with children the things that matter to God!

Isaiah and the Worry Pack: Learning to Trust God with All Our Fear and Anxiety

Children's Books

Goring, Ruth

Literature & Fiction

2021 Bronze Moonbeam Children's Book AwardOn the night before Christmas, so the old stories say, Saint Nicholas rides in a magical sleigh. But what is the truth, and what are the legends? Who is this giftgiver, and why all the presents?Around Christmas we spend a lot of time thinking about presents, but have you ever wondered why we give gifts? Learn about the life of Saint Nicholas and discover why he became known as one of the greatest giftgivers of all time.Told as a delightful poem, this colorfully illustrated book will be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content. Discover IVP Kids and share with children the things that matter to God.

Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: The History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus

Bustard, Ned

Biographies

Review\n"In her beloved book Spiritual Conversations with Children, Lacy Finn Borgo tells us about placing a small round stone in a child's hand as a reminder that God is present and loves them no matter what happens. This tangible reminder comes to life through the falling of a hazelnut in the pages of this beautifully written book for children. The story of All Will Be Well moves us from the impending death of a beloved grandmother to gracefully engaging the wisdom of a great saint of our Christian heritage, Julian of Norwich, whose wisdom and legacy move throughout the pages in a tangible connection of love and hope. 'She rolled the hazelnut around in her hand and remembered that God loved her.'" -- Trevecca Okholm, author of The Grandparenting Effect: Bridging Generations One Story at a Time\n"Lacy Finn Borgo's love for children and the things that trouble them shows forth beautifully in this comforting story that weaves the cares and sadness of a contemporary girl, Julian, with the life of ancient Julian of Norwich. The comfort of God comes through clearly as modern Julian realizes that 'all will be well.' Rebecca Evans's attractive illustrations depict the story line in a way that helps children grasp the truth Borgo is communicating." -- Scottie May, coauthor of Listening to Children on the Spiritual Journey and associate professor of Christian formation and ministry emerita, Wheaton College\n"Lacy Finn Borgo has a heart for children and hearing their encounters with God, and that is evident in her new book. This is a beautiful story on grief and hope wrapped in wonder and family, and it includes a retelling of Julian of Norwich's story. This book will no doubt become a classic for parents and ministry leaders, who often look for resources for children on death and grief." -- Mimi L. Larson, assistant professor of educational ministries at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and coeditor of Bridging Theory and Practice in Children's Spirituality: New Directions for Education, Ministry, and Discipleship\n"Then when you don't see me anymore, I will be where God is," said Mima, "because God loves you and God loves me, 'All will be well, all will be well, everything will be well.'" 
Mima is very sick, and just thinking about it makes Julian very sad and very angry. Julian is worried about Mima and wonders if God can hear her or if God cares. So Mima explains to Julian that God loves us and that God can be trusted―even when we are sad or angry. This gentle story of a grandmother's love for her granddaughter incorporates the timeless wisdom of Julian of Norwich: because of God's great love for us, all will be well. 
Written by Lacy Finn Borgo and beautifully illustrated by Rebecca Evans, All Will Be Well tackles the sensitive subjects of death and grief in a way that can be understood by children when adults read thoughtfully with them. Also included is a note from the author to facilitate further conversation about the content. 
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All Will Be Well: Learning to Trust God's Love

Finn Borgo, Lacy

No longer is church a divided spaceNow it's a celebration place!Church is more than just a building--it's a gathering of God's people to celebrate who he is and all that he has done. It's also where we learn about God's vision for justice and unity. That was the message that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared, and it continues to be an important message for us today. Because of God's great love, church should be the best celebration place!This delightful rhyme, accompanied by colorful illustrations, will be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content.Discover IVP Kids and share with children the things that matter to God!

The Celebration Place: God's Plan for a Delightfully Diverse Church

Williamson, Dorena

What do an orangutan, an ostrich, an orange, and the ocean all have in common?They all begin with the letter O!But other words also have an O--words like mouth or moon or wow,and even the word hope.Combining a joyful poem from the much-celebrated poet Luci Shaw with playful cut-paper art created by Ned Bustard, The O in Hope helps us experience the goodness of God's gifts of hope and love.This delightful book can be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content.Discover IVP Kids and share with children the things that matter to God!

The O in Hope: A Poem of Wonder

Shaw, Luci

From the moment we awake in the morning until we go back to bed, every day is filled with ordinary moments that allow us to connect with God.Little Prayers for Ordinary Days is a collection of short prayers for children to pray in the midst of their day: on the way to school, after seeing a friend, when noticing a bird in the tree, or looking at the stars, or during any of their comings and goings.This collection of simple prayers, accompanied by winsome and playful art, will bring delight to readers of all ages. Intended as a faith formation tool for Christian families to use together, this book is perfect for parents who want to incorporate liturgy and prayer into their family discipleship and home life.Share these prayers with the children you love and help them to begin to recognize the nearness of God.

Little Prayers for Ordinary Days

Warren, Tish Harrison

Oakes, Flo Paris

Bowser Hutson, Katy

Religions

Review\n"Every page and picture in this little book brings a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. For a Black girl with textured hair like me, it is both nostalgic and meaningful. Esau's pen is always powerful, but here it is very likely the most personal―a father's love letter to his beloved and beautiful brown-skinned daughter. Dear reader, Josie's story will remind you―and every young girl attached to you―that your uniqueness is a reflection of the Father's creative genius. And then it will invite you to embrace every curl and to love the skin you're in." -- Priscilla Shirer\n"Esau paints a beautiful picture of how we can weave biblical teaching into the ordinary stuff of life, like a visit to the salon for your daughter's extraordinarily gorgeous hair. Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit will help you share about the image of God, the gospel for all nations, and the Holy Spirit, all while helping your child gain the invaluable knowledge that she is fearfully and wonderfully made." -- Trillia Newbell, author of The Big Wide Welcome and God's Very Good Idea\n"God has created beauty in diversity. But in a world that can be uniquely unkind to our Black girls, I have known the responsibility and privilege of intentionally celebrating their inner and outer glory. In Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit, Esau McCaulley reminds me of deep conversations with my own beautiful daughters, appreciating their differences, affirming God's love, and telling them they are valuable beyond measure. This message is for today." -- Benjamin Watson, author of Under Our Skin and The New Dad's Playbook\nJerry Pinkney Children's Book Award 
When Josey wonders why people are so different, Dad helps her understand that our differences aren't a mistake. In fact, we have many differences because God is creative! 
Josie is spending the day with Dad―getting her hair braided at Monique's Beauty Shop, and picking out a new red dress for Sunday. Because Sunday is Pentecost! In the process, she learns to celebrate the differences she sees all around her as part of God's plan for his creation. 
Children and the adults who read with them are invited to join Josey as she learns of God's wonderfully diverse design. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content. 
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Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit

McCaulley, Esau

GOLD MOM'S CHOICE AWARD\nGod, right here. 
God, right there. 
God's handiwork is everywhere. 
Yellow daffodils, flying seagulls, bright orange pumpkins, and swirling snowflakes―God's handiwork can be found all throughout nature, and every season is full of beauty and wonder. Everywhere we look, no matter the time of year, the wonders of creation remind us that God is always with us, always right here. 
Written by Kara Lawler and beautifully illustrated by Jennie Poh, this celebration of God's creation and the changing seasons can be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content. 
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God, Right Here: Meeting God in the Changing Seasons

Lawler, Kara

Children with disabilities often struggle to fit in, but church can be a place where everyone is welcome and included! When I Go to Church, I Belong follows the story of six children, helping us better understand the experiences and feelings of those with special needs. And it reminds us that even though we have our differences, we also have so much in common. Written by Elrena Evans and illustrated by Rebecca Evans, this message of inclusion and belonging can be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content. Discover IVP Kids and share with children the things that matter to God!

When I Go to Church, I Belong: Finding My Place in God's Family as a Child with Special Needs

Evans, Elrena

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