The Lord's Prayer is the most recited, most memorized, and most studied text in the Bible. This prayer of Jesus, found in two versions in Matthew and Luke, has been extolled for its simplicity and beauty, for its reflection of "real life," and for its vision of the consummated kingdom. It also contains several conundrums: what does it mean to "hallow" the Father's name? What relationship does our forgiveness of others have with God's forgiveness for us? If God does not tempt, why would we pray "Lead us not into temptation"? This commentary not only addresses these important questions but also offers insight into how the global church throughout generations has interacted with the Lord's Prayer and has found in it inspiration and hope.

The Lord's Prayer [with Cdrom] (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary)

Religion & Spirituality

Nijay K. Gupta

Christian Books & Bibles

Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc.

Waiting in the wings is an untapped power that can transform the craft of preaching.
It isn’t studied or taught because it has been mistaken as trivial or simply the means to get a laugh. What is this ignored superpower? The art of stand-up comedy. In Preaching Punchlines: The Ten Commandments of Comedy, Susan Sparks brings two decades of experience as a preacher and a professional stand-up to mine the strategies comedians have employed for years. Lessons include framing messages that people will listen to, remember, and share; finding your creative voice; building bridges and community; and bringing full authenticity in the pulpit. The art of stand-up comedy is not just about jokes; it’s about developing intimacy, honesty, and trust—three dynamics that must be present before any sermon is truly heard.
Praise for Preaching Punchlines: The Ten Commandments of Comedy:
"With what I’ve learned, I just may show up preaching at a church near you." —Lewis Black, Comedian 
"…this lively, practical, and searching book…will make seasoned (i.e., jaded) preachers think again and look at what is demanded of them in what ought to be the joyful role of communicating the divine comedy of healing and transfiguration." —Rowan (not Atkinson, alas) Williams, Former Archbishop of Canterbury 
"A preacher with a motorcycle, cowboy boots, a wicked sense of humor, and a heart that warms you like a huge Southern-style breakfast. That’s my pastor!" —Tamron Hall, Broadcast journalist and television host

Preaching Punchlines: The Ten Commandments of Comedy

Sparks, Susan

The Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series, written by accomplished biblical scholars with all students of the Bible in mind, presents relevant scholarship in an accessible way. A visual generation of believers deserves a commentary series that contains not only the all-important textual commentary on Scripture but also images, photographs, maps, works of fine art, and drawings that bring the text to life. Visually stimulating and user-friendly format, Insight from many of today's finest scholars, Accompanying CD-ROM featuring powerful searching and research tools, Format that is ideal in a college/seminary classroom or church setting, Distinctive hyperlinks that connect special interest boxes, Thorough indexes enabling the reader to locate information quickly, Internet support for news, information, updates, and enhancements to the series Book jacket.

Joshua [with Cdrom] (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary)

Carolyn J. Sharp

Genesis 25b-50 [with Cdrom] (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary)

Kathleen M. O'Connor

Randall Lolley: Thanks for the Memories

Steve Pressley

"This is a book of essays celebrating and honoring the memory of Jim Pitts, a longtime pastor and Furman University chaplain. There are many common themes, but collectively these memories, reflections, and essays portray a remarkable life invested in others through his subtle and sometimes not so subtle influences, which have changed lives and even the world"--

Walk with Me: Memories, Reflections, and Essays Celebrating the Life of James Milton Pitts

Cecil P. Staton and John Adams, eds.

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Books by Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc.