The overall goal is to reach out to nonbelievers and Christians who may have questions regarding the afterlife or who are searching for assurances of salvation.

FULLERTON, Calif. (PRWEB)
May 23, 2023

In “Salvation from the Lake of Fire: The Beauty of John 3:16”,” author Elisabeth Christine Nelson attempts to tackle the controversial subject of eternal punishment in hell and offers hope of salvation through Jesus Christ in easy-to-understand terms. The overall goal is to reach out to nonbelievers and Christians who may have questions regarding the afterlife or who are searching for assurances of salvation.

“My goal is to reach people regarding their soul’s eternal destination, preferably Heaven,” said Nelson. “This book will help people follow a road of discovery as they find truthful answers to their questions.”

Nelson invites readers to share her journey as she describes scriptures searches and disseminating the information. She positions this as a guidebook to understanding what the Bible says about salvation, but she encourages interested parties to read the scriptures for themselves.

“I was personally impacted on a spiritual level while working on this project, and I gained a more profound spiritual intimacy with the Holy Spirit,” said Nelson. “The Holy Spirit is our helper and teacher, and I hope readers learn to tap into Him more often.”

“Salvation from the Lake of Fire: The Beauty of John 3:16”

By Elisabeth Christine Nelson

ISBN: 9781664229983 (softcover); 9781664229976 (hardcover); 9781664229990 (electronic)

Available at Westbow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Elisabeth Christine Nelson has a heartfelt desire to share God’s message of love and redemption. She focused on completing this book after retiring in late 2019. She has plans to write on various theological subjects and is a volunteer member of her church’s care team. Elisabeth, an alumnus of California State University, Long Beach, was the first woman in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree; others have followed. She has one adult daughter and lives in Southern California. To learn more, please visit http://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/812326-salvation-from-the-lake-of-fire.

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The State of Church Giving through 2020 Figure 21

For example, in the year 1700, per capita GDP in the world was $625 and in the U.S., $527. By 1998, the world per capita GDP was $5,709 and the U.S. was $27,331, in 1990 inflation-adjusted dollars.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (PRWEB)
May 23, 2023

Church member giving as a percent of income was down again in 2020, according empty tomb ‘s new edition, The State of Church Giving through 2020. What’s needed to reverse the trend is summed up in the subtitle: A Theology for an Age of Affluence.

The data presented in the 32nd edition of the series shows that the downward trend in giving extends back to 1968.

Yet, according to the study’s authors, the potential for church members to increase giving is great. And they write that a broad vision can serve as a positive agenda for the affluence that has been spreading in the U.S. since about 1820.

Other findings in the new book:

• 
  The downward trend in the portion of income given to the church has been accompanied by a decline in the portion of church membership in the U.S. population.
• The downward giving trends are evident across the theological spectrum.
• Although more dollars were given by members, incomes increased faster. As a result, the dollars given represented a smaller part of available income. Further, of the increase in dollars given, the largest part stayed in the congregation to pay for operations.
• Of the money that comes into the church, an average of 2¢ of each dollar was forwarded by the congregations to the denominations’ international mission outreach. This amount contrasts with an average of 8¢ in a group of 11 denominations from 1916 through 1927.

Yet, the new book’s authors believe church members in the U.S. can use their potential for good.

• Churches still have some of the most effective communication systems and delivery networks that reach the neediest parts of the world.
• The church still claims one of the largest identity groups in the U.S., made up of a broadly-based constituency.
• The church has a clear and established framework that sets the expectation that members should use their power, in this case their financial resources, for the good of others.
• According to an analysis in the book of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey data for 2020, young people, in the Under-25 age group, again reported that the vast majority of their charitable giving – 81% in 2020 – went to “church, religious organizations.” That suggests that religious settings are a key source of philanthropy education in young people.

So, how do the authors explain the disconnect between practice and potential?

The answer may be seen in the subtitle, A Theology for an Age of Affluence. Chapter 8 of the new book explores how church leaders can rethink the challenge they present to their members.

The first section of chapter 8 builds on the Angus Maddison analysis of per capita Gross Domestic Product from the Year 0 through 1998 AD. His analysis is in inflation-adjusted dollars. Numbers for the world (from the Year 0) and the U.S. (since 1500) are presented.

For example, in the year 1700, per capita GDP in the world was $625 and in the U.S., $527. By 1998, the world per capita GDP was $5,709 and the U.S. was $27,331, in 1990 inflation-adjusted dollars.

Ten points along the chart’s Year 0 through 1998 AD axis explore various developments in the church and the world. One observation from these points is that, as people became increasingly affluent, they became more interested in their present existence. For example, the phrase “pie in the sky” was not coined until 1911.

The second section of the chapter observes trends in society that have accompanied a lack of a theology for an age of affluence offered by the church. Problems, such as increased violence, increased “deaths of despair” from drugs and alcohol, and increased youth mental health difficulties have been observed during the period that church member giving as a portion of income has declined. A table in this section quotes various church leaders concerned about the condition of the church.

The third section of chapter 8 considers elements of what might be included in a theology for an age of affluence. Eight topics, each built on a verse, are considered, for example: “Believe Jesus” (John 14:12); “More than consumers” (Romans 12:2); and “Created for a Purpose” (Eph. 2:8-10).

The authors suggest that the church needs to offer a positive agenda for the affluence that has been flooding – and overwhelming – U.S. society, including church members, beginning in about 1820.

The authors cite available documents about one of the worst ongoing emergencies in the world, which is the rate of children under the age of five dying from treatable causes. Three leading causes are pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria. Neonatal deaths are a large percentage of the total number.

The authors suggest that church leaders could tap the imaginations of their members to meet this critical need. Potential resources of church members shared in Jesus’ name through present delivery structures can help increase child survival.

The new book, The State of Church Giving through 2020: A Theology for an Age of Affluence, is the 32nd edition in the empty tomb series. The book is available from Wipf and Stock: (541) 344-1528 or info@wipfandstock.com.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB)
May 18, 2023

Christie Black announces her entry to the publishing scene with the release of “Call Her Faith: Seek Peace, Find Self, Know Love” (published by Archway Publishing), a collection of poetry that reflects on a young woman’s 16-year journey through a multitude of experiences as she battled her fear to discover the gift of self-love.

In this book, Black penned poetry that tells a poignant story of heartbreak and trauma, hope and faith, depression and despair, and new life and love. Told in three parts—Seek Peace, Find Self, Know Love—Call Her Faith reflects on an inner battle between fear and love.

An excerpt from the book reads:

And how may I keep my faith strong?

“Allow the beat of your heart and the flow of your breath,

the beauty of nature and the breeze of the wind,

the light of the moon and the mysteries of the universe

to remind you of how much you are loved.”

And this is no more than a reminder of the message of absolute love.

“The battle between fear and love is a universal concept that all humanity can relate to,” Black says. She adds, “this collection of poetry serves to encourage the belief that it is always possible to cultivate peace, healing, and love within oneself.” For more details about the book, please visit https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/840108-call-her-faith

“Call Her Faith: Seek Peace, Find Self, Know Love”

By Christie Black

Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 112 pages | ISBN 9781665725767

Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 112 pages | ISBN 9781665725774

E-Book | 112 pages | ISBN 9781665725750

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Christie Black found her highest form of expression through the arts at an early age. Her desire to write poetry stems from her love of music and the beauty of the tidings of songwriting. “Call Her Faith” is Black’s first collection of poetry.

Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the worldwide leader in self-publishing, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kind, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit archwaypublishing.com or call 844-669-3957.

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TOLEDO, Ohio (PRWEB)
May 18, 2023

Dr. Derek Lawrence-Harper marks his return to the publishing scene with the release of “America Accept the Truth, Repent, and Save Our Country” (published by LifeRich Publishing).

Having lived in the United States for many years, the author has seen a shift in the morality and direction of this country. Prayer is no longer in schools, violence and abuse increased, and family structures diminished. This book aims to lead people to Christ by first addressing unresolved issues that are often dismissed and ignored by the mainstream population. The author hopes that the stating truths can cause people to feel uncomfortable, encourage them to fact check to what they believe, and inspire them to re-read the Bible.

“This book is POWERFUL because it will open people’s eyes, ears, and mind to instill inner strength. This book is INFORMATIVE because it will provide information that you may not have been aware of. This book is INSPIRATIONAL because it will provide HOPE based upon the scriptures,” the author describes.

When asked what he wants readers to take away from his writing, “I want readers to be shocked by the information provided in the book and self-assess their lives and make any changes (repent) to make a positive change that helps our country improve one person at a time. I believe that if people read and recommend this book to others while aligning our lives to the bible we can save or at least delay the judgment upon America.”

To purchase a copy, visit https://www.liferichpublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/850410-america-accept-the-truth-repent-and-save-our-country.

“America Accept the Truth, Repent, and Save Our Country”

By Dr. Derek Lawrence-Harper

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 200 pages | ISBN 9781489746993

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 200 pages | ISBN 9781489746979

E-Book | 200 pages | ISBN 9781489746986

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Dr. Derek Lawrence-Harper, “The Minister Artist,” is a servant of the “Most High God” who is a husband, father, and life-long learner who earned a doctorate degree in biblical studies. He is an educator, author and artist who seeks to find biblical and scriptural truths that are often dismissed or ignored by society and align them with world history and biblical prophecy. The author’s paintings and drawings often tell a story about biblical and society issues. The author’s wife began a Bible study with the author on Thursday nights called Read it 4 Yourself Ministries. He also previously authored “The Origins of SelFLESHNess: According to the Scriptures,” published by Empowerment Zone Publishing in 2020.

LifeRich Publishing, the strategic publishing partnership of Reader’s Digest and Author Solutions, LLC, was created to provide all writers a platform for sharing their stories, recipes, advice and more. LifeRich authors will benefit from a wealth of editorial design, marketing and education resources, specially created by Reader’s Digest editors for the enrichment of these LifeSmart individuals. Books can be published in print, ebook or audio formats, with additional distribution to up to 25 million Reader’s Digest customers through its online properties. For more information or to publish a book, please visit liferichpublishing.com or call 844-686-9607.

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This book is a must read for all ages. It will help you understand the word of God, in ways that you haven’t imagined

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (PRWEB)
May 18, 2023

Author Marvin L. Smith invites believers to harness the power of God’s Word in The Penetrating Power of the Word of God: Unlocking the Secrets of Using the Limitless Power of the Word to Change Your Life Forever! ($12.49, paperback, 9781662871900; $5.99, e-book, 9781662871917).

Smith wants to see lives transformed by God’s power, and he knows the power that is contained with the promises of God’s written Word. In this book, he teaches Christian how to access the power within these promises and how to activate them in their lives in order to achieve the transformation that God intended for them.

“This book is a must read for all ages. It will help you understand the word of God, in ways that you haven’t imagined,” said Smith.

Apostle Marvin L. Smith is President of Faith in Action School of Theology and Founder of Faith in Action Church. He attended Norfolk State University, Tidewater Community College and Victory Life Bible College. He proclaims the truth of the gospel as a prophet, preacher and teacher.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. The Penetrating Power of the Word of God is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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PENSACOLA, Fla. (PRWEB)
May 15, 2023

Growing up under the influence of her family’s religious teaching and beliefs of the Catholic Church, Reverend Lisa R. Kelson spent a large portion of her life succumbing to their patriarchal teachings and ignoring her own inner compass. In her new book, “A Lesbian’s Awakening to Purpose, Self-Love, and God: A Soul’s Journey to Self-Awareness, Identity, and Truth,” she shares her personal journey to spiritual enlightenment and coming to terms with her authentic self.

“It has taken me nearly 60 years to wake up to my true authentic self as a lesbian,” Kelson said. “In my younger days, I had no idea that there was a deeper and higher self, waiting to be discovered. For many years, I lived from my lower aspect, while trying to fit into society’s social rules and norms.”

In “A Lesbian’s Awakening to Purpose, Self-Love, and God,” Kelson uses her personal experience as an example of how readers can break free of their preconceived ideals of who they are expected to be, and instead free their souls to be their true selves. She addresses the harm that can come from religious teachings, and how it can be exclusionary to those the church does not deem “perfect.”

“When one begins breaking down scripture, outside the oppressive lens of patriarchy,” Kelson said, “one can finally understand how scripture is misunderstood in our current age. These writings were written in an oppressive era, and the literal interpretation are not in alignment with deeper truths.”

Kelson doesn’t want readers to rely on anyone else’s truth, instead she wants them to discover their own.

“My hope in sharing my awakening journey,” Kelson said, “is to help those who feel lost and out of sorts with life. This journey is spiritual and not religious. The answers are already within, waiting to be uncovered.”

“A Lesbian’s Awakening to Purpose, Self-Love, and God: A Soul’s Journey to Self-Awareness, Identity, and Truth”

By The Reverend Lisa R. Kelson

ISBN: 9798765234174 (softcover); 9798765234181 (hardcover)

Available at Balboa Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Reverend Lisa R. Kelson is a native Floridian. After completing her Bachelors of Sport’s Science Education, she enlisted in the Army. She completed her service after returning home from the Gulf War. Upon the completion of her master’s degree in technology education from the University of Georgia, she returned home to Florida. She soon realized that God was calling her to ministry, and she enrolled in Episcopal Divinity School where she completed her Master of Divinity. While this experience prepared her for church ministry, she would soon awaken to a higher spiritual path where she shifted her focus to awakening her higher self. This path led her to understanding deeper truths, that led to her awakening and freeing her soul. To learn more, please visit https://www.reverendlisarkelson.com/.

General Inquiries:            

LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        

Ashley Fletcher

afletcher@lavidge.com

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My individual study and understanding the book of Psalms gave me a desire to write this book. Psalms helps the Christian to walk on the right path despite the war and attack against the Christian by the enemy

WHEATON, Ill. and MAITLAND, Fla. (PRWEB)
May 11, 2023

Author Larry Jarvis shares his analysis of God-man relationship detailed in verse in Unwrapping Psalms: Meditating Through the Psalms Confabulating the Psalms Psalm Dialog ($16.49, paperback, 9781662876769; $7.99, e-book, 9781662876776).

Jarvis uses his skill explaining complex patents in court to explain the relationship that God seeks with each individual through worship, submission, discipleship and trust.

“My individual study and understanding the book of Psalms gave me a desire to write this book. Psalms helps the Christian to walk on the right path despite the war and attack against the Christian by the enemy,” said Jarvis.

Larry Jarvis is a trial attorney involving patents, trademarks and copyrights. His work has taken him to ten different countries of the world, to the US Supreme Court and to The Hague in the Netherlands. He has an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. He is married, has four children and nine grandchildren. He has taught adult Bible classes at his churches for over forty years. Jarvis resides in both Sanibel, Florida attending Sanibel Community Church and in Wheaton, Illinois attending College Church of Wheaton.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Unwrapping Psalms is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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