R Paul Stevens

For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions-making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies. ''Looking inside ministry, Stevens examines examples of service that were motivated by imagination, passion, faith, hope and love-from Genesis to Revelation. From these studies readers will discover how to live and serve wholeheartedly with the understanding that no matter their profession, they are full-time ministers for Christ.''-Christian Retailing, January 2015

A guide to investing in heaven and being "rich toward God" Christians often hesitate to talk about money in spiritual contexts, but in the gospels Jesus talks more about money than about "religious" topics like prayer and heaven. Money Matters advocates following Jesus's lead in engaging with matters of economy and finance in a faith-driven way, in both our individual and our corporate lives. The authors draw on their contrasting life experiences to offer a well-rounded look at money in the twenty-first century. Paul Stevens, who grew up well-off in Canada and worked as a carpenter, a banker, and later a pastor and professor of theology, finds a complementary voice in Clive Lim, who grew up without money in Singapore, and now works there as an entrepreneur and head of a family investment firm. With frequent scriptural references, Stevens and Lim offer insight into navigating the economic systems of today, aiming to help individuals, churches, and societies become faithful stewards who store up "treasures in heaven" by investing in the kingdom of God. Money Matters is a comprehensive yet accessible guide to integrating one's faith with one's approach to money. Just as the Bible variously treats money as a blessing, a sacrament, and a problem, so do Stevens and Lim approach this matter judiciously--avoiding the prosperity gospel on one side and the demonization of material wealth on the other. Capitalism is treated as what it is: a system that has created widespread opportunity and relieved poverty for millions while also exacerbating the gap between the haves and the have-nots. The authors' wisdom is at turns theological, historical, and practical--and always focused on what it means to live with faithful integrity in our contemporary global economy.

This study from Genesis to Revelation will help answer the question, What is a Christian view of work? It explores issues such as ethics, success and prosperity, creative rest, the value of homemaking, and meaningful ministry. Discovering God's design for modern-day work in the Scriptures is not simple because a new set of satisfactions exist today. Today jobs must be meaningful, appropriate to a person's talents, continually challenging, and adequately remunerated. 13 studies for individuals or groups.

Work, whether from home, in cyberspace, or in a factory or office, occupies a major chunk of our time, energy, and soul. This book seeks to make sense of our work in the world through adapting the pithy statement of the Puritan William Perkins to define marketplace theology as the "science of working blessedly forever." It is a science involving investigation, but not just with the head (thought), but also with heart (prayer) and hand (practice). But it is a science of working. So the book investigates a theology of work undertaken in the light of God's blessing and purpose. And our work is not just for this life but "forever," since some of it could last into the new heaven and new earth where, guess what, Scripture says we will work as fully human and resurrected beings. Stevens gathers his lifetime of research and teaching into this book showing through biblical research and contemporary analysis the meaning of work and human enterprise. It could change your lifestyle, your work style, and your soul.

Work, whether from home, in cyberspace, or in a factory or office, occupies a major chunk of our time, energy, and soul. This book seeks to make sense of our work in the world through adapting the pithy statement of the Puritan William Perkins to define marketplace theology as the "science of working blessedly forever." It is a science involving investigation, but not just with the head (thought), but also with heart (prayer) and hand (practice). But it is a science of working. So the book investigates a theology of work undertaken in the light of God's blessing and purpose. And our work is not just for this life but "forever," since some of it could last into the new heaven and new earth where, guess what, Scripture says we will work as fully human and resurrected beings. Stevens gathers his lifetime of research and teaching into this book showing through biblical research and contemporary analysis the meaning of work and human enterprise. It could change your lifestyle, your work style, and your soul.

Improve your service. While many claim to offer models of leadership suitable for contemporary society, this book goes a notch higher by doing so through the prism of Jesus's servant leadership. As the servant-leader par excellence, Jesus not only taught but demonstrated service by stooping down and washing his disciples' feet. This book distills the experience and wisdom of men and women who have practically benefited from Jesus's leadership. Reflective of the global church, all the authors speak of a servant leadership inspired by love, honoring of God, humble in approach, and seeking the welfare of others without neglecting a healthy self-regard. Whether you work on-site or remotely, you will find the grist for robust leadership. This book is a must-read for theologians, businesspeople, educators, students, and Christian practitioners seeking to make a difference in our times.

Work occupies most of our waking time, whether it is in a factory, office, school, or at home. But unfortunately most people of faith separate their working life from their worshipping life. Dualism is a pernicious heresy that has infected believers worldwide, namely, that church work and missionary service are holy and our everyday work is secular. In this timely volume Stevens explores the connection of the kingdom of God--the master thought of Jesus--with the marketplace. Traditionally people have either related the kingdom of God--God's new world coming--either exclusively for the present or only for the distant future. But it is both, now and coming. This gives meaning, hope, and endurance to our work in the world. So daily labor in the marketplace gets reoriented through salty values and ingrained virtues. We become double agent spies exploring the new world coming in everyday life. We can also grapple helpfully with the resistance we face daily in the workplace. There are many books on the kingdom of God and many on work. Few have brought these two vital arenas of everyday service together. It is indeed part of the good news.

We despise our weaknesses; the apostle Paul delighted in his. We hate hardships and difficulties; Paul welcomed them as friends.We beg God to remove obstacles from our lives; Paul thanked God for such opportunities to experience his power. Throughout 2 Corinthians Paul turns many of our values upside down; He teaches us that in all circumstances we can rely on God's promise; "My grace is sufficient for you". This revised Lifebuilder Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and an extra "Now or Later" section in each study.

Starting in Acts 2, these studies look at the end times in the context of both the Old and New Testaments.

These days, people talk about their schedules filling up 24/7--twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We wear busyness like a merit badge, as if the more we do, the better we become. But R. Paul Stevens says this is not biblical. Nor is it helpful. For Christians life isn't about checking off ""to-do"" lists. It's about connecting with God and infiltrating thoughtful, biblical faith into our everyday lives. Sometimes that means activity, but sometimes not. Everyday spirituality--the subject of the book--embraces purposeful times of work, relationships, and rest, centered on God instead of personal or cultural expectations. But how can you do it? It's not easy exiting the fast track to practice a slowed-down yet down-to-earth holiness. Stevens understands this, and offers practical insights to developing a ""subversive spirituality""--a meaningful faith that seeps into your work, family, sexuality, friendships, outreach, aloneness, and leisure--and fills you with joy. But most importantly, it motivates you to lovingly abide with God seven days a week. Matthew the Poor, an Eastern monk in Egypt, once said that ""life is but one single way that leads to the kingdom of God.""

These days, people talk about their schedules filling up 24/7--twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We wear busyness like a merit badge, as if the more we do, the better we become. But R. Paul Stevens says this is not biblical. Nor is it helpful. For Christians life isn't about checking off ""to-do"" lists. It's about connecting with God and infiltrating thoughtful, biblical faith into our everyday lives. Sometimes that means activity, but sometimes not. Everyday spirituality--the subject of the book--embraces purposeful times of work, relationships, and rest, centered on God instead of personal or cultural expectations. But how can you do it? It's not easy exiting the fast track to practice a slowed-down yet down-to-earth holiness. Stevens understands this, and offers practical insights to developing a ""subversive spirituality""--a meaningful faith that seeps into your work, family, sexuality, friendships, outreach, aloneness, and leisure--and fills you with joy. But most importantly, it motivates you to lovingly abide with God seven days a week. Matthew the Poor, an Eastern monk in Egypt, once said that ""life is but one single way that leads to the kingdom of God.""

Renowned New Testament scholar Gordon Fee explores the meaning of Christian witness and service in every area of life. Focusing on the implications of every Christian's calling to belong to Christ, Fee reframes our contemporary quest for a more seamless, integrated faith. His careful examination of the context and message of Paul's letters sheds light on how a Christian identity is lived out in home, workplace, and church.

Renowned New Testament scholar Gordon Fee explores the meaning of Christian witness and service in every area of life. Focusing on the implications of every Christian's calling to belong to Christ, Fee reframes our contemporary quest for a more seamless, integrated faith. His careful examination of the context and message of Paul's letters sheds light on how a Christian identity is lived out in home, workplace, and church.

Each of us is unique. And each one of us has been invited by God to participate in his kingdom work. Yet many times we hesitate to serve, uncertain of our gifts and of God's purpose for our life. In these studies we learn how to recognise our own spiritual gifts as well as those of others, and how to practically use them to glorify God in our relationships, our work and the world. Eight studies for individuals and small groups. The best-selling Lifebuilders series have helped millions of people dig deeper into the Bible, individually and in small groups. There are questions for stimulating group discussions, ideas for meeting God in personal reflection, and a now or later section in the revised format.Session 1 covers 1 Corinthians 12; Session 2 Ephesians 4:1-16; Session 3 Romans 12:1-13; and also 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22; Session 4 studies 1 Corinthians 14:1-33; Session 5: Isaiah 61:1-9 and Luke 4:14-21; Session 6 Galatians 5:16-26; Session 7 Exodus part of chapters 31,35 and 36. The last Session 8 examines Acts 2.

In every age people have felt sure that the book of Revelation described events in their time. As nations arm themselves for war, we think of Armageddon. As evil rulers grow in power, we look for the antichrist. As the powers of darkness threaten to overwhelm us, we cry, 'Come, Lord Jesus!' Amid the uncertainties of our age, Revelation assures us of the ultimate triumph of God. This revised Lifebuilder Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and an extra 'Now or Later' section in each study.

Academy of Parish Clergy's Top Ten Books for Parish Ministry Vocational discernment, says R. Paul Stevens, is a lifelong process -- one that takes on even more significance in later life. In this book Stevens argues that our calling does not end with formal retirement; to the contrary, we do well to keep on working, if possible, till life's end. Stevens delves into matters of calling, spirituality, and legacy in retirement, showing that we must continue to discern our vocation as we grow older in order to remain meaningfully engaged for the rest of our lives. He reframes retirement as a time of continued calling and productivity and points to biblical wisdom that can help us redefine aging as an extraordinarily fruitful season of life.

Starting in Acts 2, these studies look at the end times in the context of both the Old and New Testaments. You will be inspired to holy living; you will be motivated to share the good news of Jesus; daily work will be seen as a meaningful contribution to the kingdom of God, and you will see that the future is ultimately in God's hands.