The Bible has been debated much and read little over the centuries. All kinds of theology have been excavated from its pages. Great nuggets of inspiration have been found in the precepts of its truth, while other schemes, falsehoods, and crazy doctrines have been cleverly placed where they do not belong. The quest for grandstanding and sensationalism to gather as many followers as possible has clouded the pulpit and airways from the Truth. Where truth once reigned, comes confusion and spurious doctrines. Yes, people follow the personalities and charisma of its leaders, but where is the Truth; where is the Word; where is the discipleship?

On the positive side, we have seen the rising interest in home Bible studies since the early 1970s, which, for some strange reason, were a rarity in the U.S. beforehand. We have seen the development of dozens of new translations, Bible helps, resources, and even software that cuts research time to a mere fraction compared with the past. There are more ministries (including Into Thy Word) that are teaching and distributing His precious Word more than ever before in history. On the dark side—at the same time, more and more people are going astray from His Word more than ever before.

The NIV Faith In Action Study Bible helps you deepen your understanding of God's Word and cultivate a thoughtful, genuinely Christian lifestyle in a world challenged by wars, conflict, greed, lust, injustice, poverty and affluence. Its unique, passage by passage commentary note system links the unchanging meaning and context of the Bible to the world of the 21st century and then helps you apply it. The "There and Then" notes help you understand the significance of Scripture as it unfolded in its ancient time and context. The "Here and Now" notes help you translate God's eternal Word in practical actions - and actions into a way of living that reflects God's heart. Features include: Over 75 full page articles share practical advice, inspiring profiles, and classic writings to help you live your faith every day. Over 75 brief snapshots share glimpses of the lives of people around the world who've lived out a high impact faith, as well as everyday recipients of Christian love in action. 16 full color Geo-Graphics pages give you a view of the world from historical, statistical, and demographic perspectives. Over 175 charts, graphs and tables highlight thought-provoking worldwide realities and help you to evaluate your spiritual life and grow as a disciple. 29 reading tracks with corresponding study guides help you organize individual or group studies on relevant topics. Book introductions with at a glance timelines and outlines. Concordance, Subject and Feature Index. Readable, single column format with side references. The Faith In Action Study Bible is a real world Bible for the individual who wants to translate Scriptural truth into a carefully considered and deeply committed lifestyle. Its "commentary style" notes reveal the original context of Scripture passages and then connect those passages to life today. This unique approach gives you a deeply rooted understanding of how the passage applies to contemporary issues and personal growth. You'll discover the relationship between history, culture, and the Biblical narrative. You'll obtain insights into God's heart for our world that transcend times and customs. Designed in a highly readable passage by passage (rather than verse by verse) commentary style, the footnotes of this Bible are its centerpiece. Also included are full page articles by respected Christian authors that help you live out a wise and vibrate faith on your journey through this multifaceted world. The articles also profile people who've moved from looking at Christianity as a view of life to embracing it as a way of life and they infuse classic writings on Christianity with fresh relevance.

May 26, 2009Making Changes to Fulfill God's PlanMatthew 16:24-27
As God’s adopted children, we have been given a new purpose: glorifying Him through righteous living. Yesterday we saw that this means making certain modifications in our life. Let’s consider two more changes that may be necessary for followers of Jesus.
One potential adjustment has to do with our belief system: a Christian’s thinking ought to match Jesus’. The world’s influence is strong, and if we listened to the culture, we’d push ahead of others, take all the credit for our accomplishments, and keep material possessions for our own use. But students of Scripture know that the last shall be first (Mark 9:35), God is the one who deserves our praise (Psalm 96:4), and Christians are to be generous people (1 Tim. 6:18). What we believe needs to match what the Bible says is true.
Lastly, we may have to redefine our commitments to be sure the Lord comes first. His desires for us should take precedence over what we want and what others ask us to do. We must evaluate our choices in light of God’s plan for us. This may mean letting go of a favorite activity, taking on a new responsibility, or remaining where we are despite yearning to leave. Our Father wants and deserves His children’s full devotion (Matt. 22:37).
These changes do not all happen instantly at salvation; rather, they take place over a lifetime. Whenever the Holy Spirit reveals a deeper truth or calls us to a new work, we will have additional “alterations” to make. But such changes are accompanied by the confidence of knowing that God will use us to fulfill His plan.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit http://www.intouch.org/andclick here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.

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Loved and respected by millions for his Bible teaching, Dr. Charles Stanley, "America's Pastor", has helped lead believers all over the world into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, full of growth and maturity. The Charles Stanley Life Principles Bible takes the life-changing principles Dr. Stanley has gleaned through years of Bible teaching and ministry and pairs them with NKJV scripture for a Bible unlike any other. Through helpful articles on what the Bible has to say about key topics and answers to life's questions, you will learn important life principles that lead to a full and mature Christian experience. Publisher: Thomas Nelson, Bonded Leather

Amazing Grace:The Story of John Newton
by Al Rogers
(This article is reprinted from the July-August 1996 issue of “Away Here in Texas”.)
John Newton 1725-1807“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...” So begins one of the most beloved hymns of all times, a staple in the hymnals of many denominations, New Britain or “45 on the top” in Sacred Harp. The author of the words was John Newton, the self-proclaimed wretch who once was lost but then was found, saved by amazing grace.
Newton was born in London July 24, 1725, the son of a commander of a merchant ship which sailed the Mediterranean. When John was eleven, he went to sea with his father and made six voyages with him before the elder Newton retired. In 1744 John was impressed into service on a man-of-war, the H. M. S. Harwich. Finding conditions on board intolerable, he deserted but was soon recaptured and publicly flogged and demoted from midshipman to common seaman.
Finally at his own request he was exchanged into service on a slave ship, which took him to the coast of Sierra Leone. He then became the servant of a slave trader and was brutally abused. Early in 1748 he was rescued by a sea captain who had known John's father. John Newton ultimately became captain of his own ship, one which plied the slave trade.
Although he had had some early religious instruction from his mother, who had died when he was a child, he had long since given up any religious convictions. However, on a homeward voyage, while he was attempting to steer the ship through a violent storm, he experienced what he was to refer to later as his “great deliverance.” He recorded in his journal that when all seemed lost and the ship would surely sink, he exclaimed, “Lord, have mercy upon us.” Later in his cabin he reflected on what he had said and began to believe that God had addressed him through the storm and that grace had begun to work for him.
For the rest of his life he observed the anniversary of May 10, 1748 as the day of his conversion, a day of humiliation in which he subjected his will to a higher power. “Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’tis grace has bro’t me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” He continued in the slave trade for a time after his conversion; however, he saw to it that the slaves under his care were treated humanely.
In 1750 he married Mary Catlett, with whom he had been in love for many years. By 1755, after a serious illness, he had given up seafaring forever. During his days as a sailor he had begun to educate himself, teaching himself Latin, among other subjects. From 1755 to 1760 Newton was surveyor of tides at Liverpool, where he came to know George Whitefield, deacon in the Church of England, evangelistic preacher, and leader of the Calvinistic Methodist Church. Newton became Whitefield’s enthusiastic disciple. During this period Newton also met and came to admire John Wesley, founder of Methodism. Newton’s self-education continued, and he learned Greek and Hebrew.
He decided to become a minister and applied to the Archbishop of York for ordination. The Archbishop refused his request, but Newton persisted in his goal, and he was subsequently ordained by the Bishop of Lincoln and accepted the curacy of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Newton’s church became so crowded during services that it had to be enlarged. He preached not only in Olney but in other parts of the country. In 1767 the poet William Cowper settled at Olney, and he and Newton became friends.
Cowper helped Newton with his religious services and on his tours to other places. They held not only a regular weekly church service but also began a series of weekly prayer meetings, for which their goal was to write a new hymn for each one. They collaborated on several editions of Olney Hymns, which achieved lasting popularity. The first edition, published in 1779, contained 68 pieces by Cowper and 280 by Newton.
Among Newton’s contributions which are still loved and sung today are “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” and ”Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken,” as well as “Amazing Grace.” Composed probably between 1760 and 1770 in Olney, ”Amazing Grace” was possibly one of the hymns written for a weekly service. Through the years other writers have composed additional verses to the hymn which came to be known as “Amazing Grace” (it was not thus entitled in Olney Hymns), and possibly verses from other Newton hymns have been added. However, these are the six stanzas that appeared, with minor spelling variations, in both the first edition in 1779 and the 1808 edition, the one nearest the date of Newton’s death. It appeared under the heading Faith’s Review and Expectation, along with a reference to First Chronicles, chapter 17, verses 16 and 17 [see the below for this Scripture – Graham Pockett].
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)That sav’d a wretch like me!I once was lost, but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,And grace my fears reliev’d;How precious did that grace appear,The hour I first believ’d!
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,I have already come;’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis’d good to me,His word my hope secures;He will my shield and portion be,As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,And mortal life shall cease;I shall possess, within the veil,A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,The sun forbear to shine;But God, who call’d me here below,Will be forever mine.
The origin of the melody is unknown. Most hymnals attribute it to an early American folk melody. The Bill Moyers special on “Amazing Grace” speculated that it may have originated as the tune of a song the slaves sang.
Newton was not only a prolific hymn writer but also kept extensive journals and wrote many letters. Historians accredit his journals and letters for much of what is known today about the eighteenth century slave trade. In Cardiphonia, or the Utterance of the Heart, a series of devotional letters, he aligned himself with the Evangelical revival, reflecting the sentiments of his friend John Wesley and Methodism.
In 1780 Newton left Olney to become rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, St. Mary Woolchurch, in London. There he drew large congregations and influenced many, among them William Wilberforce, who would one day become a leader in the campaign for the abolition of slavery. Newton continued to preach until the last year of life, although he was blind by that time. He died in London December 21, 1807. Infidel and libertine turned minister in the Church of England, he was secure in his faith that amazing grace would lead him home.

It's apparent that once you have experianced a change in your life with the power of God prevailing that your hearts song will sing a different tune and that your motive for your fellow man will be of love and acceptance which will help you develope a deeper level of compassion for every fellow man and a freedom that only God can give.A good example of how praise and worship can affect the listener was demostrated by Israel and New Breed in Another Level and on an international journey of worship with Alive In South Africa. A Deeper Level. This recording was captured during three nights of intimate worship at the annual A Deeper Level Conference in Houston, TX. In preparation for this release Israel and New Breed fasted 40 days petitioning the Lord to give everyone who hears this project a heart to go deeper in worship that leads to acts of compassion and justice. A Deeper Level is packed with energetic tunes like “Say So” and “We Have Overcome” plus the poignant ballads “If Not For Your Grace” and “Deeper.” This release also features special guest appearances by award winning artists and is produced by Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey

Experiencing God

You "know" God through His Word, but God is not simply the subject of a Bible study. He is a person who loves and longs to enter into a real relationship with you. Through this best-selling book, millions have come to experience the fullness of real, personal fellowship with God by experiencing Him at work in their lives. In the process, lives have been transformed, and so can yours! Experiencing God will help you recognize your own personal relationship with God in seven ways: knowing, loving, hearing, joining, believing, obeying, and experiencing. This 15th anniversary edition features two new section: "Fifteen Years of Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby and "Reflections on the Seven Realities of Experiencing God" from Max Lucado, Beth Moore, Tony Evans, Ken Hemphill, Michael Card, Bill McCartney, and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

Created To Be Gods Friend

No Christian needs to live without a keen sense of purpose. And no believer needs to give up on finding daily closeness with God. But how do we open ourselves to the intimacy with God so evident in His Friendship with Abraham? How can we experience more?Through years of prayerful study, Henry Blackaby , author of the best-selling Experiencing God materials, has uncovered powerful ways God shaped Abraham to be His friend. The Bible's amazing portraits of Abraham, Blackaby tells us, show how God can make a follower a true friend, and how faith and obedience lead to a lifetime of joyous blessing.The way forward is, of course, not always easy. Sometimes,Blackaby explains, God uses difficult events, traumatic experience and even our own faithless choices to lead us on to spiritual maturity. But from the first time we respond to God's call through the choices that carry us farther along. Abraham's story rings with assurance. Created to Be God's Friend demonstrates that God can be trusted to take us to a new place of purified character, growing love, and untold benefits.If the Lord and king of kings himself endured a road of suffering so that we could once again have the ability to come to the father through his grace and Love for us surly are road cannot be as hard.