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  Persia and Islam: The History of...

  Editors Charles River

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  As the Persian Empire’s power makes clear, Persia has been a crucial area throughout history, and thus it has been fought over incessantly, watching empires rise and fall. For most of the past 1,400 years, Islamic powers have struggled for supremacy in the region.  
  The split between the two forms of Islam was already in the process of forming upon the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad had constructed around himself not only a potent new religious movement but also a powerful young state called the Ummah (the "Community" for lack of a better translation). Belonging to the Islamic faith also meant belonging to the Ummah, which was governed by its own laws and had many of its own institutions. 	Amid the upheaval in the Islamic world following Muhammad’s death, the Umayyad Caliphate lasted for less than a century, but in that time it managed to become one of the most influential of the major caliphates established following him. Its official existence was from 661-750, and the rulers were the male members of the Umayyad dynasty, roughly translated from Arabic as the “Sons of Umayyah.” Its primary base of power was in Syria following the creation of a dynastic, hereditary rule headed by one of Syria’s long-lasting governors, Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan. 
  	The Ottoman Empire and Safavids would also vie for power in Persia after the caliphates, and the Ottomans in particular spent several centuries expanding their empire’s size, power, and influence, bumping up against Eastern Europe and becoming one of the world’s most important geopolitical players. It was a rise that would not truly start to wane until the 19th century.  Preserving its mixed heritage, coming from both its geographic position rising above the ashes of the Byzantine Empire and the tradition inherited from the Muslim Conquests, the Ottoman Empire lasted more than six centuries.

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  The Return of the Kingdom - A...

  Stephen G. Dempster

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  The biblical story begins and ends with God as king. Human beings rebel, however, rather than fulfilling their royal calling to rule creation on behalf of their Sovereign—and the world became enslaved to the rule of a dark, serpentine lord.
  In this volume of IVP Academic's Essential Studies in Biblical Theology, Stephen Dempster traces the themes of kingship and kingdom throughout Scripture, illuminating the challenges, pain, and ultimate hope that the Bible offers. The story of God's kingship is ultimately the fulfillment of a promise, a promise to restore the rightful rule of humanity over creation by defeating sin and death and to establish a world of peace and justice.
  About the Series
  Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd and L. Michael Morales, explore the central or essential themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1–3, authors trace the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemptive history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an accessible yet rich introduction to biblical theology.

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  Socrates Meets Sartre - The...

  Peter Kreeft

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  In the Socrates Meets series, Peter Kreeft revives the classic method of bringing philosophy to life through dialogue. In eight innovative volumes, he uncovers the principles, assumptions, and sometimes dangerous conclusions of some of history’s most influential minds.  Each dialogue imagines a purgatory where we can listen in on conversations between Socrates and the great thinkers who, centuries later, picked up the philosopher’s torch. Each conversation investigates one of the philosopher’s key works, a short, readable classic that raises central questions both for philosophy and for life. In this volume, Socrates cross-examines Jean-Paul Sartre, the father of existentialism and author of Existentialism and Human Emotions, exploring human identity, atheism, morality, and meaning.

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  Afterwork - An honest discussion...

  Joel Malick, Alex Lippert

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  Retirement. Downsizing. Selling your business. Children leaving the nest. Layoffs. A major health event. Losing a loved one. Important life transitions remind us of what once “was,” leaving large gaps of free time and less to look forward to in the future. Afterwork acknowledges these tectonic shifts and offers revealing insights, powerful disciplines, and practical applications to help you step forward into a new and remarkably fulfilling season―regardless of how you’ve defined “work.”Afterwork is a healthy and hopeful approach to retirement, and it may be different than the conventional wisdom you’ve been sold. It’s an honest discussion about the retirement lie we’ve bought into: A self-focused, uber-comfortable, and vacation-minded retirement is what we want. But such thinking is a down payment toward purposelessness. The truth is that you’re more than the assets in your retirement account; you’re a person with incredible talent and value, and you’re more resourced than ever to leave your mark on the world!Practical, trustworthy, encouraging, and accessible, Afterwork explores 10 key disciplines that will steer you away from the destiny of disillusionment and open you to a life filled with confidence, joy, and peace: Purpose, Calendar, Movement, Journaling, Faith, Connection, Learning, Awareness, Generosity, and Awe. Most retirement resources tell us, “You’ve earned this; now here’s how to make life all about you.” Afterwork reveals the fallacy of viewing the coming years as nothing more than cashing in on the money you’ve squirreled away, hoping it doesn’t run out before you die. Instead, experience greater satisfaction by living with an outward focus that can help you escape the retirement lie.

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  A People of Power

  Roger G. Trow

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  This audiobook is narrated by an AI Voice.   
  Many Christians would like to be all that they are called to be in Christ but don't know how.  
  Pastor Trow explains the steps necessary for you to gain the Holy Spirit's power which is available to every believer, and will revolutionize your ministry.

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  The Bible as History

  Werner Keller

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  Imagine embarking on a captivating journey through the Bible, not as a religious text, but as a historical chronicle. This is the invitation extended by Werner Keller's renowned book, "The Bible as History." Published in 1955, it delves into the fascinating intersection of archaeological discoveries and biblical narratives, painting a vivid picture of the ancient world inhabited by prophets, kings, and everyday people.Keller, a German journalist with a keen eye for detail, masterfully guides readers through three distinct sections. Part I sets the stage, introducing the land of Israel and its inhabitants throughout history. We encounter bustling cities, towering monuments, and the ebb and flow of empires that left their mark on the region.Part II embarks on a thrilling exploration of biblical beginnings. From the creation story to the epic Exodus, Keller meticulously examines archaeological evidence that sheds light on these foundational narratives. He deciphers ancient inscriptions, analyzes unearthed artifacts, and compares biblical descriptions to historical records, piecing together a compelling tapestry of the past.The final section, Part III, traces the captivating journey from Moses to Jesus. We witness the rise and fall of kingdoms, the evolution of religious practices, and the emergence of pivotal figures who shaped the course of history. Keller's meticulous research illuminates the social, political, and cultural context of the New Testament, offering fresh perspectives on familiar stories."The Bible as History" is not without its critiques. Some scholars challenge Keller's interpretations, urging a more cautious approach to reconciling faith and historical analysis. However, the book's undeniable strength lies in its ability to ignite curiosity and spark meaningful conversations about the Bible's place in the grand narrative of human history.

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