First Religion

In The First Christmas, two of today's top Jesus scholars, Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan, join forces to show how history has biased our reading of the nativity story as it appears in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Borg and Crossan help us to see this well-known narrative afresh by answering the question, "What do these stories mean?" in the context of both the first century and the 21st century. They successfully show that the Christmas story, read in its original context, is far richer and more challenging than people imagine.

René Descartes is often described as the first modern philosopher, but much of the content of his "Meditations on First Philosophy" can be found in the medieval period that had already existed for more than a thousand years. Does God exist? If so, what is his nature? Is the human soul immortal? How does it differ from the body? What role do sense experience and pure reason play in knowing? Descartes stands out from his predecessors because of the method he developed to treat these and other fundamental questions.

The injunction to seek God's kingdom first, implies that we seek it first in point of time. It should be the first thing attended to. It is not merely to be admitted as of first importance, but should really be put first in point of time. The first thoughts of each morning should be given to it. And whenever God's word, or his providence brings before our mind the invitations or the claims of this kingdom, we are to remember that now is the accepted time.

Ralph Waldo Emerson's Spiritual Laws is more than an essay—it's an invitation to align with the rhythm of the universe. With clarity and poetic force, Emerson strips away illusions of control, urging us to trust the quiet power within. For him, law isn't rigid or imposed; it's a natural flow, always present, waiting to be recognized. True self-reliance isn't defiance but harmony with this deeper order. The world moves for those who walk with conviction. The awakened soul follows a path beyond logic, yet never loses its way. Emerson doesn't instruct; he sparks something.

When the Holy Spirit first poured out in the 1730s and 1740s, Jonathan Edwards was at the forefront. The United States had not yet declared independence from England, and was an ever-changing landscape of immigrants from all over the world. These cultures brought an array of false idols, religions, witchcraft, and more. A spiritual war had begun in the nation as the devil attempted to undermine what God was doing in the land.

"WHO AM I?” is the most important question in life you’ll ever ask yourself. Yet many will go to their graves without EVER finding the True answer... Before finding love, happiness or success, the key is to first Know Thyself! The vast majority of the population live in a slumber and will go from birth to death without ever pausing for a moment to even wonder "Why am I here?" We dream that we are flesh and bone. In reality, we are spiritual beings witnessing a human experience. We spend our lives in the pursuit of happiness while failing to realize the Source of all we seek is right ...

Are you ready to embark on a journey through time, explore the foundations of faith, and uncover the history that shapes our beliefs today? Look no further than 1st and 2nd Chronicles, the ultimate gateway to understanding the epic story of Israel and Judah, their triumphs, trials, and the enduring power of their legacy. You will encounter the heroic reign of King David, the wisdom of Solomon, and the heartfelt prayers and reforms of King Hezekiah and Josiah.

Historians, scholars, and theologians agree that first-century Christianity was a sect of Judaism, but where does that information place first-century Gentile Christians? What did it mean to be a Gentile who practiced Judaism in the days of the apostles? These are not just academic questions; they are at the heart of today's growing Messianic Jewish movement. How do non-Jews engage in the modern Messianic Jewish revival?

The Christian church of the early centuries spread throughout much of Asia, Africa, and Europe, spoke many languages, was situated within diverse cultural settings, and had varied worship practices; yet it maintained a vital unity on core teachings. In The Global Church - The First Eight Centuries: From Pentecost through the Rise of Islam, author Donald Fairbairn helps listeners understand both the diversity and unity of the church in this pivotal era.

What was the starting point of Christianity? Was it in a little town in Bethlehem, just as the lyrics of our favorite Christmas songs contend? In truth, in the earliest days of Christianity, when Peter and Paul first set out to preach the gospel, the belief systems of early Christians were viewed as merely a new sect of Judaism.

Brother Gage takes a looks at the entered apprentice degree in Masonry. He explains that everything a Mason will encounter in the future is simply an elaboration of this degree, both within and without the fraternity. He talks at length on the concept of symbolism and how it relates to Freemasonry. He also walks us through the entered apprentice degree a bit and speaks of specific symbolism the candidate encounters within the first degree.

Marriage can be perilous for any couple, but for those facing infidelity and other dark secrets, it can be soul-crushing. Yet no matter how broken a relationship may seem, hope and healing remain within reach. Tim and Kathy Bush are proof. Theirs was a union built not on solid ground but on the shifting sands of childhood trauma, promiscuity, addiction, and a hunger that neither of them could satisfy. Through many tumultuous years, they stumbled to the brink of both relational and personal destruction again and again, nearly giving up on each other—and on life itself.

In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses 11 problems, in two categories. In the Life-Study of 1 Corinthians, Witness Lee helps us see that Christ is the unique factor to solve the first six problems, and that the church is the unique factor to solve the final five problems.

The Answer to All Your Questions covers spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and manifestation, communicating with other dimensions or deceased loved ones, and practical matters such as diet and wellness. Armed with this exciting book on spiritual awakening, you may even be inspired to begin a spiritual channeling or automatic writing experience of your own.

This book is about the heart of religious experience, namely Enlightenment (which is finding the truth concerning oneself), and about science (which is finding the truth concerning other things), and about the relationship between them. It claims that Enlightenment is more truly scientific than science itself; and that, without Enlightenment, science is only half the story and therefore full of contradictions, of insoluble problems both theoretical and practical.

"I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents..." So begins the first book in the Book of Mormon. In this brief theological introduction, philosopher and theologian Joseph M. Spencer investigates the central themes and purposes of a book he calls a "theological masterpiece". What was Nephi trying to accomplish with his writings? How can readers/listeners today make better sense of Nephi's words? What can an ancient seer offer readers/listeners in the 21st century? Spencer introduces a Nephi for our moment, a complex prophet with an urgent message for a world in turmoil.

Best-selling author, humorist, and internationally known psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman helps firstborns understand their natural advantages for the highest level of personal success at home, at school, at work, and in relationships.

Step into the enchanting realm of early motherhood with "First Trimester Pregnancy Guided Meditations and Affirmations for Anxiety, Stress Relief, and Excitement." This profound guide tenderly navigates the sacred journey of the first trimester, intertwining guided meditations and affirmations to create a nurturing sanctuary for both you and your growing miracle.

Step into the captivating world of 1st and 2nd Samuel, where ancient history unfolds in a timeless narrative that speaks to our human experience. These two books, nestled within the Old Testament of the Bible, are profound stories of triumph, tragedy, and God’s redemptive plan. Embark on a journey through the lives of iconic figures like Samuel, Saul, and David, as they navigate the turbulent landscape of power, faith, and destiny. In doing so, you'll find invaluable lessons about leadership, loyalty, and the consequences of choices.

Discipleship is the buzzword today. Many believers are contemplating in a fresh way what it means to take the Great Commission seriously. Rediscovering Discipleship takes the guesswork out of Christian maturity.