The Bible and the Pursuit of Happiness

The Bible and the Pursuit of Happiness PDF

Author: Brent A. Strawn

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2012-11-15

Total Pages: 449

ISBN-13: 0199795738

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Scholars of the social sciences have devoted more and more attention of late to the concept of human happiness, mainly from sociological and psychological perspectives. This volume, which includes essays from scholars of the New Testament, the Old Testament, systematic theology, practical theology, and counseling psychology, poses a new and exciting question: what is happiness according to the Bible? Informed by developments in positive psychology, The Bible and the Pursuit of Happiness explores representations of happiness throughout the Bible and demonstrates the ways in which these representations affect both religious and secular understandings of happiness. In addition to the twelve essays, the book contains a framing introduction and epilogue, as well as an appendix of all the terms used in reference to happiness in the Bible. The resulting volume, the first of its kind, is a highly useful and remarkably comprehensive resource for the study of happiness in the Bible and beyond.

The Bible and the Pursuit of Happiness

The Bible and the Pursuit of Happiness PDF

Author: Brent A. Strawn

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2012-09-27

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 0199795770

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Scholars of the social sciences have devoted increasing attention of late to the concept of human happiness, mainly from sociological and psychological perspectives. This groundbreaking volume, which includes twelve essays from scholars of the New Testament, the Old Testament, systematic theology, practical theology, and counseling psychology-along with an extensive introduction and epilogue by the editor-poses a new and exciting question: what is happiness according to the Bible? Informed by developments in positive psychology, the contributions explore representations of happiness throughout the Bible and demonstrate the ways in which they impinge upon both religious and secular understandings of happiness.

The Pursuit of Happiness--God's Way

The Pursuit of Happiness--God's Way PDF

Author: Servais Pinckaers

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2011-07-18

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 161097493X

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When we think of happiness, we have to admit that our idea is at times worldly and self-centered. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount showed us that true happiness will elude us, however, if we follow that kind of thinking. And, in the form of a series of promises and challenges, which we have come to know as the Beatitudes, He told us how to find perfect happiness--both here and in the hereafter. In a world that is capable of the best and the worst, we all have reason to be concerned about the very possibility of ever finding happiness in our lifetimes. The good news of the Gospel message is that we can. Even more, it teaches a way based not on rules and obligations so much as one founded on love, a way that depends upon and leads to the blessings of God Himself. These pages have been written in the conviction that every seeker should make the Sermon on the Mount the primary source of what will and will not make her happy. In His approach to the question, Jesus insists from the outset that we face up to the inevitable trials of life: poverty, tears, hunger and thirst, and shows us how we can find God--the source and object of our joy--in the midst of them.

The Barrier

The Barrier PDF

Author: R. B. Thieme, Jr.

Publisher: R. B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries

Published: 2003-01-01

Total Pages: 57

ISBN-13: 155764148X

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The Barrier is impassable and insurmountable. No human being can break through this obstruction. Mankind is born on the wrong side of the barrier hopelessly separated from any relationship with God. God always knew that man, through negative volition, would alienate himself from his Creator. Consequently, in eternity past God the Father designed a perfect plan to remove the barrier. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be judged for our sins on the cross to bring man from enmity to peace with God. Even though Jesus Christ removed the barrier, your relationship with God depends on you. Only one issue remains: What do you think of Jesus Christ? Only one decision separates you from God. If you believe in Christ, you cross the line of separation and receive God’s gift of eternal life.

The Pursuit of Glory

The Pursuit of Glory PDF

Author: Jeffrey D. Johnson

Publisher:

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 9781601785985

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"Presents a Christian perspective that humans pursue glory in vain unless they seek for it in God through Jesus Christ"--

God and the Art of Happiness

God and the Art of Happiness PDF

Author: Ellen T. Charry

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

Published: 2010-12-03

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780802860323

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Western Christian theology is skittish about happiness. We hope for future, eternal happiness, but we avoid considering happiness in this life as if we suspect such a thing is not allowed. That You May Have Life offers a refreshing interpretation of happiness as a way of life grounded in scripture and the incarnate Christ. Ellen Charry here reveals how the Bible encourages the happiness and joy that accompany obedience to the Creator, enhancing both our own life and the lives of those around us. This advances the well being of creation, which, in turn, causes God to delight with, in, and for us. With this original theory of the Christian life, this book will encourage intelligent readers to take part in truly abundant life.

The Pursuit of Holiness

The Pursuit of Holiness PDF

Author: Jerry Bridges

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 201

ISBN-13: 1631466399

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This new edition replaces both The Pursuit of Holiness (ISBN 9781576839324) and the study guide (ISBN 9781576839881) by combining both resources into one volume "Be holy, for I am holy," commands God. But holiness is something that is often missed in the Christian's daily life. According to Navigator author Jerry Bridges, that's because we're not exactly sure what our part in holiness is. In The Pursuit of Holiness, he helps us see clearly just what we should rely on God to do--and what we should take responsibility for ourselves. As you deepen your relationship with God, learn more about His character, and understand the Holy Spirit's role in holiness, your spiritual growth will mature. The included study guide contains 12 lessons.

Happiness

Happiness PDF

Author: Randy Alcorn

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Published: 2024-06-04

Total Pages: 575

ISBN-13: 1414389396

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Do you ever wonder whether God even cares if we're happy? This world can be so hard, and we aren't promised an easy road. But that's not the whole story. The Bible is filled with verses that prove that ours is a God who not only loves celebrations but also desperately wants his children to experience happiness. Why else would he go to the lengths he did to ensure our eternal happiness in his presence? We know that we will experience unimaginable joy and happiness in heaven, but that doesn't mean we can't also experience joy and happiness here on earth. In Happiness, noted theologian Randy Alcorn (bestselling author of Heaven) dispels centuries of misconceptions about happiness, including downright harmful ideas like the prosperity gospel, and provides indisputable proof that God not only wants us to be happy, he commands it. Randy covers questions like: How can I cultivate happiness in my life? What's the difference between joy and happiness? Can good things become idols that steal our happiness? Is seeking happiness selfish? How can I achieve happiness through gratitude? What does it look like to receive God's grace? The most definitive study on the subject of happiness to date, this book is a paradigm-shifting wake-up call for the church and Christians everywhere.

Does God Want Us to Be Happy?

Does God Want Us to Be Happy? PDF

Author: Randy Alcorn

Publisher: NavPress

Published: 2019-08-06

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 1496432592

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What if we were wired for happiness? If you were to ask a room full of people about how God wants us to live, you’d likely get a wide range of answers. Some people would say he wants us to be holy. Others might claim he wants us to love people and stand up for peace and justice. But chances are, you wouldn’t hear anyone say, “God wants us to be happy.” We all want to be happy, but we may feel guilty for this longing. Isn’t it selfish to pursue happiness? Isn’t it more spiritual to frown than to smile? In a world full of brokenness, is happiness a worthy pursuit? For those seeking to follow Jesus, should this quest be written off as superficial and unspiritual? In Does God Want Us to Be Happy?, New York Times bestselling author Randy Alcorn offers a collection of short, easy readings on one of life’s biggest questions. As he explores what happiness is and how we attain it, Alcorn provides wisdom, insight, and scriptural proof that God not only wants us to be happy—he commands it! (Adapted from the trade book Happiness.)

The Happiness Bible

The Happiness Bible PDF

Author: Cheryl Rickman

Publisher: Subject Bible

Published: 2019-02-15

Total Pages: 400

ISBN-13: 9780228101208

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Firefly Books' Subject Bible series of twelve titles to date has sold over 150,000 copies in North America and three million worldwide. This latest title might just be the best of all. After all, humans devote their entire lives to striving for happiness by one means or another. And yet, happiness does not just happen. Pleasure might, fortune can, but long-lasting happiness and sustainable well-being -- what the author calls "flourishing" -- is an altogether more elusive condition, but not unreachable. It is a skill as much as a state. It takes effort, practice even. The Happiness Bible works with the reader to explain how happiness works and evolves, where it comes from, and how it can be nurtured and maintained. The book introduces the principles of positive psychology and how it works to achieve happiness or, it should be said, how to be less discontented. It examines what happiness studies have revealed and how positive psychology exercises help to banish the "thieves of happiness". Throughout the book are quotations that do more than inspire but also share wisdom worthy of reflection. 1. A History of Happiness -- Why It Matters 2. The Paradox of Positivity 3. Global Glee 4. Positive Psychology -- The Science of Flourishing 5. Thieves of Happiness and Barriers to Wellbeing 6. Mind-Mastery -- Breaking Down The Barriers to Wellbeing 7. Other People Matter -- Connection, Community and Communication 8. Happy Thinking -- Finding the Good and Surviving Well 9. Goals and Growth 10. Nourished by Nature 11. Find Your Forte and Go with The Flow 12. Meaning and Purpose -- What Matters Most and Why 13. Finding Space and Calm in The Now 14. Vitality is Vital to Living Well 15. A Happy Life is a Compassionate, Curious and Considered Life.