Did Paul urge Christians to engage in mission? What would that have meant in his setting? What should the church be doing now? This essential study examines Paul's letter to the Philippians in its ancient Jewish context, making a convincing case that Paul expected churches to continue the work of spreading the gospel. Published in hardcover by Brill, it is now available as an affordable paperback.

It is common to feel that corporate meetings are a waste of time. Time that could be better spent getting “real work” done. But it doesn’t have to be that way. This book is dedicated to the proposition that meetings can be meaningful, productive, and even fun—all at the same time. We need to bring business meetings into the digital age in the same way that we have reinvented business planning and written communication. In a technology-rich world filled with people working flexibly, remotel...

A groundbreaking exposition of the resurrection hope in 1 Corinthians 15Making a compelling case based on new evidence and fresh exposition, James Ware affirms the church's historic reading of 1 Corinthians 15. He shows that the apostolic formula in 1 Corinthians 15:1–11 proclaims, in continuity with the Gospels, the resurrection of Jesus's crucified body from the tomb, and that the hope of the resurrection described in 1 Corinthians 15:12–58 involves the miraculou...

In "What Love Costs an Old Man," Honoré de Balzac explores the intricate dynamics of love, age, and desire through the lens of his signature wit and keen psychological insight. The novella is situated within Balzac's broader work, "La Comédie Humaine," wherein he meticulously documents the varied aspects of French society in the early 19th century. The narrative unfolds with a rich tapestry of complex characters and societal commentary, showcasing Balzac's exceptional ability to depict the...

In "The Elixir of Life," Honoré de Balzac explores themes of ambition, desire, and the complexities of human relationships through a rich tapestry of characters embroiled in a quest for immortality. Written in Balzac's characteristic realist style, the narrative is interwoven with elements of fantasy and philosophical inquiry, reflecting the author's keen interest in the human condition and societal aspiration during the early 19th century. This novella stands out within Balzac's extensive...

In "The Muse of the Department," Honoré de Balzac delves into the intricate web of provincial life in 19th century France, crafting a narrative steeped in social critique and vivid characterization. The novel showcases Balzac's signature style, blending realism with romantic undertones, as it intricately portrays the lives of its inhabitants in the fictional town of Sancerre. Through the lens of the arts, particularly literature, Balzac explores themes of ambition, desire, and the often h...

In "Poor Relations," Honoré de Balzac presents a compelling exploration of family dynamics and social hierarchies within 19th-century France. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, the narrative delves into the lives of the impoverished yet proud members of the bourgeoisie. Balzac's literary style is characterized by his intricate characterization and vivid descriptive language, seamlessly weaving together realism and satire. This novella stands as part of his broader pro...

The Lily of the Valley is a deeply moving novel by Honoré de Balzac, exploring themes of unspoken love, moral duty, and emotional restraint. Set in the serene Loire Valley, the story follows Félix de Vandenesse, a young nobleman whose profound and reverent love for the virtuous Madame de Mortsauf unfolds with tender intensity. Bound by societal expectations and personal sacrifice, their relationship is a delicate dance between passion and propriety.Translated by James Wari...

Memories are not like historical records that progress along an uninterrupted time line. They are more like computer games and jigsaw puzzles; they do not continue in straight lines. They move by association; one memory triggers another and so on. In one sense, what you will be reading is an autobiography (my story as I remember it), but it is more than that. It includes a sage of a family, which reaches out six generations and encompasses a cluster of clans, cousins, and significant peopl...

La Cousine Betty (also Cousin Bette) is an 1847 novel by French author Honoré de Balzac. Set in mid-19th-century Paris, it tells the story of an unmarried middle-aged woman who plots the destruction of her extended family. Bette works with Valérie Marneffe, an unhappily married young lady, to seduce and torment a series of men. One of these is Baron Hector Hulot, husband to Bette's cousin Adeline. He sacrifices his family's fortune and good name to please Valérie, who lea...

Bette, a poor relation of the beautiful Adeline, nurses a terrible grudge against her cousin's family, on whom she depends. That family is slowly being ruined by the uncontrollable sexual appetites of Adeline's husband, Baron Hulot—and it is this weakness that will give the cunning Cousin Bette an opportunity to exact her vengeance.A profound examination of obsessive passion, this masterpiece exemplifies what Henry James described as Balzac's "huge, all-compassing, all-desiring, al...

Thompson and Ware, nationally known consultants in the fields of management and leadership, offer a practical guide that focuses on the skills G.W. Bush has used throughout his career and in the White House. Each useful chapter highlights one of his leadership lessons. From identifying core values to getting results, this clearly-written guide is filled with timeless and time-tested advice.