In the fall of 1994, Hendrik-Jan van Leusen, an acquisitions editor from Kluwer Academic Publishers, visited me in my home to discuss a proposal for a handbook in the philosophy of religion. He reported that he had been talking about this with philosophers of religion at several universities and that the response to the idea had been quite favorable. I suggested that given the dif ferent approaches to the philosophy of religion, it might be good for him to meet with philosophers representi...

This SpringerBrief summarizes a full-scale, reduced commodity fire testing comparison of cartoned Lithium ion batteries and FM Global standard commodities in a rack storage configuration, as reported by FM Global. Tests evaluate the flammability characteristics of the materials and the effectiveness of ceiling level only sprinkler protection. The testing methods, discussed in depth, are scaled down from standard commodity classification testing due to the inordinate costs of Li-ion batteri...

Providing a concise overview of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery energy storage systems (ESSs), this book also presents the full-scale fire testing of 100 kilowatt hour (kWh) Li-ion battery ESSs. It details a full-scale fire testing plan to perform an assessment of Li-ion battery ESS fire hazards, developed after a thorough technical study. It documents the results of the testing plan including external and internal ignition testing, ESS positioning, temperature and heat flux measurements, pre...

This is a newly revised edition of one of the standard introductory preaching textbooks on the market today. Beginning with a solid theological basis, veteran preacher and best-selling author Thomas G. Long offers a practical, step-by-step guide to writing a sermon. Long centers his approach around the biblical concept of witness. To be a preacher, Long posits, is to be a witness to God's work in the worldone who sees before speaking, one whose task is to "tell the truth, the whole truth, ...

A straightforward treatment of the only existential issue that matters from the Christian perspective.In What Happens When We Die? Tom Long provides information about the promises and convictions of the Christian gospel concerning death and life after death. He surveys in simple terms the major themes surrounding death, dying, and hope for an afterlife.

Thomas Long begins this fascinating volume by describing how the Christian funeral developed historically, theologically, and liturgically, and then discusses recent cultural trends in funeral practices, including the rise in both cremations and memorial services. He describes the basic pattern for a funeral service, details options in funeral planning, identifies characteristics of a "good funeral," and provides thoughtful guidance for preaching at a funeral.Long also notes a dist...

In Proclaiming the Parables, noted preacher and scholar Thomas G. Long moves away from past treatment of the parables primarily as literary devices and moves toward an emphasis on their theological impact as pointers to the kingdom of God. While the parables are indeed significant poetic literary creations that have enchanted readers over the centuries, their main power, he claims, lies in their disclosure of the kingdom of God, which is not merely an idea, nor ev...

Almost every congregation is experiencing tension over worship. Many congregations have been participating in a renaissance of worship known as the "liturgical movement" and have reclaimed worship forms that have served the church for centuries. Yet because the church today is operating in a radically changed cultural environment, many people in our society do not understand liturgical worship and thus we must find language, music, themes, and images that speak to the unchurched, spiritual...

The six themes explored in the books of 1 and 2 Timothy enable us in the church today to hear the gospel as expressed to those early Christians. We need to concentrate on worship, be led by faithful leaders, stay strong i nthe faith, love God more than wealth, hear and live God's Word, and serve faithfully in the church. These themes can strengthen our lives of faith as well as the church's witness and service to Jesus Christ. This ovlume includes material for participants as well as outli...

Hebrews is a sermon from the early Christian church that addresses a real, urgent, and still relevant pastoral problem: a struggling congregation that may not keep the faith. Thomas Long shows how Hebrews exhorts the church to face its challenges and hold true, even into the twenty-first century.Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and pr...

Thomas G. Long, one of America's most trusted and thoughtful pulpit voices, provides a much needed theological and cultural critique of today's Christian funeral. Long begins by describing how the Christian funeral developed historically, theologically, and liturgically and then discusses recent cultural trends in funeral practices, including the rise in number of cremations and memorial services. He describes the basic pattern for a funeral service, details options in funeral planning, id...

The world is slowly emerging from the worst global emergency in a century, and the myriad struggles of the contemporary moment—division, isolation, illness, and uncertainty—make living our faith a challenge. For Christians, a number of questions have gained new urgency: Where do we find hope when it seems in such short supply? Where are the signs of God's peace in this divided world? Where do we find a deeper sense of joy?Thomas G. Long and Donyelle C. McCray remind us that these a...