When Life Meets the Soul is the key that unlocks the treasures of the Book of Job, an Old Testament book that has intimidated or frustrated generations of readers.
Within When Life Meets the Soul, Ivan D. Parke challenges believers to dig deeper, asking, "Is spiritual intimacy with God a memory, a reality, or a goal?"The Book of Job chronicles the ruin and recovery of the greatest sufferer before Jesus. To read it only after experiencing a tragedy, however, is itself a tragedy—a decision depriving readers of the essential lessons this Old Testament book teaches. Job's story addresses more than suffering and teaches more than patience or "rainy" day lessons. Its content encompasses the essence of life, integrating the best of times and the worst of times. When Life Meets the Soul examines the Book of Job in twenty-four responses, addressing the universal question: "How should I live? Parke's study of Job explains that to live well is to walk with God, whether on mountaintops or through valleys. His spiritual guide is designed for Christians and those seeking to pursue close encounters with God—without hesitation.
Ivan D. Parke, PhD is a professor in the Department of Christian Studies at Mississippi College. His areas of expertise are Biblical Studies and Biblical Hebrew. He has been a pastor in Alabama and a minister of youth in Florida and Louisiana. He co-authored Reclaiming the Real Jesus in 2004. He and his wife Mary Ann live in Jackson, Mississippi.
Published author of Reclaiming the Real Jesus Target Clergy and Bible study groups Lead Bible studies during retreats, camps and conferencesSpeak for Southern Baptist Convention in MississippiPromote the book to students during author's college coursesUtilize connections in India and Israel for translation opportunitiesSubmit to major industry reviewers, including Publishers Weekly and Foreword Reviews
Within When Life Meets the Soul , Ivan D. Parke challenges believers to dig deeper, asking, "Is spiritual intimacy with God a memory, a reality, or a goal?" The Book of Job chronicles the ruin and recovery of the greatest sufferer before Jesus. To read it only after experiencing a tragedy, however, is itself a tragedy--a decision depriving readers of the essential lessons this Old Testament book teaches. Job's story addresses more than suffering and teaches more than patience or "rainy" day lessons. Its content encompasses the essence of life, integrating the best of times and the worst of times. When Life Meets the Soul examines the Book of Job in twenty-four responses, addressing the universal question: "How should I live? Parke's study of Job explains that to live well is to walk with God, whether on mountaintops or through valleys. His spiritual guide is designed for Christians and those seeking to pursue close encounters with God--without hesitation.
Encourages honesty before God, an openness that leads to greater intimacy Helps readers assess their priorities and preferences Provides perspective and insights to cope better with life Promotes faith as a first response regardless Reveals what matters most in life Offers hope during troublesome times Instructs how to help others facing hardship