Bøger af Robert Laynton

Christians have produced different and varied interpretations of the New Testament Book of Revelation because it is a complex portion of Scripture - the narrative structure is inter-connected, it moves forwards and backwards in time, and uses a lot of symbolism - much of it related to Judaism. It presents prophecies about what must necessarily happen at the end of the present gospel age, with the appearance of the Messiah and the inauguration of the age to come. In the same way, some Jews are also still watching for the appearance of their Messiah. The Book of Revelation presents a unifying of traditional Judaism and Christianity within the Messiah - the Lamb of God.There seems to be a constant fascination with themes from the Book of Revelation such as 'the beast', the 'anti-Christ', '666' and various cataclysmic 'end of the world scenarios' ranging from the academic, to the absurdly sensationalist interpretations. Despite remaining obscure and impenetrable for centuries, even to scholars, the Book of Revelation has started to open up some of its deeper mysteries in recent decades - perhaps a sign that the fulfilment of some of its prophecies are beginning to draw near. This second edition, thoroughly revised and enlarged, offers a sober-minded 21st Century introduction the entire text which is discussed section by section. It includes a fresh translation of the whole of the Book of Revelation, taken from the original Greek texts in conjunction with New Testament Greek word studies. The reader is presented with a thoughtful, challenging introduction to and modern interpretation of the Book of Revelation that seeks to remain faithful to the Word of God. This book will be of interest to both Christians and Jews interested in prophesies related to the coming of the Messiah

This study takes a close look at the visions of Daniel, as well as the vision and prophecies of Zechariah. Besides the central focus on the coming of the Messiah, there is also a primary focus on Jews and their leaders - on Israel and the Promised Land. It is proposed that not only have these prophecies not yet been fulfilled, but also their meaning is now becoming clearer, suggesting that their fulfillment may be drawing close. Scripture exhorts Christians and Jews to stay awake and be on guard - to know the season and watch for their Messiah. By understanding Scripture passages such as Daniel and Zechariah, it becomes increasingly clear precisely what they should be looking for as Israel's 'midnight hour' draws closer. In addition to these commentaries, some short, stand-alone chapters on related themes are also presented - the Kingdom of God, the role of teachers and the importance of theology, the image of God, and Mysticism: experiencing divine knowledge and communication. All of these are presented as important and relevant themes for Christians today. Although this study is written primarily with Christians in mind, some who belong to the Judaic tradition may also find these themes to be of interest since it is Hebrew writings that are being explored and these writings very much focus on God's relationship to the Jews, Jerusalem, the Promised Land, Zion and the coming of their Messiah.

Most Christians know that they should portray love, tolerance and forgiveness whilst putting away worldly behavior. But do they turn to the Ten Commandments to spur them on? Do they wait to be filled with the Spirit of God? Do they look to 'Inner Light' for guidance? Does it matter, now that Jesus has wiped away their sins and they are bound for glory? This book looks at what Jesus and His Apostles taught about the practical experience of day-to-day Christian living. What the process is, why Christians fail and what happens then. It draws from Paul's Epistles to the Romans, Galatians and Colossians in particular, and the dynamic Scriptural models of human nature and behavior are explored in some depth.

Confident assurance of deliverance from eternal punishment and obtaining a secure place in heaven through Jesus is a popular theme for Christians. Many believe that they are guaranteed a heavenly welcome thanks to Jesus, such that nothing can take their future bliss away from them. Others are less certain. They don't doubt that Jesus is God's chosen and anointed deliverer who successfully accomplished what the father sent him to do, but when they see their disobedience and poor quality of godly service they begin to doubt whether they personally are included in God's plan of restoration. This introductory commentary on the New Testament letters of John has Christian Assurance as a primary theme. What we find is a caution for those who have no doubt at all that they are on the road to glory, also a caution to those whose persuasion may be dead and lifeless. For some who are debilitated by concerns that they may be facing exclusion, it is an encouragement towards the firm ground of personal hope and expectation. Robert Laynton gained a B.Sc. Honors degree in Psychology with the Open University and Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma qualifications in counseling at Keele University in Staffordshire, England, and has been a member of the British Psychological Society and their Transpersonal Psychology Division. He has served briefly as a deacon, assistant teacher and study leader and been a Christian for over fifty years. Having worked in the pottery industry and in retail, he is now retired.

This is the first of a series of volumes featuring photographs by Robert Laynton of the five towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent - The Potteries - that were taken around the time of the Millennium. This personal 'Millennium Project' resulted in over 1500 images capturing a pedestrian's eye view 'snaphot' of the city, mainly over a period of about three years between 1998 and 2000. However, some volumes in this collection will feature images taken as far back as the 1960's. There was no attempt to take 'arty' architectural design photos here - rather, these images capture ordinary, everyday scenes that anyone walking through one of the 'Five Towns might have seen day-by-day or week-by-week. Neither are their any portraits of local dignitaries, entrepreneurs or gatherings of employees for various events. These images are about the city itself. Of course, as time goes by, more and more of these images become interesting and 'nostalgic' as familiar buildings are demolished to be replaced by new ones, and as with anywhere else, the Potteries goes through periods of change. So these images are not 'glamorous' - they capture the city 'warts and all'. But the fact remains that many Potteries folk have a love for their city. They might criticise it - but woe betide any 'outsiders' who presume to do so! So this set of volumes is about 'the Potters' because it is dedicated to those Potters who retain a deep affection for and pride in their city, past and present, ugly and pretty. It is also for those who were children around the period of the Millennium - some of whom will begin to look at some of these images with a fond remembrance of their childhood - with nostalgia - for scenes and buildings that perhaps are no longer there.... Taken together, these images form a distinctive form of social snapshot and commentary of Stoke-on-Trent. But there little text here - no analysis, comments or critique - the images - the locations - are allowed simply to speak for themselves and sometimes they do so with a loud voice.

Christian experientialism is gaining in popularity - it can be seen in most modern conservative Christian fellowships. Christians want to experience closeness to God and they may calm their minds, and let go of the busyness of day-to-day life in order to allow God to fill them with His Presence. Some may speak in 'heavenly tongues', or receive other 'spiritual gifts'. Others may receive guidance directly from God, or deep insight into spiritual realities, whilst others may be 'caught up' to God in Transcendent Bliss in Divine Love. Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians consider that these spiritual experiences form the essence of New Testament Christian living, and lead to holiness, victory over sin and conformity to God's will. There is a long tradition of Christian experientialism within Judeo-Christian thought and practice, where Christian Mystics in particular seek to cultivate a sense of the Presence of God, teaching the steps that Christians face on their way to closer fellowship with God. This study explores Christian experientialism from a Biblical perspective over two volumes. Volume one explores what it means to have an experiential sense of God, and presents an outline of the history of mysticism within the church. Principles of Scripture interpretation are considered, particularly in relation to allegorical and metaphorical interpretations of texts. The nature of spiritual authority is considered, as is the 'Baptism of the Spirit', visions, trances, appearances and the 'opening of the mind'. Finally the theme of 'spiritual gifts' is explored together with question of whether God still continues to give them in the present day.

Christian experientialism is gaining in popularity - it can be seen in most modern conservative Christian fellowships. Christians want to experience closeness to God and they may calm their minds, and let go of the busyness of day-to-day life in order to allow God to fill them with His Presence. Some may speak in 'heavenly tongues', or receive other 'spiritual gifts'. Others may receive guidance directly from God, or deep insight into spiritual realities, whilst others may be 'caught up' to God in Transcendent Bliss in Divine Love. Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians consider that these spiritual experiences form the essence of New Testament Christian living, and lead to holiness, victory over sin and conformity to God's will. There is a long tradition of Christian experientialism within Judeo-Christian thought and practice, where Christian Mystics in particular seek to cultivate a sense of the Presence of God, teaching the steps that Christians face on their way to closer fellowship with God. This study explores Christian experientialism from a Biblical perspective over two volumes. This second volume explores concepts of holiness and the stages of spiritual development proposed by Christian mystics as leading to an experience of closer fellowship with God. How Christians know and conform to God's will is also explored, along with approaches that can be used to distinguish genuine God-given experiences. Christian experiential concepts and practices are then discussed and evaluated in the light of Scripture before some final considerations are given to the experience of spiritual desertion and to psychological factors.

The 'victorious Christian life' is an ever-popular theme. Preachers proclaim it - divine power, spiritual gifts, experiences of being 'caught up to God' and victory over sin - right here, right now. There are testimonies of God working miraculously somewhere over there, just out of sight, yesterday. Christian Life Coaches suggest that they can deliver health, wealth, success and happiness based on the Christian worldview. If a Christian is struggling with persistent sin, feeling guilty, powerless and possibly depressed or anxious about their salvation - well, Christian Counselors are on hand, ready to help in some way. People and resources promoting the 'victorious Christian life' tends to appeal to Christians who know that they are failing and missing the mark. Christian Counselors and Life Coaches use a mix of psychological and motivational theories, counseling methods and practices, seasoned with Christian values, prayer and uplifting Scriptural texts. But does any of this constitute accurate teaching from Scripture? What does Scripture teach about the dynamic processes of human behavior? What kind of life does Scripture encourage Christians to live and how? What does Scripture have to say when Christians fail and feel guilty or depressed? Author Robert Laynton explores in depth the Scriptural principles that underpin such advice and interventions. It is intended for Christian ministers and those involved in pastoral care.This is not a Christian evaluation of the various disciplines within psychology and counseling, nor is it an attempt to integrate counseling approaches with Christianity. It is an exploration of what Scripture has to say about the dynamics of failure and missing the mark and how Scripture instructs people to deal with these tendencies. Chapters present a brief overview of psychology and counseling; an overview of the Covenant of Works and human nature; how Scripture describes the subjective self; what it means for Christians to be a 'new creation'; their calling to purification; the role of divine Law in the Christian's day to day life; and what it means for Christians to 'walk in the Spirit'. A final chapter evaluates some of the criticisms directed at 'Christian counseling'. With extensive quotes from Scripture, and verse by verse or extensive commentaries on Romans 1 v 18 - 2 v 10; 6 v 9 - 23; 7 v 7 - 8 v 18; Colossians 3 v 1 - 13; Galatians 5 v 13 - 6 v 10. Robert Laynton gained a B.Sc. Honors degree in Psychology with the Open University and Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma qualifications in counseling at Keele University in Staffordshire, England. He has served briefly as a deacon, lay preacher and study leader and been engaged with Christianity for over fifty years.

Jesus is coming again - as King. But what will the Return of the King be like? The bible speaks of a thousand-year reign of Jesus - a Millennium Reign - but what is the Millennium Reign? Author Robert Laynton takes a fresh look at these themes to present a more grounded and sober look at what the Bible has to say concerning the Return of the King and the Millennium Reign. His takes the reader right back to the beginning, to trace the development of these themes within the narrative of God's grand plan of creation and of salvation and restoration in the light of humanity's fall into disobedience and condemnation. It is a plan that has been enacted in history and is being enacted right now; a plan intimately connected with the Jews and with the nation of Israel; with events that will affect the whole world in an unprecedented way. This book should engage students and believers from both Christian and Judaic traditions, as well as anyone who is seriously concerned about these themes.

Do you feel as though you are losing the battle of the sexes to the females in your life? Does your female partner talk to you and treat you as though you are a stupid boy? Does it seem to you as though all females are mad? When the female in your life makes mistakes is it always your fault? Robert Laynton makes insightful observations about males and females in relationship and offers proven practical strategies that males can adopt in order to maintain their sanity and self-control in their relationships with the opposite sex. Themes covered include: The male in a female world. The different psychological and emotional orientations of males and females. Dealing with female 'logic'. Getting and staying on top: Tactics and gambits that you can use in your relationships with females. Remember! If you are not one up - then you are one down This second edition includes extra examples and day-to-day anecdotes as well as an index providing a handy reference to themes and tactics.

Christianity and Judaism differ in their views of the Messiah but both of these religious traditions are looking forward in time to the coming of the Messiah. In the light of such different perspectives, who is it that is coming and what will be the impact of this event? This book suggests that there is more commonality between Jewish and Christian perspectives than may at first appear on the surface. By drawing primarily from the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian New Testament Scriptures, it traces the unfolding story of God's plan of redemption, reconciliation and restoration of the world to Himself though His chosen nation, the Children of Israel, and their promised Messiah. It is an epic narrative of a kingdom usurped and being regained, and one that is both uplifting and full of hope but at the same time sobering, raising concerns for all of us at this present time.

Christianity and Judaism differ concerning the Messiah - the one chosen and set apart by God to be the deliverer of God's people - yet both are looking forward in time to the coming of the Messiah. So who is it that is coming and what will be the impact of this event? Is there any hope of reconciling such divergent viewpoints? This study suggests that there is more commonality between Jewish and Christian perspectives than may first appear. By drawing primarily from the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian New Testament Scriptures, it traces the unfolding story of God's plan of redemption, reconciliation and restoration of the world to Himself though His chosen nation, the Children of Israel, and the promised Messiah. It is an epic narrative of a kingdom usurped and being regained, and one that is both uplifting and full of hope but at the same time sobering, raising concerns for all of us at this present time.

What happens when a person has a Clear, Vivid, ecstatic, transcendent religious or spiritual experience where they sense that they are being 'caught up' to God, or Spirit? Do they really encounter an unseen, intangible 'spiritual realm' that is Ultimate Reality and the Ground of existence? Why do some people who are diagnosed as 'mentally ill' claim to have such experiences? If a person persists in these kinds of beliefs, are they deluded, or even mad? Are they actually suffering from 'religious mania'? Are atheists correct in dismissing these experiences as merely 'psychological'? Or is it the atheists who are blind and deaf when it comes to Ultimate Reality? Drawing from personal experience and from over forty years of practical and theoretical engagement with spirituality and religion, as well as from approaches within psychology, author Robert Laynton explores these questions, not as a defense of religion or spirituality but as an exploration of experience on the edge of reason.

'Kinfolk' traces one particular family that is presently to be found all over the world and most particularly in the south east of England, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and the Potteries and discovers its roots on the North Staffordshire/Shropshire border in England in the Elizabethan Age and beyond. The Laynton/Lainton/Langton family were at one time closely associated with the Sukar family and for a while adopted the use of both names - Laynton-Sukar. Serving as a 'One-Name Study' of this unusual surname, this book contains every reference that its researchers have found pertaining to the Laynton/Lainton name throughout the world. The research is presented not merely a list of names but as a journey back in time portrayed in the context of local and national events, to give a lively outline social history that should be of interest to anyone who enjoys learning about the past. This book includes: Census Records Wills A full index of names in Parish records and Civil Registrations Maps

If you think that 'being a man' means knowing how to kill a Polar bear using just a piece of wood and a paper clip then you need to shatter these illusions and read this groundbreaking book which shows males how to become 'Classical Men' and as a result, attract women. Using humour, political incorrectness, real life examples and psychology theory, this book presents a fifteen point Male Manifesto to help you to turn yourself from a boy into a man who attracts women. He offers proven, field-tested practical strategies that you can adopt to help maintain your individuality, independence and integrity in your relationships with the opposite sex. Themes covered include:Self-acceptance and self-respect, Getting dates with women, Dealing with women's tests, Decisiveness and Leadership, Roguishness and Risk-Taking, Passion, Self-Presentation