“In this first volume of an exciting new series for laity, author and pastor James Howell takes us on an engaging exploration of the Beatitudes. Howell considers each of the well-known phrases in these passages from Matthew (Blessed are the poor in spirit . . .) and creatively applies Jesus' teachings to our contemporary world and Christian lives.

The For Today series will provide reliable and accessible resources for the study of important biblical texts, theological documents, and Christian practices. The series is written by experts who are committed to making the results of their studies available to those with no particular biblical or theological training. The goal is to provide an engaging means to study texts and practices that are familiar to laity in churches. The emphasis is not only on what these subjects have meant in the past but also on their value in the present-For Today. Questions for discussion are included at the end of each chapter. The books are ideal for individual study and for group study in churches. Future volumes will cover the Ten Commandments, the Psalms, the Lord's Prayer, hymns, the Apostles' Creed, Christian prayer, and parables.”