H. C. Fritz and C. F. W. Walther of fine works on practical ministry- Shows pastors how to carry out ministry on the basis of confessionally Lutheran theological principles- Stories and personal experience lend immediacy to the discussion- Unique in its presentation and content

    A major reason is because it is not arranged in chronological order. Paul's letters, for example, are arranged by size rather than chronologically. This makes the New Testament a bit like a Chinese puzzle! For this reason, one famous Bible scholar said that reading the New Testament letters is like hearing one end of a phone conversation. The book you hold in your hands reconstructs the other end so that you can understand virtually every word."The Untold Story of the New Testament Church" is a unique Bible handbook that weaves Acts and the Epistles together chronologically . . . creating one fluid story. This epic volume gives readers a first-hand account of the New Testament drama that is riveting and enlightening. It includes dates, maps, and background information about the people, the cities, and the events of the first-century church using a "you-are-there" approach.Get up-close and personal with apostles Paul, Peter, James and John and learn of their personal struggles. Understand the circumstances behind each inspired letter they penned. Watch the chaotic swirl of first-century people and events fall into place before your very eyes. Discover what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" really was. Learn what happened to all the apostles after the book of Acts was finished. Be ushered into the living, breathing atmosphere of the first century and uncover the hidden riches found in God's Word.

    Bombs fall in a nearby shopping district. Enemy soldiers terrorize neighboring homes. Crossfire decimates civilian cars at a roadblock. War infuses every quarter of Vietnam. Most Americans long ago have left for safety. The James family remains. Sam James and his wife, Rachel, and their four children sit tight in ravaged South Vietnam to share Jesus when the Vietnamese most need ministry--as the country falls to communism. Even during the frightening Tet Offensive, Sam communicates Christ's love and peace as he helps Vietnamese believers start churches and gird up spiritually for the dark days ahead. What makes one man willing to stare death in the face to obey God's call to serve the Vietnamese? And what becomes of all the seeds planted among these fledgling Christians as communism oppression advances? Servant on the Edge of History describes the Vietnam War from a perspective seldom heard: from a missionary who loved the Vietnamese people, who refused to become an American spy, but who also loved his own country. James offers insights into where and how God was at work in this war-ravanged country, where he risked all for the sake of the Gospel. About the author: Sam James for 43 years has served with the International Mission Board in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. He has been a church planter, administrator and missionary statesman in troubled areas as well as speaker for retreats and conferences in 100 countries. Sam and his wife, Rachel, are parents of four grown children, two of whom are on the mission field. Today, they reside in Richmond, Virginia.

    The original, eyewitness accounts will endure for generations.

    This book, the first on the subject for over sixty years, traces the history of deification from its birth as a second-century metaphor with biblical roots to its maturity as a doctrine central to the spiritual life of the Byzantine Church. Drawing attention to the richness and diversity of the patristic approaches from Irenaeus to Maximus the Confessor, Norman Russell offers a full discussion of the background and context of the doctrine, at the same time highlighting its distinctively Christian character.

    This biblically sound, scholarly, and easy-to-understand book will enlighten and astound its readers with solutions and alternatives to many questions Bible scholars have had over the centuries.

    Lang, a member of the London Oratory, studies the direction of liturgical prayer from a historical, theological, and pastoral point of view.

    Stone and the father-son team of Thomas and Alexander Campbell. The union of these two movements in the 1830s and the growth of the new body thrust it into a place of significance in early nineteenth-century America, and it quickly spread to other parts of the English-speaking world.From its beginnings the Movement has developed into one of the most vital and diverse Christian traditions in the world. Today it encompasses three major American communions -- Churches of Christ, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Christian Churches/Churches of Christ -- as well as united churches in several other countries.Over ten years in the making, "The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement" offers for the first time a sweeping historical and theological treatment of this complex, vibrant global communion. Written by more than 300 contributors, this major reference work contains over 700 original articles covering all of the significant individuals, events, places, and theological tenets that have shaped the Movement. Much more than simply a historical dictionary, this volume also constitutes an "interpretive" work reflecting historical consensus among Stone-Campbell scholars, even as it attempts to present a fair, representative picture of the rich heritage that is the Stone-Campbell Movement.Scores of photographs and illustrations (many quite rare) enrich and enliven the text, and an extensive, carefully prepared index facilitates ready access to important information throughout the volume. "The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement" -- a standard reference work for religious, academic, public, and personal libraries everywhere. Features of this encyclopedia: Presents over 700 articles on the people, events, churches, and beliefs that comprise the Stone-Campbell traditionProvides cutting-edge commentary on current topics of discussion as well as basic historical knowledgeWritten by more than 300 scholars from across the Stone-Campbell MovementEnlivened with photographs and illustrations (some quite rare) from around the worldIncludes an extensive index for rapid reference

    Gregory of Nazianzus portrays a vivid picture of a fascinating character of vital importance who deserves to be regarded as the first true Christian humanist.The eight orations, each representing a different aspect of his writing, are examined alongside a selection of his shorter poems in verse translation, letters, and a translation of Gregory's own will. Author Brian Daley offers extensive commentary on the works translated and an ample bibliography.With an extensive introduction to Gregory's life, thought and writings, and including detailed notes, this study places Gregory in his correct historical context, and gives students access to a deeper understanding of this fascinating figure from the past.

    

    Published in 1928 by a priest with three doctors\' degrees, this book exposes all aspects of Tradition, so that once a person has read this book, he will never question the nature of Tradition again. Every priest, bishop and cardinal, every seminarian and everyone who considers himself to be an informed Catholic should also read this providential book---which is reappearing at a crucial time in the history of the Church, to help clarify our understanding about the nature of the Deposit of Faith and how we should all revere and cherish the Tradition of the Church!"I've only read the first couple of chapters so far, but already it has been well worth the price. Thank you so much for publishing this treasure that is so needed in our Lord's Church today!"---P.T., TN

    Widely known for his scholarship on Vos, editor James T. Dennison Jr. here collects, for the first time, all of Vos's extant letters. Many of these letters were written to such luminaries as Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, B. B. Warfield, and J. Gresham Machen. The editor's notes to each letter assist the reader in understanding references in them.

    It shaped culture and ideas, social and economic behaviour, and the organization of landscape and settlement. This book traces how the widespread foundation of monastic sites ('minsters') during c.670 - 730 gave the recently pagan English new ways of living, of exploiting their resources, and of absorbing European culture, as well as opening new spiritual and intellectual horizons.

    Yet, where evangelicalism continues to affirm these truths, without such results, it is often assumed that she must have needs that cannot be met without something new.These addresses by Iain Murray challenge that mindset. While the Bible not history is the textbook in these pages, Murray draws on the best authors of the old evangelicalism to confirm what a glorious message the gospel is.

    Peter Marshall immigrated to America in 1927. During the next twenty-two years, before his untimely death in 1949 at the age of forty-six, he became one of the nations most famous preachers, pastor of Washington, D.C's historic New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, and Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. His wife, author Catherine Marshall, wrote his best-selling biography, A Man Called Peter, which was subsequently made into the much heralded 1955 movie. The Wartime Sermons of Dr. Peter Marshall includes many of his most sought-after messages delivered during World War II. Today, as we continue to face a war against global terrorism during the aftermath of Spetember 11, 2001, these wartime sermons, preached more than fifty years ago, have never been more timely, appropriate, or desperately needed. This dynamic book of sermons and prayers should be kept nearby during these challenging times.

    Zugibe presents his discoveries culled from years of exhaustive research. Documented with 95 illustrations that explore the impact of crucifixion on the body, he demonstrates the realities behind the crucifixion on the body, providing a virtual autopsy on Christ from across the centuries.

    

    Beginning with an overview of the important archives of the ancient Near East, Sparks provides exhaustive references to the ancient literary counterparts to the Hebrew Bible's major genres. Surveying the ancient writings found throughout Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and Palestine, he provides a brief summary of each text discussed, translating brief portions and linking them to literarily similar biblical passages. Exploring over 30 genres--"wisdom, hymns, love poetry, rituals, prophecy, apocalyptic, novella, epic legend, myth, genealogy, history, law, treaty, epigraphic materials, and others--"Sparks offers an exemplary guide to the fertile literary environment from which the canonical writings sprung. A number of helpful indexes round out this outstanding resource. Providing students with a thorough introduction to the literature of the ancient Near East--"and time--"pressed scholars with an admirably up-to-date research tool--"it will become a syllabus standard for a myriad of courses.

    Drawing on a wealth of new material from military, ecclesiastical and secular civilian archives, Michael Snape presents a study of the experience of the officers and men of Britain's vast citizen armies, and also of the numerous religious agencies which ministered to them.Historians of the First and Second World Wars have consistently underestimated the importance of religion in Britain during the war years, but this book shows that religion had much greater currency and influence in twentieth-century British society than has previously been realised.Snape argues that religion provided a key component of military morale and national identity in both the First and Second World Wars, and demonstrates that, contrary to accepted wisdom, Britain's popular religious culture emerged intact and even strengthened as a result of the army's experiences of war.The book covers such a range of disciplines, that students and scholars of military history, British history and Religion will all benefit from its purchase.

    Wells edited the Woman's Exponent, represented Mormon women in the woman suffrage movement, courageously defended plural marriage, and helped mitigate anti-Mormon sentiment, all before becoming Relief Society General President at the age of eighty-two. Emmeline's life was not the norm of her era. Born on the outer fringes of a rural society, she became an intellectual, a middle-class American, and a prominent Mormon. A life-size bust of Emmeline sits in the Utah state capitol building, the lone woman so honored for seventy years. The simple inscription speaks volumes: "A Fine Soul Who Served Us."

    The book includes the first ever English translations of two major sources of the Heidelberg Catechism--Ursinus's Smaller and Larger Catechisms--and a bibliography of research on the document since 1900.Students of the Reformed tradition and the Protestant Reformation will value this resource.

    His system of doctrine and polity, Calvinism, has shaped more minds and entered into more nations than that of any other reformer. In every land, it made men strong against the attempted interference of the secular power with the rights of Christians and endures today, hundreds of years after his death. "It was more God's work than mine," Calvin said of his "Institutes."

    Luigi Gambero presented a comprehensive survey of Marian doctrine and devotion during the first eight Christian centuries. Mary in the Middle Ages continues this journey up to the end of the fifteenth century, surveying the growth of Marian doctrine and devotion during one of the most important eras of Christian history: the Middle Ages. Fr. Gambero presents the thoughts, words, and prayers of great theologians, bishops, monks, and mystics who witnessed to and promoted the dedication of the Christian people to the Mother of God. Each chapter concludes with readings from the works of these important authors. Many of these texts have never before been translated into English. More than thirty great figures each receive an entire chapter, including such giants as the St. Anselm, St. Bernard, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Bonaventure, St. Albert the Great, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Brigid of Sweden, and Raymond Lull. “A fascinating picture of one of the foundational elements of modern Catholic theology, namely, devotion. All in all, a worthwhile and informative study of devotion to the Blessed Virgin.” —Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R. “This book is indispensable for current students of Mariology.” —Kenneth Baker, S.J. Table of Contents: Abbreviations Introduction: Mary's True Role in the Economy of Salvation Part One: Authors of the Early Middle Ages: Seventh-Eleventh Centuries Prologue I. Ildephonsus of Toledo Invocation of the Virgin Divine Motherhood Ever-Virgin The Blessed Virgin and Human Salvation Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Reading: A Prayer Inspired by the Mystery of the Incarnation Reading: Consecration to the Virgin Mary II. The Venerable Bede Mary's Greatness Virgin and Bride Eve-Mary Mary and the Church Witness to Marian Devotion Reading: As It Was Fulfilled

    As a monk and a scholar, Bede knew the psalms thoroughly and in his Abbreviated Psalter (included in the text) made his own innovative contribution to the devotional use of the 'Songs of David' and to their use in the prayer which goes beyond words.

    "The Complete Book of Who's Who" provides readers with a complete listing of people in the Bible with descriptions of their lives and accomplishments. "The Complete Book of When and Where" tells intriguing accounts of 1,001 events in Christian history and their significance. Includes a comprehensive timeline.

    Some find in sacrifice the key to the mysterious and violent origins of human culture. Others see these cultic rituals as merely the fossilized vestiges of primitive superstition. Some believe that ancient Jewish sacrifice was doomed from the start, destined to be replaced by the Christian eucharist. Others think that the temple was fated to be superseded by the synagogue. In Purity, Sacrifice, and the Temple Jonathan Klawans demonstrates that these supersessionist ideologies have prevented scholars from recognizing the Jerusalem temple as a powerful source of meaning and symbolism to the ancient Jews who worshiped there. Klawans exposes and counters such ideologies by reviewing the theoretical literature on sacrifice and taking a fresh look at a broad range of evidence concerning ancient Jewish attitudes toward the temple and its sacrificial cult. The first step toward reaching a more balanced view is to integrate the study of sacrifice with the study of purity-a ritual structure that has commonly been understood as symbolic by scholars and laypeople alike. The second step is to rehabilitate sacrificial metaphors, with the understanding that these metaphors are windows into the ways sacrifice was understood by ancient Jews. By taking these steps-and by removing contemporary religious and cultural biases-Klawans allows us to better understand what sacrifice meant to the early communities who practiced it. Armed with this new understanding, Klawans reevaluates the ideas about the temple articulated in a wide array of ancient sources, including Josephus, Philo, Pseudepigrapha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, New Testament, and Rabbinic literature. Klawans mines these sources with an eye toward illuminating the symbolic meanings of sacrifice for ancient Jews. Along the way, he reconsiders the ostensible rejection of the cult by the biblical prophets, the Qumran sect, and Jesus. While these figures may have seen the temple in their time as tainted or even defiled, Klawans argues, they too-like practically all ancient Jews-believed in the cult, accepted its symbolic significance, and hoped for its ultimate efficacy.

    One of today's most popular spiritual writers and commentators interweaves the Old and New Testament Scripture with prayers of hope and repentance, offering ancient ways of seeing Christ that will feel new to readers of all denominational backgrounds.

    The book opens with an introduction to the physical context in which the events of the Bible took place, the varied climates within this narrow geographical area, the natural and manmade routes that made Palestine the crossroads of the world, and the agricultural/religious calendar that was so integral to life in Israel. The second part of the book is arranged chronologically providing 100+ maps that illuminate the geographical context of major Biblical events.

    His books have become classics, and as leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Britain he was one of the most prominent Orthodox personalities on the world stage. But who was Metropolitan Anthony, the inner man behind the public preacher and pastor? How did his life story and personality mould his Christianity? How did his work - as monk, doctor, bishop and, almost to the end, parish priest and spiritual father - affect his ministry and other writings? In this, the first comprehensive examination of Metropolitan Anthony's life and work, Gillian Crow presents a compelling portrait of a complex human being: both a charismatic, warm person, aglow with the joy of his faith, and also someone who fought hard with inner demons of shyness, insecurity and at times depression. This sympathetic yet honest portrayal will be essential reading for all those who have been touched by Metropolitan Anthony's own writing and who wish to find out more about his

    One of the consequences of this shift was the evolution of the role of the bishop—as the highest Church official in his city—from model Christian to model citizen. Claudia Rapp's exceptionally learned, innovative, and groundbreaking work traces this transition with a twofold aim: to deemphasize the reign of the emperor Constantine, which has traditionally been regarded as a watershed in the development of the Church as an institution, and to bring to the fore the continued importance of the religious underpinnings of the bishop's role as civic leader.Rapp rejects Max Weber’s categories of “charismatic” versus “institutional” authority that have traditionally been used to distinguish the nature of episcopal authority from that of the ascetic and holy man. Instead she proposes a model of spiritual authority, ascetic authority and pragmatic authority, in which a bishop’s visible asceticism is taken as evidence of his spiritual powers and at the same time provides the justification for his public role. In clear and graceful prose, Rapp provides a wholly fresh analysis of the changing dynamics of social mobility as played out in episcopal appointments.

    Across England and into Wales are memorials to some of the more than two hundred and eighty martyrs during Marys brief reign. Their agony in the often slow-burning fires is a heart-rending testimony of firm faith and strong conviction. Here is the story of a few of those whose weakness was turned to strength who were tortured and refused to be released and of whom the world was not worthy. Like each of the books in this unique series, Travel with The Martyrs of Mary Tudor is both a carefully researched history and a valuable travel guide. With over 150 colour photographs, drawings and maps, it will guide the traveller to many of the key locations associated with the life and ministry of these great saints. A detailed time line and recommended further reading adds to the value of the book, and makes it equally useful for the armchair traveller.

    Sidlow Baxter lived like he was already in heaven. In this authorized biography, readers will hear the inspiring life story of this man of prayer. Readers will follow Baxter's story from his birth in Australia to his childhood in England. They will hear about Baxter's conversion and experience his pastorates in Northampton and Sunderland. Readers will follow his ministry as it expanded into the United States and will learn from his experiences as a traveling minister. They will read when and why Baxter penned his well-known works including Explore the Book and Awake My Heart. From his birth to his heavenly homecoming and everything in between, here is an invitation for all to see the man behind the book.

    By the seventh century evangelization from Iraq had brought Christianity to China, Central Asia and India. Yet few people in the West are aware of Christianity's vibrant past in this region, or of the fact that Christianity has continued to be a significant cultural and religious presence in Iraq right up to the present day. The story of the Churches of Iraq, their interaction with each other and their varied fortunes under successive Parthian, Sassanid, Arab, Mongol and Ottoman rule, is told here with consummate skill. Suha Rassam guides the reader seemingly effortlessly through complex issues of doctrinal dispute and ecclesiastical politics. She helps us explore the ancient heritage of these Churches, and the major contribution they have made to the intellectual development of the region and the wider world. Suha Rassam's book comes to fill a large vacuum in the knowledge of those in the West, many of whom are still not aware of the fact that from ancient times Christianity was firmly rooted in Iraq and the rest of the territory now seen as the 'Arab Middle East'. Archbishop Mikhael Al Jamil, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syrian Catholic Church of Antioch to the Holy See and Vicar Apostolic for Europe Dr Suha Rassam has written a work of remarkable scholarship. But is is also a vivid portrayal of an extraordinary story of conflict, persecution and, for fifty years in the twentieth century, of hope, harmony and prosperity for the Christian community in Iraq. It would be a tragedy if that Christian community were now extinguished. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster Gives to the general interested public a comprehensive and informed insight into two thousand years of Christianity in Iraq. Dr Erica Hunter, School of Oriental and African Studies, London University

    The nearby village of Tawatha was home to the thriving monastery of Abbot Seridos and the renowned anchorites Barsanuphius, known to the people as the Great Old Man, and his disciple John. The laity of the area looked to the monks for spiritual leadership, as did their brother monks, bishops, and religious leaders from as far away as Jerusalem and Constantinople. Having adopted a life of physical isolation, the monks communicated with others by letters, offering guidance in such matters as treatment of slaves, distribution of alms, interpretation of visions, and social relations with pagans and Jews.This extraordinary correspondence opens a window into the spiritual world of the desert monastery and the lay community it served. In Disciples of the Desert, Jennifer Hevelone-Harper uses a careful study of the letters to reveal fascinating insights into the monastic community and sixth-century Christian spirituality.Hevelone-Harper explains the network of spiritual authority that was created to lead the monastic community and discusses how monastic leaders responded to challenges to authority, appointed successors, and chose and mentored disciples. She reveals the immense love that Abbot Seridos, Barsanuphius, and John had for their fellow monastics and for the lay community in Tawatha, Gaza, and beyond.

    These writings include 1 Clement, 2 Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Didache, Barnabas, Papias, Hermas, Martyrdom of Polycarp, Diognetus, and Quadratus. Considering their historical context, the Apostolic Fathers bear directly on the study of the New Testament, the development of the early Church, and the history of Christian theology. The Apostolic Fathers: An Essential Guide will explain the nature of the collected writings as they stand between the world of the New Testament and later Christian writers, focusing upon what the texts say about ancient Christian thinkers, early church developments, and the evolution of theological ideas prior to the great ecumenical councils.Chapter Outline: *Chapter 1: The Collected Writings*Chapter 2: People and Places*Chapter 3: Connections to Scripture*Chapter 4: Theological Ideas*Chapter 5: Structures of the Ancient Church *Chapter 6: Roots of the Patristic TraditionHere is a long awaited volume that treats in a concise and readable format a body of literature too often neglected, but absolutely essential to our understanding of Christian origins. Clayton Jefford brings unrivaled expertise to this task and serves as a sensitive and insightful guide to these texts, offering an introduction that will serve the needs of the beginning student and the seasoned expert alike. It is sure to be at the top of the reading list for anyone interested in this important topic.Stephen J. Patterson Eden Theological Seminary St. Louis "The author's goal--a simple and sensible first introduction to the ideas and beliefs of the Apostolic Fathers--is fully realized as he organizes his survey of these intriguing ancient Christian writers according to topics--including scripture, theology, and church structure--of continuing contemporary interest. A reliable guide for students and study groups." Michael Holmes Bethel University St. Paul, MinnesotaClayton N. Jefford is Professor of Scripture at Saint Meinrad School of Theolgy and is the Secretary-Treasurer of the North American Patristics Society. He has written and edited six volumes and is best known for his research in the fields of the Didache and the Apostolic Fathers.

    In the intervening years, she lived in many places but never long enough to set firm roots. Her adherence to a frontier religion on the move kept her moving, even after the church began to settle down in Utah. Despite the impermanence of her situation—perhaps even because of it—Caroline Crosby left a remarkably rich record of her life and travels, thereby telling us not only much about herself and her family but also about times and places of which her documentary record provides a virtually unparalleled view. A notable aspect of her memoirs and journals is what they convey of the character of their author, who, despite the many challenges of transience and poverty she faced, appears to have remained curious, dedicated, observant, and optimistic.From Caroline's home in Canada, she and Jonathan Crosby first went to the headquarters of Joseph Smith's new church in Kirtland, Ohio. She recounts, in a memoir, the early struggles of his followers there. As the church moved west, the Crosbys did as well, but, as became characteristic, they did not move immediately with the main body to the center of the religion. For a while they settled in Indiana, finally reaching the new Mormon center of Nauvoo in 1842. Fleeing Nauvoo with the last of the Mormons in 1846, they spent two years in Iowa and set out for Utah in 1848, the account of which is the first of Caroline Crosby's vivid trail journals. The Crosbys were able to rest in Salt Lake City for less than two years before Brigham Young sent them on a church mission to the Society and Austral Islands in the South Pacific. She recorded, in detail, their overland travel to San Francisco and then by sea to French Polynesia and their service on the islands. In late 1852 the Crosbys returned to California, beginning what is probably the most historically significant time recorded in her writings, her diaries of life. First, in immediately post-Gold-Rush San Francisco and, second, in the new Mormon village of San Bernardino in southern California. There is no comparable record by a woman of 1850s life in these growing communities. The Crosbys responded in 1857 to Brigham Young's call for church members to gather in Utah and again abandoned a new home—the nicest one they had built and one of the finest houses in San Bernardino—again displaying their unquestioning loyalty to the Mormon church.