Readers of this book will understand how the local church should participate in the conversion process through ordinary means, such as biblical preaching and intentional relationships.

    But with sin came a world filled with sexual brokenness. Thankfully, God is always in the business of restoration.This book offers hope for both the sexually immoral and the sexually victimized, pointing us all to the grace of Jesus Christ, who mercifully intervenes each moment in our lifelong journey toward renewal. Author David Powlison casts a vision for the key to deep transformation, better than anything the world has to offer--not just fresh resolve, not just flimsy forgiveness, not just simple formulas, but true, lasting mercy from God, who is making all things new.

    The Imperfect Disciple is for the rest of us--people who screw up, people who are weary, people who are wondering if it's safe to say what they're really thinking.For the believer who is tired of quasi-spiritual lifehacks being passed off as true, down-and-dirty discipleship, here is a discipleship book that isn't afraid to be honest about the mess we call real life. With incisive wit, warm humor, and moving stories, Jared Wilson shows readers how the gospel works in them and in their lives when- they can't get their act together- they think God is giving them the silent treatment- they think church would be better without all the people- they're not happy with the person in the mirror- and much moreWilson frees readers from the self-doubt and even the misplaced self-confidence they may feel as they walk with Jesus down the often difficult road of life. The result is a faith that weathers storms, lifts burdens, and goes forth to make more imperfect disciples.

    A chasm had developed between the way I was preaching from the pulpit and my deepest convictions on what it meant to be a pastor. And so began Peterson s journey to live and teach a life of congruence congruence between preaching and living, between what we do and the way we do it, between what is written in Scripture and how we live out that truth. Nothing captures the biblical foundation for this journey better than Peterson s teachings over his twenty-nine years as a pastor. As Kingfishers Catch Fire offers a never-before-published collection of these teachings to anyone longing for a richer, truer spirituality. Peterson s strikingly beautiful prose and deeply grounded insights usher us into a new understanding of how to live out the good news of the Word made flesh. This is a stunning record of one man s decision to discover not only how to be a pastor but how to be a human being."

    Each of these chapters--from dreading the birth of her first child, to living in unfamiliar and dangerous places, to facing the news that her son had been diagnosed with cancer--describes the stories through which Hannah K. Grieser has come to see that hard or uncertain circumstances, rather than being cause for doubt and dread, can instead become the unasked-for means that our loving Father uses to turn us toward Him and to show us His faithfulness. Told in Hannah's graceful yet punchy prose, the reflections in this powerful book will challenge readers to revisit their own hard times and see how God can take the storms that we most fear and turn them into downpours of blessings.

    Is it possible this difficulty is because we're trying to speak a language we haven't actually spent time practicing?To become fluent in a new language, you must immerse yourself in it until you actually start to think about life through it. Becoming fluent in the gospel happens the same way--after believing it, we have to intentionally rehearse it (to ourselves and to others) and immerse ourselves in its truths. Only then will we start to see how everything in our lives, from the mundane to the magnificent, is transformed by the hope of the gospel.

    The music is flawless, the sermon well-prepared and smoothly delivered, and the grounds meticulously kept. People come on time and go home on time. But a fundamental element is missing. The business of church has undermined the individual’s need to truly live for Christ, so much so, that only a limited few are seeing their life impact the world. Dwight L. Moody takes us deep into Scripture and paints a clear picture of what ought to be an individual’s life for Christ. The call for each Christian is to become an active member in the body of Christ. The motive is love for the Lord and our neighbor. The result will be the salvation of men, women, and children everywhere. Previously titled To the Work! To the Work! About the Author Dwight L. Moody, determined to make a fortune, arrived in Chicago and started selling shoes. But Christ found him and his energies were redirected into full-time ministry. And what a ministry it was. Today, Moody’s name still graces a church, a mission, a college, and more. Moody loved God and men, and the power of a love like that impacts generations.

    Something spills or goes missing, we get stuck in traffic or someone cuts us off on the road, or we feel like the people we live and work with are only making our lives more difficult. And while no one wants to get angry, what happens when our irritations and frustrations rise yet again?Anger is so common—yet it also hurts. It not only leaves a mark on us, but it also leaves a marks on others. The wounds we inflict on ourselves and others because of anger—loss of intimacy, trust, security, and enjoyment in our closest relationships—give us compelling reasons to look closely at our anger and think carefully about how to grow in peace and patience.But if you, like many others, have just gotten irritated for the umpteenth time today, you might wonder if change is possible. Can anyone truly find peace? The answer is yes, but you will need a plan. Biblical counselor and psychologist Ed Welch invites readers to take a fifty-day journey that unpacks anger while encouraging and teaching readers to respond with patience to life’s difficulties. Readers will also be introduced to Jesus, the key to any plan for change. Known as the Prince of Peace, he is the only one who can empower his people to grow in patience, peace, and wholeness. Provides short, daily meditations that encourage readers to look carefully at how their anger affects them and others.The fifty-day reading plan gives ample time for readers to unpack the underlying causes of irritation and frustration and develop a Spirit-led plan for growth.Offers encouragement and helps readers to develop the skills to deal with the universal problem of anger and respond with more patience to life’s difficultiesChrist-centered teachings give readers hope that they can change not based on their own efforts, but through the work of Jesus and his indwelling Spirit.A useful tool for pastors, counselors, and lay helpers who are working with people who struggle with a short fuse.

    But as we grow older, we learn to be more "rational" and more confident that reality is merely what we can see. Even as Christians who believe in the resurrection, we live as if miracles and magic have been drained from the world. As Mike Cosper wrestled with his own disillusionment, he found writers, thinkers, and artists like Hannah Arendt, Charles Taylor, James K. A. Smith, and David Foster Wallace whose words and ideas reassured him that he was not alone. And he discovered ancient and modern disciplines that shape a Christian way of life and awaken the possibility of living again in an enchanted world. Exquisitely written with thoughtful practices woven throughout, this book will feed your soul and help you recapture the wonder of your Christian walk.

    It’s a critical one, and its absence has led to weak believers, disintegrating families, ineffective churches, and a decaying culture. Without it, we lack what we need to fully live as heaven’s representatives on earth. That missing force is discipleship. In Kingdom Disciples, Tony Evans outlines a simple, actionable definition of discipleship to help the church fulfill its calling. Readers will learn:What a disciple isWhat a disciple cares aboutHow to be a disciple and make disciplesWhat discipleship looks like in communityWhat the impact of discipleship on the world can beKingdom disciples are in short supply, and the result is a legion of powerless Christians attending powerless churches, having a powerless presence in the world. The power, authority, abundance, victory, and impact God has promised will only come about when we understand and align ourselves with His definition of discipleship.Kingdom Disciples calls believers and churches back to our primary, divinely ordained responsibility to be disciples and make disciples. Only when we take seriously this assignment will the world see heaven at work on earth.Will you accept the assignment? Kingdom Disciples isuseful as base material for a course on discipleship.

    Figuring Out Faith?1- Everyone is Religion2- How Religion Ruins the World3- Getting Rid of Religion Doesn't Help4- God Doesn't Exist to Be Used5- ...& Neither Do You6- THE SOLUTION: Living WITH God7- The "Radical" Life Isn't What You Think8- The World Is A Perfectly Safe Place (Really)9- All You Need Is Love

    But how do you know it’s the mission Jesus gave?In The Life of the Church, Joe Thorn explains the mission of the church and the three rhythms for fulfilling it. The result is a simple, memorable model for church life and ministry, grounded in Scripture and aligned with historic practices.Useful for training in membership class, discipleship groups, and elder boards—and even for devotional reading—The Life of the Church is at once theological, practical, and experiential. Readers will not simply be informed, but led to a deeper conviction about their role in the body of Christ. Pastors will be equipped to refocus their ministries, and Christians to fulfill their purpose: be and make disciples. If you wonder what it means to be saved into a body of believers, why the various parts of a worship service matter, and how to engage in the world as a citizen of heaven, then The Life of the Church is for you. It answers this critical question: “Why does the church exist, and how does it shape my life?”

    

      Todd Wagner invites readers to experience the adventure, goodness, and fullness of life that God has intended for humankind from the beginning of time and especially today through His provision through His people. Weekly meetings of mostly bored adults who regularly attend services have nothing to do with God’s vision for His people. Wagner paints the picture of a perfect Father’s intention to bring His people into an adventurous life full of authentic relationships, powerful transformation, and seemingly impossible significance and meaning.

    Through the years, our understanding of Jesus has been shaped by different cultural influences, and many Christians have forgotten that Jesus was a Jewish man living in a Jewish land, observing Jewish customs, and investing his life into Jewish men and women.Trading the popular, but inaccurate Western perspective of the Bible for the context in which Jesus actually ministered in 2000 years ago, author Robby Gallaty reveals the fascinating Hebraic culture, customs, and nuances many Christians have never experienced or learned about.By uncovering the teaching of the first and second century rabbis and Christian theologians, and highlighting little-known Jewish idioms and traditions, Gallaty takes Christians on a biblical journey to rediscover a forgotten Jesus from a biblical perspective, deepening your relationship with God.

    Even the most unremarkable life is an opportunity to see, know, love, and be utterly transformed by a God who knows no bounds and who upsets every expectation. He eagerly awaits your invitation to fill your world with mundane miracles and holy habits.Through her entertaining narrative, candid real-life stories, Bible study, and practical instruction, Kari will take you by the hand to discover the beautiful sacredness in the life you already lead.If you long to grow in God and make a real difference in your world--no matter how small--Sacred Mundane contains everything you need to glean the truth hidden within your everyday existence. Dive in, and learn how to find freedom, purpose, and joy.

    It explains the story of the gospel, its basic doctrines, and God’s work in salvation. Fresh yet consistent with classic expressions, it helps churches reclaim their essential identity and return from distracting pursuits.   Useful for training in membership classes, discipleship groups, and elder boards—and even for devotional reading—The Heart of the Church is at once theological, practical, and experiential. Readers will not simply be informed, but led to believe in, rejoice in, and be transformed by the truth of God for His gathered people.Without the gospel, the church does not exist. This book is Thorn’s full and detailed exploration of the message that is indispensable to the church’s life and identity. For any church lacking power, any Christian feeling dry, or any person seeking truth, The Heart of the Church brings relief, direction, and light, leading to worship.

    This is a classic example of a PSYOP a psychological operation, a mission to change what you believe by feeding you information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or an outright lie. This PSYOP is one of many by entities who've been at war with God since the Garden of Eden. The Bible calls them gods. God Himself calls them gods. But we've been taught that they're imaginary, so we stumble around the battlefield completely unprepared to defend ourselves. In The Great Inception, you will learn: How we know the war between God and the gods is real *The importance of mountains and the holy mountain where the final battle will be fought *Why the Tower of Babel was not in Babylon and the real reason God stopped it *Where God led His heavenly army to battle the chief god of the Canaanites *The true identities of Satan and Apollyon, king of the demons in the abyss *The mystery behind what God meant when He told Abraham about the sin of the Amorites *Why the Red Sea crossing was a literal battle between God and Ba`al (and why a Canaanite god was in Egypt in the first place) *Connects Titans of Greek mythology, the Nephilim of Genesis 6 with people who fought Israel from the time of Moses to the present *Jesus did battle with the rebel gods *How the moon-god of ancient Babylon influences world events today *Where Armageddon will be fought (it s not where you think) *Possible end-times scenario that includes the most diabolical double-cross in history Combining research from scholars of ancient history, languages, archaeology, and Bible prophecy, Derek P. Gilbert shows that the Bible is anything but a boring list of thou-shalt-nots; it's an epic tale of a war between God and the rebel gods who want to usurp His throne before He can restore humanity to His holy mountain and the place we once had in the divine council.

    - John 5:11b Original title: Miracles and Parables of Our Lord. Volume 2 A deep, inspiring, and often challenging study of the Lord Jesus Christ's miracles and parables. Men who were led by the hand or groped their way along the wall to reach Jesus were touched by his finger and went home without a guide, rejoicing that Jesus Christ had opened their eyes. Jesus is still able to perform such miracles. And, with the power of the Holy Spirit, his Word will be expounded and we’ll watch for the signs to follow, expecting to see them at once. Why shouldn’t those who read this be blessed with the light of heaven? This is my heart's inmost desire. I can’t put fine words together. I’ve never studied speech. In fact, my heart loathes the very thought of intentionally speaking with fine words when souls are in danger of eternal separation from God. No, I work to speak straight to your hearts and consciences, and if there is anyone with faith to receive, God will bless them with fresh revelation. - Charles H. Spurgeon In this second volume, Charles H. Spurgeon expounds in marvelous detail on the following miracles: • Jesus visits the pool by Bethesda and heals the crippled man (John 5) • Jesus heals a blind man with spit and clay (John 9) About the Author Charles Haddon (C. H.) Spurgeon (1834-1892) was a British Baptist preacher. He started preaching at age 17, and quickly became famous. He is still known as the “Prince of Preachers,” and frequently had more than 10,000 people present to hear him preach at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. His sermons were printed in newspapers, translated into many languages, and published in many books.

    Not even close. Cancer interrupted it. And in Greg's words: "That's a good thing because, without cancer, I would never have embraced the joy of following Jesus with reckless abandon or experienced the exhilaration of sensing the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I would never have acted in obedience to what he leads me to do (what he has wired me to do) or joined him in his master plan. In God's grace, he allowed me to get so sick I had to slow down, abandon my plans, move out of the way, and learn to trust him by just being. Frankly, I would rather enjoy life this way (God's way) if only for a few years, than live for decades wrapped up in my small, timid plans and the insecurities present in that lifestyle. Without cancer, I would have remained that somber, self-righteous, smug, narrow-minded Christian who turns people off: the Christian who judges instead of loves, clings tightly to the status-quo plan, and thinks he can earn God's approval. The Christian who misses the joy of simply following Jesus the way he intended. You might say, cancer got me out of my performance-based, fearful existence and into the bigger story—the grand adventure. Following Jesus in the unexpected led Greg to life-giving exploits, and he wants the same for you. Because lots of things interrupt our well-planned lives. Out of the Blue will help you embrace interruption as adventure, rather than adversity. It will lead you to the exhilarating bigger story—God's story—and your unexpected role in it."

    Akin, and Tony Merida, this new commentary series, projected to be 48 volumes, takes a Christ- centered approach to expositing each book of the Bible. Rather than a verse-by-verse approach, the authors have crafted chapters that explain and apply key passages in their assigned Bible books. Readers will learn to see Christ in all aspects of Scripture, and they will be encouraged by the devotional nature of each exposition. Projected contributors to the series include notable authors such as Russell D. Moore, Al Mohler, Matt Chandler, Francis Chan, Mark Dever, and others.

    Seven out of 10 kids will walk away from church after they turn 18. About five will return when they have families of their own, but two will never return. Clearly something isn’t connecting with our kids. As kids ministry leaders, we need to take a hard look at what we are missing in our kids ministries and provide kids the one thing that will satisfy them and keep them connected to the church—the gospel.Gospel-Centered Kids Ministry also addresses communicating with and encouraging gospel-centered leaders and parents as part of your ministry.

    We all prefer quick fixes and bandage solutions to the long, hard, slow work that produces real change. So the moment we learn about a new ministry or strategy and see its effect in another church, we run to implement it in our own. Unfortunately, this impulse is usually met by opposition, skepticism, and ultimately, rejection.What if the solution isn't a new model or a complicated strategy, but a shift in perspective? What if you could keep your church's current vision, values, and model, and simply make a few micro-shifts...leading to macro-changes?This book explores five micro-shifts that have the potential to produce macro-changes in your church. As you read, you will discover how to integrate these micro-shifts into the life of your church, starting with the way you disciple. You will finish by developing a plan to structure, communicate, and evaluate these changes to ensure that they take root and pave the way for lasting change and kingdom impact.

     The uniqueness of this book comes in the metaphor of sipping saltwater. Even as Christians, we 'sip' on idols such as money, relationships, careers, sex, food, human approval…the list is endless. These things promise to satisfy us—to quench our thirst. In the end, however, they fail to do so and leave us thirstier than we were before drinking them. To make matters worse, we are left with devastating hangovers—the negative consequences of our idolatry. This book enables readers to identify their own source(s) of saltwater and explains how to quench their thirst with Jesus’ living water—the only drink that will ever truly satisfy us both now and for eternity. It inspires readers to go on in the Christian life as they started—by making Jesus the centre of our lives and giving our worship to him.

    This is the gospel, or so we are taught. But what is faith? And does this accurately summarize the gospel? Because faith is frequently misunderstood and the climax of the gospel misidentified, the gospel's full power remains untapped. While offering a fresh proposal for what faith means within a biblical theology of salvation, Matthew Bates presses the church toward a new precision: we are saved solely by allegiance to Jesus the king. Instead of faith alone, Christians must speak about salvation by allegiance alone. The book includes discussion questions for students, pastors, and church groups and a foreword by Scot McKnight.

    But what Aaron Damiani came to find, and what he describes inside, is something else entirely. Something exceedingly good.In The Good of Giving Up, Anglican pastor Aaron Damiani (who comes from a low-church background) explains the season of Lent, defends it theologically, and guides you in its practice. You’ll learn:The history and purpose of LentHow to practice it with proper motivationWays it can reform your habits and convictionsHow to lead others through it, whether in the home or churchLent has been described as a “springtime for the soul,” a season of clearing to make room for growth. The Good of Giving Up will show you why, encouraging you to participate in what many know as a rich spiritual journey. “ When I was finally ready to take the plunge, I learned that observing Lent is not a forced march of works-righteousness. But it was good medicine for [my soul], for the painful split between what I knew about God and what I experienced of Him.”

    And he also expects this work of art to be seen, admired, and imitated… --- I want to speak to you if you are 16 or 18 or in your 20s, if you are in high school or college or just moving into marriage and career. I want to speak to you and want to speak with you. There are many ways to invest your time at this stage of your life, but the Bible has convinced me that none is better than the pursuit of godliness. In Paul’s letter to young Timothy, you (yes, you!) are called to be an example to your peers and even to older Christians. He calls you to set an example of maturity and godliness in your speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Join me as together we explore these areas and see how they apply to what you think, what you say, what is hidden in your heart, and what is broadcast in your life. –Tim Challies

    In Better Than You Can Imagine, Patrick Quinn shares four truths:You have a gift that only you can give.Someone has a need that only you can meet.Joy is the journey where the gift and the need collide.The journey will break you … but it will also make you.Through story and biblical insight, Quinn helps readers apply these truths to their lives. Whether it’s time, money, or talent, everyone has something extra to give to others—and God has even more joy to give back.

    Emotions aren’t spiritual. And the biggest myth: God is not emotional.   The truth is emotions are a God-given source of wisdom when we know how to interpret them. Marc Alan Schelske explores:  How to notice our emotions and hear their truthBrain research that gives unexpected insight into emotions’ purposeWhy denying our emotions hurts couples, families, and even the churchWhy no one can mature spiritually without maturing emotionally The Wisdom of Your Heart provides a path for listening to the spiritual insights that your emotions offer every day.

    It teaches that there are two categories of Christians: those who are merely saved, and those who have really surrendered to Christ. Those who have Jesus as their Savior alone, and those who have him as their Master as well. If Christians can simply "let go and let God" they can be free of struggling with sin and brought to that higher level of spiritual life. What could be wrong with that?A lot, it turns out. In No Quick Fix, a shorter and more accessible version of his book Let Go and Let God?, Andy Naselli critiques higher life theology from a biblical perspective. He shows that it leads not to freedom, but to frustration, because it promises something it has no power to deliver. Along the way, he tells the story of where higher life theology came from, describes its characteristics, and compares it to what the Bible really says about how we overcome sin and become more like Christ.

     Instead of statistics, what the world really needs are stories of hope. I am Strong is the story of Dr. Lamar Hardwick, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2014 at age 36. In a unique and compelling blend of personal stories and practical advice, Lamar shares his journey of faith, hope, courage, and life on the autism spectrum as a husband, father, pastor and community leader.

    Sauls shares his own stories and those of other leaders from Scripture and throughout history to remind us that we are human, we are sinners, and we need Jesus to help us thrive as people and leaders.   For Christian leaders—both inside and outside of the church—weaknesses that are left unchecked can lead to a downfall that is both public and painful. They want to lead with character and live like Jesus, but ambition, isolation, criticism, envy, anticlimax, opposition, restlessness, and insecurity can get in the way. From Weakness to Strength provides leaders with tools to draw near to Jesus and stay encouraged and hopeful, even (and especially) when sin and struggle get in the way.

    Smith poured her heart out in letters to her parents during the years she and her family lived in India. Honest confessions. Personal fears. Family joys. A mighty God. Her honest descriptions of her walk with Jesus inflame hope for what God can do when ordinary people simply obey His commands. The Smiths moved to India one week before 9/11. Over the course of the next several years, they learned a new language, endured illness, laughed their way through freak accidents, and hungered for fruit from among the lost. When they finally changed their ministry strategies to ones utilized by the apostle Paul and Jesus Himself, the resulting numbers surprised everyone. It all started with an honest evaluation of what it means to obey.

    Horrifyingly, George Barna contends that over 60 percent of Christian kids will run off to university and "lose their faith." Some pollsters believe the number is as high as 80 percent.But there is great news! Your child doesn't have to become a statistic. Your child can become an adult who loves the Lord the same way you do but this will likely require a radical parenting reset on your part.Todd Friel has witnessed to hundreds of university students, most of whom are Bible-belt backsliders. Reset for Parents gets to the heart of the issue and presents a solid, biblical roadmap for parents to avoid the pain and heartache of raising a prodigal.

    In fact, salvation is only the beginning of God’s work in our lives. We often view salvation as the ending point; it’s really the beginning point. The gospel of Jesus doesn’t only justify us; it sanctifies us. When we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation, an incredible work begins to happen in us: we begin to bear fruit. When we are firmly planted in the gospel and committed to growing in Christ, He produces in us the fruits of the Spirit, the marks of a true Christian. In Bearing Fruit, Robby Gallaty walks us through the life of the Christian. Biblical, intentional, and practical, Bearing Fruit points our hearts to the gracious God who called us, justified us, and is now sanctifying us by the work of his Holy Spirit.

    Performed in the New Living Translation by a cast of internationally acclaimed film, television and recording artists, this captivating multi-million dollar audio production features cinema-quality sound with an original music score. It's an experience you will never forget. The Breathe Bible Audio New Testament--"It's like being there." Not only are there 18 CDs included in this premium audio product, it also includes a code to receive the user friendly mobile App for free! Listen however you like!Created by an award-winning team, this dramatic production features a cast of leading Hollywood entertainers, over 80 supporting actors, a full-orchestral score, and cutting-edge sound design. Stars of stage and film such as Kevin Sorbo (Voice of God), Josh Lucas (Jesus), John Rhys-Davies (narrator), Jesse McCartney (Matthew), Hill Harper (Mark), Corbin Bleu (John), Christian Stolte (Luke), Marshall Allman (John the Baptist), Wintley Phipps (Peter), and Bailee Madison (Young Mary Mother of Jesus) headline this $2 million production, bringing a new level of excitement to the forefront of Bible audio innovation. Features the New Living Translation, the first translation created to be read aloud.

    Tensions are high, patience is low, and goodwill is hard to come by. In The Genius of One, author and pastor Greg Holder reminds us of the high value Jesus and his early followers placed on community and offers guidance for how to see and relate to one another in emotionally and spiritually healthy ways so that we, the church, can fulfill Jesus' prayer for us and model a better way of loving one another in a fractured world.Tracing back to a prayer Jesus prayed on the worst night of his life, -That they---that we---would be one, - Holder takes his readers on a winding journey from that glorious prayer to the practical realities of everyday life. For those who cling to the hope that God is still at work, this book will both stir a deeper longing for a better way and provide practical steps toward that way.

    Get a clear view of the right path as you follow God's wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Bestselling author and Bible teacher Elizabeth George takes you on a journey through the 31 chapters of Proverbs, which cover the matters closest to your heart, including how to... trust in God when it's hard find fulfillment in your marriage train and enjoy your children conquer your bad habits pursue lasting success A woman's day is full of challenges and opportunities. Let the wisdom of God show you how to thrive through it all.

    Based on A.W. Tozer’s classic book The Knowledge of the Holy, this book walks through 10 unique and 11 moral attributes of God. Fun questions, age appropriate readings, and memorization tools allow parents to shape their children’s understanding of God’s character. This bright and engaging resource includes suggested Jesus Storybook Bible chapters & Seeds Family Worship songs that can be utilized in a children’s ministry or school setting.

    The book arises out of McBride's extensive experience teaching theology in a women's prison while participating in a residential Christian activist and worshipping community. Arguing that disciples must take responsibility for the social evils that bar "beloved community," Martin Luther King's term for a just social order, the promised kingdom of God, McBride calls for a dual commitment to the works of mercy and the struggle for justice.This work seeks to form readers into an understanding of the social and political character of the good news proclaimed in the Gospels. Organically connecting liturgy with activism and theological reflection, McBride argues that discipleship requires that privileged Christians place their bodies in spaces of social struggle and distress to reduce the distance between themselves and those who suffer injustice, and stand in solidarity with those whom society deems guilty, despises, and rejectswhich makes discipleship radical as Christians take seriously the Jesus of the Gospels.

    Pipa helps us understand what God’s glory is, the ways we glorify Him, principles we can follow for glorifying God in all things, and motivations for pursuing this chief duty and delight. Endorsement:“Man’s chief end and the Christian’s desire is to glorify God and enjoy Him. But many Christians struggle with what a God-glorifying life actually looks like in the everyday circumstances of life. Dr. Pipa lets the Bible and the Reformed confessions speak directly to the issue. He offers succinct, practical, and biblical counsel that charts the course for a doxological life even in what may be the most mundane of circumstances. In this booklet, he effectively brings the theology of divine glory into the home, school, and workplace. Pipa makes it clear that the way to glorify God is by becoming more and more overwhelmed with the God of glory. This is a short read that will help the believer fulfill the purpose of his existence.”—Michael Barrett, Vice President for Academic Affairs/Academic Dean and Professor of Old Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand RapidsAbout the Author:Joseph A. Pipa Jr. is president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

    Each selection offers a simple daily pattern of reflection with a prayer, scripture, a short reading, quotes from John Wesley, and a blessing to take with you through the day. Even those new to Wesley or a daily prayer guide will find this book an easy read for reassurance and inspiration during the Lent and Easter season. Those familiar with Rueben Job's writing will be delighted to find selections of his writing from the past two decades in a new format. Packaged in a flexible, soft-cover binding with a ribbon bookmark making it perfect for gifts.

    . . and me.As long as people have been sharing their faith, there have been critics. Even Jesus dealt with naysayers as He spread His gospel: "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:2, NIV). Sometimes we worry about our reputation when we spend time with non-Christians. But more than that, we worry about the time we spend with non-Christians: Will we understand each other? Will I offend them? Will they offend me? How long will it take before this relationship falls apart?Every meal Jesus ate, He ate with sinners. And over food and drink, through stories and insights and observations and conversations, people let their guards down, and sinners came to know the love of God and the hope of salvation. Now revised and updated, Eats with Sinners helps you to let your guard down so the love of God can get out across the table to your non-Christian friends.Note: This book was originally published by Standard Publishing in November 2009 (ISBN 0784723184). The NavPress version does not include recipes!

    It contains a healthy realism about the Christian life. There is no promise of an unachievable perfectionism this side of glory, no promise of heaven on earth. But neither am I left with a pessimistic Christianity where I am always filled with doubt, always defeated by sin, never making progress. Throughout Romans 8, Paul emphatically and repeatedly affirms that neither sin nor suffering will drive a wedge between the love of Christ and us." Join long-time pastor and author Ray Galea as he takes you deep into "the most extraordinary chapter in the Bible". With penetrating insight, good humour, and a disarming personal honesty, Ray opens up the wonders of this chapter and takes us to the heart of the Christian life. From Here to Eternity also features special contributions from Christians who share their personal reflections on walking with God through suffering and finding real hope and comfort in the promises of Romans 8. This book is a treasure for living the Christian life, no matter how long you've been walking with Jesus.

    This includes teaching people what to believe in order to practice personal holiness as well as specific directions on how to cultivate biblical godliness in relation to issues that are common to God's people.

    He challenges the reader to focus not on the fruit of the tree but on the deep roots from which the fruit comes. In every chapter, his penetrating Godly wisdom will help you cultivate a Christ-nourished life that bears fruit. "The Root of the Righteous" is indispensable for every Christian.

    Condemned. Controlled. Describing church, believers and nonbelievers deploy stinging terms to define an imperial, culturally privileged, and powerful American force. Church has become synonymous with shame, exclusion, and hostility. This is not the church of Jesus. American Christians are victims of a deliberate and shortsighted scheme designed to identify and defeat religious, cultural, and sexual Others. From the language of "makers and takers," to "if you're not for us, you're against us," to the continual suggestion that we are soldiers in a constant series of wars--the war on women, the war on the family, the war on Christians, the war on Christmas, the war on terror, and much more--Christians are near the heart of enmity. The New Testament, however, seeks to create an alternative community--a community devoid of fear, wherein God's love and acceptance are mediated to all people through the grace of Jesus. In Unarmed Empire, Sean Palmer reclaims the New Testament's vision of the church as an alternative community of welcome, harmony, and peace. Unarmed Empire is for everyone who's been misled about church. It's for everyone who feels blacklisted by believers, everyone who has been hurt. It's for everyone longing for a purer experience of church. "Sean Palmer has made a beautiful discovery. He discovered a pearl of great price buried in the back yard of Christianity. He wants to share that treasure with you through his new book, Unarmed Empire. If you share in this discovery, you'll discover why he is so passionate about it. You'll want to share it too." --Brian D. McLaren, author of The Great Spiritual Migration "Sean Palmer is a skilled storyteller, a deep thinker, an insightful writer, and a faithful follower of Jesus. In Unarmed Empire, Palmer sagely assesses the church--both as it was intended to be, and as it is. While acknowledging the church's faults, flaws, and failures, Palmer nevertheless casts a hopeful vision of the church as it can be, reminding us that no matter how lost we are, we can always find our way Home." --Sarah Thebarge, author of The Invisible Girls and WELL: Healing Our Beautiful, Broken World from a Hospital in West Africa "Brilliantly weaving together story, memoir, cultural criticism, biblical exegesis, and theological commentary, Sean Palmer has written the best book about the church I have ever read. By turns pastoral and prophetic, Unarmed Empire is a manifesto for the church, an urgent plea to become God's 'beloved community.'"  --Richard Beck, author, blogger, professor of psychology, Abilene Christian University "This book is frustrating. It's frustrating because it chafes against our fallen nature's quest for power. It's frustrating because it confounds conventional wisdom's preservation of status quo. Mostly, it's frustrating because it's so biblical and Christ-centered that there's no way for a follower of Jesus to dismiss it. Caveat Lector: Let the Reader Beware! This will not be easy to absorb, but it is necessary if we ever hope to become the beloved community imagined in Scripture."  --John Alan Turner, Church Consultant, Author of Crazy Stories; Sane God Sean Palmer is a thoughtful, provocative writer, speaker, and podcaster who has been named by Christian Standard magazine as one of its "40 Under 40" leaders. Sean is the Teaching Pastor at Ecclesia Houston, a multi-site church in Houston, TX. You can read more from Sean at www.missioalliance.org, listen to his podcasts, Not So Black & White, and follow him on Twitter (@seanpalmer).

    We have already been ransomed by Christ - isn't it ungrateful to expect more? Mark Jones works through the biblical basis and references to good works and rewards, showing that the grace of God our loving Heavenly Father is stamped all over this doctrine.

    This short, clear book unpacks what it means to be a disciple of Christ and guides Christians down the path of following their king.

    In these radio talks, Machen exposits the truth for us once more—this time about the supernatural person of Jesus.

    In this book Jipp argues that God's relationship to his people is fundamentally an act of hospitality to strangers, and that divine and human hospitality together are thus at the very heart of Christian faith. Jipp first provides a thorough interpretation of the major biblical texts related to the practice of hospitality to strangers, considering especially how these texts portray Christ as the divine host who extends God's welcome to all people. Jipp then invites readers to consider how God's hospitality sets the pattern for human hospitality, offering suggestions on how the practice of welcoming strangers can guide the church in its engagement with current social challenges—immigration, incarceration, racism, and more.

    Jesus ushered in His ministry by providing new wine--the best of wine--at a wedding feast. The final evening before Jesus was going to be crucified, He strategically set the stage for His most profound messages to be shared with His inner circle during a meal. Following Scripture's example, Sally Clarkson believes that meals lovingly served at home can be a significant tool in the lives of our family and friends, opening hearts and providing a setting for connection, counsel, and affection.Join Sally and her family in this guided experience (for groups or individuals) to discover how food, faith, and Scripture come together in your everyday life--becoming the means of passing on God's love and truth to each person who breaks bread with us.

    Having been a pastor for 42 years, Glenn C. Stewart (author of Amazon Best-Seller and Readers’ Favorite 5 Star rated book, The Reality of Suffering and the Peace of God) offers biblical insight and action steps for living a spiritually healthy structured life and finding Christ in the chaos. Ranging from vivid examples seen in the very fabric of nature to Scriptures explaining God’s design for structure, Shed Your Chaos provides unique deep spiritual motivation and understanding to increase follow-through on the steps outlined in the book. This is a fresh and challenging look at organizing life. Glenn’s prayer is that in today’s busy culture, Shed Your Chaos will help turn the tides for individuals and society to live life to the fullest.

    The tone of this spiritual upbringing has created an undercurrent of perfectionism that leads to despair, as well as a faulty mind-set that focuses on “pleasing” God. Unforced Rhythms offers a life-giving perspective that gives freedom to believers to engage with God according to their natural Life Rhythm. While there is a daily Life Rhythm, not everyone lives life to the beat of daily. Others may discover they live life a weekly/monthly rhythm; or seasonal/yearly. Find freedom in your own rhythm and embrace the way you naturally engage with God.

    It seems like a paradox. How can we be both just and sinful? Both claims are true of a believer in Jesus Christ. We are just or justified in our Position but still sinful in our Condition. Our Position deals with our current place seated at the right hand of God the Father in Christ. But our Condition on earth right now certainly does not conform to our Position in heaven. We still struggle with a sinful nature and do things we know are not Christ-like, to say the least. Nothing in our Condition can ever change our Position, but a focus on our Position can radically improve our Condition. That’s what Ephesians is all about. For anyone who has wondered how he can be one of God’s children and still be so far from being like Jesus, this is the book for you. As you read it, may your changing Condition come into even closer conformity to your unchanging Position.

    In reflection on Wesley's class meeting and band meeting structure, George Whitfield once said, "My Brother Wesley acted wisely, the souls that were awakened under his ministry he joined in class, and thus preserved the fruits of his labor. This I neglected, and my people are a rope of sand.In The Band Meeting, Kevin Watson and Scott Kisker give an overview of the richness of this early tradition and introduce a practical approach for growing toward an authentic, transformation-oriented small group experience.

    It teaches us that a distinguishing mark of a Christian and of a truly Biblical church is that they pray. A Call to Extraordinary Prayer is a call to pray with a passion, urgency, and hope.

    In fact, the vast majority of Christians report that they have never been personally discipled by a more mature follower of Jesus. Is it any wonder that they have a difficult time knowing how to disciple others?If making disciples of Jesus is the greatest cause on earth, how should we equip people to do it? This handbook is a practical guide for how to embrace the discipleship lifestyle – being a disciple of Jesus and how to make other disciples of Jesus. With contributions from pastors and teachers like Francis Chan, Jeff Vanderstelt, Bill Hull, Jim Putman, KP Yohannan, and Robert Coleman, the authors present seven elements that are necessary for disciple making to occur:Jesus—the original disciple maker and centerpiece of discipleship.Holy Spirit—fuels the disciple-making process.Intentionality—making disciples utilizing a strategy and a roadmap.Relationships—creating a loving, genuine connection with others who trust and follow Jesus.Bible—using the Word of God as the manual for making disciples.Journey—forging a traceable growth story from a new birth to spiritual parenthood.Multiply—reproducing the discipleship process so that the disciple becomes a disciple maker.Whether you are a parent who wants to disciple your children, a small group leader who wants to disciple those in your group, or a church leader who wants to disciple future leaders, the seven key elements in this handbook form a framework for understanding discipleship that can be applied in countless situations. In addition, there are questions provided in each section to help you think through how to apply the material to your disciple making efforts.

    Sure, we know Jesus died for our sins, and we see changes in our lives, but beyond that, things start to get hazy. We struggle to communicate what the Bible says about God or sin or salvation. That’s why this book provides a brief explanation of ve major truths, or what we’re calling “threads,” of the gospel. These threads include (1) the character of God, (2) the sinfulness of man, (3) the suf ciency of Christ, (4) the necessity of faith, and (5) the urgency of eternity. These are truths every disciple needs to know. We won’t share regularly what we don’t understand clearly.A second reason we don’t share our faith, and this may be the primary reason, is fear. In many places around the world, there’s a fear of the repercussions of identifying with Jesus. As a result, persecution often silences the spread of the gospel. However, we don’t have that level of persecution in our own context, certainly not anywhere close to what many of our brothers and sisters around the world experience. Yet, we still fear.We often fear rejection, and maybe even more than that, we fear awkwardness. The fear of awkwardness seems to be ingrained in our culture and in our relationships. We avoid awkward conversations like the plague. Talk about Jesus at the workplace or bring Him up with your neighbor out in the yard, and things can get awkward pretty quickly. But they don’t have to.The “threads” of the gospel are not intended to be an awkward intrusion into our conversations. Instead, they can be woven into the fabric of everything we do and say. At the end of each chapter you’ll nd practical suggestions for weaving these threads into your everyday interactions. Remember, though, there is no formula for sharing the gospel that will guarantee results. Salvation is God’s work, so we must rely fully on Him as we share the only message that has the power to save (Romans 1:16). That’s what weaving gospel threads is all about.

    The exodus of millennials from Evangelical churches and the growth of those self-identifying as "Nones," as in "None of the Above," for their church affiliation, is concerning for the movement's future. Evangelical leaders offer mixed responses to this challenge--from circling the wagons to an enthusiastic "Everything must change!" posture. Theosis takes a different approach. Seeking to understand Evangelicalism and its origins, this book suggests that Evangelicalism is best understood as the sibling of western, Enlightenment Modernity, which served it well . . . until the modern cultural ethos began to shift dramatically toward post-modernity. In this shift, young Evangelicals--principally postmoderns themselves--are abandoning "their father's Evangelicalism" and its perceived linearity, hyper-rationalism, either/or exclusivity, and faith expression, too often perceived as stripped of mystery and wonder. Theosis proposes that to move forward, Evangelicalism must go back to the future, to re-engage with the patristic understanding of salvation as theosis; deification, or union with God. This radical return--and broadening of the doctrine of salvation--has begun to gain traction in Western Christendom, slowly being considered as it has always in the Christian East, as mere Christianity. "For those seeking answers in this time of societal upheaval, this well written and researched work proposes a very ancient doctrine as the key for a renewed engagement of Christianity with American culture. In addition to the wonderful research he presents, Dr. Michael Gama's spiritual journey from Evangelical Christianity to Catholic Christianity is as compelling as his Maronite perspective is refreshing." --Anthony Lilles, Associate Professor; Academic Dean, The Avila Institue of Spiritual Formation; Academic Dean, Saint John's Seminary, Camarillo, CA "Michael has written a marvelous and ambitious book--part historical narrative, part theological tract, part apologia, part pastoral letter, part prophetic call. . . . I commend this book to you, the reader. He invites us to join him on a journey--or more appropriately, a pilgrimage--to explore what has been lost to the memory of the church but can be found again. He is a trustworthy guide who will help us do the finding. I am one who is ready to follow." --Gerald L. Sittser, Professor of Theology, Whitworth University "Michael Gama shows how American Evangelicalism rose in concert with Modernist rationalism and is now falling into decline--especially among America's youth--as modernism gives way to postmodernism. Interweaving his personal story with cultural history, Gama offers a promising way forward by looking back, recovering the insights of the early Church Fathers." --David C. Downing, Author ofThe Most Reluctant Convert: C. S. Lewis's Journey to Faith and Into the Region of Awe Michael Gama received his MDiv from Fuller Seminary and his Doctorate of Ministry from George Fox Evangelical Seminary. Born and baptized Roman Catholic, and raised in Evangelicalism, he is now a member of the Maronite Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic Church in full fellowship with Rome. He teaches at the Avila Institute and is a Faculty Advisor at George Fox Seminary. He and his wife live in Oregon, have three children, and eight grandchildren.

    Unlike a traditional audiobook's direct narration of a book's text, Revelation: Audio Lectures includes high quality live-recordings of college-level lectures that cover the important points from each subject as well as relevant material from other sources.Revelation: Audio Lectures features top New Testament scholar Craig S. Keener teaching through the book of Revelation in these engaging and challenging lessons. These lessons explore the links between the Bible's final book and how we should live our lives today. With honesty and scholarly insight, each lesson shows how Revelation strengthens our hope in the future while enabling us to live out our Christian faith wisely in the present.Revelation: Audio Lectures is part of the Zondervan Beyond the Basics Series, which is dedicated to bringing expert teaching from world's best biblical scholars and theologians directly to interested learners. Revelation: Audio Lectures offers the chance to learn about this important and controversial New Testament book from one of today's premier New Testament scholars.

    This book will help you regain the clarity and simplicity of how Jesus disciples people in the gospels so that you can disciple your children, friends, neighbors or fellow church members to get up, follow Jesus and join him on his mission, too.

    What he did promise was to be with us no matter the situation—“even to the end of the age.” Sacred Space: A Little Book of Encouragement offers seventy short chapters to comfort us with God’s presence in the midst of life’s challenges and to remind us that Jesus journeys with us step-by-step. Each entry—which includes a Gospel reading, a short reflection, and a prayer—is given a descriptive title so that readers can easily find the encouragement they need depending on their situation at the time.  Lovingly compiled by Vinita Hampton Wright using select material from Sacred Space (the online prayer site that serves millions of spiritual pilgrims), this inviting and reassuring little book gently reminds us of the compassion, care, and calm that God provides in our moments of need.

    Associated with grumpiness, aches and pains, loneliness, and isolation it's not something we particularly look forward to or relish when we're there.Pastor and Bible teacher, Derek Prime, himself in his 80s, shows us that there is another way to view old age. He guides us through 26 Christian priorities that we should hold to in later life. With biblical wisdom and practical advice, he helps us to navigate the unique challenges and joys that old age can bring. This is a book to dip into, meditate on and read prayerfully as you let the truths it contains gently transform the way you live your old age.