Best of
Theology

2007

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels


Kenneth E. Bailey - 2007
    Bailey examines the life and ministry of Jesus with attention to the Lord's Prayer, the Beatitudes, Jesus' relationship to women, and especially Jesus' parables. Through it all, Bailey employs his trademark expertise as a master of Middle Eastern culture to lead you into a deeper understanding of the person and significance of Jesus within his own cultural context. With a sure but gentle hand, Bailey lifts away the obscuring layers of modern Western interpretation to reveal Jesus in the light of his actual historical and cultural setting. This entirely new material from the pen of Ken Bailey is a must-have for any student of the New Testament. If you have benefited from Bailey's work over the years, this book will be a welcome and indispensable addition to your library. If you are unfamiliar with Bailey's work, this book will introduce you to a very old yet entirely new way of understanding Jesus.

Saved in Hope: Spe Salvi


Benedict XVI - 2007
    Paul, who wrote, "In hope we have been saved". In this special deluxe hardcover edition of the work, the Holy Father continues a line of thought he began with his first encyclical,God is Love.Love and Hope are closely related in the spiritual life. Love of God involves hope or trust in God. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "The virtue of hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man". Hope enables us to look to the next life, but it also inspires and purifies our actions in this life. Pope Benedict considers modern philosophies and the challenges of faith today in light of the virtue of hope."Confronted by today's changing and complex panorama, the virtue of hope is subject to harsh trials in the community of believers. For this very reason, we must be apostles who are filled with hope and joyful trust in God's promises. In contemporary society, which shows such visible signs of secularism, we must not give in to despair." — Pope Benedict XVI

Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration


Benedict XVI - 2007
    . . my personal search 'for the face of the Lord.'"--Benedict XVI In this bold, momentous work, the Pope seeks to salvage the person of Jesus from today's "popular" depictions and to restore his true identity as discovered in the Gospels. Through his brilliance as a theologian and his personal conviction as a believer, the Pope incites us to encounter Jesus face to face.From Jesus of Nazareth ". . . the great question that will be with us throughout this entire book: But what has Jesus really brought, then, if he has not brought world peace, universal prosperity, and a better world? What has he brought? The answer is very simple: God. He has brought God! He has brought the God who once gradually unveiled his countenance first to Abraham, then to Moses and the prophets, and then in the wisdom literature-the God who showed his face only in Israel, even though he was also honored among the pagans in various shadowy guises. It is this God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the true God, whom he has brought to the peoples of the earth. He has brought God, and now we know his face, now we can call upon him. Now we know the path that we human beings have to take in this world. Jesus has brought God and with God the truth about where we are going and where we come from: faith, hope, and love."

God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer


Pete Greig - 2007
    Greig asks the timeless questions of what it means to suffer and to pray and to suffer through the silence because your prayers seem unanswered. This silence, Greig relates, is the hardest thing. The world collapses. Then all goes quiet. Words can’t explain, don’t fit, won’t work. People avoid you and don’t know what to say. So you turn to Him and you pray. You need Him more than ever before. But somehow…even God Himself seems on mute.In this heart-searching, honest and deeply profound book, Pete Greig looks at the hard side of prayer, how to respond when there seem to be no answers and how to cope with those who seek to interpret our experience for us. Here is a story of faith, hope and love beyond all understanding.

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament


G.K. Beale - 2007
    This volume will be an immensely useful resource for all kinds of study of the New Testament."—Richard Bauckham, University of St. Andrews"Every scholar would profit by having a copy of this thorough and judicious work on his or her desk. The authors have collected for us an immense amount of material and insight in a relatively short space, and many of us will be grateful for their efforts. This commentary is a profound witness to the unity of the Testaments in the mystery of Christ."—Francis Martin, Sacred Heart Seminary"Finally a volume that surveys the use of the Old Testament in each book of the New Testament. Written by top-tier scholars with unsurpassed expertise in New Testament exegesis, these essays model sound engagement with Scripture that quotes Scripture. This excellent collection is a must-read for all who wish to understand how the New Testament writers understood and used their Bible. This long-awaited volume deserves to become a standard text that will hopefully launch a new stage of fresh work in biblical research."--Karen H. Jobes, Wheaton College"More than a generation ago, C. H. Dodd and a few other scholars began sowing the seeds of a new and fruitful approach to reading Scripture, by studying the New Testament writers' use of Old Testament texts. The present commentary thus represents the harvest of decades of research into the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. By carefully observing various factors, ranging from the textual to the theological, each contributor shows how the New Testament writers were not only careful readers of the Old Testament but also profound theologians themselves. The scholars on this superb team assembled by Beale and Carson distill many new and remarkable insights for exegesis and theology, all of which serve to demonstrate the explanatory power of this approach for the present and the future. This landmark volume should prove to be an invaluable resource for both the church and the academy--for pastors, teachers, and students alike, whether Protestant or Catholic--and for anyone wanting to go deeper into the heart of sacred Scripture. Indeed, Beale and Carson are to be thanked and congratulated for a momentous accomplishment."--Scott Hahn, Franciscan University of Steubenville"Finally we have a work that examines the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament and covers the entirety of the New Testament in a single volume. Pastors, students, and scholars will profit from the careful attention to both the Old and New Testament contexts in which the citations occur, and they will be enriched by the theological depth represented in this important book."--Thomas R. Schreiner, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary"Few areas of New Testament study are as often discussed as the New Testament's use of the Old. There has long been a need for a careful case-by-case treatment, since the use we see in the New Testament is so varied and diverse. This commentary meets that need admirably. It is thorough yet concise, clear yet detailed. All will be led into helpful reflection on this important area of study. Well done to the editors and authors of this useful and unique commentary."--Darrell L. Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary

Men, Women and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from John Paul II's Love and Responsibility


Edward Sri - 2007
    His analysis of the true meaning of human love is life-transforming and practical, shedding light on real issues between men and women.Edward Sri unpacks the contents of this great work, making it accessible to every reader. The author emphasizes the down-to-earth nature of Love and Responsibility, helping readers appropriate practical information on such topics as:● how to determine if a relationship is one of authentic love or is doomed to failure● the problem of pornography● the meaning of friendship● how to achieve greater intimacy in marriage and much moreStudy questions with each chapter make this a valuable resource not only for individual personal reading but also for small group study.

The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary


Robert Alter - 2007
    The cleansing purity of its images invites reflection and supplication in times of sorrow. The musicality of its powerful rhythms moves readers to celebration of good tidings. So today as it has been throughout our past, this is a book to be cherished as the grounding for our daily lives.This timeless poetry is beautifully wrought by a scholar whose translation of the Five Books of Moses was hailed as a "godsend" by Seamus Heaney and a "masterpiece" by Robert Fagles. Robert Alter's The Book of Psalms captures the simplicity, the physicality, and the coiled rhythmic power of the Hebrew, restoring the remarkable eloquence of these ancient poems. His learned and insightful commentary shines a light on the obscurities of the text.Robert Alter is a widely acclaimed literary scholar. He is the Class of 1937 Professor of Hebrew and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Berkeley.

Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church


N.T. Wright - 2007
    Wright tackles the biblical question of what happens after we die and shows how most Christians get it wrong. We do not “go to” heaven; we are resurrected and heaven comes down to earth--a difference that makes all of the difference to how we live on earth. Following N.T. Wright’s resonant exploration of a life of faith in Simply Christian, the award-winning author whom Newsweek calls “the world’s leading New Testament scholar” takes on one of life’s most controversial topics, a matter of life, death, spirituality, and survival for everyone living in the world today.

The Beast That Crouches at the Door: Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, and Beyond


David Fohrman - 2007
    A tree that bears mysterious knowledge of Good and Evil. A mark upon Cain for all to see. The early narratives in the Book of Genesis are familiar to us from childhood, yet the meaning of these stories often seem maddeningly elusive. For example: By forbidding Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, did God really not want mankind to be able to distinguish right from wrong? This book examines the early stories in the Book of Genesis, calling attention to the big questions that bother us all, as well as to the hidden subtleties of text and language. As clues and questions are pieced together, deeper layers of meaning begin to emerge. In the end, the reader gains an experience in the richness and depth of Torah, and a profound confrontation with concepts that define the core of what it means to be a Jew.

How to Be Free from Bitterness: And Other Essays on Christian Relationships


Jim Wilson - 2007
    Yet when bitterness takes root in our hearts, its effects are anything but small. In this collection of short articles, Jim Wilson and others discuss what it means to live as "imitators of God." As the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians, we have been called to leave the bitterness and anger of the world and instead embrace the love and compassion of our God. The authors remind us that we are to forgive others just as we have been forgiven, pointing to Scriptural admonitions and examples as they offer sound teaching on the trials and temptations of everyday life.

Battling Unbelief: Defeating Sin with Superior Pleasure


John Piper - 2007
    We sin because it offers some promise of happiness. That promise enslaves us–until we believe that God is more desirable than life itself (Psalm 63:3). Only the power of God’s superior promises in the gospel can emancipate our hearts from servitude to the shallow promises and fleeting pleasures of sin.Pastor John Piper shows how to sever the clinging roots of sin that ensnare us, including anxiety, pride, shame, impatience, covetousness, bitterness, despondency, and lust.Delighting in the bounty of God’s glorious gospel promises will free us for a less sin-encumbered life, to the glory of Christ. Rooted in solid biblical reflection, this book aims to help guide you through the battles to the joys of victory by the power of the gospel and its superior pleasure.

In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life


Sinclair B. Ferguson - 2007
    Sinclair B. Ferguson explores aspects of the person and work of Jesus in his latest book, In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life. This collection of articles, published earlier in Tabletalk magazine and Eternity magazine, is designed to help believers gain a better understanding of their Savior and the Christian faith, and to live out that faith in their day-to-day lives.In fifty short chapters arranged in six sections, Dr. Ferguson shows that Christ, who is fully God, took on humanity that He might be the Great High Priest of His people as well as the once-for-all sacrifice; that He now ministers to His people through His Spirit, crowning them with great and precious blessings; and that believers are called to duty, from cultivating contentment to mortifying sin. In Christ Alone is packed full of nuggets of Scriptural truth that will spark and fan the flames of the believer’s love for the Savior who is so beautiful in His person and so faithful in His work on behalf of His beloved sheep.

How to Read the Bible: A Guide to Scripture, Then and Now


James L. Kugel - 2007
    Now in its tenth year of publication, the book remains the clearest, most inviting and readable guide to the Hebrew Bible around—and a profound meditation on the effect that modern biblical scholarship has had on traditional belief.Moving chapter by chapter, Harvard professor James Kugel covers the Bible’s most significant stories—the Creation of the world, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and his wives, Moses and the exodus, David’s mighty kingdom, plus the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the other prophets, and on to the Babylonian conquest and the eventual return to Zion.Throughout, Kugel contrasts the way modern scholars understand these events with the way Christians and Jews have traditionally understood them. The latter is not, Kugel shows, a naïve reading; rather, it is the product of a school of sophisticated interpreters who flourished toward the end of the biblical period. These highly ideological readers sought to put their own spin on texts that had been around for centuries, utterly transforming them in the process. Their interpretations became what the Bible meant for centuries and centuries—until modern scholarship came along. The question that this book ultimately asks is: What now? As one reviewer wrote, Kugel’s answer provides “a contemporary model of how to read Sacred Scripture amidst the oppositional pulls of modern scholarship and tradition.”

Because the Time is Near: John MacArthur Explains the Book of Revelation


John F. MacArthur Jr. - 2007
    Whether it’s a giant asteroid, a worldwide plague, or some other global catastrophe, the end of the world is a terrifying prospect—at least for those who have no idea what it will be like.For Christians, however, the end of the world should be anything but dreadful. In fact, it should be something we look forward to. Why? Because God has told us how the world will end. And He has assured us that the end of this age will mark the beginning of a new, glorious one in which we will serve and worship Him in sinless perfection. Our eternal hope, as believers, is intimately tied to the end of this world.All of this is laid out in the book of Revelation. Not only is Revelation the inspired Word of God, it is also the only New Testament book that includes a promised spiritual blessing for those who study and apply its message. As such, it is an essential part of every Christian’s devotional life. Those who ignore Revelation deprive themselves of a rich treasure of divine truth, and the promised blessings that come from understanding that truth. Join John MacArthur as he explains the book of Revelation in a way that is both doctrinally precise and intensely practical.

The Truth of the Cross


R.C. Sproul - 2007
    R.C. Sproul surveys the great work accomplished by Jesus Christ through His crucifixion — the redemption of God’s people. Dr. Sproul considers the atonement from numerous angles and shows conclusively that the cross was absolutely necessary if anyone was to be saved.Opening the Scriptures, Dr. Sproul shows that God Himself provided salvation by sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross, and the cross was always God’s intended method by which to bring salvation. The Truth of the Cross is an uncompromising reminder that the atonement of Christ is an absolutely essential doctrine of the Christian faith, one that should be studied and understood by all believers.

Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate


Jerry Bridges - 2007
    He goes to the heart of the matter, exploring our feelings of shame and grief and opening a new door to God's forgiveness and grace.Travel down the road of spiritual formation with Jerry and discover your true identity as a loved child of God.Discussion guide available.

The Latin Mass Explained


George J. Moorman - 2007
    Fr. George Moorman. Extremely informative, yet very easy to read! Explains, prayer by prayer, what happens at the Latin Mass and why. Answers all your questions about the Mass: why Latin is used, silence, bells, specific colors, etc., and how we participate. Ties in beautifully with Pope Benedict XVI's motu proprio opening the door to the universal celebration of the Latin Mass.

Jesus and the Undoing of Adam


C. Baxter Kruger - 2007
    Athanasius and the early Church. In this short but powerful book, Dr. Baxter Kruger takes us back behind the back of Augustine to rethink the work of Jesus Christ in the light of the blessed doctrine of the Trinity. Dr. Kruger sets forward a stunning vision of the Triune God and articulates a view of Christ's incarnation, life,death, resurrection and ascension that is rigorously consistent with the truth that the Triune God eternally purposed our adoption in Jesus Christ. C. BAXTER KRUGER is the Director of Perichoresis, an international ministry sharing the good news of our adoption in Christ with the world.He and his wife Beth have been married for 25 years and have four children.He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree under Professor James B. Torrance in Aberdeen, Scotland. Baxter is the author of seven books,including The Great Dance and Across All Worlds, and teaches across the United States, Canada and Australia. He is an avid outdoorsman and holds two United States patents for his fishing lure designs. He is the founder and President of Mediator Lures.

The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception


John F. MacArthur Jr. - 2007
    Perhaps no one in America is more passionate than John MacArthur about exposing those who are mounting this attack―especially those bringing the assault right into the church.There is no middle ground―no safe zone for the uncommitted in this war. The battle for truth is raging, and this book reveals:The pitfalls of postmodern thinking Why the Emerging Church Movement is inherently flawed Past skirmishes in the Truth War and their effect on the Church The importance of truth and certainty in a postmodern society How to identify and address the errors and false teachings smuggled into churches"[The postmodern age] is the age of no truth, an age that has reached a point of deadly fatigue when it comes to facing the truth―a generation that no longer believes truth can be known. Dr. John MacArthur knows better, and he is armed with the courage to confront this age with a bold defense of truth. . . . His argument is compelling, his defense of truth is brilliant, and his concern for the church is evident on every page. The evangelical church desperately needs this book, and it arrives just in time." ―R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

The Best of A. W. Tozer Book One


A.W. Tozer - 2007
    Tozer, Book One Warren Wiersbe compiles a fantastic amount of writings to show us once again that Tozer had a gift from God.This collection of 52 favorite chapters represent the major themes from the works of A.W. Tozer. Each chapter offers what Tozer has come to be known for: incredible insight, deep conviction, and high praise of God.From Let My People Go to The Pursuit of God, Tozer's books were always written after long hours of meditation and prayer. Perhaps this explains their wide circulation and lasting influence.A.W. Tozer once said, "I guess my philosophy is this: Everything is wrong until God sets it right." Enjoy this collection of writings from a man who scarcely, if ever, stated a truth he didn't glean from God.

Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution


Steve Jeffery - 2007
    However, with an increasing number of theologians, church leaders, and even popular Christian books and magazines questioning this doctrine, which naysayers have described as a form of "cosmic child abuse," a fresh articulation and affirmation of penal substitution is needed. And Jeffery, Ovey, and Sach have responded here with clear exposition and analysis.They make the case not only that the doctrine is clearly taught in Scripture, but that it has an impeccable pedigree and a central place in Christian theology, and that its neglect has serious consequences. The authors also systematically analyze over twenty specific objections that have been brought against penal substitution and charitably but firmly offer a defining declaration of the doctrine of the cross for any concerned reader.

Lenten Meditations with Fulton J. Sheen


Fulton J. Sheen - 2007
    Sheen," this Lenten pamphlet is also drawn from Archbishop Sheen's best-selling books. These reflections will lead you daily through the Lenten and Easter seasons. Each quote is paired with a complementary Scripture verse focusing on the themes of the season—sacrifice, repentance, suffering, prayer, humility, peace—and more.

Imam Abu Hanifa's Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar Explained


أبو حنيفة النعمان بن ثابت - 2007
    Studied for centuries in the Muslim world, Al-Fiqh al-Akbar offers a layered understanding of divine oneness (tawhid), the underpinning of Islamic belief. It helps to refine ones understanding of the Creator, messengers, and divine communication, and enables one, moreover, to gain insight into the realities of this life and the events of the life hereafter.This translation of Al-Fiqh al-Akbar is an unprecedented contribution to a subject in English. A lucid rendering, unhampered by sterile literalism, it draws on a number of commentaries to unlock for the general English-speaking readership a subject that has been largely inaccessible to them, both because of the subjects complexity and the lack of reliable works in English. This definitive edition, combining Maghnisawis basic commentary with numerous notes carefully selected from 'AlI al-Qari's super-commentary and the entire Kitab al-Wasiyya of Abu Hanifa, is the English readers essential guide on the intellectual and rewarding journey through Islamic creed.

A Secular Age


Charles Taylor - 2007
    This book takes up the question of what these changes mean—of what, precisely, happens when a society in which it is virtually impossible not to believe in God becomes one in which faith is only one human possibility among others.

The Apostles: The Origin of the Church and Their Co-Workers


Benedict XVI - 2007
    -- Pope Benedict XVIIn this fascinating and inspirational journey with the chosen disciples of Jesus, Pope Benedict XVI demonstrates a profound, unbreakable continuity -- built upon the foundation of the Apostles and alive in the succession of the Apostles -- by which Christ is present today in His Church.At the start of the third millennium, my beloved predecessor John Paul II invited the Church to contemplate the Face of Christ (cf. Novo Millennio Ineunte, n. 16 ff.). Continuing in the same direction, I would like to show in this book how it is precisely the light of that Face that is reflected on the face of the Church (cf. Lumen Gentium, n. 1), notwithstanding the limits and shadows of our fragile and sinful humanity. After Mary, a pure reflection of the light of Christ, it is from the Apostles, through their word and witness, that we receive the truth of Christ. Their mission is not isolated, however, but is situated wthin a mystery of communion that involves the entire People of God and is carried out in stages from the Old to the New Covenant. -- From The Apostles

The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation


Priests for Equality - 2007
    Not merely replacing male pronouns, the translators have rethought what kind of language has built barriers between the text and its readers. Seeking to be faithful to the original languages, they have sought new and non-sexist ways to express the same ancient truths. The Inclusive Bible is a fresh, dynamic translation into modern English, carefully crafted to let the power and poetry of the language shine forth particularly when read aloud giving it an immediacy and intimacy rarely found in traditional translations of the Bible.

1-3 John MacArthur New Testament Commentary


John F. MacArthur Jr. - 2007
    As those changed by God, genuine believers will characteristically love the truth and exhibit true love for others. John's fiery passion for truth is coupled with his gentle compassion for his readers, giving these letters a pastoral quality that is nearly unmatched in Scripture. Join John MacArthur as he explains each verse in a way that is both doctrinally precise and intensely practical. Taking into account the cultural, theological, and Old Testament contexts of each passage, MacArthur tackles interpretive challenges and fairly evaluates differing views, giving the reader confidence in his conclusions.The MacArthur New Testament Commentary series comes from the experience, wisdom, and insight of one of the most trusted ministry leaders and Bible scholars of our day. Each volume was written to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible, dealing thoroughly with every key phrase and word in the Scripture without being unnecessarily technical. This commentary will help to give a better, fuller, richer understanding of God's Word, while challenging the reader to a vibrant personal spiritual walk.A great resource for pastors, teachers, leaders, students, or anyone desiring to dig deeper into Scripture

What Is a Healthy Church?


Mark Dever - 2007
    But with this book, you don't have to wonder any more.Author Mark Dever seeks to help believers recognize the key characteristics of a healthy church: expositional preaching, biblical theology, and a right understanding of the gospel. Dever then calls us to develop those characteristics in our own churches. By following the example of New Testament authors and addressing church members from pastors to pew sitters, Dever challenges all believers to do their part in maintaining the local church. What Is a Healthy Church? offers timeless truths and practical principles to help each of us fulfill our God-given roles in the body of Christ.

Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ


Robert M. Bowman Jr. - 2007
    Putting Jesus in His Place is designed to introduce Christians to the wealth of biblical teaching on the deity of Christ. Using evidence from the New Testament, this book helps readers appreciate the significance of Christ's deity in a personal relationship with Him, and gives them the confidence to share the truth about Jesus with others.

Across All Worlds: Jesus Inside Our Darkness


C. Baxter Kruger - 2007
    In Across All Worlds, Baxter Kruger brings us face to face with the fact that Jesus has established a very real and personal relationship with us in our darkness. Jesus accepts us and walks with us because he is determined that we come to know His Father with him and life in His embrace.C. Baxter Kruger is the Director of Perichoresis, an international ministry sharing the good news of our adoption in Christ with the world. He and his wife Beth have been married for 25 years and have four children. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree under Professor James B. Torrance in Aberdeen, Scotland. Baxter is the author of seven books, including The Great Dance and Jesus and the Undoing of Adam, and teaches across the United States, Canada and Australia. He is an avid outdoorsman and holds two United States patents for his fishing lure designs. He is the founder and President of Mediator Lures.

Tozer: Mystery Of The Holy Spirit


A.W. Tozer - 2007
    TozerDr. A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) was a twentieth-century prophet with keen insight into spiritual things, especially the nature of the Church at large. He spoke with prophetic precision about issues within the Church that he believed were crippling the Church spiritually. Mystery of the Holy Spirit is a collection of sermons that reveal Tozer's prophetic insights into this crucial topic.These sermons on the Holy Spirit represent Dr. Tozer at his best. Tozer's critique of the Church is as relevant today as when he first preached it from his pulpit in Chicago more than a half-century ago. These powerful messages exude the timeless fragrance of God's anointing, pinning us down and piercing our hearts."We have grieved the Holy Spirit," Dr. Tozer warned, "and He has withdrawn His anointing from many Christians."The greatest sin within the Evangelical church, according to Dr. Tozer, is neglecting the Holy Spirit and not allowing Him to be Lord in the Church. In these sermons we are challenged to confess this sin and invite the Holy Spirit to resume His rightful place of Lordship in our churches and in our lives today.In an era when many extremes are being promoted in the name of the Holy Spirit, Dr. Tozer's cautious warnings are more than apropos--they are an urgent call to action.

The Literary Study Bible: ESV


Anonymous - 2007
    It highlights the Bible's storylines, complex characters, historical settings, literary genres, motifs, theological themes, imagery, and important terms, making the Bible come alive with greater clarity and impact. This one-of-a-kind study Bible is an indispensable tool for devotional reading and in-depth study.Size: 6" x 9" 8.5-point Veritas type 1,952 pages Black letter text Single-column format so it reads like a book General introduction to the Bible as a book and to its literary features Introductions to each book of the Bible Literary commentary on individual sections within each book Smyth-sewn binding Packaging: J-card (HC), clamshell box (TruTone)

The Grand Weaver: How God Shapes Us Through the Events of Our Lives


Ravi Zacharias - 2007
    Yet we drift into feeling that our daily lives are the product of our own efforts. This book brims with penetrating stories and insights that show us otherwise. From a chance encounter in a ticket line to a beloved father's final word before dying, from a random phone call to a line in a Scripture reading, every detail of life is woven into its perfect place. In The Grand Weaver, Dr. Zacharias examines our backgrounds, our disappointments, our triumphs, and our beliefs, and explains how they are all part of the intentional and perfect work of the Grand Weaver.Also available: unabridged audio CD.

The Hidden Man of the Heart (1 Peter: 3:4): The cultivation of the heart in Orthodox Christian anthropology


Zacharias Zacharou - 2007
    Reference is made to the Hesychast tradition of the Orthodox Church, including two of the most influential figures in contemporary Christianity: Saint Silouan the Athonite (1866- 1938) and Saint Sophrony the Athonite (1896-1993).Delivered in Wichita, Kansas at the 2007 Clergy Brotherhood Retreat of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, each lecture is published in full, together with its corresponding Questions & Answers.The author is a disciple of Saint Sophrony and a member of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist, England. ‘Man’s true purpose foreordained before all worlds is attained by the keeping of the Creator’s commandments; their fulfilment presupposes the return of the mind to the heart and the restoration of its original integrity. For only then can a person love God with his whole being and his neighbour as himself, according to the twofold commandment of love. Such was the state of man in Paradise; he knew neither division nor struggle within his soul. The natural God-given power of his mind was continually turned towards the Face of God, and his delight in the glory of God knew no bound. But now he is fallen and his mind is dispersed; he must return to his heart and rediscover his unity…The mind is now in the heart. God watches over it.It is immersed in the warmth of the heart and is cleansed by the baptism of fire which the Lord brought to earth (cf. Luke 3:16; 12:49). And when the cleansing is complete, the mind becomes as lightning, and is ready to enter the deep heart.’

Incomparable: Explorations in the Character of God


Andrew Wilson - 2007
    Each chapter is filled with profound biblical insights and revelations that will inspire and enrich your faith. Selah moments allow for a time of reflection and worship, and practical applications connect each truth with your daily life. Throughout, Incomparable unfolds the greatest wonder our minds and hearts will ever contemplate.Immerse yourself in His character. Delve into the depths of His presence. And experience a God who is truly beyond compare.

Jesus Untangled: Crucifying Our Politics to Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb


Keith Giles - 2007
    Jesus Untangled is a prophetic call for the Church to awaken from the “American Dream” and to return to Her first love. Because, as the author powerfully demonstrates in these pages, you can’t convert a culture that has already converted you.Learn more at www.JesusUntangled.com

Ecclesiastes Through New Eyes: A Table in the Mist


Jeffrey J. Meyers - 2007
    The Bible is a story, not a lexicon of systematic theological definitions. With this in mind, The Through New Eyes Bible Commentary Series builds on the foundational Biblical-theology work of James B. Jordan and other like-minded scholars in bringing you a set of commentaries that will help you read, teach and preach through the Bible while picking up on the rich symphonic themes and the literary symbolism of the Scriptures. Because they are written for thoughtful Christians without being overly academic, these commentaries will serve as valuable resources for family worship, Sunday school or Bible studies.

A New English Translation of the Septuagint


Anonymous - 2007
    The first translation of the books of the Hebrew Bible (plus additions) into the common language of the ancient Mediterranean world made the Jewish scriptures accessible to many outside Judaism. Notonly did the Septuagint become Holy Writ to Greek speaking Jews but it was also the Bible of the early Christian communities: the scripture they cited and the textual foundation of the early Christian movement.Translated from Hebrew (and Aramaic) originals in the two centuries before Jesus, the Septuagint provides important information about the history of the text of the Bible. For centuries, scholars have looked to the Septuagint for information about the nature of the text and of how passages and specific words were understood.For students of the Bible, the New Testament in particular, the study of the Septuagint's influence is a vital part of the history of interpretation. But until now, the Septuagint has not been available to English readers in a modern and accurate translation. The New English Translation of the Septuagint fills this gap.

Cardiphonia or the Utterance of the Heart


John Newton - 2007
    This is a compilation of John Newton's letters to various people.

The Jesus Legend: A Case for the Historical Reliability of the Synoptic Jesus Tradition


Paul Rhodes Eddy - 2007
    The Jesus Legend builds a convincing interdisciplinary case for the unique and plausible position of Jesus in human history. He was real and his presence on the planet has been well-documented.The authors of the New Testament didn't plant evidence, though each writer did tell the truth from a unique perspective. This book carefully investigates the Gospel portraits of Jesus--particularly the Synoptic Gospels--assessing what is reliable history and fictional legend. The authors contend that a cumulative case for the general reliability of the Synoptic Gospels can be made and boldly challenge those who question the veracity of the Jesus found there.

The Trinitarian Theology of St Thomas Aquinas


Gilles Emery - 2007
    Gilles Emery, O.P., provides an explanation of the main questions in Thomas's treatise on the Trinity in his major work, the Summa Theologiae. Hispresentation clarifies the key ideas through which Thomas accounts for the nature of Trinitarian monotheism. Emery focuses on the personal relations of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, both in their eternal communion and in their creative and saving action. By highlighting the thought of one of thegreatest defenders of the doctrine of the Trinity, he enables people to grasp the classical Christian understanding of God.

The Priority of Christ: Toward a Postliberal Catholicism


Robert Barron - 2007
    In The Priority of Christ, Bishop Robert Barron shows that the answer to this debate--and the way to move forward--lies in Jesus. Barron transcends the usual liberal/conservative or Protestant/Catholic divides with a postliberal Catholicism that brings the focus back on Jesus as revealed in the New Testament narratives. Barron's classical Catholic post-liberalism will be of interest to a broad audience including not only the academic community but also preachers and general readers interested in entering the dialogue between Catholicism and postliberalism.

Bread & Water, Wine & Oil: An Orthodox Christian Experience of God


Meletios Webber - 2007
    these are our daily companions, and even though we attempt to ignore them or try to crowd them out, they are there, waiting for us in our quieter moments. It is precisely where we hurt most that the experience of the Orthodox Church has much to offer. The remedy is not any simple admonitions to fight the good fight, cheer up, or think positively. Rather, the Orthodox method is to change the way we look at the human person (starting with ourselves). Orthodoxy shows us how to be transformed by the renewing of our mind--a process that is aided by participation in the traditional ascetic practices and Mysteries of the Church. In this unique and accessible book, Archimandrite Meletios Webber first explores the role of mystery in the Christian life, then walks the reader through the seven major Mysteries (or sacraments) of the Orthodox Church, showing the way to a richer, fuller life in Christ.

Great Exchange: My Sin for His Righteousness


Jerry Bridges - 2007
    Beginning with the Old Testament sacrifices and the prophecies that foreshadowed Christ, authors Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington guide believers through the biblical overview of Christ's atonement. The Great Exchange helps believers see how the Old Testament practices tie in with the New Testament discussion of Christ's great work of salvation.As believers work through these principles, they will begin to recognize that even though we deserve condemnation and punishment from a holy God, he has given us the opportunity to experience his great riches through his Son, Jesus Christ. The clear gospel message presented throughout the entire book offers a great appreciation of Christ for believers and an opportunity for salvation for unbelievers.

Contemplating the Trinity


Raniero Cantalamessa - 2007
    In Contemplating the Trinity, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household, invites readers to turn to the Trinity so that they can enter into and experience the relationship of love that the divine Persons share with one another.

Divorce & Remarriage: A Redemptive Theology


Rubel Shelly - 2007
    In Divorce & Remarriage, Rubel Shelly offers a redemptive theology that affirms the importance of marriage, the urgency of helping people survive their marital crises, and the redemptive mercies and grace of God for those who have divorced and remarried. Individuals who have suffered through a divorce and struggled with guilt, confusion, anger, and loss will find affirmation, and hopefully peace, in these pages.

Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating


Norman Wirzba - 2007
    Norman Wirzba combines the tools of ecological, agrarian, cultural, biblical, and theological analyses to draw a picture of eating that cares for creatures and that honors God. Unlike books that focus on vegetarianism or food distribution as the key theological matters, this book broadens the scope to include discussions on the sacramental character of eating, eating's ecological and social contexts, the meaning of death and sacrifice as they relate to eating, the Eucharist as the place of inspiration and orientation, the importance of saying grace, and whether or not there will be eating in heaven. Food and Faith demonstrates that eating is of profound economic, moral, and theological significance.

While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks: Forty Daily Reflections on Biblical Leadership


Timothy Laniak - 2007
    Experience a fully illustrated personal encounter with Bedouin shepherds whose life and work prompt us to think biblically about serving Christ. Here is your trail to become a shepherd leader: a compassionate provider, courageous protector and competent guide. Take this forty day journey and experience a life changing encounter with the Divine Shepherd. Become a shepherd after God's own heart by rediscovering true biblical leadership. An authentic classic endorsed by Billy Graham and a host of church and ministry leaders from across the globe.

Pauline Christology: An Exegetical-Theological Study


Gordon D. Fee - 2007
    The author provides a detailed analysis of the letters of Paul (including those whose authorship is questioned) individually, exploring the Christology of each one, and then attempts a synthesis of the exegetical work into a biblical Christology of Paul.

The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms As Adopted By the Presbyterian Church in America with Proofs Texts


Presbyterian Church (USA) - 2007
    Contains the Westminster Confession, Larger and Shorter Catechisms and Scripture proofs on each page.

Beyond Suffering: Discovering the Message of Job


Layton Talbert - 2007
    Dr. Talbert s thorough research, detailed examination of each speaker s perspective, and countless cross-references make Beyond Suffering an essential resource for any biblical scholar"

Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards's Religious Affections


Sam Storms - 2007
    In Signs of the Spirit he articulates the substance of Edwards's arguments in a more understandable way. The point is not to dumb down Jonathan Edwards but to make his work accessible to a wider audience.This volume serves those both in and outside the academic realm as valuable preparation for, or as a companion guide to, a reading of Edwards's Religious Affections.

The Art of The Saint John's Bible: A Reader's Guide to Pentateuch, Psalms, Gospels and Acts


Susan Sink - 2007
    Here are illuminations that bring the words of the Bible alive for the contemporary world. Some of the world's top calligraphers, working in a tradition al but replaced by the printing press centuries ago, invite us into a rich and varied creation. The illuminations draw on and update Eastern iconographic and Western sacred art traditions, resulting in one of the most important sacred art achievements of our time.The Art of The Saint John's Bible: A Reader's Guide brings text and illumination together for reflection. This guide further opens up the significance of elements in the illuminations, and points out recurring visual motifs that connect the stories within and across the volumes. You will find here some of the history of the tradition of illuminated Bibles, as well as insight into the thought processes and artistic Vision behind the planning and execution of the images. The guide covers the first three published volumes of The Saint John's Bible, Pentateuch, Psalms, and Gospels and Acts. It includes information on the individual artists; an explanation of terms such as carpet pages and marginalia; an index of flora and fauna; and a chart of the chant tones used in Psalms. More importantly, it offers an invitation to experience the illuminations and the biblical text more deeply.This book features beautiful full color and black and white reproductions of more than 40 major artworks from the individual volumes and over two dozen reproductions of the minor elements (text treatments, marginalia, initials). It is the first book in a series of three, the second of which will feature the most recently released volumes, Prophets and Wisdom Books, while the third book will feature Historical Books and Letters and Revelation, the final volumes ofThe Saint John's Bible yet to be released.Susan Sink is a poet and writer, and is communications director at Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota. She is also an oblate of Saint John's Abbey and the author of a book of poems, The Way of al the Earth.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ: An Open Letter to the Church from a Modern Perspective of the Book of Revelation


Lynn Hiles - 2007
    SUBTITLE: An Open Letter To The Churches From A Modern Perspective Of The Book Of Revelation

Theology in the Context of World Christianity: How the Global Church Is Influencing the Way We Think about and Discuss Theology


Timothy C. Tennent - 2007
    While the truths of the Christian faith are universal, new contexts bring new questions, new understandings, and new expressions. What does this mean for theology? Is the Christian faith not only culturally translatable, but also theologically translatable? Timothy Tennent answers this question with a resounding yes. Theological reflection is alive and well in the majority world church, and these new perspectives need to be heard, considered, and brought into conversation with Western theologians. Global theology can make us aware of our own blind spots and biases. Because of its largely conservative stance, global theology has much to offer toward the revitalization of Western Christianity. Tennent examines traditional theological categories in conversation with theologians from across the globe, making this volume valuable for students, pastors, missionaries, and theologians alike.

Essential Sermons (Works of Saint Augustine 3)


Augustine of Hippo - 2007
    Edmund Hill (1990-1997) in clear contemporary English, showcase Augustine the brilliant speaker and engaging preacher of the Word. They have proven an indispensable resource for contemporary scholars, who laud Hills expert translation and extensive notes. But professors have clamored for an affordable one-volume anthology designed for undergraduate, graduate, and seminary classes. From the Bishops finest preaching, Fr. Doyle has selected sermons that represent a wide range of subjects, including God, Christ, sin, grace, conversion, martyrdom, sacraments, marriage, wealth, poverty, Christmas, Easter, and living the Christian life. Students and preachers alike will discover Augustine's message as well as his medium: his masterful interpretation of the Word of God and his creative use of Ciceronian rhetoric to engage the people of God. Fr. Doyle has provided a concise introduction to Augustine's preaching and a convenient table of themes for easy consultation.

Four Portraits, One Jesus: A Survey of Jesus and the Gospels


Mark L. Strauss - 2007
    Even those who do not follow him admit the vast influence of his life. For anyone interested in knowing more about Jesus, study of the four biblical Gospels is essential. Four Portraits, One Jesus is a thorough yet accessible introduction to these documents and their subject, the life and person of Jesus. Like different artists rendering the same subject using different styles and points of view, the Gospels paint four highly distinctive portraits of the same remarkable Jesus. With clarity and insight, Mark Strauss illuminates these four books, first addressing their nature, origin, methods for study, and historical, religious, and cultural backgrounds. He then moves on to closer study of each narrative and its contribution to our understanding of Jesus, investigating things such as plot, characters, and theme. Finally, he pulls it all together with a detailed examination of what the Gospels teach about Jesus’ ministry, message, death, and resurrection, with excursions into the quest for the historical Jesus and the historical reliability of the Gospels.

Introduction to the Science of Mental Health


Chad A. Ripperger - 2007
    I: Philosophical Psychology This text, the first of three volumes in the "Introduction to the Science of Mental Health" series, treats the science of mental health and illness and is based on the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. The text is divided into three parts: What constitutes a valid science of psychology; The principles one must know in order to discuss mental health and illness; What is mental health and illness according to St. Thomas and what are the causes of mental health and illness from a Thomistic perspective. The Forward and imprimatur for the text are by His Excellency, Fabian Bruskewitz, bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. Vol. II: Sacred and Other Spiritual Causes This second of the three volumes addresses the various aspects of Catholic Theology as they affect mental health. Some of the areas covered are: Relationship of psychology to theology; Sin as it affects mental health; Infused Virtues, Sacraments, Gifts of the Holy Ghost and Prayer; Demonic Influences. Vol. III: Quodlibetal Issues and Practica The third text in the series, this volume addresses the various aspects of psychology which are not covered in the prior two volumes as well as the practical application of Thomistic psychology. Some topics included are: Music; The Subconscious Dreams; Hypnotism; Self Knowledge; Personality and Temperaments; Addictions; Developmental and Educational Psychology; Diagnosis and Counseling; The Role of the Empirical in Psychology.

The Essential Pope Benedict XVI


Benedict XVI - 2007
    Who is this complex man whose office grants him sole charge of the world's largest religion? How will his tenure influence the future? The Essential Pope Benedict XVI answers these questions through carefully chosen selections from his homilies, interviews, theological essays, and articles on the crises facing the church today. This collection lays out Benedict's thinking and relates it to a variety of contemporary issues, including modern culture's abandonment of traditional religious values, social mores regarding conception and the sanctity of life, current challenges to the priesthood, and the Catholic Church's tenuous relations with other world religions. First a brilliant peritus, or "expert advisor," to the Second Vatican Council and then archbishop of Munich, Joseph Ratzinger was appointed head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith by Pope John Paul II in 1981. As Cardinal Ratzinger, the ex officio defender of church doctrine, he gained a reputation as a heroic guardian of the faith for conservatives and was held in suspicion by church liberals. We cannot yet know what issues and events will define the reign of Pope Benedict XVI, but by any measure he will be seen as one of the most important theological voices of our time. This one volume is the best source for understanding the heart, soul, and agenda of this twenty-first-century successor to St. Peter.

The Regensburg Lecture


James V. Schall - 2007
    Not everyone agreed."Overshadowed by the violent reaction and rioting throughout the world, the September 12, 2006, lecture by Pope Benedict XVI at Regensburg, Germany, at the University where he once taught, is a multifaceted and brilliant speech that addresses the very nature of man's understanding of a free conscience, his thirst for knowledge in both reason and revelation, his understanding of the limitations of the will, and the nature of his ability to understand his neighbor. It explains the Church's historical claims that Christ himself is Logos(as the opening of John's Gospel proclaims), a term meaning "word", "logic," and "speech." One's faith is to be grounded in a self-limiting God, Who does not capriciously change the rules on humans but Who reveals himself to our reason as well as our hearts. As God Who respects his Creation enough to give man free will, and thus a free conscience and an ability to fail; Who leads man, through both reason and revelation, to Himself, always in peace and never in violence; Who is a God of Life, not Death.The lecture is only a few pages of text, yet it encapsulates not only theoretical history of the Church, but touches on the most poignant current problems the world witnesses, namely, the rise of terrorism and the confrontation between reason and will, between the Word and the Sword. Though incredibly timely, it is as timeless as the Gettysburg address, Pericles' funeral Oration, Plato's Apology, and Henry V's Speech on St. Crispin's Day. No doubt it will be studied and read for generations to come, not only by Catholics, not only by Christians but by men of good will world over." What was obscured by all the controversy over Pope Benedict's lecture at Regensburg was the important argument about the interdependency of faith and reason that was the substance

A Gathered People: Revisioning the Assembly as Transforming Encounter


John Mark Hicks - 2007
    It examines Hebrew assemblies in the Old Testament, Christian assemblies in the NT, the changing nature of assemblies in Christian history, and the assembly in the Stone-Campbell heritage. It concludes with a theological argument about the nature and purpose of the assembly, and reflections on Christian assemblies today.Alexander Campbell taught that there were three ordinances in the Christian faith ... The Lord's Supper, Baptism and the Lord's Day. This series revisions those ordinances and helps us better understand our relationship to our Father God. The other two books of this series are: Come to the Table: Revisioning the Lord's Supper by John Mark Hicks and Down in the River to Pray: Revisioning Baptism as God s Transforming Power by John Mark Hicks and Greg Taylor.

Pushing the Antithesis: The Apologetic Methodology of Greg L. Bahnsen


Greg L. Bahnsen - 2007
    Greg L. Bahnsen believed that to deal with the academics of the day and their arguments against the Christian faith, it is necessary to do battle with them at the highest levels of scholarship using their intellectual tools against them. He could quickly analyze and give direct and compelling answers to all their objections. Prior to his untimely death in 1995, Dr. Bahnsen delivered a series of lectures on apologetics at American Vision s Life Preparation Conference. These lectures are rare in that they are some of the only video presentations of Dr. Bahnsen's teachings. The week-long sessions, presented before high school and college students, set forth the basics of the Christian worldview and the biblical approach to defending the faith. These lessons have been distilled and turned into a one-of-a kind handbook on apologetics.

Theophany: The Neoplatonic Philosophy of Dionysius the Areopagite (Suny Series in Ancient Greek Philosophy)


Eric David Perl - 2007
    Unlike the predominantly theological or text-historical studies which constitute much of the scholarly literature on Dionysius, Theophany is completely philosophical in nature, placing Dionysius within the tradition of ancient Greek philosophy and emphasizing, in a positive light, his continuity with the non-Christian Neoplatonism of Plotinus and Proclus. Eric D. Perl offers clear expositions of the reasoning that underlies Neoplatonic philosophy and explains the argumentation that leads to and supports Neoplatonic doctrines. He includes extensive accounts of fundamental ideas in Plotinus and Proclus, as well as Dionysius himself, and provides an excellent philosophical defense of Neoplatonism in general.

Last Things First: Unlocking Genesis 1-3 with the Christ of Eschatology


J.V. Fesko - 2007
    But have we ever stopped to consider that Jesus in the book of Revelation is called 'the last Adam' and the 'Alpha & Omega'? Should this make a difference to how we look at the first three chapters of Genesis? Dr. John Fesko says that it does and that without seeing Christ and the end days, we cannot understand the first days. Over the controversies that surround these first three chapters he says 'there are many theologians who represent different schools of thought. Is there a better way to approach the opening chapters of Genesis in spite of the debate? The answer to that question is an unqualified, 'Yes'... The way through the impasse is to interpret Genesis in the manner presented in the New Testament. More specifically, one must interpret Genesis 1-3 in the light of Christ and Eschatology.' By doing this, John is able to explain this important portion of scripture from a holistic Christological viewpoint, one that is consistent throughout scripture. If you are tangled up on origins in Genesis then this may be your way through the maze.

Galatians and Ephesians


David Guzik - 2007
    Though written first to Christians some 2,000 years ago, the living inspiration of these letters explain both the basics and the glories of Christian living, making them valuable for every follower of Jesus today.

The Messiah in the Old and New Testaments


Stanley E. Porter - 2007
    This volume contributes significantly to that discussion. Ten expert scholars here address questions surrounding the concept of "messiah" and clarify what it means to call Jesus "messiah." The book comprises two main parts, first treating those writers who preceded or surrounded the New Testament (two essays on the Old Testament and two on extrabiblical literature) and then discussing the writers of the New Testament. Concluding the volume is a critical response by Craig Evans to both sections. This volume will be helpful to pastors and laypersons wanting to explore the nature and identity of the Messiah in the Old and New Testament in order to better understand Jesus as Messiah.

The Marrow Of True Justification


Benjamin Keach - 2007
    This is one of the best works ever written on the subject. Here the central theme of the Christian gospel and the sure ground of the believer's hope is expounded with profound scriptural clarity. How the churches of today would benefit if pastors would preach this doctrine in contemporary dress as thoroughly, polemically, and winsomely as Keach did in his own day." Dr. Joel R. Beeke

Westminster Shorter Catechism with Proof Texts (ESV)


Robert B. Balsinger - 2007
    This edition is the original 1647 catechism (Westminster Assembly) with updated proof texts (ESV)

Sovereignty


Rousas John Rushdoony - 2007
    It is the supreme and highest power. The Christian defines the Sovereign Lord as unlimited, independent, with original authority. For fallen man, sovereignty belongs to the state because the state is the source of law. Since the Christian can have no other gods (Ex. 20:3), history is defined appropriately by Augustine as a conflict between the City of Man and the City of God. As in all conflicts, we must choose this day whom we will serve. In this posthumously published volume, R. J. Rushdoony examines the comprehensive implications of God's sovereignty with a clear eye to critiquing the various places where man posits sovereignty-especially the sovereign state. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the crises of our times.

What the Bible Says About the Doctrines of Grace (A Categorized Scripture List)


Nathan Pitchford - 2007
    With this simple format, Nathan Pitchford has created a valuable resource for understanding the biblical basis for the doctrines of grace. This booklet is a great tool for guiding your own personal study or for engaging in fruitful dialogue with others. "Ever since the Serpent first tempted Eve in the garden by casting doubt on God's word and his character as he had revealed himself to her, mankind has always been engaged in the idolatrous pursuit of fashioning a god after his own imagination...There is no cure for this, but to cast off all our prior ideas of who we think God should be, or what we think he should mean when he speaks of his love, his grace, his justice, and his salvation, and to go to his word for all our answers." (from the Introduction)

Saint Thomas a Becket: the Holy Blissful Martyr


Robert Hugh Benson - 2007
    Thomas a Becket, "the holy blissful martyr," began as research for a historical novel. Becket's murder at the instigation of Henry II launched the famed pilgrimage to Canterbury and inspired countless works of literature. When his collaborator bowed out of the project, Benson reworked the material into a compelling non-fictional portrait of one of England's most popular and significant historical figures. This edition features an in-depth foreword by Benson scholar Michael D. Greaney

I Know a Man in Christ


Hierotheos Vlachos - 2007
    The first part of the book is a spiritual portrait of Elder Sophrony. After a brief survey of his theology, the author examines the Elder’s writings in the light of the experience of saints of the Church, particularly St Paul, St Symeon the New Theologian and St Gregory Palamas, thus placing his teaching in a wider context. There is a careful analysis of the Elder’s correspondence with David Balfour, which reveals “many subtle details of the spiritual life” but also how “a genuine spiritual father guides those entrusted to him”. The second part of the book records what the author learnt and experienced during visits to the Monastery of St John the Baptist in meetings and informal conversations with the Elder and as a concelebrant at the Divine Liturgy. Over the years he carefully recorded the Elder’s words and amassed an archive of notes that he publishes here. The subjects covered reflect both Father Sophrony’s and the author’s personal and pastoral concerns and include prayer (particularly the Jesus Prayer); monasticism and obedience; priesthood and the temptations it brings; giving spiritual guidance; the problems facing those who become Orthodox; and family life. The discussions also shed light on theological issues close to the Elder’s heart. The Elder’s teachings are presented mostly in his own words, interspersed with brief accounts of the author’s impressions of the blessed life he lived during visits to the Monastery of St John the Baptist. We see the Elder in church during the Divine Liturgy and daily services, in the refectory, and meeting pilgrims. The author also describes visits to the Holy Mountain to see the places where the Elder lived and to meet monks following the same tradition. After the chapters arranged chronologically by year, this part of the book ends with a collection of undated sayings of the Elder which were not spoken directly to the author but were passed on to him by others. The book shows us a “great hesychast and theologian, but also a wise, discerning and prophetic spiritual father” and brings us closer to the man in Christ.

Beloved: Henri Nouwen In Conversation: Henri Nouwen In Conversation


Philip Roderick - 2007
    A priest, academic and author of over 40 books, his ministry found a new depth of expression when he joined l'Arche. This work is created from an interview with Henri Nouwen in which he reflects on the themes that have inspired his writings.

Resounding Truth: Christian Wisdom in the World of Music


Jeremy S. Begbie - 2007
    Resounding Truth shows Christians how to uncover the Gospel message found in the many melodies that surround us. Theologian and musician Jeremy Begbie believes our divinely-inspired imagination reveals opportunity for sincere, heartfelt praise.With practical examples, lucid explanations, and an accessible bibliography, this book will help music lovers discover how God's diversity shines through sound. Begbie helps readers see the Master of Song and experience the harmony of heavenly hope.

Light from the Christian East: An Introduction to the Orthodox Tradition


James R. Payton Jr. - 2007
    Yet this tradition is arguably the most faithful representative of early Christianity in existence today and numbers roughly 250 million adherents worldwide. What's more, a steady stream of evangelical Christians has been entering the Orthodox Church in recent decades. Isn't it time we gained a deeper understanding of Orthodoxy?In Light from the Christian East, James Payton gives us just that. With a sympathetic eye and even hand, he ushers readers into the world of Orthodox Christianity--its history, theology and religious practices. In doing so, he clears away the confusion and misunderstandings that often prevent non-Orthodox Christians from fully appreciating the riches of this ancient tradition. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in Orthodox Christianity.

Jesus of Israel: Finding Christ in the Old Testament


Richard Veras - 2007
    Father Richard Veras invites us to enter a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through the doors of familiar and not-so-familiar incidents in the Old Testament. Ever wonder, for example, why God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? Even more, why Abraham was willing to do it? Puzzled as to why there are two creation accounts in Genesis? What's the problem with being a Samaritan? And what does any of this have to do with Jesus and our life in him? The author explores these and other issues with one goal in mind: to "aid the reader to come to a deeper certainty about Jesus Christ." "This book makes the Word of God accessible to the young and, in fact, to anyone who wishes to look at the Bible with the eyes of a faith in touch with the grace of the Jewish people. The insights are quite valuable, but the real attractiveness of the book is the faith that it inspires through a simple, straightforward and imaginative reading of the Sacred Text." —Father Francis Martin, John Paul II Cultural Center, Washington, D.C.

A World of Difference: Putting Christian Truth-Claims to the Worldview Test


Kenneth R. Samples - 2007
    A World of Difference seeks to change this disturbing fact by educating readers on how the Christian perspective is uniquely reasonable, verifiable, and liveable. Author Kenneth Richard Samples faced a profound test of his own belief system during a personal life-and-death crisis. In A World of Difference, he uses nine distinct tests to compare the Christian worldview with current religious and philosophical competitors, including Islam, postmodernism, naturalism, and pantheistic monism. Samples tackles tough issues through this in-depth study of Christianity's history, creed, and philosophical basis. An excellent resource for readers who want their view of life and the world to make sense.

Classics of the Christian Faith


Max McLean - 2007
    Next to the Bible, these classics have had the most impact on the Christian faith.

The Syrian Christ


Abraham M. Rihbany - 2007
    In this book we travel with the author, a Lebanese Christian born in 1869, back into this vanished Biblical world. He had experienced it first-hand, since during his boyhood living conditions were still identical with those of Jesus' time. When Abraham Rihbany tells us about the domestic life of his family and the world of Syrian shepherds and farmers, the Biblical world comes to life with the colorful commotion of the market-place, the discomforts of traveling, the birth of children, the struggle for ones' daily bread, the Eastern manner of speech - in short, Rihbany immerses us in this ancient world, and we see Jesus the man in his own Near Eastern culture. This powerful and warmhearted book will delight the reader with its simplicity of narrative and with its insight into the world of the Near East. With 6 photographs.

Raging with Compassion: Pastoral Responses to the Problem of Evil


John Swinton - 2007
    In this fascinating take on theodicy, John Swinton reminds readers that the experience of evil and suffering precedes pontification on its origin. In Raging with Compassion Swinton argues for a practical theodicy, one embodied in the life and practices of the Christian community. This practicality does not seek to provide an explanation for the existence of evil, but rather presents ways in which evil and suffering can be resisted and transformed. This, he insists, will enable Christians to live faithfully with unanswered questions as they await Gods redemption of the whole creation. Swinton explores essential practices of redemption -- lament, forgiveness, thoughtfulness, hospitality, and friendship -- drawing out their practical implications for the faithful resistance of evil. Enhanced by case studies from current events and by Swinton's own experience as a pastor and mental health nurse, this book seeks to inspire fresh questions about the Christian traditions, as well as new responses and modes of practice to our broken, fallen world.

God's Word: Scripture - Tradition - Office


Benedict XVI - 2007
    God's Word, according to Ratzinger, is encountered in the Bible, in Tradition, and through the teaching Office of the Bishop, who, through apostolic succession, is to be the servant of and witness to the divine Word. Ratzinger examines as well the relationship between the Episcopacy and the Papacy. He also considers the nature of Apostolic Succession, and he responds to Reformed objections to the Catholic view of the subject. His treatment is sympathetic to the concerns of non-Catholic Christians while remaining faithful to Catholic teaching and practice.This book also includes the famous Erasmus Lecture of Cardinal Ratzinger, which assesses the strengths and weaknesses of modern critical approaches to biblical interpretation. Ratzinger proposes a new approach that avoids the pitfalls of a narrowly critical outlook on the Bible without succumbing to fundamentalism.God's Word provides profound insights into Pope Benedict XVI's efforts to renew the Church's participation in God's Truth through the divine Word, as well as the Church's mission to proclaim the Word to all people.

Saint Francis of Assisi


Mirabai Starr - 2007
    Eight hundred years later, he is still revered across spiritual traditions as perhaps the most beloved saint. With Saint Francis of Assisi, Mirabai Starr offers readers an elegant book of prayers, poems, and contemplative writings to inspire readers with the lessons of his life. From his survival as a prisoner of war to the series of awakenings that led him to create an order of the Catholic Church that to this day bears his name, Francis? life was in constant evolution. Saint Francis of Assisi helps readers call upon the spirit of this modest Italian sage to guide their own lives with his eternal devotion to the divine, and his profound compassion toward all living things.

Verbal Aspect, the Indicative Mood, and Narrative: Soundings in the Greek of the New Testament


Constantine R. Campbell - 2007
    In this book, Constantine R. Campbell investigates the function of verbal aspect within New Testament Greek narrative. He argues that the primary role of verbal aspect in narrative is to delineate and shape the various 'discourse strands' of which it is constructed, such as mainline, offline, and direct discourse. Campbell accounts for this function in terms of the semantic value of each tense-form. Consequently, in the search for more effective conclusions and explanations, he challenges and reassesses some of the conclusions reached in previous scholarship. One such reassessment involves a boldly innovative approach to the perfect tense-form.

Beyond Amazing Grace: Timeless Pastoral Wisdom from the Letters, Sermons and Hymns of John Newton


J. Todd Murray - 2007
    The story of how such a notorious sinner was converted to Christ and went on to become an equally noteworthy pastor and a leader of the Evangelical movement in eighteenth-century England is simply astounding. In compiling this selection from his writings, Todd Murray has made Newton's gentle pastoral wisdom available to a new generation of readers.

The Baptized Body


Peter J. Leithart - 2007
    He challenges several common but false assumptions about God, man, the church, salvation, and more that confuse discussions about baptism. He aims to offer a careful and simple discussion of all the central biblical texts that speak to us about baptism, the nature of signs and rites, the character of the church as the body of Christ, and the possibility of apostasy. In the end, he urges us to face up to the wonderful conclusion that Scripture attributes an astonishing power to the initiation rite of baptism.

Adventures In Revelation


Jeff Cavins - 2007
    The binder contains both study questions and their corresponding answers to guide students along through their study of the book of Revelation. About Adventures in Revelation: The fourth and final foundational study of The Great Adventure Bible Study Series is here! In this intriguing look at one of the most talked-about books in Scripture, Jeff Cavins explores Revelation to demonstrate how the Kingdom established by Christ in His Church is intimately connected with the Kingdom of Heaven, especially through the celebration of the Mass. You will also learn what all the mysterious figures and images of Revelation represent, as well as what will happen during the Second Coming of Christ, what has already happened, and what is happeninig now in salvation history.

How People Change Participant Workbook


Timothy S. Lane - 2007
    Lane now offer a companion guide for use in church-wide training sessions, small groups, Sunday schools, youth groups or one-on-one discipleship. How People Change delves into the truth of the gospel and applies it to the messiness of living in a fallen world .With this curriculum you come face to face with your own heart, examine the fruit of your life in Christ and grow in love for others. You will be challenged - and moved - by the shocking hope that the gospel can change anyone!

The Cure of Souls: Recovering the Biblical Doctrine of Confession


Rousas John Rushdoony - 2007
    This is all too common when men do not preach and practice a Biblical doctrine of confession. The challenge is first to restore the meaning of confession as taught in the Scriptures. As long as confession is seen as a Romanist doctrine, we have no hope of recovering this vital aspect of Christianity.In this pathbreaking volume R. J. Rushdoony examines the Biblical teaching on confession and sets it over against the errors of Romanism and the neo-Freudianism of modern Christian counseling. Despite the subject matter this book is remarkably readable and is sure to empower both clergy and laity as they discover the powerful tool of Biblical confession. - front book flap

Partakers of the Divine Nature: The History and Development of Deification in the Christian Traditions


Michael J. Christensen - 2007
    It draws together Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant scholars to introduce and explain the theory of deification as a biblically rooted, central theme in the Christian doctrine of salvation in diverse eras and traditions. The book addresses the origin, development, and function of deification from its precursors in ancient Greek philosophy to its nuanced use in contemporary theological thought. The revival of interest in deification, which has often been seen as heresy in the Protestant West, heralds a return to foundational understandings of salvation in the Christian church before divisions of East and West, Catholic and Protestant. Originally published in hardcover, this book is now available in paperback to a wider readership.

In Granite or Ingrained? What the Old and New Covenants Reveal about the Gospel, the Law, and the Sabbath


Skip MacCarty - 2007
    Those claims have introduced confusion about what it truly means to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Christians earnest in their walk with the Lord will see a dynamic element of the gospel in the profound relationship between love and law. They will, perhaps for the first time, understand the apparent dichotomy of old and new covenants in the New Testament. And in the process they will be confronted with a powerful appeal and an unmistakable warning.

Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ from All the Scriptures


Dennis E. Johnson - 2007
    But moving beyond theory, Him We Proclaim provides examples of how this method applies to all Old and New Testament genres, from history and law to psalm and prophecy to doctrine and exhortation.

The Lamb Enters the Dreaming: Nathanael Pepper the Ruptured World


Robert Kenny - 2007
    Through Nathanael Pepper’s conversion, this record conducts a major reappraisal of the nature of Aboriginal and European relations in the first decades of contact in southern Australia. A unique and beautifully written blend of popular history, spirituality, culture, and personal quest, this history examines various aspects of the event, including the ritual slaughter of settlers’ stock, the choice of Pepper’s baptismal name, the settlers’ punitive and murderous raids, and the Moravian Church’s celebration of Pepper’s conversion.

Living Emblems: Ancient Symbols of Faith


John D. Garr - 2007
    Each emblem is full of rich symbolism that points to the person and work of the Messiah, Jesus. Failure to understand the implications of these important symbols has robbed millions of Christians of vital, spiritually-enriching information. Recognizing the historical and spiritual truths represented by the symbols of the Hebrew Scriptures is a profound means of underscoring the historical and theological truth of Christianity s Jewish connection. Living Emblems: Ancient Symbols of Faith equips believers to achieve greater maturity through a more comprehensive understanding of Jesus, our Jewish Lord.

Dialogues of Fenelon, Vol. 1


François Fénelon - 2007
    

Shaking the Gates of Hell: Faith-Led Resistance to Corporate Globalization


Sharon Delgado - 2007
    Shaking the Gates of Hell proposes a way for people of faith to respond to the growing power of corporations and their domination of the world's cultures, governments, and global institutions.

A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression


Gary E. Nelson - 2007
    Suicide driven by these illnesses is one of the top killers of these young people. How do teens become depressed? What does depression feel like? How can we identify it? What helps depressed teens? What hurts them? How do families cope with teen depression? In A Relentless Hope Gary Nelson uses his experience as a pastor and pastoral counselor to guide the reader through an exploration of these and many other questions about teen depression. Nelson has worked with many teens over the years offering help to those who find themselves confronted by this potentially devastating attacker. The author also uses the story of his own son's journey through depression to weave together insights into the spiritual, emotional, cognitive, biological, and relational dimensions of teen depression. Through careful analysis, candid self-revelation, practical advice, and even humor, this pastor, counselor, and father reminds us that God's light of healing can shine through the darkness of depression and offer hope. A Relentless Hope is written for teens, parents, teachers, pastors, and any who walk with the afflicted through this valley of the shadow of death. Endorsements: ""Whether you are a youth struggling with depression, a family member of a depressed teen, or a pastor, counselor or teacher providing support and help in such circumstances, this book is a must read as the most informative and helpful volume available on the subject."" --Merle R. Jordan Professor of Pastoral Psychology Emeritus, Boston University School of Theology ""This story of a family is an incredible gift of honest reflection. So many families deal with the issue of teen depression. . . As the dean of a theological school I am aware of the numbers of youth that my students deal with who are in this book. Depression, self-medication with alcohol and drugs, self doubt and even considerations of suicide as an answer--all are in our communities and probably in even a small church. This book is about an attitude that avoids denial, attempts to keep a sense of humor, and believes in the miracle of life. Thank you, Tom, for allowing your story to be told."" --Maxine Clarke Beach, Vice President and Dean, Drew Theological School This is a story of amazing grace! I love the challenge Gary gave the reader throughout the book: ""Never give up on loving!"" I was reminded in a very tangible way of the limitless capacity of God who loves us the same way--He never stops! What an incredible mantra for all of us: ""Never give up on loving. . . . Never!"" I wonder how different our world would be if we practiced this command? --Rev. Dale Seley, Pastor Downtown Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia About the Contributor(s): Gary E. Nelson, DMin, is a United Methodist minister who for thirty years has worked with teens and their families as a local church pastor and as a pastoral counselor. He currently pastors a church in West Virginia.

Wait Until Then


Randy Alcorn - 2007
    It uses the form of story to teach children about heaven, following Jesus, and waiting until we see lost loved ones again.

Covenant and Salvation: Union with Christ


Michael S. Horton - 2007
    In Covenant and Salvation, Michael Horton surveys law and gospel, union with Christ, and justification and theosis, conversing with both classical and contemporary viewpoints.

Loving Wisdom: Christian Philosophy of Religion


Paul Copan - 2007
    Copan acknowledges the difficulties, mystery, and disagreement of religion, and instead of using the language of proofs, he attempts to show how the Christian faith does a much more adequate job of answering a wide range of questions.

Why Jesus Makes Me Nervous: Ten Challenging Words of Faith


Joy Jordan-Lake - 2007
    Nice as it would be to frame Jesus as fun-loving, or a mercy-dispensing friend, the stories we have about him are a lot more disturbing than that. We hear about celebrations that began as a wake, and about people who didn’t use their talents well being bounced clear out of the club. Jesus clearly thought that following the way of truth involved a lot more than simply avoiding things like murder, stealing, committing adultery or telling lies. When Jesus truly makes you nervous, he is worth living and dying for, and becomes the greatest source of meaning and purpose in life imaginable. "Holiness. Abundance. Forgiveness. Hope. In these musings about ‘ten stained-glass words of faith,’ Joy Jordan-Lake strips away the clichés and church-bulletin nostrums and exposes the honest, challenging, comforting, and yes, sometimes alarming claims that are at the center of Jesus’ life and teaching. This book is downright restorative." --Lauren F. Winner, author of Girl Meets God and Mudhouse Sabbath