Book Recommendations

If the modern world can be characterised by one thing it is probably the enormous increase in the number of words around - but that increase has also been accompanied by a seemingly corresponding decrease in understanding. J. I. Packer is a master wordsmith. He is also gifted with the ability of showing where truth lies in complicated reasoning. These skills combine to make 18 Words a fascinating read - and a life-changing one.

Where have we come from? Covering the 1st Century AD to the start of the Middle Ages, the first volume of 2000 Years of Christ's Power, this period in history establishes the foundations of what we take for granted today. Every generation has an uncanny tendency to view themselves as more enlightened than those that have gone before. Looking at the early church, by being honest about their mistakes and drawing inspiration from their motivation, mission and momentum, Needham demonstrates that our ancestors offer valuable insights for us to glean from. Delve into the works of Saint Augustine of Hippo and witness the first apologetic ever penned. Featuring: * The Jesus Movement - Christianity through the era of the Apostles * The Apostolic Fathers, persecution, and apologetics * Gnostics, Catholics and Montanists * African Christianity * The fall of Rome and Constantinople Volume one of five. Academically reliable, the accessible humorous style and accompanying glossary means church history is a subject for everyone to benefit from. "It is a brave historian who tackles the extremely challenging task of writing the 2000-year history of the church. Nick Needham has more than risen to the challenge... well worth the wait" - Michael A.G. Haykin, Professor of Church History, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Were the Dark Ages as dark as we've dubbed them? Exploring the hardship, oppression, crusades, and clergy of the Middle Ages (7th to 15th Century), Needham brings to light another side of the Middle Ages where Christ's power shines through. Christ's kingdom continues to be built through key figures such as Anselm of Canterbury, Thomas à Kempis, and John Wycliffe, Far from stalled, stagnant, or stationary, this fiery season in church history is what sparked the Reformation. Featuring: Islam and the Church The Crusades The rise of Scholasticism The Byzantine Empire Volume two of five. Academically reliable, the accessible, humorous style and accompanying glossary make church history a subject for everyone to benefit from. "It is a brave historian who tackles the extremely challenging task of writing the 2000-year history of the church. Nick Needham has more than risen to the challenge... well worth the wait"- Michael A.G. Haykin, Professor of Church History, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Colourful, divisive, and radical Focussing in on the 16th Century, Needham shows us the progression of the Reformation era and the daring bravery of its figures. It's a period of history from which there are many lessons to be learnt--not least of all, the vibrancy of people's lives and the courage with which they faced death. As the series continues, Neeham uncovers how attitudes of the Middle Ages provoked the Renaissance from which the passionate Reformation debates emerged. Follow the convictions and debates of key voices such as John Calvin, John Knox, Ulrich Zwingli, Martin Luther, William Tyndale and Ignatius of Loyola. Catholics, Calvinists, Lutherans, Anabaptists - our present-day divisions are rooted in the front-page headlines of the Reformation. Featuring: * The Renaissance * The Reformation * The English and Scottish Reformations * The Catholic Counter-Reformation * The Eastern Orthodox World Volume three of five. Academically reliable, the accessible, humorous style and accompanying glossary make church history a subject for everyone to benefit from. "It is a brave historian who tackles the extremely challenging task of writing the 2000-year history of the church. Nick Needham has more than risen to the challenge... well worth the wait"- Michael A.G. Haykin, Professor of Church History, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Turning the world upside down is a messy business. Universal uncertainty was the aftermath of the Reformation. The Renaissance and Reformation were exciting times of learning and discovery - they pushed the boundaries of accepted thought. The centuries-old status quo had been turned on its head. Nothing was stable anymore. Conflict ensued. This next instalment of 2,000 Years of Christ's Power spans from the 16th to the 18th century, Needham documents the birth and coming of age of English Protestantism, Scottish Presbyterianism, and French Catholicism. Perhaps few eras have had such a direct impact on the characteristics of our own period of history. Featuring: * Germany and the Lutheran Faith * The Thirty Years' War * The Arminian Controversy and the Synod of Dort * Puritanism * The Glorious Revolution * Persecution in France * Missionary movements Volume four of five. Academically reliable, the accessible humorous style and accompanying glossary make church history a subject for everyone to benefit from. "It is a brave historian who tackles the extremely challenging task of writing the 2000-year history of the church. Nick Needham has more than risen to the challenge... well worth the wait"- Michael A.G. Haykin, Professor of Church History, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

How does man think? Into the Age of Reason came the Evangelical revival through the voices of George Whitefield, John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards. Despite a societal cooling, the work of God through evangelical Preachers awakened and warmed the hearts of many. In every age, Christ's kingdom continues to conquer. Needham brings us close to our most recent church history and uncovers the shifts in thought that radically altered society's relationship to reason and faith. With the Enlightenment, came a tide of social, economic, and political change that deeply affected the spiritual climate. Featuring: * Scientific Revolution * Immanuel Kant: The philosopher of the Enlightenment * The French Revolution * Calvinist-Arminian controversy * Presbyterianism in the Scottish Highlands * The Great Awakening * Russian Orthodoxy The fifth and final volume. Academically reliable, the accessible humorous style and accompanying glossary makes church history a subject for everyone to benefit from. "It is a brave historian who tackles the extremely challenging task of writing the 2000-year history of the church. Nick Needham has more than risen to the challenge... well worth the wait"- Michael A.G. Haykin, Professor of Church History, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

If marriage shows us the shape of the gospel, singleness shows us its sufficiency. Much of what we commonly assume about singleness--that it is primarily about the absence of good things like intimacy, family, or meaningful ministry--is either flat-out untrue or, at the very least, shouldn't be true. To be single, we often think, is to be alone and spiritually hindered. But the Bible paints a very different picture of singleness: it is a positive gift and blessing from God. This book seeks to help Christians--married and unmarried alike--value singleness as a gift from God so that we can all encourage singles to take hold of the unique opportunities their singleness affords and see their role in the flourishing of the church as a whole.

Makes up, with The Ten Commandments and The Lord's Prayer, Watson's Body of Practical Divinity.

Be inspired by a woman who dared to follow God Amy Carmichael understood true discipleship and lived it out. At a young age she felt called to the mission field, followed God's guidance, and eventually went to India, where she would spend fifty-three years without furlough. While there, Amy founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, a refuge for children in moral danger--children who were orphaned or unwanted and sold to the temple. Amy became a mother for these children, and so they called her "Amma." Even today, Amy's life of obedience and courage stands as a model for all Christians everywhere. We resonate with her desires and dreams, her faults and fears, her dedication and service. For former missionary and author Elisabeth Elliot, Amy became a role model. "She showed me the shape of godliness," writes Elliot. A Chance to Die is the life story of Amy Carmichael. In this reverent biography, Elisabeth Elliot brings "Amma" to life, providing a compelling, unforgettable narrative that will provoke you to examine the depths of your own faith and encourage you to reaffirm your life and commitment to Christ.

Is it possible we don't see God working in mighty ways because we don't ask him to work in mighty ways Throughout history, God has used revival to build and renew his church. God-Sized Vision challenges us to pray expectantly to see his work in our own day. God can bring revival again to our community, our country, and our world. Our faith grows stronger when we learn how God worked in the past. The historical stories of worldwide revivals in this book enlarge our hearts and expand our minds as we see God at work in human history with a power that is still available to the faithful today. Here scholars Collin Hansen and John Woodbridge recount the fascinating details of world-changing revivals, beginning with biblical events and continuing through the Reformation, the Great Awakenings, the Welsh and Korean revivals, the East Africa Revival of the 1930s, and more recent revivals in North America and China. What did these revivals have in common How can we prepare for--and expect--revival in our own culture With accessible language and gripping examples, Hansen and Woodbridge explore these questions and more, strengthening our understanding of God's work while deepening our faith in the possibility of revival--right where we are.

Christians should evaluate philosophy by biblical criteria. This will shed greater light on the developments in the history of philosophy and better prepare us for the intellectual challenges of our time. The fall of Adam brought intellectual as well as moral corruption on the human race, and the effects of the fall can be seen in the work of philosophers, most of whom try to understand the world autonomously--through reasoning apart from God's revelation. Some philosophers have appealed to God's revelation, but their work has often been compromised with the wisdom of the world. Revelation should inform reason, and not the other way round. In the past, even Christian theology was corrupted by the movement toward intellectual autonomy, creating the tradition of liberalism, which has unhappily dominated academic theology down to the present day. But there is hope--a new generation of Christian thinkers take God's Word seriously. Frame's unique new contribution augments that process.

These thirteen sermons on Psalm 42:11, preached at Stepney, London, in the year 1648 are the work of a true physician of souls. In dealing with believers suffering from spiritual depression, Bridge manifests great insight into the causes of the saints' discouragements such as great sins, weak grace, failure in duties, want of assurance, temptation, desertion and affliction. A correct diagnosis is more than half the cure but Bridge does not leave his readers there. He gives directions for applying the remedy. For example in dealing with 'great sins' he says, 'If you would be truly humbled and not be discouraged; not be discouraged and yet be humbled; then beat and drive up all your sin to your unbelief, and lay the stress and weight of all your sorrow upon that sin.' The general causes of spiritual depression are the same in every age. Downcast Christians of the twenty-first century can find help here as surely as did past generations.

The meals of Jesus represent something bigger. They represent a new world, a new kingdom, a new outlook. Tim Chester brings to light God's purposes in the seemingly ordinary act of sharing a meal--how this everyday experience is really an opportunity for grace, community, and mission. Chester challenges contemporary understandings of hospitality as he urges us to evaluate why and who we invite to our table. Learn how you can foster grace and bless others through the rich fare being served in A Meal with Jesus.

More than 500,000 copies sold! Updated and expanded! Prayer is hard. Often, unless circumstances demand it--such as an illness or saying grace before a meal--most of us simply do not pray. This kind of prayerlessness can leave us with a distressed spirit and practical unbelief characterized by fear, anxiety, joylessness, and spiritual depression. A Praying Life is a prayer guide that has encouraged thousands of Christians to pursue a vibrant prayer life full of joy and power and has helped them learn how to pray faithfully and courageously. A life of prayer invites you to a life of connection to God. When Jesus describes the intimacy that He seeks with us, He talks about joining us for dinner (Revelation 3:20). This book reminds readers that prayer is simply making conversation with God a rhythm of daily Christian life. A Praying Life includes chapters about: How to deal with unanswered prayer How to start a prayer journal Does prayer make a difference? Now with added chapters addressing prayers of lament and further guidance for using prayer cards, Paul Miller invites you to foster prayer that regularly hopes, trusts, and expects God to act. Learn to develop helpful habits and approaches to prayer that will enable you to return to a childlike faith and witness spiritual growth today! "This book will be like having the breath of God at your back. Let it lift you to new hope." --Dan B. Allender, PhD, author of Bold Love

Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life offers a groundbreaking treatment of the Puritans' teaching on most major Reformed doctrines, particularly those doctrines in which the Puritans made significant contributions. The book addresses Puritan teachings on all six loci of theology, covering fifty areas of doctrine. The book explores Puritan teachings on biblical interpretation, God, predestination, providence, angels, sin, the covenants, the gospel, Christ, preparation for conversion, regeneration, coming to Christ, justification, adoption, church government, the Sabbath, preaching, baptism, heaven, hell, and many other topics. It ends with eight chapters that explore Puritan "theology in practice." Some chapters highlight the work of a specific theologian such as William Perkins, William Ames, John Owen, Stephen Charnock, or Thomas Goodwin on a specific topic. Other chapters survey various authors on a particular subject. The goal of A Puritan Theology is to increase knowledge in the mind and godliness in the soul. It was written for theologians, historians, pastors, and educated laymen who seek to learn more about Puritan theology.

A Rich Vision for Christian Living from Great Puritan Leaders A Quest for Godliness explores the depth and breadth of Puritan spiritual life. Drawing on a lifetime of study, renowned evangelical theologian and church leader J. I. Packer surveys the lives and teachings of great Puritan leaders such as John Owen, Richard Baxter, and Jonathan Edwards. He examines the Puritan view of the Bible, spiritual gifts, the Sabbath, worship, social action, and the family. The Puritans' faith, Packer argues, stands in marked contrast with the superficiality of modern western Christianity. In a time of failing vision and decaying values, this powerful portrait of the Puritans is a beacon of hope that calls Christians to radical commitment and action, both of which are desperately needed today. Beautifully written, A Quest for Godliness is a moving and challenging exploration of Puritan life and thought. Classic Work from J. I. Packer: Theologian and author of several books, including Knowing God; Keep in Step with the Spirit; and God Has Spoken Timeless Puritan Teaching for Modern Believers: A descriptive survey of the history of the Puritans, from leaders including John Owen, Richard Baxter, and Jonathan Edwards Ideal for Pastors, Students, and Lay People: Essential lessons on evangelism, preaching, Christian living, and more

A New York Times Notable Book of the Year A Times Literary Supplement Book of the Year A Globe and Mail Best Book of the Year A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A Tablet Best Book of the Year Winner of a Christianity Today Book Award “One finds big nuggets of insight, useful to almost anybody with an interest in the progress of human society.” — The Economist What does it mean to say that we live in a secular age? Almost everyone would agree that we—in the West, at least—largely do. And clearly the place of religion in our societies has changed profoundly in the last few centuries. In what will be a defining book for our time, Charles Taylor 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, even for the staunchest believer, is only one human possibility among others. Taylor, long one of our most insightful thinkers on such questions, offers a historical perspective. He examines the development in “Western Christendom” of those aspects of modernity which we call secular. What he describes is in fact not a single, continuous transformation, but a series of new departures, in which earlier forms of religious life have been dissolved or destabilized and new ones have been created. As we see here, today’s secular world is characterized not by an absence of religion—although in some societies religious belief and practice have markedly declined—but rather by the continuing multiplication of new options, religious, spiritual, and anti-religious, which individuals and groups seize on in order to make sense of their lives and give shape to their spiritual aspirations. What this means for the world—including the new forms of collective religious life it encourages, with their tendency to a mass mobilization that breeds violence—is what Charles Taylor grapples with, in a book as timely as it is timeless.

A heart-rending love story described by its author as “the spiritual autobiography of a love rather than of the lovers” about the author’s marriage and search for faith. Vanauken chronicles the birth of a powerful pagan love borne out of the relationship he shares with his wife, Davy, and describes the growth of their relationship and the dreams that they share. A beloved, profoundly moving account of the author's marriage, the couple's search for faith and friendship with C. S. Lewis, and a spiritual strength that sustained Vanauken after his wife's untimely death. Replete with 18 letters from C.S. Lewis, A Severe Mercy addresses some of the universal questions that surround faith--the existence of God and the reasons behind tragedy.

Many Christians struggle with prayer even though it's an essential part of the Christian life. "What should I pray for?" they may wonder. "How should I pray?" "What if my mind wanders?" "What if I get stuck praying the same thing every day?" When asked by his barber and good friend Peter Beskendorf for some practical guidance on how to pray, Martin Luther responded by writing this brief treatise, first published in 1535. This edition is a modern translation that brings us Luther's practical instruction, using his ITCP method: Instruction Thanksgiving Confession Prayer This method anchors prayer in the catechism or other biblical texts, but allows the Holy Spirit to prompt thoughts via the Word, which may be chased more freely by the mind at prayer. Readers will find their prayer lives refreshed and invigorated as they become more comfortable raising supplications to God.

Berry’s Sabbath Poems embrace much that is elemental to human life—beauty, death, peace, and hope. In his preface, Berry writes about the growing audience for public poetry readings. While he sees poetry in the public eye as a good thing, Berry asks us to recognize the private life of the poem. These Sabbath Poems were written ""in silence, in solitude, and mainly out of doors,"" and tell us about ""moments when heart and mind are open and aware." Wendell Berry is beloved for his quiet, steady explorations of nature, his emphasis on finding good work to do in the world, and his faith in the solace of family, memory, and community. His poetry is assured and unceasingly spiritual; its power lies in the strength of the truths revealed.

The massive diversity and complexity of the Bible can make it a daunting project for anyone to tackle. Getting a grasp on the unity of the Bible, its central message from Genesis to Revelation, helps immensely in understanding the meaning of any one book or passage. That is the goal of this book by Graeme Goldsworthy. How do the Old and New Testaments fit together? What is the point of biblical theology? What is the overall story of the Bible? What difference does it make? Goldsworthy answers these questions with an integrated theology of both Old and New Testaments that avoids unnecessary technicalities. Concise, pithy chapters featuring dozens of charts, highlighted summaries and study questions make According to Plan an enormously useful book for understanding how the Bible fits together as the unfolding story of God's plan for salvation.

A worship disorder: this is how Edward T. Welch views addictions. Will we worship ourselves and our own desires, he writes, or will we worship the true God? With this lens the author discovers far more in Scripture on addictions than passages on drunkenness. There we learn the addict's true condition: like guests at a banquet thrown by the woman Folly, he is already in the grave (Prov. 9:13-18). Can we not escape our addictions? If we're willing to follow Jesus, the author says we have immense hope hope in God's forgiving grace, hope in God's love that is faithful even when we are not, and hope that God can give power so that we are no longer mastered by the addiction. Each chapter concludes with Practical Theology, guidance As You Face Your Own Addictions and As You Help Someone Else.

The doctrine of adoption--God's decision to adopt sinful men and women into his family--stands at the heart of Christianity. In light of this, Christians' efforts to adopt beautifully illustrate the truth of the gospel. In this popular-level and practical manifesto, Russell Moore encourages Christians to adopt children and to help other Christian families to do the same. He shows that adoption is not just about couples who have struggled to have children. Rather, it's about an entire culture within evangelicalism--a culture that sees adoption as part of the Great Commission mandate and as a sign of the gospel itself.

From the bestselling author of The Wingfeather Saga and award-winning musician and storyteller, Andrew Peterson. Christianity Today , The Gospel Coalition, WORLD Magazine each named Adorning the Dark as one of their books of the year. Making something beautiful in a broken world can be harrowing work, and it can't be done alone. Over the last twenty years, Andrew Peterson has performed thousands of concerts, published four novels, released ten albums, taught college and seminary classes on writing, founded a nonprofit ministry for Christians in the arts, and executive-produced a film--all in a belief that God calls us to proclaim the gospel and the coming kingdom using whatever gifts are at our disposal. He's stumbled along the way, made mistake after mistake, and yet has continually encountered the grace of God through an encouraging family, a Christ-centered community of artists in the church, and the power of truth, beauty, and goodness in Scripture and the arts. While there are many books about writing, none deal first-hand with the intersection of songwriting, storytelling, and vocation, along with nuts-and-bolts exploration of the great mystery of creativity. In Adorning the Dark , Andrew describes six principles for the writing life: serving the work serving the audience selectivity discernment discipline and community Through stories from his own journey, Andrew shows how these principles are not merely helpful for writers and artists, but for anyone interested in imitating the way the Creator interacts with his creation. This book is both a memoir of Andrew's journey and a handbook for artists, written in the hope that his story will provide encouragement to others stumbling along in pursuit of a calling to adorn the dark with the light of Christ.

One of the most important works of early Christian Theology, Against Heresies is written to refute the Gnostic heresy. Enjoy this classic work! Produced by Beloved Publishing

Now with a new foreword by Rosalie De Rosset. C. H. Spurgeon writes, "Only God can justify the ungodly, but He can do it to perfection. He casts our sins behind His back; He blots them out. He says that though they be sought for, they shall not be found." In an age of limited travel and isolated nations, C.H. Spurgeon preached to over 10,000,000 people in person--sometimes up to 10 times per week. It is in this classic work that Spurgeon most clearly presents the message of salvation--man's ultimate need and God's unique provision--both simply and sincerely, for honest seekers and zealous witnesses alike.

Winner of the 2018 TGC Book Award for Christian Living "And God saw that it was good..." Look out over the world today, it seems a far cry from God's original declaration. Pain, conflict, and uncertainty dominate the headlines. Our daily lives are noisy and chaotic--filled with too much information and too little wisdom. No wonder we often find it easier to retreat into safe spaces, hunker down in likeminded tribes, and just do our best to survive life. But what if God wants you to do more than simply survive? What if he wants you to thrive in this world, and be part of its redemption? What if you could rediscover the beauty and goodness God established in the beginning? By learning the lost art of discernment, you can. Discernment is more than simply avoiding bad things; discernment actually frees you to navigate the world with confidence and joy by teaching you how to recognize and choose good things. When you learn discernment and develop a taste for all that's good, you will encounter God in remarkable new ways. Come, discover the God who not only made all things, but who will also make all things good once again.

Thomas Watson's book All Things For Good provides the biblical answer to the contemporary question; Why do bad things happen to good people? Thomas Watson, the 17th century minister of St. Stephen's Walbrook, believed he faced two great difficulties in his pastoral ministry. The first was making the unbeliever sad, in the recognition of his need of God's grace. The second was making the believer joyful in response to God's grace. He believed the answer to the second difficulty could be found in Paul's teaching in Romans 8.28: God works all things together for good for his people. First published in 1663 (under the title A Divine Cordial), the year after Watson and some two thousand other ministers were ejected from the Church of England and exposed to hardship and suffering, All Things For Good contains the rich exposition of a man who lived when only faith in God's Word could lead him to such confidence. Thomas Watson's exposition is always simple, illuminating and rich in practical application. He explains that both the best and the worst experiences work for the good of God's people. He carefully analyses what it means to be someone who 'loves God' and is 'called according to his purpose'.

An Introduction to the New Testament focuses on 'special introduction' that is historical questions dealing with authorship, date, sources, purpose, destination, and so forth. This approach stands in contrast to recent texts that concentrate more on literary form, rhetorical criticism, and historical parallels---topics the authors don't minimize, but instead think are better given extended treatment in exegesis courses. By refocusing on the essentials, An Introduction to the New Testament ensures that the New Testament books will be accurately understood within historical settings. For each New Testament document, the authors also provide a substantial summary of that book's content, discuss the book's theological contribution to the overall canon, and give an account of current studies on that book, including recent literary and social-science approaches to interpretation. This second edition reflects significant revision and expansion from the original, making this highly acclaimed text even more valuable. * A new chapter provides a historical survey examining Bible study method through the ages. * The chapter on Paul has been expanded to include an analysis of debates on the 'new perspective.' * The discussion of New Testament epistles has been expanded to form a new chapter. This new edition will help a new generation of students better grasp the message of the New Testament.

This second edition of An Introduction to the Old Testament integrates and interacts with recent developments in Old Testament scholarship. Several distinctive set it apart from other introductions to the Old Testament: * It is thoroughly evangelical in its perspective * It emphasizes 'special introduction'---the study of individual books * It interacts in an irenic spirit with the historical-critical method * It features points of research history and representative scholars rather than an exhaustive treatment of past scholarship * It deals with the meaning of each book, not in isolation but in a canonical context * It probes the meaning of each book in the setting of its culture Including callouts, charts, and graphs, this text is written with an eye on understanding the nature of Old Testament historiography. This upper-level introduction to the Old Testament offers students a solid understanding of three key issues: historical background, literary analysis, and theological message.

Renowned theologian John Frame sheds much-needed light on the message and method of genuinely Christian apologetics in this landmark title. He insightfully examines apologetics in terms of proof, defense, and offense and clarifies the relationships of reason, proofs, and evidences to faith, biblical authority, and the lordship of Christ. Two subjects of particular note are Frame's fresh look at probability arguments and a stimulating investigation into the problem of evil. Some of the most valuable elements of this book are Frame's extensive use of Scripture and his presentation of specific lines of argument. There is also a model dialogue in the concluding chapter that shows how these lines of argument work in conversation. This is an extensively redeveloped and expanded version of Frame's previous work, Apologetics to the Glory of God.

2019 Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year: Apologetics * 2018 The Gospel Coalition Book Award: Evangelism & Apologetics Apologetics at the Cross describes a much-needed approach to defending Christianity that uses Jesus as a model and the letter of 1 Peter as a guiding text. This is a guidebook for how to defend Christianity with Christ-like gentleness and respect toward those who persecute the faith, making you a stronger witness to the good news of the gospel than many other apologetics books that focus on crafting unbreachable arguments. Joshua D. Chatraw and Mark D. Allen first provide an introduction to the rich field of apologetics and Christian witness, acquainting students and lay learners with the rich history, biblical foundation, and ongoing relevance of apologetics. Unique in its approach, Apologetics at the Cross: Presents the biblical and historical foundations for apologetics. Explores various contemporary methods for approaching apologetics. Gives practical guidance in "how to" chapters that feature many real-life illustrations. But their approach pays special attention to the attitude and posture of the apologist, outlining instructions for the Christian community centered on reasoned answers, a humble spirit, and joy; rather than anger, arrogance, and aggression. Chatraw and Allen equip Christians to engage skeptics with the heart as well as the mind. Conversational in tone and balanced in approach, Apologetics at the Cross provides a readable introduction to the field of apologetics. You'll be informed and equipped for engaging a wide range of contemporary challenges with the best in Christian thought.

This classic biography was first published forty-five years ago and has since established itself as the standard account of Saint Augustine's life and teaching. The remarkable discovery of a considerable number of letters and sermons by Augustine cast fresh light on the first and last decades of his experience as a bishop. These circumstantial texts have led Peter Brown to reconsider some of his judgments on Augustine, both as the author of the Confessions and as the elderly bishop preaching and writing in the last years of Roman rule in north Africa. Brown's reflections on the significance of these exciting new documents are contained in two chapters of a substantial Epilogue to his biography (the text of which is unaltered). He also reviews the changes in scholarship about Augustine since the 1960s. A personal as well as a scholarly fascination infuse the book-length epilogue and notes that Brown has added to his acclaimed portrait of the bishop of Hippo.

World-renowned preacher John Stott in this book clearly defines both the fundamental claims of Christianity and the proper out-workings of those basic beliefs in the daily lives of believers. Stott's Basic Christianity is a sound, sensible guide for anyone seeking an intellectually satisfying presentation of the Christian faith. Named one of the Top 100 Books of the Millennium by World magazine and listed among Christianity Today 's Top 100 Books of the 20th Century, Basic Christianity has informed the faith of countless readers worldwide.

Author Barnabas Piper states in the first chapter of his book: "We are looking for something personal, something deeply meaningful, something with which we can identify. And this book is an invitation to find that in the church, because God wants us to ...Part of God's perfect strategy is offering hurting, tired, worn out, needy sinners like you and me a place to belong in ... A place in which to encounter the profound, transformative, healing, restoring grace of Jesus Christ." This book explores how you can help to create a church where everybody feels at home: a place where fellow believers build genuine, honest, meaningful Christian relationships and enjoy deep fellowship as a community of believers. Readers will come to see that belonging to a church is a good gift from God, the outworking of our identity as brothers and sisters in Christ, and worth your time, love and commitment.

*With a foreword from Tim Keller* A bold vision for Christians who want to engage the world in a way that is biblically faithful and culturally sensitive. In Biblical Critical Theory, Christopher Watkin shows how the Bible and its unfolding story help us make sense of modern life and culture. Critical theories exist to critique what we think we know about reality and the social, political, and cultural structures in which we live. In doing so, they make visible the values and beliefs of a culture in order to scrutinize and change them. Biblical Critical Theory exposes and evaluates the often-hidden assumptions and concepts that shape late-modern society, examining them through the lens of the biblical story running from Genesis to Revelation, and asking urgent questions like: How does the Bible's storyline help us understand our society, our culture, and ourselves How do specific doctrines help us engage thoughtfully in the philosophical, political, and social questions of our day How can we analyze and critique culture and its alternative critical theories through Scripture Informed by the biblical-theological structure of Saint Augustine's magisterial work The City of God (and with extensive diagrams and practical tools), Biblical Critical Theory shows how the patterns of the Bible's storyline can provide incisive, fresh, and nuanced ways of intervening in today's debates on everything from science, the arts, and politics to dignity, multiculturalism, and equality. You'll learn the moves to make and the tools to use in analyzing and engaging with all sorts of cultural artifacts and events in a way that is both biblically faithful and culturally relevant. It is not enough for Christians to explain the Bible to the culture or cultures in which we live. We must also explain the culture in which we live within the framework and categories of the Bible, revealing how the whole of the Bible sheds light on the whole of life. If Christians want to speak with a fresh, engaging, and dynamic voice in the marketplace of ideas today, we need to mine the unique treasures of the distinctive biblical storyline.