Christian life and practice Books

Book SynopsisA selection of the best from BBC Radio 4's Lent Talks over the last ten years. Featuring the voices of James Runcie, Bonnie Greer, Ann Widdecombe, Giles Fraser, Alexander McCall Smith, Nick Baines and an introduction by [XXX].Table of ContentsWEEK ONE - JAMES RUNCIE - MYSTERY First broadcast as part of the BBC Lent Talks 2015, director, literary curator and writer of The Grantchester Mysteries, James Runcie looks at the passion through the prism of mystery drama. WEEK TWO - BONNIE GREER - NAMES A gem of BBC Lent Talks 2014 archive, this talk sees playwright, novelist and critic Bonnie Greer reflect on the power of names. WEEK THREE - ANN WIDDECOMBE - GOODNESS Taken from the 2008 Lent Talks series, former MP, TV personality and author Ann Widdecombe reflects on the examples set by Jesus in his decision to go to the cross. WEEK FOUR - GILES FRASER - SACRIFICE First broadcast as part of the BBC Lent Talks 2010, Rev Dr Giles Fraser, Church of England priest, journalist and broadcaster, invites readers to reflect on the nature of sacrifice. WEEK FIVE - ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH - ABANDONMENT Taken from the Lent Talks 2013, author Alexander McCall Smith explores the sense of being abandoned as you grow older. WEEK SIX - NICK BAINES - VISION Marking the beginning of the Lent Talks 2012, author, broadcaster and Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines reflects on the challenges of finding a new narrative for the individual and community.

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Book SynopsisThe Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2019Trade ReviewA thoroughly biblical guide to reconciliation – its passions and problems, its complexity and utter cruciality. Dr Swamy offers new angles on old stories, prophetic messages, and a gospel wisdom on becoming people of peace. -- Professor David F. Ford, University of CambridgeSwamy has valuable things to say... clear and meticulous... would reward those used to serious Bible reading. * Church Times *Beautifully written... you will have difficulty finding a better book than this to deepen your loving knowledge of scripture, and its focus on the core topic of reconciliation. I cannot recommend it too highly. * Denis Blackledge SJ, Catholic South West Magazine *We are offered key texts, key themes, substantial exposition of those texts and themes, solid biblical and theological reflection with living examples and then left with questions with which to challenge ourselves. * Methodist Recorder *For those able to sustain a daily devotion through Lent, this is a rich resource. For weekly discussion groups who like to wrestle with big issues, there is more than enough here to see them through Lent, and some way beyond. * Reform Magazine *Table of ContentsA scene-setting introduction is followed by 6 chapters: (1) Christians and reconciliation today (2) God has reconciled with us - the foundation of reconciliation (3) Impediments to reconciliation (4) Risking the self (5) Humility, self-criticism and reconciliation (6) Radical openness to the other (7) Reconciliation as peace with justice

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Book SynopsisWake up! Clean up! Feed up! Grow up! Explore these gospel imperatives with Archbishop Sentamu in this lively and invigorating sequence of Advent meditationsTrade ReviewThis is a book full of insight and anecdote, gracefully combined to both engage us and lead us forward in our life's pilgrimage with Jesus. * Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster *‘This book is the perfect antidote to the stress and commercialism of our preparations for Christmas. Here is simple but satisfying food for prayer and reflection, shot through with personal stories and enlivened by a deep faith. This is soul food in which all can feed’. * Sir Philip Mawer, Canon Provincial of York *‘In a book packed with helpful biblical readings and inspiring personal stories, Archbishop Sentamu encourages us – and challenges us – to wake pp, clean up, feed up and grow up in Advent. Here is an Advent Calendar to open daily, and with mounting joy and expectation, as we prepare for Christmas.’ * Jane Williams, Assistant Dean, St Mellitus College, London *‘For those of us who find mornings difficult the last thing we want is someone shouting to wake us up. More helpful is a hot invigorating drink! This delightfully written book does not shout at you to wake up, clean up, feed up or grow up. Rather, it stimulates and motivates, engaging intellect and heart, Bible and tradition. The Archbishop brings Advent to life, injecting hope into despair, urgency into complacency, and demonstrating God at work in the world.’ * David Wilkinson, Principal, St John’s College, Durham *

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Book SynopsisA unique opportunity to sample the rich and wide-ranging thought of Rowan Williams, as he talks about the spiritual issues and intellectual passions that are most dear to his heart.

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Book SynopsisIn Communicate for Change, Genelle Aldred explores how to recognise bias and the way it impacts every area of life, and how to communicate in a way that works to create meaningful and effective change.

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Book SynopsisHow to Live in Bold ConfidenceHave you ever needed confidence in a specific circumstance and couldn’t think of an example of anyone who had “been there, overcome that”?Author and speaker Lynn Cowell took every form of insecurity we experience as women and asked God to reveal how we should respond. The result is this in-depth, six-week Bible study spanning obscure and recognizable women in Scripture who demonstrate unshakable confidence no matter their circumstances.This six-week study will help you to: Stand with resolve when your confidence faces adversity—Women of Exodus Step out in your own defense when your confidence is challenged— The Daughters of Z Remain faithful when your confidence in God is elusive—Rahab Focus on what is true when your confidence in relationships is questioned— Abigail & Michal Trust when your confidence is in doubt—Martha & MarTrade ReviewDo you sense God is calling you to take a step of faith and move outside your comfort zone? It might be a new job. Starting a Bible study. Ending a relationship. Opening a nonprofit. Going back to school. Adopting. You want to say yes, but you lack the confidence and courage to make that move. Through God's Word and personal stories, Lynn's book will help you identify your fears and insecurities and equip you with the courage and unshakable confidence you need to fulfill that call and reach your potential in Christ. * Wendy Blight, member of Proverbs 31 First 5 Writing Team; author of I Know His Name, Living So That, and Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner *I long for studies that challenge me and help me walk out my faith. Lynn Cowell has accomplished that in Fearless Women of the Bible. It's fresh, interactive teaching. It feels like I'm sitting across from Lynn in a coffee shop, discovering how to depart from where I feel stuck to find deeper waters together. If you long to make your move, this is a book that will help you do just that. * Suzanne Eller, bestselling author, blogger, international speaker, and Bible teacher *Like a snowflake in the palm of my hand, confidence seems to melt the moment I grasp it. One moment I'm buoyed with purpose and significance; the next I'm riddled with reminders of what I yet lack. My one comfort? God knows what I need, and He's promised to give it. If you need a confidence boost--one that won't evaporate in the heat of real life--join Lynn Cowell as she digs into biblical stories of women who discovered a God-delivered confidence they could count on. Always. * Michele Cushatt, author of I Am: A 60-Day Journey to Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is *Lynn Cowell has crafted my favorite kind of Bible study--practical, relatable, doable--wrapped around stories of women in Scripture. Her writing voice is warm and confident, and it's clear she's done her research, yet it never overshadows her enthusiasm for God's Word and how it can and will change our lives for the better. * Liz Curtis Higgs, bestselling author of Bad Girls of the Bible *Self-doubt and insecurity have taken a toll on our lives for far too long. It's time to take back freedom and assurance that is ours in Christ, so that we can live in the fullness of God's purposes and plans. Don't let past failures, fear of future rejection, or everyday troubles hold you back any longer. Let Lynn Cowell show you how to boldly experience confident faith that will move you forward! * Renee Swope, former Proverbs 31 Ministries radio cohost; bestselling author of A Confident Heart *

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Book SynopsisIn this continuation of The Tinderbox, young Amish woman Sylvia Miller's world is upended by the arrival of Englisher Adeline Pelham--whose existence is a reminder of a painful family secret. Sylvia must learn to come to terms with the past while grappling with issues of her own. Is it possible that God can make something good out of the mistakes of days gone by?

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Book SynopsisWhen Christians know who they are in Christ, their security is assuredTable of ContentsContentsAcknowledgments 8Chapter1 Who Do You Think You Are? 92 Start From the Right Place 183 Who Do You Think You Were? 264 The Evangelical Slave 355 Ball and Chain 486 Snow White 577 God’s Masterpiece 738 Jesus and Identity 839 A New Creation 9110 Extravagant Love 10111 Let the Journey Begin 10912 Parakaleo 11813 Identity and Leadership 128Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThis is a book about how to be a truly Godly bloke: tough, trustworthy, open.Trade Review“Tackles head-on what we need to become the men we ought to be. Rough Diamonds nails it!” -- Carl Beech“A great book for men that women will want to read first.” -- J. John

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Book SynopsisConflict simply is. Believing that we can somehow avoid it only damages our relationships. But when we learn to integrate our needs and wants with those of others, conflict can be a catalyst in our relationships for deeper loving care. Caring Enough to Confront is a classic in Christian peacemaking. It teaches the reader how to build trust, cope with blame and prejudice, and be honest about anger and frustration. David Augsburger challenges readers to keep in mind that the important issue is not what the conflict is about but how the conflict is handled. He offers a constructive model for dealing with conflict that is guided by the Sermon on the Mount to show Christians how to confront with compassion and resolve issues in a healthy and healing way.  Caring Enough to Confront gives readers the tools to make the most of every conflict, whether in family, church, or work relationships.

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Book Synopsis''This is Christian hope: the certainty of walking towards something that exists, not something I hope might be there.'' In response to the devastating loss the world faced during the pandemic, Pope Francis was inspired to write a book to help people find hope and meaning. God is joyful, he writes. And God''s compassion is no less than the deepest expression of God''s joy, and the heart of all Christian preaching. The liberating revolution of the Gospel is encapsulated here. We are not supposed to carry burdens heavier than those we already have, but to bear witness to a new, beautiful and surprising horizon: to share a joy that has been prepared for everyone. From the anxieties of the age to the importance of nature, A Gift of Joy and Hope encourages readers to look outside themselves to embrace authentic beauty, change attitudes that exclude others, overcome life''s challenges with courage and, trust that joy and

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Book SynopsisIn thishardcover edition, long-time author and teacher John Piper draws from the preaching ministry of Jonathan Edwards to encourage pastors and leaders to gladly preach the cross, for the glory of God, to a people hungry for God and his word.Includes four extra chaptersnot included in the original edition.

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Book SynopsisRediscover Church is a timely reminder that the church is more than just a livestreamit is an essential fellowship of God's people furthering God's mission.

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Book SynopsisOverscheduled. Exhausted.Overwhelmed. Sound familiar? Too familiar? You are living at a velocity you know deep down is unsustainable. Your life is off course - too crammed with busyness, too out of focus. You keep waiting for things to get better, but they never do. In Simplify, bestselling author Bill Hybels identifies core issues that drive this kind of living and offers action steps to help you live a better way. By eradicating clutter from your inner world, you can experience immediate rewards: greater energy, clearer purpose, richer relationships and more.Your life won''t simplify itself. You must act. Isn''t it time?Trade ReviewIf you feel too busy and too out of focus, this is the book to help you eradicate clutter and concentrate on essentials. * The Church Newspaper *He puts forward is a recognition of the importance of making room for a true spiritual dimension in one's life. * The Irish Catholic *The encouragement to pay attention to what we're prioritising in life is an essential one to hear. * Idea Magazine *This helpful book... offers readers of all ages practical ways in which to streamline their busy lives. * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisThere's something special about the number 40, and there's something special about fasting. Put the two together and you have the opportunity to develop not only a physical hunger but a spiritual hunger! Whether you're fasting from sugar, social media, shopping, or something else, this resource will help you stay focused on the transforming work of Christ in your life through guided journaling.

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Book SynopsisThree leading Christian educators offer a survey of faith formation from various perspectives: biblical, theological, pastoral, practical, and global. They present a biblical theology of faith formation for individual and congregational life and show how faith can be formed through the life and mission of the local church through practices such as communal worship, Bible study, and mission. They also explore the faces of faith formation in multicultural and global contexts. The book includes practical exercises for those beginning in ministry and reflection questions.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction: Dimensions of Faith FormationPart 1: Theological Dimensions of Faith Formation1. Faith Formation in the Bible2. Faith Formation in the Christian Tradition3. Faith Formation Theory Revised4. Critique of Faith Development TheoryPart 2: Congregational Dimensions of Faith Formation5. Cultural Challenges to Faith Formation6. Faith Formation in Community7. The Role of Scripture in Faith FormationPart 3: Global Dimensions of Faith Formation8. Forming Faith through Missions9. Faith Formation in Multiethnic Contexts10. Faith Formation in Global ContextsIndex

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Book Synopsis"A rare and wonderful theological book that turns something ordinary--being a friend--into an expression of God's greatness."--Jeremiah Rood, Foreword (starred review) In this vibrant theological reflection on the meaning of friendship, experienced pastor and leading Christian ethicist Victor Lee Austin argues that friendship is the medium through which God shares grace with his creatures. Mixing personal reflection and theological commentary, Austin provides a fresh reading of classical writers and biblical texts; shows how a robust theology of friendship addresses contemporary controversies in the areas of marriage, celibacy, and homosexuality; and draws on cultural examples of the desire for true friendship. Ultimately, Austin helps readers understand the strange yet real possibility of friendship with God. About the Series Pastors are called to help people navigate the profound mysteries of being human, from birth to death and everything in between. This series, edited by leading pastoral theologian Jason Byassee, provides pastors and pastors-in-training with rich theological reflection on the various seasons that make up a human life, helping them minister with greater wisdom and joy.Table of ContentsContentsSeries PrefaceInvocationIntroduction: An Invitation to Friendship1. The Limits of Marriage2. The Confusions of Friendship3. Friendship as Success at Being Human4. Friendship and Beauty5. The Weirdness of Divine Love6. Biblical Friendships7. Christian Friendship and Christian Love8. Unapologetic Celibacy9. Is There Friendship in the Trinity?10. Examples of Friendship11. All Together NowPostscript: Concrete Practices

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Book SynopsisThe modern chasm between "secular" work and "sacred" worship has had a devastating impact on Western Christianity. Drawing on years of research, ministry, and leadership experience, Kaemingk and Willson explain why Sunday morning worship and Monday morning work desperately need to inform and impact one another. Together they engage in a rich biblical, theological, and historical exploration of the deep and life-giving connections between labor and liturgy. In so doing, Kaemingk and Willson offer new ways in which Christian communities can live seamless lives of work and worship.Table of ContentsContentsForeword by Nicholas WolterstorffIntroductionPart 1: Foundations1. Worship That Forms Workers2. Worship That Fails Workers3. Workers in the PewsPart 2: Resources4. The Old Testament: The Integrity of Work and Worship5. The Pentateuch: Bringing Work into Worship6. The Psalms: Singing God's Work into Ours7. The Prophets: Destroying Work and Worship8. The Early Church: Worship and Work in Ancient Christianity9. The Early Church Offering: Work Becomes Worship in ChristPart 3: Practices 10. Work at the Lord's Table11. Worship That Gathers Workers12. Worship That Scatters WorkersEpilogue: Rethinking MondayIndexes

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Book SynopsisThis proven, comprehensive resource covers every issue that affects Christian family life. It has been in print for over thirty years and has sold nearly 100,000 copies. This new edition is updated throughout with discussions of recent family-related issues. It includes a new chapter on work and family balance and a new section on the increasing role grandparents take in parental responsibilities.Table of ContentsContentsPart 1: Theological and Social Perspectives on Family Life1. A Theological Foundation for Family Relationships: Developing a Theology of the Family2. The Family as a Developing Biosocial SystemPart 2: Marriage: The Foundation of Family Life3. Mate Selection and Cohabitation: Romance and Reality4. Establishing Marriage: Moving toward Differentiated Unity5. A Model for Biblical MarriagePart 3: The Expansion of Family Life: Parenting and Beyond6. Parenting: The Process of Relationship Empowerment7. Developing a Mature, Reciprocating Self8. Family Spirituality: Nurturing Christian Beliefs, Morals, andValues9. Adolescence and Midlife: Challenging Changes10. The Joys and Challenges of Family in Later LifePart 4: Gender and Sexuality: Identity in Family Life11. Changing Gender Roles and Relations: The Impact on FamilyLife12. Becoming an Authentic Sexual SelfPart 5: Communication: The Heart of Family Life13. Intimate Communication: Expressing Love and AngerPart 6: The Social Dynamics of Family Life14. Work and the Family: Conflict or Collaboration?15. Through the Stress and Pain of Family Life16. Divorce and Single-ParentFamilies17. Complex Families in Contemporary SocietyPart 7: Family Life in Postmodern Society18. Biblical Family Values in a Modern and Postmodern World19. Creating a Family-FriendlySocietyIndex

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Book SynopsisMany people are confused about God's call on their lives. What does it mean to have a calling? Is everyone called to something? This book clears up the confusion and articulates a whole-life vision for calling. Our calling is not a mystery waiting to be discovered but applies to a range of experiences and challenges: we are called to faithfulness in Christ in every dimension of our lives. The authors defend a thoroughly biblical and theological understanding of calling, empowering Christians to live faithfully as God's people in whatever circumstances they find themselves.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction1. The Landscape of Calling2. Looking in the Rearview Mirror: Calling and Vocation throughout Church History3. Calling in the Bible4. Cross-Examining the Uses of Calling Language5. Constructing a Theological Map for Calling6. The Road Ahead: Embracing Our CallingIndexes

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Book SynopsisDo miracles still happen today? This book demonstrates that miraculous works of God, which have been part of the experience of the church around the world since Christianity began, continue into the present. Leading New Testament scholar Craig Keener addresses common questions about miracles and provides compelling reasons to believe in them today, including many accounts that offer evidence of verifiable miracles. This book gives an accessible and concise overview of one of Keener's most significant research topics. His earlier two-volume work on miracles stands as the definitive word on the topic, but its size and scope are daunting to many readers. This new book summarizes Keener's basic argument but contains substantial new material, including new accounts of the miraculous. It is suitable as a textbook but also accessible to church leaders and laypeople.Table of ContentsContentsPreface: Get Up and WalkIntroduction: Miracles Books, Old and NewPart 1: Perspectives on Miracles1. What Is a Miracle, Anyway?2. Why Do Some People Assume That Miracles Don't Happen?Worldviews3. Why Do Some People Assume That Miracles Don't Happen?David HumePart 2: Witnesses of Miracles4. Are There Many Witnesses of Miracles?5. Do Only Christians Report Christian Healings?6. Is Healing Just a New Thing?7. Baby PicsPart 3: Videos and Doctors' Reports8. Do Healings Ever Get Captured on Video?9. Medically Attested Catholic Cures10. A Few Vignettes of Brain Recovery11. Back from Virtual Brain Death12. More Medically Attested Twentieth-Century Cures13. Some Medically Attested Twenty-First-Century Cures14. Cancer Cures15. Doctors Cured of CancerPart 4: "The Blind Receive Their Sight, the Lame Walk, the Lepers Are Cleansed, the Deaf Hear" (Matt. 11:5//Luke 7:22)16. Do Blind People Still Receive Sight? Witnesses17. Do Blind People Still Receive Sight? Doctors18. Do Disabled People Still Walk? Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy19. Do Disabled People Still Walk? Marlene's Cerebral Palsy20. Do Disabled People Still Walk? Bryan's Spinal Injury21. Do Disabled People Still Walk? Vignettes22. Are Lepers Still Cleansed? Visible Healings23. Do Deaf People Still Hear?Part 5: "The Dead Are Raised" (Matt. 11:5//Luke 7:22)24. Are the Dead Still Raised? History25. Are the Dead Still Raised? Africa26. Are the Dead Still Raised? Asia27. Raised in the West? Cases in the News28. Raised in the West? Cases That Don't Make the News29. Doctors Who Witness Raisings30. Friends Who Used to Be Dead or Met Those Who Had Been31. Raised in Our FamilyPart 6: Nature Miracles32. Do Nature Miracles Still Happen?33. Do You Know Any Witnesses to Nature Miracles?Part 7: Kingdom Mysteries34. A Firsthand Witness?35. Why Don't We See More Miracles in the West?36. Spiritual Factors and Miracles37. When Healing Is Temporary38. When Miracles Don't Happen39. What Does the Bible Say about Non-healing?40. Closing Personal ThoughtsAppendix A: Did Prayer Make Things Worse?Appendix B: Some of Hume's Other ArgumentsAppendix C: False Signs

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Book Synopsis*A COMPANION TO THE BOOK DISRUPTIVE THINKING* For most of our lives, we are encouraged to trudge along the well-worn paths of those who have come before us. We learn the rules - in our families, in our schools, in our workplaces, in our churches - and most of the messages we receive tell us that following the rules will allow us to arrive at the lives we desire. But when change becomes not only desirable but also urgently necessary, this way of being no longer serves us. In fact, in every human endeavor, every major leap forward, has involved a cataclysmic challenge to existing ways of thinking and being. Breakthroughs, by definition, run against the grain and almost always encounter skepticism and opposition. In this book for leaders, thinkers, doers, and creators, Bishop T.D. Jakes illuminates the pathway to encouraging and unleashing disruptive thinking and provides the wisdom and practical skills we need to evolve our most original and potentially transformational ideas from vision to reality. Through his insight into how our minds and emotions work and through his experiences as a pastor, entrepreneur, and creator, Bishop Jakes leads us into a new way of relating to and transforming the world around us for good. Disruptive Thinking will show you the mindset and the tools you need to create groundbreaking and meaningful change in your own life and in the world around you.

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Book SynopsisYou know prayer is important but you don't have time. Or do you?'I know prayer is important, but I just don't have time!' Have you ever uttered or thought those words? Or maybe felt guilty because you started praying but fell asleep or rushed through your prayer time?Pursuing PRAYER offers practical tips, but more importantly it offers the motivation and direction you need to incorporate key elements of prayer into your busy life. Written by a certified biblical life coach, author Penny Cooke uses the familiar Lord's Prayer passage to coach you in six key areas as you follow the simple acrostic: Proactively Pursue Prayer Remember His Righteous Deeds Acknowledge Sin and Forgive Others Yield to His Will Enjoy His Daily Bread Rest in Him Keeping your busy schedule in mind, each week has four short lessons with practical tips on how to incorporate that aspect of prayer into your prayer time. Each day's lesson is intended to spark self-discovery, motivate you to prayer, and open the door for a closeness with God that you are drawn back to Him more and more. This is not a how-to book or a collection of prayers to recite, Pursuing PRAYER is your invitation to chase God as you understand more deeply the need for daily prayer in your life. It is also your motivation to pray consistently so that the prayers of a righteous person can avail much.

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Book SynopsisIn this careful and practical exploration of the doctrine of God, early Puritan pastor Richard Baxter contrasts the transcendence of God with the immediacy of God's Spirit, and examines the ways in which God reveals himself. Baxter also laments atheism as a direct affront to God's transcendence and as an offensive contradiction to human knowledge.Lexham Classics are beautifully typeset new editions of classic works. Each book has been carefully transcribed from the original texts, ensuring an accurate representation of the writing as the author intended it to be read.

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Book SynopsisObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relentless condition, the primary symptom being the occurrence of terrifying ideas, images, and urges that jump into a person's mind and return again and again, despite the individual's attempt to remove them. Christians who suffer from OCD may grapple with additional guilt, as the undesired thoughts are frequently of a spiritual nature. Yet people may be surprised to learn that some of the greatest leaders in Christian history also struggled with this malady. What did they experience? How did they cope? Were they able to overcome these tormenting, often violent, obsessions? Where did God fit into the picture? Ian Osborn shares the personal accounts of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, as well as his own story, in exploring how faith and science work together to address this complex issue.Table of ContentsPrologue: My Search1. Introduction2. Renaissance Anxieties3. Martin Luther: A Monk Crucified by His Thoughts4. John Bunyan: The Pilgrim's Fears of Hellfire5. Saint Thérèse: The Obsessions of the Little Flower6. What Causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? 7. Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 8. Transferring Responsibility to God: The Cure of Luther, Bunyan, and Thérèse9. A Therapy of Trust: Practical Use Epilogue: How Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Saved Christianity AppendicesA. DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder B. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive ScaleNotes

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