Christian life and practice Books

Book SynopsisLife is so confusing! There are a myriad of voices clambering for our attention – which one is the ‘right one’? Decisions, rather than being biblical, or good, or even moral, often feel like a stab in the dark, hoping for the best. This third title in the First Steps series looks at the wisdom offered in the book of Proverbs. God has not left us to navigate life as best we can alone – guidance is waiting if we only take the time to look.Trade ReviewAndy has shone a spotlight on the life–changing truths of the book of Proverbs, made sense of them in the overall bible story, connected them to Jesus at the centre, and then parked them right where you live. -- Chris Green (Vicar, St. James Muswell Hill, London and Author of 'Assemble the People Before Me: The Message of the Church')Voices captures the inner dialogue in our heads and hearts that distract and deceive us, seeking to lure us away from Jesus. It winsomely offers life and freedom from Proverbs, helping us to see how God’s wise voice is warning and inviting us to come to him, where true joy and everlasting love are experienced. -- Robert K. Cheong (Pastor of Care and Counseling, Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, Kentucky and Author of 'God Redeeming His Bride: A Handbook for Church Discipline')

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Book SynopsisPaul Tautges' compassionate, biblical guide to grief is an invaluable addition to the Track series for young adultsThe reality of death means that we all encounter grief at some point in our lives. But what does the Bible say about how we handle the aftermath of separation? Paul Tautges compassionately addresses the struggles we face when dealing with loss, all the while pointing to the hope and comfort that can be found in Christ. Biblical Comfort: Explore the timeless wisdom of scripture and find solace in knowing the God who grieves. Track: Grief gently guides you through biblical passages that provide strength, reassurance, and the promise of God's eternal love during times of sorrow. Practical Tools: Track: Grief equips you with practical tools to navigate the grieving process with grace. Engage with the thoughtprovoking questions in each chapter, and prayer through what you read,and learn to rely on God, even when navigating the challenging terrain of grief. Contents:Loss is

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Book SynopsisThere are plenty of reasons to criticize, judge, and even walk away from the church. Many of us have been hurt and rejected. We may see church as insular and irrelevant. Despite this, Kevin Makins believes that the church still matters--perhaps more than ever. When Kevin was 23 and didn't know any better, he started a congregation with some friends who were on the edge of faith. Together they hoped to discover if the church was worth fighting for. In this brutally honest account, he shares their story of becoming a community of misfits, outcasts, and oddballs who would learn that, even with all its faults, the church is worth being a part of . . . and must be reclaimed for good. If you've been burned or burned out by the church, if you've been silenced or misunderstood, if you've left or never even joined in the first place, this candid, hopeful book is your invitation to consider what you miss out on when you give up on church--and what the church misses out on when it gives up on you.

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Book SynopsisOur kids are experiencing an unprecedented sense of isolation, interacting virtually in a world that seems ever more fearful with each news cycle. They absorb and internalize the stress and anxiety they see on their parents' faces and on the phone, laptop, tablet, and TV screens that are ever before their eyes. Not surprisingly, their mental and physical health are suffering. As parents, we want to know how we can help. Practical and encouraging, Raising Healthy Teenagers helps you understand the mental, physical, and social toll the past couple years have taken on your kids. Then it offers proven strategies to help your teen get back onto a healthy path by · reducing screen time and increasing green time · learning how to be a social being again · developing strategies to deal with disruptions in schooling · reclaiming a structured day · breaking the cycle of anxiety and depression · and much more

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Book SynopsisBelievers know that when we die we enter heaven and will spend eternity there with God and the saints who have gone before us. But what actually happens in heaven? What are we going to be doing there? Won't it get boring at some point? According to Scripture, a large part of our experience of heaven will be a continual revealing of God's glory. Not just his glory in the moment, but during all of time. The mysteries of providence, the hidden movements of God throughout history, and the forgotten and unnoted works of even the most obscure of God's people will be unveiled so that we can see how wise, loving, gracious, and powerful our God is. And though we will experience perfection in heaven, we will never be omniscient, which means we will always be learning more about God's glory, inspiring us to return joyful praise and thanksgiving. If your vision of heaven has been limited to clouds and harps and angels, it's time to expand that view with the truth found in this biblically based look at the afterlife.

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Book Synopsis"'Time belongs not to us but to God,' contends Michel. Lambasting time management strategies that prioritize productivity, Michel argues that readers must instead accept that 'there is always enough time to do what God has planned.' Michel succeeds in putting earthly concerns in cosmic perspective. These insightful musings are worth a look."--Publishers Weekly *** Whether we're trying to find time, save it, manage it, or make the most of it, one word defines our relationship with the clock: anxiety. Yet is productivity really the only grid for the good life? Have you ever imagined a life without hurry, relentless work, multitasking, or scarcity? A life that is characterized instead by presence, attention, rest, rootedness, fruitfulness, and generosity? This is the kind of life we are meant for, says Jen Pollock Michel. But if we want to experience freedom from time anxiety, we have to reimagine our relationship with time itself. In the pages of In Good Time, she invites you to disentangle your priorities from our modern assumptions and instead ground them in God's time. Then she shows you how to establish 8 life-giving habits that will release you from the false religion of productivity so you can develop a grounded, healthy, life-giving relationship with the clock.

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Book SynopsisWe live in a time when believing in anything or nothing is considered equally "truthful." Many people don't identify with a specific religion, preferring to think of themselves as "spiritual" to avoid seeming intolerant of other beliefs. This has led to some squishy ideas about right and wrong, as well as false teachings infiltrating our churches. More than ever, we must stand firm on the clear teaching of God's Word. In What Every Christian Should Know, Dr. Robert Jeffress equips you to understand ten core doctrines of Christianity so you can be confident that your faith is built on solid ground and stand strong against false teaching. Each chapter illuminates a core belief of the Christian faith, such as God's Word, the Trinity, angels and demons, sin, salvation, future things, and more. Nothing is more hopeful and beneficial in our trying times than good theology. With vivid illustrations, clear explanations, and practical applications for believers today, this book will help you ground your faith in capital T truth.

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Book SynopsisYou can read Jesus's Sermon on the Mount in about 18 minutes, and you can read Dr. Robert Jeffress's insightful book 18 Minutes with Jesus in a matter of hours. But if you want to get the most out of your time in the Sermon on the Mount, either individually or as part of a small group, you'll want to have the 18 Minutes with Jesus Study Guide at your side. With thought-provoking questions and activities that help you delve even deeper into the Word of God, this study guide is the perfect tool to help you uncover truths that have the power to change your life.

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Book SynopsisNo matter what influences a woman to end a pregnancy, the physical, psychological, and spiritual side effects are real and not always anticipated. Feelings of guilt, shame, and grief become a heavy burden, and many women feel that they will never be free, that no one understands, that God will never forgive them. But there is hope. Linda Cochrane has been there. With an understanding spirit and a gentle hand, she guides hurting women to bring their emotional scars "out of the dark past and into his holy light" where true and lasting healing can take place. Cochrane delves into the Scriptures to offer help with issues such as relief, denial, anger, forgiveness, depression, letting go, and acceptance. For every woman yearning for the peace of God's forgiveness, this study can be the first step to healing and wholeness.

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Book SynopsisMore than ever, we must stand firm on the clear teaching of God's Word. In What Every Christian Should Know, Dr. Robert Jeffress equips you to understand ten core doctrines of Christianity so you can be confident that your faith is built on solid ground and stand strong against false teaching. Each chapter illuminates a core belief of the Christian faith, such as God's Word, the Trinity, angels and demons, sin, salvation, future things, and more. This study guide will help you get the most out of the book, whether you are studying it alone, as part of a small group, or as part of a churchwide initiative. Nothing is more hopeful and beneficial in our trying times than good theology. With vivid illustrations, clear explanations, and practical applications for believers today, this book will help you ground your faith in capital T truth.

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Book Synopsis?In this 50-day guide, #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer draws upon the teachings of the apostle Paul to help you experience joy-filled living each day of your life.Joy is not just a "happy feeling" based on circumstances or on things you possess-it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that empowers you to remain stable and persevere through hard times so you rise above them, rather than becoming defeated by them. One of the hallmarks of Paul's epistles is the joy with which he writes and which he invites his readers to experience also. He chose joy in all circumstances, even during times of struggle.In this unique book, Joyce Meyer presents Paul's teachings on joy into concise lessons that equip you to triumph over the greatest challenges to a joy-filled life. Through these 50 daily entries, you'll be encouraged to embrace the truths God has given you, truths that will allow you to overcome the emotions, attitudes, and experiences that rob you of joy. Be Joyful in the journey and begin to experience the wonderful, abundant life that the Lord has in store for you!

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Book SynopsisRelease the negative thoughts and feelings that are weighing you down with #1 New York Times bestselling author and Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen.It's easy to go through life holding on to things that are weighing you down. Guilt. Resentment. Doubt. Worry. The problem is when you allow these things in, they're taking up space for the good things that should be there. Imagine your life is like a container. You were created to be filled with joy, peace, confidence, creativity. But if you allow worry, shame, and other negativity in, it pushes out good thoughts. Life is too short to go through it with negative things holding you down.The Scripture says, "Give no place to the enemy." Give no place to worry. Give no place to bitterness. You control what's in your container. You control what you think about, what you choose to allow in. Every morning when you wake up, you need to empty out anything negative from the day before. Empty Out the Negative will help you disregard the ridiculing voices in your head and instead hear God and his grace. Empty out the negative, and God will fill you with good.

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Book SynopsisDoes God heal? Where do I turn when my faith is fragile? How can I face my own death? Is there a gospel for the rich? In brief, to-the-point chapters, respected preacher and ethicist Samuel Wells lucidly and compassionately explores topics Christians are often reluctant to face--death, weakness, power, difference, faith, and living life to the full--and offers down-to-earth help in overcoming common fears in the life of faith. "The heart of the gospel speaks into the most numbing and terrifying moments of our lives with words of hope and joy amid fear and bewilderment," writes Wells. This book provides an intellectually rigorous but scripturally rooted and theologically accessible engagement with questions of faith.Table of ContentsIntroductionPart 1: Be Not Afraid of Death1. How to Die2. Does God Heal?3. May They Find in You a Blessing4. So Much for Servant Ministry5. The Five WsPart 2: Be Not Afraid of Weakness6. Is There a Balm in Gilead?7. The Hound of Heaven8. Speak Tenderly to Jerusalem9. Many a True Word10. I Have No Need of YouPart 3: Be Not Afraid of Power11. By What Authority?12. But It Shall Not Be So with You13. Giving with Your Head, Your Hand, and Your Heart14. Is There a Gospel for the Rich?15. The Education of DesirePart 4: Be Not Afraid of Difference16. You Are Not Your Own17. Can We Talk?18. Can We Still Call God "Father"?19. Casualties of Destiny20. The Three Realities of AIDS21. He Is Our PeacePart 5: Be Not Afraid of Faith22. Time to Shed the Cloak23. Born Again24. What's Wrong with God25. I Want to Know Christ26. The Discipline of JoyPart 6: Be Not Afraid of Life27. One Day You Will Laugh28. What Am I Going to Do with My Life?29. Loving Yourself30. A Criminal Waste31. With Both Hands

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Book Synopsis★ Publishers Weekly starred review "A top-notch Christian look at immigration, humane and full of heart."--Publishers Weekly Many American Christians have good intentions, working hard to welcome immigrants with hospitality and solidarity. But how can we do that in a way that empowers our immigrant neighbors rather than pushing them to the fringes of white-dominant culture and keeping them as outsiders? That's exactly the question Karen González explores in Beyond Welcome. A Guatemalan immigrant, González draws from the Bible and her own experiences to examine why the traditional approach to immigration ministries and activism is at best incomplete and at worst harmful. By advocating for putting immigrants in the center of the conversation, González helps readers grow in discipleship and recognize themselves in their immigrant neighbors. Accessible to any Christian who is called to serve immigrants, this book equips readers to take action to dismantle white supremacy and xenophobia in the church. They will emerge with new insight into our shared humanity and need for belonging and liberation.Table of ContentsContentsIntroductionPart 1: Words and Myths1. Strangers in a Strange Land: The Myth of Assimilation2. The Scarlet Cord and the Myth of the Good Immigrant3. Russian for Beginners: Words MatterPart 2: The Bible and Belonging4. Reading the Bible: Interpretations Have Consequences5. Mi Casa Es Su Casa: The Hospitality of Jesus6. The Land before (Western) Time: A Theology of BelongingPart 3: Dignity and Departures7. Departures: People on the Move8. Ethical Storytelling: Disrupting the Narrative9. The Kin-dom Where Everyone Belongs

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Book SynopsisAmerica's problem with race has deep roots, with the country's foundation tied to the near extermination of one race of people and the enslavement of another. Racism is truly our nation's original sin. "It's time we right this unacceptable wrong," says bestselling author and leading Christian activist Jim Wallis. Fifty years ago, Wallis was driven away from his faith by a white church that considered dealing with racism to be taboo. His participation in the civil rights movement brought him back when he discovered a faith that commands racial justice. Yet as recent tragedies confirm, we continue to suffer from the legacy of racism. The old patterns of white privilege are colliding with the changing demographics of a diverse nation. The church has been slow to respond, and Sunday morning is still the most segregated hour of the week. In America's Original Sin, Wallis offers a prophetic and deeply personal call to action in overcoming the racism so ingrained in American society. He speaks candidly to Christians--particularly white Christians--urging them to cross a new bridge toward racial justice and healing. Whenever divided cultures and gridlocked power structures fail to end systemic sin, faith communities can help lead the way to grassroots change. Probing yet positive, biblically rooted yet highly practical, this book shows people of faith how they can work together to overcome the embedded racism in America, galvanizing a movement to cross the bridge to a multiracial church and a new America.Table of ContentsContentsForeword by Bryan StevensonPreface: June 17Introduction: You Will Know the Truth, and the Truth Will Set You Free1. Race Is a Story2. The Parables of Ferguson and Baltimore3. The Original Sin and Its Legacy4. Repentance Means More Than Just Saying You're Sorry5. Dying to Whiteness6. A Segregated Church or a Beloved Community?7. From Warriors to Guardians8. The New Jim Crow and Restorative Justice9. Welcoming the Stranger10. Crossing the Bridge to a New AmericaAfterwordIndex

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Book SynopsisGod created us to be curious. We innately wonder about the world, one another, ourselves, and our Creator. But fear of the unknown, cultural taboos, technology, or even church leaders can smother our curiosity. Popular writer Lore Ferguson Wilbert has belonged to Christian communities that discouraged curiosity. The point of the Christian life was to have the right answers, and asking questions reflected a wavering faith. But Wilbert came to discover that the Bible is a permission slip to anyone who wants to ask questions. Reflecting her own theological trajectory toward a more contemplative, expansive faith, Wilbert invites readers to foster curiosity as a spiritual habit. This book explores questions God asks us, questions we ask God, and questions we ask each other. Christianity is not about knowing good answers, says Wilbert, but about asking good questions--ones that foster deeper intimacy with God and others. A Curious Faith invites readers to go beyond pat answers and embrace curiosity, rather than certainty, as a hallmark of authentic faith. Foreword by Seth Haines.Table of ContentsContentsForeword by Seth HainesPart 1. Questions God Asks: Living Curiously1. Live the Questions2. Where Are You? Genesis 33. Who Told You That? Genesis 34. What Have You Done? Genesis 35. Where Are You Going? Genesis 166. What Is Your Name? Genesis 327. What Is in Your Hand? Exodus 48. What Are You Doing Here? 1 Kings 199. Where Were You When I Created All This? Job 38-3910. Will You Correct Me? Job 4011. Whom Shall I Send? Isaiah 612. Is It Right for You to Be Angry? Jonah 4Part 2. Questions We Ask God: Listening Curiously13. Why Was I Born? Jeremiah 2014. Why So Downcast? Psalm 4215. How Can I Be Right with You? Job 25 16. Where Are You? Isaiah 6317. Why Do You Hide from Me? Psalm 4418. How Long, Lord? Psalm 1319. Where Can I Go? Psalm 13920. Why Do You Make Me Look at Injustice? Habakkuk 1Part 3. Questions We Wish Someone Would Ask Us: Loving Curiously21. What Are You Looking For? John 122. Do You Want to Be Well? John 523. Where Is Your Faith? Luke 824. Who Condemns You? John 825. Are You Not More Valuable? Matthew 626. Do You Believe I Am Able to Do This? Matthew 927. Who Do You Say I Am? Matthew 1628. Can't You Wait with Me? Mark 1429. Why Have You Forsaken Me? Mark 1530. The Unasked Questions31. Why Are You Crying and Who Are You Looking For? John 2032. Do You Love Me? John 21

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Book SynopsisDo you realize that Americans are the most anxious, overextended, and "pressured" people in the world? A noted physician and best-selling author, Colbert exposes stress as a potential killer. He examines scientific evidence; explores practical proven theories; explains biblical principles; shares anecdotal stories; and challenges you to make lasting lifestyle changes to overcome stress.

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestsellerPastor Steven Furtick draws on the biblical story of Elisha to give you the confidence to know that nothing is impossible with God, the clarity to see the next step He’s calling you to take, and the courage to do anything He tells you to do. Most of us aren’t in danger of ruining our lives, but we are in danger of wasting them. We all have honest moments when we’re gripped by a desire to feel that what we’re doing matters more. That who we are matters more. And according to John 14:12, Jesus wants the very same thing for every one of us: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”That single promise—“even greater things than these”—should be enough to shatter our acceptance of spiritual mediocrity. Unfortunately, most believers have only tried and given up on vague notions of greatness…then settled into a life that’s just good enough.But God has a vision for your life that is Greater. God is ready to accomplish a greatness in your life that is entirely out of human reach—beyond anything you see in yourself on your best day, but exactly what God has seen in you all along.In Greater, Pastor Steven Furtick draws on the biblical story of Elisha to empower you to:   • Take a God-given dream from idea to reality    • Stretch your limited resources and abilities in ways you never thought possible    • Replace the images of yourself that keep you feeling stuck in the past    • Make a significant impact with your life starting today, rather than making endless plans for tomorrow that you never get around toIf you’re tired of being ordinary, it’s time to dream bigger. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to begin, it’s time to start smaller. It’s time to ignite God’s Greater vision for your life.

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Book SynopsisYou were born to make an impact in this world and you know it. You feel it deep down in your bones. Apathy is your nemesis and your hunger to change the world keeps you up at night. But no matter how deep this hunger growls, we can only make a meaningful impact if we are rooted in Jesus. And here’s the thing:   God is not interested in developing your vision first. He is interested in developing you.   In Rooted, Banning Liebscher takes us to the life of David to show how God expands our root system in the hidden places before leading us to where we all desire to go, the visible world. It was in a field of prayerful devotion, a season of serving, and a cave of community that God prepared David for his crown, the same way God prepares us. Take a look at your own life. Are you embracing God’s process, the sometimes painstaking and maddening process? When we can release ourselves to God we will find that we can thrive while He develops us, rather than succumb to discouragement.   Whatever your age or season of life, it takes immense courage to slow down enough to let God grow a root system in your life so that you can bear fruit that remains. You are where you are because God has planted you there. Discover what it looks like to embrace His process so you can do what He has called you to, change the world.

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Book SynopsisBoldly change your life and those you influence by developing an ear to not only hear, but to also listen to God's heart.God released grace upon Anna to fast and pray unto the revelation of Jesus to the earth the first time. God is releasing a similar grace upon a whole generation of women who will operate in a similar anointing as Anna's unto the revelation of Jesus to the earth in His second coming.This book will be the catalyst for a prayer movement spreading all over the earth to usher in the greatest revival the planet has ever seen.

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Book SynopsisTrue story of survivalMother and unborn child beat cancer through faith and determination One of the truly remarkable stories of faith and determination: At age 29, Heather Choate was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was ten weeks pregnant with her sixth child. Her unborn baby became victim to the fast-spreading and highly dangerous cancer in Heather’s body that already spread to her lymph nodes. Doctors told her she needed to abort her baby to save her life. Heather told them, “I’d rather die than take the life of my baby.” Heather and her husband set out to find a way to save both mother and baby. The journey pushed them to the fringes of their stamina, tested the strength of their familial relationships and found them clinging to their faith like it was the last bit of thread on a lifeline. Reading true stories of survival may change your life: We all have unexpected adversity in life. It’s those things that we think “will never happen to us.” It could be the loss of job, the birth of a special needs child, the downturn of the economy or an unexpected health challenge. Most of us would easily crumble under such circumstances, but Heather found that its not about what happens to you, its about what you do with it. You don’t have to almost die, to learn how to live and Heather shows us how. Despite adversity, nearly impossible challenges can be met, families can be strengthened and faith can sustain even the most desperate souls on their journey. She brings her role as cancer warrior into the real lives of readers, addressing topics that affect them most: dealing with doubt and insecurity, discovering who they really are, renewing their passion, negotiating family strife, releasing relentless regrets, succeeding against temptation, weathering their worst fears, pressing on against fatigue and illness, uprooting bitterness and more. Fighting for Our Lives will take you on a journey of self-examination and appreciation of the beauties of today, and the book could actually change your life. What you'll learn in Fighting for Our Lives: Don’t just survive challenges, thrive through them How to use your power of choice, because it’s not what happens to you that matters, its what you do about it Practical ways that faith sustains and strengthens How to deal with doubt and insecurity Best ways to release negativity and find forgiveness How to trust your inner voice

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Book SynopsisWise proverbs stick with us and help us navigate life.Our financial decisions might be guided by "a penny saved is a penny earned," or we might remember not to be lazy from "the early bird catches the worm."God has given us a book filled with such memorable wisdom--the Old Testament book of Proverbs. In Living Well, you'll look at a different topic in each chapter and learn how Proverbs can guide us to live wiser, more God-honoring lives. Whether in our finances or our relationships, our approach to work or play, following the way of wisdom is often countercultural, but always best. Living Well gives us the blueprint for such a life--starting with God's own wisdom from the book of Proverbs.Trade ReviewTextually faithful, gospel-rich, and well-organized, this is a go-to resource for understanding the great Book of wisdom.--J.D. Greear, pastor, The Summit Church (Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina); author, Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches that Send"This book is vintage Allan Moseley! It is biblical, clear, practical, and witty. It perfectly represents the genre of Proverbs. The Proverbs were intended for real life. Moseley masterfully puts this on full display in this very fine work."--Dr. Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary"N. Allan Moseley helps us see God's wisdom for relationships, health, money, and life in general in a light that brings to life the deeper meaning of proverbs we have perhaps read many times. Living Well will remain on my table, next to my Bible, for those daily encounters when I need another helping of God's promised wisdom."--Dan Forest, lieutenant governor of North Carolina

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Book SynopsisThe decisive moments in life are those pivot points when we're called on to push past our fears and act with strength. With How We Learn to Be Brave, Bishop Mariann Budde teaches us to respond with clarity and grace even in the toughest times. Being brave is not a singular occurrence; it's a journey that we can choose to undertake every day. Bishop Budde explores the full range of decisive moments, from the most visible and dramatic (the decision to go), to the internal and personal (the decision to stay), to brave choices made with an eye toward the future (the decision to start), those born of suffering (the decision to accept that which we did not choose), and those that come unexpectedly (the decision to step up to the plate). Drawing on examples ranging from Harry Potter to the Gospel According to Luke, she seamlessly weaves together personal experiences with stories from Scripture, history, and pop culture to underscore both the universality of these moments and the particular call each one of us must heed when they arrive. How We Learn to Be Brave will provide much-needed fortitude and insight to anyone searching for answers in uncertain times.

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Book SynopsisTed Turnau introduces readers to the major themes of his in-depth Oasis of Imagination by collaborating with Ruth Naomi Floyd. Floyd brings her distinctive experience as a Christian artist to make this a practical guide that distils the "why" and "how" of embracing Christian creative cultural engagement. Why does the church need to pay more attention to the imagination? How can we, in this day and age, best enter our cultural conversations for the common good? How can the local church better support its creatives, enriching its own imaginative life and building bridges to their neighbours and the wider culture? Whether you are a Christian artist or creative yourself, or an everyday Christian searching for a path beyond the culture wars and Christian bubble, Imagination Manifesto will give you biblical foundations, practical pointers, discussion starters, and inspiration for "planting oases" in today's culture.Trade Review"This is the imaginative manifesto the church needs! For creatives struggling with feeling misunderstood and invisible. For churches who want to engage with their creative folk and culture but feel afraid or out of their depth. This book is it! Funny, self deprecating, insightful and something I wish the younger me had been able to read, when I was fresh out of an environment which saw pop culture as something to be feared and protected from. It can act as guide to parents, on why we want to equip, not shrink wrap our young people. It shows the value of sitting with the discomfort and weight of the questions that art can bring. It also has great practical tips for churches and individuals on supporting their creatives, because as Ted and Ruth so clearly show: The church and creatives. We need each other." -- Sophie Killingley, artistFor many years, I have been deeply grieved that conservative Christians in the English-speaking world have tended to undervalue, or even disdain, the arts and artists. This book is the most engaging and persuasive argument I’ve encountered for why the church needs artists and why artists need the church. Reading this was a total joy. -- Tony Watkins, Fellow for Public Engagement, Tyndale House

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Book SynopsisJesus knows you. Do you want to know Him? In this 365-day devotional, Catherine Campbell invites you to spend a year focusing daily on the life, teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ. Warmly written and firmly rooted in Scripture, Consider Him offers personal stories, anecdotes and narrative biblical retellings to draw our minds and hearts closer to Him. Catherine also seeks to spur our reflection into action with entries that feature opportunities not just to be listeners of the Word, but doers of it as well. Whether you are beginning, renewing or deepening your relationship with Jesus, let Consider Him guide you towards the author and perfecter of our faith.

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Book SynopsisOur children's early years are incredibly significant in shaping their mental, emotional and spiritual lives for the future, but how do we sow seeds of faith when they are so tiny? In this book Rachel Turner suggests simple, everyday approaches to help our children connect with the God who knows them. Wherever you are on your faith journey, you can help your child meet and know God, and however young your child is, God loves them and has promises for them.

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Book SynopsisThe Bible is at the heart of BRF’s work, and this special anniversary collection is a celebration of the Bible for BRF’s centenary year. Bringing together a fantastically wide-ranging writing team of authors, supporters and well-wishers from all areas of BRF’s work, this resource is designed to help us go deeper into the story of the Bible and reflect on how we can share it in our everyday lives. Including sections which lead us through the Bible narrative as well as thematic and seasonal sections, it is the perfect daily companion to resource your spiritual journey. Contributors include: Ian Adams, John Bell, Inderjit Bhogal, Amy Boucher Pye, Stephen Cottrell, Steven Croft, Mark Greene, Isabelle Hamley, Bob Hartman, Bev Jullien, Krish Kandiah, Paul Kerensa, Ann Lewin, Bex Lewis, Chine McDonald, Lucy Moore, Rob Parsons, John Pritchard, Jennifer Rees Larcombe, Pam Rhodes, Margaret Silf, Jo Swinney, Stephen Timms, Graham Tomlin and Justin Welby.

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Book SynopsisIn this year’s BRF Lent book Sally Welch explores two questions: What is the Easter story really about, and how do we share it? Through each week of Lent, a different aspect of the Easter story is examined: repenting, changing, hoping, trusting, forgiving, loving and sacrificing. Within each week, the days are focused on what we need to do in order to share the story: listening, understanding, reflecting, living, telling, sharing and becoming. Each day offers a Bible passage, followed by a reflection and prayer activity. Suggestions for group study and group study questions are also included.

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Book SynopsisInspired by the famous prayer of Richard of Chichester ‘to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly and follow thee more nearly... day by day', this 365-day devotional encourages faith formation and intentional discipleship. Tony Horsfall, Mags Duggan, John Ayrton, Jenny Brown, Melinda Hendry and Steve Aisthorpe present a detailed, chronological exploration of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, drawing from all four gospels. As we immerse ourselves in the gospel story, may we not only understand it better but experience transformation into the likeness of Christ our Saviour.

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Book SynopsisHow to navigate a spiritual journey through these years, leading to deeper faith and a closer walk with God. Our 40s and 50s can be times of change and turbulent emotional transitions as we encounter a range of challenging personal issues. They can also be some of the most important years of our lives in spiritual terms. Tony Horsfall addresses a number of ‘midlife’ issues – from facing up to the past to renegotiating relationships – and explores how to navigate a spiritual journey through these years, leading to deeper faith and a closer walk with God. ‘Accessible and an easy read. The exercises are practical and pose useful questions. Spiritual Growth in a Time of Change offers a straightforward introduction to the issues, and may provide some welcome lightbulb moments for anyone who is new to the concept of midlife.’ Sarah Meyrick, Church Times

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Book SynopsisGod makes us the most unbelievable offer... to be our parent. Yes, even when we’re all grown up and have children of our own! But many of us don’t live experiencing the connection, guidance and support that’s on offer. Why? Because we’ve forgotten how to be a child. In this easy-to-read guide, Anna Hawken explores ten different ways to rediscover our ‘child side’. She uses the living, breathing examples of the children in our lives to inspire and challenge us, by looking at things that we sometimes struggle with but they are great at, like: • asking lots of questions • messing up without giving up • sharing their emotions • asking for help and what they need Read it on your own or with others, using the individual reflections, questions and small group notes to guide you. These simple ideas will help even the busiest parent to draw closer to God.

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Book SynopsisIn this year's BRF Advent book Sally Welch explores two questions: What is the Christmas story really about, and how do we share it? Through each week of Advent, a different aspect of the Christmas story is examined: light, promise, mystery, love, peace and hope. Within each week, the days are focused on the ways in which the Christmas story is shared: prophecies, journeys, new life, signs, poems, stories and conversations. Each day offers a Bible passage, followed by a reflection and prayer activity. Suggestions for group study and group study questions are also included. ‘Imbued with biblical insight, this book delves into the failings, the forgivings and the foibles of the way we are and the way we behave. Into the glorious muddle of our lives, we search for God and find God. In Sally Welch we have a delightful, experienced pastoral guide.’ Gordon Giles, author of At Home in Advent ‘Sally has woven a beautiful golden cord, binding together scriptural truth and wisdom, profound contemporary relevance and insightful personal experience. Written with warmth, love and understanding, this is a genuine treasure.’ Margaret Silf, author of Lighted Windows

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Book SynopsisAs a society we aren't good at talking about death, and as individuals we may try and avoid thinking about it. But death is part of life, and we must all face it eventually. For Christians, dying and death are not the end but a transition point in a story that continues. Reflecting well on our own mortality can help us to make peace with the prospect of death and to live more fully in the here and now.This research-based book includes all you need to plan and deliver a course enabling people old or young, healthy or frail to prepare practically, emotionally and spiritually for their last months on this earth. The course covers six topics: Legal practicalities; Life stories; Funeral planning; Physical aspects of dying; Spiritual aspects of dying; and The life to come. It also offers a range of materials on the theme of living well in the light of mortality: a creative workshop, sermon starters, Bible studies, meditations, and a set of prayer stations which combine to form a

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Book SynopsisDoes your work give you a sense of purpose? How do you feel when work serves up difficulties and problems? How do we work well? Is there a God, and might God have something to say about the way we work?Weaving together biblical perspectives with academic research and his own experiences of working in different settings, Chris Gillies lays the theological foundation for work, moves on to examining biblical role models from both Old and New Testaments, and concludes by exploring common issues we wrestle with in our work, from money matters or managing and leading others to knowing if we're in the right job or simply doing the right thing.

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Book SynopsisAs a society we aren't good at talking about death, and as individuals we may try and avoid thinking about it. But death is part of life, and we must all face it eventually. For Christians, dying and death are not the end but a transition point in a story that continues. Reflecting well on our own mortality can help us to make peace with the prospect of death and to live more fully in the here and now.These cards show us how. They can be used for personal reflection, prayer or in discussion with others.

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