Christianity Books

Book SynopsisExplore the lands of the Bible and the history of scripture with unprecedented clarity.This major revision of the Gold Medallion Award-winning Zondervan NIV Atlas of the Bible is a visual feast that will help you experience the geography and history of Scripture with unprecedented clarity. The first section of the Atlas introduces the playing board of biblical history. The next section, arranged historically, begins with Eden and traces the historical progression of the Old and New Testaments. It concludes with chapters on the history of Jerusalem, the disciplines of historical geography, and the most complete and accurate listing and discussion of place-names found in any atlas.Unique features include: Stunning multidimensional and three-dimensional maps Over 100 new relevant-to-topic images Revised engaging text Innovative chronological charts and graphics A complete geographical dictionary and index available for in-depth studies The Zondervan Atlas of the Bible is destined to become a favorite guide to biblical geography for students of the Bible. This accessible and complete resource will assist you as you enter into the world of the Bible as never before.

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Book SynopsisWhat does the Bible say about the natural world and its place within God''s purpose? From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals a God whose creative power and loving care embrace all that exists, from earth and sky and sea to every creature. Yet the significance of the Bible''s extensive teaching about the natural world is easily overlooked by Christians accustomed to focusing only on what the Bible says about God''s interaction with human beings.In Creation Care, father and son team Douglas and Jonathan Moo invite readers to open their Bibles afresh to explore a comprehensive biblical theology of creation care as well as a careful analysis of the most up-to-date scientific data about the state of our world. Following the contours of the biblical storyline, they uncover answers to questions such as: What is the purpose of the non-human creation? Can a world with things like predators, parasites, and natural disasters stilTrade Review“At the heart of Christian theology lies the relationship of God and humanity. Yet this relationship---this heart---takes place in the “body” of our natural world, and it is this material world that is the focus of Doug and Jonathan Moo’s biblical theology of creation care. Creation, what Calvin calls the “theater” of God’s glory, is the stage for the drama of redemption. More than that: the way human creatures engage the natural world, and the way God’s Son enters his creation to redeem it, are themselves important parts of the biblical story. Just as Israel honored God by treating the promised land as a gift, so too Christians honor God by treating the earth itself as a good though fragile gift that will eventually realize the purpose for which God originally intended it: to be a place for divine-human fellowship. This is an important book by two biblical scholars that reminds us that the Bible is good news not only for the church but for the whole material creation to which the human creature is inextricably and forever bound.” * Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School *“Creation care is an integral part of both our worship of God and of our proclamation of the gospel. This book is rich in clear biblical exegesis of the interrelationships between God the creator, his creation, and us his creatures. It is also rich in practical common sense of how this should play out in the lives and priorities of Christians. Read it, be challenged by it, and do it.” * Bob White, FRS, professor of geophysics at Cambridge University and director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at Cambridge *“Creation Care represents a thorough and thoughtful account of the biblical view of creation and how we should live in light of it. Douglas and Jonathan Moo call us away from the apathy that many, in the church and out, display toward the care of the earth and atmosphere around us. At the same time, they model charity on issues where faithful Christians might disagree on how best to apply these truths. This book will make you think and will help you think as one shaped and formed by Scripture.” * Russell Moore, president, the Ethics and Religious Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention *“Crisply written and clearly organized, comprehensive and yet concise, Creation Care is an excellent book. It offers insightful readings of a great many biblical texts while also making judicious use of important early church leaders such as Basil of Caesarea and Athanasius as well as prophetic contemporary writers such as Wendell Berry and Aldo Leopold. A most welcome addition to the literature showing that care for creation is integral to Christian discipleship.” * Steve Bouma-Prediger, Leonard and Marjorie Maas Professor of Reformed Theology, Hope College *“Douglas and Jonathan Moo have written a theologically profound assessment of the critical issue of creation care. Their analysis is scripturally sound and rich, and their understanding of our present predicament is insightful. Rather than browbeating their readers, they present a hopeful vision that will stir the church to action. Every Christian needs to read this important book.” * Tremper Longman III, distinguished scholar and professor emeritus of biblical studies, Westmont College *“In 2012 the Jamaica Call to Action, which one of the authors assisted in writing, called for “new and robust theological work,” including “an integrated theology of creation care.” Douglas and Jonathan Moo’s work in Creation Care is exactly what we need. Beautifully written, it nonetheless provides a deep understanding of the exegetical, theological, scientific, and even practical issues involved in a Christian examination of this important area. Creation Care should become the standard text for any course on environmental theology and required reading for any pastor who wants a solid biblical framework for understanding and teaching about creation care.” * Rev. Ed Brown, director of Care of Creation *“In Creation Care, Drs. Moo and Moo do precisely what they promise to---“advance what [they] think is a faithful and balanced vision of the created world as it is presented in the Bible.” They do so by engaging historical and systematic theology, cultural analysis, and science, resulting in a balanced understanding of how Christians are to care for creation. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a resource on earth keeping that is both faithful to Scripture and incredibly relevant to the pressing environmental concerns of today. A critical contribution and one that will have an impact for years to come.” * A. J. Swoboda, pastor, author, professor *“It’s vital that the evangelical tradition is taking seriously the vast biblical resources pointing toward creation care. No one should be surprised that God would like us to look after the beautiful world we were given---and after reading this book, no one will be.” * Bill McKibben, author of The Comforting Whirlwind: God, Job, and the Scale of Creation *“Learning how to live faithfully as part of God’s good but groaning creation is a defining challenge facing the church and world today. For too long, however, caring for creation has been a blind spot for many Christians. Instead, we have often allowed our cultural and political lenses to dictate how we approach environmental issues. In this rich resource, two highly respected theologians refocus our attention on where it should have always been---the Bible. We have a divine opportunity---and an urgent responsibility---to help the church recover a more faithful role in caring for all God’s creation, and this book lays an essential foundation for doing just that. It is an excellent and trustworthy guide for understanding and living out the biblical call to creation care. I highly recommend it to Christians, churches, and colleges everywhere.” * Rev. Ben Lowe, activist and author, The Future of Our Faith and Doing Good without Giving Up *“Oh how we need this book! And many more like it. Douglas and Jonathan Moo seamlessly combine their biblical and scientific expertise to achieve two very important objectives. On the one hand, they argue a thorough biblical case for including God’s creation within God’s redemptive mission---that is, within the full biblical meaning of the gospel itself. The Bible has good news for all creation! The great Bible narrative does not begin in Genesis 3 (sin) and end in Revelation 20 (judgment), but begins with creation and ends in new creation. They expose the sheer unbiblical fallacy of popular “theologies” of obliteration (of the cosmos) and evacuation (of the saints) and make abundantly clear the biblical hope of resurrection (of our bodies) and liberation (of creation), so that our future is not to be saved out of the earth (by “going to heaven”) but to be saved with the earth (by God coming here, as the ending of the Bible graphically portrays). On the other hand, they provide abundant scientific evidence to refute the political and corporate myths that so-called “environmental issues” (like the impacts of climate change) are a “hoax” or still in scientific dispute, while calling us to a range of practical measures that will help us move (as this series intends) from biblical theology to life and its fundamental ethical choices. One of the biggest challenges facing the Christian church (especially in the West) is whether or not those who fervently and evangelically claim to ‘love God’ and ‘love our neighbour’ will recognise that you cannot say you love God and trash his property, and you cannot say you love your neighbour and care nothing for neighbours on our planet who are suffering the impact of ecological damage at every level. This book is for those who are willing to be challenged on both counts from the Bible itself.” * Christopher J. H. Wright, Langham Partnership *“This book deserves to become the standard work of its kind. One of its many merits is that it grounds creation care in the whole biblical story from creation to new creation. Another is its well-informed and up-to- date account of the plight of creation today. A third is its thoughtful attention to practical and realistic ways of caring about and caring for creation in our contemporary Western contexts.” * Richard Bauckham, emeritus professor of New Testament, University of St Andrews, Scotland *“This careful and comprehensive book will be not only a major resource for all those who want to explore the full contours of biblical thinking about the care of creation but should also be understood as a powerful call to action. With deceptive ease, Douglas and Jonathan Moo recapitulate the major areas of debate and discussion from the recent decades of slowly dawning evangelical engagement with our current global, environmental crisis. They argue that our human and Christian calling means that we are to care for God’s good earth, and with thoughtful but readable expertise they guide us through a complex landscape of ancient texts and contemporary challenges. As we follow their lead, it becomes increasingly clear that both of these distinguished scholars are writing not just out of their studies but out of a coherent and committed life. So it is a privilege to commend this book and a delight to know that it will now be available to the growing numbers of those who need firm foundations for their Christian worship, work, and witness in a groaning but good creation.” * Peter Harris, cofounder and president, A Rocha International *

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Book SynopsisEmotionally Healthy Relationships Day by Day is centered on a life-transforming rhythm of intentionally and daily pausing to be deeply present with God.

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Book SynopsisUsing her own personal story of adopting a Chinese daughter and sponsoring a refugee family, New York Times bestselling author Ann Voskamp shows in The Way Maker how God will always make a way, not to where we may want to go, but to Him.

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Book Synopsis*Note: Lead Like It Matters is a completely revised and updated version of the book previously published as It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It.*Discover the secret to igniting a life-giving, soul-transforming, people-inspiring movement in your organization, church, or ministry--and the trick to keeping the momentum going.In Lead Like It Matters, New York Times bestselling author and pastor Craig Groeschel shares the transformative insights he''s learned about how to effectively build a thriving, enduring ministry and organization.Using the leadership skills he''s mastered as the founder and senior pastor of Life.Church--one of the largest churches in the world and an organization that Glassdoor has named a #1 U.S. Best Place to Work--he combines straight talk and wry honesty with biblical and leadership principles to equip you to: Recognize when your organization or ministry has the indefinable but tangible it that leads to success Identify and implement seven leadership principles for a church that lasts Ignite a fire in your team to leave behind what we''ve always done for the meaningful ministry you know is possible Discover the three areas every leader must master for success  Praise for Lead Like It Matters:My friend Craig Groeschel is the visionary and pioneer of America''s largest church. In Lead Like It Matters, he''s generous enough to share the most important lessons he''s learned along the way. This isn''t just an insightful and interesting book; it''s a game-changing guide to leading with purpose.--Steven Furtick, lead pastor, Elevation Church; New York Times bestselling author, Crash the Chatterbox, Greater, and (Un)Qualified

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Book SynopsisThe Story reveals the unfolding, grand narrative of the Scriptures. Using the clear, accessible text of the NIV, this rendering of the Bible allows its stories, poems, and teachings to come together in a single, compelling read. Now with the exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface.

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Book SynopsisAn easy-to-learn, easy-to-use tool for in-depth Bible studyBeloved and acclaimed for more than five generations, the Thompson® Chain-Reference® Bible is unparalleled in its ability to enrich personal devotions, topical study, and sermon preparation. This unique reference Bible enables you to search the breadth of Scripture’s teachings on thousands of topics and allows you to follow those topics throughout the entire Bible. With over 100,000 references, covering over 8,000 topics, the chain-reference system is an ideal tool for comprehensive topical study. The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible also offers a library of additional study resources that allows readers to interpret the Bible using related scripture passages rather than consulting a commentary.The KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, Handy Size is printed in the KJV Comfort Print® typeface for easy reading. Expertly designed specifically to be used for

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Book SynopsisFeaturing an easy-to-learn and easy-to-use reference system acclaimed for more than five generations, the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible enables you to search the breadth of Scripture’s teachings on thousands of topics. Ideal for personal study and sermon preparation, it’s now easier to read with the KJV Comfort Print typeface.

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Book SynopsisAn easy-to-learn, easy-to-use tool for in-depth Bible studyBeloved and acclaimed for more than five generations, the Thompson® Chain-Reference® Bible is unparalleled in its ability to enrich personal devotions, topical study, and sermon preparation. This unique reference Bible enables you to search the breadth of Scripture''s teachings on thousands of topics and allows you to follow those topics throughout the entire Bible. With over 100,000 references, covering over 8,000 topics, the chain-reference system is an ideal tool for comprehensive topical study. The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible also offers a library of additional study resources that allows readers to interpret the Bible using related scripture passages rather than consulting a commentary.The NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, Handy Size is printed in the NKJV Comfort Print® typeface for easy reading. Expertly designed specifically to be used for th

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Book SynopsisAn easy-to-learn, easy-to-use tool for in-depth Bible studyBeloved and acclaimed for more than five generations, the Thompson® Chain-Reference® Bible is unparalleled in its ability to enrich personal devotions, topical study, and sermon preparation. This unique reference Bible enables you to search the breadth of Scripture''s teachings on thousands of topics and allows you to follow those topics throughout the entire Bible. With over 100,000 references, covering over 8,000 topics, the chain-reference system is an ideal tool for comprehensive topical study. The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible also offers a library of additional study resources that allows readers to interpret the Bible using related scripture passages rather than consulting a commentary.Available for the first time in the beloved 1995 text of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is printed in Zondervan''s Exclusive

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Book SynopsisThe Book of Common Courage is a collection of prayers, poems, and blessings to help you find a flicker of strength in the small and hard moments of life. Beloved author and therapist K. J. Ramsey invites you to journey word-by-word through Psalm 23 to experience how the Good Shepherd is with you and for you, especially in the valleys of life. When you struggle to find the words to hold your pain or trauma, be encouraged to cultivate the compassion and courage to believe that your story will, in fact, end in joy.Through K. J.''s lyrical and emotive writing, you are invited to: Surrender your anxiety and your tears to a faithful God Validate your emotions and embrace them as the gift they are Slow down and remember that good will come again Replenish your soul with the life of Christ and the promises of God Refresh your faith with a peace that lasts Experience newfound confidence in p

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Book SynopsisA new commentary for today''s world, The Story of God Bible Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in light of the Bible''s grand story.The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and laypeople alike.Each volume employs three main, easy-to-use sections designed to help readers live out God''s story: LISTEN to the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it within the Bible''s grand story. EXPLAIN the Story: Explores and illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical setting. LIVETrade Review'An extremely valuable and long overdue series that includes comment on the cultural context of the text, careful exegesis, and guidance on reading the whole Bible as a unity that testifies to Christ as our Savior and Lord.' * Graeme Goldsworth, author of According to Plan *'Getting a story is about more than merely enjoying it. It means hearing it, understanding it, and above all, being impacted by it. This commentary series hopes that its readers not only hear and understand the story but are impacted by it to live in as Christian a way as possible. The editors and contributors set that table very well and open up the biblical story in ways that move us to act with sensitivity and understanding. That makes hearing the story as these authors tell it well worth the time. Well done.' * Darrell L. Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary *'I love The Story of God Bible Commentary series. It makes the text sing and helps us hear the story afresh.' * John Ortberg, Senior Pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church *'I'm a storyteller. Through writing and speaking I talk and teach about understanding the Story of God throughout Scripture and about letting God reveal more of his story as I live it out. Thus I am thrilled to have a commentary series based on the story of God--a commentary that helps me to Listen to the Story, that Explains the Story, and then encourages me to probe how to Live the Story. A perfect tool for helping every follower of Jesus to walk in the story that God is writing for them.' * Judy Douglass, Director of Women’s Resources, Cru *'In this promising new series of commentaries, believing biblical scholars bring not only their expertise but their own commitment to Jesus and insights into today's culture to the Scriptures. The result is a commentary series that is anchored in the text but lives and breathes in the world of today's church with its variegated pattern of socioeconomic, ethnic, and national diversity. Pastors, Bible study leaders, and Christians of all types who are looking for a substantive and practical guide through the Scriptures will find these volumes helpful.' * Frank Thielman, Beeson Divinity School *'Pastors and lay people will welcome this new series, which seeks to make the message of the Scriptures clear and to guide readers in appropriating biblical texts for life today.' * Daniel I. Block, Wheaton College and Graduate School *'The Bible is the story of God and his dealings with humanity from creation to new creation. The Bible is made up more of stories than of any other literary genre. Even the psalms, proverbs, prophecies, letters, and the Apocalypse make complete sense only when set in the context of the grand narrative of the entire Bible. This commentary series breaks new ground by taking all these observations seriously. It asks commentators to listen to the text, to explain the text, and to live the text. Some of the material in these sections overlaps with introduction, detailed textual analysis and application, respectively, but only some. The most riveting and valuable part of the commentaries are the stories that can appear in any of these sections, from any part of the globe and any part of church history, illustrating the text in any of these areas. Ideal for preaching and teaching.' * Craig L. Blomberg, Denver Seminary *'The Story of God Bible Commentary series invites readers to probe how the message of the text relates to our situations today. Engagingly readable, it not only explores the biblical text but offers a range of applications and interesting illustrations.' * Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary *

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Book SynopsisA Close Look at What It Takes to Create an Irresistible Church.This isn''t a book about how to make your church bigger. This is a book about how to make your church more appealing to the people who don’t usually—or have never—gone to church.Deep and Wide provides church leaders with an in-depth look into North Point Community Church and its strategies, its goals, its methods, and its story. You''ll learn how to create a church that unchurched people absolutely love to attend. Pastor Andy Stanley explains: His strategy for preaching and programming to both mature believers and skeptics. North Point''s spiritual formation model: The Five Faith Catalysts. Three essential ingredients for creating irresistible environments. How to tackle the challenge of transitioning a local congregation.  Updated & Expanded edition includes discussion guide, church staffTrade Review'Couldn't be prouder of my son, Andy. And I couldn't be more excited about the content of this book. I wish a resource like this existed when I was starting out in ministry.' * Dr. Charles Stanley, Founder, In Touch Ministries *'Deep and Wide pulls back the curtain for all of us to see what is required behind the scenes to build a prevailing church. I was both challenged and inspired by this book.' * Bill Hybels, Author of Just Walk Across the Room *'It is completely false that churches must sacrifice quality to get quantity, must artificially choose between evangelism and discipleship, or cannot have depth and growth at the same time. Few prove this fact better than the ministry of Andy Stanley, who has grown North Point Community Church on purpose and with passion. No Christian leader can afford to miss this book.' * Rick Warren, pastor, Saddleback Church; author, The Purpose Driven Church *'The most common question I get from pastors is, 'How do I get the people in my church to be open to change?' From now on my answer will be, 'Read Deep and Wide by Andy Stanley.' Thanks Andy. Great book!' * Craig Groeschel, Pastor, LifeChurch.TV, Author, It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It *

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Book SynopsisIt has been said that the day of the sermon is over. Kate Bruce argues that the day of the poorly conceived, ill prepared, dull, disconnected, boring, irrelevant, authoritarian, yawn-inducing, patronizing, pontificating, pointless and badly delivered sermon, is indeed over. Imagination can help to engage the hearer in a sermon which seeks to evoke rather than to inform. Imagination frames how we see the world and ourselves in it. As such it has a vital role in how preachers see the preaching task itself, which in turn affects how we go about the task. A theology of imagination is presented to demonstrate the central importance of imagination in the life of faith. Allied to this is an analysis of the sacramental nature of preaching and the role of imagination in enabling the aha, now I get it' moment of sacramental seeing-as'. Connected to enabling new seeing, preaching in the lyrical voice is defined and discussed along with the importance of preachers shaping sermons for the ear.Trade Review‘Just occasionally weary preachers stub their toes against treasure hidden beneath the surface of a well-trodden path. In this book Kate Bruce draws on her considerable experience as school teacher, parish priest, theological college tutor and stand-up comic. With an assured grasp of homiletic theory and a passion for creative sermon construction, she shows us how the imagination can disclose new worlds, turn our assumptions upside down, provoke us to ask ‘what if?’ and help us live in the minds of other people. In this she follows the example of Jesus who did not despise the parable, the haunting image, or the disturbing paradox. This is a book for preachers who would prefer their sermons to dance and sing rather than trudge, hobble and plod. -- David Day‘Kate Bruce has done congregations a great service by offering preachers a feast of ideas, insights and worked examples on the underexplored theme of preaching with the imagination. Her analysis is anchored in careful theology and attentive awareness of the contexts and cultures in which preaching is offered and received. The result is a gracious, well-argued and timely book, a treat-in-waiting for all preachers still alive to their task.’ -- Bishop John Pritchard‘Tired of dull boring sermons with no theological depth? And tired of dull boring books on preaching which equally lack theological depth? This book is the solution! Kate Bruce is an outstanding practitioner and teacher of preaching. Out of that expertise she shows how the interaction of the imagination with both the biblical text and contemporary culture can transform the preaching event and allow God to work in exciting and relevant ways. Honest, humane and humble, this is the book for all preachers who have a passion for God to speak.’ -- Revd Professor David Wilkinson, Principal, St John’s College Durham‘Expect to be enriched, challenged, encouraged and inspired by this book. Kate Bruce argues that the sermon is essential in the life of the Church and that imagination is essential for preaching that ignites the heart. An exploration of the theology of imagination and language, examples from sermons, models of preaching and guidance for good practice are offered in a book which will appeal to a wide readership. I commend this book to all preachers who hope that through their sermons God will be encountered as the Spirit breathes life into their words and hearts are warmed.’ -- Ruth Gee was Chair of Methodist Conference (2013-14)Kate Bruce skips the conventional wisdom related to preaching and tackles the peculiar challenges and demands of the craft itself. She walks the reader through the creative process toward a fuller realization of the sacramental imagination. Her valuable book will remind us all--whether beginner or busy pastor--to love and cultivate the art we practice. -- Richard Lischer, Duke Divinity School, Author of The End of Words and Reading the ParablesAn experienced preacher and tutor in homiletics, Bruce seeks in this engaging and persuasive book to inspire and equip preachers to be imaginative in the way they think about, prepare and deliver sermons. Covering the 'why' and 'how' of this comprehensively, her approach is grounded and inspiring and her style is accessible, insightful, and humane -- Peter Wright * The Reader, Autumn 2016 *Bruce seeks in this engaging and persuasive book to inspire and equip preachers to be imaginative. Her approach is grounded and inspiring and her style is accessible, insightful, and humane. This valuable and enjoyable book is a strongly recommended resource for beginners and experienced preachers alike. -- Peter Wright * The Reader, Autumn 2016, Vol 116 No1 *

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Book SynopsisSince its publication, Church for Every Context has made a significant impact in our understanding of the theology and methodology of Fresh Expressions. In this follow-up, Michael Moynagh develops a model of emergent innovation that combines insights from both complexity and entrepreneurship theories. Taking account of the significant developments in practice and thinking around the emerging church, Church in Life will quickly establish itself as a key text for all interested in pioneer ministry, fresh expressions, church planting, church growth and ecclesiology.Trade Review“In this lucid, searching and wise book, Michael Moynagh opens up some substantially new and nuanced ways of understanding the nature, purpose and identity of the church in today’s world. Our contemporary culture is riddled with conceits that assume the old, established and traditional expressions of institutions have had their day, and need to make way for anything and everything that is brand new. What Moynagh’s book perceptively articulates is that the new needs the old; that ‘blending’ the contemporary with the traditional needs skill; and that the younger expressions of church life will need to mature if they are to be vessels of wisdom for our future. This is careful and critical book that requires consideration and composure from all who seek to shape the future church.” -- Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, OxfordI love the framework for innovation that Mike uses here. It’s a really exciting way to come at mission and pioneering, and a welcome voice in a church that can so often be risk averse. There’s a lot of energy in an approach that is fuelled by imagination, possibility and hope rather than anxiety. As a result of seeing the material I invited Mike to teach pioneers at CMS and they found it energising for their pioneering practice. -- Jonny Baker, Director of Mission Education, CMS.The church, like the Triune God, must give itself away. This is perhaps the central thesis in Michael Moynagh’s exciting and provocative book, and this is the reason why new ecclesial communities need to be cultivated with creativity, imagination, and entrepreneurship. When you read this book, you will think differently about the church, and perhaps even do church differently as well. -- Stephen B. Bevans, SVD, Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD Professor of Mission and Culture, Catholic Theological Union, USAMichael Moynagh has become a voice of inspiration and encouragement for many priests and pastors who are part of the Missional Movement - in the UK but also far beyond its boundaries. Add to this his passion for mission and his deep commitment to the Gospel and you can see why many people are blessed by his writings. In the present volume, Church in Life, we see all of this and more. This book is a must read for everyone interested in missional churches. -- Coenie Burger, Director of Communitas: Centre for Continuing Ministry Development and Research, Stellenbosch University, South AfricaThe ‘fresh expressions’ movement has been criticised for a lack of theological depth. Michael Moynagh's Church in Life represents by far the most significant move to date to address that deficiency. Particularly welcome is his enthusiasm for the church itself as a gift of God to the world. I look forward to the prospect that the book will provoke a genuinely theological discussion about the church and the nature of its mission. -- Rev’d Dr Andrew Davison, Faculty of Divinity, Cambridge and co-author of For the Parish (2010)Michael Moynagh’s new book is a key contribution to the debate about the ecclesiology and practice of fresh expressions of church – and it also has much to teach those of us immersed in inherited church life and thinking. -- Rev’d Mark Earey, The Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham, member of the Church of England Liturgical Commission and chair of the Group for Renewal of WorshipA timely, significant and constructive contribution to contemporary missiological and ecclesiological thinking, which deserves to be widely read and engaged. -- Rev Dr Doug Gay, Principal of Trinity College, University of Glasgow, UKMoynagh presents the ecclesial entrepreneur – an individual or team who embrace change and experimentation, who focus on the church’s end-users and solving their problems, and who innovate and introduce profound change from the bottom-up rather than top-down. Moynagh shows how the church needs to become more like a Spirit-filled tech start-up to fulfil its redemptive role in the world! -- Andrew Godley, Head of Leadership, Organisation and Behaviour, Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Reading, UKMichael Moynagh’s new magnum opus, Church in Life, reworks ecclesiology, using the remarkable insights derived from the ‘fresh expressions’ movement. His analysis is rooted in actual practice, and documents the theological significance of emergent expressions of the missional church. What otherwise might remain a cliche (e.g. “innovation") becomes here a fruitful, even "fresh" field of inquiry. The outcome of the project is a range of trajectories which invite further work. -- Darrell Guder, Professor of Missional and Ecumenical Theology Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary, USAMichael Moynagh brings us up to date on a fresh missional move of God through innovative churches which are fresh expressions of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. In so doing he informs and inspires us to live into and out of the missional identity of all of our churches. -- Ross Hastings, Sangwoo Youtong Chee Associate Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, CanadaMichael Moynagh’s new book, Church in Life, is a valid masterpiece of theology. I am really thankful for the great inspiration of this masterpiece of ecumenical ecclesiology. It is a milestone even for a new experiential approach to theology. -- Dr Christian Hennecke, author and theologian, Head of the Pastoral Department, Diocese of Hildesheim, GermanyIn this ground-breaking sequel to Church for Every Context, Michael Moynagh weaves together a wealth of insight from ‘fresh expressions’ practice and thinking to argue for a new approach. He moves past the church-planting model toward an approach to local church mission that discerns, recognises and empowers the new, living, innovative and self-giving communities which the Holy Spirit is already bringing forth. Highly recommended for practitioners, missiologists and theologians alike. -- Kirsteen Kim, Professor of Theology and World Christianity, Fuller Theological Seminary, USAChurch in Life takes Michael Moynagh’s work on fresh expressions to new levels. His thinking about innovation is key for churches which know they need to do something differently but don’t know how to approach it. It is ideal for those at the ‘coal face’ but also should be required reading for those making policy for the future of the Church.’ -- Revd Canon Dave Male, National Advisor for Pioneer Development, UK.The future of the Church depends on it generating new forms and ‘fresh expressions’: the topic could not be more important. Michael Moynagh has spent years reflecting on new ecclesial communities, and his writing is both theoretically rich and fully accessible. Will these initiatives succeed? Read the book and decide! -- David Voas, Professor of Social Science, University College London, UK"Church in Life offers a practical theology of innovation. It weaves stories, Scripture and simple practices into a rich theological tapestry. It offers hope for the post-Christendom church, integrating the theological conviction that God is making all things new with an impressive array of practical stories and contemporary research. I’ll be recommended it to funders, denominational leaders and pioneers in our New Mission Seedlings.” -- Steve Taylor,Mike has been a great reflector for the church in the UK on cultural change and mission and fresh expressions of church. The book is over 400 pages long and offers a wealth of wisdom for those innovating in mission in the new landscape we find ourselves in. I wholeheartedly recommend it – Mike’s thinking and writing gets better and better. -- Anvil, Journal of Theology and Mission, Vol 34, Issue 1Table of ContentsPart 1 - Emerging Communities 1. The Nature of Emergence 2. How Do New Ecclesial Communities Emerge? 3. Founding New Ecclesial Communities 4 Reinventing the Local Church 5. Introducing Blended Denominations 6. Why Are New Ecclesial Communities Emerging? Part 2 -Theological Foundations 7. Missional Gifts 8. Following Jesus 9. Re-imagining the Local Church 10. Church on the Inside 11. Affinity Group Theology 12. Are They the Church? 13. What is Maturity? 14. A Liturgical Hermeneutic for Church in Life Part 3 - Perspectives on Method 15. Dissatisfaction: The Vocational Voyage 16. Exploration: How to Have a Great Idea 17. Sense-Making: Meaning-Full Teams 18. Amplification: Partnerships 19. Edge of Chaos: Pressing On 20. Transformation: Making Disciples 21. Conclusion: Three Themes

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Book SynopsisIn Becoming Friends of Time, John Swinton crafts a theology of time that draws us toward a perspective wherein time is a gift and a calling. Time is not a commodity nor is time to be mastered. Time is a gift of God to humans, but is also a gift given back to God by humans.Swinton wrestles with critical questions that emerge from theological reflection on time and disability: rethinking doctrine for those who can never grasp Jesus with their intellects; reimagining discipleship and vocation for those who have forgotten who Jesus is; reconsidering salvation for those who, due to neurological damage, can be one person at one time and then be someone else in an instant.In the end, Swinton invites the reader to spend time with the experiences of people with profound neurological disability, people who can change our perceptions of time, enable us to grasp the fruitful rhythms of God's time, and help us learn to live in ways that are unimaTrade Review"How Swinton brings together God, time, and disability transforms the understanding not only of disability but also of church, society and ordinary life. This is a profound and moving book, both pastoral and prophetic. It takes further the insights of Jean Vanier, and above all invites us into the truth that ‘time is for God, God is love, time is for love.’" -- David FordWith his usual insight and wisdom Swinton has written a timely book on time and disability. Swinton's work is profoundly human and humane because it is so determinatively christological. Becoming Friends of Time is a gift for all of us who struggle to survive in a world of speed." -- Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor Emeritus of Divinity and Law, Duke Divinity School"With characteristic wisdom and grace, Swinton's book invites us to reimagine time through rediscovering the gospel and the life of Christian discipleship in all its fullness in relation to the human experience of disability. His writing is elegant and embodies the gentle, time-full cadence it speaks about, offering a host of compelling insights along the way." -- Thomas E. Reynolds, Associate Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto"This book will change your view of time and what it might mean for us to live creatively and radically within the economy of God's time. Swinton proves to be a wise guide as he digs deeply and widely into the complexities of our experience. Philosophy, Spirituality, Pastoral Care and Theology are put to work within an imaginative plea for us to expand the quality of our attention and our tasks of love. These pages open up and out our lives, sympathies, convictions and vulnerabilities into a dialogue with the Christian tradition. We are gently led to reflect on how we might change our thinking in order to respond and act at every turn of the page. Your life will be enlarged through your engagement with this text." -- James WoodwardThis book ultimately did live up to its promise. I concur with Ford's judgement: 'This is a profound and moving book, both pastoral and prophetic.' -- Keith Straughan * Reform Magazine, June 2017 *Swinton offers us profound reflections on some foundational issues and how they are linked. I am not likely to think of any of these issues in the same way as before. There is much in this book which has relevance for our practice as ministers. -- Gertrud Sollars * The Reader, Winter 2017 *Table of ContentsPart 1: Time and Disability 1. Thinking about Time 2. Time and Progress Part 2: Learning to Live in God's Time 3. Time and Christ 4. Becoming Friends of Time Part 3: From Inclusion to Discipleship 5. Time and Discipleship 6. Time and Vocation Part 4: Reclaiming the Heart 7. Time and Memory 8. Time and Heart Part 5: The Horror of Time 9. The Horror of Time 10. The Time Before and the Time After 11. Time and Ritual Conlusion: Being in Christ, Being in Time Appendix.: Redeeming Time

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Book SynopsisUnderstanding Christian Leadership offers an examination of a distinctly Christian understanding of leadership offering a critical appraisal of insights from secular theories of leadership, exploring biblical and other theological insights into the nature and practice of leadership. Whilst arguing for a form of leadership which is widely dispersed and collaborative, the book seeks to explain the distinctive role of leaders within such a leadership economy. It also seeks to establish a proper relationship between sacred and secular leadership thinking, tackling some of the common philosophical and theological reservations to do with leadership discourse, whilst offering a critical framework for discerning the suitability for the Church of different sources of leadership thinking. Designed as core reading for leadership modules currently taught by the author across a large number of training contexts in the UK, this book is an indispensable text for those taking undergraduate or postgTrade Review“This is a significant and very spiritual contribution to our thinking about leadership: distinctively Christian, deeply rooted in the reality of local churches, and definitely life-giving!” -- Paul Harcourt, National Leader, New Wine England"Comprehensive, Biblically rooted, and grounded in practical experience, this is a book that all Christian leaders will want to have on their shelves. It faces the leadership task with wisdom, honesty and reflection on the whole-life character of Christian leadership in a way that will inspire and challenge, whether you are just setting out as a leader or have been leading for many years." -- Emma Ineson, Bishop of PenrithTable of ContentsAcknowledgements ix Foreword by the Most Reverend Justin Welby xi Introduction: Not Another Book on Leadership?! xiii Part 1 Understanding Leadership 1 Desiring Leadership: Why Leadership Matters 3 2 Defining Leadership 24 3 Leadership in the Christian Tradition I: Leadership in the Old Testament 58 4 Leadership in the Christian Tradition II: Leadership in the New Testament 77 5 Distrusting Leadership: Critical Reflection on the Practice of Leadership 111 Part 2 The Work of Leadership 6 Leadership and Organizational Culture 141 7 Animating the Body: Growing and Developing Others 164 8 Fostering Collaboration 192 9 Discerning Direction: Leadership and Vision 219 10 The Spirituality of Christian Leadership 251 References and Further Reading 262 Index of Biblical References 269 Index of Names and Subjects 272

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisTotal Forgiveness is one of R. T. Kendall's most popular titles and perhaps his most important work.Trade ReviewIf I could have only one of R. T.'s books, this would be my choice. There is no more important message for the church today. * Rob Parsons *

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Book SynopsisWHAT GOD WANTS addresses humanity''s most important question. For centuries - indeed, for millennia - our species has been trying to determine what it is that puts us in good standing with God, earning us a place in God''s kingdom after our death, bringing us a good life while here on earth. Now, in a startlingly clear, direct and simple text, Neale Donald Walsch provides an answer that fits all religions and, ultimately, transcends them.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR NEALE DONALD WALSCH'S PREVIOUS BOOKSI read this and it completely turned everything I believe about religion on its head. If you are at all religious, you should read this book.' * Francis Rossi of Status Quo, Metro *Contains a wisdom I believe we all have inside us but don't stop to listen to . . . there is the wisdom of the ages in this book * Dr Bernie Siegel *

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Book SynopsisNicky Cruz is known by millions through Run Baby Run, the dramatic book and film of his early life, which told of his transformation from New York''s most feared gang leader into one of the world''s most famous and effective evangelists.Soul Obsession presents a fascinating new insight into the Nicky Cruz of today. It tells stories of his family background and the people and experiences that have fundamentally shaped his faith and thinking, and explains how and why he is still totally devoted to God''s calling.Nicky then asks whether YOU have what it takes to make a difference. Having a Soul Obsession requires: PASSION, for Jesus; MERCY, to see people through Jesus'' eyes; and VISION, to know the purpose God has for your life.Soul Obsession is packed with miracles, passion, challenge and drama. It will excite and inspire all with a heart for Spirit-led evangelism.

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Book SynopsisWhat happens when a Muslim, born and brought up in a Muslim family in an Islamic country, converts to Christianity? In this unique book, Brother Andrew describes the personal, cultural, spiritual and life-threatening challenges that they face.Most of the book is written as a thrilling novel, tracing the intertwined lives of a small group of believers in an unnamed Islamic country. The story becomes all the more fascinating as we realise that the stories are all based on the actual experiences of real people Andrew meets on a regular basis. SECRET BELIEVERS is the most topical, eye-opening Christian book of 2007.Trade ReviewThe most topical, eye-opening Christian book of 2007! * UCB (United Christian Broadcasters) *

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Book SynopsisFor several decades, Michael Coogan''s introductory course on the Old Testament has been a perennial favorite among students at Harvard University. In God and Sex, Coogan examines one of the most controversial aspects of the Hebrew Scripture: What the Old Testament really says about sex, and how contemporary understanding of those writings is frequently misunderstood or misrepresented. In the engaging and witty voice generations of students have appreciated, Coogan explores the language and social world of the Bible, showing how much innuendo and euphemism is at play, and illuminating the sexuality of biblical figures as well as God. By doing so, Coogan reveals the immense gap between popular use of Scripture and its original context. God and Sex is certain to provoke, entertain, and enlighten readers.Trade ReviewMichael Coogan is one of the leading Hebrew Bible scholars in America. His new book on sexuality in the Bible (the sexuality of men, women, and God!) promises to be as scintillating as it is informative. Here a seasoned interpreter of Scripture shows how ancient authors viewed the world of sexuality, and how these ancient reflections can influence modern thinking, as "people of the book" reflect on the pressing issues of sex and gender in our own day, issues ranging from adultery and premarital sex to same-sex relations and heterosexual sex within marriage. - Bart D. Ehrman, New York Times bestselling author of Misquoting JesusReaders looking for an unbiased appraisal of what the Bible says about premarital sex, homosexuality, and polygamy can trust Coogan, a biblical scholar of the highest order. Concise, clear, and accessible to general readers, this book covers all the usual topics plus a few that may surprise ... Readers may be surprised to find a convincing discussion of evidence for God's own (sometimes unflattering) sexuality, in metaphor if not in fact. Coogan's reminder at the book's end that modern application of biblical texts requires interpretation and nuance is a welcome corrective to selective, literalist use. - Publishers Weekly (starred review)"Revered by the devout as a revelation of God's will, the Bible vexes many progressive thinkers as an obstacle to gender equality and sexual liberation. Coogan has written this book to help such progressives get past their vexations ... A critique as radical as this one will astonish conservatives, who will wonder why those who accept it would even bother with the Bible. But it will embolden social activists glad to weaken restraints rooted in traditional understandings of scripture.Expect media attention and controversy." - BooklistMichael Coogan is an extraordinary writer on the culture of the Bible and the ancient Near East. Though acknowledged far and wide as an impeccable scholar, he always manages to make his scholarship accessible to the general reader and to find just the right point of entry into a subject so that the reader may be lured onward. Furthermore, his clarity of exposition inevitably exposes the relevance of his subject to our world. A book on sex in the Bible is the perfect subject to display Coogan's unusual abilities. It's hard to imagine readers not being interested in the subject of sex and God, especially in the hands of a writer as skillful as Coogan. - Thomas Cahill, former director of religious publishing at Doubleday and author of the bestselling Hinges of History series

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Book SynopsisBy offering a provocative reinterpretation of liberalism and its relationship to the German anti-Catholic movement, this work demonstrates that in Germany, liberalism itself contributed to a culture of intolerance that would prove to be a serious liability in the 20th century. It is the winner of the 2004 John Gilmary Shea Prize.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisAlan of Lille was a notable figure in the second half of the twelfth century as a theologian and as a poet and he has seemed as rich and individual a writer to modern scholars as he did to his own contemporaries. This study examines his work as a whole, in an attempt to set his well-known literary achievement in the context of his theological writings.Table of ContentsPart I. Theologia Speculativa; 1. Handmaids of Theology; 2. Theologia Rationalis; 3. Theologia Moralis; Part II. Teologia Practica; 4. Expedimenta; 5. Impedimenta; Part III. The Perfect Man; 6. Making Man Anew.

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Book SynopsisDr Whybray's volume, like the others in the series, contains the text in the New English Bible translation, with introductory material preceding, and a commentary directly following, each section of text. Dr Whybray describes the ancient Near Eastern tradition of producing collections of 'wisdom': instructions in the form of aphorisms and proverbs, for the education of the young for a happy and successful career. He indicates the dependence of Proverbs on this tradition, but also points out how the Israelite authors modified it. The book contains three kinds of material: sections whose form and character are hardly distinguishable from the instructions of Egypt and Mesopotamia; others where, in spite of a more specifically Israelite dress, the aim remains the achievement of a successful life; and finally passages in which the main purpose has now become the pursuit of a wisdom conforming entirely with the 'fear of the Lord'.Table of ContentsThe footnotes to the N.E.B. text; Introduction; The wisdom tradition in the ancient Near East; The book of Proverbs and its models: resemblances and differences; The structure of the book; How to read the book; List of subjects; Index.

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Book SynopsisIn the course of their investigations into Leonardo da Vinci and the Turin Shroud, Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince found clues in the work of the great Renaissance artist that pointed to the existence of a secret underground religion.Trade Review'Astonishing, gruesome, shocking, and sensational...An impressively argued book' * Washington Times *One of the most fascinating books I have read since The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail -- Colin WilsonA cracking art-detection story, as well as a central inspiration for The Da Vinci Code... A highly entertaining book * The Rough Guide to The Da Vinci Code *One of the key books in The Da Vinci Code's bibliography and the original source of a number of the novel's theories about Leonardo, the Templars, and the Priory of Sion -- Dan Burstein * Secrets of the Code *

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Book SynopsisJoan E. Taylor is Professor of Christian Origins and Second Temple Judaism at King's College London, UK.Trade ReviewEditor Joan Taylor’s coterie of merry scholars does justice to the serendipitous meeting of Jesus and Brian … Several essays sparkle with almost divine panache. * Journal of the American Academy of Religion *I was astonished when I heard there was to be a conference where proper New Testament scholars would be discussing what they had learnt from Life of Brian! This is the result. Fascinating... * John Cleese *Taken as a whole, the essays form a complete analytical documentation of the Life of Brian, and very interesting they are too! They take various angles and look at the film from not just a filmic one but from a historical point of view, and read many things I had not noticed at the time. The comparisons are always illuminating, and the commentaries always right on the nose. * Terry Jones, Monty Python *[T]his delightful edited collection ... is something of a labour of love for its editor Joan E. Taylor and the other contributors who managed to procure the involvement of two of the original Pythons, John Cleese and Terry Jones, to talk about the influence and reception of the film. * Theology Journal *[The book] contains 16 papers from a distinguished group of international biblical scholars ... One cannot do justice to the breadth of the contributors' papers. * Church Times *This diverse colleciton showcases the many ways a particular biblical film can direct our attention back to ancient texts and contexts with greater insight and critical awareness. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the Gospels, historical Jesus research, or biblical films. While reception analysis is emerging as a recognized sub-discipline of biblical studies worthy of pursuit in its own right, many still ask whether it can provide an exegetical pay off. This book responds affirmatively, as each author poses and attempts to answer the (adapted) question of "Reg" the Judean freedom fighter: "What have the Pythons [indeed, what has reception exegesis] done for us?" * Rhonda Burnette-Bletsch, Eastern University, USA *[CC] This is not the silly book the title suggests it is. Rather, it is a serious (but not too serious) exploration of the Pythons' classic comedy Life of Brian vis-à-vis the historical Jesus and his Sitz im Leben. Emanating from the Jesus and Brian Conference held at King’s College London (2014), the book is a great read for admirers of the Pythons in general and of the film in particular and for serious (but not too serious) New Testament scholars. The lectures-turned-essays are organized into two parts: ‘The Film in Its Cinematic Context, Its Reception, and Its Challenges’ and ‘History and Interpretation via Monty Python’s Life of Brian.’ Both are interesting and at times fascinating. The first offers a glimpse of the movie before, while, and after it was made and released; the second gives readers a glimpse of the times in which Jesus lived. The book covers a potpourri of topics and offers much valuable scholarship. Both film students and students of the historical Jesus will find much to commend in this book. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty. -- W. J. Pankey, William Rainey Harper College, USA * CHOICE *This book is a great read for anyone interested in Monty Python's classic Life of Brian and the almost equally exciting world of biblical, early Jewish and Christian studies. Like undoubtedly many other colleagues I have used various scenes from the film in my classes on ancient Jewish religion and culture. I have learned a great deal of new things from the book. This book will now be mandatory reading for students. Catering to the needs of students of the biblical past, most chapters deal with ancient history and interpretation via the movie. The contributors write with humour and also very profound knowledge of ancient history, texts and contexts. In doing so, they often challenge the reader to go beyond some of the cliches surrounding the movie's understanding. And it's good to know that the Pythons got Pilate's dress right. * Mladen Popovic, University of Groningen, The Netherlands *These are very serious essays, well researched and carefully written. -- Dianne Bergant * Bible Today *A cracking good read. -- George HunkaClearly any text concerning Life of Brian will supply humor scholars with fruitful material, since the film is the holy grail (pun intended) for those seeking to link religion with humor, and this book will afford them many constructive ideas and critiques within a set of essays that are an accessible and valuable resource, demonstrating at the same time the role of history in the study of humor. Additionally, it concludes with a detailed bibliography of Life of Brian scholarship useful to anyone looking to research the film or Monty Python in general. * Humor: International Journal of Humor Research *Table of ContentsList of Authors List of Abbreviations List of Illustrations Preface: Terry Jones Foreword: Paul Joyce Introduction: Jesus and Brian: the Conference and the Book Joan E. Taylor, King's College London, UK Part One: The Film in its Cinematic Context, its Reception and its Challenges 1. Monty Python's Life of Brian and the Jesus Film William Telford, University of Durham, UK 2. The Church of England’s Life of Python – or what the Bishop saw Richard Burridge, King's College London, UK 3. When Brian met Moses: Life of Brian (1979), Wholly Moses (1980) and the ‘Failure’ of Biblical Parody David Shepherd, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland 4.‘Blasphemy!’ On Free Speech Then and Now David Tollerton, University of Exeter, UK 5.The Meaning of Monty Python’s Jesus James Crossley, University of Sheffield, UK 6. The Gospel of Brian Philip R. Davies, University of Sheffield, UK Part Two: History and Interpretation via Monty Python’s Life of Brian 7.The Historical Brian: Reception Exegesis in Practice Joan E. Taylor, Kings College London, UK 8. Romani Ite Domum – Expressions of Identity and Resistance in Judaea Guy D. Stiebel, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel 9. ‘You'll probably get away with Crucifixion’: Laughing at the Cross in Brian and the Ancient World Helen Bond, University of Edinburgh, UK 10. Brian as a Teacher of Righteousness George Brooke, University of Manchester, UK 11. Brian and the Apocalyptic Jesus: Parody as a Historical Method Bart Ehrman, University of North Carolina, USA 12. ‘Are You a Virgin?’: Biblical Exegesis and the Invention of Tradition Paula Fredriksen, Boston University, USA 13. Beards for Sale: The Uncut Version of Brian, Gender and Sexuality Amy-Jill Levine, Vanderbilt University, USA 14. ‘What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?’ Brian and Josephus on Anti-Roman Sentiment Steve Mason, University of Aberdeen, UK 15. Hook-Nosed Heebies: Brian, Jesus and Jewish Identity Adele Reinhartz, University of Ottawa, Canada 16. ‘The Shoe is the Sign!’ Costuming ‘Brian’ and Dressing the 1st Century Katie Turner, King's College London, UK Abstracts of Chapters Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis new and fully revised edition of the A Biblical Hebrew Reference Grammar serves as a user-friendly and up-to-date source of information on the morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics of Biblical Hebrew verbs, nouns and other word classes (prepositions, conjunctions, adverbs, modal words, negatives, focus particles, discourse markers, interrogatives and interjections). It also contains one of the most elaborate treatments of Biblical Hebrew word order yet published in a grammar. Compiled by authors with extensive experience in the teaching of Hebrew, the text is rendered both easily accessible and a fascinating examination of the language, building upon the initial publication by incorporating up-to-date developments in the study of the Hebrew Bible. This grammar will be of service both to students who have completed an introductory or intermediate course in Biblical Hebrew, and also to more advanced scholars seeking to take advantage of traditional and recent descTrade Review‘A Biblical Hebrew Reference Grammar deserves praise for integrating traditional knowledge of Biblical Hebrew with recent thinking in general linguistics. This second and entirely revised edition will continue to serve all those who wish to base biblical exegesis on a sound analysis of the source language.' * JAN JOOSTEN, Regius Professor of Hebrew, Oxford University, United Kingdom *‘This is now the best reference grammar of Biblical Hebrew bar none! The authors have produced and utilised the latest linguistic research to improve every area (phonology, morphology, syntax, macrosyntax) and to expand the grammar so that questions can be answered now that were never answered previously. I endorse this work enthusiastically.’ * PETER J. GENTRY, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA *‘The thoroughly-revised second edition of A Biblical Hebrew Reference Grammar is without doubt the new gold standard for students and scholars of Biblical Hebrew. Its clear format, accessible prose and comprehensive coverage belie a great deal of linguistic sophistication, though the authors wear their scholarship lightly. They successfully draw from the diversity of contemporary approaches to the study of language – functionalist, formalist, cognitive, typological – yet keep the phenomena of the language itself “front and centre”, making this grammar user-friendly without any loss of complexity.’ * MATTHEW ANSTEY, Charles Sturt University School of Theology, Australia *Christo van der Merwe and Jacobus Naudé's new edition of A Biblical Hebrew Reference Grammar is fully conversant in contemporary linguistics and grounded in the authors’ deep, intricate knowledge of the language data. Their work needs to be on the digital shelf of anyone studying the Hebrew Bible or biblical languages. This is arguably the most important grammar of Hebrew to be published in several decades. * Michael Aubrey, Linguist, Editor of Koine-Greek.com *Table of ContentsForeword Abbreviations Chapter 1 – Introduction Chapter 2 – The Hebrew Alphabet and Masoretic Signs Chapter 3 – Word, Clause and Text in Biblical Hebrew: A Survey Chapter 4 – The Verb Chapter 5 – The Noun Chapter 6 – The Other Word Classes Chapter 7 – Word Order Glossary Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisOliver D. Crisp studies the topics of human freedom, redemption and communion with one another and God, which are central themes in Christian theology. The chapters of this volume are arranged according to how they would appear in a traditional dogmatics: dealing with issues concerning human free will and sin, studies on the person of Christ in recent theology, and human redemption. The book ends with pieces examining two important issues in Christian practice, namely, the Eucharist and prayer. Deeply engaged with the Christian tradition, and exemplifying a generous orthodoxy, this work makes a constructive theological case for the vitality and importance of Reformed theology today.Trade ReviewIn this book we find Oliver Crisp doing just what we have come to expect from his prodigious body of work: demonstrating with astonishing clarity, care, and creativity the depth and subtlety of resources that the Reformed tradition affords for our thinking about the doctrinal loci central to Christian confession. -- Sameer Yadav, Westmont College, USAIn this erudite collection of studies, Oliver Crisp presents a series of further explorations into the substance of Reformed theology. With characteristic acuity and insight, he considers questions of signal and perennial importance in Christian doctrine, and advances creative responses that inform, challenge, and stimulate. This is compelling work, and comes warmly recommended. -- Paul T Nimmo, University of Aberdeen, UKThis is Oliver Crisp at his best. Exploring important theological matters with characteristic precision, Crisp invites us to grapple with these issues through inviting prose and careful analysis. Alongside the impressive range of topics engaged by Crisp is the extraordinary range of conversation partners he includes. Each essay in this volume, and the constructive proposal contained therein, deserves careful consideration. -- Kristen Deede Johnson, Western Theological Seminary, USAIn these essays, Oliver Crisp moves several steps deeper into the soteriological core of Christian doctrine. Always taking his bearings from the doctrines of God and Christ, he engages in free discussion with a wide range of classic and contemporary theological positions, clarifying not only his own views but those of his dialogue partners. -- Fred Sanders, Biola University, USATable of ContentsAcknowledgement Preface Part One: Freedom and Sin 1.Providence and Libertarian Calvinism 2.Sin in Reformed Theology Part Two: Person of Christ 3.Andrew Loke’s Preconscious Christ 4.Colin Gunton’s Christology Part Three: Applied Salvation 5.Anglican Hypothetical Universalism 6.T. F. Torrance and Universal Salvation 7.Regeneration Reconsidered Part Four: Christian Life 8.Eucharistic presence 9.Prayer as Complaint Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisDaniel M. Gurtner is Professor of New Testament at Gateway Seminary in Ontario, California, USA.Loren T. Stuckenbruck is Professor of New Testament (with a specialization in Second Temple Judaism) at Ludwig Maximilian-University of Munich, Germany.

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Book SynopsisDaniel M. Gurtner is Professor of New Testament at Gateway Seminary in Ontario, California, USA.Loren T. Stuckenbruck is Professor of New Testament (with a specialization in Second Temple Judaism) at Ludwig Maximilian-University of Munich, Germany.

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Book SynopsisA profound exploration of the Bible?s Christmas story that delivers surprising insights to embrace the ancient wonder of the holiday season.?If you want this Christmas to be the best ever, read this book. Rediscovering Christmas opened my eyes to a world of meaning I had never known.??Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire and The War of ArtAre you tired of feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and empty during the holiday season? Instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle, are you ready to slow down, catch your breath, and rediscover the true beauty of Christmas?This captivating collection of readings explores the intersection where the ancient context meets the present moment.Pastor AJ Sherrillinvites you into an experience designed to renew your mind, reawaken your heart, rekindle your awe, and restore your body. Rediscovering Christmas is divided into two sections: Advent, which teaches the purpose of waiting, and Christmas, which reveals the joy of receiving. Through meaningful reflections, practices, and illustrations, you?ll see the diverse characters of the first Christmas in a new light?and comprehend just how their stories intertwine with your own.Return to its pages year after year, and let it refresh your heart and mind about the wonder of Christmas. Rediscovering Christmas is a timeless companion that will become a cherished tradition in your holiday season.

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Book SynopsisThese books of the Bible, despite their differences, all treat the phenomenon of what it means to live wisely before God. In this readable commentary, Ellen Davis points out that the writers of these books considered wisdom--and the fruits of wisdom, a well-ordered life and a peaceful mind--to be within the grasp of anyone wholeheartedly...

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