Spirituality and religious experience Books

Book SynopsisThe fact that some who profess to be Christians fall away from the faith has always been an obstacle to God’s people, but we are told in the Bible that those who God has called are saved forever. How then are we to understand the saints’ perseverance in the Christian life? How are we to view our lives in the light of God’s everlasting covenant and Christ’s completed work of salvation? What is our motivation to finish the race? John Owen’s work The Doctrine of the Saints’ Perseverance Explained and Confirmed was originally published in 1654 and this easier–to–read abridgement is still relevant to Christians today.Trade ReviewBoth theologically rich and readable, this short book covers a lot of ground. In eleven brief chapters the glories of an unchangeable God, and His unchangeable word are put forth for the encouragement, assurance and joy of the follower of Christ. For any who are unclear about the doctrine of the Christian’s perseverance, this work is a great introduction that will bring clarity and cultivate worship. -- Reuben Hunter (Pastor, Trinity West Church, London)

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Book SynopsisChristmas – it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Films, TV shows and commercials tell us that everything is great, everyone is happy, even the weather is obliging. But sometimes underneath all the sparkle our hearts have questions, like: Can Christmas Help Me With My Problems? Is Christmas Merely ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire’? How Can Christmas Make Me Happy Forever? Is Christmas Just Getting ‘Cool Stuff’? Why Should I Care About Baby Jesus? What Is the Magic of Christmas? Can I Have Christmas All Year Round? Is Christmas Any Different From Other Holiday Programs? Did It Really Happen? Should I Go To Church At Christmas? Josh Moody takes the ten most commonly asked questions about Christmas, and shows that better than all the happiness is the true joy of Christmas.Trade Review‘Christmas is not sentimental, it is instrumental.’ Josh Moody helps us see that Christmas doesn’t need to be only a time of hurried traditions and exhausting activity, it can be a season God uses to change our lives. This book will help you thoughtfully celebrate the true magic of Christmas: God making peace with us through the incarnation of Christ. -- Heather Winslow LeFebvre (Author of ‘The History of Christmas: 2,000 Years of Faith, Fable and Festivity’)How we view Christmas is often directly connected to how we view the Savior and the Gospel message. As someone that loves and sometimes over–sentimentalizes Christmas, I found myself very refreshed and challenged to think more deeply. This book is bold, wise, and fun – and I’m confident it will increase your love for Christmas, and your love for Jesus every day of the year. -- Kevin Palau (President, the Luis Palau Association)The birth of Jesus Christ radically changed the course of human history. Yet multitudes of people, both within and without the church, have a view of Christmas marked more by sentimentality than by the Scriptures. How Christmas Can Change Your Life provides a trustworthy guide to understanding the real meaning of Christmas. -- Al Jackson (Pastor, Lakeview Baptist Church, Auburn, Alabama)

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Book SynopsisEveryone grows up, but maturity is a choice. In the same way, becoming a mature Christian requires a choice to actively pursue spiritual growth. It’s important to learn what the Bible teaches about God and to obey what you learn. Whether you’re a new Christian, you’ve been a Christian for a long time, or you’re interested in Christianity, this six–week study will help you to know God, to live boldly for him, and to grow into Christian maturity.Trade Review… helps the reader understand and apply some essentials for spiritual maturity, as he faithfully and graciously guides them in this day–by–day discipleship book. Wherever you are in your Christian journey, this book will give you and other believers both instruction and inspiration for pursuing likeness to Jesus together. -- Tony Merida (Pastor, Imago Dei Church, Raleigh, North Carolina and author of ‘Love Your Church’)These daily readings will encourage you deeply in the basics of the faith and lead you beyond religion to the very person of Jesus Christ. Do the daily readings, meet with a friend weekly to discuss and watch yourself grow in the faith! -- Brian Dye (Executive Director, Legacy Disciple)Pastor Kris has created a great tool for discipleship for both new beginners and seasoned believers to dive deeper into their understanding of the essential doctrines of the faith. He connects eternal truths to real life situations and gives the reader a better understanding of how to apply them in everyday life. -- Sergio Garcia (Pastor, Kerusso Grace Church, Houston, Texas)Bite–sized readings, piercing questions, and practical applications flowing from glory of the gospel—that’s what you get in Kingdom Citizenship. Brossett’s writing is honest, hopeful, helpful. Read this book and learn what it means to be a hearer and a doer, a faithful citizen in the Kingdom of our risen Christ, who plays their part in the drama of Redemption. -- J. A. Medders (Author of ‘Humble Calvinism’ & Lead Pastor at Redeemer Church, Tomball, Texas)

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Book SynopsisInspiring quotes and inspirational stories will always be popular, but they rarely change lives. After reading the quote, hearing the story, and experiencing some feelings, we often go about our business as usual. What we need is a spiritual resource that helps us focus on heart issues, life change, and the rhythm of the Christian life. This year–long devotional takes 365 questions asked in the New Testament, and shows you how to change your focus, reorder your affections, and reprioritize your loves. It will inspire you to action, not just sweet reflections. It will compel you to love God and others more fervently and selflessly, while weaning your heart off the lies and lures of this world.Trade ReviewThis unique devotional will have readers asking questions of their own hearts as they seek to grow and apply God’s word to their lives. -- Christina Fox (Counselor, retreat speaker and author)What a marvellous idea to deal with the questions that the Bible deems worthy to deal with. God knows the snags in our thinking and addresses them before we do. This book will be a blessing to all who read it! -- Tommy Nelson (Senior Pastor, Denton Bible Church, Denton, Texas & author of several best–selling books)Brian Wright is a biblical scholar with a gift for effortless clarity and penetrating simplicity. Devour these Inspired Questions and see your life transformed! -- Daniel B. Wallace (Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas)… a biblically saturated, yet wonderfully practical devotional for the twenty–first–century church. Indeed, it is written in such a simple (yet profound) way that I would feel comfortable giving it out to any church member. I highly recommend that you read this insightful devotional, and then read it again with others! -- James J. Ackerman (President and CEO, Prison Fellowship)‘Inspired Questions’ is very accessible and needed, and I am glad to see it in print. Read it with an open bible, an open heart, and an open door for others to join you! -- J. P. Moreland (Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University and author of ‘Finding Quiet’)Sit still with the questions in this book. Or better yet, stand and walk and run and lie down with these questions on your mind. Allow them to scrutinize your heart motives. Discuss them with your kids and your friends. See how the Spirit highlights the aching desire of your heart and it’s incredible fulfillment: knowing and being known by God. Learn to ask (and keep asking!) this question with Asaph and revel in its glorious answer, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you” (Ps. 73:25). -- Gloria Furman (Pastor's wife, Mom of four, Author of 'Missional Motherhood' and 'Alive in Him')If you are looking for a fresh approach to engage Scripture, this is the devotional for you. Brian uses questions asked by Jesus, the disciples and others for each devotional and challenges the reader to interact with Scripture through reflection and application. -- Karen Swanson (Director of the Institute for Prison Ministries, Billy Graham Center, Wheaton College, Illinois)I’ll be taking this book home and reading the daily devotions around the family breakfast table this coming week. -- Robert L. Plummer (Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky )

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Book SynopsisFollowing God’s call to cross cultural mission, Ellis’ experience from riots, political upheaval, physical hardship, and burn out, to caring for his wife, Adèle, through her Alzheimer’s, he would have been unable to hold fast without a robust biblical understanding of God’s providence and sovereignty. With feeling and honesty Ellis weaves anecdote with biblical meditation, allowing scripture (especially the pivotal Psalm 2) to form the lens through which the world, in all its frightening chaos, is viewed. A personal, pastoral, faith building read, it offers scriptural reflection not trite answers – robust biblical wisdom for guidance, encouragement and challenge for Christians of all ages and stages.Trade ReviewFor those lost in the misty flats of shifting values and shaking foundations, this book brings hope. The anxieties, warmth, humour, and trust in the Lord that come through, have not been put together to enhance the readability of the book. They are the authentic David, as he is and as I have known him many years. -- David Pickard (Former OMF General Director)Rich treasures from two rich, rich lives. Sandwiched by their own love story at the beginning and the end, David Ellis writes beautifully and profoundly, and challenges us as readers to a faith that is daring and uncommon today. -- Os Guinness (Author and Conference Speaker)… records the stories of God’s faithfulness and mysterious providence in the pain, triumph, and silence of the mission field. This book is a testimony that God is faithful and he is sovereign. Read it and be reminded that God rules over the nations. -- E.D. Burns (International missionary & Director of the MA in Global Leadership, Western Seminary)This book does not tell us how to find God. Instead, it shows us how God finds us through Jesus Christ… that death shall die, for Christ is our witness. Ellis’ vulnerability and transparency stand out in this heart–warming and deeply moving book, and everyone should read it to the very end. -- Patrick Fung (Director, OMF International)This is the story of love and of faith; but even more it is a testimony to the grace and utter trustworthiness of God Himself. Here are the contours of true discipleship. Read and ponder! -- Rose Dowsett (Retired member of OMF International, former Vice–Chair of WEA Mission Commission, lecturer and author) … David doesn’t hesitate to bare his soul, and grasp the sovereign compassionate promises of God. As you read, you’ll walk with David and almost feel his pulse beat. You’ll laugh. You’ll ponder deeply your life’s experiences as you measure yours against his. You’ll be spurred on to greater trust in the Way, the Truth and the Life. Enjoy and grow. -- Robert Benn (Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Australia)David is a man who has experienced danger, sorrow and difficulties in some of their rawest forms. Yet what he has given us is a warmly written book, full of Scriptural reflection, that will both move and instruct its readers to see God’s faithfulness in every part of life. -- Andrew Hunter (Director Scotland & North Of England Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches )David and Adele Ellis became part of my life towards the end of Adele’s – when they became part of St Peter’s Free Church in Dundee. This book reflects exactly what I knew of both of them – wise, Godly, interesting , faithful, biblical and deep. I love it. This is not your run of the mill missionary book: it’s full of bible teaching, missionary work, practical experience devotional and so much more. From the loss of a niece in the Dunblane shooting to the loss of his wife through dementia David tells a painful, wonderful, beautiful story. The accounts of life in Indonesia and the testimony of their son John at his mother’s funeral are worth the price of the book alone. Personally I will never forget that testimony or that day. This book will help others to share in it – and to learn so much more! -- David Robertson (Well–known pastor and apologist)David’s honesty and touches of humor in speaking of lessons learned enables us to better grasp God’s unique work in each of our lives and to motivate us to press on and finish life well. -- Dan Bacon (Leadership Consultant, OMF)

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Book SynopsisThe garden provides the perfect image for the work of grace in our lives. In fact, Scripture often uses plant–based metaphors to describe the life of the believer. From the planting of the gospel seed to growing into oaks of righteousness, Kenneth Wingate explores these different aspects to show how we can flourish in Christ and bear fruit for him Contents: Author’s Preface Chapter 1: The Vineyard Chapter 2: The Soil Chapter 3: The Seed Chapter 4: The Growth Chapter 5: The Weeds Chapter 6: The Pruning Chapter 7: The Fruit Chapter 8: The Harvest Chapter 9: The Feast AfterwordTrade ReviewKen Wingate wants you to wallow in grace. In this manual for the Christian life he writes of deep grace with such a light touch—and good sense. Insights abound; the book is simply fun to read. -- Dale Ralph Davis (Respected Author and Old Testament Scholar)One of the most frequently used metaphors in the Bible to picture the Christian life is that of the vineyard producing fruit. Kenneth Wingate has done an excellent job drawing upon this rich imagery to convey the clear teaching of Scripture concerning our growing in grace. Easy to understand, yet challenging to live, this book will be a great help to your pursuit of personal holiness. May God use it to bring forth much fruit in your life. -- Steven J. Lawson (President, OnePassion Ministries and Professor of Preaching,The Master’s Seminary, Sun Valley, California)Rich Grace in Poor Soil leads you to the very heart of God. For anyone who feels bruised, hurt or worn out, this book will refresh the soul. Written with a sharpness of insight and a flair for illustration, Rich Grace in Poor Soil is a tonic. -- Derek W. H. Thomas (Senior Minister of Preaching and Teaching, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina)Christians delight to read about grace in the way that happy families pore over old holiday photographs. In this book, Ken Wingate uses the Biblical image of a vineyard to unpack grace in its various and diverse aspects in a way that is both simple and profound. This is warm nourishment for the soul. -- Iain Duguid (Professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)Engaging and encouraging, this book digs into the deep soil of divine grace to display wonders that will lead its readers into praise. If you are looking to grow spiritually and enlarge your understanding of God’s marvelous ways, this is the book for you! -- Richard D. Phillips (Senior Minister, Second Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina)

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Book SynopsisThis book lifts the lid on the human heart, seeking to uncover the hidden agendas that stop us from loving God and others as we should. Our hearts have a selfish list of priorities that we believe are important and need to be given attention. But often these heart agendas are in tension with God’s agenda. David Smith uses four biblical pictures to help us consider these agendas that are often hidden so deep within our hearts that we are unaware of them. Using examples from the Bible, he uncovers the desire to be significant; the desire to have certainty; the desire to have peace, safety, and security; and the desire for our own fulfilment. Each of these four chapters begins with a story from the Bible, an explanation of the heart agenda exposed in the story, the underlying heart fear, the heart demand, and the heart problem. It then goes on to show God’s heart agenda in that situation and concludes with a summary and questions for reflection. The final two chapters show the servant heartedness that is central to the Kingdom of God, and the way we can honestly assess our own hearts. David helpfully finishes the book with guidance on how we can journey towards the heart agendas God wants us to have.Trade ReviewLike an annual physical exam, it is good to get a spiritual heart check now and again. Hidden Agendas does that by helping us see things that get in the way of our walk with God and then prescribing ways to renew our heart trust in God. The result is a healthier walk with God. So read and grow. -- Darrell Bock (Senior Research Professor of New Testament, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas)… a helpful and refreshing book. This book would be a help to anyone in ministry or leadership, however experienced or inexperienced. It provides a vital health check and should be a must read for practitioners. -- Stephen McQuoid (General Director of Gospel Literature Outreach, Motherwell, Scotland)These are challenging chapters, especially when compared with the highest model of service, for we are called to follow our Lord who washed the feet of others. A highly recommended read for all. -- Ian Burness (Chairman, IBCM Network)With appropriate and often deeply moving pastoral insights from his own life and refreshing honesty, the author reveals these agendas and the corresponding heart problems they generate. I thoroughly recommend it as a book to strengthen our confidence in the adequacy of God. -- John C. Lennox (Professor of Mathematics, University of Oxford, Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy of Science, Green Templeton College)As I read, I found myself entreating the Lord through the sentiments of Psalm 139 to search and know my heart, test and know my thoughts, uncover hidden agendas, and lead me in His ways. -- Kenneth Berding (Professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University and author of ‘How to Live an ‘In Christ’ Life: 100 Devotional Readings on Union with Christ’)

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Book SynopsisHow does the doctrine of sanctification shape the Christian life? Offering a fully developed treatment of "accomplished" sanctification, Don Payne explains that the primary biblical focus in sanctification is not progressive growth but that which has already occurred for Christians to make growth possible, necessary, and grace-driven. As Payne explores the significance Scripture attributes to the accomplished aspect of sanctification, he helps us understand that we are already sanctified. Sanctification is not synonymous with transformation but undergirds strategies and resources related to Christian discipleship and formation.Table of ContentsContentsIntroductionPart 1: How We Got Where We Are1. The Sanctification Mutiny2. New Ventures in SanctificationPart 2: The Biblical Story Line Revisited3. A Potent Backstory: Consecration in the Old Testament4. A Shocking New Story: Sanctification in the New Testament5. Unexpected Instances of Sanctification6. Sanctification as Liberated Responsibilities and Compelling Promises7. TransformationPart 3: The Doctrinal Profile Reanimated8. Sanctification as God's Transforming Power9. Sanctification and the Process of Transformation10. Accomplished Sanctification in ActionConclusionIndexes

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Book SynopsisThrough evocative storytelling and stylish prose, this collection of poetry explores the story of childhood and the development of observation, sexuality, and spirituality through their connections to the animal world and nature. Nostalgic scenes are depicted through the lens of religion, dreams, and the dangerously unpredictable development of the young soul. Eloquent yet concise, these poems skillfully navigate the suffering, enchantments, and revelations of youth.

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Book SynopsisIn this compelling collection of talks, interviews, and letters, Toni Packer provides a comprehensive overview of the path of meditative inquiry—a nondenominational approach to spiritual growth that emphasizes the direct experience of the present moment. 'The immense challenge for each one of us,' Packer writes, 'is can we live our lives, at least for moments at a time, in the wonder of presence that is the creative source of everything?' She shows how we can transform fear, anger, guilt, and attachment to our self-image through simple, direct awareness. Having recently lost her husband of fifty years, Packer also speaks with candor and tenderness about the convulsions of a grieving heart and the peace that undivided awareness can bring. Toni Packer began studying Zen in 1967 with Roshi Philip Kapleau (author of The Three Pillars of Zen ) at the Rochester Zen Center and was eventually named his successor. Seeing the potentially destructive effects of relying too much on tradition, however, she did not accept the position. Packer is strongly influenced by the teachings of Krishnamurti and has turned away from the traditional forms and hierarchies that are prevalent in many Buddhist schools. Her approach is appealing to many Westerners who find institutionalized practices such as chanting, bowing, and burning incense to be alien and unnecessary.

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Book SynopsisThis volume explores past religious lives, setting spiritualities in their historical context.

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Book SynopsisFor the past three decades Dr Williams has risked his personal safety to journey among shamans in Peru the mystical and spiritual centre of our times. The spiritual travelogue includes descriptions of the shamanic ceremonies he performed at sacred sites like Machu Picchu and Cuzco as well as his initiations using the mind- expanding psychedelic ayahuasca and the sacred coca plant.

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Book SynopsisThis is the most comprehensive and accessible reference to women''s spirituality on the market. It covers a wide range of women''s spiritual experience from the dawn of civilisation to present day: New Age rituals, ancient Jewish traditions, black women''s spirituality, Christian theology and more. This book will be the essential reference for the women''s spirituality market for years to come. Faulkner provides a potpourri of feminist spiritual experience:-A broad overview of women''s spirituality-A primer on ritual-Spiritual Traditions including Wiccan, Celtic, Jewish, Christian, native peoples and more.-Amusing anecdotes, cartoons, sidebars and sound information The women''s spirituality market emerged in a big way in the 1980s. Over the course of the past twenty-five years it has moved from a hard-edged pagan movement to a more inclusive movement. This book includes everything from goddess and the divine feminine to women''s health and well-being and women''s sexuality.This is probably the only reference book that will appeal to a wide range of readers interested in women''s spirituality: the pagan readers of Starhawk, the goddess-centric readers of Barbara Walker and the Christian readers of Sue Monk Kidd. In short, this is a book for every woman interested in any facet of women''s spirituality.

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