Zondervan

Book SynopsisFrom the trusted writings of Dr. Charles Stanley comes Finding God’s Blessings in Brokenness, a deeply encouraging book about seeking the Lord through the trials and tribulations of life.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFind your place in God’s Epic Story. This 365 devotional shows how God weaves His plan throughout time. As you enjoy moments with Him daily, you’ll see His plan for this place and this time of your life begin to unfold.The Story Devotional is also a wonderful companion to the bestselling Bible The Story.Spend every day reading God’s story, and let Him be the author of your life.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA fitting Festschrift to Stan Gundry, a man known by many people for many things, but never for being one-dimensional. As a pastor, scholar, publisher, mentor, and trusted friend, Stan has played diverse roles and worn numerous hats in his professional tenure.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAre you ready to accept a challenge that could dramatically change your life? The Weekly Prayer Project invites you to journal, pray, reflect, and connect with God using a 52-week guided prayer journal. You''ll learn to pray with intention and explore the different types of prayers found in the Bible, with journaling prompts that guide you to reflect on God''s work in your life.The Weekly Prayer Project is: Full of variety of prayers—from prayers of gratitude and thankfulness to prayers of lament and intercession Perfect for a beginner in faith and prayer life, but thought provoking enough for someone already familiar with prayer A unique prayer journaling format designed to help you focus and organize time for prayer A perfect companion for individual worship, Bible studies, and small groups Each week includes: A biblical theme to focus on A short but imp

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou were always meant to be brave. Whether you''re coping with loss, making a major decision, or facing a fear, 100 Days to Brave will give you courage and confidence to move forward. With honesty and relatable humor, New York Times bestselling author Annie F. Downs invites you to embrace the path and plan God has for you. Stop allowing your fears to hold you back. Face them head on with 100 Days to Brave as your devotional guide to walking the road to your most courageous self.Dare to spend the next 100 days discovering how to: Experience personal growth, navigate difficult transitions, and overcome anxiety Conquer your fear so it doesn''t hold you back Establish daily habits to keep you mentally strong Impacting 400,000 individuals and families, 100 Days to Brave is for: Women (and men, too) of all ages Individuals wanting to ignite hope in

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the secret to a happy life when you cultivate a thankful heart for all the ways God has blessed you.No matter how difficult life seems, you will find more joy when you choose gratitude. Boost your happiness and deepen your walk with God by becoming aware of all you have to appreciate. 365 Devotions for a Thankful Heart is a daily devotional that will inspire you to slow down, recognize God’s gifts, and be grateful for all His blessings.Scripture tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances,” but some days that''s hard to do! The short, uplifting devotions in 365 Devotions for a Thankful Heart will help you begin to recognize all the ways God is providing His love and guidance to you right now. As you develop a fresh awareness of His presence, you''ll grow in gratitude—guaranteed!This yearlong devotional includes: An inspiring Scripture passage to help you immerse yourself in God''s Word at the beginning of each day A short daily reading encouraging you to open your heart with gratitude to all the ways God has blessed you A short prayer to help focus your heart on thankfulness as you go about your day  365 Devotions for a Thankful Heart is a perfect gift for women of all ages for Christmas, New Year''s, birthdays, Valentine''s Day, Mother''s Day, or as a welcoming gift for new church members. Each devotion is the perfect length to fit into even the busiest schedule, but substantial enough to start your day on just the right note and help you focus on what God is accomplishing in and through you. The result? A heart and soul filled with thankfulness.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLaughter that makes your stomach hurt, the perfect cup of coffee, a few moments alone with your Bible - these are moments of joy to be found on even the most difficult days. When you know you can trust God no matter what, lasting joy will be yours. Find your joy in Simple Joys: Discovering Wonder in the Everyday by Candace Payne.Who hasn’t struggled with discontent, being overwhelmed, and the fight to be happy? You know that you have much to be grateful for, but sometimes the world feels so heavy and it’s hard to recognize the good stuff, let alone find and experience true, lasting joy.Candace Payne, better known as “Chewbacca Mom,” reached more than 200 million people when her surprise outburst of joy at the simplest pleasure of a Star Wars mask went viral. Her story of struggling with loneliness, discontent, and unhappiness came out soon after, which made the world question: What makes her different?

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisEngaging Theology is an introductory theology textbook that grounds a treatment of standard systematic topics in the wider context of life and practice and shows the relevance of each doctrine to the church.Trade Review“Ben Blackwell and Randy Hatchett have put together an eminently readable introduction to Christian theology for students. It contains a good balance of Bible, church history, and theological description, is ever mindful of contemporary application, and explains strange topics with simplicity and clarity. A valuable resource for anyone beginning theological studies.” * Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird, academic dean and lecturer in theology, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia *“Engaging Theology brings together Christian history, biography, spirituality, and the development of doctrine in a narrative at once coherent and comprehensive. It is inviting, accessible, irenic. I welcome this new book and recommend it highly!” * Timothy George, research professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, and general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture series *“Engaging Theology is an excellent resource for the classroom. Blackwell and Hatchett ably summarize the fundamentals of the Christian faith, demonstrating the biblical warrant, historical development, dogmatic location, and cultural implications each of the major doctrines. While readers will inevitably quibble with certain modes of argument or specific theological conclusions, the authors’ judicious approach, ecumenical awareness, and charitable spirit are just as important for the classroom as the clarity of their doctrinal summaries.” * Matthew Y. Emerson, Dickinson Associate Professor of Religion, Oklahoma Baptist University *“Introductory theology textbooks are a dime a dozen. What separates Engaging Theology from the rest of the pack is that it is genuinely engaging in multiple ways: it engages the reader with lively prose and common-sense language, engages the Christian tradition in faithful and informed ways, engages the contemporary world beyond theology, and engages practice as it speaks into ministry, vocation, and praxis. Theology is on the move, and Blackwell and Hatchet realize this and help readers navigate the terrain in responsible and informative ways. This is the sort of introductory text students are now looking for and need.” * Myk Habets, head of school of theology, Laidlaw College, Auckland, New Zealand, and professor of theology *“Professors Blackwell and Hatchett have provided us with a thoughtful volume to introduce students to many of the wide-ranging topics, themes, and issues in the field of systematic the- ology. In these pages, readers will find helpful biographical portraits of significant Christian thinkers, interaction with various religious traditions, and insightful applications focused on spiritual formation and the life of the church. Though some readers will ponder the inclusion or exclusion of some topics or some of the authors’ conclusions, they will nevertheless be encouraged and helped by the authors’ commitments to Trinitarian orthodoxy, to the importance of key aspects of the Christian tradition, and to genuine theological engagement.” * David S. Dockery, chancellor and professor of Christianity and culture, Trinity International University *“The Christian pilgrimage involves pursuing knowledge of Christian theology---either intentionally or unintentionally. R. L. Hatchett and Ben Blackwell in Engaging Theology have provided a rich reading resource for beginning that part of the journey, either in the university or in a local church. Engaging Theology is an excellent primer for communities that need a theology book that is Trinitarian in structure; comprehensive, ecumenical, and nondogmatic in spirit; emphasizes the narrative nature of theological development; and interacts with the broader church and other religious traditions.” * Berten A. Waggoner, former national director of Vineyard USA *“This is the theology textbook that I wish I had been reading during my undergraduate and seminary theological education. It engages the Bible but is not simply the homogenized biblical- theological approach that I encountered. This work understands hermeneutics and presents theological method, yet it is practical. It points to the boundaries of orthodoxy and to questions that may be open. It understands that theology develops through history (and without quoting J. H. Newman). It opens the student up to dialogue with a variety of Christian perspectives and with other major religions, yet there is a firm core commitment. It is clearly Protestant, even Evangelical, but it is open to Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other perspectives as well. I heartily recommend its use as a teaching text or as a work to learn how to present Christian theology clearly and how to dialogue without slipping into a relativistic approach.” * Rev. Peter H. Davids, New Testament editor, Word Biblical Commentary *“With historical breadth, doctrinal clarity, and pastoral acumen, Blackwell and Hatchett invite students into the study of Christian theology with a text that is comprehensive without being daunting. Written with the student in mind, their book provides a confessional and welcoming approach to the study of theology. This is a book for those who love Jesus but might be skeptical as to why we need clarity about who God is and what God has done.” * Myles Werntz, associate professor of Christian ethics and practical theology, T. B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics, Logsdon School of Theology *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTake a daily step toward joy and contentment and ditch stress, overwhelming thoughts, and boredom with encouraging and biblical messages from Alli Worthington.You do your best to live life well—you work hard to be present in the moment, take care of the people in your life, knock it out of the park at work and home. And yet, somehow, you still have days (perhaps more than you''d like to admit) where you''re simultaneously stressed and bored, and you wonder if you even know how to be happy. Is happiness a worthy goal? Does happiness matter to God, or does He only care about holier things?Alli Worthington gets it. As a wife, mother of five boys, author, speaker, and entrepreneur, she knows a thing or two about being busy, stressed, and happy in the midst of a crazy world! Over the years, she''s seen how happiness gets a bad rap in Christian circles, and now she is standing up to shout the good news from the roof (or the internet,

Read more less

Book SynopsisAre your days full? Are you tired and craving quiet for your soul? You''re not alone. If days filled with obligations and never-ending to-do lists leave you feeling anxious and overwhelmed, you can find the peace your soul longs for. In Settle My Soul, authors Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk invite you to carve out a few moments in your day to deepen your relationship with the Lord through 100 encouraging devotions. Karen and Ruth are women who understand all that you''re juggling, and they desire for you to experience the refreshment that comes only from the Lord. Settle My Soul is the companion to the best-selling devotional Pressing Pause. With just a few minutes, you can connect with God, set aside your busyness and worries, center your thoughts on Him and His Word, and restore your peace of mind. Each devotional includes a brief but meaningful devotional message, applicable scripture, guided praye

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn essential follow-up to their New York Times bestselling book, A Love Letter Life, Jeremy and Audrey Roloff introduce Creative Love, a timeless relationship book for couples that offers practical advice for creating a fun, fulfilling, and forever love story. You may know the Roloffs from the television show Little People, Big World, their Behind the Scenes podcast, or following their growing family online.The Roloffs are passionate about encouraging healthy, life-giving relationships. They share relationship advice from a place of humility as they continually learn what it means to love one another creatively, intentionally, and faithfully, while pursuing a godly marriage. Focusing on dating and marriage through the lens of faith and creativity, Creative Love provides insights on the following topics:Communicating in ways that grow your love&nb

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the Variety and Unity of the Early ChurchThe Christian church of the early centuries spread throughout much of Asia, Africa, and Europe, spoke many languages, was situated within diverse cultural settings, and had varied worship practices; yet it maintained a vital unity on core teachings at the heart of the Christian faith. In The Global Church--The First Eight Centuries: From Pentecost through the Rise of Islam, author Donald Fairbairn helps readers understand both the variety and unity of the church in this pivotal era by: Re-centering the story of the church in its early centuries, paying greater attention to Africa, Turkey, and Syria, where most of the church''s intellectual energy was nurtured Highlighting Christian communities outside the Roman Empire, as far afield as Persia and India, alongside those within it Identifying key events by their global, not merely Western, significance and taking int

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisBroaden the scope of your New Testament studies with this introduction to early Christian apocryphal literature.To understand the New Testament well, it is important to study the larger world surrounding it, and one of the primary avenues for this exploration is through reading related ancient texts. But this task is daunting for scholars and novices alike given the sheer size of the ancient literary corpora. The Ancient Literature for New Testament Studies series aims to bridge this gap by introducing the key ancient texts that form the cultural, historical, and literary context for the study of the New Testament.Early New Testament Apocrypha offers an entry point into the corpus of early Christian apocryphal literature through twenty-eight texts or groups of texts. While the majority of the texts fall within the first four centuries CE, and therefore are useful for uncovering the earliest interpretations assigned to the New Testament, select

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisExperience the fullness of life that Jesus promises by learning how to engage with the present--even in the increasing busyness of work and family life.Do you ever wonder how long can you keep: grinding out eighty-hour work weeks? putting your marriage on the backburner? treating your employees like cogs in a machine? pushing your life aside before you realize your time is all up? At the heart of this collaborative project is the belief that the pain we experience is the result of absence--living disconnected from our authentic selves and lacking deep, meaningful relationships with others and with God.Daniel Montgomery, the founding pastor of Sojourn Community Church; Kenny Silva, a PhD candidate at Trinity International University; and Eboni Webb, who holds a doctorate of Clinical Psychology, pooled their efforts and expertise to focus on the problem of modern absence and the pain it causes us an

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFacing a big decision? Trying to recover from a bad one? Need to make better decisions in the future? Your decisions dictate the story of your life. In the How to Make Big Decisions Wisely Video Study, author Alan Ehler outlines a practical, biblically based model for making life-shaping choices.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn his classic Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, Jack Deere looked at the reason why many Christians (including himself at the time) struggle to believe in miraculous gifts, and he provided a groundbreaking biblical defense of the Holy Spirit''s speaking and healing activities today.In Why I Am Still Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, the former Dallas Seminary professor revisits his earlier subject matter with fresh insight and even stronger conviction: the Scriptures teach that God is healing and speaking today just as he did 2,000 years ago.Having almost entirely rewritten Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, this new edition comes at a time when the theological landscape has dramatically changed, and most evangelicals do believe in all the gifts of the Spirit. But many of us are still unsure how to understand those gifts, and there is much confusion today on what it means to be filled with the Spirit.This bTrade Review'More than twenty-five years ago, the story of Jack Deere's encounter with the Holy Spirit rocked the evangelical world, as this cessationist seminary professor discovered to his great surprise that the Spirit was still speaking and healing today. Now, in the year 2020, Jack has shared his story anew with refreshing candor and wonderful biblical insight. I can't wait to see how this new 'Surprised' book rocks a new generation of readers.' * DR. MICHAEL L. BROWN, host, The Line of Fire broadcast *'Since its publication in 1993, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit has been a brilliant introduction to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit at work in our world today. If you're longing for a fresh baptism in the Holy Spirit--for the first time or the thousandth time--this new edition is for you. Jack Deere is a statesman in the body of Christ, and this is a wonderful update to what is arguably his classic work.' * PETE GREIG, author of How to Pray *'This book is like its author--bright, accessible, full of practical wisdom, and bursting with inspiring stories of God's love and power.' * ANDREW WILSON, teaching pastor, King’s Church London *'This book is the perfect example of why I am still surprised by Jack Deere. With humility, winsomeness, and competence, he is able to bring biblical clarity to some of the fuzziest and most heavily debated topics in the church. A mix of easy-to-follow theology, church history, and personal experience, this book will kindly answer the skeptic, pastorally lead the student, and safely disciple the seeker.' * DAVID BOWDEN, author of Rewire Your Heart and founder, Spoken Gospel *'This marvelous, game-changing work about the power of the Spirit is transformative and challenging. Jack Deere offers mature insights learned from Scripture, from enduring testing, and from a wider range of experience with spiritual gifts than most others, and we have much to learn from him. It's a great privilege to endorse this book.' * CRAIG S. KEENER, F. M. and Ada Thompson professor of biblical studies, Asbury Theological Seminary *'When my friend Jack Deere asked me in 1992 to read and critique the manuscript of Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, I was at first honored and later overwhelmed by its persuasive and, in my opinion, irrefutable argumentation. I remain convinced it was the most important evangelical book of the 1990s. Now, much to my delight, Jack has extensively rewritten that book, although his convictions about what the Bible says concerning the Holy Spirit remain the same. With new stories of verified healings and testimonies of the life-changing power of the prophetic, Jack has 'surprised' me once again. More than twenty-five years have passed since his book released, and a new generation of Christians stands in great need of the profound biblical and practical insights that Jack brings to bear on this subject. Get it, read it, and discover why Jack is 'still' surprised by the person and power of the Spirit.' * SAM STORMS, pastor, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City *Table of ContentsSHOCKED and SURPRISED Chapter 1 The Phone Call That Changed My Life Chapter 2 Surprised by the Holy Spirit Chapter 3 Signs and Wimbers SHATTERED MISCONCEPTIONS Chapter 4 The Myth of Pure Biblical Objectivity Chapter 5 The Real Reason Christians Do Not Believe in the Miraculous Gifts Chapter 6 Responding to Spiritual Abuses Chapter 7 Scared to Death by the Holy Ghost Chapter 8 Were Miracles Meant to Be Temporary? Chapter 9 Why Does God Heal? Chapter 10 Why God Gives Miraculous Gifts Chapter 11 Why God Doesn’t Heal SEEKING THE GIFTS and THE GIVER Chapter 12 Pursuing the Gifts With Diligence Chapter 13 A Passion for God Chapter 14 Developing Passion and Power Epilogue Hearing God Speak Today APPENDICES Appendix A Other Reasons Why God Heals and Works Miracles Appendix B Did Miraculous Gifts Cease With the Apostles? Appendix C Were There Only Three Periods of Miracles?

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMost preachers were never taught or shown how to preach a topical sermon, and they may lack the competency or confidence to do so. In Topical Preaching in a Complex World, Sam Chan and Malcolm Gill equip preachers with the rationale and skillset to prepare and deliver engaging topical sermons for a variety of occasions.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn indispensable approach to reading, interpreting and applying the Bible that teaches students how to carefully read Scripture in the biblical context, and to dig deeper into the Word of God so they will be able to understand the Bible correctly and apply its meaning to their lives. Revised and updated fourth edition.Trade Review'A clear, accurate, engaging, and balanced introduction to interpreting and applying God's Word.' * MARK L. STRAUSS, Bethel Seminary *'A wonderfully user-friendly book for serious readers who desire to journey into the world of the Bible.' * KEVIN J. VANHOOZER, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School *'Excellent, practical, and accurate, it leads students from the most fundamental building blocks of interpretation . . . through all the essential processes.' * CRAIG S. KEENER, Asbury Theological Seminary *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA beautifully designed Bible with a unique square shape, this Amplified Bible features an easy-to-read typeface and double-column format.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis laminated sheet accompanies Mark L. Strauss’s Four Portraits, One Jesus. This quick-study tool offers summaries, important definitions, dates, and concepts designed to support the students’ learning experience and enhance their comprehension of what the Gospels teach about the central defining subject of Christianity, Jesus of Nazareth.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat does a real relationship with God look like? What is the biblical vision of true spiritual life? How do we grow in spiritual maturity? How we answer these questions influences the health, potency, and witness of Christians in an increasingly complex and hostile world.Conformed to His Image, Revised Edition answers these questions with clarity and insight, offering a comprehensive, balanced, and applicable guide to spiritual growth. Designed for use in college and seminary courses but also highly appropriate for any serious Christian wanting to grow, this revised edition helps readers build their lives on a fully biblical foundation. It offers a corrective to our tendency to narrow and compartmentalize spiritual growth by exploring twelve facets of authentic Christian spirituality, which include: Relational Spirituality: Loving God Completely, Ourselves Correctly, and Others Compassionately Paradigm SpiritualityTable of ContentsAnnotated Contents Preface Introduction: A Gem with Many Facets Facet 1: Relational Spirituality 1. Relational Spirituality: Loving God Completely 2. Relational Spirituality: Loving Ourselves Correctly 3. Relational Spirituality: Loving Others Compassionately Facet 2: Paradigm Spirituality 4. Paradigm Spirituality: Life Is a Journey, but Where Are We Going? 5. Paradigm Spirituality: Can We Trust God? Facet 3: Disciplined Spirituality 6. Discliplined Spirituality: Dependence and Discipline 7. Disciplined Spirituality: What Are the Spiritual Disciplines? Facet 4: Exchanged Life Spirituality 8. Exchanged Life Spirituality: Grasping Our True Identity in Christ 9. Exchanged Life Spirituality: God’s Plan to Meet Our Needs Facet 5: Motivated Spirituality 10. Motivated Spirituality: Why Do We Do What We Do? 11. Motivated Spirituality: Love, Gratitude, and Rewards 12. Motivated Spirituality: Identity, Purpose and Hope, and Longing for God Facet 6: Devotional Spirituality 13. Devotional Spirituality: Our Image of God 14. Devotional Spirituality: The Contemplative Way 15. Devotional Spirituality: The Practice of Sacred Reading 16. Devotional Spirituality: Falling in Love with God Facet 7: Holistic Spirituality 17. Holistic Spirituality: The Centrality of Christ 18. Holistic Spirituality: An Integrated Life 19. Holistic Spirituality: Relationships, Work, and Society 20. Holistic Spirituality: Stewardship and Purpose Facet 8: Process Spirituality 21. Process Spirituality: Process versus Product 22. Process Spirituality: Being versus Doing 23. Process Spirituality: Trust, Gratitude, and Contentment Facet 9: Spirit-Filled Spirituality 24. Spirit-Filled Spirituality: Walking in the Power of the Spirit 25. Spirit-Filled Spirituality: The Gifts of the Spirit 26. Spirit-Filled Spirituality: Openness and Discernment: A Balance Facet 10: Warfare Spirituality 27. Warfare Spirituality: Warfare with the Flesh and the World 28. Warfare Spirituality: Warfare with the Devil and His Angels 29. Warfare Spirituality: The Weapons of Our Warfare Facet 11: Nurturing Spirituality 30. Nurturing Spirituality: A Philosophy of Discipleship 31. Nurturing Spirituality: The Process, Product, and Context of Discipleship 32. Nurturing Spirituality: A Philosophy of Evangelism 33. Nurturing Spirituality: Overcoming the Barriers to Evangelism Facet 12: Corporate Spirituality 34. Corporate Spirituality: The Need for Community 35. Corporate Spirituality: The Nature and Purpose of the Church 36. Corporate Spirituality: Soul Care, Leadership, Accountability, and Renewall Conclusion Appendix A: The Need for Diversity Appendix B: The Richness of Our Heritage Glossary Works Cited Subject Index Scripture Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAmerica''s cold-case detective explores 15 surprising rules for life. Streaming video access included.This video study and study guide includes access to fifteen streaming video sessions (plus a bonus session), thoughtful introductions to each session that build from the book and videos, questions for personal reflection and application to embed these important principles into your life, and discussion questions that are perfect for leading a group or team through the material.In The Truth in True Crime Investigator''s Guide, detective J. Warner Wallace explores the clues lying behind our human nature as he uncovers fifteen life truths gleaned from both contemporary murder investigations and ancient biblical wisdom.Every lesson introduces you to an investigation of a death as Wallace and his partner Rick chase down leads and along the way learn guiding principles to help us thrive and flourish as human beings created in the image of God

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAmid the crisis of authority in our modern and postmodern era, Christians need to be able to point to God''s revelation in the natural world in addition to defending God''s unique revelation in the Bible and in the person of Jesus Christ.Classical apologetics takes a two-step approach to commending the Christian picture of reality. First, arguments for the existence of God, such as those of natural theology, are employed to create common ground with people outside the household of the Christian faith and to provide intellectual support for Christians. Second, classical apologetics defends key items of Christian revelation, including the reliability of the Bible, the identity of the historical Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.In the Knowledge of God in the World and the Word Workbook, designed to be used alongside the Knowledge of God in the World and the Word textbook by authors Douglas Groothuis and Andrew I. Shepardson, stud

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn in-depth look at what it means to be created in the image of God and how our bodies serve as icons that illuminate God''s purposes instead of ours.The human body is an amazing gift, yet today, many people downplay its importance and fail to understand what Christianity teaches about our bodies and their God-given purposes. Many people misunderstand how the body was designed, its role in relating to others; and we lack awareness of the dangers of objectifying the body, divorcing it from its intended purpose.Timothy Tennent covers topics like marriage, family, singleness, and friendship, and he looks at how the human body has been objectified in art and media today. For the Body offers a biblical framework for discipling people today in a Christian theology of the body.Tennent—theologian and president of Asbury Theological Seminary—explores the contours of a robust Christian vision of the body, human sexuality, and the variTrade Review'Against the backdrop of a toxic, sex-saturated culture and an increasingly secularized church, this book argues forcefully for a recovery of a biblically grounded understanding of humanity. The argument is constructive, provocative, and astute as it clears away the contemporary clutter to show us what is enduringly true about ourselves. This is a brave and much-needed book.' * DAVID F. WELLS, distinguished senior research professor, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary *'In this accessible book, Tennent helps the church think about a desperately needed Protestant theology of the body. Tennent's theology for the body shows us practical guidance without legalism, seriousness about sex without making an idol of marriage, complementarity without complementarianism, sacramentality without works righteousness, and public theology without power mongering. The book will be a help to pastors and all Christians seeking God's good will for our bodies.' * BETH FELKER JONES, professor of theology, Wheaton College, author, Faithful: A Theology of Sex *'The Holy Spirit works to manifest the divine bodily; the unholy spirits move to deny that Christ has come in the flesh (see 1 John 4:1-3). Tennent helps us apply this critical biblical principle in our contemporary world. The seven building blocks he sets forth unscramble so much of the culture's confusion on sexuality and gender, and in its place, he skillfully reveals a positive, compelling vision rooted in the 'profound mystery' (Eph. 5:31-32) of God's creative design for making us male and female.' * CHRISTOPHER WEST, ThD, president, Theology of the Body Institute, author, Our Bodies Tell God’s Story *'Timothy Tennent has given us what we have long needed: a profound account of our bodies and our identity that is more than a match for the alternatives screaming at us from within our culture. Writing in an economical and accessible style, he provides a vision of sexuality and marriage that constitutes an invaluable resource for the contemporary church. Like his hero, John Wesley, who readily drew on the best materials he could find to nourish his people, Tennent draws on the splendid work of Pope John Paul II to give coherence and balance to his proposals. Yet this is no mere repetition; Tennent speaks in his own voice and with assured authority, providing inimitable insights, examples, and updating. The result is essential reading for those in search of a fresh and persuasive treatment of one of the greatest challenges of our day.' * WILLIAM J. ABRAHAM, Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas *

Read more less

Book SynopsisContemporary Theology: An Introduction by Kirk MacGregor introduces major thinkers and schools of thought from the beginning of the 19th century to the present, including non-Western voices, evangelical perspectives, and philosophical developments alongside the widely acknowledged main streams of modern theology.Trade Review'Contemporary Theology: An Introduction will assuredly--and quickly--become an indispensable addition to the required reading list for undergraduate and graduate courses on Christian theology and Christian ethics. As in all of his publications, Professor MacGregor combines comprehensive and context-driven historical analysis with superlative writing skills. Difficult concepts are presented in a clearly written, crisp, and engaging style. For the general reader interested in the positive impact of Christian ethics on our fragmented and contentious world, your understanding of the ongoing cultural struggle for ethical assurances, drawn from the long history of Christian theology, will be exponentially enhanced. Highly recommended!' * JOHN K. SIMMONS, professor emeritus of religious studies, Western Illinois University *'In Contemporary Theology Kirk MacGregor skillfully acquaints readers with the principal thinkers and schools of thought in Christian theology over the past two hundred years, both inside and outside evangelicalism. MacGregor beautifully discloses how the renaissance in philosophy of religion over the past half century has shaped many of the most creative and constructive strides in theology today. I heartily recommend this book.' * WILLIAM LANE CRAIG, research professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, and professor of philosophy, Houston Baptist University *'Kirk MacGregor has given to us an accessible, wide-ranging overview of the contemporary theological scene. It is not only a valuable resource, but it rightly recognizes the important contributions of philosophy of religion and analytic theology in helping to shape and guide much of today's theological discourse.' * PAUL COPAN, the Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and author of A Little Book for New Philosophers *'When traveling through new and unfamiliar terrain, having a knowledgeable guide is essential. But if that guide is also an excellent communicator, then so much the better. MacGregor demonstrates that he is both. In Contemporary Theology: An Introduction, MacGregor gives the reader a clear and balanced tour through the modern theological landscape.' * KENNETH D. KEATHLEY, senior professor of theology, Jesse Hendley Endowed Chair of Biblical Theology, and director of the L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary *'With Contemporary Theology: An Introduction Professor MacGregor presents the theological community a highly readable, cogent, and insightful inventory of two centuries of modern theological thought. Scholars will appreciate the comprehensive overview, students will love the easy access of thirty-eight nearly standalone chapters, and the generally educated layperson will value the contextualization of their own experiences which this volume offers. Additionally, the extensive critical apparatus helpfully lays out both pivotal primary texts and useful secondary sources, thus ensuring that Contemporary Theology shall soon become a sought after college and seminary textbook as well as a frequently consulted theological handbook.' * ROMWALD MACZKA, professor emeritus of religion, Carthage College *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less