Zondervan

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Book SynopsisAn image rich, passage-by-passage commentary that integrates relevant historical and cultural insights, providing a deeper dimension of perspective to the words of the New Testament Discoveries await you that will snap the world of the New Testament into new focus. Things that seem mystifying, puzzling, or obscure will take on tremendous meaning when you view them in their ancient context. With the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, you''ll: Deepen your understanding of the teachings of Jesus. Discover the close interplay between God''s kingdom and the practical affairs of the church. Learn more about the real life setting of the Old Testament writings to help you identify with the people and circumstances described in Scripture. Gain a deeper awareness of the Bible''s relevance for your life. In this volume, detailed exegetical notes are combined with background information of the cultu

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Book SynopsisCounseling Techniques provides a useful resource for any type of counseling practitioner. Presenting a wide variety of the most effective and commonly used techniques associated with various diagnoses, theoretical bases, and client populations, it offers experienced therapists and students alike a single, trustworthy resource for clinical reference and guidance.Each chapter includes a user-friendly, step-by-step explanation of the techniques covered. Sections survey the following: Basic types of techniques (cognitive, behavioral, experiential, and more) Techniques for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families Techniques for a wide variety of individual and family issues, including emotional dysregulation, shame, loss, sexual abuse, trauma, domestic violence, attachment wounds, and much more Featuring a lineup of top-notch, highly experienced counselors and thoroughly integrated with a Christian woTrade Review“All practitioners are better with some tools than others. This book prepares students and newer counselors with an enlarged toolkit and provides wisdom on how to use the tools you they may not be as familiar with. The range of strategies, interventions, and techniques is impressive, as are the counseling professionals presenting them.” * Marshall Shelley, Director of the Doctor of Ministry program, Denver Seminary *“Counseling Techniques blends theological perspective, counseling strategies, and learned wisdom from numerous seasoned practitioners. Accessible to counselors at all skill levels, the contributors deliver practical insight as well as consolidate useful techniques into a valuable reference resource.” * Matthew K. Elliott, PhD candidate, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and church counselor *“Counseling Techniques is a comprehensive resource that will be of great benefit to students and practitioners alike. Christian clinicians and those who train them will be indebted to John Thomas and the array of contributors who have offered us such a wealth of knowledge and practical direction.” * Mark A. Yarhouse, PsyD, Professor of Psychology and Rosemarie S. Hughes Endowed Chair, Regent University *“Counseling Techniques is a valuable resource for all Christian counselors and psychotherapists. The chapters are authored by the leading experts in the field, and Dr. Thomas brings the volume together well with a winsome and wise introduction where he situates strategies, interventions, and techniques in the broader context of effective counseling.” * Mark R. McMinn, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychology, George Fox University *“Counseling Techniques provides novice and advanced students as well as practicing psychotherapists with detailed information on clinical techniques stemming from a diversity of counseling theories. Leading Christian experts in collaboration with Dr. John Thomas skillfully integrate theory, research, practice, and Christian thought in a resourceful text for the counseling community.” * John J. S. Harrichand, PhD, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, The College of Brockport, State University of New York *“Counseling Techniques, edited by John C. Thomas, is an excellent and very useful compendium of clinical strategies, interventions, and techniques for Christian counselors in helping a wide variety of clients. There are eleven chapters on theory-based strategies, four on population-based strategies, and twelve on clinical issue-based strategies. I highly recommend this practical resource as must reading for Christian counselors and others involved in people-helping.” * Rev. Siang-Yang Tan, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary; Senior Pastor, First Evangelical Church Glendale; author, Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective *“I found Counseling Techniques to be erudite, comprehensive, practical and innovative. I expect the text to become an invaluable resource to clinicians, supervisors, and counselor educators. It will take its place among the truly outstanding books in the realms of clinical training, supervision, and practice. It is a book that will be kept within arm’s reach both literally and figuratively. It may be placed on a shelf, but it will not collect dust.” * James Trozer, PhD, Professor, Senior Lecturer, Granite State College; retired psychologist and marriage and family counselor *“The field of Christian counseling continues to grow and expand at a rapid pace. Every day we look for insights and tools to help expand our work with lost, confused, broken, wounded, or exploited people. This is a real gift to the profession. Each chapter in Counseling Techniques translates theory into practice through effective and practical discussion of strategies, intervention, and techniques that are grounded in and supported by theory and research. The twenty-eight chapters are also jam-packed with conceptual, clinical, theoretical, and theological resources. Be sure to add this book to your library!” * Tim Clinton, EdD, LPC, LMFT, BCPCC, President, American Association of Christian Counselors *“With ever-changing cultural trends and more updated research in the field, the need for a counseling-techniques book that marries the data with the truth of Scripture cannot be understated. Dr. John Thomas carefully selects the most respected practitioners in the field to provide a comprehensive yet-easy-to-read manual for today’s counseling student. I know this because I personally sat under Dr. Thomas and many of the authors in this book as a student myself. You can rest assured that not only are you getting the best of scholarly wisdom, you’re getting experts who genuinely care for the human condition. This is a must-have book for every Christian counselor and counseling student in the twenty-first century.” * Joshua Straub, PhD, Marriage and Family Strategist, LifeWay Christian Resources; author, Safe House: How Emotional Safety is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION (1) The Role of Techniques in Counseling (2) Evidence-Based Counseling TYPES OF TECHNIQUES (3) Cognitive (4) Awareness and Emotion (5) Behavioral (6) Experiential (7) Spiritual TECHNIQUES FOR POPULATIONS (8) Children (9) Adolescents (10) Couples (11) Families TECHNIQUES FOR INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS (12) Coping Skills (13) Emotional Dysregulation (14) Behavioral Dysregulation (15) Shame (16) Attachment Wounds (17) Trauma (18) Loss (19) Sexual Addiction (20) Self-Injury (21) Soul Growth and Sense of Self TECHNIQUES FOR COUPLE AND FAMILY PROBLEMS (22) Family Conflict (23) Couple Sexual Issues (24) Infidelity (25) Betrayed Spouse (26) Forgiveness (27) Family of Origin Issues (28) Domestic Violence

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisHow can Christians pursue and implement the miraculous gifts of the Spirit without falling into fanatical excess and splitting the church in the process? In Practicing the Power, pastor and author Sam Storms offers practical steps to understanding and exercising spiritual gifts that remains grounded in the word and centered in the gospel.Trade Review'Few people write on spiritual gifts as wisely, biblically, and helpfully as Sam Storms. This book covers all kinds of practical and theological questions about the use of the gifts, and does so with insight and clarity---so if you’re looking for answers to any of them, look no further.' * Andrew Wilson, Teaching Pastor at King’s Church London *'I am an elder in a church that engages with God in genuine worship, seeks maturity through dynamic preaching, loves compassionately in community, expresses mercy to the disenfranchised, and multiplies through intentional missionality. Thankful for God’s many blessings, we long for more of his grace, especially through an outpouring of the Spirit’s gifts. But how can our church experience this renewing power? It seems Sam Storms wrote this book to guide our church in this quest. I think it is for your church too!' * Gregg R. Allison, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; elder, Sojourn Community Church; secretary, the Evangelical Theological Society; author, Historical Theology; Sojourners and Strangers; Roman Catholic Theology and Practice *'Sam has written an immensely practical book on the gifts of the Spirit that will help anyone who longs to experience the Holy Spirit’s gifts and see those gifts meaningfully integrated into the life of their church. ' * Jack Deere, former professor of Old Testament Exegesis and Semitic Languages at Dallas Seminary; pastor; and author of Surprised by the Power of the Spirit *'Sam Storms has done it again. This book combines sound theology with inspiring personal examples, together with practical ways to express the compassion of Jesus to others by partnering with him in spiritual gifts. Sam successfully demystifies what it means to obey the apostle Paul’s injunction to earnestly desire spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:31; 14:1). I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to grow in this dimension of the grace of God, and especially pastors seeking to lead their flock into a deeper experience as empowered evangelicals who want all that Jesus provides for us.' * Mike Bickle, International House of Prayer of Kansas City *Table of ContentsForeword by Matt Chandler Introduction 1. Welcome to the World of Word and Spirit 2. Earnestly Desire Spiritual Gifts 3. The Place of Prayer in Practicing the Power 4. Identifying Prophecy in the Local Church 5. The Gift of Prophecy in Real Life 6. Principles from Practicing Prophecy in the Local Church 7. Worship in the Spirit 8. User-Friendly Deliverance 9. Do not Quench the Spirit 10. Manipulation or Ministry? Conclusion Appendix A--Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? Appendix B--Does the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy Undermine the Finality and Sufficiency of the Biblical Canon?

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Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive textbook on effective church planting from a veteran church planter.The Apostle Paul was a veteran church planter who laid a foundation like a wise and master builder and there is much we can learn from his example. Paul indicated that there were basic skills and experiences required to successfully plant a church. Church Plantology examines the wide variety of church planting methods and ideologies in contemporary pastoral practice and outlines a biblical model based on the New Testament.During his time in prison, Paul spent much of his time writing to Titus, Timothy, and others who''d served alongside him in the trenches to complete their training as church plantings. We can continue to apply these time-tested, proven methods, following the pioneering example of the early church.Today, the casualty rate in is high. What if we could reduce the odds of failing? Church Plantology by Peyton Jones is a robuTable of ContentsSection 1: The Foundations of 1st Century Church Planting * Chapter 1: Biblical Foundations of Church Planting * Chapter 2: Theological Foundations of Church Planting * Chapter 3: Historical Foundations of Church Planting Section 2: The Challenging Paradigms of 21st Century Planting * Chapter 4: Prevailing Attitudes and Beliefs about Church Planting * Chapter 5: Current Cultural Challenges to Church Planting * Chapter 6: Divine Opportunity Provided by Post-Christian ministry Section 3: The Profile of a Church Planter * Chapter 7: The Church Planter’s Motives and Goals. * Chapter 8: The Church Planter’s Make-up and Gifting * Chapter 9: The Church Planter’s Team Section 4: Underlying Church Planting Structures * Chapter 10: Functioning as Missional, Attractional, and Incarnational * Chapter 11: Church Planting Models * Chapter 12: Regional Factors: Urban, Rural, Collegiate Planting Section 5: Approaches to Church Planting * Chapter 13: Innovative Approaches to church planting * Chapter 14: Church Styles: Traditional, Contemporary, Sacramental, Pentecostal, and Interactive * Chapter 15: Contemporary Church Planting Issues Section 6: Core Team Factors * Chapter 16: Recruiting and training the Core Team * Chapter 17: Core Team Dynamics * Chapter 18: Establishing Vision, Values, and Mission Together Section 7: Rhythms of Kingdom Advancement * Chapter 19: Spiritual Dynamics of Church Planting * Chapter 20: Discipleship as a Lifestyle * Chapter 21: Missional Engagement Section 8: Reproducible Sustainability * Chapter 22: Financial Models * Chapter 23: Fundraising * Chapter 24: Bi-vocational Planting Section 9: Leadership Sustainability * Chapter 25: Health: Spiritual, Mental, Physical, Social * Chapter 26: The Planter’s Support Systems * Chapter 27: Rest Section 10: Multiplication * Chapter 28: Leadership Pipeline * Chapter 29: Training Planters Locally * Chapter 30: Deploying and Supporting Church Planters Section 11: Mobilization * Chapter 31: Gift Identification * Chapter 32: Gift Development * Chapter 33: Gift Deployment (includes multiplication) Section 12: Pitfalls and Problems Associated with Planting * Chapter 34: People Problems and Conflict Resolution * Chapter 35: Mental and Psychological Challenges of Leadership * Chapter 36: Organizational Challenges and Leading Edge Networking Opportunities

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Book SynopsisOld Testament Hebrew Vocabulary Cards, Second Edition by Gary D. Pratico and Miles V. Van Pelt is intended to accompany Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar for the beginning student and is an essential companion for vocabulary memorization. Cards are arranged according to word frequency.

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Book SynopsisHow should Christians approach important contemporary issues like war, race, creation care, gender, and politics?Christians in every culture are confronted with social trends and moral questions that can be difficult to navigate. But, the Bible often doesn''t speak directly to such issues. Even when it does, it can be confusing to know how best to apply the biblical teaching.In Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues authors Joshua D. Chatraw and Karen Swallow Prior first offer a broadly accessible framework for cultural engagement and then explore specific hot topics in current Western culture including: Sexuality Gender Roles Human Life and Reproduction Technology Immigration and Race Creation and Creature Care Politics Work Arts War, Weapons, and Capital Punishment Featuring contributions from over forty top thinkers, proponents of various viewTrade ReviewChristians talk a lot about cultural engagement, but our dismal record in recent decades suggests that our engagement strategies need a lot of work. In this provocative and timely book, Joshua Chatraw and Karen Swallow Prior have convened a wide-ranging cast of authors to debate the most pressing issues facing the church today. * Thomas S. Kidd, James Vardaman Distinguished Professor of History, Baylor University *Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues centers important conflicts, worldviews, and etiologies present in the contemporary church in America. As an instructor in intergroup dialogue and cultural diversity, I find this text to be a helpful resource for both Christian higher education professionals and a much broader audience who would benefit from its concise examination of diverse Christian thought manifested in social-political ideologies and practices. This book reminds us that even within the subset known as the American church there are various competing and impactful perspectives that call for deep understanding and not simple caricatures. * Christina Edmondson, dean of intercultural student development, Calvin College *In a time when US culture is incredibly fragmented, and the way forward seems to revolve around social media power dynamics, Cultural Engagement is a welcome and needed resource. By itself, part 1 offers a concise review of the literature on culture, its importance, and how it is formed. In part 2, Josh and Karen curate the best thinking on timely and critical contemporary issues--race, gender, work, arts, and challenges to life itself. It is this respectful pairing of differing viewpoints that is rare today, in both secular and Christian circles. Excellently done! * Katherine Leary Alsdorf, founder and director of Redeemer’s Center for Faith and Work *Josh Chatraw and Karen Swallow Prior, along with a host of friends, model for all of us what it means to think Christianly about the intersection of the gospel and culture, doing so with courage and conviction while encouraging careful listening, Christlike kindness, and civility. Cultural Engagement will form, inform, and motivate readers not only to engage thoughtfully but to live and serve faithfully. This compelling and comprehensive volume should become an essential resource for students, pastors, and thought leaders alike. Highly recommended! * David S. Dockery, president, Trinity International University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School *Not only do we Christians lack ready-made answers to some of the pressing issues in our present day cultural life, but most of us are still trying to get clear about the questions. For this we need biblical discernment informed by cultural savvy. Thank the Lord, Karen Swallow Prior and Josh Chatraw have all of that in abundance! * Richard J. Mouw, president emeritus and professor of faith and public life, Fuller Theological Seminary *The Christian God never changes. But our culture constantly changes. Every year, every decade, and every century, Christians are faced with new challenges. Cultural Engagement gets us back onto the front foot. Instead of fight, fright, or flight, this book shows us how to face contemporary issues in our culture. It also equips us for the future challenges that are just around the corner. This book is a must-read for anyone who no longer wants to run from culture but to see each and every issue as an opportunity to engage culture with a Christian redemptive dialogue. * Sam Chan, City Bible Forum, Australia *This book is incredibly needed for 'such a time as this.' In this day and age, when rhetoric and worldviews are so divisive, and intelligence with grace and integrity is in short supply, Prior and Chatraw manage to bring together authors who nuance ancient biblical ideas with a wisdom that speaks to the ethical issues of our modern age. Pulling no punches in tackling all the toughest issues, this remarkable one-volume compendium is practically encyclopedic in its perspectives that exemplify goodness, truth, and beauty, while showing that Christians can also thoughtfully disagree on nonessential issues without losing unity in the essentials of the faith. * Allen Yeh, associate professor of intercultural studies and missiology, Biola University *This book will be extremely useful to any Christian seeking to answer cultural questions from a biblical point of view. I highly recommend it to every believer looking for a resource on cultural engagement that's also faithful to the Scriptures. * Phillip Holmes, vice president of institutional communications, Reformed Theological Seminary *Table of ContentsIntroduction: A Call to Cultural Engagement Part 1 - Charting a Course for Cultural Engagement 1. Defining Culture: How It Cultivates and Communicates 2. Understanding Christian Approaches to Cultural Engagement: Why the Categories Help and Hurt 3. The Centrality of the Gospel in Cultural Engagement 4. The Importance of Virtue and Skill in the Practice of Cultural Engagement Part 2 – Practicing Cultural Engagement 5. Engaging on Homosexuality Views - affirming, non-affirming (traditional and third-way) Contributor Pool - four or five of the following: Matthew Vines, Luke Timothy Johnson, Robert Gagnon, Albert Mohler, Denny Burk, Wesley Hill, Matthew Lee Anderson, Preston Sprinkle, Todd Wilson 6. Engaging on Gender Views - egalitarian, complementarian Contributor Pool - four of the following: Rachel Held Evans, Jen Wilkin, Courtney Reissig, Lynn Cohick, Michael Bird, Craig Blomberg, Ben Witherington, Jillian Ross, Andreas Kostenberger, Tom Schreiner 7. Engaging on War and Weapons Views - pacific, just war, anti-gun, pro-gun Contributor Pool - four of the following: Stanley Hauerwas, Ben Witherington, Preston Sprinkle, Russell Moore, Joseph Loconte, John Piper, Rob Schenk, Karen Swallow Prior 8. Engaging on Reproductive Technology Views - no abortion, abortion in difficult cases, pro-choice and pro-IVF, pro-life and pro-IVF Contributor Pool - four or five of the following: Francis Beckwith, John Stonestreet, Charles Camosy, Ellen Painter Dollar, Matt Appling 9. Engaging on Race Views - landscape, positive toward Black Lives Matter, negative toward Black Lives Matter Contributor Pool - four of the following: Trillia Newbell, Anthony Bradley, Voddie Baucham, D. A. Horton, Thabiti Anyabwile, Alan Noble 10. Engaging on Islam Views - same God, different God Contributor Pool - Miroslav Volf, Nabeel Qureshi 11. Engaging on Creation and Creature Care Views - landscape, pro-global warming, skeptical of global warming, animal welfare, meat eating Contributor Pool - five of the following: Steven Bouma-Prediger, Mark Liederbach, Kathryn Blanchard, Kevin J. O’Brien, Alexei Laushkin, Calvin Beisner, Christene Gutleben, Sarah King, Joel Salatin 12. Engaging on Politics Views - Kuyperian, Benedict Option, Paleo-Baptist, Religious Left, Religious Right Contributor Pool - five of the following: James K. A. Smith, Amy Black, Rod Dreher, Scot McKnight, Nathan Fin, Russell Moore, Bruce Ashford, Jim Wallis, Tony Perkins 13. Engaging on Work Views - Transformational, Two Kingdoms, pro women working, against women working Contributor Pool - four of the following: Timothy Keller, Greg Forster, Stephen Grail, Michael Horton, Greg Gilbert, Kevin DeYoung, Katelyn Beaty, Owen Strachan 14. Engaging on the Arts Views - Christian art, culture making, insufficient questions, avoiding sex and nudity, engaging sex and nudity Contributor Pool - five of the following: Philip Ryken, Nicholas Wolterstorff, Andy Crouch, Alissa Wilkinson, Tim Challies, Craig Detweiler Conclusion: A Realistic Hope

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Book SynopsisMany of the old methods of evangelism no longer work effectively today. We need new methods to communicate the timeless message of the gospel in culturally relevant ways.In a post-Christian, post-churched, post-reached world, most Christians have been poorly equipped to tell their friends about Jesus. Dr. Chan combines the theological and biblical insights of classic evangelistic training with his own and hard-won insights from missiology on contextualization, cultural hermeneutics, and storytelling.Every chapter is illustrated with real-world examples drawn from over fifteen years of evangelistic ministry across the globe. These are methods that really work—with university students, urban workers, and professionals—getting past the defensive posture that people have toward Christianity so they can seriously consider the claims of Jesus Christ.Field-tested and filled with unique, fresh, and creative insights, this book will Trade Review“Chan has written a helpful resource for sharing the gospel in our world. He helps students of evangelism think through ways to present the good news, as well as means to handle skeptics’ objections. His stories and insights show that his words are more than theory; he has practiced this! I recommend this contribution to the literature on evangelism which every serious student should read.” * DAVID M. GUSTAFSON, chair of mission and evangelism department, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School *“Every Christian has an implicit theology: a set of beliefs about God and about what God was doing in Jesus Christ. To communicate this good news---the gospel---to others is every believer’s privilege and responsibility. Sam Chan’s book helpfully shows how to do this in a way that fits our twenty-first-century multicultural contexts.” * KEVIN J. VANHOOZER, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School *“How do we express a transcultural gospel to an enculturated audience in postmodernity? Chan provides a biblical foundation with more than forty different means to engage communities, contexts, and common grounds. This is a superb work, undergirded by Scripture, rich in relevant methods, and impressive in contextual scope of audiences. Finally, we have a go-to resource in the twenty-first century.” * REV. SAMUEL E. CHIANG, president and CEO, The Wycliffe Seed Company *“If you are looking for an evangelism textbook with biblical foundations, strong theology, real-life illustrations, passion for the heart of God, and tools to move people out into a skeptical world with the good news of Jesus, look no further. Sam has done a masterful job of taking evangelism from concept and theory to practice and action.” * REV. DR. KEVIN G. HARNEY, author, Organic Outreach trilogy; founder and visionary leader, Organic Outreach International *“Sam Chan has written the evangelism manual we’ve needed. Evangelism in a Skeptical World combines cultural understanding, theological acumen, and practical apologetics to equip the church to bear witness to the gospel in a secular age. It is lucidly written and full of real-world wisdom. I expect it to be a featured text for ministry students for many years to come.” * JOSHUA D. CHATRAW, executive director, Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement, School of Divinity, Liberty University *“This book is a brilliant and practical explanation of how to show the beauty of Jesus’ gospel to a world that thinks it has “moved on.” From understanding the many aspects of the gospel’s engagement with a dying world to the practicalities of “shaping a gospel talk,” this book will help the pastor, the evangelist, and any Christian to speak about Jesus in a way that can be heard by people who have become deaf to a message they consider irrelevant.” * AL STEWART, City Bible Forum, Australia *“This book provides readers a comprehensive theological overview of evangelism, challenges outdated high-profile models, and offers new models centered in Scripture and applicable to multiple contexts. A masterful contribution.” * TOM STEFFEN, emeritus professor of intercultural studies, COOK School of Intercultural Studies, Biola University *“This is an important book. In it, one of Christianity’s smartest voices, Sam Chan, shows us how to bring our secular neighbors into a lifegiving encounter with the gospel. Highly recommended for use in universities, seminaries, and churches.” * BRUCE RILEY ASHFORD, provost and professor of theology and culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary *“This is one of the most thoughtful books on evangelism I’ve read. It is both theologically sound and informed by practice. Chan avoids oversimplifying the gospel. At the same time, he never makes evangelism feel complex and cumber- some. His approach is balanced and flexible. If I could recommend just one book on evangelism, this would be it.” * JACKSON WU, seminary professor; author, One Gospel for All Nations *“This practical guide not only provides a biblical description of evangelism but also includes helpful strategies for gospel sharing in everyday situations. This book will be helpful for all who desire to see those who are hostile to God become followers of Jesus.” * ED STETZER, Billy Graham Distinguished Chair, Wheaton College *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Why would anyone believe what we say? A non-believing friend once asked me what Christians believe happens to our bodies and souls after we die. As I explained to him that many Christians believe that our bodies will actually rise from the grave to meet Jesus when he returns, it hit me how unbelievable our message is. Especially to what we might call a post-Christian, postchurched, post-reached audience. Yet most of our evangelism methods were developed in an age when most non-believers at least had a churched upbringing. If Christians today are to tell their friends about Jesus they must understand how the world has changed in the last 30 years and be equipped with new models to tell their friends about Jesus. This book will show you how. Chapter 1: What must I do for my friend to be saved? Theology of Evangelism This chapter begins with the story of Anne, who was invited to speak evangelistically to a playgroup, which was run by her church. The non-Christians loved how Anne’s talk spoke so clearly to their hearts. But the Christians complained that Anne never really told the Gospel because she didn’t use Four Spiritual Laws or mention the words “sin,” “repent” and the “blood of Christ”. There is much confusion as to what we exactly mean by “evangelism.” Christians will differ in their methods, models and message. What we need is a clear Theology of Evangelism. Chapter 2: Scratch where they itch How to Craft a Gospel Presentation This chapter begins with the story of Jim, who became a Christian in 1975 because he loved the news about Jesus dying for him and taking away his guilt. But when Jim tries to tell this message to his teenage daughter she finds it cold and oppressive. Many Christians are stuck with only one chief Gospel metaphor---guilt and forgiveness. But the Bible gives us many other metaphors. We can use these to craft a compelling Gospel presentation that speaks to the needs and wants of today’s audience. Chapter 3: “I’m happy that you’ve found Jesus but he’s not for me” The Challenge and Skills of Evangelism to Postmoderns This chapter begins with the story of Amanda, who grew up in a small-town, with Christian parents who took her to church every Sunday. But when Amanda left home and went to college, she was exposed for the first time to Derrida and deconstructionism. When she tries to tell her friends about Jesus, they respond by telling Amanda that she’s a Christian because she was born in the USA, but had she been born in India she would’ve been a Hindu. They also tell Amanda that her version of the Gospel is merely a social construct that was imposed upon her by her parents. Postmodernism is both a friend and foe to Christianity. It is a friend because it allows us to talk about spiritual beliefs. But it is a foe because it won’t allow the Christian story to be a universal story. As a result, evangelism today will require a whole different set of models and methods to capture the imagination of our audience. Chapter 4: If Jesus Came Today Would He be a White Man? Contextualization for Evangelism This chapter begins with the story of Jane, who is an Asian-American high school student. She is a high achiever and her mother is a true Asian tiger mom. Jane studies for hours each day and dreams of going to Harvard. One day, Jane’s local youth pastor tells her that study has become her “idol.” If Jane’s serious about following Jesus she needs to stop studying so hard and give up her dreams of going to Harvard. But has the youth pastor given the Gospel to Jane, or has he imposed his non-Asian culture as “Gospel” upon Jane? That is, is he converting Jane to the Gospel of Jesus, or is he converting Jane to his own cultural norms? Many Christians can not see the syncretism of their own culture with the Gospel. As a result, when they evangelize, they impose their culture upon the convert. What they should do instead is to contextualize the Gospel. Chapter 5: The Force Became Flesh Gospel-

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Book SynopsisHow should Christians read the Old Testament today? Answers to this question gravitate between two poles. On the one hand, some pay little attention to the gap between the Old Testament and today, reading the Old Testament like a devotional allegory that points the Christian directly to Jesus. On the other hand, there are folks who prioritize an Old Testament passage''s original context to such an extent that it is by no means clear if and how a given Old Testament text might bear witness to Christ and address the church.This volume is a tribute to Willem A. VanGemeren, an ecclesial scholar who operated amidst the tension between understanding texts in their original context and their theological witness to Christ and the church. The contributors in this volume share a conviction that Christians must read the Old Testament with a theological concern for how it bears witness to Christ and nourishes the church, while not undermining the basic principles of exegesis.Two qTable of Contents[Some topics and contributors are TBD.] Introduction---Andrew Abernethy Section I: Exegetical Habits for Interpreting the Old Testament Theologically 1. Historical Context and Reading the Old Testament Theologically---John Monson 2. Genre and Reading the Old Testament Theologically---Andrew Abernethy 3. Individual Book Context when Reading a Passage Theologically---Richard Schultz 4. Canonical Arrangement of the Old Testament and Reading the Old Testament Theologically---Stephen Dempster 5. Reading the Old Testament as Part of a Two-Testament Witness to Christ---? Section II: Theological Witness in Select Old Testament Books 6. Genesis: The Implications of the Abrahamic Narrative for the Mission of the Church---Carol M. Kaminski 7. Reading Ritual Law in Exodus and Leviticus Theologically---Richard Averbeck 8. Reading Wisdom in Deuteronomy Theologically---Daniel Block 9. 1 and 2 Kings---Lissa Wray Beal 10. Isaiah---Bo Lim 11. Divine Presence and Absence in Jeremiah---James Hoffmeier 12. Messianic Expectations in Zechariah---Anthony Petterson 13. Psalms---? 14. Proverbs---Hee Suk Kim 15. Ecclesiastes---Craig Bartholomew 16. Daniel---Ron Haydon Section III: Theological Witness Amidst Community 17. Social Ethics and Reading the Old Testament Theologically---Danny Carroll 18. The Missional Impact of Old Testament Ethics on the New Testament---Christopher J. H. Wright 19. The Family in the Old Testament as a Theological Model for the Covenant Community---Richard Hess 20. Who Is “Israel”? Social Theory-Informed, Systematic Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament in the Contemporary Global Context---Elizabeth Yao-Hwa Sung 21. A New Testament Scholar’s Take on Reading the Old Testament Theologically---Dana Harris 22. A Systematic Theologian’s Take on Reading the Old Testament Theologically---Kevin J. Vanhoozer 23. Interpreting the Old Testament within the Church---Gregory Waybright Indices Scripture Author

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Book SynopsisLearn to develop and deliver a biblical sermon that connects with today''s audiences.Preaching God''s Word is a user-friendly and practical homiletics textbook that integrates hermeneutical principles and stresses the importance of a strong exegetical foundation. It teaches you how to understand your audience, develop powerful applications, use illustrations well, and communicate effectively.Preaching God''s Word addresses: How to develop and preach a biblical sermon Common issues with biblical preaching and how to avoid them Unique challenges and opportunities of preaching from specific biblical genres New Testament preaching Old Testament preaching Whether you are a student who is new to preaching or a veteran looking to brush up on your skills, you will benefit from this hands-on approach to preparing, developing, and delivering the sermon

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Book SynopsisThis expanded and updated workbook is designed with the student in mind and intended for use with the standard-setting Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar textbook, now in its fourth edition.Two optional chapters have been added to the Basics of Biblical Greek Workbook, allowing students to read large chunks of the biblical text and enjoy the fruits of their labor faster than ever before. Each chapter is divided into six sections and includes extensive exercises and significant biblical passages for translation.One of the most helpful and unique features of the workbook remains. You can go through the workbook on one of two tracks: Track One follows the workbook (and textbook) in its regular order, while Track Two is organized so you can learn verbs earlier in the course.

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Book SynopsisA Legacy of Preaching, Volume Two--Enlightenment to the Present Day explores the history and development of preaching through a biographical and theological examination of its most important preachers. Instead of teaching the history of preaching from the perspective of movements and eras, each contributor tells the story of a particular preacher in history, allowing these preachers from the past to come alive and instruct us through their lives, theologies, and methods of preaching.Each chapter introduces readers to a key figure in the history of preaching, followed by an analysis of the theological views that shaped their preaching, their methodology of sermon preparation and delivery, and an appraisal of the significant contributions they have made to the history of preaching. This diverse collection of familiar and lesser-known individuals provides a detailed and fascinating look at what it has meant to communicate the gospel over the past two thousand yTable of ContentsVolume II: Enlightenment to the Present Day French Court Preachers: François Fénelon, Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, and Jean Baptist Massillon miklauber@liberty.edu Due to editors: already submitted Martin Klauber (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin) is Affiliate Professor of Church History at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Adjunct Professor of Church History at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. His specialty and publications largely revolve around the areas of Reformation and Post-Reformation History. His publications include Between Reformed Scholasticism and Pan-Protestantism: Jean-Alphonse Turretin (1671-1737) and Enlightened Orthodoxy at the Academy of Geneva, The Great Commission: Evangelicals and the History of World Missions, and The Theology of the French Reformed Church: From Henry IV to the Edict of Nantes published by Reformation Heritage Books. John Wesley: Homiletic Theologian michaelpasquarello@fuller.edu Due to editors: already submitted Michael Pasquarello (Ph.D., Unversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) is Professor of Practical Theology Fuller Theological Seminary. His most recent publications include John Wesley: Homiletic Theologian (Abingdon) and The Beauty of Preaching (Eerdmans). George Whitfield: wjcurtis@liberty.edu tmcknight@andersonuniversity.edu Due to editors: 12/1/2016 (author is an editor) Bill Curtis (Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of Homletics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and pastor of Cornerstone Baptist in Darlington, South Carolina. Timothy McKnight (Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at Anderson University. George Liele: Missionary and Evangelist TERRIEL_BYRD@pba.edu Due to editors: already submitted Terriel Byrd (Ph.D., The Union Institute) is Professor of Urban Christian Ministry at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is 2012-2013 president of the African American Caucus of the Academy of Homiletics of North America.His authorship and presentations include the “History of the First Black Church,” “The Non-African Perception of the African American Religious Experience” and “Inter-ethnic Cultural Communication,” presented for the American Association of Behavioral Sciences and National Association of African-American Studies. He has also presented 'Martin Luther King Jrs., Evangelical Liberalism: An Approach to Social Justice' at the National Association of Christian Social Workers, and 'King the Churchman: An Examination of the Ecclesiology of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,' for the North American Academy of Homiletics. His books include I Shall Not Be Moved; By This Shall We Be Known: Interpreting the Voice and Message of Dr. King; and Let the Church Be the Church: The Social Teachings of the Christian Church Charles Simeon: dyoung@simeontrust.org Due to editors: already submitted Darrell Young is Director of International Workshops for the Charles Simeon Trust. Robert Murray M’Cheyne: Exposition of the Bread of Life areid@sebts.edu Due to editors: already submitted Alvin Reid (Ph.D., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Professor of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is author of Radical Christianity and Evangelism. Alexander Macleran: rspace@liberty.edu Due to editors: already submitted R. Scott Pace (Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the Chair of Ministry and Theology at Oklahoma Baptist University. Charles H. Spurgeon: cgeorge@mbts.edu Due to editors: 12/1/2016 (Just finished “The Lost Sermons of Spurgeon” (Band H, 2017) will submit by December). Christian George (Ph.D., University of St. Andrews) is the curator of the C.H. Spurgeon Library and Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Charles Finney: Persuading Sinners to Submit Immediately to Christ rcaldwell@swbts.edu Due to editors: already submitted Robert Caldwell (Ph.D.,

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Book SynopsisThis is an all-new analytical Greek lexicon, based on the critical Greek text (UBS3), with Goodrick / Kohlenberger numbers and new grammatical paradigms.

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Book SynopsisECPA Christian Book Award 2021 Finalist: Biography & MemoirExplore Apologetics through the Lives of History''s Great ApologistsThe History of Apologetics follows the great apologists in the history of the church to understand how they approached the task of apologetics in their own cultural and theological context. Each chapter looks at the life of a well-known apologist from history, unpacks their methodology, and details how they approached the task of defending the faith.By better understanding how apologetics has been done, readers will be better able to grasp the contextualized nature of apologetics and apply those insights to today''s context. The History of Apologetics covers forty-four apologists including:Part One: Patristic Apologists Justin Martyr by Gerald Bray Irenaeus of Lyons by Stephen O. Presley Athenagoras ofTrade Review'The History of Apologetics is a must-have for the shelves of any serious student of apologetics. With an impressive list of contributors, it provides a comprehensive yet detailed survey of various approaches to the defense of the Christian faith from patristic to modern times. Of particular value is the diversity of approaches represented by the apologists included, with notable entries among the more modern figures including John Henry Newman, G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and C. S. Lewis. This provides substantial content for approaches to defending the faith that engage with cultural issues and draw on imagination and the arts as a methodology. The result is a volume that genuinely presents the historical and ecumenical richness of apologetics as a discipline and will serve as a valuable foundation for working apologists.' * HOLLY ORDWAY, Word on Fire Institute Fellow of Faith and Culture, author of Apologetics and the Christian Imagination *'This book contains richly developed surveys of the apologetic arguments and approaches of a wide array of the Christian faith's greatest and most influential advocates over the centuries. Though the book is easily readable, it is extraordinarily informative--like the best apologetic works themselves! I learned so much from reading this book, even with regard to authors whose writings I know. Highly recommended to every Christian and especially to clergy and scholars, for whom the task of Christian apologetics is an urgent call.' * MATTHEW LEVERING, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology at Mundelein Seminary *'This is a most valuable guide to the history of Christian apologetics throughout the ages. Expert authors provide readable summaries that will be useful both to those being introduced to the subject and to those who wish to review the wide range of options.' * GEORGE MARSDEN, author of Jonathan Edwards: A Life and C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity: A Biography *'This volume employs competent scholars to write about noteworthy apologists throughout the history of the church's intellectual engagement with the unbelieving world. Apologists shouldn't defend the faith in a historical vacuum since we ought to stand on the shoulders of giants. This is the most thorough history of its kind that I know of and will repay careful study for the defense of the faith given once and for all to the saints.' * DOUGLAS GROOTHUIS, professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary, author of Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith *Table of ContentsCh. 1 Justin Martyr (100-165) Gerald Bray (D.Litt., University of Paris - Sorbonne) is Research Professor of Divinity, History, and Doctrine at Beeson School of Divinity. He edited Galatians, Ephesians, the first volume of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture (IVP). His systematic theology God is Love was released by Crossway in 2012, and his historical theology God has Spoken was published in 2014. Beeson School of Divinity Ch. 2 Irenaeus (130-202) John Behr (D.Phil., Oxford) is Dean, Rector, and Director of the Master of Theology Program and Professor of Patristics at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. PENDING Ch. 3 Athenagoras Athens (133-190) W. Brian Shelton (Ph.D., Saint Louis University) is Provost and Professor of Theology and Church History at Toccoa Falls College. He has published principally on early Christianity in the west, including Martyrdom from Exegesis in Hippolytus: An Early Church Presbyter's Commentary on Daniel (Paternoster, 2008) and 'Irenaeus' in Shapers of Christian Orthodoxy (IVP, 2010). Toccoa Falls College Ch. 4 Tertullian (160-220) Bryan Litfin (Ph.D., University of Virginia) is Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He is author of Early Martyr Stories: An Evangelical Introduction (Baker, 2014) and Getting to Know the Church Fathers (Brazos, 2007). Moody Bible Institute Ch. 5 Origen (185-254) Chad Thornhill (Ph.D., Liberty) is Associate Professor of Apologetics and Biblical Studies and Chair of Theological Studies at Liberty University. Liberty University Ch. 6 Athanasius of Alexandria (296-373) Peter Leithart (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) PENDING Ch. 7 Augustine (354-430) Chad Meister (Ph.D., Marquette University) is Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethel College. His publications include Contemporary Philosophical Theology (Routledge), Christian Thought: A Historical Introduction (Routledge), and The Cambridge Companion to Christian Philosophical Theology (Cambridge University Press). He is also General Co-editor of the books series, Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society. Bethel College Part 2: Medieval Apologists Ch. 8 John of Damascus (676-749) Daniel Janosik (Ph.D., London School of Theology) is Professor of Apologetics and Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University. His dissertation research was titled, John of Damascus: First Apologist to the Muslims. Columbia International University Ch. 9 Theodore Abu Qurra (750-820) Byard Bennett (Ph.D., University of Toronto) is Professor of Historical and Philosophical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Ch. 10 Timothy of Baghdad (727-823) Edward L. Smither (PhD, University of Wales-Trinity St. David; PhD, University of Pretoria) is Professor of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University and the author of Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders, Brazilian Evangelical Missions in the Arab World, and translator of François Decret’s Early Christianity in North Africa. Columbia International University Ch. 11 Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) TBD Ch. 12 Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Francis Beckwith (Ph.D., Fordham University) is Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies, and Associate Director of Graduate Studies at Baylor University; and Shawn Floyd (Ph.D., University of St. Louis) is Professor of Philosophy at Malone University. Baylor University; Malone University Ch. 13 Ramon Lull (1232-1316) Greg Peters (Ph.D., University of St. Michael's College, Toronto) is Associate Professor of Medieval and Spiritual Theology at Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University. He is author of The Story of Monasticism: Retrieving an Ancient Tradition for Contemporary Spirituality (Baker, 2015), and Peter of Damascus: Byzantine Monk and Spiritual Theologian (Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, 2011) Biola University Ch. 14 Gregory Palamas (1296-1359) Byard Bennett (Ph.D., University of

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Book SynopsisHow a biblical author says something is just as important as what they say.Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, this series carefully analyzes the discourse of each Old Testament book and shows how the main thrust of each passage contributes to the development of the whole composition in the original Hebrew.For each passage, the ZECOT provides: The main idea of the passage. Its literary context. The author''s original translation. Exegetical outline with Hebrew layout. Its structure and literary form. An explanation of the text. Its canonical and practical significance.  While primarily designed for those with a basic knowledge of biblical Hebrew, Hebrew words are always explained so that anyone who desires to understand the Old Testament and communicate its message will benefit from the depth and accessibility these volumes offer.<

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Book SynopsisReligion, race, and American history.America''s Religious History is an up-to-date, narrative-based introduction to the unique role of faith in American history. Moving beyond present-day polemics to understand the challenges and nuances of our religious past, leading historian Thomas S. Kidd interweaves religious history and key events from the larger story of American history, including: The Great Awakening The American Revolution Slavery and the Civil War Civil rights and church-state controversy Immigration, religious diversity, and the culture wars Useful for both classroom and personal study, America''s Religious History provides a balanced, authoritative assessment of how faith has shaped American life and politics.Trade Review'America's Religious History offers a comprehensive account of the history we must know in order to understand our present and pave a better way forward. The book is remarkable in its breadth and depth, in its precision and scholarship, and in its sheer readability. Thomas Kidd is a great gift to the contemporary American church, and this book demonstrates why.' * KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR, author of On Reading Well and Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More—Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist *'In this survey, Thomas Kidd provides a rich and complex survey of American Christianity, featuring a wonderful diversity of characters and actors, and he does so for both a general audience and for students. It is particularly strong for including sources on Latino Catholicism and Protestantism, a topic often ignored in textbooks. He incorporates the best of modern scholarship in a language accessible to all.' * PAUL HARVEY, professor and presidential teaching scholar, Department of History, University of Colorado *'Kidd's learned entry into the crowded field of American religious textbooks offers a fresh perspective on a complex story. Ranging from European incursions into an already well-established Native civilization to the clashes that the Trump has engendered, his narrative shows the continual entwining of sacred and secular, calming and violent, dominant and resistant, private and public, and pious and irreligious. General readers will find an account as simple as it is lively, while specialists will find one marked by nuance and insight. And it is all executed with the graceful strokes of a master craftsman.' * GRANT WACKER, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor Emeritus of Christian History, Duke Divinity School, author of One Soul at a Time: The Story of Billy Graham *'Thomas Kidd is an authoritative voice on American religion. Not only is he today's most prolific historian of American religious history, but he is an active commentator on social media who brings his expertise to bear on issues that matter. In this book, he joins his academic expertise with his acute insight into the present-day religious landscape. The result is an outstanding history of American religion that should be of interest to academics, ministers, and anyone else who wishes to understand the deeply significant influence of religion in the United States.' * JAMES P. BYRD, chair of the Graduate Department of Religion, associate professor of American religious history, Vanderbilt University *'Thomas Kidd's brisk narrative of America's religious story brings together a variety of historical strands to create a highly readable, engaging introduction to the many traditions that constitute our contemporary landscape. Kidd's deep knowledge of his subject sharpens his eye for both underexamined but important episodes and significant historical trends. He has created a lively, rich account that will appeal to a wide audience. His excellent suggestions for further reading will satisfy readers wanting to dig more deeply.' * ANNE BLUE WILLS, professor of religious studies, Davidson College *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Religious Vitality, Conflict, and Liberty in America 1. Early America 2. Awakenings and Empire 3. Religion and the American Founding 4. The Era of the Second Great Awakening 5. Global and Domestic Missions 6. Moral Reform and Slavery 7. The Civil War 8. Immigration, Temperance, and Gilded Age America 9. Evolution, the Bible, and the Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy 10. The World Wars and the Rise of Neo-Evangelicalism 11. Protest and the Revolutions of the 1960s 12. Immigration and New Religious Diversity Since 1965 13. Church-State Relations, the “Silent Majority,” and Jimmy Carter 14. The Reagan Revolution and the Moral Majority 15. Post 9-11 America Conclusion: A Post-Christian America?

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Book SynopsisDo you think Daniel is an old Elton John song? The Great White Throne is located just down the hall to the left? The Beast is a member of the World Wrestling Federation? You need Bible Prophecy Made Clear: the user-friendly guide to understanding what the Bible says about God''s plans for the world - and for you! Face it - Bible prophecy is daunting stuff. All those images of seven-headed dragons, hundred-pound hailstones, froglike demons, trumpet-blowing angels . . . how do you even begin to make sense of it? Simple: Flip open Bible Prophecy Made Clear - a lighthearted and illuminating approach to a serious and mystifying subject.Bible Prophecy Made Clear helps you: Understand the basic rules for interpreting Bible prophecy. Know what''s symbolic and what should be taken literally. Discover what the Bible says about the Tribulation, the Antichrist, the rapture, the battle of Armageddon, and other momentous world figures and events. Look at the deta

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Book SynopsisGlobalization and high-speed communication put twenty-first century people in contact with adherents to a wide variety of world religions, but usually, valuable knowledge of these other traditions is limited at best. On the one hand, religious stereotypes abound, hampering a serious exploration of unfamiliar philosophies and practices. On the other hand, the popular idea that all religions lead to the same God or the same moral life fails to account for the distinctive origins and radically different teachings found across the world’s many religions. Understanding World Religions presents religion as a complex and intriguing matrix of history, philosophy, culture, beliefs, and practices. Hexham believes that a certain degree of objectivity and critique is inherent in the study of religion, and he guides readers in responsible ways of carrying this out. Of particular importance is Hexham’s decision to explore African religions, which have frequently been absent fTrade ReviewA book that goes beyond mere description to engage real, and often controversial, issues. All university teachers grappling with these issues will find it of great use. Unlike most texts of this nature, it has an extensive section on African traditions that ought to interest scholars teaching African politics. It is a highly commendable piece of work. * HENRY SREBRNIK, Professor of Political Studies, University of Prince Edward Island *An ideal, clear, and lively introduction to world religions for North American students that also briefly deals with their modern developments, e.g. in the field of Buddhism. * MICHAEL HAHN, Professor of Indology and Tibetology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany *Hexham offers an introduction to the study of religions based on his years of teaching the subject, an impressive multicultural knowledge of various religious traditions, and in a style that is readable and engaging. Not another boring catalogue of religious beliefs and practices looked at from a pseudosophisticated afar, Hexham’s book conveys something of the diversity and controversies involved in the academic study of religions. * LARRY HURTADO, Professor and Director of the Centre for the Study of Christian Origins, The University of Edinburgh *I enjoyed the chapters on Indian religions enormously. They are enlightening and fascinating for anyone who has brushed the surface of India and its religious traditions. The author has produced a work that is very readable and thought-provoking, but, more importantly, one that brings the religions to life in a practical way. * BILL WARDEN, Canadian Ambassador to Pakistan (1981–1983) and High Commissioner to India (1983–1986) *Many Western presentations of Islam merely pass on selected remarks from unreliable tertiary sources. Irving Hexham’s chapters on Islam are unique in that they reach beyond library versions, Muslim polemic, and Western politically correct advocacy to the actual discourse of devoted Muslims around the world today. Hexham takes seriously the sourcebooks through which Muslims understand their faith and practice, and the perspectives of recent authors whose influence shapes modern Muslim views. He rightly relies on some of the strongest scholarly studies of Islam for his analysis and evaluation, which sheds light on a subject that remains confusing for many Westerners. * GORDON NICKEL, author of Narratives of Tampering in the Earliest Commentaries on the Qur’an and Peaceable Witness Among Muslims *

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Book SynopsisBasics of Biblical Greek Vocabulary Cards by William D. Mounce is intended to accompany the Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar, Fourth Edition. The vocabulary cards provide beginning students essential help in vocabulary acquisition of the Greek New Testament. Cards are numbered according to word frequency.

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Book SynopsisThe Zondervan Essential Companion to Christian History gives you what it promises: the essentials.Following a brief introduction that outlines the key events of the New Testament era, there is a chapter devoted to each century of Christian history beginning with the year 100 and ending roughly at the year 2000. Each chapter flows chronologically featuring: A brief overview, highlighting the main threads and issues running through the relevant century Key historical developments explained Thematic connections between centuries Color-coded sidebars on Persons, Ideas, or Events Persons: key figures either within or without the Church who have impacted Christian history significantly or who otherwise deserve special mention Ideas: important Christian books, as well as heresies, doctrines, or political movements Events: world-historical occurrences such as battles, natural disasters, invTrade ReviewBackhouse describes the history of official Christendom “from above,” but crucially, he also tells the story of the numerous movements renewing Christianity “from below.” No history of the church is complete that does not give time to these radical reforming men and women. A brilliant and beautiful book! * Pete Greig, founder of 24-7 Prayer International; senior pastor at Emmaus Rd, Guildford; author of Dirty Glory *Rich, concise, and built for our most dynamic leaders (who will never darken the door of a seminary), this short volume is Backhouse’s latest masterpiece tool for the local church. If locally-deployed church planters knew their history, they would be far less likely to repeat its mistakes. * Graham Singh, executive director of Church Planting Canada, rector of St. Jax Montreal *The Zondervan Essential Companion to Christian History is visually captivating---every page a joy to behold. But what makes this book so special is how Stephen Backhouse tells the Christian story. Facts and stories about saints, martyrs, heretics, monks, and missionaries fill the pages. This is a history book that reads like an adventure novel. * Richard Beck, professor at Abilene Christian University, author of Unclean and Stranger God *This book is well-named. It is indeed an essential companion to those entering into the study of church history. It gives students an outstanding way of orienting themselves, putting the towering figures of history into their social and theological contexts. It is full of helpful detail without being overwhelming, and it is written in a clear and engaging style, which draws the student in, teaching without daunting them. * Jane Williams, assistant dean and tutor in theology, St. Mellitus College *This gathering together of snapshots from two thousand years of church history refreshingly lets each century tell its own part of the tale; and Stephan Backhouse is a brilliant guide through the bewildering twists and turns. * David Benjamin Blower, Nomad Podcast, writer and musician *This volume is an invaluable resource for anyone looking for a compact yet remarkably comprehensive summary of Christian history. It includes a welcome emphasis on a global perspective, as well as highlighting the role of women in relation to many of the key developments in the church. It comes highly recommended. * Lucy Peppiatt, principal of Westminster Theological Centre *Table of Contents1. Introduction: Servants and Leaders: 0-100 AD 2. Love and Courage: 100-200 AD 3. Martyrs and Heretics: 200-300 AD 4. Establishment and Resistance: 300-400 AD 5. East and West: 400-500 AD 6. Centres and Margins: 500-600 AD 7. Soldiers and Missionaries: 600-700 AD 8. Monks and Emperors: 700-800 AD 9. Conversion and Culture: 800-900 AD 10. Green Shoots, Dead Branches: 900-1000 AD 11. Popes, Kings, and Peasants: 1000-1100 AD 12. War and Peace: 1100-1200 AD 13. Empire and Wilderness: 1200-1300 AD 14. Humility and Power: 1300-1400 AD 15. Church and State: 1400-1500 AD 16. Expansion and Consolidation: 1500 -1600 AD 17. Reform and Revival: 1600-1700 AD 18. Reason and Revolution: 1700-1800 AD 19. Progress and Preservation: 1800-1900 AD 20. Sacrifice and Invention: 1900-2000 AD

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Book SynopsisEven if you know you're called to youth ministry and are passionate about the students in your group, you've probably had a few of those moments when you've wondered why you're doing certain things in your ministry, or wondered why you're even doing youth ministry in the first place.If you've ever stopped to ask, What's the point of youth ministry? In Taking Theology to Youth Ministry, Andrew Root invites you along on a journey with Nadiaa fictional youth worker who is trying to understand the why behind her ministry. Her narrative, along with Root's insights, help you uncover the action of God as it pertains to your own youth ministry, and encourage you to discover how you can participate in that action. As you join this theological journey, you'll find yourself exploring how theology can and should influence the way you do youth ministry.

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Book SynopsisIt’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne—everything—to rescue the one he loves. The best thing about this Story is—it’s true! And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. The Child upon whom everything would depend.All the stars, mountains, oceans, and galaxies were nothing compared to how much God loved his children. He would move heaven and earth to be near them. Always. Whatever happened, whatever it cost him, he would always love them. And so it was that the wonderful love story began.The Story of God’s Love for You: Is for teenagers and adults who want to read and learn about the story of God’s love for them Includes 44 short chapters that lead you through the beautiful story of the Bible—Genesis to Revelation

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Book SynopsisGold-winning US gymnast and Olympic All-Around champion Gabrielle Douglas tells her personal story of faith, perseverance, and determination, demonstrating you can reach your dreams if you let yourself soar.

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Book SynopsisThe King James Version Kids Study Bible helps bring the Bible to life for children ages 8-12 with study features that inform, engage, and challenge kids to apply the Bible to everyday life. Includes the complete classic King James Version of the Bible.

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