Search results for ""Christian Focus Publications Ltd""

Let's face some uncomfortable facts: many Christians can struggle with exactly the same issues about the Bible as their non-Christian friends. Is God in control? Can he be trusted? Is he moral? Does he care and can he speak into my life and my struggles? Daniel Strange and Michael Ovey set out how we can we place our complete trust in Scripture, challenging both Christian's and those outside the church.

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Many of us know and love the stories and characters of the Old Testament such as Joseph, Moses and Jonah. But how do we view its importance in relation to New Testament teaching and our 21st century experiences? This accessible yet powerful addition to the Pocket Guide series draw together the threads of Scripture to help us understand the power of God’s word when viewed in its completeness.

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In the Song of Songs the son of David, King in Jerusalem, overcomes hostility and alienation to renew intimacy between himself and his Bride. This most sublime Song sings of a love sure as the seal of Yahweh, a flashing flame of fire many waters could never quench. James M. Hamilton Jr, in this latest addition to the popular Focus on the Bible series, pours fresh light on this inspiring and uplifting book.

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Who are the Popes and how does the Roman Catholic Church define their role? What about the present day Popes? What is the ecumenical significance of the Papacy and what are its prospects in the global world? These and other questions are tackled as Leonardo De Chirico explores the Biblical, historical, and theological fabric of the Papacy.

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In a day when church planting is back in fashion, here is Paul speaking to a newly planted fellowship. In a day when Christians in the West are finding themselves under growing pressure from the surrounding culture, here is Paul encouraging a church facing strong opposition. This book enables the leader to apply practical theology to specific situations that still affect the church today. This is the latest addition to the Teaching the Bible series.

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In his 100th work, Joel Beeke writes on the power and beauty of true, secure assurance of faith: the heartfelt conviction that one belongs to Christ through faith and will enjoy everlasting salvation. This title opens up Dr. Beeke’s expertise and learning for anyone ‘trapped in a background of easy believism or trapped in the opposite fear of assurance being the certain mark of being presumptuous and so crushing the young shoots of hope and assurance as they appear.’

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Dale Ralph Davis plunges right into the middle of King David’s hard times with a study that is resonant for our lives. King David’s faith brought him through the muddy parts of life. Will we find that depression is our final response to a hard path? Will faith carry us across? Find the encouragement that Psalms 13–24 hold for the Scripture–filled life.

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Our chief purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. God has revealed to us so much of his character and work in creation and providence and the Bible to help us to do this.We will never grasp the great extent of his being but we can enjoy the little that we do understand. We cannot see the beauty and wonder of the whole world but we can enjoy even the view of the garden from the kitchen window or simply the little bird in the sky.I pray that as you use this little book, you will see something of the wonder, majesty and glory of God. May this book help you to thank God for what he has told you about himself and then you will glorify and enjoy him.

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Isaac Watts(1674-1748) is one of the best-known hymn-Writers in history. He wrote over 700 hymns including the well-known "When I survey the Wondrous Cross", "O God, our help in ages past" and "Jesus shall reign where'er the sun" - hymns which are still sung to this day. Brought up in a non-conformist church and family, Isaac Watts knew what it was to be a pastor whilst also battling prolonged periods of illness. Leading a life, that like us all, was not without difficulty or controversy, he was able to write hymns of almost unparalleled depth and beauty, though they were often unappreciated by his own congregation. This fascinating study considers his life, writings and continuing influence on Christians today, in a way that will illuminate and inspire.

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If you've ever picked up a hymn book, the chances are that you've sung a song written by a blind girl - and not just any blind girl... Fanny Crosby. As a young child she knew nothing of the sighted world around her but that didn't stop her interacting with nature, experiencing the thrill of God's creation. She held her grandmother's hand but she thought that was because Grandmother needed her help not the other way around.

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Like many things in life, the skill of good preaching is 95% perspiration and 5% inspiration. Alec Motyer’s guide is based on a multitude of sermons over many years of preaching in many different situations, a recipe to help you know your subject and to pull the pieces together into a winning sermon. Preaching is a privilege: let Alec help you reach out and make the best of the gifts God has given you.

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It can be difficult to ask questions, far less answer them. Perhaps you've felt that sometimes the questions you really want to ask just can't be answered. They're too difficult; too embarrassing; and perhaps you shouldn't be asking them anyway. William Edgar takes a selection of twenty-four questions just like that - questions that are asked by young adults just like you - and gives a biblical, common sense, unpatronising answer to each. Edgar tackles issues such as 'Where is God?' 'Can we trust the Bible?' 'What about love and sex?' 'Does God love gay people?' 'When will the world end?' 'Are there vampires?' 'Can I have real friends?'

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Tom Nettles has spent more than 15 years working on this magisterial biography of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the famous 19th century preacher and writer. More than merely a biography it covers his life, ministry and also provides an indepth survey of his theology.

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John Knox spent his life with a sword in one hand and a Bible in the other and he wasn't afraid to use either.He began his theological life as a body guard to George Wishart - and it was when that young man was put to death by the religious authorities that John Knox was finally persuaded of the need to awaken his country from the death of injustice and spiritual poverty that afflicted it.He was never built for a quiet life and when he ran from one danger, he often found himself headed straight for another. Escaping from the authorities brought him straight into a castle siege and from there he ended up as a galley slave on a French frigate.No wonder he appreciated liberty when he had felt the grasp of slavery's chains and the cut of the enemy's whip.But his thirst for true freedom came from his longing for God's Word to be preached. John knew that true liberty only came from being in service to God and his Kingdom.Many stood against him and they still do today... but he gave much to his country and to his God and the church and Scotland owe John Knox - they owe him thanks as they owe the God he served thanks for calling such men to be his preachers.

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‘Right, that’s it. Tomorrow I’m going to change.’ Ebbie thought that student life in Europe would be an opportunity to escape the restrictions of his upbringing in India. But when he found himself alone in a strange city, he realised that drinking and partying didn’t bring happiness. And he was shocked to discover he could not turn around his own life. ‘I was bound by my sins. I couldn’t get out. I needed a Saviour.’ Read how Ebbie reached his turning point and how he experienced the power of God to save.

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Devotional challenges modern readers to take up Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions In 1722, an 18–year–old Jonathan Edwards began setting down seventy resolutions, personal statements of intent, to which, by the grace of God, he held himself accountable for the rest of his life. He read them prayerfully once a week until his death in 1758. Some examples of these resolutions include: Resolved to be always discovering new ways to Glorify God in my life and increase both my joy in Jesus and that of others. Resolved to give my best every week to grow in the grace of God and to be brought to a new and higher place with Jesus than I was the week before. Resolved, as far as possible, when presented with something wonderful and puzzling about God and His ways, to not delay in opening my Bible and my heart to search and discover all that God has revealed to me about Himself. Resolved to be eagerly seeking out those to whom I can be generous and charitable. Resolved, whenever I hear of or see something praiseworthy in another person to seek to imitate it in my life. John Gillespie here examines each resolution in the light of scripture and encourages modern readers to meditate on how they could apply Edwards’ resolutions to their own lives. Each of the 70 short readings begins with the resolution in question and a passage from the Bible, and ends with a verse or quote to meditate on. The devotionals expound on Edwards’ words and call 21st century Christians to think about how they could apply his resolutions to their lives today.

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This curated collection of material from Andrew Bonar is an ideal introduction to his work. Andrew Bonar was a nineteenth century Scottish minister who participated in many of the important ecclesiastical changes that happened between 1840 and 1890. He was a much–loved and highly admired man within the Scottish evangelical church. His words still challenge and encourage the Christian reader today. This short book includes a variety of material by and about Andrew Bonar, including: – a brief biography – a selection of his sayings – a pastoral letter to his congregation in Collace that he wrote from the Holy Land while on a visit there – a magazine article about visiting the sick – a sermon he preached on the love of the Father

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The thrilling tale of a German preacher in World War II who plotted to assassinate Hitler Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of the heroes of World War II. Not only did he preach God’s word fearlessly, he spoke and actively resisted the evil of the Nazi regime. Discovered to be one of the people behind the plot to assassinate Hitler he was arrested and eventually martyred. Not long before his death he was engaged to be married, and this unfulfilled marriage is one of the bittersweet notes to his story, written here by skilled storyteller Dayspring MacLeod. Today he is remembered for his writings, including his letters from prison and commentaries.

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This collection of C. H. Spurgeon’s travel letters offer a rare insight into a different side of the famed preacher. Of the many telling phrases C. H. Spurgeon gave the world, one speaks to the way he, and his contemporaries, greatly valued letters, or what he called “gifts of the pen.” He lived in a golden age of letter–writing, and helped to make it so. The best letters, he knew, are written with caring reflection, love of the written word, wit, and a vivid sense of place. His travel letters model these gifts. His love of nature, history, culture, and art live—and breathe—in these pages. Rest and recreation, on holiday, when he could follow these interests, were meaningful, renewing gifts from God. He cherished them, and needed them. They lend a special, one–of–a–kind voice to this book. With a painter’s gifts, set amid the countryside of England, or places of Europe, Spurgeon’s Travel Letters are eloquent, and many times moving. His “gifts of the pen” shine in them. At long last, they have a place well–deserved, a place all their own. Now, we ourselves may travel with Spurgeon—discovering the world that he knew. And we may bless God for the privilege given in these letters.

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Bite–sized biographies of inspirational Christian women. Spanning two millennia and multiple continents, these stories will introduce you to great women in the history of the Christian faith. From Mary in first century Judea, to Catherine Booth in nineteenth century Britain, to Gladys Aylward in twentieth century China. Perpetua and Jane Grey lived brief lives cut short by their conspicuous and brave fidelity to Jesus, while Corrie ten Boom, although no less courageous, lived a long life that testified to God’s compassion and forgiveness. For all their differences, each one of these women has left an indelible legacy on our collective intergenerational Christian consciousness. Each are worth knowing. To know someone’s story is a privilege. We hope you’re encouraged in your Christian walk as you read of theirs. The women whose stories are included in this book are: Mary Perpetua Catherine of Siena Jane Grey Anne Hutchinson Anne Dutton Selina, Countess of Huntingdon Catherine Booth Gladys Aylward Corrie Ten Boom

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The man on the mat was sad that he could not walk. But then his friends brought him to see Jesus, and Jesus did something amazing! It turned out that not being able to walk was not the only problem the man had – he also needed to have his sins forgiven. Not only was Jesus able to make him walk again, he also forgave his sins.This story can be found in the Bible in Mark 2:1–12.

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Protection. Prayer. Providence. People. People throughout history have shared stories to entertain, to inform, to inspire. Christ’s people do this, but even more than that, they tell stories to testify to the mighty acts of their God. The stories in this book testify to God’s protection in times of war, on journeys, from enemy attacks and in everyday life. They tell of prayers answered. They proclaim the Father’s care, in providing what His people need at the very moment they need it. WEC – Worldwide Evangelization for Christ – is a mission organization founded by C.T. Studd and Alfred Buxton in 1913. There are nearly 2,000 full–time members from over 50 nations working in 70+ locations around the globe. WEC UK & Ireland is made up of several hundred members. These stories come from among their ranks. Each written by an ordinary Christian, in their own words, these stories will challenge and encourage you. You will find yourself asking what might happen if you stepped out in faith.

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From the Latin word credo, meaning ‘I believe’, creeds are statements of personal belief. They have been used throughout the history of the church to helpfully condense the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. They are a valuable in that they – Summarize Christian truth – Testify to what the Church has always believed – Help us be precise in how we express truth – Guard us against heresy and error – Unify believers who share the same testimony In Christ & Creed Nate Pickowicz helpfully examines the early major ecumenical creeds, providing historical context and highlighting the distinctives in the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Definition of Chalcedon and the Athanasian Creed. He shows how these statements are still invaluable for the church today. It also includes a glossary of terms and recommended further reading.

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Atheists often level charges at the God of the Bible as being angry and hateful. They claim that God condones genocide, that He is a cruel and oppressive megalomaniac, but this doesn’t seem to match what Christians claim about Him being a God of love. How can a God who provides and saves also wipe out entire nations? Richard Belcher’s addition to the Big Ten series addresses these commonly asked questions. He begins by laying out how God created humanity in His own image, but we chose to reject Him. Our very sense that things are not fair points to the perfect justice of God. Belcher shows that God’s justice, including expressions of anger against wrongdoing, is compatible with His love and goodness. Belcher then tackles specific texts in the Bible that seem to promote genocide and oppression and shows how the God of the Old Testament is the same loving, generous, gracious God that we meet in the person of Jesus Christ. An excellent read for any who struggle to answer questions about the character of God and for those looking to bolster their faith in the God of the Bible.

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A testimony to the sufficiency of God in the gruelling day–to–day reality of raising a child with a mental health disorder. Mental health disorders have become increasingly prevalent, especially in children and teenagers. Suicide is the 3rd highest cause of death in fifteen– to nineteen–year–olds around the world. This effect of the Fall has left thousands of families in despair, confusion, and impotent desperation. Leslie Schmucker knows this all too well. Writing to encourage other parents who find themselves in a similar situation, she explores different aspects of her and her family’s experience with their daughter, Jackie. Through violence and mayhem, joy and hope, intense isolation, shame and confusion, Leslie’s honest testimony to the goodness of God is humbling. Leslie’s testimony is split into four sections: Comfort from the God who Knows Sufficiency in the Fallout Guidance in the Storm Hope for the Journey Life in our post–Fall world is not always neat, not every story looks like a success, but Leslie shows us how the gospel is for every situation, the love of God is for everyone, and He can be trusted to write our stories. Whether you are raising a child with a mental health disorder or not, this book will challenge your comfortable Christianity and show you a love beyond measure.

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Slavery has been around for a long time. In the Bible, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, and the Israelites were slaves in Egypt until God freed them. Even much more recently, people were kidnapped and made to work. For a while, Christians ignored that slavery is wrong and pretended that enslaved people were not their neighbors. But a lot of Christians realised they were wrong, and between 1688 and 1888 AD there was a big fight to put a stop to slavery. This is the story of these Christians who loved their neighbors and how they fought to free them. Includes the story of how the abolition of the slave trade came about internationally, and facts about modern slavery, as well as a timeline of key dates.

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David Livingstone was one of the most consequential individuals who lived in the nineteenth century. An unpretentious Scottish missionary doctor, explorer and abolitionist, he opened the door for Christianity in southern Africa. Vance Christie’s biography is the most comprehensive and accurate ever written about Livingstone. During his lifetime he was a hero in Britain and beyond, and gained a degree of respect, trust, appreciation and even affection with many African people. He was a man who overcame many deprivations and discouragements, and displayed the utmost measure of courage, self–control, faith, wisdom and ingenuity. Christie takes a balanced look at Livingstone’s amazing achievements, but also at his very real flaws. This gripping in–depth biography is a must–read insight into a fascinating man.

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A call to engage with the identity politics of our world, and reframe the way we spread the Christian gospel. In our modern world the gospel of Jesus is seen by many less as good news for all humanity, and more as the bigoted edicts of a bygone era. Benjamin Chang explores the stories of the revolution, tracing the trajectories of four of the biggest social justice movements – feminism, racial justice, gay pride and the trans movement – before looking at the ways Christians usually engage with these arenas of cultural conflict (mirror, argue, ignore) and identifying a better way forward. Rather than hunkering down in our own identity tribes, arguing against other groups, or ignoring what is going on in the culture around us, Chang encourages Christians to find ways to speak for Jesus. He urges us to look at the way we tell stories, and consider whether we can re–capture hearts in our culture by telling a more powerful counter–narrative. He gives us language to use to speak about the cross in our world of identity politics. We will see that the gospel resonates with a culture when it speaks the language of the culture.

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1485–1600 Throughout the Christian lands of Europe, there was darkness. Not a physical darkness, but a spiritual one. For many years, the clarity of God’s grace given through Jesus Christ had dimmed. A system of human effort designed to achieve God’s favor meant people were confused about Scripture, about salvation, and about the purpose of life. But in those dark times, light dawned. Brave individuals challenged long–held teachings that had drifted from Scripture. Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Thomas Cranmer led movements of reformation in their nations, calling their followers to the clear teaching of the Bible, to Christ, to faith, to grace, to live to the glory of God. Others, such as Patrick Hamilton, William Tyndale, and Lady Jane Grey, sought to continue this enterprise, sometimes at the cost of their lives. The Risen Hope series is a narrative–driven history of the Church. Introducing key people and events from the last two thousand years, readers will be captivated by the fascinating stories and engaging writing style. Risen Hope replaces the out–of–print History Lives series. These bold Christians—called Protestants for their protest against the established and wayward Church practices of the day—sought to be faithful to Christ in their world, and in the process they offered in a new world that endures today.

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In 52 short chapters, Bless–ed shows us the gifts God has given us, and how we can share them with our friends When we think about blessings, we often think about material gifts that God has provided. These are indeed things to be grateful for, but these are things that God has given to all people – what are the additional blessings we receive because we are his? Have you given thought to the knowledge that you have a forgiven past, a promising present and a certain, glorious future? Have you thanked God for giving you a proper view of health, balanced emotions and a fearless intellectual life? With one chapter for every week of the year, Larry Dixon looks at a different blessing that we have in our Christian life. He explains the blessing, gives Bible passages to examine, encourages us to take action with three action points, and also provides a guide for praying for unsaved friends to also know this blessing.

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The Gurvsy family arrived in China during 2017. Two years later they were back home, reeling from the experience and asking, ‘What happened?’. After being sent out to missional work, the Gurvsys look back at newsletters, diaries, examining memories and their culture shocks; all with the prayer–fuelled awareness of God, His ways, His Word and His promises. This book is a narrative made possible by reflection. It’s a story of waiting, action and benching. It’s less an account of missional life in Asia. Rather, a story which reflects the complexities, challenges, choices and changes humanity experiences while here on earth. It’s a letter to all who are called to go, be it at home, in work or overseas.

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Male & Female He Created Them is an 8–week study on gender, sexuality, and marriage. Authored by Denny Burk, David Closson, and Colin Smothers, it presents a biblical vision for contested issues such as homosexuality, transgenderism, and marriage. By the completion of this book, readers will have a better grasp on the Bible’s teaching about our identities as male and female, created in the image of God, and know how to apply Scripture to these issues in their ministries at church, home, and work.

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A young person’s entry into biblical views of relationships. Chastity is a word that isn’t used much these days, but it means exercising sexual self–control in line with the moral teachings of the Bible. It means honoring God, respecting others, and embracing the liberating beauty of God’s order. But how do we do that in today’s recreational dating culture? And how do we think about dating and, ultimately, marriage? David Ayers has written this helpful little book to help you think through these questions, and understand why this is such an important part of the Christian life.

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This Jonah picture book clearly explains this minor prophet for 4–6 year–olds God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and tell the people there to stop doing bad things and turn back to God, but Jonah ran away. He took a boat in the opposite direction, so God sent a big storm and Jonah ended up in the belly of a big fish. When Jonah told the Ninevites God’s message, they turned away from their evil ways, but instead of rejoicing, Jonah was angry. This minor prophet has major lessons for readers today. Brian Wright and John Brown show us how Jonah points to Jesus, and teaches us about compassion and obedience.

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A study of identity politics through a biblical lens, looking at idolatry of the self and the elevations of sexual identity. Our culture is obsessed with identity and it has been the cause of tense interaction with (and within) the Church. Rather than being a new challenge to the Christian faith, however, the identity issue is a very old one; it is fundamentally one of idolatry. Who we are, who we think we are, and how God in Christ restores our knowledge of ourselves in covenant with him, are central Biblical themes. But these things will only appear with clarity if we have the courage to tackle the idolatries of our own age at the root, and stand true to our calling as Christians to worship God and him alone.

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The women in this book – Lady Jane Grey, Anne Askew, Katherine Parr and Catherine Willoughby were Christian women of outstanding courage and conviction. Each was transformed by the teachings of the Reformation and experienced its dramas and dangers. Elaine Snuggs has researched widely and deeply to portray for us four remarkable women living through a fascinating period in history, a period with immense consequences for England and indeed the world. The women are both well known (Katharine Parr, sixth and surviving wife of Henry VIII, and Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days Queen) and not so well known (martyr Anne Askew and Catherine Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk). These were not flawless heroines but in their times of trial showed themselves to be brave, intelligent, educated women, of strong character and radiant spirit, living for the Lord who had saved them and whom they had come to know as the only Saviour and Redeemer by grace alone through faith alone. See how God has exercised his sovereignty in history – in the public sphere as well as in the lives of individuals, and be inspired to love Christ more, and live for him.

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How does God’s unchanging nature impact the salvation of his people? While divine immutability enjoyed a broad affirmation through much of Christian theological antiquity, it has fallen on harder times in modernity. Seen as a holdover from overly philosophical theology, divine immutability has often been characterized as rendering God static and incapable of having meaningful relationships with his creation. This book aims to swim upstream from this claim and demonstrate that divine immutability does not handicap soteriology but is a necessary and vital component of God’s economy of redemption as triune changelessness protects and promotes the redemption of God’s creatures. By anchoring the economy of redemption in divine immutability, we see the benefit of rooting all of God’s economic work in the immanent life of God. This book aims to be a work of dogmatic theology and therefore will arrive at this thesis by way of exegetical, historical, and philosophical theology. In harmony, these fields will interact with varying deviations and denials of divine immutability and ultimately conclude that a classical articulation of God’s changelessness does most justice to the economy of redemption.

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For almost 400 years families have been using The Westminster Shorter Catechism as a guide to understanding the basics of the Christian faith. This new, illustrated edition breathes fresh life into these timeless questions and answers, helping a new generation to learn the primary truths drawn from the Bible and laid out by our fathers in the faith. Ira Miniof’s striking images will help families engage with and meditate on the meaning of each entry. A valuable addition to any family’s library. Also includes a short glossary of practices and concepts used, and an index of Scripture proofs. The entries are separated into sections for ease of reference: Our Faith (Questions 1–38) Life’s Purpose Holy Scripture What We Should Believe About God God’s Plan Creation God’s Providence Sin Covenant of Grace Our Savior Three Offices of the Savior Savior’s Humiliation Savior’s Exaltation Effective Calling Benefits in this Life Benefits at Death Benefits at the Resurrection God’s Law (Questions 39–87) The Moral Law Introduction to the Ten Commandments The First Commandment The Second Commandment The Third Commandment The Fourth Commandment The Fifth Commandment The Sixth Commandment The Seventh Commandment The Eighth Commandment The Ninth Commandment The Tenth Commandment Transgressions and Punishment How Can We Be Saved? The Means of Grace (Questions 88–99) The Means of Grace The Word of God The Sacraments Baptism The Lord’s Supper Prayer The Lord’s Prayer Our Father In Heaven Hallowed Be Your Name Your Kingdom Come Your Will be Done, On Earth As It Is In Heaven Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread And Forgive Us Our Debts, As We Also Have Forgiven Our Debtors And Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From Evil For Yours Is The Kingdom, And The Power, And The Glory, Forever. Amen

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The book of Leviticus remains a mystery to many Christians, which is a great pity, for Leviticus is not only theologically rich, but also essential for grasping the full–orbed message of the gospel. The book’s central concern is clear: preparing people to live near Yahweh’s presence and survive the encounter; yet the message of Leviticus remains one of grace. It is God who desires to live with his people, and it is God who provides means and instructions to make such an arrangement possible. Geoffrey Harper’s guide to this complex but crucial book will be helpful to small group leaders and preachers who want to teach Leviticus but are unsure where to start. This series is designed to help the pastor/preacher, a small group leader or a youth worker teach their way through a Biblical book. It will help you in planning and executing a lesson advising on background, structure, key points and application.

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All of us have someone else to thank for receiving the good news of salvation. Mission is a means to a greater goal – God’s name being glorified in the salvation of sinners. We should long to see God’s fame being spread as far as possible. Throughout the Bible God chose to reach the nations through the preaching of His own people. Emilio Garofalo Neto helps us think through mission, the place it has in our world today, and our role in the mission of Christ.

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Christian faith is a matter for the emotions, but also a matter for the intellect. Donald MacLeod delves into not only what he believes, but why he believes, and how that belief affects how he lives his life. Arguing for the importance of reason and logic in personal faith, he equips the reader to resist relativist influences that are permeating the twenty–first–century church. Winsomely written, Professor MacLeod shows once again why he is a beloved teacher and writer.

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Have you ever felt afraid? Most people have. So, it is not surprising then, that in the Bible the words “fear not” or “do not be afraid” occur quite frequently. The God who made us, knows all about our fears. This book reminds us that God is with us. The God who helped His people in the past to face difficulties without fear, will also help us if we trust in Him.

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If you’ve read the Bible, you probably know some of the important battles, a good chunk of the life of Jesus, maybe a Psalm or two – but what do you know about the minor prophets and the epistles? Do you have some loose ends that need tying up? This is where a book like this helps. The Bible has one author – God – so we need to see the Bible as a whole, as God’s Word. Every book of the Bible is the breath of God and the plan of Salvation spans all of Scripture. In this Bible overview each book of the Bible is summarised; background given; themes and theology explained.

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Spiritual fitness for Christians whose growth has stagnated Many of us feel like our spiritual growth has stalled. Our routines have hardened into ruts. Around us, we see other Christians with the same struggles and we start to think that treading water is the basic rhythm of the Christian life. Often the problem of stagnating faith is down to one simple fact – we all have a bias towards ease. Our spiritual routines involve passively reading our Bibles, not lingering long enough to comprehend or retain what was read, and a few distracted minutes spent in prayer. This book of spiritual workouts is meant to push complacent souls back out into the space of exertion and discovery. It will engage and sharpen the faculties of the mind – memory, imagination, intellect, conscience and will. Each workout, thematically grouped, features a hymn, richly steeped in scripture. There is a Bible passage to read, a list of the scripture references made in the hymn, and three reflection questions to meditate on. The 100 exercises are grouped into these themes: The Holiness of God The Mystery of the Gospel Incarnation and Life Death Resurrection and Ascension Final Judgement and New Creation Spiritual Fellowship The Father The Son The Holy Spirit The Church Spiritual Transformation Inward Motivation Mature Character Spiritual Disciplines Bible Reading Prayer Repentance and Mortification Practicing the Presence of God Whole–Life Discipleship Spiritual Trials Suffering and Affliction Temptation and Spiritual Warfare Facing Death

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Matthew was a tax collector, a disgrace to his people. But Jesus, in his grace, called him to be a disciple and to write a book about him for his own people, the Jews. The central theme of Matthew is two–fold: Jesus is the fulfilment of the promises in the Hebrew Scriptures and Jesus is the Messiah. John D. Hannah’s valuable contribution to the Focus on the Bible series is a layman’s commentary to this crucial book. Moving through the book, he shows how Matthew records the claims of Jesus to be King, and the rejection of Jesus as King.

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Sometimes we want our heroes to have no faults. We want them to do the right thing, standing tall, with no stain on their life or character. But everyone makes mistakes. The life of Thomas Cranmer shows that God uses failures in his church for his own glory. He moved amongst Kings and Queens, influencing the throne of England and the centre of national power. But he lived at a time when the power of the monarch was absolute and sometimes the decisions you made were a matter of life and death. Thomas Cranmer’s life is perhaps best known for a decision he made that he later regretted and deeply repented of. But his final legacy is the truth that he held on to the last.

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When we read God’s Word and see the wonder of who Jesus is and what he has done we see that God’s Son has given us his very best. His love and care for us took him to the Cross for us. With these 31 devotions and prayers you will discover Christ’s care for his people and how he deserves our love and worship. Find out How Jesus Cares through stories such as: Nicknames, Just Do It, and David’s Big Three. These stories were first told at The Tron Church in Glasgow, Scotland.

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We all view the world through a certain lens. Depending on our upbringing, geography, experiences and a whole host of other influences, we will see life a certain way. Our understanding of truth, justice, love, and good and evil is shaped by what we hear and are taught. Using real–life stories and poignant historical overviews, Sharon James writes to equip the next generation with the wisdom needed to think through some of the most divisive cultural issues of our day.

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