Search results for ""inter-varsity press""

‘God wants people to become like Christ,’ said international preacher, writer and teacher John Stott in a public address at the end of his long life. Peter Lewis is similarly passionate about the Bible’s message – that God has a plan which centres on Jesus and includes each one of us. In this accessible and helpful book, he focuses on the: source of Christlikeness model of Christlikenesshelps to Christlikeness contradictions of Christlikeness an dtriumph of Christlikeness Here, the reader who wants to become like Christ will find radical – sometimes challenging – teaching, practical wisdom and warm reassurance.

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On 31 October 1517, Martin Luther posted his ninety-five theses on the castle church door in Wittenberg - the starting gun for the Reformation. Five hundred years later, the issues debated at the Reformation are still urgent. In this clear, incisive and accessible survey, Michael Reeves and Tim Chester show how the Reformation helps us answer questions like: How do we know what’s true? Can we truly know God? How does God speak? What’s wrong with us? How can we be saved? Who am I? At its heart, the Reformation was a dispute about how we know God and how we can be right with him. At stake was our eternal future – and it still is.

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The world is changing fast, and digital technology fastest of all. The growth of social media and increasingly innovative digital advancements raises questions for every Christian. How should we understand the new digital age? And how can we live well within it? These technologies hold awesome potential for good. But when we engage unthinkingly with the online world, there is a danger that we begin to become increasingly like the technologies we use, relating and thinking without human connection. We fall short of what we were made to be. We are virtually human. Whether you are an early adopter, a sceptic, or just content to go with the flow, this book will help you navigate the digital world in a way that honours Christ and leads to your growth and the growth of those around you.

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On the surface, the book of Ruth tells the tale of an unlikely marriage between a destitute Moabite widow and an upstanding citizen of a Judean village. The deeper import of the story, however, has to do with the internal boundaries that define the people of God. Is Israel a closed community, held together exclusively by bonds of kinship, or a nation that welcomes faithful outsiders into its sphere of belonging? Ruth appropriates marriage as the symbolic vehicle of a transformation in Israel's self-understanding - from a community articulated by Naomi's declaration that her daughters-in-law marry within their own people, to the acclamations by the people of Bethlehem that endorse Boaz's marriage to a Moabite. L. Daniel Hawk undertakes a detailed narrative analysis of Ruth that goes beyond the description of its content and stylistic features to illumine its deep structure and use of metaphor. Informed by contemporary studies on ethnicity, he discovers a work of remarkable sophistication that employs a story of intermarriage to address opposing ideas of Israelite identity. Hawk's meticulous attention to patterned structures, stylistic devices and characterization reveals the strategy by which the narrator constructs a vision of Israel that looks beyond rigid internal boundaries to the welcome of faithful foreigners as agents of blessing.

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100% Christianity is the only thing that can change a person from the inside out. Jago captures the power of personal transformation that the gospel offers, as well as the big picture of a gospel that changes everything. Reading '100% Christianity' leaves you with the clear conviction that Jago not only believes this, but he has experienced the power of Christ's grace, and having experienced it, his passion is to see others capture the 'bigness' of what Christianity actually means. The greatest challenge is this: as Jago reminds us, God has given us 100%, and now God asks us for 100% of our lives. This book hits the ball into our court: what we do with God's glorious grace and the message of the cross is the big question each of us must answer. --Malcolm Duncan, Founder and Director of Church and Community and lead pastor of Gold Hill Baptist Church I'm delighted to commend this book by Jago Wynne for two reasons. Firstly, it makes the letter to the Romans accessible, when so often people find it is not. And secondly, it shows why we need the whole letter to live biblically-balanced lives. I think it's a huge help to Christians and non-Christians alike in terms of commentating on what the Christian life is really like. --Rico Tice, Associate Minister at All Souls Church and co-author of 'Christianity Explored'

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The Bible is a story; the gospel is a message. But how does one lead to the other? Raiding the Lost Ark shows how covenants hold the key, and demonstrates how the gospel of salvation by grace alone grows naturally out of the story God tells. At the centre of Israel's worship was the tabernacle. At the centre of the tabernacle was a box: the Ark of the Covenant. Within the box was a covenant. Covenant dominates the Bible's story from start to finish, shaping the gospel, the church and the day-to-day experience of God's people. But for many of us, covenant is a lost concept. Raiding the Lost Ark seeks to recover the great news of Jesus Christ as Covenant King, demonstrating the natural flow from the story God tells to the gospel of grace. Along the way, it addresses hot topics, such as baptism in the Spirit, predestination and water baptism, showing how they all fit together in one covenant story to bring God's people into fullness of life under the Covenant King.

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My heart is stirred by a noble theme ...' (Psalm 45:1) The Old Testament prophets spoke oracles from God - but the theology of the Psalms arises from the daily lives of his people. The New Testament apostles expounded the death and resurrection of Christ through sermon and epistle - but the Christology of the Psalms is expressed in poetry. The Gospels show us Jesus in the flesh, teaching, healing, dying and rising. In the Psalms we are invited to accompany him on his journey of suffering, trust and vindication. What are we to do with such unique theology? How should we hear it as Christians? How can it shape our life together, and our lives as individuals? The goal of this stimulating volume, based on the 2012 Moore College School of Theology, is to help us hear the message of the Psalms - as a story, as prophecy, as theology, as poetry, as praise - and to explore its application for the people of God today, whether in joy or pain, perplexity or persecution, politics or mission. The contributors are Greg Anderson, Kit Barker, Andrew Cameron, James Hely Hutchinson, Seumas Macdonald, David Peterson, Andrew Shead, Andrew Sloane, Tara Stenhouse, Mark Thompson, John Woodhouse and Dan Wu.

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Studying the Bible in an academic institution can be very different from studying it in a church service or house group, but for all Christian readers the fundamental task is the same: to understand, and to live out, the meaning of the text as fully as possible. Nevertheless, formal courses in universities and theological colleges will require students to learn information and evaluate opinions that can appear to be of little consequence for most other readers of the Bible. Furthermore, Christians can be confronted with essentially non-Christian worldviews that conflict with their basic convictions; evangelicals will grapple with other Christian perspectives, or with tough questions within their own presuppositions about the nature and content of the Bible. This collection provides an introduction to academic study of the Bible, with the particular needs of evangelical students in mind. These essays are intended to complement standard texts and lecture courses, and offer accessible, up-to-date surveys of key issues, along with valuable orientation and advice.

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In a society whose moral fabric is rent can the church recover its moral character enough to make a difference? This compelling critique of the influence of modernity on Evangelical moral values today is by the highly regarded author of God in the Wasteland and No place for truth.

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Few biblical texts are more daunting, and yet more fascinating, than the book of Job - and few have been the subject of such diverse interpretation. For Robert Fyall, the mystery of God's ways and the appalling evil and suffering in the world are at the heart of Job's significant contribution to the canon. This study offers a holistic reading of the book, with particular reference to its depiction of creation and evil, and find significant clues to its meaning in the striking imagery it uses.

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An excellent Bible study booklet ideal for group or individual use.

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This world is no friend to grace. God has given us some resources, however. As we grow in character qualities like hope, patience, repentance and joy, we ill grow in our ability to persevere. The biblical passages in these studies offer encouragement to continue in the path Christ has set forth for us.

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Thanksgiving is a recurring theme in Paul's letters and yet has been neglected in major studies of his thought. David Pao makes up for this lack in an excellent analysis which demonstrates how, for Paul, thanksgiving is an important link between theology and ethics.

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Jesus' work on the cross not only won our redemption but also stands as the test and pattern of all Christian ministry today. This heartwarming exposition will challenge and encourage church leaders and their congregations.

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A handbook discussing the books of the New Testament against their first-century background: literary, political, social, economic and religious. With illustrations and index.

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Obadiah, Nahum and Zephaniah are probably among the least-read books of the Bible and are rarely preached. However, Gordon Bridger encourages us to study and apply these three Old Testament prophets for several compelling reasons. As part of Scripture, they claim to bring a message from God and teach us some major truths: - the importance of focusing on God, who is personal, sovereign, righteous, and loving - facing up to sin and judgment - responding in repentance and faith - the hope of future salvation and restoration. They also relate to the real world, in touch with the social and political issues of their day (the seventh century BC), as well as spiritual and moral issues: sleaze amongst political leaders, unfaithfulness of religious leaders, national and personal pride, crimes against humanity and the persecution of God's people. Hence, these challenging books are expounded on here with clarity and conviction, tackling themes and issues that are especially relevant to today's church and world. The Bible Speaks Today series covers every book of the Old and New Testaments, as well as Bible themes that run through the whole of Scripture. These revised editions are redesigned inside and out and have been sensitively updated with contemporary language and Bible translations to help you follow, study and teach the Bible in today's world.

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When we strip away what is superficial, cultural or traditional, what is the essence of genuine Christianity? John's letters focus on the three most important aspects of the Christian life. With power and simplicity, he helps us focus our attention on what really matters - both now and for eternity. 12 studies for individuals or groups. This revised Lifebuilder Bible study in the new revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as an extra "Now or Later" section in each study.

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Ted Turnau introduces readers to the major themes of his in-depth Oasis of Imagination by collaborating with Ruth Naomi Floyd. Floyd brings her distinctive experience as a Christian artist to make this a practical guide that distils the "why" and "how" of embracing Christian creative cultural engagement. Why does the church need to pay more attention to the imagination? How can we, in this day and age, best enter our cultural conversations for the common good? How can the local church better support its creatives, enriching its own imaginative life and building bridges to their neighbours and the wider culture? Whether you are a Christian artist or creative yourself, or an everyday Christian searching for a path beyond the culture wars and Christian bubble, Imagination Manifesto will give you biblical foundations, practical pointers, discussion starters, and inspiration for "planting oases" in today's culture.

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'Mission is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate.' John Piper's contemporary classic draws on key biblical texts to demonstrate that worship is the ultimate goal of the church and that proper worship fuels missionary outreach. Piper offers a biblical defence of God's supremacy in all things, providing a sound theological foundation for missions. He examines whether Jesus is the only way to salvation and issues a passionate plea for God-centredness in the missionary enterprise, seeking to define the scope of the task and the means for reaching 'all nations'. Let the Nations Be Glad! is a trusted resource for missionaries, pastors, church leaders, youth workers, seminary students, and all who want to connect their labours to God's global purposes. This third edition has been revised and expanded throughout and includes new material on the 'prosperity gospel'.

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What does an Old Testament book have to say to us in the twenty-first century? Discover the message of a Bible book for yourself by using tools which help you 'dig deeper'. In the authors' own words, 'We want to share with you why we think it means what it does, how we came to our understanding of the verses, what discoveries we made. Rather than a Hollywood movie, this is going to be more like the how-they-made-the-movie footage.' 'I have never seen a burning bush, have never suffered a plague of boils (even as a seventeen-year-old the acne wasn't that bad), have never parted my bathwater and walked through the middle, have never been to Mount Sinai, let alone heard God speaking from thunder on the top of it,' says Andrew Sach. 'What possible relevance does the book of Exodus have to me?' We set about discovering the message of a Bible book for us today using various tools (first introduced in Dig Deeper). The Repetition tool helps us to see that God's name is a big deal. The Context tool shows us why it was important to beat the Amalekites. The Quotation/Allusion tool uncovers a miniature garden of Eden where we least expect one. And so on.

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The book of Kings is a unique source for understanding the history of Israel from the last days of the united kingdom under David to the eventual fall of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Presenting Israel's national history from a divine viewpoint, these narratives measure the kings of Israel and Judah, not by the mark they leave on secular history, but by their 'doing what is right in the Lord's sight'. Embedded in this story are enduring lessons of the ways of God with his people in every age.

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'This warm and wonderful book will be a tremendous help to very many' Christopher Ash, Writer-in-Residence, Tyndale House, Cambridge. What does it mean to walk in the way of Jesus? What if reading the same scriptures that he read, and praying the same prayers that he prayed, made following Jesus easier? The Psalms are intended for people who would follow Christ along his path of trust and obedience. Andrew Shead shows us that we can follow Christ through the book of Psalms, a journey through many hardships that ends in joy. He combines an appreciation for the overall story of the book of Psalms, the art of reading poetry well, and the discipline of biblical theology to invite you to follow Christ more faithfully.

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Jesus, meek and mild? Think again: Jesus was a controversialist. And he still is today. Are you prepared to be challenged? Jesus has a way of cutting right across our logic and opinions, just as he did while on earth. He took issue with his contemporaries on basic questions like: - Who is God? - How do we obey Scripture? - How are we saved? - How should we live morally? - How should we worship authentically? In exploring these questions, John Stott shows that evangelical Christianity is authentic Christianity, as Jesus taught, and has the power to utterly transform us.

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Peter Adam explores The Message of Malachi, part of The Bible Speaks Today Old Testament series of commentaries.

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'A must-read for those who are seeking God, wishing to refresh their own faith, or hoping to lead others into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.' William van der Hart Who was Jesus? Why was he crucified? Did he really rise from the dead? Is it plausible that he was truly divine? Whether you are seeking to understand the Christian faith for the first time, or looking to be reminded of the basics, John Stott offers a clear and full explanation of the Gospel. With over 2.5 million copies sold, this classic introduction is as clear and relevant on the centenary of Stott's birth as when it was first published in 1958.

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Within the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Samuel we find some of the most well-known stories of the Bible – those of Hannah, David, Absalom and many more which have been fruitful sources of inspiration for classic artworks and musical compositions, as well as innumerable Sunday school lessons. Yet often we only consider these stories in a way that’s disconnected from our everyday faith. In this accessible and stimulating commentary, Mary Evans guides us through The Message of 1 & 2 Samuel in the conviction that they are a vital part of God's Word, full of teaching that is dynamically relevant for all Christian believers. Exploring the narratives and creatively bringing out their application, she shows us how we can interpret and respond to them today in a way that is both challenging and exciting. With questions for further reflection that can be used by individuals and small groups, this is an invigorating study that will help you better understand the meaning of 1 & 2 Samuel and their continued relevance for today. Part of the much loved Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of 1 & 2 Samuel offers a thoughtful and readable exposition of the Biblical text as well as considering the lessons Christians can still learn from it today. Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for students and preachers who are looking to delve more deeply into the riches of Scripture. This beautifully redesigned edition has also been sensitively updated to include modern references and use the NIV Bible text. The Message of 1 & 2 Samuel will be helpful for anyone looking for commentaries on Samuel that will give them a better knowledge and understanding of its meaning both for its original audience and for modern Christians.

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25 Bible meditations based on Scripture verses and teaching nuggets from John Stott, with commentary and prayers from Christopher Wright. Accessible and bite-sized, fresh and exciting, each meditation deepens our appreciation of the timeless spiritual truths of Advent and Christmas. Introduction: The God who comes and comes - and comes again Week 1 The God who comes in Scripture's story 1 God comes rejoicing in creation 2 God comes questioning sinners 3 God comes promising a meal 4 God comes bringing life and light 5 God comes sending light to the nations 6 God comes to put things right 7 God comes bringing a whole new world Week 2 The God who came in person 8 My rock and my salvation 9 God comes to the rescue 10 God comes to speak 11 God comes for a meal 12 God comes to stay 13 God comes to forgive 14 God comes to lead the way Week 3 The God who came as promised 15 The One who came to do God's will 16 The promise of God's return 17 The promise of a ruler from Bethlehem 18 The promised herald of salvation 19 The promise of a transformed world 20 The promised light for the nations 21 The promised sin-bearing Servant Week 4 The God who will come in Glory 22 Creation rejoices 23 Creation renewed 24 Creation redeemed 25 Immanuel: God with us!

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Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you ...' (Zech. 1:3 ESV). Repentance concerns the repair of a relationship with God disrupted by human sin. All the major phases of church history have seen diversity and controversy over the doctrine. The first of Luther's famous ninety-five theses nailed to the church door in Wittenburg in 1517 stated that 'the entire life of believers should be one of repentance'. In recent times, two divisive debates within evangelicalism - over 'lordship salvation' and 'hypergrace' - have had repentance at their core. The theme of repentance is evident in almost every Old and New Testament corpus. However, it has received little sustained attention over the past half-century of scholarship, which has been largely restricted to word studies or focused on a particular text or genre. Studies of the overall theology of the Bible have typically given the theme only passing mention. In response, Mark Boda offers a comprehensive overview of the theological witness of Scripture to the theme of repentance. The key to understanding is not simply to be found in word studies, but also in the broader meaning of texts as these communicate through a variety of words, images and stories. The importance of repentance in redemptive history is emphasized. It is fundamentally a return to intimate fellowship with the triune God, our Creator and Redeemer. This relational return arises from the human heart and impacts attitudes, words and actions.

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Jesus Christ has been the dominant figure in the history of Western culture for two millennia, and His birth the pivotal event of our calendar. He is the focus of Scripture: as Luther declared, 'The entire Scripture deals only with Christ everywhere.' He is the heart of mission, the message that countless Christians cross land and sea, continents and cultures, to deliver. In masterly surveys, John Stott looks at the New Testament witness, at the way the church has portrayed Christ down through the centuries, and at the influence Christ has had on individuals over the last two millennia. Finally, turning to the book of Revelation, he asks what Jesus Christ should mean to us today. Here is the fruit of a lifetime of biblical study, rigorous Christian thought and devotion to the person of Jesus Christ. 'John Stott paints a picture of the incomparable Christ on a huge canvas. He applies his incisive mind, his commitment to Scripture and his sense of awe at God's purpose in human history, focusing with humility on the Jesus he knew and loved throughout his life. The result is a rare combination of wisdom and inspiration.' - Roy McCloughry

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For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God' (1 Cor. 7:19). The apostle Paul's relationship to the Law of Moses is notoriously complex and much studied. Difficulties begin with questions of definition (of the extent of Paul's corpus and the meanings of 'the law') and are exacerbated by numerous problems of interpretation of the key texts. Major positions are entrenched, yet none of them seems to know what to do with all the pieces of the puzzle. Inextricably linked to Paul's view of the law is his teaching concerning salvation history, Israel, the church, anthropology, ethics and eschatology. Understanding 'Paul and the law' is critical to the study of the New Testament, because it touches on the perennial question of the relationship between the grace of God in the gift of salvation and the demand of God in the call for holy living. Misunderstanding can lead to distortions of one or both. This fresh and valuable study is something of a breakthrough, bringing neglected evidence to the discussion and asking different questions of the material, while also building on the work of others. Brian Rosner argues that Paul undertakes a polemical re-evaluation of the Law of Moses, which involves not only its repudiation as law-covenant and its replacement by other things, but also its wholehearted re-appropriation as prophecy (with reference to the gospel) and as wisdom (for Christian living).

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This series presents, for the first time, a connected history of evangelical movements throughout the English-speaking world, from the 1730s to the 1990s. The five volumes are united by their use of a common definition of evangelicalism that stresses conversion, reliance on Scripture, activism (especially in evangelism) and the centrality of the cross of Christ. The series offers provocative interpretations as well as factual details, provides extensive bibliographical references and is accessible to a wide readership. This volume provides a coherent, multi-national narrative of the origins, development and rapid diffusion of evangelical movements in their first two generations, from the 1730s to the 1790s. The primary focus is on Britain and North America; historical links to Europe and then connections to Africa, Australia and beyond are also important. Much of the discussion is devoted to landmark individuals, events and organizations, and contains many biographical sketches of the era's best-known leaders - Jonathan Edwards, John and Charles Wesley, George Whitefield, Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, John Newton, Hannah More - along with many lesser-known figures.

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So you're now a carer. Your elderly parents need you as never before. Nobody's ever trained you for what comes next, yet you re the unofficial project manager. Emily Ackerman looks at practical and emotional issues like finding time, coping with pressure, the sandwich generation, cutting apron-strings, memory loss and caring from a distance. Underpinning it all is helpful advice from the Bible, for isn't it God who calls us to honour and care for our parents? The author shares generously and sometimes humorously from her own experience, acting as a wise, sure-footed and sensitive guide. This book will be useful to all who care for elderly relatives. You are not alone!

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The Lord's commitment to make himself known throughout the nations is the missionary theme that spans the Bible, and is the central theological concern of the book of Exodus. Countering scholarly tendencies to fragment the text due to theological problems, Ross Blackburn contends that Exodus can be read as a unified whole, and that an appreciation of this missionary theme in its canonical context is of great help in dealing with difficult issues that the book poses. For example, how is Exodus 6:3 best understood? Is there a tension between law and gospel, or mercy and judgment? How should we understand the painstaking detail of the tabernacle chapters? From a careful examination of Exodus, Blackburn demonstrates that: * the Lord humbles Pharaoh so that the world would know that only God can save; * the Lord gives Israel the law so that she might display his goodness to the world, and live in a state of order and blessing; * the Lord deals with Israel's idolatry severely, yet mercifully, for his goodness cannot be known if his glory is compromised. In the end, Exodus not only sheds important light on the church's mission, but also reveals what kind of God the Lord is, one who pursues his glory and our good, ultimately realizing both as he makes himself known in Christ Jesus.

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You are too exhausted to think, never mind pray, your home is a mess and you can't find your Bible ... 'Soul Food' will nourish you through your baby's first year, offering inspirational and practical ideas for applying God's word and incorporating prayer into your daily life. It won't make you feel guilty about the time or energy you simply don't have. With honesty and humour, the authors draw upon their own, and others', experiences of motherhood. The result is both delightful and unusual. Succinct, accessible, weekly biblical reflections. A lifeline for every mother with a new baby.

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You long to be free but... Pornography has reached epidemic proportions. And in God's eyes porn is ugly. It devalues other human beings and the good gift of sex in favour of a destructive imitation. Tim Chester points us to something infinitely better, something that captivates without causing shame, remorse or embarrassment: the glory and beauty of Christ. We are made to be satisfied with God alone, and told to avoid the sin that hinders our relationship with him. Tim exposes the lies and deceptions of porn, inviting us to be fully free, and showing positively and practically how this can be possible in daily life. We can be captured by a better vision.

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A straightforward, user-friendly guide to how to read the Bible - dig deep into God's word for yourself.

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Across the centuries, as people have considered their individual and social needs, many solutions for transforming human existence have been offered — psychological, political and religious. However, the New Testament claims that genuine and lasting change can only be found in Jesus Christ. The transformation he makes possible is spiritual, moral and physical, bringing us ultimately to share in his resurrection from death in a new creation. Foundational to this teaching is the promise of 'a new covenant' in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and in parallel predictions in Ezekiel and Isaiah. In this valuable new study, David Peterson expounds Jeremiah's oracle and its significant influence on the way New Testament writers understand transformation in Christ. The definitive forgiveness of sins achieved by his sacrificial death brings a new knowledge or experience of God and his grace, which transforms hearts and minds, leading to a new devotion to God and obedience to his will. In this way, the people of the New Covenant are established in an eternal relationship with God and a renewed community that embraces every nation. In terms of the Bible's teaching as a whole, the New Covenant fulfils and perfects the covenant first established by God with Abraham and his offspring. It has profound implications for Christian ministry, with respect to both evangelism and the nurture of believers.

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With over 40,000 copies in print since its original publication in 1982, Steve Evans's Philosophy of Religion has served many generations of students as a classic introduction to the philosophy of religion from a Christian perspective. Over the years the philosophical landscape has changed, and in this new edition Zach Manis joins Evans in a thorough revamping of arguments and information, while maintaining the qualities of clarity and brevity that made the first edition so appreciated. New material on divine foreknowledge and human freedom has been added as well as on Reformed epistemology. The discussions on science now cover new developments from cognitive psychology and naturalism as well as on the fine-tuning of the cosmos. The chapter on faith and reason has been expanded to include consideration of evidentialism. The problem of evil now forms its own new chapter and adds a discussion of the problem of hell. The standard features remain: a survey of the field, an examination of classical arguments for God's existence, and an exploration of contemporary challenges to theism from the social sciences and philosophy as well as the natural sciences. The meaning and significance of personal religious experience, revelation and miracles--all within the realm of contemporary religious pluralism--are likewise investigated. A classic introduction thoroughly updated and refreshed for today's student.

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The book of Joshua memorializes a transitional episode in Israel's national history. The heroic figure Joshua leads the new generation of Israel across the Jordan and into the land of promise, conquering Canaanites and overseeing the allotment of the inheritance among the tribes.

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Why does the earth exist? What is the purpose of human life? These are two of life's most fundamental questions - and they are addressed by the Bible's remarkably unified story, which centres on a unique deity. Desmond Alexander explores this story by beginning at the end, in the final chapters of the book of Revelation. Anticipating the creation of a new earth and a new heaven, these chapters bring to fulfilment a process that began with the creation of the earth, as described in the opening chapters of Genesis. These passages frame the entire biblical 'meta-story'. This stimulating study outlines some of the central themes that run through the Bible, with broad brush strokes designed to show the general shape of the meta-story. Seeing the big picture enables us to appreciate the details more clearly; and since the themes were an integral part of the thought-world of the biblical authors, an appreciation of them may alter significantly our reading of individual books. Good theology always has pastoral implications, and the study occasionally moves into areas of application - the truths revealed are extremely important for shaping our life-style choices.

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Matthew - the visit of the Magi, the Sermon on the Mount, the Great Commission: these are only a few of the well-known passages that draw readers specifically to Matthew's gospel. Yet it begins with a forbidding list of unknown names and apparently irrelevant 'begettings'. In fact, the early church may have placed Matthew first in the New Testament because it more fully than any other Gospel provides a Christian perspective on the relation between the church and the Jews, an issue that is still important today. R. T. France tackles this and other key issues in the Gospel with clarity, reliability and relevance.This classic commentary has been completely retypeset and presented in a fresh, vibrant new large paperback format, with new global branding.

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Winner, 2007 Christianity Today Missions/Global Affairs Book The Bible doesn't just provide a basis for mission. Mission is much bigger! Mission is the basis for the whole Bible - it is generated by, and is all about, God's mission. In order to understand the Bible, we need an interpretative perspective that is in tune with this great missional theme. We need to see the 'big picture' of God's mission and how all parts of Scripture fit into its grand narrative. In this comprehensive and accessible study, Chris Wright begins with the Old Testament understanding of who God is, what he has called his people to be and to do, and where the nations belong within God's mission. These themes are followed into the New Testament. Throughout, Wright emphasizes that biblically-defined mission is intrinsically holistic. God's mission is to redeem his whole creation from all that sin and evil have inflicted upon it, and the mission of God's people must reflect the breadth of God's righteous and saving love for all he has made.

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'... you received the Spirit of adoption' (Romans 8:15) The relationship between God and his people is understood in various ways by the biblical writers, and it is arguably the apostle Paul who uses the richest vocabulary. Unique to Paul's writings is the term huiothesia, the process or act of being 'adopted as son(s)'. It occurs five times in three of his letters, where it functions as a key theological metaphor. Trevor Burke argues that huiothesia has been misunderstood, misrepresented, or neglected through scholarly preoccupation with its cultural background. He redresses the balance in this comprehensive study, which discusses metaphor theory; explores the background to huiothesia; considers the roles of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; examines the moral implications of adoption, and its relationship with honour; and concludes with the consequences for Christian believers as they live in the tension between the 'now' and the 'not yet' of their adoption into God's new family.

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The New Testament writers use spatial language and imagery to portray our relationship with God, speaking both about God or Christ in us, and us in them. Believers are also described as possessing and participating in divine qualities such as life and glory. Both aspects are prominent in John's Gospel and letters. However, outside the Pauline writings, union with Christ has hardly been addressed in New Testament scholarship. Dr. Clive Bowsher seeks to redress this balance in Life in the Son. In John's Gospel, the oneness of the Father and Son is described as the Father and Son being 'in-one-another.' Clive Bowsher's study shows that union with Christ in John's Gospel and letters is the in-one-another relationship of believers with the Father and Son by the Spirit - the intimate, loving, relational participation of the believer and God, each in the life, affections, ways and work of the other. Insightful and accessible, Bowsher's study also explores connections with the shape of sonship, and with covenant and the life of the age to come. This new volume in the NSBT series fills a significant gap in the literature and promises to be a blessing to pastors, preachers and scholars alike.

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The story of Joseph is one of the most well known in the Bible, yet is rarely mentioned in Scripture outside the Book of Genesis. How then do we understand Joseph’s significance in redemptive history? Is Joseph, as has often been suggested, a type of the Messiah? From Prisoner to Prince offers a comprehensive commentary on the Joseph narrative, exploring both its function within the overall narrative of Genesis as well as how it is used by later Biblical authors. Samuel Emadi considers the literary and theological context in which Joseph’s story was first written, as well the intra-canonical development of the story via inner-biblical allusion and how it is referenced and alluded to within the New Testament. Thorough, cogent and detailed, Emadi’s study contains the methodological rigour that has often been missing from messianic interpretations of Joseph. Carefully unpacking Joseph’s role throughout the Bible, he demonstrates that this story is both the resolution to Genesis’s narrative and typologically influences the later narration of redemptive history. The culmination is the New Testament’s portrayal of Jesus as an antitypical, new and final Joseph. Insightful and accessible, From Prisoner to Prince is a valuable new addition to the New Studies in Biblical Theology series. Full of stimulating insight, it is ideal for students studying the Joseph story, pastors preaching from Genesis and anyone looking for a study of the life and impact of Joseph that digs deeply into its theological echoes in the wider Bible.. From Prisoner to Prince will leave you with a greater understanding of the story of Joseph both as part of the Book of Genesis, and as part of the whole of Scripture that points ultimately towards Jesus Christ.

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God created all of us to be in relationship with him and with each other. Yet for those with disabilities, attitudes and systems of ableism create barriers to fully participating in God's kingdom work, as well as leading to deep hurt – and when any members of the body of Christ are not included, we all miss out. In Belonging, Deborah Abbs guides us through nine Bible studies on inclusion. Exploring the deep love and acceptance of our heavenly Father, she shows us what that means for offering love and acceptance to one another. In both Old and New Testament stories and teachings on Christian community we see how God responds in love to those who are often marginalized and excluded. In turn, through these examples and lessons we can see the importance of disability inclusion in church and learn to welcome people of all different abilities. Part of the LifeBuilder Bible Studies series, Belonging features questions that can be used both individually or in small groups. It is a brilliant resource for anyone wanting to understand Biblical teaching on inclusion and acceptance better, and for those wanting to make their church a more welcoming place for those with disabilities.

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Throughout the twentieth century, Britain produced some of the most prominent evangelical theologians in both church and academic circles. This survey and introduction, edited by Thomas Noble and Jason Sexton, presents twelve of these theologians, exploring what made their work so influential and their continued relevance for today. As well as surveying each man’s work, British Evangelical Theologians of the Twentieth Century considers what is meant by calling these theologians 'evangelical' Christians – taking into account their understanding of biblical authority, standing in the Reformation tradition and treatment of Scripture as well as their approaches to biblical criticism and liberal theology. As a result, it is ideal for students looking to deeper their understanding of British evangelical Christianity as a whole, as well as increasing their knowledge of the individual figures From James Orr and Lesslie Newbigin to John Stott and J. I. Packer, a range of perspectives within British evangelicalism is reflected. Along with brief biographies, each body of work is examined in three particular areas: stance on the Bible (‘biblicism’), the atonement (‘crucicentrism’), and concern for mission and evangelism (‘conversionism’). British Evangelical Theologians of the Twentieth Century is a thorough introduction to twelve of the keenest and most influential minds in British evangelical thought. It will leave you with an appreciation of each man’s contribution to English-speaking evangelicalism, as well as helping you to engage critically with their theology and understand how their work is relevant to the development and discussion of British evangelical theology today.

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