Search results for ""spck publishing""

The Book of Enoch is an invaluable resource for all who are interested in the origins of Christianity. It was known and used by the earliest churches and sheds light on many concepts found in the New Testament, such as demonology, future judgment, the Messiah and the Messianic Kingdom, the title 'Son of Man' and the resurrection.

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The SPCK Bible Guide is designed as a navigational tool for readers who want to gain a broad overview of the Bible, grasp its major themes and understand its key teachings. Both Old and New Testaments are broken down into easy-to-manage sections - each containing a narrative summary, key quotations, and a helpful commentary explaining the essential concerns of the original authors. The book may be used with any good translation of the Bible, and includes the seven books contained in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament used by the early Church). Bible quotations are from the NRSV. The Guide is the ideal entry-point for people of all religious backgrounds who want to gain a clear and comprehensive view of what the Bible contains and what it means for today.

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This Lent book offers imaginative reflections on Christ's crucifixion. Each of the seven chapters is focused on a different key character, who describes his or her experience of the Passion. The nails used to crucify Christ are used as a jumping off point for their reflections. Each character considers the questions, 'who killed Christ' and 'who was responsible?' Each chapter includes a Biblical passage, a meditative hymn, a reflection from the point of view of the character, and a short prayer. The book finishes with practical suggestions on how the book can be used as a Lent study course. It is ideal for individual reflection or group study, and can also readily be adapted for use as a Good Friday liturgy.

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Jane William's widely read and much enjoyed Church Times columns brought together in one volume for the first time. In Lectionary Reflections, Jane Williams aims to help us engage with the Sunday readings in the Revised Common Lectionary for Years A, B & C. Each section gives the lectionary references and provides a thought-provoking starting point for exploring the readings, drawing out points of connection between them. Intelligently written and inspiring, Lectionary Reflections will prove invaluable in preparation for Sunday worship or for regular Bible study throughout the year. It will be of use to both groups and individuals for opening up the Bible and applying its rich teaching and stories.

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As with French, German or Spanish, learning the basic vocabulary of Christianity is a vital first step in understanding what it means and how it works. We think of words like 'faith', 'forgiveness', 'salvation', 'sin' and 'heaven'. But how can we be sure that we understand them correctly? Over the centuries all sorts of different meanings have grown up around these words, and sometimes those meanings can obscure or distort the way the words were originally used in the Bible. In Speaking Christian, Marcus Borg takes some of the key words in the Christian dictionary and exposes the negative and unhelpful connotations they still carry today. At the same time, he goes back to the Bible and unpacks their meaning in a way that is both more faithful to the teaching of Jesus and more relevant to his followers today.

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This classic book asks what it is to know Jesus. It will enable thinking Christians to ask new questions about their faith, their reading of the New Testament, and the theology of redemption.

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In this magisterial study, Keith Warrington paints a rounded picture of Jesus as a miracle worker by exploring each of the miracles in the Gospels in their literary and historical setting. He demonstrate that, while the miracles are historically authentic, there are several reasons for their presence in the Gospels other than simply to identify Jesus as a miracle worker. They are also intended to function as vehicles of teaching: expressing aspects of the mission and person of Jesus, providing lessons for his would-be disciples and adding theological value for each Gospel’s original audience.

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The book provides a clear account of the sacraments of the Christian Church and of the general idea of sacramentality. It will reach out to a wide audience and present solid academic theology in an accessible and popular manner. The approach is distinctively Anglican, Thomist and on the conservative side of 'liberal catholic'.

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There are big questions in life that most of us come up against at some stage or other. They may look something like this: Does my life have a point? Do things really have to change? Am I happy enough? Will I ever be 'in' with the 'in crowd'? Where on earth is home? It's up to us to choose how we deal with these issues. We can push them away by letting ourselves become so busy and distracted that we drown them out. Or we can face them full on, and start exploring the deepest possibilities of our lives. The latter is what Does My Soul Look Big in This? aims to help us do. Warm and accessible, it's a book for a generation unafraid to be vulnerable; for people longing for a spirituality that is relevant and real.

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Bringing together over 1,200 prayers, both classic and contemporary, The SPCK Book of Christian Prayer is an inspiring and practical resource for Christians of all denominations. This prestigious collection encompasses a wide and varied range of Christian prayers, making it an essential handbook for all who want to deepen and enhance their prayer life, as well as for those involved in leading others in worship - whether in church, in school or in the home. The prayers are helpfully arranged under practical subject headings, and there is a comprehensive index of subjects, with cross references throughout.

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The ‘Ephesians: For Everyone Bible Study Guide’ by renowned Christian author and professor, Tom Wright, is an excellent starting point for new Christians, those studying or Bible study groups to explore and understand more on the book of Ephesians. As part of the ‘For Everyone Bible Study Guides’ series, this title by Tom Wright offers a range of thought-provoking study questions and accessible introductory material. The guides in this series can be used on their own or alongside Tom Wright’s engaging New Testament for Everyone commentaries. ’For Everyone Bible Study Guides’ are designed to help you understand the Bible in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars, Tom Wright. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you into a deeper understanding of the Christian story and the Christian life. When you have a story at the back of your mind, have you noticed how it sometimes keeps coming up, even if you are talking about something else? Throughout his exhortation, prayers and instructions for living in the letter to the Ephesians, Paul cannot contain his joy and amazement at God's plan to save us in Jesus the Messiah. These eleven studies from Tom Wright within ‘Ephesians: For Everyone Bible Study Guide’ help us to see the significance of our role in God's grand narrative, and encourage us to live fully as people who are lavishly loved by God. This book on Ephesians is the perfect introduction to the topic, designed to not only teach but also question the reader and give thoughtful insight.

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Instead of the seven words that Jesus spoke from the cross, Tom Wright invites you to consider seven words that people spoke to the cross - people like Mary and the Roman centurion, who witnessed the crucifixion, and Pontius Pilate, who helped to instigate it. The result is a powerful sequence of meditations that will move you to reassess your own response to Jesus' death, his resurrection, and the continuing influence of his Spirit on those who follow him today.

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Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

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Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.Companion to Psalms for Everyone,volume 1.

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For many years, spiritual direction was regarded as an elitist activity, designed for the benefit of the clergy and a few specially devout laity. This book presents an alternative to that view, arguing that spiritual direction is a benefit which every Christian can enjoy. But if that is so, where will we find all the competent spiritual guides to meet this need? Gordon Jeff's answer is that in every congregation there are people - women and men, lay and ordained - who possess a latent gift for spiritual direction. To develop that gift, courses are now available in many parts of the country, but the Anglican Diocese of Southwark was the first in the field, and this book outlines methods which have proved their worth over nearly 25 years, and which have been widely adopted across the UK and beyond. This wise, practical handbook will be appreciated by all who would like to know how the skills of spiritual direction may be applied in their own congregation. It will also prove helpful as a concise introduction to the nature and purpose of direction, and how it relates to other forms of pastoral care and counselling.

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The Didache is one of the earliest Christian writings, earlier than most of the documents that make up the New Testament. It provides practical instructions on how a Christian community should function, and offers unique insights into the way the earliest Christians lived and worshipped. In this highly readable introduction, Thomas O'Loughlin tells the intriguing story of the Didache, from its discovery in the late nineteenth century to the present. He then provides an illuminating commentary on the entire text, highlighting areas of special interest to Christians today, and ends with a fresh translation of the text itself.

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Dame Cicely Saunders was the founder of the Hospice Movement, in which Britain leads the world. Her work transformed our approach to the care of the dying, and also the debate about euthanasia. She died in 2005 and her memorial service was held in Westminster Abbey in March 2006. Over 1600 people attended. This biography, by Shirley du Boulay, includes a 4-page plate section and new chapters by Marianne Rankin covering the years after 1984.

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In this lively and hopeful volume, John Pritchard realistically maps out the life and work of those called to serve God in the ordained ministry. He looks in turn at the only three things he believes need be of concern: the glory of God, the pain of the world, and the renewal of the Church. From these flow the priest's many roles, such as spiritual explorer, multi-lingual interpreter, wounded companion, friendly irritant, creative leader and mature risk-taker. The book pays homage to Robert Martineau's The Office and Work of a Priest, published in 1972, and much valued as a wise account of the duties of a priest at that time.

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This is a fascinating analysis and response to the fundamental questions that face any believer today. Sadly becoming daily more topical, this book explores all aspects of evil - our contemporary and theological understanding, and the ways in which evil presents itself in society today. Fully grounded in the bible, Evil and the Justice of God is sparkling, erudite, provocative and particularly relevant in the wake of new global terror attacks. Accounts of cruelty, death and terrorism hit us every day. We are forced to ask fundamental questions about God and the nature of evil, which demand a theological resolution that is mature, profound and never glib. N. T. Wright explores these pivotal questions with a fresh and engaging approach, combining the virtues of detailed scholarship with an accessible style. He neither ducks the awkward, nor avoids the unpalatable, but instead offers a new, often surprising perspective in his search for a meaningful response to the problem of evil. "The Rt Revd Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham . . . is that rare breed of teacher who can reach people of all levels of understanding, despite working not at the 'coalface', but largely as an academic theologian." Daily Telegraph

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This is the fourth title in a major series of text books for students. Subjects covered include, for every prophet, a discussion of the date, who the prophet spoke to, how the critics have interpreted it, how it relates to history and to other prophets, its structure and outline. Each chapter includes exercises and essay topics at levels 1 and 2 to fully involve the students. 'Gordon McConville has written a highly readable introduction to the Hebrew prophets that locates them in their ancient historical setting, opens up the prophetic texts in the light of the most recent scholarship, and brings out their relevance for modern living. It fulfils superbly its aim of making the prophets accessible to the student reader' Professor Robert P. Gordon, University of Cambridge.

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The Historical Books of the Old Testament (the Histories) are: Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, Ruth, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 and 2 Chronicles. This book is an introduction to the Histories intended for first- or second-year students at theological college or university. It is meant to be read in conjunction with the biblical text. The book includes maps; tables of key facts, chronologies and events; and numerous inset panels. These provide brief treatments of particular topics, suggest questions for thought and discussion, or introduce the reader to issues that require deeper research and reflection.

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The SPCK Service Register, is a hardback landscape register of services for use by parishes. The service register has the following column headings: Date Day Hour Service Officiant Attendance (sub-divided into 'Under 16 and '16 and over') Communicants Preacher Subject Notes Collections

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What is the relationship between science and Christian faith

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An accessible introduction for sufferers and carers, which demystifies this increasingly topical issue.

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The amazing story of how one woman was determined to reach her full potential - despite the odds.

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This book aims to give students an introduction to the religious and social world of ancient Israel. It consists of two parts. The first explores the major religious offices mentioned in the Old Testament. In the second part the focus is on the religious beliefs and practices of the common people.

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This book focuses on the question that will be of most interest to readers: Was the Birth of Jesus according to Scripture? It outlines the debate between those who think that Matthew and Luke devised their narratives on the basis of specific Old Testament texts and those who think the Gospel narratives have determined the choice of those texts.

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This book meets the need for an accessible introduction to the various ways that Jesus used Scripture, both in his teaching and in his own understanding of his ministry. It summarizes the main scholarly arguments, and contributes to modern debates about the proper interpretation of Scripture.

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A contribution to historical Jesus studies, presenting the case that Jesus saw himself as the priestly messiah who sought to prepare a people to share in his priesthood.

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These biblical meditations celebrate the major seasons and holy days of the Christian year. Barbara Brown Taylor explores perennial questions of faith, doubt, grace, anger, hope, fear, love, prayer and discipleship.

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A comprehensive guide to symbols used in Christian liturgical art, architecture, manuscripts, stained glass, etc. The book includes over 500 new illustrations. First published in 1964, now completely updated.

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Stinton has edited the work of prominent African theologians, making their writings accessible at an introductory level. Some African scholars have written new pieces for the book, others have given permission for articles to be condensed and simplified in style.

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A comprehensive account of the role and work of the Spirit, covering the entire Bible. Written by a team of leading evangelical scholars, including world authorities such as Craig Bartholomew, David deSilva, James D. G. Dunn, Walter Kaiser and Max Turner. Informed by the latest scholarship.

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The book explores the reality of grief from different perspectives and provides some insightful help primarily to those trying to support a colleague, friend or family member who is being overwhelmed by their primal grief.

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Engaging and anecdotal in style, Watching, Waiting, Walking is structured around three key moments in the transformation of one of Jesus' closest friends: St Peter. In the garden of Gethsemane, Peter is told to 'watch' his life. Then, along with the other disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, he is told to 'wait' for the Holy Spirit. And in Jerusalem, following Pentecost, he 'walks' out to address the crowd, and subsequently heals a crippled man who begins to walk himself. Andy Rider believes that reflecting on this pattern of watching, waiting and walking can not only help to shape our prayers on a daily basis, but also to deepen our ability to perceive where we are in the cycle of discipleship. And given the author's honesty about his own times of struggle and reassurance, this warm-hearted volume cannot fail to encourage us - whatever our circumstances - to become more open to the work of God's transforming spirit.

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This practical guide offers sensitive advice for all who work alongside terminally ill children, their families and families who have been bereaved. A resource for all who minister to terminally ill children and their loved ones - whether in hospitals, hospices or in the community.

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Trystan Owain Hughes suggests that learning how to suffer and how to wait patiently may be the secret of finding joy in our lives. Diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition, he was surprised to discover that, instead of increasing his unhappiness, it spurred him on to seek out sources of hope and meaning.

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Takes the fear out of Bible reading fear of the Bible itself, fear that reading the Bible needs severaluniversity degrees, fear that the Bible says things that no sensible person could accept.

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This work presents a study of pastoral care as the central pastoral ministry of the church, relating it to other functions of Christian ministry. The theological importance of pastoral care is explored, and other pastoral activities.

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Henry Vaughan (1621-1695) was a 'cavalier' poet who sided with the king during the civil war. His influences included George Herbert and this volume is the fifth in a series on seventeenth century spiritual writing.

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Starting from the area covered by his previously book - Memory, Victimhood, Forgiveness and Reaching out to the Other, the author moves deeper to speak of personal flourishing, social cohesion, political co-existence and the survival of the planet, as well as a deeper understanding of the work of God in the world.

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The book devotes a chapter to each of the world religions. All but one of the chapters are written by a member of that faith community, thus giving insiders' views into the theology, spirituality and religious practice of the faith. The introduction encourages respect and engagement with those of other faiths.

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Ian Barbour, Arthur Peacocke and John Polkinghorne are major contributors to the interaction between science and religion. As their thinking has developed, differences between them have emerged. This is John Polkinghorne's survey of the debate, setting out where they agree and disagree.

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Is Britain a broken society? Three contributors tackle the question in this easy-to-read manifesto aimed at the Church, public sphere and academia. They examine the values and direction of British/Western society in view of current political, economic and civil debates, and propose a new Christian agenda for change.

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Bible stories can seem so familiar that we fail to connect with the lives and characters they reveal. Reflecting on the frailties, uncertainties and mysteries of the human experience, this title presents story meditations which offer real insight into the nature of salvation. Each is followed by suggestions.

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Explores the theory and praxis of emerging church, based on an analysis of twelve Ikon services, on topics such as: 'The Prodigal Father', 'Risk' and 'Advent'.

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A commentary on the epistles with contextual examples and explanations aimed to facilitate the reflections of differing church traditions throughout the world. It provides background information and textual interpretation, raises interpretative questions and makes suggestions for further discussion.

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Richly illustrated by Candle Bible for Kids artist Jo Parry, The Christmas Story helps children discover one of the most important stories of all time. Through clear and simple text, children come to understand the events leading up to Jesus' birth and this special miracle. Introduces children to the reason why we celebrate this special day, and shares with them the wonderful gift from God.

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