Search results for ""Christian Focus Publications Ltd""

The basic outline of the Christmas story is so familiar we might think we have no more to learn from it. But try looking at the Christmas story through different eyes. Through the eyes of Micah and Isaiah who foretold it; Anna and Simeon who witnessed it; and Paul and John who reflected on it. Wonder anew at this amazing story of the birth of the Son of God as a baby.

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Ruth and Esther, the only two biblical books that centre on the lives of women, display the hand of a God who works in the lives of individuals to bring about his plan for the salvation of many. Ruth is an outsider who finds a home among the people of God and whose descendants include not only King David, but David’s greater son, Christ the King of Kings. While Ruth’s story focuses through the mundane dynamics of a peasant family, Esther’s story plays out in the palace precincts of a despotic king. While God’s name is famously never mentioned, we see his handiwork in each twist and turn of the narrative. He uses improbable means and improbable individuals to save His people, and we see that God is on His throne. Focus on the Bible commentaries are popular level commentaries especially useful for pastors and small group leaders. They are also useful for personal devotions and spiritual growth. The series holds to the inerrancy of scripture and the uniqueness of Christ in salvation.

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The concept of the invisible spiritual realm is something which is difficult for us to grasp. What we can see, hear, and feel we can take on face value that it is reality. But what about those things that are unseen? Scripture speaks about heaven, hell, angels and demons which are a part of this invisible spiritual realm. Internationally renowned Bible teacher R. C. Sproul helps us gain an understanding of these things so that we can come to a realisation that in fact all four are true realities that impact upon our everyday lives.

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Richard Barcellos’ specific focus is to show us how the Lord’s Supper is a means of grace. The study is divided under four headings – 1. The terminology connected to the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament. 2. The Biblical data that supports the Lord’s Supper as a means of grace. 3. The confessional formulation of the Lord’s Supper as a means of grace in the reformed tradition and 4. Final Thoughts.

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A fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the Early Church Fathers, his defence of orthodox theology, and how his Christcentredness has shaped the faith of the Church. Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376 444 AD) was a towering figure in early Christianity,renowned for his theological prowess and leadership as the Patriarch of Alexandria. Born into a prominent Christian family, Cyril received a comprehensive education in theology and philosophy, which equipped him for his future role as a defender of orthodox Christian doctrine. Daniel Hames unpacks Cyril's tenure as Patriarch, marked by significant theological controversies, notably his fierce defense of the divinity of Christ against the teachings of Nestorius, culminating in the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. Cyril played a pivotal role in condemning Nestorianism and affirming the doctrine of the hypostatic union the belief in the union of Christ's divine and human natures in one person. Cyril's legacy endures as one of the most i

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The puritan movement, its leading figures, and the resulting principles were not only pivotal in Church history, but remain greatly influential today. This work looks at the puritan doctrine of piety. Contributors such as Sinclair Ferguson, Michael Haykin, and Mark Jones explore the theology, history, and application of this doctrine, presenting concise biographies of individual Puritans alongside modern heirs who seek to mimic their example. Puritan Piety is written in honor of Dr. Joel Beeke, inspired by his writings and the passionate piety with which he has strived to live and rightly influence those around him. Contributors include: Michael A. G. Haykin, Paul M. Smalley, Sinclair B. Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Mark Jones, Ryan McGraw, Richard Muller, Robert Oliver, Randall Pederson, Joseph Pipa, Leland Ryken, Chad Van Dixhoorn, Stephen Yuille, and Esther (Beeke) Engelsma.

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Mirror, Mirror on the wallMost of us have a complicated relationship with what we see in the mirror. Julie Lowe's short, helpful guide encourages us to look to Scripture to find out where our true value and worth lie. She shows how we were created in God's image, designed to worship Him. This truth transforms our primary concern and directs us to a better question: how can we best use our bodies to honour Him? Contents:Our Battle with the MirrorDoes Scripture Speak to This?It Touches Us AllMirrors Lie and Mirrors IsolateThe IllusionIs the Answer More SelfEsteem?Where Does Real Beauty Come From?How Do We Change?Is it Wrong to Care About Appearance?This Also Changes our RelationshipsAppendix A: Next StepsAppendix B: Further ReadingTrack is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, and the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren't always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is. With the intention of the content being

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Ten fascinating bite–sized biographies of the Christians people expect you to know. While Christians have always prized the Bible as our ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice, we also recognize that the Christian life is an intergenerational and communal activity. This collection of ten short biographies will introduce you to Christians from a variety of places and times, who all boldly preached the gospel, despite the risk to personal reputations and safety. How short–sighted it would be not to glean insights from our ancestors, whether that entails learning how to walk in their steps – or else avoiding their missteps. Written by Ian Maddock, Rachel Ciano and Stuart Colton, who all teach church history and edited by Ian Maddock. Each chapter has suggested further reading, and additional suggestions ‘for the adventurous’. Chapter Headings: 1. Athanasius: Against the World 2. Augustine: The Grace of God Defeated Me 3. Anselm: Faith Seeking Understanding 4. Martin Luther: Here I Stand 5. Thomas Cranmer: Lord Jesus, Receive My Spirit 6. Richard Baxter: Keep These Hearts Above 7. John Wesley: A Brand Plucked from the Burning 8. Hudson Taylor: These I Must Bring Also 9. Spurgeon: Preaching, Prayer and Perseverance 10. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Discipleship This book is ideal for anyone wanting a biref, entertaing and illuminating overview of the lives and beliefs of these ten giants of Christian history.

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It was the first book to ever be printed. It remains one of the most popular of all time, with whole societies of people professing to live their lives according to its pages – but can the Bible actually be trusted? Does it have any substance or is it just some nice ideas? Isn’t it full of contradictions, and can it really have anything to say in the 21st century? The fourth title of the First Steps series by 9Marks explores these questions and more, showing that the Bible is not only still relevant, it is powerful!

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Show your pre-schoolers that God made everything around them. These sturdy books start them early in their understanding and are so attractive that they always pick them up first.

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Discover the inspiring story of John and Charles Wesley, two brothers who left an indelible mark on Christian history.Step into the 18th century and meet John and Charles Wesley, brothers whose unwavering faith sparked a spiritual revolution. Witness their transformative journey from the humble English countryside to the heart of a movement that changed the course of Christianity. A Tapestry of Faith and AdventureMarvel at the thrilling tales of faith, courage,and resilience as the Wesley brothers navigate challenges, triumphs, and divine encounters. From the vibrant Oxford University to the bustling streets of London, this biography paints a vibrant tapestry of their lives, making history come alive for young readers. Faith in ActionAs you explore the pages, you will be inspired by the Wesley brothers' commitment to social justice, their passion for community service, and their unyielding dedication to spreading the message of love and grace, but most of all you will see how God

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This second of a twovolume set depicts the exciting adventures of the Early Church, as found in the Acts of the Apostles, for 7 to 11yearolds. The book in the Bible known as Acts is all about what Jesus did after he went back to heaven after the resurrection. In it we see how the good news about Jesus spread all over the known world. David Luckman retells every story from Acts in language that is easy to understand and, with help from illustrations by Silvana Di Marcello, shows how Jesus' death and resurrection wasn't the end of the story. Volume One contains stories from the beginning of Acts up to chapter thirteen, and Volume Two contains chapters fourteen to twentyeight. Each twopage spread features one story, as well as these additional features:Look Back Read a passage from earlier in the Bible and see how God planned these events from long ago. Check This Out Read another passage from the Bible that relates to this one and see how they connect. Think Spend some time th

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The Psalms can be sung, spoken or read – but they were written to be prayed. Until we pray them from the heart we miss their purpose. If you love, or want to love, or think perhaps you ought to love, the Psalms, this first instalment of a two–volume set on the Psalter is for you. Christopher Ash gives us a practical and theological handbook to equip us to pray and to teach the Psalms. He faces the difficulties and shows how praying them in Christ does justice to their original meaning and context as well as their place in the whole bible.

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An Exciting and Inspiring Collection of Vividly Told Stories of Christians Who Really Made a Difference.Box Sets Make an Excellent Gift for When a Single Book is Not Enough!Each book in this box set contains the story of a man who preached the word of God and who God used powerfully. Some of the characters in this box set didn't seem like likely preachers, but readers will be able to see how God equips those he calls to spread his gospel. You will meetCharles Simeon: This smart, welleducated young man became a great preacher and leading evangelical. Read about a fascinating man who was used by God despite his faults and failings. Martyn LloydJones: Trained as a doctor when he was just sixteen years old and destined to become the Queen's Surgeon. A promising career was ahead of him but God had other intentions for this talented and successful doctor. Charles Spurgeon:A simple country lad who went on to become one of the bestknown preachers in London, Europe and the world. Charles

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The book of Romans is rich in doctrinal truth. In Expository Outlines and Observations on Romans Rob Ventura mines these truths and offers quick, accessible, expository nuggets for preachers and teachers. With a thoroughly Reformed view, Ventura has taken each passage of Romans and helps pastors prepare sermons that will help congregations dig deep into this excellent book. The exegesis of the original Greek is beneficial without being highly technical, and readers are aided on their journey by some of church history’s finest, including Luther, Calvin, Spurgeon, and Lloyd Jones. For each passage Ventura highlights: – A central theme – A homiletical outline – Exegetical and practical insights – Applications for the church – Applications for non–believers An excellent addition to any preacher’s bookshelf, this book will not only enrich your preaching, but also cause your own heart to marvel anew at the grace of God.

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Jeremiah was called as a prophet to warn Israel that their rebellious hearts and rejection of God and his ways would lead to judgement. His prophecies of Babylonian exile and the destruction of the temple come to pass, but in among the bad news, he also brings the promise of hope that God's people will return to the land, that God will send his Messiah, and that all nations will one day acknowledge Israel's God. Bob Fyall's valuable addition to the Teaching series will help preachers and Bible study leaders to work through this Major Prophet and see the faithfulness of God in the face of the faithlessness of his people.

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Why the Bible's call to contentment will bring more satisfaction than the world's desire for more and practical steps to finding it. While the Bible not only encourages contentment, but commands it, it can feel like a vague,fleeting, unachievable goal. David Kaywood's helpful book begins by moulding our understanding of what it means to be content. Do you find yourself worrying, coveting, grumbling, giving way to unrighteous anger, or dwelling unhealthily on the past or the future? You might be discontent and it might be leading you into all sorts of other sins. He tackles three common areas of discontentment money and possessions; pain and suffering; success and work and digs into the reality of our desires. Ultimately, Kaywood invites readers to focus on Jesus: the God who became poor for us and suffered for us, and who calls us to work for him. The final chapter includes eight rules for contentment. These are practical steps you can take to increase the godly satisfactio

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Answering big questions about what the Bible says about life after death for 48yearolds. How do I get to heaven? Can anybody go there? What happens when someone dies? These are all questions that a child will ask at some point in their life. When a relative or close friend comes to the end of their life what does a child need to know? They need to know about Jesus. They need to know about Salvation. They need to know that there really is eternal life but there is only one way to God. In simple terms, this attractive, fullcolour illustrated hardback paints a beautiful picture of heaven and explains what heaven will be like. It also explains that the only way to heaven is by trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus.Each spread includes one question or topic, a brief explanation, and a Bible verse that can be used as a memory verse. There are also explanations of words which might be new to readers, like salvation, resurrection, and substitute. Headings include:Tell Me About

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The Rocky Mountains are full of rugged terrain and breathtakingly high mountains. They are all about the stunning beauty of creation. But there's danger too with black mountain bears and poisonous snakes to watch out for. Elk, deer, moose and coyotes all live and survive in this part of the United States of America. Humans live there too and missionaries. Yes missionaries! Because everyone who loves Jesus is a missionary - whatever country they live in.Read about trekking and white water rafting, the black panther and a deadly spider. Find out about the Navajo Indians and how people are praying for them and that many of these wonderful native Americans will be brought to know Jesus Christ for themselves.Join in the Rocky Mountain Adventure - set out on the trail that will teach you about this wonderful mountain range and the amazing God who created it.Betty Swinford lived right in the mountains of northern Arizona. There is lots of snow, a monsoon season, mountain lions and bears walking down the streets - she brings to life the life round about her!

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The Westminster Confession is a foundational document for countless churches worldwide. Churches of all sizes claim it as their confession, and hold to it with varying degrees of closeness. Its influence must not be underestimated. However, countless officeholders will have vowed to abide by the Westminster Confession with only the most perfunctory of understanding of its relevance to their situation. Ligon Duncan has assembled an impressive array of contributors from a variety of ecclesiastical backgrounds. The aim is simple - to enable the 21st Century to understand the confession more fully, and so bring about the same kind of rugged, vigorous, intelligent and self-sacrificing Christianity that was the result of its initial publication over 350 years ago.In the first of what will be three volumes, the topics covered include:- Baptists and the Westminster Confession; Finney's attack on the Westminster Confession; The Westminster Confession and the Relationship of Church and State; The Holy Spirit and the Westminster Confession.

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Would you like to make a difference? These ten boys grew up to do just that – but first they had to change the church. How did God change them? Augustine discovered the love of God and changed the way we think; Knox focused on God’s word and told his country the truth; Luther rediscovered God’s truth and gave it to ordinary people; Calvin realised that salvation was a gift from God and not a reward for what he did; Tyndale longed to print the Bible in a language that everyone would understand; Latimer urged people to read the Bible for themselves and made enemies as a result; Hus taught that God is in charge of the church and the world; Zwingli challenged people to obey God’s word in every area of their lives; Chalmers called the church to show Christ’s compassion to the poor and Shaftesbury pushed the church into making Christ’s love a living reality for everyone

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Do you like to smell flowers? What is your favourite smell? Some smells are nice, some are nasty.Read and learn about the things you smell every day. Find out about God who made you and your nose. Isn't God a wonderful God. He thinks of everything!Scripture references back up each page and there is a prayer page at the end of the book.One in a series of six chunky size board books that teach children how God was involved with us right from the beginning. The titles cover things we experience every day: Touch, Taste, Sight, Hearing, Smell & Feelings

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Do you make lots of noise? Or do you prefer to sit and listen to quiet things?Read and learn about the sounds you hear. Find out about God who made your ears and who listens to you everyday. Isn't it great that God knows and hears everything? He's amazing!Scripture references back up each page and there is a prayer page at the end of the book.One in a series of six chunky size board books that teach children how God was involved with us right from the beginning. The titles cover things we experience every day: Touch, Taste, Sight, Hearing, Smell & Feelings

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God can heal, this is a truth clearly evident from scripture. We can agree, with absolute certainty, that God still possesses the power to do the miraculous.In The Healing Promise Richard Mayhue Provides straight answers without compromising the Bible or God's miraculous power.The Healing Promise includes -A special interview with Joni Eareckson Tada where she talks about coping with the attitudes towards healing she encounters every dayA chapter by André Kole, the man behind many of David Copperfield's illusions, on techniques used in healing meetings.A special interview with John and Patricia MacArthur about their experiences when Patricia was badly injured in a car accident

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Knowing who God is – his character, his plans and why he wants us to pray – are essentials in building our understanding of prayer. Douglas Kelly is a distinguished theologian – he is well qualified to guide us both as a teacher and a fellow traveller, sharing his own setbacks and blessings. One of the biggest questions about prayer is not ‘How do you do it?’ but rather ‘Do we know who we are speaking to?’

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In this stimulating work Stephen Charnock links the Old and New Testaments with this classic explanation of how the sacrifice of Jesus Christ fulfils the Old Testament sacrificial system. He particularly illustrates the importance of the Passover, and opens up our understanding of the differences which characterise the New Testament Church era. He shows that Jesus willingly submitted to the pain he knew he would go through, in order to bring us the blessings of a new covenant with God. The Puritans were brought up on the Bible; for a Puritan mind a clear text from the Bible settled all controversy. It is this discipline and clear sightedness which makes their work so valuable to today’s generation.

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Carl R. Trueman examines the origins of contemporary Reformed theology in the Reformation world of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. After tracing how this heritage shaped and transformed the intervening period, he then describes some of the major challenges being faced by the evangelical church at the present time and suggests ways of responding which remain faithful to the Scriptures and the theology of the Reformers drawn from it and points towards a future that embraces and disseminates these wonderful doctrines of grace.

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There is so much in the past, present and future that we do not understand. The book of Revelation helps us understand who is in full and sovereign control, the victorious Lamb on his throne. And what a great unveiling of the glorious Saviour is revealed in this apocalyptic book! In 65 expositional chapters, Douglas Kelly draws our attention to the central theme of this profound book – the Lord Jesus Christ himself. The Mentor Expository Series holds to an inerrant view of Scripture. The series is thoroughly researched with helpful practical application. This is a resource for pastors and Bible teachers who want to draw on Christ–centered expository teaching and for the lay reader who wants to delve more deeply into the riches of the Word of God.

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Thank you for the morning and for the evening. You give us all the time we need to do the things we need to do. Help us, Jesus, to spend our time pleasing you.

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Alec Motyer was a man who loved the Word of God and was passionate about the Old Testament. These daily devotionals from Isaiah were born of a lifetime of study. For him daily devotion was not a duty but came from a real desire to be transformed by the challenging word of God as given to the prophet Isaiah. These devotionals reassure us that the Lord can restore what sin has robbed us of. Day by day you will read freshly translated passages from Isaiah and have an opportunity to explore the passage further through the author’s notes and devotional comments. Take time to acquaint yourself with these passages from God’s Word and treasure them in your heart and life.

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Matthew Henry, the great Puritan commentator, here looks at what gives people real joy. He looks at 12 different types of Christian pleasure, reviews what God has done to bring sinners joy, demonstrates that Christian experience proves this and challenges the reader to join in! This was Matthew Henry’s last book and was at the press when he died in 1714. This classic of Christian living is brought to you by J. I. Packer who adds an extensive introduction to the book showing its significance and gestation from Henry’s ministry.

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If your youth group is in the 14-18 age bracket they are at a junction - a vital point in their lives where they need help to study the Bible in a way that is challenging and mind stretching.With the TnT Junction material you can be confident that you have material that is trustworthy, comprehensible and biblical. Each lesson plan, in addition to a lesson aim, contains study notes to enable the leader to understand the Bible passage. There is also a slot to encourage the young people to share experiences and learn from each other. Along with suggestions for prayer, praise and how to focus attention on the studies, there are optional worksheets to help the young people engage with the passage.Additional advice and tips are given to youth leaders to help make running a youth Bible study memorable and effective.By going through the Gospel of Matthew the group will be introduced to Jesus, God's promised king, discover what the Kingdom of God will be like and how we are to prepare for the reality of its coming.

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Paul Brand grew up in the Kolli Malai hills in India. He was determined never to leave India and never to be a doctor like his father - especially to lepers. Paul came back to India with a medical degree and there were patients waiting for him - leprosy patients. From then on he devoted his life to their care ... even to the point of making them special shoes! Paul's faith in God, his love for mankind and his medical abilities gave those who suffered from leprosy a new life - and hope.

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The Reformation had a radical effect on Scotland not just spiritually but also politically and socially. Given its spiritual decadence in the lead up to this, it was in much need of reformation. A contributor to that success was the old Celtic Church who revered the Bible as the supreme standard and hence placed an emphasis on the preaching of the Word. Renwick considers the character and the experiences of the leader of the Scottish Reformation John Knox. Secularly it was to have an influence on the Scottish Parliament e.g. the importance of education for all as a result of the principles they had built. It also considers the protagonists of the reformation such as the nobles and the place of Mary of Lorraine the Queen Mother and Queen Mary. As well as looking at the Scottish Reformation it gives its historical context not forgetting what was happening elsewhere. It is clear that for those who were involved in the Scottish Reformation it was costly but they considered it important to defend the reformed faith. An opportunity to read of lives that were transformed as they became convicted of the gospel truth which in turn led them to serve God.

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Eric’s life brought him to boarding school in England, university in Edinburgh and the fame of Olympic Stardom in Paris. But with that fame came trouble as he struggled to stand up for his Christian faith. Eric’s strong belief in keeping the Lord’s Day as a day of worship was challenged when his 100 metres race was scheduled for the Sunday. Eric’s strength of conviction and his subsequent win in the 400 metres have made him a hero and a role model for many young men and women. But his life was so much more than winning tapes and starters’ orders – his whole life was a race for God.

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Iron Sharpens Iron! Small Bible–study groups are great places for Christians both to interact with God’s Word and to share their lives with others. They provide relaxed and informal settings which facilitate growth in grace and understanding. Orlando Saer provides a realistic and practical guide for anyone leading or wanting to lead such a group. This book will give you the tools you need as a leader to see your group thrive.

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Acts is an exciting story of church growth despite inner problems and outward conflict. The Book of Acts describes the spread of the gospel throughout the known world of the first century and the establishment of Christian churches in many different places. As the gospel entered new places, its preachers often faced opposition from followers of other religions, and sometimes this opposition extended to include political persecution. Nevertheless, within a generation the gospel had spread from Jerusalem to Rome and beyond. While Luke, the writer of Acts was a historian, Acts is not merely historical but also provide principles and lessons for contemporary churches to imitate as they continue to spread the apostolic gospel today.

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"The title, Old Testament, creates difficulties of its own. If it is "Old" and we are people of the "New", surely we may properly let it fade away into history? Besides, it seems very unlike the New Testament, even contradictory: all those wars when Jesus is the Prince of peace; all those commandments to obey when we are not under law but under grace. And can the God of the Old Testament be a God of love like the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?"These are the questions that Alec Motyer, a life long lover of the Old Testament, seeks to answer starting with the conviction that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Old Testament Scripture. This is for the Christian who wants to know what the Old Testament has to do with the New Testament and why the Christian should read it. A comprehensive survey of the Old Testament organised around its authors and major characters, the theme of this book is that the Holy Spirit chose, fashioned and equipped the biblical authors to convey distinctive truths through each of them.'

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To be a man of courage you have to stand up and be brave. David learned courage as he protected his flock of sheep from wild animals. These lessons would help him when he faced one of Israel's greatest enemies on the battlefield with just a sling and a handful of small stones to protect him.Find out the secret behind David's courage and what God has in store for the young shepherd boy.

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When Jesus said to Nicodemus, ‘You must be born again’, the devout and learned religious leader was unsure what Jesus meant. It would seem nothing has changed. Today ‘born again Christians’ fill churches that are seen as ineffectual at best, and even characterised by the ‘mosaic’ generation as ‘unchristian’. The term ‘born again’ has been devalued both in society and in the church. Those claiming to be ‘born again’ live lives that are indistinguishable from those who don’t; they sin the same, embrace injustice the same, covet the same, do almost everything the same. Being ‘born again’ is now defined by what people say they believe. The New Testament however defines Christians very differently. “When Jesus said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:7), he was not sharing interesting and unimportant information. He was leading him to eternal life… If he does that for you (or if he already has), then you are (or you will be) truly, invincibly, finally alive.” John Piper

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The true story of Helen Roseveare and the hotwater bottle. In the Jungle an orphan baby need a hot water bottle, urgently, but no one would ever send one of these to the heat of the equator would they?!However, when a little girl prays for God to send one that afternoon, Helen Roseveare wonders if her prayer will be answered. Will God send a hot water bottle to the equator? Find out what happens when Helen opens the parcel.

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Onesimus is a slave. Eirene is a rich merchant’s daughter. Onesimus longs to gain his freedom and Eirene’s love. However, he doesn’t realize where true freedom lies. He wants nothing to do with Jesus Christ. His master, Philemon, may follow the teachings of the Christ and his apostle Paul… but Onesimus has other plans.

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The five chapters of Lamentations may be easily overlooked. Not only is it brief, but it is also sandwiched between the two giants of Old Testament prophecy, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Lamentations also deals with realities which we rather wish were not discussed - consequently the book is little studied. However, although there much here to challenge faith, there is much that builds it up. Lamentations was not written in the first instance to serve as warning to others, or to even keep alive the present memory of past suffering, it is the present that dominates the thought of the book.And in that present are overiding thoughts - 'has God left us?'; 'Have we blown our chance as God's covenant people?' 'Is there a way forward towards the restoration?'A popular view today is that Lamentations is a dreary book with nothing to say to today's society. The reality is that it could not be more relevant, more authentic.Mentor combines a high view of Scripture with access to the latest academic theological research. This unique combinations allows the reader to see what recent scholarly research has discovered without losing sight of scripture.

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There are commentaries, and there are books on preaching - but very few books that combine elements of both to enable the preacher or Bible teacher to prepare and present a series on specific sections of Scripture.This series gives the Bible teacher suitable tools to understand the context of Biblical books; doctrinal themes; the methods of interpretation; the key teaching points and how to deliver that message to the audience.Whilst very useful for preachers, this book is also aimed at enabling youth workers and small group study leaders have the confidence they need to teach Biblical principles and doctrine.Teaching 1 Peter looks at the first letter from the Apostle Peter to a primarily Gentile audience scattered around Asia Minor. Angus enables the leader to explain the context of this letter and its relevance to a contemporary setting where Gentile Christians were surrounded by a pagan culture.He also 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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It is ironical that a book called ‘the revelation’ remains probably the most obscure of all the books of the Bible. Many Christians have never ventured further than the first 3 chapters and others have studied its intricacies and the split churches that resulted wished that they hadn’t! For those who already love the book of Revelation this commentary will take you a little deeper and stimulate thinking about how the teaching should be applied to the modern church. Paul Gardner is also the author of Ephesians: Encouragement and Joy in Christ (ISBN 978–1–84550–264–5) and 1&2 Peter and Jude (ISBN 978–1–78191–129–7)in the Focus on the Bible commentary series.

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The Church has a problem with Judges, it is so earthy, puzzling, primitive and violent – so much so that the Church can barely stomach it. It falls under the category ‘embarrassing scripture’. Such an attitude is, of course, wrong so Ralph Davis here makes Judges digestible by analysing the major literary and theological themes discovered in each section, providing a ‘theocentric’ exposition.

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This exposition is rooted first in a thorough analysis of the Hebrew text, employing helpful insights from archaeology and linguistics, and second in the major theological and literary themes discovered in each section. Finally the author brings the fragments together in an expository treatment ‘that is not ashamed to stoop to the level of application.’

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The post-modern society is so focussed on the internal life of the individual that it makes the significance of the cross a difficult concept to grasp. Even Christians are trying to find alternative ways of explaining it - some have abandoned the concept of atonement entirely.Jesus, though, is far more than a victim. When God receives and approves the condemned Jesus he transcends the world of oppressor and victim to create a new humanity, capable of new kinds of relationships. Atonement speaks of a transition from brokenness, alienation and the death of love to a place of restoration, healing, and wholeness. A place that holds out hope for deepening friendships and mutual confidence - the exact same things the post-modern mind is lacking, and is looking for.

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