Search results for ""inter-varsity press""

Complete set of the revised Bible Speaks Today, New Testament series.

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David Smith surveys the modern missionary movement, examines critical issues concerning the gospel and culture, reflects on mission in the context of violence and suffering, and explores the 145;translation146; of the gospel for today's globalized world. In his letter to the Romans, Paul makes striking use of the phrase 'the kindness of God' (11:22). The apostle to the Gentiles warns non-Jewish believers in the imperial city of Rome to beware of arrogance, counselling them to 'be afraid' that the kind of spiritual pride which led to the downfall of biblical Israel will also be their undoing. In the deeply troubled times in which we live, this text speaks powerfully to Christians throughout the world, summoning a global church to prioritize what really matters and to discover its unity in the service of the Christ whose life and death revealed in human form precisely the 'kindness of God'. Taking his starting point from Lesslie Newbigin's analysis of the contemporary historical and cultural context, David Smith explores issues in, and challenges to, the practice of Christian mission and witness today. He surveys the modern movement, starting with the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh in 1910; examines critical issues concerning the gospel and culture; reflects on mission in the context of violence and suffering; and explores the 'translation' of the gospel for a globalized world. He also examines how Scripture was used to justify the political and economic expansion of European power at the dawn of the modern world, and argues that mission today demands both a new hermeneutic and a revised theology of mission, within which Paul's letter to the Romans will play a significant role.

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Think of the thriving evangelical churches in your area. Chances are they will be in the 'nice' areas of town and their leaders will be middle class. Tim Chester once attended a lecture where the speaker showed a map of Sheffield. The council wards were coloured different shades, according to social indicators: educational achievement, household income, benefit recipients, social housing, criminal activity, and so on. Slide after slide showed that the east side of the city was the needy, socially deprived half, compared to the more prosperous west. Where are the churches? Counting all the various tribes of evangelicalism, the large churches are on the west side. The working-class and deprived areas of our cities are not being reached with the gospel. There are many exciting exceptions, but the pattern is clear. According to Mez McConnell from Niddrie Community Church in Edinburgh, of the fifty worst housing schemes in Scotland, half have no church, and most of the others only have a dying church. Very few have an evangelical witness. This book is about reaching deprived, urban, working-class areas, often estates or schemes. It offers us the combined experience of the Reaching the Unreached working group, an informal network of Christian leaders from different parts of the UK. This book doesn't claim to be the final word. But it presents us with a vision of what can be done. We pray that it will capture imaginations and start a vital process in our hearts and minds.

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God is Trinity. This is foundational and life-changing. Yet, bizarrely, for many believers, this is one of the least-examined aspects of the Christian life. Sam Allberry takes us right to the heart of who God is, something which has radical implications for who we are as beings made in his image. 'Connected' unpacks the practical implications of the truth that God is Father, Son and Spirit. This transforms how we think of God and provides a vital perspective on key topics like: - identity - gender - church life - discipleship - prayer Could any issue be more important than this? The Trinity should never be shrouded in mystery - or jargon. Follow in Sam's footsteps and you will soon find yourself, like him, praising this awesome God who is Trinity.

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How can sixty-six books of the Bible have a single message for us today? What unites the vastly different accounts of God's work in the world? How do various genres of the Bible work together? Vaughan Roberts believes that the Bible tells a single story for all time. He draws out the Bible's message of Jesus Christ, and God's redemption through him, in six big questions. This companion volume to 'God's Big Picture' will not only help you to answer the questions listed above, but will give you tools to transform your own Bible study in the light of the whole story of God.

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The Minister's Wife' will show you how to make perfect cupcakes, turn out well-groomed children every Sunday morning and rise to the lofty heights where criticism cannot reach. In short, you will quickly become the model minister's wife. Unfortunately not. However, what this book will do for you is help you to look honestly at the privileges and problems of the manse and the rectory. It will free you up to become the best you can be, unencumbered by nagging concerns about issues that don t really matter. You are first and foremost a minister's wife before God. What a privilege! This book looks also at the minister's wife's responsibility to her husband and children, as well as to her wider family. It looks at the often-overlooked perks of the job, as well as at thorny issues such as boundaries, forgiveness and forbearance. This book contains wisdom from eight women, distilled for a wider audience. It will be an honest friend to the minister s wife, whether experienced or starting out.

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The apostle Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians is often regarded as his makeshift response to random problems in a messy church. This stimulating volume argues for, and undertakes, a more coherent reading of the letter, in the hope of providing a more compelling and theologically rich interpretation and a clearer apprehension of its relevance to the church today. Brian Rosner begins by putting the case for a holistic approach to studying the theology and ethics of 1 Corinthians. The following nine chapters cover, first, Karl Barth’s classic treatment, which underscores the letter’s coherence (Keith Condie); next, the major topics of holiness (Bill Salier), the cross (Philip Kern), sexual ethics (Roy Ciampa), spiritual gifts (David Peterson), eschatology (Bruce Winter), ethics (Michael Jensen), and the glory of God (Matthew Malcolm); and, finally, preaching 1 Corinthians (Brian Rosner). The chapters cohere around the themes of Paul’s pastoral practice and the wisdom of the cross of Jesus. The volume, based on the 2010 Moore College School of Theology, reflects the contributors’ common interest in theological interpretation that acknowledges the text as the word of God and seeks to serve the interests of the contemporary church.

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Is 'newer' really 'better'? We often assume so, but if we do treat the past as inferior we will ignore the legacy of history, and thus will find ourselves stranded on the tiny desert island of our own moment in time. In particular, this applies to Christian theology, which should be thought, and lived, corporately by the church down through the ages. The remedy to 'chronological snobbery' is, as C. S. Lewis put it, 'to keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds'. Such is the motivation behind Michael Reeves' introduction to a selection of influential or significant Christian theologians. Furthermore, by 'sitting on the shoulders of giants ... our glance can take in more things and reach farther than theirs' (Bernard of Chartres). This accessible and informative companion volume to The Breeze of the Centuries covers Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, Friedrich Schleiermacher and Karl Barth. Each chapter begins with a brief biography and some background, then surveys each theologian's major work or works, gives a timeline for historical context, and ends with guidance for further reading.

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The doctrine of the Trinity is widely taught and believed by evangelical Christians, but is rarely fully understood or celebrated. In this accessible and stimulating book, Fred Sanders shows why we ought to embrace the doctrine of the Trinity wholeheartedly and without reserve, as a central concern of evangelical theology. With passion and conviction, Sanders demonstrates that the doctrine of the Trinity is grounded in the gospel itself. He examines the centrality of the Trinity in our salvation and the Trinity’s presence in the reading of the Bible and in prayer. Readers will understand that a robust doctrine of the Trinity has massive implications for their lives. Indeed, recognizing the work of the Trinity in the gospel changes everything, restoring depth to prayer, worship, Bible study, missions, tradition, and our understanding of Christianity's fundamental doctrines.

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As the Olympic athletes discovered this summer, the secret to winning a gold medal is not just starting well, it's finishing well. We usually start our Christian race with great enthusiasm, but the challenge is to finish faithfully. How can we keep motivated for service, maintain our commitment to mission, persevere under pressure and grow in our spiritual lives? The theme for the 2012 Keswick Convention was 'Going the Distance: Living in the Light of the Future'. During the three weeks of convention we looked at the Bible's promises of Christ's return and our future glory, and considered how these Bible truths equip us for discipleship and encourage us to keep running the Christian race well. This yearbook includes a selection of talks given during the 2012 Convention: Bible teaching from Simon Manchester, Christopher Ash, Mike Raiter, Chris Sinkinson, Dominic Smart, Calisto Odede and Ian Coffey to help you run your race and keep 'Going the Distance'.

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Few individual books of the Bible have changed the course of church history the way Paul's letter to the Romans has. Whether one thinks of Augustine's conversion in the fourth century, Luther's recovery of justification by faith in the sixteenth or Barth's challenge to recover theological exegesis of the Bible in the twentieth, Romans has been the catalyst to personal spiritual renewal and the recapturing of gospel basics. Paul, in seeking to bring unity and understanding between Jews and Gentiles in Rome, sets forth in Romans his most profound explication of the gospel and its meaning for the church. The letter's relevance is as great today as it was in the first century. Throughout this commentary, Grant R. Osborne explains what the letter meant to its original hearers and its application for us today.

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Many of us have felt the temptation to opt for a domesticated version of the gospel. We want enough to make us happy and secure, but not so much that it really affects our lives. We want ecstasy not repentance, security not selfless love and service. We may not like to admit it, but the temptation is there. It is nothing new, but perhaps it is especially strong today. Many changes in society and increasing self-indulgence all put pressure on believers to water down the gospel and its impact on our lives. The apostle Paul saw the insidious evil of similar influences in the Roman Empire of his day, and recognized that these pressures could harm the fledgling Christian community in Philippi. He couldn't visit them, but he wrote to encourage them to maintain basic Christian commitments and to be on guard against an array of dangers: temptations from within and seduction and opposition from without. In 'Basics for Believers', Don Carson opens up the life-transforming lessons of Philippians, showing us how we can put the whole gospel first, learn to live as disciples of Christ, and never give up the Christian walk.

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For Daniel Fredericks, allowing the thematic words and phrases of Ecclesiastes to speak with their Hebrew voices demonstrates its affinity with the breadth of Old Testament legal, poetic, wisdom and prophetic writings as well as the teachings of Christ and the apostles. Ecclesiastes is found in the canon of Scripture because it plays a significant role in a cumulative theology of the Old and New Testaments. The beautiful and mysterious lyrics of The Song of Songs have prompted a wide range of interpretations. Daniel Estes reads the ancient song cycle in terms of its literary genre as Hebrew poetry. By attending carefully to the literary features of the text, he seeks to remain sensitive to the emotions that the poet desired to express and to reproduce in the reader. At the same time, he endeavours to hear the echoes of the Song as they resonate within the larger context of the biblical canon, and to suggest how its prominent theme of the nurture of intimacy can be applied to life today.

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Based on real questions from real people in the real world. I would recommend this book to anyone investigating what Christianity is all about, and, as ever from Michael Green, it's brilliant stuff!' Andy Hawthorne, Director of The Message Trust 'Religious people are too intolerant.' 'You can't trust what is in the Bible.' 'Science has disproved Christianity.' 'There's too much suffering in the world.' 'Something 2,000 years ago can't be relevant to me today.' Michael Green has responded to each of these statements in a direct and informal way, giving his Christian perspective on the opinions expressed. His easy style engages readers and shows how the Bible and Christian beliefs can provide a real faith for life. This book may even help you believe in spite of your buts...

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When we become new creations in Christ Jesus, our primary identity is in Christ,' observes Owen Hylton. Born into a black West Indian family, but living primarily in a white British world, he never felt entirely accepted in either place. 'Realizing that my identity was first and foremost in Christ was incredibly releasing,' he admits. Crossing the divide and embracing diversity is at the very heart of God's plan and purpose for his church. But in order to do this, we need to be aware of some of the reasons why people have stayed apart: our histories and prejudices, our lack of awareness and appreciation of one another. Owen defines sin as the greatest problem of humankind, separating us from God and setting us at odds with one another. The cross is ultimately a place of forgiveness and reconciliation. As new creations in Christ Jesus, forgiven and restored, we can confidently and joyfully celebrate our oneness, whatever our colour, status, gender or nationality.

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Jesus came to bring life in all its fullness and yet often Christians behave as if he is only really interested in the so-called 'spiritual' bits, like church, Bible study and evangelism. Everything else - work, leisure, culture and so on - are relegated to second place. But God did not intend us to live with this artificial separation. In this book Julian Hardyman reclaims all of life for God's glory and helps us discover where that sports skill, passion for politics or flair with fashion might fit into God's plans for an abundant life. Previously published as 'Glory Days', this second edition has been updated throughout and contains two brand new chapters on glorifying God during dark days and the environment.

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The Christian life is like a marathon race set out before us. There is a reward in running well, but particularly in finishing. Christians agree that this is a consistent pattern of New Testament teaching. However, is the prize a reward for having finished well? Or is the prize salvation itself - and can it be lost? Is everyone who started the race guaranteed a share in the prize? Do the warnings in Scripture tell believers that it is up to them to succeed or fail in the race? If so, is there no assurance of salvation? Or can we affirm that 'once saved, always saved', and that only a difference in rewards awaits us? Thomas R. Schreiner's study, based on his lectures at the Twelfth Oak Hill Annual School of Theology, explores the nature of admonitions and warnings in New Testament theology, their role in relation to perseverance and assurance in practical Christian living, and their pastoral implications. He offers clarification of some controversial issues, and responds to misunderstandings

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For most Bible readers Ezekiel is almost a closed book,' writes John Taylor. 'Their knowledge of him extends little further than his mysterious vision of God's chariot-throne, with its wheels within wheels, and the vision of the valley of the dry bones ... In its structure, however, if not in its thought and language, the book of Ezekiel has a basic simplicity, and its orderly framework makes it easy to analyse.' Taylor's commentary offers a portrait of the prophet, places his prophecies within their historical settings, and provides an overview of the book's contents and themes.

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The New Testament writers set before us a number of models of ministry, each of which is shaped by the particular needs of the churches they were serving. Their own backgrounds, ambitions and passions also contribute to what they have to say about ministry. The contours of New Testament pastoral leadership, inspired by the Holy Spirit, exhibit a genuine diversity that finds its unity in Christ and his gospel. Derek Tidball provides a comprehensive survey of these models and patterns. By 'ministry', he has in mind primarily 'full-time' or 'professional' ministry, although his analysis is relevant to others who exercise ministry on a more occasional basis. For Tidball, the terms 'ministry' and 'leadership', or 'pastoral leadership', are interchangeable. His main focus in this volume is on pastoral leadership within local churches or groups of churches. Tidball's survey offers 'models of permission' that enable a freer approach to ministry and the way it is conducted, challenges the stunted understanding of ministry that can often characterize our churches today, and gives encouragement to those who do not fit a 'ministry by numbers' approach. Well-grounded in the relevant scholarship, Tidball's fresh engagement with the biblical texts, stimulating analysis and wise application will be of value to all who are established in pastoral leadership, or training for it.

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Many books have been written on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and his ministry continues to be a vital and fascinating area for further exploration. Graham Cole's study, based on his lectures at the Tenth Oak Hill Annual School of Theology, focuses on important questions of practical relevance. Each one confronts us with challenges about our relationship with the Spirit, whether as Christian believers or unbelievers. Professor Cole demonstrates the value of having a clearly defined and articulated theological method, that takes the biblical text seriously, learns from others in the process of interpretation, and works hard at application to the contemporary context.

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From the footpaths of our cities to the chat rooms of the Internet, people are connecting today as never before. As the planet shrinks through the multiple forces of immigration, travel, electronic communication and more fluid employment patterns, we will find ourselves increasingly forced into contact with those who are significantly different from ourselves. Sadly however, the stranger is often a threat to be resisted rather than a friend to be embraced. In this context of in-your-face diversity, it is time to revisit the heart of the New Testament, with its claim that in Jesus Christ a new quality of human relationship is possible. In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul claims that Christians are a new kind of people, part of a new community: a 'new humanity' in Christ (Ephesians 2:15). We exist not in isolation, but in relationship. 'Dynamic Diversity' contends that all Christian congregations everywhere are called to be bridging places, centres of reconciliation, where the major diversities separating human beings are overcome through the presence of God's Holy Spirit. Bruce Milne presents a biblical model for today and tomorrow where the diversities of gender, generation, ethnicity, colour and socio-economic status present exciting and challenging opportunities to demonstrate practical oneness. When this happens, churches become wonderfully alive. In Christ we can be one people, one new humanity, one life.

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This major reference work is offered as a resource for today's church in its life, worship, and mission to the world. It aims to enable readers not merely to defend the gospel of Jesus Christ against attack, but also to commend it positively. The Dictionary addresses the main intellectual objections to the Christian faith, and puts the case in its favour from a wide variety of perspectives. But since apologetics is the task of the whole person, the contributors also consider how the truth of the church's message can be demonstrated within the diverse elements of contemporary culture. Christian students and scholars in all major disciplines, pastors and lay leaders of local churches, and anyone actively involved in evangelism or social outreach will be empowered by this dictionary to witness more effectively to Christ, in word and deed.

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The Book of Psalms has been precious to countless Jewish and Christian believers in many different languages and countries over many centuries. It has expressed their hopes and fears, inspired their faith, and renewed their trust in God. In this way, the spiritual insight and religious heritage of a small number of ancient Israelites has had a profound and lasting impact on humanity. The Book of Psalms is also of great importance in biblical scholarship. In the twentieth century, Psalms study was dominated by two approaches, but now it is in the midst of a sea change, and the older perspectives jostle for attention alongside newer interests. This volume aims to bridge the gap between basic introductions and specialized literature. Part 1 present overviews of current scholarly approaches and Ancient Near Eastern prayer. Part 2 covers central themes of distress, praise, king and cult. Part 3 gives an interesting sample of approaches concerned with the Psalter's content and final form. Part 4 considers interpretative traditions, seen in the shaping of the canonical Psalter and in later Christian and Jewish texts. The authors are Craig Broyles, Dale Brueggemann, Jerome Creach, Timothy Edwards, David Firth, Jamie Grant, David Howard, James Hely Hutchinson, Philip Johnston, Michael LeFebvre, Tremper Longman, Dwight Swanson, Any Warren-Rothlin, Gordon Wenham and Gerald Wilson. They have already published many books and articles, and made significant contributions to Old Testament scholarship.

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Being a Christian is the most exciting, creative, stretching, fulfilling and amazing thing we could ever experience. Yet we don't always find it like that. Sometimes we find it boring. Sometimes we find it frustrating. And many times we feel we're stuck in a rut. Peter Hicks knows all too well the joys and difficulties of living the Christian life. With the goal of becoming more like Jesus, he offers guidance on all aspects of growing as a Christian, from being your real self to being transformed, from being a servant to being free. Most of all he will help you discover, as a follower of Jesus, what you could be.

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How do we respond to the silent appeal in the dark eyes of the child in the charity catalogue, or the blanketed figure in the cold shop-doorway? Should we share the gospel with them, or a bowl of soup? Throughout history, men and women such as Wilberforce, Shaftesbury, Carey and Booth have recognized a call to help the needy. Others have argued that our first task is evangelism, that Christians should not meddle in politics, that social action is a distraction. Do we serve Christ through preaching his Word, or should we use words only when necessary? Tim Chester argues passionately that evangelism and social action are inseparable as two arms of the church's mission. He presents a biblical case for truly evangelical social action that is shaped and inspired by the gospel. He urges conservatives not to marginalize those who uphold the cause of the oppressed, and those involved in social action not to neglect the preaching of the Word.

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This Advent, join a daily journey from Genesis to Revelation to rediscover some of the magic of Christmas

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Tending to My Thoughts continues the story of Sharon Hastings, a medical doctor and Christian living with severe mental illness. Her personal experience of recovery offers a starting point to help readers think through what recovery could look like for them or their loved ones. Peppered with personal anecdotes, shot through with medical knowledge and chock-full of helpful explanation, this book inspires hope and provides evidence that life with mental illness can improve. Sharon Hastings writes to encourage those who walk alongside people who are suffering, as well as to equip individual Christians and churches to effectively support those in recovery, particularly from severe mental illness. 'Wise and real.' Emma Scrivener 'A book that needs to be read by every pastor.' Rachael Newham 'I recommend it unreservedly.' Revd Will van der Hart 'Threaded with realism, practicality and hope.' Mark Meynell

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Chris Wright's The Message of Ezekiel has been redesigned and sensitively updated to help you follow, study and teach the Bible in today's world.

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Did you know that the Bible has a great deal to say about ethnicity? Through the Bible, God shapes the way we engage with ethnicity. A biblical perspective on ethnicity gives us confidence to explore our own ethnic identities. In this eight-session LifeBuilder Bible Study, Steve Tamayo takes us through passages that open us up to difficult yet important conversations about race, culture, and ethnicity. If ethnicity is a gift from God, engaging this material may deeply transform the way we interact with family, friends, and enemies.

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The Book of Ruth is a tale of charm and delight, providing a contrast to the concurrent anarchy depicted in the book of Judges. Telling the simple story of a family who are struck by tragedy, but experience love and acceptance in unexpected ways, in Ruth’s narrative we are clearly shown God’s guiding hand as everything endured leads to the births of both King David and, finally, Jesus Christ. David Atkinson illuminates The Message of Ruth in this encouraging and thoughtful commentary, showing us how theologically the story of Ruth is a story about God’s providence. From Naomi and Ruth herself to Boaz, he guides us through the narrative and explores how each character fits into God’s purposes for history and what that means for us living as Christians today. A revised edition in the much-loved Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of Ruth offers a thorough, readable exposition of both the Biblical text and what it can teach modern Christians. Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for students and preachers who are looking to broaden their knowledge and understanding of Scripture and its continued relevance in the twenty-first century. This beautifully redesigned edition has been sensitively updated to include modern references and use the NIV Bible text. The Message of Ruth will be helpful for anyone looking for accessible commentaries on Ruth that explore it more deeply, considering its meaning both for its original audience and for Christians reading it today.

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The Cross is the universal symbol of the Christian faith. But what does the Cross mean? Why did Jesus have to die? In this magisterial and best-selling book, John Stott explains the significance of Christ's cross and answers objections commonly brought against biblical teaching on the atonement. Stott will help you discover how Jesus himself understood the cross, and how 'Christ in our place' is at the heart of its meaning. Understand what the cross achieved, and learn what it means to live under the cross. This modern classic combines excellent biblical exposition, and a characteristically thoughtful study of Christian belief, with a searching call to the church to live under the cross.

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What does the bible say about persecution of Christians? Many New Testament studies focus on persevering in faith to the end and responding even to perpetrators of persecution with love and forgiveness. Yet while there are unifying principles, the New Testament is filled with a range of experiences of and reflections on Christian persecution – texts that it is crucial to engage with in order to fully appreciate the bewildering array of experience and strongly held viewpoints amongst believers today. In When Christians Face Persecution, Chee-Chiew Lee explores the New Testament authors’ theological understanding of persecution. She offers a thorough look at the biblical foundations, covering their responses to early Christian persecution, their evaluation of these responses, and how they encourage or persuade their recipients to persevere in their faith. Lee also brings these writings together to offer an integrated theology of facing persecution, reflecting on how the understanding of early Christian writers can be applied to the persecution of Christians today. When Christians Face Persecution is a valuable study that will enrich your knowledge of biblical teaching on persecution, and its continued relevance in the twenty-first century. It offers engaging theological synthesis as well as contextual reflection, and it invites you to a deeper understanding of the breadth of theological perspectives contained with the New Testament.

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How should Christians be faithful disciples in the political turbulence of Trump and Brexit? Christopher J H Wright unpacks the Biblical theme of idolatry and connects it to discipleship in today’s world. As Christians, we desperately need to name and expose the false gods and idols that we are tempted to bow down to – ‘Here are your gods!’ The Bible challenges the idols of political power and nationalism. The Biblical story is filled with hope that the kingdom of God will ultimately triumph over all human empires. How then should we live as followers of Jesus, the Messiah, Saviour, Lord and King? Part One is adapted from chapter 5 of Wright’s The Mission of God, ‘The Living God Confronts Idolatry’. Parts Two and Three bring the Bible to bear on contemporary politics in the UK and USA, and for all Christians seeking to make sense of the changing world we live in.

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Is everything a Christian does ‘mission’, or does it only count when we speak about Jesus and share the gospel? Does mission include volunteering at the food bank, campaigning for justice and providing aid overseas? As the needs around us multiply and opposition to the gospel intensifies, this question ‘Is everything mission?’ becomes even more important for us to wrestle with. Tim Chester’s 2018 Keswick Convention lecture helps us unpack what mission is and the role that God wants you, your church, your mission agency, to play.

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Ezekiel was a fascinating man who wrote a fascinating book filled with strange and powerful visions. At first glance, Ezekiel seems a little eccentric and difficult to get close to, but he is worth the time and effort to get to know. Ezekiel, perhaps more than any other biblical prophet, wanted to know God – and God revealed himself to this prophet in mysterious and mighty ways. You will catch something of the awesomeness of God in this book. You will see God in his transcendent glory like in no other part of the Bible. You will come away stunned – and changed – by God’s majesty.

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Nahum's prophecy of Nineveh's coming destruction. Habakkuk's probing dialogue with the Lord of Israel. Zephaniah's warning to Jerusalem's last great king. The texts of these minor but important prophets receive a fresh analysis in this introduction and commentary. Fanie Snyman considers each book's historical setting, structure and literary features as well as important theological themes.

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Across the barriers of race, class, culture and denomination, Christians are united through the transforming power of the gospel of grace. Yet instead of walls dismantled and alienations healed, churches are often characterised by ugly division, narrow tribalism and painful fragmentation. In a world characterised by growing social division, hostile identity politics and polarised cyber tribes - all compounded by shrill voices on social media - the author unfolds the profound biblical vision of true unity, founded on the redemptive purposes of God to create a single new humanity. This book provides crucial help for handling differences and overcoming division, calling for attitudes and behaviour that portray Christ-like character and reflect true Christian community. Applying key biblical texts, it addresses practical issues of handling conflict, managing change, using words wisely, avoiding tribalism, strengthening partnerships and building counter-cultural community in the local church. Urging us to make every effort to promote godly unity, this is a thoughtful yet passionate call to remember that we are essentially one - for the sake of God’s honour and the credibility of our Christian witness in a fractured world.

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Broken marriages, shattered friendships, racial divisions, war between nations - we live in a fractured world. How can the pieces be put back together? In Ephesians Paul lifts the veil from the future to allow us to see God's plan to unite everyone and everything in Christ. Studying this book will renew your hope. The top-selling Lifebuilder Bible Studies have helped millions of people dig deeper into the Bible, individually and in groups. This revised edition features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and an extra 'Now or Later' section in each study.

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Nine studies for individuals or small groups based on the most loved part of the Bible. This well-loved Psalm touches our deepest longings and speaks to our deepest fears. This study will help readers explore the rich message of this Psalm and gain fresh insights.

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Sometimes our worship loses its passion, our prayer life becomes stagnant, we forget why we are serving God. And the world's ways subtly become our ways. Romans addresses these problems and shows us how we can break out of old patterns and become new in Christ. This revised Lifebuilder Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and an extra 'Now or Later' section in each study.

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There has been an explosion of interest in wisdom literature, and many studies are now available. There is every opportunity for people to 'get wisdom, get insight' (Prov. 4:5). However, in today’s world it seems that the practical sensibilities that come from wisdom are found in very few places. Wisdom literature is needed now more than ever. By walking in the way of wisdom we will 'find favour and good success in the sight of God and man' (Prov. 3:4). Richard Belcher’s valuable study begins with a survey of the problem of wisdom literature in Old Testament theology. Subsequent chapters focus on the message and theology of the books of Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes. These books point forward to the need for Christ and the gospel. Belcher concludes by exploring the relationship of Christ to wisdom in terms of his person, work and teaching ministry.

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You can't change the fact that you are getting older. And, indeed, you may not want to! Age brings many gifts and opportunities for continued growth. In nine study sessions, Dale and Sandy Larsen help you discover the Bible's perspective on aging. You'll discover how God can effectively and powerfully use those who have grown wiser with the passing years. This LifeBuilder Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

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The borderlands of change can be disorienting. We can feel adrift. We may enter them by intention, aspiring to growth, or be thrust into them by illness, relationship breakdown, financial crisis or bereavement. Whatever, they will always form challenging territory. Scripture, though, offers rich resources for navigating such landscapes. The Great Fifty Days from Easter to Pentecost form a unique map for the adventure of spiritual growth. Tracking Jesus’ disciples through these days, this book is for anyone undergoing transition or who seeks to grow in their faith. Poetic and passionate in language, frank and authentic about the challenge of change, it aims to inspire and stir appetite for spiritual formation. Combining insights from literature, psychology and art, it offers scriptural keys that can help and enrich any borderland season of life. Be equipped for a transforming journey into all the fullness of life that Jesus promises.

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Youth work . . . Time for a reboot? We need youth ministry that · has the Bible at its heart · offers firm foundations · is designed to outlive the youth worker ‘May this book contribute to the revival of biblical youth ministry.’ Ajith Fernando ‘Essential reading for every Christian youth worker.’ Andy du Feu ‘Combines a vast knowledge of the Bible and youth ministry with an easy-to-read and witty style.’ Ruth Jackson ‘An important read and worth reading for the sake of our young people.’ Phil Moon ‘Encouraging, constructive, challenging and provocative . . . A must-read, this book will captivate and stretch you.’ Neil O’Boyle ‘This book is 100% fresh, and it shouldn’t be. Read it and you will see what I mean!’ Mark Oestreicher ‘Argues powerfully why we need to encourage young people to love God and love his word.’ Mark Russell ‘Tim’s passion to ensure that the Bible shapes – rather than just informs – our work is both admirable and infectious.’ Martin Saunders ‘Shows us how youth ministry is . . . about living out the biblical story.’ Graham Stanton Tim Gough is Director of Llandudno Youth for Christ, Wales, UK, and the editor of the multi-award-winning blog www.youthworkhacks.com.

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Christian entrepreneurs are at the heart of the church’s mission. They are dynamic, innovative followers of Christ who are making a major contribution to our society through the companies they run, the products they make and the people they influence. A Voice to Be Heard explains and celebrates their work, mostly through their own words. Theological educator Richard Higginson and former retail entrepreneur Kina Robertshaw have worked together on this ground-breaking study, based on interviews with fifty entrepreneurs. Exploring issues of vision, creativity, relationships, stewardship, integrity, prayer and perseverance, they show how people running their own businesses are exercising crucial roles in building God’s kingdom. With the church’s encouragement, they have the potential to do even more. ‘Practical, biblical, informative . . . this book conveys vividly the voices of Christian entrepreneurs.’ Lord Griffiths of Fforestfach ‘This book is a treasure. From car dealerships to toy stores, A Voice to Be Heard visits particular entrepreneurs at work and reveals their leadership lessons for us all.’ Eve Poole ‘This book has truth with flesh on. It is a delicious mixture of story and biblical reflection . . . a truly inspiring read.’ Dr R. Paul Stevens

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The prophet Hosea lived through the tumultuous final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The assassinations and usurpations within Israel and the instability from the re-invigorated Assyrians culminated eventually in the destruction of Samaria, the ending of the Northern Kingdom, and the exile of many of its people. Hosea's prophetic work took place in the midst of those years, calling the people to faith in God through warnings of judgment and promises of hope. He exposed the infidelity of the people as they turned to other nations, to their own counsels, or to other gods for their life and prosperity. Such turning towards others for what God alone could give them was, in Hosea’s most famous metaphor, 'whoring.' As God's people they needed to reckon with 'their' God, who had through long years showered them with care and grace. For Hosea it was their refusal to 'return' to their Lord that resulted in his bringing judgment upon them in the form of the Assyrian invasion. Joshua Moon sets the prophecies of Hosea in their 8th century BC context. The burden of his commentary is the importance of reading Hosea as Christian Scripture, in which we are meant to hear God’s own voice as he calls his people to himself. Moon demonstrates the ongoing importance of hearing God’s words through Hosea, situating the reading of each section within larger biblical and theological concerns.

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Burning pyres, nuns on the run, stirring courage, comic relief. The story of the Protestant Reformation is a gripping tale, packed with drama. It was set in motion on 31 October 1517 when Martin Luther posted his ninety-five theses on the castle church door in Wittenberg. What motivated the Reformers? And what were they really like? In this lively, accessible and informative introduction, Michael Reeves brings to life the colourful characters of the Reformation, unpacks their ideas, and shows the profound and personal relevance of Reformation thinking for today.

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