Search results for ""inter-varsity press""

If only this book weren’t needed. If only men and women didn’t beat their partners. If only spouses didn’t cruelly manipulate and control. If only people didn’t bully elderly relatives . . . Most incidents go under the radar, and it is estimated that only around a third come to the attention of the police. This book goes right to the heart of the matter: the human heart. We see how to walk with sufferers and apply the Bible to everyday-life situations. We learn how to do ‘one anothering’ in our churches and communities. While offering practical help, the author focuses strongly on lasting solutions that are achieved only through God’s power.

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Christians confess that God calls people to salvation. Reformed Christians in particular believe this is an effectual calling, meaning that god brings about salvation apart from human works. But in what sense does God actually 'call' us? Does a doctrine of effectual calling turn people into machines that lack any personal agency? In his lucid and carefully researched study, Jonathan Hoglund provides a constructive treatment of effectual calling that respects both the Reformed tradition and non-Reformed critiques, while subjecting he doctrine to a fresh reading of Scripture with special attention given to the letters of Paul. Hoglund interprets divine calling to salvation as an act of triune rhetoric, in which Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in a personal way to communicate new life. By bringing together theological exegesis, rhetorical theory, dogmatic reflection, and historical enquiry, Called by Triune Grace proves to be feast -- not only for the mind, but also also for the spirit.

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The architects of the sexual revolution won over the popular imagination because they knew the power of story. They drew together radical new ideologies, often complex and hard to grasp, and melded them into the simpler structure of narrative. Crucially, they cast narratives that appealed to the moral instincts of ordinary, decent people. This moral vision overwhelmed the church and silenced its faltering apologists. The author argues that if Christians still believe they have have good news in the sphere of sexual ethics, then two big tasks lie ahead. Our first priority is to work out what has gone so badly wrong, both in our understanding and application of what the Bible teaches and the way we have presented our case to the non-churched. And then we must offer a better story, one that fires the imagination with such force that people will say, 'I want that to be true.' This book offers a confident, biblically rooted moral vision which needs to be shared with prayer and courage.

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The unsurprising secret to resembling our ideal models is to have as close a relationship with them as possible. We grow to be like our heroes by listening to them and watching them as much as we can. Becoming like Jesus is no different. It requires us not just to meet him occasionally but also steadily and surely to remain in him. How does this look close up? In a world where Christlikeness is counter-cultural, the author offers sure-footed Bible teaching, questions, illustrations, suggestions and prayers to point us in the right direction. And, as well as this useful material, we have the Holy Spirit's help to live transformed lives today. A practical, thought-provoking and accessible resource to help us live 'transformed' lives.

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The book of Acts is a remarkable fusion of the historical and theological, and its account of the early church has fascinated theologians and biblical scholars for centuries. Just who was the author of this work? And what kind of book did he write? How do we classify its genre? The Acts of the Apostles provides an advanced introduction to the study of Acts, covering important questions about authorship, genre, history and theology. Osvaldo Padilla explores fresh avenues of understanding by examining the text in light of the most recent research on the book of Acts itself, philosophical hermeneutics, genre theory and historiography. In addition, Padilla opens a conversation between the text of Acts and postliberal theology, seeking a fully orbed engagement with Acts that is equally attuned to questions of interpretation, history and theology.

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This valuable exposition of the theme of ‘spiritual warfare' is in four sections. The first is concerned with the nature of Satan and his activity in the world God has made. The second examines the different dimensions of Christ’s victory over Satan. The third considers ways in which Christ’s victory over Satan impacts God's people. The final section looks at various areas in which believers must fight sin and Satan. Two concluding chapters examine the weapons with which God equips his people for their spiritual warfare.

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Join Michael Baughen in this undated 30-day devotional on 2 Timothy as he focuses on Paul’s final words. Paul is in prison, near to death, dictating this letter to Luke for his young friend Timothy. As he sits chained to a Roman soldier, Paul’s passion for the gospel shines out. He uses his farewell message to urge Timothy to maintain his focus on the basics of the faith. This intensely personal letter allows us to hear Paul’s last words and ask ourselves about the legacy that we will one day leave to others. We learn day by day how we can benefit from the lessons to Timothy.

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Our 24/7 world of endless information and demands poses a serious challenge to all who struggle with perfectionism. It's all too easy to become trapped in an endless pursuit of achievement at the expense of the life you had always dreamed of living. This book is about a change in perspective - seeing perfectionism as the problem, rather than the goals or standards themselves. Far from being a little habit that keeps us striving, it is the thing that stops us celebrating anything we might achieve. We are more wedded to perfectionism than we realise. It is embedded in our culture and bound up in popular self-esteem. Even the Bible's perfect words have been used to drive perfectionism in the church. The authors offer a fresh perspective on an age-old problem - a helpful blend of accessible theology, psychology and activity to lead us to a place of genuine freedom, gratitude and fulfilment.

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The case for assisted suicide can seem so compelling. Surely it can't be wrong to help desperate people to kill themselves? Don't we have a right to take our own lives in certain circumstances? There are no trite or easy answers. John Wyatt helps us to navigate the arguments with hearts and heads engaged, and above all with our Bibles open. There are practical and compassionate alternatives to assisted suicide, and as many who have gone before us have found, the end of our lives on this earth may turn out to be a strange and wonderful opportunity for growth and internal healing.

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This volume surveys recent developments in the study of Old Testament wisdom; discusses issues that have arisen in Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes; examines the Song of Songs, Ruth and some Psalms as wisdom texts; and explores wisdom and biblical theology, the concept of retribution, and the issue of divine absence.

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These commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The Introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting and purpose. Following a structural Analysis, the Commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional Notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties. In the new New Testament volumes, the commentary on each section of the text is structured under three headings: Context, Comment and Theology. The goal is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.2 CORINTHIANSPaul's long, complicated history with the Corinthian church culminates in this ardent defence of Christian ministry in general and of his own ministry in particular. Colin G. Kruse provides an insightful analysis that illuminates Paul's contrast of the old and new covenants and his eloquent exposition of the ministry of reconciliation. He also charts a clear, plausible course through the maze of the literary history of Paul's correspondence with the Corinthian Christians.

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The question that Paul set before the ancient church in Corinth - Do you not recognize that Jesus Christ is in and among you? (2 Cor. 13:5) - remains a critical question for the church today. This commentary by Mark Seifrid seeks to hear Paul's message afresh and communicate it to our time. Seifrid offers a unified reading of 2 Corinthians, which has often been regarded as a composite of excerpts and fragments. He argues that Paul's message is directed at the 'practical atheism' of the Corinthian church - the hidden heresy that assumes God's saving work in the world may be measured by outward standards of success and achievement. Like all of the Pillar volumes, Seifrid's commentary on 2 Corinthians offers careful grammatical analysis and exegesis with clear pastoral application.

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'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.' 'Thy word is a lamp to my feet.' 'Search me, O God, and know my heart!' Such phrases leap to mind each time a Christian lifts his heart to God. For many, in fact, the Psalms are the richest part of the Old Testament. Derek Kidner provides a fresh and penetrating guide to Psalms 1 - 72. He analyses each psalm in depth, comments on interpretative questions and brings out the universal relevance of the texts. He also gives special help on the psalmists' cries for vengeance. Together with its companion volume (Psalms 73 - 150), both of which were formerly part of the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries series, this introduction and commentary will inspire and deepen personal worship.

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Perfect for anyone starting to study the Bible in greater depth. Are you looking to get an overall view of the teaching of the Bible? This will help Christians grasp the overall pattern of the Bible's teaching. Know The Truth' is a handbook of Christian belief to help Christians grasp the overall pattern of the Bible's teaching. Written by Bruce Milne, this readable study book provides comprehensive Scripture references, discussion questions and full bibliographies.

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Let me be honest, there have been times when my faith has seemed fragile... I have struggled with seeing my wife stripped of her dignity and reduced by her agony. I have doubted all kinds of things. I have exploded and lashed out. I do not like what is happening to my sweetheart one little bit. Chronic illness never goes away. Come on, realistically, how much more can we take?' 'But one thing I have never doubted is that, in the darkest circumstances, we were only ever in the hands of God. That has been the ultimate source of comfort and hope.' As Paul Mallard knows only too well, the crucible of suffering is a ghastly place to be. But lessons learned there can be powerful and memorable. And it was there that Paul and Edrie experienced 'unexpected intimacy with a loving God' who himself is no stranger to suffering. They want to use their experience and insights to help fellow sufferers too, and journey with you in your pain. Suffering can be invested well, for a higher, better purpose.

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The Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch' is the first in a four-volume series covering the text of the Old Testament. Following in the tradition of the four award-winning IVP dictionaries focused on the New Testament and its background, this encyclopedic work is characterized by close attention to the text of the Old Testament and the ongoing conversation of contemporary scholarship. In exploring the major themes and issues of the Pentateuch, it informs and challenges its readers with authoritative overviews, detailed examinations and new insights from the world of the ancient Near East. The 'Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch' is designed to be your first stop in the study and research of the Pentateuch, on which the rest of the Bible is built.

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Are the New Testament documents reliable? Can we have confidence in their record of the life and teaching of Jesus and his followers? Such questions are fundamental for anyone approaching the New Testament. F F Bruce, formerly Rylands Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis at the University of Manchester, was well qualified to answer them. This classic treatment has been revised by the author many times and reprinted regularly for more than half a century.

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The relationship of science and theology is most usually discussed in terms of their subject matter - as in the 'Genesis-creation-evolution' controversies. Philip Duce instead focuses upon the strategies they employ in interpretation. Exploring the methodological and philosophical description used in science and theology yields fresh insights and far-reaching implications for both enterprises. He concludes that science and theology are organically related, and, indeed, belong within the same epistemological framework Key features o Unique perspective on interpretative methods of science and theology o Handles conflict, resolution and the importance of belief in both science and theology o Argues that both enterprises share a common epistemological framework o Major study of science and theology issues from a neglected angle.

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Facing a big decision? From job changes to marriage to buying a house this guide will give you the biblical grounding you need to discover what God has in store for you. The principles here will guide you through a lifetime of decision-making.

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Follow the story of the dynamic growth of the early church. Meet the cast of characters with their strengths, faults and failings just like ours. Always God’s power shines through, in spite of opposition and misunderstanding. Then, as now, men and women prayed, searched the Scriptures and listened for God’s promptings. This volume will inspire and inform our faith. It will fill us with renewed appreciation for our heritage. But above all, as we â€~discover Acts’, tracing the adventures of the early church, we cannot fail to refocus afresh on our great and powerful God.

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In a world with so much destruction and pain we can often find ourselves asking: Was there ever a perfect plan for the world? Was it designed by anyone at all? Was it an accident? And if it was all planned for a reason and purpose, what are those purposes? Vaughan Roberts encourages readers to look at the first chapters of the Bible to understand the plan that God had in mind for humanity right from the start. He examines how God intended us to live in his creation and gives clear indications of how we can do so in the world today, even through the pain and destruction around us. He covers the issues that affect us all: our identity, the earth, sex, marriage and work. This is an indispensable guide to understanding how the Creator wants the world to work and will challenge readers to change their behaviour and attitudes to reflect what God intends for life.

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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 ‘translation’ 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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James Robson's accessible study focuses on Deuteronomy's storyline, explores its role within a biblical theology of the Old and New Testaments, and sets out its enduring function as an authoritative word for the Christian and the church today. In the Old Testament, milk and honey are the enticing fare of the Promised Land; but honey as sweet nourishment extends to Yahweh's words, and Deuteronomy is a book filled with them. A rock is hardly the most promising place to find nourishment, and perhaps for many readers Deuteronomy may seem equally unpromising. However, in the song of Moses Yahweh is pictured as the Rock (Deuteronomy 32:4). Our nourishment comes not just from Deuteronomy, but from God himself. James Robson's aim is to orient readers to Deuteronomy: to guide them in what to expect, to help them interpret what they find, and to help them think through the wider significance of what they have read. His study is for those interested in understanding Deuteronomy's role within a biblical theology of the Old and New Testaments, and for those convinced that when Deuteronomy is read, God's voice is heard. All with a concern for Christian interpretation and appropriation of the book of Deuteronomy will appreciate Robson's accessible exploration of a word with a story, to shape the life of God's people.

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We love them. We hate them. But we certainly cannot ignore them. Emotions can be wonderful things we love or horrible things we hate - depending on how we're feeling at the time. Sometimes we feel at their mercy and think that God would have been so much wiser to have made us without them. But we can't get away from it: God made us to feel. Emotions thinks through the place of emotions, how we view them, handle them and glorify God with them. We see that the mature Christian life involves a fully-functioning emotional life and that emotions flow from the heart. We focus on how we can grow in good and godly emotions. We look at emotions and reading the Bible, emotions and singing praise to God, and the best way up when we are feeling down.

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Conscience is the Cinderella of the contemporary world. We hardly speak or think about our conscience. She is left behind while we get on with the party of life, untroubled by any serious self-examination. And yet conscience is a God-given part of being human, with tremendous potential for good - if it is cleansed and kept clean - or for harm - if it becomes hardened or calloused. 'This book is about the joy of a clear conscience in every day of living and in the day of death,' enthuses Christopher Ash. 'With a clear conscience, we can enjoy not just the stuff we think of as 'spiritual', but all sorts of things like sleep, sport, friendship and holidays. With a good conscience none of these things ever leaves a sour taste in our mouths.' Christopher is eager to get all of us thinking about conscience again: 'I want you to take your conscience out of the cupboard, dust it down, bring it back into daily life and discover its power to do you good.'

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The figure of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) dominates the history of British evangelicalism in the twentieth century. As perhaps the greatest non-conformist statesman of his generation, 'the Doctor' is best known as a preacher and mentor of young preachers. From the pulpit of Westminster Chapel in London and other platforms, he called the evangelical movement back to a robust reformed Christianity, with a passion for biblical conviction and Spirit-empowered revival. His impact upon evangelicalism was immense, and his legacy remains deeply influential. By building on, and engaging with, the work of earlier biographers and theologians, this valuable collection of new studies seeks to advance our understanding of Lloyd-Jones' life and legacy in a number of fresh directions. The topics covered are: the interwar Calvinist resurgence, Wales, revival, the charismatic controversy, ministerial education, fundamentalism, Barth, Rome, the Anglican secession crisis, and the Protestant past. The volume concludes with a chronological bibliography of Lloyd-Jones' writings. The contributors are Andrew Atherstone, Ben Bailie, David W. Bebbington, John Coffey, Philip H. Eveson, David Ceri Jones, William K. Kay, John Maiden, Robert Pope, Ian M. Randall and Robert Strivens.

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... in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28) The Puritans used to say that 'providence is the last refuge of the saints'. Melvin Tinker's personal experience and work as a pastor have led him to believe that the doctrine of God's providence should be amongst the first refuges for the Christian seeking strength and comfort. From the early church right through into the nineteenth century, belief in providence was part of the staple diet of professing Christians. For various reasons, the doctrine was eclipsed in the twentieth century, and still lies on the edges of much Christian thought and practice today. However, rightly understood, the providence of God shines as a glorious jewel in the crown of the Christian faith. Melvin Tinker's exploration and exposition of some of the wonderful facets of that jewel is both pastoral and practical.

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‘God doesn’t demand hectic church programs and frenetic schedules: he only wants his people to know him more intimately,’ says D. A. Carson. ‘If we are to make any headway in reforming our personal and corporate praying, then we shall have to begin by listening afresh to Scripture and seeking God’s help in understanding how to apply Scripture to our lives, our homes and our churches.’ In this widely appreciated exposition, Carson works through several of the apostle Paul’s prayers in such a way that we hear God speak to us today, and find strength and direction to improve our praying, both for God’s glory and for our good.

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Working daily with Muslims in central London, Rob Scott has discovered that many have a hunger for debate and an openness to talking about matters of faith. In this thoughtful and respectful book, he explores good answers to common questions his Muslim friends have discussed with him over the years. He equips ordinary Christians to tackle conversations about faith with their Muslim friends, with confidence and competence.

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What does it mean to be a truly spiritual Christian? At a time when there is no shortage of answers competing for our attention, how do we know what really is from God? This book looks for answers in the Bible, focusing on Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth. The Corinthians really thought they had arrived. By contrast, Paul was unspiritual, ignorant, weak and foolish. Paul writes a strongly corrective letter, not simply to defend his reputation but to restore them to true Christian faith. He picks up the words that they themselves use and says, 'This knowledge, power and wisdom you claim to have are not the real thing. What you call spirituality is worldly. You are being directed by the mindset of the non-Christian world rather than by the Holy Spirit.' That challenge still applies. Paul's appeal is God's appeal to us. We too need to repent of inadequate understandings of what it means to live by the Spirit and instead embrace true spirituality.

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Thirty-five of John Stott's friends open their hearts and share significant memories of a unique man, mentor, speaker and author, creating a vivid gallery of very personal portraits from around the globe. From 'Wumby Dumby', the special uncle and godfather, to the Revd Dr John Stott, international Christian statesman, this tribute contains a rich bank of memories, representing a key period in twentieth-century British evangelicalism. The human John Stott is very much in evidence also, for example in stories from the author's bird-watching exploits and relaxed holidays at his beloved Welsh home. Many brush strokes, one portrait, this presents a compelling and multi-faceted image of a fascinating Christian leader. [Contains coloured art sections x 2 with a unique collection of photos, both formal and informal.]

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In the face of climate change and other environmental trends, it is easy to be pessimistic about the future. Philosophers, film-makers, environmentalists, politicians and even senior scientists increasingly resort to apocalyptic rhetoric to warn us that a so-called ‘perfect storm’ of factors are coming together in a way that threatens the future of life on earth. Do these dire predictions amount to nothing more than ideological scaremongering, perhaps hyped-up for political or personal ends? Or are there good reasons for thinking that we may indeed be facing a crisis unprecedented in its scale and in the severity of its effects? Jonathan Moo and Robert White encourage us to assess the evidence for ourselves. Their own conclusion is that there is in fact plenty of cause for concern. Climate change, they suggest, is potentially the most far-reaching threat that our planet faces in the coming decades, but only the most publicized. There is a wide range of much more obvious, interrelated and damaging impacts that an ever-growing number of people, consuming more and more, are having on the planet upon which we all depend. Yet if the Christian gospel fundamentally reorientates us in our relationship with God and his world, then there ought to be something radically distinctive about our attitude and approach to such threats. Moo and White therefore reflect on just what difference the Bible’s vision of the future of all of creation makes to how we live now and respond to the challenges facing life on earth.

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In an age when men can be nurses or stay-at-home dads and women can be pilots or business managers, there are few areas left where gender alone determines what a person can and cannot do. Yet different models still exist in Christian ministry. Some denominations contend that certain areas of church life should be the preserve of men alone, while others allow full access to all areas for both sexes. But which is right? In this compelling email exchange, Lis Goddard and Clare Hendry search the Scriptures for guidance on the roles of women and men in church leadership today. Against the busy backdrop of everyday life, their conversation covers all the key passages, leaving no tricky verse unexamined. Passionately arguing their respective corners, they pinpoint where they disagree - and agree - all the while modelling Christian debate and friendship. Points to ponder helpfully enable readers to explore their own conclusions.

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For some Christians, God the Holy Spirit is something of a mystery, and they are not too sure what to say about him. Others speak with confidence and enthusiasm about him, challenging us to be 'filled with the Spirit', or to live a 'Spirit-filled life'. As a result, the work of the Spirit has sometimes been controversial. Graham Beynon looks at the main New Testament passages in which the Spirit s work is described. With freshness and clarity, he builds a picture of what the Holy Spirit does, and hence what experiencing him in our lives should look like.

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The Gospel of John declares its purpose clearly--"these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." Thus it fulfills a dual function, encouraging believers and providing them with evidences for proclaiming that Jesus is God's Messiah, the divine, incarnate Son of God. Christians today, as in the first century, can draw strength and courage from John's telling of the story of Jesus, a telling that consistently reflects not only the words and deeds of Jesus but their inner significance. We are called to worship as we find the Father, Son and Spirit revealed in the Gospel. And as in Jesus we discover God's light, life and love, we learn to respond in faith, humility and obedience. Throughout, Whitacre explains what the gospel meant to its original hearers and its application for us today.

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'Full of practical, down-to-earth advice and fresh biblical insights ... a great resource for parents embarking on this new adventure.' -Chris and Jo Saxton This book takes a totally unique look at pregnancy. Instead of focusing on 'material' preparations for having a baby, it helps us to prepare our hearts, emotions and spiritual lives for the arrival of a newborn. It equips expectant mums and dads in shaping their attitudes towards parenthood, helping tem to bring God into every aspect of pregnancy, birth and life with a young baby. Will and Lucinda share the story of their journey through pregnancy, and the stories of their friends, with humour and sensitivity. Theory biblical insights, interwoven with personal story, make for a human and engrossing read.

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When we hear the word 'idol' we tend to think of football players or pop stars. We may even remember that some people's religion meant worshipping idols: little or large statues that represented a god. But what has this to do with us today? Julian Hardyman is increasingly convinced that idolatry putting anything else in the place that is rightfully God's explains us and our problems: Why we get so angry about traffic jams. What drives us to work so hard our marriage hits the rocks. What lies behind that compulsion to look at pornography. He has also found that God is engaged in a war to win back our hearts.

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Nothing is more central to the Bible than Jesus' death and resurrection, over one weekend in Jerusalem about two thousand years ago. Attempts to make sense of the Bible that do not integrate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are doomed to failure. Jesus' own followers did not expect him to be crucified; they certainly did not expect him to rise again. Yet after these events their thinking and attitudes were so transformed that they could see the sheer inevitability that Jesus would die on a cross and leave an empty tomb behind, and absolutely everything in their lives was changed. However much the Bible insists on the historicity of these events, it is as important to know what they mean as to know that they happened. With clarity and conviction, D. A. Carson unpacks what some of the earliest witnesses wrote, in five New Testament texts, to provide an introductory explanation of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

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Thomas Schreiner's substantial New Testament Theology examined the unifying themes that emerge from a detailed reading of the New Testament canon. Magnifying God in Christ provides a student-level digest of Schreiner's massive work, exploring the key themes and teachings of the New Testament in a more accessible and concise way. In addition to summarizing the findings of Schreiner's larger work, this survey provides answers to the 'so what?' question of New Testament theology.

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If someone came back from the grave, they would be able to answer some big questions: *What happens when we die? * Is there anybody out there? *Which religion, if any, is true? Christians claim that Jesus Christ did just that: was bodily resurrected three days after being brutally executed. But is it true?

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God speaks. By his Spirit. Through the Bible. About his Son. This is one of the most crucial things for any Christian to get to grips with. If we understand how God speaks, then we can truly know him. Everything else slots into place. We see Jesus clearly. We fall in love with him more deeply. We make sense of our world. But get this wrong and we lose it all. This book covers the whole sweep of the subject from start to finish. It puts all the parts of the jigsaw in their proper place. Yet, mixing our metaphors, it’s also an appetizer, whetting your palate for more...

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Ever since the first century, Christians have regarded the book of Isaiah as a high point of the Old Testament prophetic literature. Its key themes, such as the suffering servant, deliverance from exile, and new creation, have been viewed as reaching particular fulfilment in the gospel. Isaiah has been formative to the identity of the people of God. It is a text to be weighed, on which to meditate and pray, and through which to explore the ways in which God works. Isaiah has also received more than its fair share of scholarly examination. While many excellent resources are now available, these tend to be either introductory or highly specialized; there are fewer that bridge the gap between the two. This volume contributes to that need: it assumes some foundational knowledge and guides readers through current issues and approaches. Here is evangelical scholarship that will inform, stimulate and reward diligent teachers and preachers of the Old Testament. Contributors: John Goldingay, Philip Johnston, Nathan MacDonald, David Reimer, Richard Schultz, S. D. Snyman, Jacob Stromberg, Dwight Swanson, Torsten Uhlig, Rikk Watts, Paul Wegner, H. G. M. Williamson and Lindsay Wilson.

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Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another. It's a simple command to understand, but very difficult to obey. And in the local church, it sometimes seems impossible. Many of us belong to highly diverse Christian communities, where we encounter people radically different from ourselves. At the same time, controversies and difficulties often threaten to tear us apart. So how can we achieve unity within the body of Christ? Gerald Sittser examines the 'one another' statements from the New Testament, distilling much-needed biblical wisdom to help us love one another. Drawing on his own pastoral experience of the best and worst of church life, he shows us what the love Jesus commanded actually requires of us, and how to live it out in struggle and servanthood, compromise and sacrifice. This enjoyable book by a best-selling author will guide us in putting one of the most important biblical principles into practice, for the good of our local churches.

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Under that hoodie, behind that eye make-up, there frequently lurks a human being of immense charm, affection and wit.' Ann Benton admits that, when her children were teenagers, she enjoyed 'the very best of parenting years'. Yet, from her experience and that of others, she is all too well aware of the frustrations, pitfalls and difficulties that parenting teens can bring. The Bible book of Proverbs points to wisdom as the key to health, happiness and prosperity. The author points out that the job of parents is not first and foremost to make their teens successful, but to make them wise. With honesty and wit, Ann shows how Proverbs can speak directly into real life, however messy, today.

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In the wake of the schism during the past two centuries between biblical studies and theology, a new movement has developed, seeking to bridge this modern gap. This hermeneutical movement, which hearkens back to aspects of pre-critical interpretation, has been labelled the 'theological interpretation of Scripture' (TIS) and focuses on the contexts of canon, creed, and church. While the trend is in its infancy, it is rapidly gaining momentum. Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture is the first clear, systematic introduction to this movement for students and non-specialist scholars. Daniel Treier surveys the history, themes, advocates, and positions of TIS and seeks to bring coherence to its various elements. He also explores what he sees as the greatest challenges the movement will have to address in the future, including the interface between TIS and biblical theology, general hermeneutics, and the concept of social location in reading scriptural texts. Woven throughout is a case study on the imago Dei, demonstrating how TIS plays out in theological exegesis. This case study adds to the book's usefulness as a secondary text in hermeneutics courses.

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It takes no courage to sign up as a Protestant. With these words, David Wells opens his bold challenge to the modern church. In this volume, Wells offers the summa of his critique of the evangelical landscape, as well as a call to return to the historic faith, one defined by the Reformation solas (grace, faith, and Scripture alone), and to a reverence for doctrine. Wells argues that the historic, classical evangelicalism is one marked by doctrinal seriousness, as opposed to the new movements of the marketing church and the emergent church. He energetically confronts the marketing communities and what he terms their sermons-from-a-barstool and parking lots and après-worship Starbucks stands . He also takes issue with the most popular evangelical movement in recent years - the emergent church. For Wells, many emergents are postmodern, postconservative and postfoundational, embracing a less absolute understanding of the authority of Scripture than he maintains is required. 'The Courage to be Protestant' is a dynamic argument for the courage to be faithful to what biblical Christianity has always stood for, thereby securing hope for the church's future.

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Numbers - 'Its very title puts the modern reader off', writes Gordon Wenham. 'In ancient times numbers were seen as mysterious and symbolic, a key to reality and the mind of God himself. Today they are associated with computers and the depersonalization that threatens our society.'

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