Search results for ""Christian Focus Publications Ltd""

Discover your journal’s potential to be a tool for spiritual growth Kirsten Birkett encourages us to pick up our notebooks and pens and use journaling as a tool to grow in godliness. Writing is a powerful act. It takes time and allows us the space to turn emotions like sadness or anger into joy. The Puritans used diaries as a way to give themselves spiritual counsel. It helped them to remember God’s mercies, to reflect on how He has been at work, and to be thankful. This book is a helpful guide for those who want to start the practice of journaling, or who want to direct their journaling in a more intentional way. Put pen to paper and create a record of your spiritual life. Chapter headings include: Introduction: How This All Got Started Chapter 1: Write Chapter 2: Write Wisdom Chapter 3: Write Forgiveness Chapter 4: Write Thankfulness Chapter 5: Write Prayer Chapter 6: Write Witness Chapter 7: Write Bible Chapter 8: The Covid Diaries 2020 Appendix: Write as the Puritans Did

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Since before the beginning of time God has been at work. He created the world; he promised to send a saviour; and he sent his Son to die for us. With these 31 devotions and prayers you will see the impact of the life of Christ from before Creation to the Resurrection. Find out What Jesus Did through stories such as: Making Christmas Last; When Jesus Became a Refugee; and How Do I know Jesus Loves me? These stories were first told at The First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.

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Known: A Study of the Good Shepherd is a 10–week Bible study with a strong exegetical bent and a touch of devotion. In it, the reader is taken on a journey to encounter our great Shepherd by using the framework of Psalm 23, layered with other passages of scripture that reveal the Lord as our Shepherd. The reader studies the text to first discover what it tells us about the Lord through observation and interpretation. The goal of the study is for the reader to be able to discover what the Biblical text means to her own life, in light of who God is and what He has done, with application coming after sound observation and interpretation because the Bible is first and foremost about God! The first week of the study is a straight–forward Biblical theology outline on the theme of the Lord as our Shepherd, in which the reader uncovers this theme from the front cover of the Bible to the back. She is invited to spend as much or as little time as her schedule allows in completing this overview, and an appendix with a sample outline is included at the end of the manuscript. The second week of Known ushers in our exegetical studies as we dig deeply into Psalm 23. Each subsequent week contains a study of a different passage of the Bible that correlates with a specific verse of Psalm 23 and highlights an aspect of our Shepherd that is discovered in the psalm. The homework questions assist the reader in studying each of these selections verse–by–verse. We study John 10 to see how Jesus is the Shepherd, we look at Ezekiel 34:11–31 to learn about the pasture provided to us by our Shepherd, we delve into Psalm 30 to discuss restoration by the Shepherd, and we discover our righteousness found in the Shepherd in Romans 4:13–5:2. The study also covers suffering as a follower of the Shepherd as seen in 1 Peter 4:12–5:11, comfort found in the Shepherd with Isaiah 40, the preparation and blessing of the Shepherd which we will study in John 14, and our eternal hope in the Shepherd as we unpack Revelation 21:1–22:5.

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This book lifts the lid on the human heart, seeking to uncover the hidden agendas that stop us from loving God and others as we should. Our hearts have a selfish list of priorities that we believe are important and need to be given attention. But often these heart agendas are in tension with God’s agenda. David Smith uses four biblical pictures to help us consider these agendas that are often hidden so deep within our hearts that we are unaware of them. Using examples from the Bible, he uncovers the desire to be significant; the desire to have certainty; the desire to have peace, safety, and security; and the desire for our own fulfilment. Each of these four chapters begins with a story from the Bible, an explanation of the heart agenda exposed in the story, the underlying heart fear, the heart demand, and the heart problem. It then goes on to show God’s heart agenda in that situation and concludes with a summary and questions for reflection. The final two chapters show the servant heartedness that is central to the Kingdom of God, and the way we can honestly assess our own hearts. David helpfully finishes the book with guidance on how we can journey towards the heart agendas God wants us to have.

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Take a deep breath. You’re going to become a time traveller. This journey will take you back to the Cross and the beginning of time itself. Your adventure hinges on God the Father’s Plan to give his one and only Son to save sinners. Trace God’s plan of redemption back through time, all the way to creation, with this charmingly illustrated children’s book by Sinclair Ferguson. The story will help children see that creation, the cross, the resurrection and our lives today are all part of God’s big story.

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What is a life with Jesus like? How does the Son of God impact me? Through 31 devotions about Jesus, family and the church we discover what being friends with Jesus really means. Find out about Jesus, his friends and family, the disciples and the church through stories such as: Jesus Knows Your Name; Ready Steady Think; and Who Loves Church? These stories were first told at The First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.

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There are parts of the Bible that I have struggled with, and bits that seemed far removed from my life as a twenty–first–century woman. I have wrestled with them, but as I read, I came to know that God offers more liberation, more freedom, and more fulfilment than I could dare to imagine. Equality for all people is a foundational principle in our culture and embedded in our law. The consensus is clear: all people are equally valuable. However, religion is seen as a stronghold that promotes inequality. There is a widespread belief that the Bible is sexist. Women fear that God does not want their good and instead, he wants to box them in and clip their wings. Our culture believes that they need to forget religion to achieve equality. This, however, is not the case. The principle of equality is established in the first pages of the Bible, and its message exalts and dignifies both men and women. Bible teacher, conference speaker and author Karen Soole shares what she has discovered as she has read the Bible and grappled with it over many years. She takes us through the Bible story from Genesis to Revelation and challenges the reader to decide whether God is offering life and liberation, or suffocation and oppression. It is an invitation to meet and know the God of the Bible, and to view his Word through the lens of his character. Chapter titles include Thirsty Made in God’s Image: Genesis 1 Made for Relationship: Genesis 2 Messing up the Design: Genesis 3 The Fallout How the Story Unfolds From Bad to Worse Worrying Laws Wisdom for All The Broken Bride The Wife Liberation Although this book is about women, it is not ‘only for women’. These things matter to everyone. This book was written for men and women, although it addresses concerns that women face in particular. These concerns are relevant to everyone.

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J. V. Fesko seeks to recover and defend the doctrine of the covenant of works in this second book in his three–part series. He argues that it is biblical and a necessary element for a right understanding of God, the world, Christ and our redemption. Understanding the nature of the triune God’s interaction with Adam ultimately sets the stage for the work of the last Adam, Jesus. The book is split into three sections: history, exegesis and doctrine. The chapter headings are: History Terms Do This and Live Adam’s Faith Covenant or Contract? Grace in the Covenant of Works The Covenant of Works and Sinai Exegesis Written on the Heart (Rom. 2:14–15) In the Day that you Eat (Gen. 2:16–17) Do This and Live (Lev. 18:5) They Broke the Everlasting Covenant (Isa. 24:5) Like Adam They Broke the Covenant (Hos. 6:7) These Are Two Covenants (Gal. 4:24) Adam, Israel, and Christ (Rom. 5:12–21) Captive to the Law (Rom. 7:16) Doctrine Statement of the Doctrine The Covenant of Works and Sinai Justification and the Covenant of Works Grace and Merit in the Covenant of Works Excursus on Genesis 1:26

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Justin O. Huffman invites us to ponder the glorious, life–changing truths given to us in God’s Word. We are starving for want of wonder. In what we perceive to be the desert wasteland of daily life and regular responsibilities, our souls hunger for more. We instinctively feel there must be more to life than merely waiting for the next big movie to be released, or the next sport season to come back around, or the next holiday to arrive on the calendar. We long to be truly in awe. All the while, true wonders abound. They abound in the natural world, and they super–abound in the supernatural realm. What our souls are starving for is not merely to be awed, but to discover something or someone that is truly, permanently, and altogether awesome. God tells us, over and over again, to focus our starving souls on the superb reality of who He is, what He is doing, and what He promises to do for all who trust in Him. God invites us to pause within the pages of Scripture, to consider what we are reading, and thereby to feed on His majesty. And God’s invitation to glory in Him is nowhere more explicit than in the repeated command to ‘Behold.’ Justin O. Huffman invites us to meditate on ten of the occasions the command ‘Behold’ is used in the New Testament, and to feast on the wonderful truth we find there. Chapter Headings Immanuel, God with Us (Matthew 1:23) God’s Beloved Son (Matthew 3:17) The Fields are Ripe (John 4:35) Jesus’ True Family (Matthew 12:50) Jesus, Crucified and Risen (Matthew 20:18–19) Living to Tell the Good News (Acts 20:22–27) A Foundation or a Stumbling Stone (Romans 9:33) Now is the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2) The Blessed Who Remain Steadfast (James 5:11) He is Coming (Revelation 1:7)

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The devotions in this book are short, encouraging, and a reminder of the light when everything seems dark. Philippa Wilson has begun each chapter with a five–word Bible phrase that is easily memorised and ended with a prayer. Beautiful illustrations by Rebekah Lesan make this an ideal book to give to friends who are struggling.

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We all have heroes – people we admire, look up to, and want to be like. Here are twenty–one heroes who stood up for their faith. We remember them because they did great and brave things for their God. Learn about them, and find that you can be a Christian Hero too!

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The book of Deuteronomy finds the Israelites on the cusp of entering the land that had been promised to them since the days of Abraham. This second giving of the law is to be the bedrock of the society they build – to be people identified as the people of Yahweh. Douglas F. Kelly helpfully exposits this book considering not only its importance to the original hearers, but also the impact it has for the church today. 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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This box set contains the charmingly illustrated stories of five heroes of the Christian faith – C. S. Lewis, Gladys Aylward, Lottie Moon, John Knox and Charles Spurgeon. These hardback books will delight 4–7 year–old children.

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Questions! Questions! Questions! Children are full of them. Where did I come from? What is God like? Is there only one God? The Big Book of Questions and Answers is a family guide to the Christian Faith. It contains a wealth of activities, prayers, and Bible references. These interactive resources will bring families closer together as they learn about the Christian faith.

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What is conversion? What does it look like? And why does it matter? Joseph Alleine addresses these questions and more in this book, pleading with the unconverted to turn to Christ. Contrasting the life of the believer with the eternity facing those who are not in Christ this passionate appeal explains not only why, but how to give your life to God.

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The Bible teaches us that God always does what He says He will do. It is a great comfort to know, that God’s plans and purposes are not changed by men and women who make wrong or foolish choices. In a way that we cannot understand, God rules over everything, so that His promises are always fulfilled. From the first wrong choice made by Adam and Eve throughout the Bible we meet many people who chose well or who made foolish decisions. This book will help you to focus on God’s Word and His wisdom guiding you in your own day to day choices. Features: 44 devotional readings with scripture references and thinking further questions.

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A variety of views and nuances of covenant theology exist within the Reformed church and the broader evangelical world. This book seeks to explain covenant theology as presented in the Westminster Confession of Faith as a starting point for discussions of covenant theology and as a foundation to evaluate other views. Some variations of covenant theology are minor and do not impact the system of doctrine of Reformed theology, but other variations are major and impact important doctrines associated with justification by faith. Attention is also given to the views of confessional Baptists, as well as those who are evangelicals and operate with a covenantal approach to Scripture. This book combines a straightforward explanation of basic covenant theology followed by more detailed analysis of other views.

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Understanding the person of Christ is central to understanding the gospel. Jenny Reeves Manley unpacks Christ’s divinity and His humanity, before examining more fully Jesus’ work on earth, planned from before the beginning of time. He took our place on the cross set us free from our debt of sin. In the concluding chapters, the author explores further how Christ’s atonement enabled us to be redeemed to God and united to Christ.

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People all around us are seeking wholeness and happiness and acceptance. These are good things to seek. But if we seek them in the wrong places, we will surely reap calamity. This is just what’s happening today regarding the LGBTQ movement. People are being told that if they follow their heart, their deepest instincts and desires, they’ll be whole and happy and affirmed. But this is not true. Gavin Peacock and Owen Strachan delve into what God’s Word says about gender identity and transgenderism.

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The Bible is a cobbled–together selection of ancient writings that have been changed so many times by so many people over hundreds of years that surely the text can no longer be trusted – right? Certainly, there are plenty of people who take this view. Timothy Paul Jones here addresses the fact that the Bible is a difficult book to believe. It is full of incidents that seem highly improbable, if not impossible. Written for people who are sceptical of its accuracy, and of its authority, this book takes a reasonable look at the claims made about the Bible.

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There is sometimes a gap in the teaching we receive between the inspiration and illumination of Scripture. The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Word of God in the first place and applies it to our hearts now. What does the Holy Spirit do in respect of the Bible between these two works? How do we know that the Bible we read today is still the inspired Word of God? Richard Brash grounds his answers to these questions in the doctrines of God and his outer works, especially providence, in this introductory guide to how God preserved the Bible.

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The greatest of all tragedies must be that of the person who dies just outside the gate of life. They are standing, as it were, just outside the wicket gate to the church grounds – seeing the beauty of the building, knowing the people going in – but not stepping over the threshold themselves. Almost saved but altogether lost. This is a book of immeasurable value to those who have some knowledge of the Christian Faith but who are resisting God’s call to commit their lives to him. No Christian should be without a copy, to either lend or give away to a friend or acquaintance who may be lingering at the gate. Around the Wicket Gate is written in Spurgeon’s unique style – sharp, penetrating, and easily readable. One of the most quoted preachers of modern times, his sermons have proved to be a blessing to millions. For someone thinking about Christianity, who has yet to accept Christ as their saviour, reading this book could help them towards the most important step they ever take.

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The book of Joshua is an epic. Conquest, battles, scandal, tribalism, deceit, land registration and farewell speeches all make up this remarkable narrative. Some of the episodes are well known, other sections are largely passed over. However behind all the twists and turns, highs and lows is the God who makes and keeps promises. The book of Joshua is profoundly relevant for today and needs to be declared faithfully in its entirety. To be repeatedly reminded through the pages of Joshua that God is faithful to his promises and sovereign over his people, guiding them by his powerful word to his promised rest, is truth we must never tire of hearing. The book of Joshua has also been a battlefield on which the Christian faith and particularly the Old Testament has been attacked by new atheism, therefore digging deep into Joshua will strengthen and resource people to stand firm amidst such opposition. Teaching Joshua is a great addition to the growing ‘Teaching the Bible’ series. Doug Johnson has done a brilliant job of both guiding the reader towards the main thrust of each passage whilst not overlooking the detail or the various complexities. Teaching Joshua will be a great aid to those who have the privilege and the joy of preaching or teaching this particular book. Whether you are a small group leader, preacher, youth worker or someone who simply wants help with their personal Bible study, this book will help you to understand and communicate the message of Joshua.

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Elizabeth was a bright young girl who knew what it was to have a heart sore with troubles. Born in Portland, Maine in the United States, Elizabeth was deeply impacted by the death of her father, who suffered from tuberculosis. However, in those early days she found that Jesus Christ and his love was her strength. Living life as a Christian wife and mother didn’t mean that suffering became part of her past. She also had health problems and two of her own children died. Elizabeth Prentiss continued to turn to her loving Heavenly Father for love and support, while also using her talent with the pen to bring glory to God and help to others in their time of need. Her hymn ‘More Love to Thee’ was a declaration of love to her Saviour – Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek, Give what is best; This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

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The Scottish church was forever altered by the arrival of the Reformation in the sixteenth century. Its legacy endured, and provoked a flurry of theological re–examinations which form the foundation for much of our modern understanding of Reformed Theology. In this informed and accessible historical study, Donald MacLeod, one of Scotland’s current leading theologians, looks to the past to assess the impact of prominent theologians of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, always with an eye to demonstrating how their writings speak to contemporary challenges facing the Church today.

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Even good things can become idols if we give them central importance in our lives. Having children changes everything, and as mothers, we risk looking for life, purpose and meaning in motherhood. While being a mother brings its unique set of challenges, these years of raising children and helping them grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord provide an opportunity to grow in our own Christlikeness as well. Writing from her own personal experience as a mom, Christina Fox encourages mothers to prayerfully and thoughtfully examine their own hearts, and to let God use motherhood as a means of sanctification. Split into three sections, the first chapter looks at the meaning motherhood; chapters 2–4 are about idolatry; chapters 5–9 focus on a few different idols that mothers might worship (not an exhaustive list, but a common few); and the final chapters are about facing idols, dethroning them, and turning our heart back to the One true God. Chapter titles include: Part I 1. The Sanctifying Work of Motherhood 2. Made for Worship 3. What is Idolatry? 4. Identifying Idols in Our Lives Part II 5. The Idol of Children 6. The Idol of Achievement and Success 7. The Idol of Comfort 8. The Idol of Control 9. The Idol of Approval Part III 10. Turning from Our Idols 11. Turning to Christ

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There are many academic commentaries, but very few hold to an inerrant view of Scripture as Mentor commentaries do. This series of expositions of Scripture successful refute wilder departures from orthodoxy whilst appreciating and learning from latest theological research. This expanding series includes commentaries on the Old and New Testament. Isaiah is a book of literary, historical, theological and ecclesial riches. Paul R. House contends that Isaiah wrote the whole book during his long ministry. Predicts the coming of the Messiah. Strives to treat Isaiah as a prophetic book, as a work that highlights major themes such as creation, sin in its many manifestations (e.g. covenant breaking), proper ethical behaviour, approaching judgement often described as ‘the day of Yahweh’, and renewal effected by Yahweh’s redeeming work. Yahweh displays indomitable determination to redeem in Isaiah. The creator will redeem his people. He will give them a permanent home in a new heavens and earth, a perfect Zion, and a safe place. The redeemed will come from many nations, and they will serve him in their lifetimes and beyond. Sin and death cannot stop this plan. All Yahweh’s covenants will be kept, the dead shall rise, justice will prevail, and the Davidic messiah will play the key role in this inexorable victory.

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The best friend ever will never leave you. Jesus is the friend you can always trust. He is caring and loving and strong. Find out about Jesus who can be your friend and Saviour. He is the very best.

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Only those who have an undeniable calling from God will be fit for the challenges and strains of the ministry life. But how do you test a calling and how do you proceed if you are certain its legitimacy? From the theology of being called, to selecting a seminary, to beginning life as a pastor, Michael Milton looks to the Word of God for answers and guidance, as well as drawing on his own experience as a Presbyterian minister.

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So, you’ve heard the Gospel, you’ve accepted Jesus as your saviour, you’re going to Church regularly – you’re definitely a Christian, but you don’t feel like you’re acting like one. The other Christians you know all seem to have it together but how do you get to that point? Even though none of us will be perfect in this life, we can grow to be more and more like Jesus. This book will tell you how.

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Growing up in communist Romania in the 1980s to atheist parents, Balazs never even heard Christianity spoken about. However, this was not the end of his story. Qualified for Heaven tracks his journey to Christ from meeting some Christian girls in school to wrestling with his need for cleansing and forgiveness. Written for youths, but encouraging to all!

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Exodus is the story of the first redemption of God’s people for Himself. Starting with a people enslaved and oppressed, seemingly forgotten by their God, it culminates with the Tabernacle. God had chosen His people, setting them apart from the other nations: His kingdom of priests. Exodus forms the sub–structure of the Old Testament – and points at every stage to the coming Messiah of the New Testament.

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Do you love trucks? Trucks are powerful, big, and fun, but God is Better than Trucks! From A–Z, find out about Ambulances, Bulldozers, and Car Carriers – and about how God is better than all of them. Full colour throughout and memory verses on each page.

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Ruth and Esther are two prophetic pictures of the same gospel. One speaks of a last–minute rescue from death, the other of a long–awaited filling of a terrible emptiness. One ends with a baby; the other concludes with an annual remembrance of an amazing escape. But neither really ends, until they find their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Part of the Teaching series, this book is designed to help the pastor/preacher, small group leader, or youth worker in preparing and presenting studies.

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There is a yearning within all of us to be ‘whole’ – a recognition that we live fragmented lives: striving and failing, believing but doubting, speaking one thing then doing another. We are all righteous sinners, in a battle with ourselves. In this semi–biographical work, Scott Redd examines this fight, discussing how we should be approaching it theologically and practically, in our day–to–day lives. Filling each chapter with doctrines and biblical texts, Redd uses his theological training to tease out the idea of becoming fully–functioning, love–filled, Christ–devoted people. There is also a focus on using a cross–section of texts and concepts from the Old as well as the New Testament, making this a well–balanced and enlightening discussion. With an engaging, humorous tone, The Wholeness Imperative presents Christ as the unifying force of our hearts and minds – not abstract or unattainable, He is right in front of us, waiting to be embraced.

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