Search results for ""Faithlife Corporation""

What is the best framework for reading the Bible? The question of how to relate the Old and New Testaments is as old as the Bible itself. While most Protestants are unified on the foundations, there are major disagreements on particular issues. Who should be baptized? Is the Christian obligated to obey the Law of Moses? Does the church supplant Israel? Who are the proper recipients of God's promises to Israel? In Discontinuity to Continuity, Benjamin Merkle brings light to the debates between dispensational and covenantal theological systems. Merkle identifies how Christians have attempted to relate the Testaments, placing viewpoints along a spectrum of discontinuity to continuity. Each system's concerns are sympathetically summarized and critically evaluated. Through his careful exposition of these frameworks, Merkle helps the reader understand the key issues in the debate. Providing more light than heat, Merkle's book will help all readers better appreciate other perspectives and articulate their own.

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You know them. But do you understand them? The Ten Commandments have become so familiar to us that we don't think about what they actually mean. They've been used by Christians throughout history as the basis for worship, confessions, prayer, even civil law. Are these ancient words still relevant for us today? Their outward simplicity hides their inward complexity. Jesus himself sums up the entire law in a pair of commandments: Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Peter Leithart re-introduces the Ten Commandments. He shows us how they address every arena of human life, giving us a portrait of life under the lordship of Jesus, who is the heart and soul of the commandments.

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"Goodness like a fetter." The hymn "Come Thou Fount" reminds us that God's laws were created to draw us closer to him. But reading the law is intimidating. Deuteronomy is a long and ancient book full of speeches and laws for a wandering people on the cusp of entering a land filled with hostile nations. What could Deuteronomy have to say for modern readers who face vastly different issues? Invited to Know God shows that Deuteronomy is simply about knowing God. The book is a divine portal, drawing people into the ancient presence of God. To understand God better, we need to understand Deuteronomy better. Rather than being a dusty book of ancient laws, Deuteronomy calls those who love God to know Him better, choose the path to life, and flourish under His loving wisdom and guidance. God's laws bind our wandering hearts to him.

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"That prayer is most likely to pierce heaven which first pierces one's own heart." For the Puritans, prayer was neither casual nor dull. Their prayers were passionate affairs, from earnestly pleading for mercy to joyful praise. These rich expressions of deep Christian faith are a shining example of holy living. The Puritan combination of warm piety and careful intellect have fueled a renaissance of interest in their movement. This combination is on display in Piercing Heaven, a collection of carefully selected prayers from leading Puritans. The language in these prayers has been slightly updated for a modern audience while still retaining the elevated tone of the Puritans. With prayers from Richard Baxter, Thomas Brooks, John Owen, and many more, each prayer reminds us that heartfelt prayer is central to the Christian life.

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In this volume from the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary, Paul Tanner argues that the book of Daniel is the Old Testament blueprint of the Bible's overarching eschatological narrative. Tanner examines key aspects of the book of Daniel such as the revelation of Israel's future in relation to gentile kingdoms, God's exaltation of Daniel as a channel through whom he reveals his will and God's sovereign control of the nations under whom Israel is being disciplined. Tanner provides exegetical insight to help readers better understand not only how God worked in Israel's history through Daniel, but how he sovereignly directs all of world history—for all time.

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James's letter is famous for its practical wisdom and its heart for gospel transformation reflected in action. James is like Proverbs in the New Testament - but written as a letter, reflecting the New Covenant of Christ. It advises believers facing cultural challenges in the diaspora how to approach practical issues like trials and suffering, the proper use of the tongue, and poverty and wealth from a worldview shaped by Christ. Stated simply, it teaches believers about living life in God's world by God's rules. In James Verse by Verse, the late Grant R. Osborne invites readers to delve into this uniquely structured, immensely practical book. James is all about what early Christians called "the Way" and, as such, holds a unique place in the New Testament. This commentary will help modern readers embrace James as a distinctively Christian letter, full of wisdom for everyday life.

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Are the world's great religions ultimately all the same? Christianity and Pluralism is a collection of concise yet thoughtful essays by J. I. Packer and Ron Dart, interacting with and responding to the four traditional models used to answer the existence of multiple faiths (exclusive, inclusive, pluralist, and syncretist), but focusing particularly that form of syncretism which claims that all faiths find commonality through their mystical traditions. Written in response to key events in the history of the Anglican church, Packer and Dart's analysis gives us a perennially relevant model for how the church ought to respond to our own pluralistic culture with integrity and kindness - and how to uphold the distinctiveness of the gospel. Christians directly or indirectly engaging our pluralist world will find their ideas enriched by this short yet powerful book.

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Grow in the Scriptures throughout the church year with David deSilva as your mentor. Beginning with Advent and moving through the church year, David deSilva brings his years of experience as a biblical scholar to the church in the form of sermons delivered to his home congregation throughout the church year, now adapted into a thoughtful and inspiring collection of reflections. These reflections, which draw on readings from the Revised Common Lectionary, will inform and inspire your understanding of Scripture, written with Dr. deSilva's characteristic warmth and wisdom. In Season and Out makes for excellent devotional reading that will feed saints both in front of and behind the pulpit.

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"If a sermon is preached in a church and no one is listening, does it make a difference?" There are many expository preachers who forego dynamic delivery and many dynamic preachers who lose sight of faithfully communicating the biblical text. Too often preachers feel they have to choose one or the other. But dynamic delivery and faithful exposition are not mutually exclusive. In Preaching to Be Heard, Lucas O'Neill shows pastors that presenting engaging sermons that are biblically focused is not an impossibility. In fact, the key to commanding attention lies in the text itself. Rather than relying on tricks or gimmicks, his approach to sermon writing focuses on maintaining tension throughout while sticking close to the biblical text. Using practical examples and a step-by-step method, O'Neill shows pastors how relying on the inherent anticipation within Scripture can lead to sermons that are powerful—and heard.

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The foundation of discipleship is sound, scriptural doctrine. The value of sound doctrine is often misunderstood by the modern church. While it can be dry and dull, when it flows from the story of Scripture, it can be full of life and love. This kind of doctrine, steeped in Scripture, is critical for disciple-making. And it's often overlooked by modern pastors. In Hearers and Doers, Kevin Vanhoozer makes the case that pastors, as pastor-theologians, ought to interpret Scripture theologically to articulate doctrine and help cultivate disciples. scriptural doctrine is vital to the life of the church, and local pastor-theologians should be the ones delivering it to their communities. With arresting prose and striking metaphors, Vanhoozer addresses the most pressing problems in the modern church with one answer: teach sound, scriptural doctrine to make disciples.

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Reclaiming our common hope. Too often discussions about the End Times are fraught with wild speculation or discord. But a biblical view of eschatology places Jesus' return and victory at the center. All Christians hold this hope in common. In Jesus Wins, Dayton Hartman focuses on this common ground to reveal why the way we think about the End Times matters. Christian eschatology should be rooted in biblical orthodoxy to inspire hope and greater faithfulness in the present age. That's the point of eschatology after all! Drawing from his own ministry experience, Hartman testifies to the unifying power of Jesus' victory.

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Evangelicals are warmongering nationalists—right? Many assume that evangelicals have always shared the ideology and approach of the Moral Majority. But the truth is much more complex. Historically, evangelical rank and file have not held to one position about war; instead, they are strewn across the spectrum from love of peace to glorying in war. Timothy Padgett presents evangelicals in their own words. And in so doing he complicates our common perceptions of evangelical attitudes towards war and peace. Evangelical leaders regularly wrote about the temporal and eternal implications of war from World War II to the Vietnam War. Padgett allows us to see firsthand how these evangelicals actually spoke about war and love of country. Instead of blind ideologues we meet concerned people of conviction struggling to reconcile the demands of a world in turmoil with the rule of the Prince of peace.

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Christianity is more than a religion: it is also a complex intellectual tradition. Christians and non-Christians alike who want to understand the world as it is today have to understand Christianity too. Christianity makes objective claims, but also presents a new way of thinking about the world. In Christianity Considered, renowned theologian Dr. John Frame introduces the reader to the Christian religion and its unique intellectual framework, describing the key pillars of Christian thought and how these shape the Christian worldview. Covering a range of topics, from the resurrection to the Christian posture toward politics, Christianity Considered is a valuable guide to understanding the Christian faith as an intellectual tradition. Useful for both the Christian reader looking for a better understanding of the faith and the skeptical reader who seeks to understand the intellectual tradition that has done much to shape the modern world.

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Richard Baxter intended for this book, originally published as The Catechizing of Families, to be a guide that would go beyond the basic catechisms. Baxter hoped for his book to be helpful to family leaders, school teachers, and professors wanting to educate young people in the deeper aspects of Christianity. A Puritan Catechism for Families contains the basics of faith, as well as expositions of the Apostle's Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments.Lexham Classics are beautifully typeset new editions of classic works. Each book has been carefully transcribed from the original texts, ensuring an accurate representation of the writing as the author intended it to be read.

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When reading the Gospel of Luke, it's easy to get swept up into the story of the incarnation and forgot to focus on other themes. But prayer was central in Jesus' life and in his relationship with the Father, and it should be central in our lives as well. In Revealing the Heart of Prayer, Craig G. Bartholomew unpacks this biblical book with a fresh perspective--focusing on Jesus and his example for how we should pray.

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The Bible was not written and received in a historical vacuum--in fact, the social and historical context of the Bible illuminates key understandings that may have been otherwise missed. Biblical scholars use many different approaches to uncover this context, each engaging various aspects of the social and historical world of the Bible--from religious ritual to scribal practice to historical event. In Social & Historical Approaches to the Bible, you will learn how these methods developed and see how they have been used. You will be introduced to the strengths and weaknesses of each method, so you may understand its benefits as well as see its limitations. Many of these approaches are still in use by biblical scholars today, though often much changed from their earliest form as ideas were revised in light of the challenges and questions posed by further research.

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In Common Grace Abraham Kuyper presents to the church a vision for cultural engagement rooted in the humanity Christians share with the rest of the world. Kuyper fills a gap in the development of Reformed teaching on divine grace, and he articulates a Reformed understanding of God's gifts that are common to all people after the fall into sin. This first volume contains Kuyper's demonstration of the biblical basis for common grace and how it works. This new translation of Common Grace, created in partnership with the Kuyper Translation Society and the Acton Institute, is part of a major series of new translations of Kuyper's most important writings. The Abraham Kuyper Collected Works in Public Theology marks a historic moment in Kuyper studies, aimed at deepening and enriching the church's development of public theology.

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How do Christians bridge the divide between our lives inside and outside the church? Abraham Kuyper believed that a healthy view of Jesus' kingship was essential to closing that gap. In this first volume of Pro Rege, Kuyper discusses how Satan's kingdom opposes, undermines, and obscures Christ's kingship. He then lays out the kingship of Christ according to Scripture. From his vantage point at the dawn of the 20th century, Kuyper explains the scope of Christ's dominion over all of life in his own culture--yet does so in a way that also strikingly impacts the 21st-century reader. This new translation of Pro Rege, created in partnership with the Abraham Kuyper Translation Society and the Acton Institute, is part of a major series of new translations of Kuyper's most important writings. The Abraham Kuyper Collected Works in Public Theology marks a historic moment in Kuyper studies, aimed at deepening and enriching the church's development of public theology.

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How did the Apostle Paul view the Church? And where does Israel fit in? How are the promises to Israel fulfilled? In Heirs of Promise, P. Chase Sears discusses this relationship between the Church and Israel, and he explains how that affects our understanding of the Old Testament.Using a biblical-theological approach to the book of Romans, Sears argues that Paul understood the church not as a replacement of Israel, but as the new Israel--the continuation of Israel reconstituted in Christ. And Jesus, as the Son of God, is the true Israel who fulfills all of God's purposes for Israel and creation. Sears shows how the Old Testament promises to Israel are being fulfilled in the Church.

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Chosen to be the mother of Jesus, Mary played a singular role in God's plan of redemption. And her life, relationships, and faith continue to hold significance for believers today. By responding faithfully to God's call, Mary began an extraordinary journey of transformation from Jesus' loving mother to one of His devoted followers. In this 8-week study, authors Miles Custis, Michael R. Grigoni, Douglas Mangum, Matthew M. Whitehead, Rebecca Brant, John D. Barry, and Elizabeth Vince help you discover new meaning in the life of Mary. Each chapter of Mary: Devoted to God's Plan is structured to maximize your study by exploring the themes, context, and background of events Mary's life, as well as offering biblical parallels, extra-biblical references, and insights into how Mary's experiences are relevant to your journey of faith. Walk through life with Mary, learning along the way how her story is like your story. Each chapter of Mary: Devoted to God's Plan is structured to maximize your study. Theme: Introduces the meaning and relevance of an event in Mary's life Literary Context: Illustrates the conditions surrounding that event Historical and Cultural Background: Presents relevant data about the ancient world A Closer Look: Gives a walk-through of the event while exploring issues of interpretation, original language, and theology Throughout the Bible: Examines discussion of the event elsewhere in the Bible Beyond the Bible: Treats references to the event in ancient documents and extracanonical texts and references and by theologians, the church fathers, and contemporary thinkers Application: Concludes the chapter by exploring the event's relevance to your journey of faith You'll also find Quick Tips offering insight into difficult passages, historical information, original language wording, and ancient thought.

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In the book of Exodus, the promises to the patriarchs begin to see their fulfillment: Yahweh takes a people for himself and dwells among them. He is not a distant deity, but a God who speaks and acts to deliver his people from oppression. In this two--volume commentary, Eugene Carpenter interacts with the Hebrew text to trace these and other important themes through Exodus. He also discusses how key theological concepts of Exodus continue throughout the Bible and offers suggestions for applying the message of the book to modern-day readers.About the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Series:The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series incorporates the latest in critical biblical scholarship and is written from a distinctly evangelical perspective. Each comprehensive volume combines historical and literary explanations with insights for understanding the text within the Bible's larger story and applying it to everyday life.

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As the old adage goes, you have to ask the right questions before you can get the right answers. And that's exactly what the Not Your Average Bible Study series helps you do. Rather than spoon-feeding you with individual facts, this study of Ephesians coaches you on how to think through the text as a whole. Tested and proven in Bible Study Magazine, it's perfect for group and individual studies alike.In Ephesians, Paul proclaims the love of God that has made us alive in Christ. He calls us to a life transformed by grace. Does your life display his love? Do you show the same grace? Paul inspires us to put on the new self--one "created to be like God in true righteousness"--showing us what this new life in Christ really looks like.Each section of the guide begins with a concise introduction, providing context for the biblical passage. Next, you'll consider questions designed to prompt your own in--depth study. You'll also find specific prayer suggestions, along with ideas for further research. Experience the joy of discovering biblical insights for yourself--then apply these lessons to your everyday life.This is not your average Bible study!

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Theology through mythology J. R. R. Tolkien was many things: English Catholic, father and husband, survivor of two world wars, Oxford professor, and author. But he was also a theologian. Tolkien's writings exhibit a coherent theology of God and his works, but Tolkien did not present his views with systematic arguments. Rather, he expressed theology through story. In Tolkien Dogmatics, Austin M. Freeman inspects Tolkien's entire corpus--The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and beyond--as a window into his theology. In his stories, lectures, and letters, Tolkien creatively and carefully engaged with his Christian faith. Tolkien Dogmatics is a comprehensive manual of Tolkien's theological thought arranged in traditional systematic theology categories, with sections on God, revelation, creation, evil, Christ and salvation, the church, and last things. Through Tolkien's imagination, we reencounter our faith.

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This is the first of a projected six-volume series called Reading the Bible as Literature (the second volume being Sweeter Than Honey, Richer Than Gold). An expert at exploring the intersection of the Bible and literature, Ryken shows pastors and students and teachers of the Bible how to appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of biblical narrative and how to interpret it correctly. Dr. Ryken goes one step further than merely explaining the genre of story—he includes exercises to help students master this rich literary treasure.

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Jude calls believers to stand firm in their belief in Jesus' messiahship, even when various forms of rebellion occur around them. In this comprehensive volume, Herbert Bateman examines the historical, cultural, and literary context of Jude's letter, identifying the "godless" as Zealots and other Judaeans caught up in an insurgence against Rome. At the same time, the letter admonishes readers to extend mercy to those who inadvertently rebel against God, both inside and outside the church.The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series incorporates the latest in critical biblical scholarship and is written from a distinctly evangelical perspective. Each comprehensive volume combines historical and literary explanations with insights for understanding the text within the Bible's larger story and applying it to everyday life.

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The Learning Biblical Hebrew Workbook is an essential companion for students usingLearning Biblical Hebrew: Reading for Comprehension.The workbook includes guided readings tailored to the growing knowledge of the student using the introductory grammar. After the opening chapters containing grammar exercises to reinforce basic concepts, students begin reading actual Hebrew text based on the Joseph story from Genesis 37-50. The text has been abridged and modified to present students with a text that they can read with minimal help. The readings are accompanied with three types of annotations: the Hebrew root or lexical form, an English gloss, or grammatical and textual explanations. The notes are provided to facilitate reading comprehension by identifying unfamiliar words and concepts. As familiarity with vocabulary and grammar increases, the readings are modified less and less until students are essentially reading the standard Hebrew text used in most Hebrew Bibles today. After completing the beginning Biblical Hebrew reader based on the Joseph story, students move on to the intermediate Biblical Hebrew reader that includes the books of Ruth, Jonah, and Esther. The continuous practice of reading Biblical Hebrew text is an essential part of truly understanding and experiencing what you read. The Learning Biblical Hebrew Workbook provides that essential reading practice that will make your study of Biblical Hebrew come alive.

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What does the Bible really tell us about the heavenly host? Everyone knows that angels have wings, usually carry harps, and that each of us has our own personal guardian angel, right? We all have some preconceptions about angels from movies, television shows, and other media, but you might be surprised to know that a lot of those notions aren't based on anything from the Bible. If you read Luke 1:26–38 and imagine the angel Gabriel standing before Mary with neatly folded white wings, you're not getting that picture from anything the Bible itself says. What the Bible really says about angels is overlooked or filtered through popular myths. This book was written to help change that. It's a book about the loyal members of God's heavenly host, and while most people associate them with the word "angel," that's just one of many terms the Bible uses for supernatural beings. In The Unseen Realm Michael Heiser opened the eyes of thousands to seeing the Bible through the supernatural worldview of the ancient world it was written in. In his latest book, Angels, Dr. Heiser reveals what the Bible really says about God's supernatural servants. Heiser focuses on loyal, holy heavenly beings because the Bible has a lot more to say about them than most people suspect. Most people presume all there is to know about angels is what has been passed on in Christian tradition, but in reality, that tradition is quite incomplete and often inaccurate. Angels is not guided by traditions, stories, speculations, or myths about angels. Heiser's study is grounded in the terms the Bible itself uses to describe members of God's heavenly host; he examines the terms in their biblical context while drawing on insights from the wider context of the ancient Near Eastern world. The Bible's view on heavenly beings begins with Old Testament terms but then moves into literature from the Second Temple period—Jewish writings from around the fifth century BC to the first century AD. This literature from the time between the Old Testament and the New Testament influenced the New Testament writers in significant ways. With that important background established, the book focuses on what the New Testament tells us about God's holy ones. Finally, the book reflects on common misconceptions about angels and addresses why the topic is still important and relevant for Christians today.

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What God's children believe Join FatCat, the friendly feline, as he learns the traditional text of the Apostles' Creed--the earliest summary of the apostles' teaching. Enjoy vibrantly illustrated scenes of Jesus's life and search for FatCat on every page! Young readers and families will read a line from the creed along with a simple reflection to tuck into their hearts. With a list of Scriptures for further learning and a family prayer, this FatCat book is perfect to read again and again. In a fun and accessible way, believers can visualize, memorize, understand, and confess the Apostles' Creed, which has united all Christians for centuries.

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A systematic theology from the pillars of evangelicalism. Basics of the Faith is an overview of essential Christian doctrines from some of the best minds of mid-twentieth century evangelicalism around the globe. Originally appearing in the pages of Christianity Today during 1961-1962, this collection includes essays from influential theologians and biblical scholars including Philip E. Hughes on inspiration, Anthony A. Hoekema on the divine attributes, John Murray on sanctification, Cornelius Van Til on original sin, F. F. Bruce on the person of Christ, G. E. Ladd on the saving acts of God, Leon Morris on the atonement, and J. I. Packer on the nature of the church. This edition includes an introduction by Kevin J. Vanhoozer that lays out their original context and evaluates their ongoing significance. Approachable yet scholarly, Basics of the Faith is both a relevant systematic theology and a celebration of evangelical heritage.

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The primary theme of Paul's letter to the Colossians is the lordship of Christ. Writing from prison, Paul urges the Colossian believers to remain focused on Jesus even as false teachers have infiltrated the church. In his letter to Philemon, a prominent co-worker in the Colossian church, Paul spells out some of the practical implications of Christ's lordship when it comes to relationships with others.In Colossians & Philemon Verse by Verse, Grant R. Osborne offers a clear exposition of these letters that takes seriously both their first-century context and what they mean today. Pastors, Bible study leaders, and invested laypeople will all benefit from Osborne's careful reading of the text and commitment to making sense of God's Word without scholarly jargon.The Osborne New Testament Commentary Series is a set of commentaries on every New Testament book. In each volume, Grant R. Osborne seeks to carefully exposit the text in plain language, bringing out the treasures in each book and making them accessible for today's readers.

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Take a fresh look at the work of B.B. Warfield. 'The Lion of Princeton,' as he was known, was in many ways the most significant American apologist, polemicist, and theologian of his age. However, despite the resurging interest in Warfield's life and work, his views are often misunderstood.In The Lion of Princeton, Kim Riddlebarger investigates Warfield's theological, apologetical, and polemical writings, bringing clarity to the confusion surrounding this key figure of the Princeton tradition. He provides a biographical overview of Warfield's life, traces the growing appreciation for Warfield's thought, evaluates the fundamental structures in Warfield's overall theology, and examines Warfield's work in the field of systematic theology.

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Embrace science and keep your faith. For many, God has been banished from scientific inquiry. Only natural forces are at work in our world. Science succeeds without the supernatural. But can everything be explained by natural causes? In What Does Nature Teach Us about God?, Kirsten Birkett rethinks the relation between nature, science, and faith. God and science are not simply two rival answers to your questions. The Creator makes sense of the creation. Science is only truly possible with God. You can engage with science without losing sight of your Creator. The Questions for Restless Minds series applies God's word to today's issues. Each short book faces tough questions honestly and clearly, so you can think wisely, act with conviction, and become more like Christ.

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Abraham Kuyper believed that Jesus is King of all creation, making it absurd to distinguish between Christian life inside and outside the church. In previous volumes of Pro Rege, Kuyper examined Christ's universal kingship and its implications for the life of the church and the family; in this third volume, he extends his analysis of Christ's kingship and rule to areas of society not encompassed by the family and the church - specifically, culture and the arts, civil society, and government. Created in partnership with the Abraham Kuyper Translation Society and the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion & Liberty, the Abraham Kuyper Collected Works in Public Theology marks a historic moment in Kuyper studies—one that will deepen and enrich the church's public theology. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Acton Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to the study of free-market economics informed by religious faith and moral absolutes.

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