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"[This book] is a treasure. The first time I read it, I remember closing the final page and thinking to myself, I wish I could make every single Christian on earth read this book. John Chrysostom, Evagrius the Solitary, Julian of Norwich, Martin Luther, Dorothy Day, Dietrich Bonhoefferthese saints and sages live on in me. And they can live on in you, too. They can enlarge and enrich your faith, one page at a time." John Mark Comer, from the afterword Ancient Faith for Modern Souls In AD 165, two men named Carpus and Papylus stood before the proconsul of Pergamum, charged with the crime of being Christians. Not even torture could make them deny Christ, so they were burned alive.Is my faithfulness as strong?In the fifth century, Melania the Younger and her husband, Pinian, distributed their enormous wealth to the poor and intentionally practiced the discipline of renunciation.Could living more simply deepen my trust in God? In the seventeenth century, Philipp Jakob Speners love for the Word of God and his desire to help people apply the Bible to their daily life moved him to start "Colleges of Piety," or small groups.In what ways could commitment to community make me more like Christ? The history of Christianity has produced models of spiritual life, some very different from our own, that can enrich and enlarge our spiritual lives. These saints believed in the same God, followed the same Christ, read the same Bible, and walked in the same Spirit. And they lived wholeheartedly for God, like Perpetua, an early Christian martyr; Francis of Assisi, a medieval visionary; Philipp Jakob Spener, the founder of fifteenth-century small groups; and Dorothy Day, a servant of the poor.In Water from a Deep Well, Gerald Sittser opens to us the rich history of spirituality, helping us learn from the practices and stories of believers from the past who thirsted for God. These vibrant narratives reveal deep, powerful faith and demonstrate how old ways can bring new life to our spirituality today. These histories are deep waters from which we can drink to become faithful followers of Jesus, like those who came before us.In this revised edition, youll find history, insights, and practical exercises for incorporating spiritual practices into your life; a new chapter and updates throughout the book; and a new afterword from John Mark Comer. Discover the richness of ancient faith practices and renew your spiritual life with Water from a Deep Well. Whether youre discovering spiritual practices for the first time or seeking to deepen your journey with Christ, this book provides timeless guidance for spiritual growth, drawn from the wisdom of those who have walked the path before you.

A Groundbreaking Analysis of Dallas Willards Theology of Spiritual Formation Dallas Willards formational theology begins with the claim that the aim of God in human history is the formation of a community of loving persons apprenticed to Jesusand ends with the promise that such apprenticeship prepares us to share in Gods governance of the cosmos.This apprenticeship to Jesus is the path to human flourishing, the renewal of the church, and the healing of the world. In Kingdom Apprenticeship, Keas Keasler offers the first comprehensive study of Willards theology of spiritual formation. He argues that while the three Ds of disciples, discipleship, and disciplines made Willard famous, his formational theology is much deeper than that. Willards unique grammar of transformation is grounded in ordinary life, for it is in our present reality that we are trained to participate in Gods eternal purposes.Mining Willards philosophical works, theological writings, recorded lectures, and unpublished papers, Keasler shows: Willards theology serves as a practical curriculum for spiritual growth, offering a remedy for the character crisis we see in the church and in society. Apprenticeship to Jesus is both for growth in Christlikeness and preparation for reigning with God in the fullness of his kingdom. Spiritual formation is not secondary or supplementary to Gods mission; it is its very strategy. Against the drift of modern theology into abstraction, Willard calls the church back to a clinical theologyone aimed at the transformation of character through an interactive life with God. Formation and mission, contemplation and action, inner renewal and outward vocationall are inseparably linked in Willards vision.Kingdom Apprenticeship offers a fresh and urgent call: to recover apprenticeship to Jesus as the heart of the Christian lifeand the hope of the world.

This volume, edited by Jeffrey P. Greenman and George Kalantzis, marks another compilation from the Wheaton Theology Conference. 2009s event produced the wealth of work represented here exploring the theological foundations for a faithful approach to the church practices that contribute to spiritual formation, that is, to our sanctification in the power of the Holy Spirit.Including essays from keynote speakers Dallas Willard and Gordon Fee as well as contributing essays by noted presenters such as Chris Hall, David Gushee, Linda Cannell, Cherith Fee Nordling and Lawrence Cunningham, this book offers a stimulating exploration of the historical, biblical and theological dimensions of spiritual formation. It will be of special interest to those who serve as pastors, spiritual directors, church ministry leaders and Christian educators.

Rediscover the Majesty of the Ascended ChristThe doctrine of Christs ascension is often overlooked in the church today, yet it holds profound significance for Christian theology and the Christian life. The Glory of the Ascension by theologian Ross Hastings invites readers to rediscover this essential truth. With thoughtful precision, Hastings illuminates the ascension as a celebration of the completed atonement, followed by the intercessory work of the Great High Priest, the continuance of the humanity of Christ, and the reversal of the laying aside of the glory of the eternal Son associated with the incarnation. This inspiring volume offers an evangelical Protestant perspective, connecting the themes of glory and ascension to the vitality of the church and individual faith.This book: Provides an in-depth and constructive theological exploration of a neglected doctrine. Offers an evangelical Protestant account of the ascension and differentiates it from the atonement. Connects the ascension to the doctrines of God, Christ, the Spirit, salvation, the church, and eschatology. Gives an engaging invitation to wonder, worship, and participation in the triune life of God. This book is ideal for students and professors of theology, pastor theologians, and any Christians seeking theological depth. Discover the beauty of Gods glory revealed in the ascended Christ and order The Glory of the Ascension today.

The Revolutionary Power of Loving Your NeighborDiscover the transformational power of neighbor-love in theologian and ethicist Andrew DeCorts Reviving the Golden Rule. This thought-provoking work illuminates the revolutionary ethics of loving your neighbor, weaving together history, theology, and practical guidance. Through this in-depth historical survey of the ethics of neighbor-love, DeCort invites readers to reclaim loving their neighbor as a powerful force for justice, healing, and human flourishing.The biblical charges to "love your neighbor as yourself" and to "do to others as you would have them do to you" are at the heart of Abrahamic faith. DeCort argues that they are also at the heart of some of the most groundbreaking developments in human rights and the common good. Jesus taught neighbor-love and promised, "Do this and you will flourish."But Christians today are at high risk of ignoring or overthrowing the most daring teaching of Jesus movement. Having heard it repeatedly and having benefited immensely from its cultural effects, we have become dulled to neighbor-loves revolutionary power.In response, Reviving the Golden Rule: Explores the ethics of neighbor-love from the ancient world to modern times. Examines how neighbor-love challenges the oppressive power of "othering" and expands human connection. Highlights inspiring figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Mother Teresa, and Oscar Romero, who practiced neighbor-love among marginalized communities. Addresses instances where Christians have failed to uphold neighbor-love. Provides practical guidance on how to love and embrace "othered" neighbors today. In one of the only historical and constructive works on the ethics of neighbor-love, DeCort invites us to reclaim this ancient movement. Get your copy today and learn to embody this revolutionary practice amidst crises for the healing of the world.

Discover how Aristotelian thought has shaped Christianity through history and remains relevant for Christians todayWhen Christians of any age, country, or denomination debate the nature of the good life, the soul, free will, or design, Aristotle lies behind their logic as well as their rhetoric. Although Aristotle did not have access to the Bibles special revelation, he made full use of general revelation to arrive at deep truths about the nature of God, human identity, and the universe. In the Catholic Middle Ages the spiritual vision that undergirded Dantes Divine Comedy was strongly indebted to Aristotles cosmology, and in the Protestant Reformation and Enlightenment the social vision of a well-run state was equally indebted to his political science.In a follow up to his well-loved book From Plato to Christ, renowned scholar Louis Markos takes us on a vigorous and celebratory journey through the work of Platos greatest student, demonstrating Aristotles often unacknowledged influence on the Christian faith. In Markoss hands, Aristotle is far from an irrelevant ancient philosopher but is instead an important conversation partner for some of historys greatest Christian thinkers and a thoughtful guide to todays most challenging questions.With this book, youll: Consider the influence of Aristotles thought on the Christian faith, Carefully analyze several of Aristotles best-known texts, Trace Aristotles influence upon many key theologians in Christian history, and Understand Aristotles continuing importance for Christians today. This book is a perfect addition to any classroom that seeks to understand how classical thought intersects with Christianity, both past and present. Grab your copy today and explore the relationship between Aristotelian philosophy and Christianity.

Marshall McLuhan, a pioneering media theorist, explored how media shape perception, society, and culture. His concepts, like the medium is the message and the global village, emphasize media as extensions of human senses that profoundly influence communication and social structures. He analyzed transitions from oral to print culture and the impact of electronic media on thought and interaction. This volume seeks global contributions applying McLuhans theories to AI, digital media, knowledge, creativity, and body-mind relations in todays networked world.In this volume, edited by Lars C. Grabbe, Andrew McLuhan and Tobias Held, scholars from diverse fieldsmedia theory, philosophy, sociology, art, game studies, and moreare examining McLuhans enduring relevance in analyzing contemporary technological and cultural transformations.

Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year Every day we are confronted by challenging societal problems, from poverty and institutional racism to AIDS and homelessness. It can all seem so overwhelming. But while none of us can do everything, all of us can do something. This handbook will help you discover what you can do.Mae Elise Cannon provides a comprehensive resource for Christians like you who are committed to social justice. She presents biblical rationale for justice and explains a variety of Christian approaches to doing justice. Tracing the history of Christians in social engagement, she lifts out role models and examples from the Great Awakenings to the civil rights movement. A wide-ranging catalog of topics and issues give background info about justice issues at home and abroad, such as sex trafficking domestic violence living wage initiatives debt relief environmental stewardship bioethics and much, much more This handbook includes dozens of practical exercises for taking action, as well as profiles of key figures and movements like William Wilberforce, the Salvation Army, and Bono, highlighting how Christians and churches can make a difference. Also included are spiritual practices and resources to help us move from immobility to advocacy.God has always worked through his people to accomplish improbable tasks, and he can use you too. This handbook will be an essential companion for living justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with your God.

Who are the churchs great theologians? What was special about their teaching? What can we learn from them today? Gerald McDermott has written this book for those who want a solid introduction that is challenging, but not overwhelming. Provocative but satisfying. And not too long. McDermott not only informs us about eleven pivotal theologians from Origen to von Balthasar, but helps us sort out what is of continuing value today.With study questions at the end of each chapter, this book is perfect for small groups to go through together. As you do, youll explore your shared theological history and uncover more about what and why you believe. Heres your chance to think with "the greats" about God.

Gods Providential Work in Creation Before Life Began God has been present and active in creation from the moment he created it ex nihilo. Few Christians would question this claim, but its implications for ongoing theology and science dialogues have not been fully explored.In this pathbreaking and field-advancing work, Ross Hastings brings his expertise in both scientific and theological disciplines to bear on the topic of divine providence in chemical evolution. Based on the latest research in the developing field of chemical evolution and the work of theological giants such as Karl Barth, Hastings shows how God may have been providentially and non-competitively at work in the process by which simple prebiotic molecules gave rise to the complex molecules in the first living organisms.In God and Molecules, Hastings provides cutting-edge theological engagement with the developing scientific field of chemical evolution, advances the discussion in theology and science with this new integrative work, and offers a holistic alternative for thinking about chemical evolution that overcomes the binary of theology versus science. God and Molecules pushes toward new frontiers in theology and science and casts a compelling, integrative, and ultimately healing vision for how God has been lovingly involved in the developmental process of the earliest life on earth.

A New Perspective for Biblical Justice in International Relations Practicing a Christian vision of justice as a citizen in ones own country is difficult enough. Add on the challenge of establishing and living out a Christian ethic among states, where there may be few established norms and shared values, and you have the gargantuan task of doing international relations.Does Christianity have anything to say about global justice for modern nation-states? Can we look to the biblical vision for help with the complex problems of a globalized world? Robert Joustra answers with a resounding yes.Christ and Covenant in Global Politics casts a compelling vision for a Christian approach to international relations that seeks to transform global politics from systems driven by fear to covenantal global community based in shared loves, drawing on Augustines understanding of rightly ordered loves and a contemporary Christian notion of covenantal pluralism. This groundbreaking textbook is designed for professors and students of international relations, offering a unique, faith-driven approach to global politics.In Christ and Covenant in Global Politics, Joustra introduces international relations through a distinctly Christian lens; demonstrates how the Christian worldview can positively shape international politics; equips students to thoughtfully engage with pluralism and multiculturalism in international politics; and moves beyond discussions of biblical justice within states toward discussions of biblical justice between and among states. Christ and Covenant in Global Politics is a first-of-its-kind work that provides a comprehensive introduction to the state of international relations theory today as well as a constructive account of a truly Christian vision for global politics. Joustra provides a systematic treatment of introductory political theology of world politics, then applies that foundation to key issues in the international system: diplomacy, war, political economy, and climate. Ideal for the undergraduate level, this book is a gift to those who to want to learn to love their neighbor on the global stage.

Seeing Sabbath as the Gospels Call to Resist, Reimagine, and Reclaim The worlds relentless push for "more and better" reflects a value system that is individualistic and economically exploitative, leaving Christians and the church itself exhausted. Amid this weariness, Sabbath emerges as not merely a day of rest, but a powerful, countercultural invitation to push back.In Sabbath Gospel, G. P. Wagenfuhr and Amy J. Erickson invite us to consider Sabbath as much more than a cessation from work. Sabbath is a grand exodus from tiring economic regimes and the empty promise of self-actualization. By expanding our vision of Sabbath beyond the Creation story, we vacate the idol of the world and take our place in the household of God, the church, where Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. In this robust biblical theology, scholars, theologians, and pastors find a fresh approach to Sabbath that moves us beyond empty practices and renews our language about the gospel.What youll find in Sabbath Gospel: A transformative view of Sabbath as communal resistance against the exploitative value systems of the world Interdisciplinary insights into the Biblical theology of Sabbath A call to live out Sabbath anew in Gods reconciled community Sabbath Gospel challenges readers to rethink Sabbath, moving beyond individualistic notions of rest. Sabbath is not just about stepping back from work for personal rejuvenation but about stepping into Gods householda reconciled community where rest is shared, burdens are lifted, and the gospel is renewed in our lives. Reimagine your view of Sabbath with Sabbath Gospel.

Enduring Hope: Ethnographic Insights into Long-Term Racial Justice AdvocacyMany White Christians feel convicted when they hear of racial injustice but arent sure what they can do. They often become overwhelmed by deep divisions, conflicting priorities, and historical burdens. They need a clearer vision for engagement with racial justice and reconciliation that goes beyond easy answers or simplistic optimism. Isnt there anyone who has found a way forward?Anthropologist Christine Jeske has studied precisely this question. Her one-of-a-kind research started by asking people of color about their work and experience with White advocates of racial justice. She then studied the postures, ideas, and actions of those they recommended as positive examples.In Racial Justice for the Long Haul, Jeske presents her findings on what makes for an effective, enduring approach, revealing shared threads in the lives of White Christians who have faithfully embraced the call to advocate for justice. By abandoning simplistic answers and confronting the depths of suffering and injustice, they discover a bold way of hope that perseveres. This book features a unique methodology of interviews with Christian leaders of color and White advocates makes qualitative ethnographic research accessible, and provides concrete examples of how White Christians can growand persistin working for racial justice. This book invites readers to engage deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and grow authentically as allies in the work of racial justice. White Christians must learn the nature of true hope as they encounter the depths of injustice and of lamentand of grace. Racial Justice for the Long Haul offers the clarity, inspiration, and tools needed to persevere in the pursuit of a more just world.

Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB Honorable MentionGenuine Compassion, Expert UnderstandingExplore the New Edition of Understanding Gender DysphoriaFew topics spark more debate today than gender identity, fueling intense discussions across social, political, and cultural spheres. Complex issues like gender dysphoria are often oversimplified into slogans and sound bites, overlooking the lived experiences of those affected and making understanding even more difficult in an increasingly divided discourse.Mark Yarhouse, an expert in sexual identity and therapy, challenges the church to rise above the political hostilities and listen to peoples stories. In Understanding Gender Dysphoria, Yarhouse combines Biblical principles and scholarly research to offer a Christian perspective on transgender issues that eschews simplistic answers and appreciates both psychological and theological complexity. The result is a book that engages the latest research while remaining pastorally sensitive to the experiences of each person.In this updated edition, youll find updated sources and references, language that reflects the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), and new content on more recent trends, including rising numbers of young people identifying as transgender and non-binary. If you are a pastor, counselor, or someone simply seeking to better understand individuals navigating questions of gender identity, now is the time to act with compassion and courage. Understanding Gender Dysphoria is an essential guide for those who wish to approach this topic with empathy and informed insight. Order your copy today and answer the call to come alongside those on the margins as they resolve their questions and concerns about gender identity.About the SeriesChristian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books explore how Christianity relates to mental health and behavioral sciences including psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in order to equip Christian clinicians to support the well-being of their clients.

The eternal God has created the universe. And that universe is time-bound. How can we best understand Gods relationship with our time-bound universe? For example, does God experience each moment of time in succession or are all times present to God?How we think of God and time has implications for our understanding of the nature of time, the creation of the universe, Gods knowledge of the future, Gods interaction with his creation and the fullness of Gods life.In this Spectrum Multiview volume, four notable philosophers skillfully take on this difficult topic--all writing from within a Christian framework yet contending for different views. Paul Helm argues that divine eternity should be construed as a state of absolute timelessness. Alan G. Padgett maintains that Gods eternity is more plausibly to be understood as relative timelessness. William Lane Craig presents a hybrid view that combines timelessness with omnitemporality. And Nicholas Wolterstorff advocates a doctrine of unqualified divine temporality.Each essay is followed by responses from the other three contributors and a final counter-response from the original essayist, making for a lively exchange of ideas. Editor Gregory E. Ganssle provides a helpful introduction to the debate and its significance. Together these five scholars conduct readers on a stimulating and mind-stretching journey into one of the most controversial and challenging areas of theology today.Spectrum Multiview Books offer a range of viewpoints on contested topics within Christianity, giving contributors the opportunity to present their position and also respond to others in this dynamic publishing format.

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." John 17:3In Your Light We See Light: A Reformed Theology of Divine Illumination argues that the doctrine of illumination is Trinitarian and participatory. We cannot know God apart from God. The Triune God transfers us from darkness to light, so we may see him, ourselves, and the world anew. Illumination is not merely cognitive; it turns a heart of stone into a heart of flesh. It involves life with Godhearing and being transformed by Gods word. Paul C. Uyen begins with Scripture before retrieving the doctrine of illumination from Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Reformed traditions, and revealing their areas of tension. Uyen articulates a Reformed perspective in conversation with other traditions.

Rastrear la historia del siglo xxi hasta ahora es rastrear una historia de lo inasequible y la escasez. Despues de anos de negarse a construir suficientes viviendas, Estados Unidos tiene una crisis nacional de vivienda. Tras anos de limitar la inmigracion, no tiene suficientes trabajadores. A pesar de ser advertidos durante decadas sobre las consecuencias del cambio climatico, no se ha construido nada cercano a la infraestructura de energia limpia que necesitamos. Los ambiciosos proyectos publicos se terminan tarde y por encima del presupuesto, si alguna vez se terminan. Abundancia explica que nuestros problemas de hoy no son los resultados de los villanos de ayer, sino que las soluciones de una generacion se han convertido en los problemas de la siguiente. Las reglas y regulaciones disenadas para resolver los problemas de la decada de 1970 a menudo evitan proyectos de densidad urbana y energia verde que ayudarian a resolver los problemas de la decada de 2020. Las leyes destinadas a garantizar que el Gobierno considere las consecuencias de sus acciones han hecho demasiado dificil para el gobierno actuar en consecuencia. En las ultimas decadas, nuestra capacidad de ver problemas se ha agudizado, mientras que nuestra capacidad de resolverlos ha disminuido. Klein y Thompson rastrean las barreras politicas, economicas y culturales para progresar y proponen un camino hacia una politica de abundancia.

Including People with Disabilities Is Essential to Your Churchs Witness God wants people of all abilities to be active participants in his kingdom. But churches have not always made it clear that people with disabilities are both part of Gods story and fully welcome in their communities. If the church is to be a credible witness, it must reach and include people with disabilities within its evangelism, mission, and everyday life.In Disability and Evangelism, Rochelle Scheuermann casts a vision for including people with disabilities in all aspects of evangelism, from how we understand and tell the gospel story, to how we evangelize to and with people with disabilities. This groundbreaking book invites us to reshape our evangelism theology and practice so that people with disabilities are central in all we think, say, and do. Scheuermann uncovers how Gods story in Scripture responds to the complexities of disability and provides both the means and message to share good news among people of all abilities. She then explores issues of evangelism practice, including how we understand conversion, an expanded understanding of accommodation, and pursuing interdependence in ministry.In Disability and Evangelism, you will gain a biblical understanding of both disability and evangelism; hear stories from people with a range of disabilities; study evangelism practices that go beyond traditional approaches that are key for doing evangelism with and among people with disabilities; understand why many people with disabilities feel excluded from and do not attend church; and engage with discussion questions in each chapter. This book shows how the gospel really is good news for people of all abilities. Understanding and embracing disability is not only a matter of compassion and justice. People with disabilities will help the church to counteract faulty visions of power, autonomy, and self-promotion and to encounter the good news of Jesus more deeply. If youre looking for a resource that invites people with disabilities to be both recipients and active participants in Gods mission, Disability and Evangelism is for you.About the Series Center for Disability and Ministry books explore the intersection of disability and practical theology in partnership with the Center for Disability and Ministry at Western Theological Seminary. Co-edited by Benjamin T. Conner and John Swinton, this series explores key issues in disability theology through the framework of practical theology, aiming to increase knowledge as well as faithfully impact Christian practice.

Finding Meaning in the Wilderness through Scripture and Spiritual Practice The desert is a place of paradox. In the desert we encounter silence and revelation, hunger and provision, barrenness and abundance, absence of God and intimate awareness of Gods presence. The image of wilderness is a key theme in Scripture, from Abraham, Moses, and the prophets to Jesus. And throughout church history, people of faith have found it to be a useful metaphor for the spiritual life.In God in the Desert, Old Testament scholar and spiritual director Noel Forlini Burt explores Old Testament wilderness narratives in conversation with wise voices from throughout church history, bridging the gap between biblical studies and spiritual formation. Journeying through stories such as Hagar, Elijah, and the Israelites at Sinai, each chapter also engages with figures like the desert fathers and mothers, Parker Palmer, Henri Nouwen, Richard Rohr, and Eugene Peterson.God in the Desert connects biblical studies and spiritual formation, traces the theme of wilderness in the Old Testament and its implications for Christians, and combines scholarly depth with practical and inspiring spiritual reflection. In this book, youll walk through key themes and practices in spiritual formation like solitude, rebirth, prayer, spiritual reading, attachment, and how they can nurture the souls of readers today. Connecting biblical texts to her own experiences and those of Christians across time, Forlini Burt unpacks how wilderness can still be a place of transformation as Gods people respond to the God of the desert. Whether youre a scholar, student, pastor, or spiritual formation practitioner, youll find deep engagement with the Scriptures and spiritual wisdom for the Christian life in God in the Desert.

Trace Gods Plan of Redemption Through the Old Testament Do you find the Old Testament historical books challenging or confusing? Have you ever struggled to get through these sections of Gods Word or wondered why they matter for us today? Many of us view the Old Testament as something we read simply because weve been told its good for us. But when we uncover the unfolding story of redemption within these books, we see a theological vision that points us to Jesus.Unfolding Redemption helps readers trace Gods story of redemption through the historical books of the Old Testament and discover its fulfillment in Christ. As readers dive deeper, theyll gain a richer understanding of the gospel and see its vibrant connections throughout Scripture. This book makes the theology of the Old Testament accessible and approachable, showing how these books fit together to tell a larger story that culminates in Christ.Biblical scholar Ian Vaillancourt unpacks themes like settling Gods redeemed people in Joshua, delivering Gods redeemed people in Judges, preserving Gods redeemed people in Esther, hope for the ultimate redemption in 1 and 2 Chronicles, and more. Vaillancourt guides readers through the Old Testaments historical books with a clear and intentional approach, revealing how every part of the story leads to Jesus. Unfolding Redemption is an excellent introductory textbook, and is ideal for pastors or Bible teachers as well as groups looking to study the Bible more deeply. With discussion questions for reflection, Unfolding Redemption equips Christians to dig deeply into these texts, see their themes woven together, and understand what they mean for our lives today.