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The present study explores the spatial potential and the practical dimension of the Emmaus story in Lukes Gospel by considering the spatial interpretations of the story. It uses the concept of the Lucan thirdspace a concept modified from Edward Sojas thirdspace in his critical spatiality as well as concepts taken from narrative criticism. The study shows how the thirdspatial transformative potential of the Emmaus story is activated through the divine encounter and ones personal relationship with Jesus.

Ambrosiaster ("Star of Ambrose") is the name given to the anonymous author of the earliest complete Latin commentary on the thirteen epistles of Paul. The commentaries were thought to have been written by Ambrose throughout the Middle Ages, but their authorship was challenged by Erasmus, whose arguments have proved decisive.Here for the first time Ambrosiasters commentaries on Romans and the Corinthian correspondence are made available in English translation, ably translated and edited by Gerald L. Bray.The commentaries, which serve as important witnesses to pre-Vulgate Latin versions of Pauls epistles, are noteworthy in other respects as well. Ambrosiaster was a careful and thoughtful interpreter, with little use for allegory, though he employed typology judiciously. Writing during the pontificate of Damasus (366-384), he is a witness to Nicene orthodoxy and frequently comments on themes related to the Trinity, the consubstantiality of the Son, the problem of the unbelief of the Jews and the nature of human sinfulness. He had a keen eye for moral issues and often offers comments that reflect his knowledge of how the church had changed from the time of the apostles to his own day.This commentary offers a rich repository of insight into the thinking of pre-Reformation church leaders for the leaders and teachers of the church today.Ancient Christian Texts are new English translations of full-length commentaries or sermon series from ancient Christian authors that allow you to study key writings of the early church fathers in a fresh way.

The church fathers displayed considerable interest in the early chapters of Genesis, and often wrote detailed commentaries or preached series of homilies on the Hexameron--the Six Days of Creation--among them Eustathius of Antioch, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Theodore of Mopsuestia, Ambrose, John Chrysostom and Augustine.This volume of Ancient Christian Texts offers a first-time English translation of Severian of Gabalas In cosmogoniam and a fresh translation of a portion of Bede the Venerables Libri quatuor in principium Genesis. Severian, bishop of Gabala in Syria, who early on was a friend of John Chrysostom, later turned against him and opposed him at the Synod of Oak in 403. Though displaying his own strengths, weaknesses and idiosyncrasies, Severian still represents the so-called Antiochene school with its preference for literal over allegorical interpretation of texts. The text derives from the six homilies found in Migne?s Patrologia graeca, volume 56, together with a seventh homily found only in the 1613 Eton edition of John Chrysostom?s works, edited by Henry Savile, and falsely attributed to Chrysostom. These homilies have been ably translated with explanatory notes by Robert C. Hill.The commentary from Bede the Venerable derives from Book I of his four-book commentary on Genesis from the account of creation to the casting out of Ishmael. Bede was a polymath--teacher, computist, exegete, historian--and one of the foremost scholars from Anglo-Saxon England. As a teacher, Bede strove to hand on the tradition of the church in a form easily understood by those who might not be well educated. These early chapters in Genesis provided teaching on creation, human origins, sin and redemption. The text deriving from Corpus Christianorum Latina is ably translated with explanatory notes by Carmen Hardin.Ancient Christian Texts are new English translations of full-length commentaries or sermon series from ancient Christian authors that allow you to study key writings of the early church fathers in a fresh way.

A Trusted Resource for Christian Mental Health Professionals, Now Updated Navigate the complexities of mental health from a Christian worldview with Modern Psychopathologies. Written by well-known and respected scholars Mark A. Yarhouse, Barrett W. McRay, and Richard E. Butman, this classic textbook, now in its third edition, provides a comprehensive introduction to the major psychopathologies identified in contemporary mental health care.Chapters address categories of psychological problems and offer overviews of current research on etiology, treatment, and prevention. Topics covered include: Issues related to anxiety, mood, addiction, trauma, and more Biological and sociocultural foundations of mental illness Insight for conducting responsible care in an imperfect system The authors also explore methods of classifying disorders in historical pastoral care and contemporary mental health care. In addition to the biological and sociocultural foundations of mental illness, they reflect on the relation between psychopathology and the Christian understanding of sin.Whats new in the third edition: Updates according to the DSM-5-TR New content on social and cultural influences, trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and more Discussion of different classification models for personality disorders Incorporates new insights and references from the latest ten years of research Modern Psychopathologies is a unique and trusted resource for Christian students, professors, and mental health professionals. Whether you are studying psychology and counseling or providing counseling services, pastoral care, or spiritual direction, this book equips you to understand, evaluate, and contribute to mental health care with clarity, compassion, and conviction.About the Series Christian 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.

When was the church founded? Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God and not of a religious organization subsequently called church. We dont find in the Gospels expressions which make reference to the foundation of a new religious community, a new and distinct community of followers of Jesus. But after the resurrection of Jesus, his followers, as a result of his express command, gather together not only those from the people of Israel but men and women of all nations.The final clauses of the Nicene Creed spell out, briefly and to the point, the churchs self-understanding in these early centuries. Angelo Di Berardino assembles a wide range of texts and teachers of the church during these years to enrich our understanding and deepen our faith in the great mysteries expressed here.The Creed quickly hits the four marks of the churchthat it is "one holy catholic and apostolic." What do we mean by professing each of these? Di Berardino helps us to give an answer with the help of the fathers of the church.The volume closes, as does the Creed, with a consideration of baptism (the traditional entrance for people into the church) and two central features of the church in the futurethe expectation that all of Gods people will enjoy the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.The five-volume Ancient Christian Doctrine series follows up on the acclaimed Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture to provide patristic commentary on the Nicene Creed, translating source material from the church fathers into English for unparalleled insight into early church history.

"Who do you say that I am?" This question that Jesus asked of his disciples, so central to his mission, became equally central to the fledgling church. How would it respond to the Gnostics who answered by saying Jesus was less than fully human? How would it respond to the Arians who contended he was less than fully God? It was these challenges that ultimately provoked the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325.In this Ancient Christian Doctrine volume covering the first half of the article in the Nicene Creed on God the Son, John Anthony McGuckin shows how it countered these two errant poles by equally stressing Jesus authentic humanity (that is, his fleshliness and real embodiment in space and time) and his spiritual glory or full divinity.One cottage industry among some historical theologians, he notes, has been to live in a fever of conspiracy theory where orthodox oppressors dealt heavy-handedly with poor heretics. Or the picture is painted of ancient grassroots inclusivists being suppressed by establishment elites. The reality was far from such romantic notions. It was in fact the reverse.The church who denounced these errors did so in the name of a greater inclusivity based on common sense and common education. The debate was conducted generations before Christian bishops could ever call on the assistance of secular power to enforce their views. Establishing the creeds was not a reactionary movement of censorship but rather one concerned with the deepest aspects of quality control.Ultimately, what was and is at stake is not fussy dogmatism but the central gospel message of Gods stooping "down in mercy to enter the life of his creatures and share their sorrows with them. He has lifted up the weak and the broken to himself, and he healed their pain by abolishing their alienation."The five-volume Ancient Christian Doctrine series follows up on the acclaimed Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture to provide patristic commentary on the Nicene Creed, translating source material from the church fathers into English for unparalleled insight into early church history.

"The Spirit blows where it pleases," Jesus said to Nicodemus."You hear its sound but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."The Spirit, like the wind, is hard to pin down. Any discussion of the Spirit is fraught with the difficulty of speaking about something or someone who defies definition and who purposely averts attention from himself toward someone else. So it is with the Spirit. And so it is with the churchs reception of and conversation about the Spirit, even in its early centuries. It is hard to pin down, and the churchs voice on the Spirit has been about as loud as the whisper of the wind that indicates the Spirits presence.The churchs teaching on the Holy Spirit is perhaps what Nicolas Berdayev has called "the last unexplored theological frontier." In these latter days of the church, this "final frontier" is receiving increasing attention. The rise of the Pentecostal movement, the engaged witness of the Orthodox churches, which have historically been more sensitive to the role of the Spirit, coupled with the fact that people in general are looking for a deeper and more relational faith, perhaps help explain in part the increased attention the Spirit is getting.It is appropriate then that the base camp of this exploration be established in the early understanding of the church on these matters. Following the outline of the succinct third article of the Nicene Creed, Joel Elowsky opens up to us vistas of the Holy Spirit with expertly selected passages from ancient Christian writings.This portion of the Creed, apart from the filioque, is largely uncontroversial. The full deity of the Spirit is highlighted not so much by theological definition as by the emphasis on worship and action. While the Creed itself does not speak directly of the work of the Spirit in justification, sanctification and the like, the early church theologians nevertheless had much to say on these issues. Here we see clearly how the Spirit is "giver of life."The five-volume Ancient Christian Doctrine series follows up on the acclaimed Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture to provide patristic commentary on the Nicene Creed, translating source material from the church fathers into English for unparalleled insight into early church history.

"We believe in one God, the Father." The opening clause of the Nicene Creed can be summed up in a single wordmonotheism. In the early centuries of the church, this striking doctrine stood starkly against a cultural background of multiple deities and spiritual powers. While it clearly builds on its Jewish heritage, calling God "Father" anticipates the Father-Son relationship in the Godhead that early Christians knew and robustly upheld.The first article of the Nicene Creed also presupposes that there is an objective body of teaching that Christians are expected to confess as their faith. This idea seems normal and natural to us, but it was a novelty in the ancient world. Neither Judaism nor any pagan religion or philosophy could claim to have a closely defined set of beliefs that everyone adhering to it was expected to profess publicly and defend against all comers.While this article on God the Father is the shortest and arguably oldest portion of the Creed, it fully sets forth the fundamental understanding of God as creator and originator of all that is. This commentary in its selection of texts from the early church highlights the common understanding of the One God in three Persons, elucidating the churchs understanding of divine attributes and trinitarian relations.The five-volume Ancient Christian Doctrine series follows up on the acclaimed Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture to provide patristic commentary on the Nicene Creed, translating source material from the church fathers into English for unparalleled insight into early church history.

Master the Art of Communication for Counseling and Beyond Anyone in a helping professionincluding professional counselors, spiritual directors, pastoral counselors, chaplains, and lay leadersneeds to develop effective communication skills. But learning these skills is like learning a new language: it takes time and practice to communicate effectively, and lack of practice can lead to declining fluency in this new language.For both beginning students and seasoned practitioners, Skills for Effective Counseling provides a biblically integrated approach to foundational counseling skills. It trains the reader to use crucial microskills such as perceiving, attending, empathic connection, and authenticity.Chapters include textbook features such as sample session dialogues, role plays, and a variety of exercises that will engage different learning styles. Interwoven throughout are special topics related to: clinical tips for using skills in real-world counseling settings biblical/theological applications current and seminal research on microskills multicultural counseling the relevance of skills to interpersonal relationships and broader ministry settings This textbook and the accompanying IVP Instructor Resources include all of the activities and assignments that an instructor might need to execute a graduate, undergraduate, or lay course in foundational counseling skills. Professors teaching in CACREP-accredited professional counseling programs will be able to connect specific material in the textbook to the latest CACREP Standards.This revised edition of Skills for Effective Counseling has been updated throughout to incorporate recent research and be even more useful for the classroom. This second edition includes a new chapter on video/online counseling, discussion of new approaches to biblical and theological integration, updated references, and expanded instructor resources.About the Series Christian 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 Gospel in the Catechism"Monumental."J. V. Fesko | "Generation-defining."Harrison Perkins | "A full banquet with all the courses."Zachary Purvis | "Invaluable."Ligon Duncan | "A ready guide for every church and family."Matthew Barrett Understand a foundational Reformed catechism Follow a 52-week plan for reading or preaching Study alone or in a small group Christians are bombarded with competing messages, but the Heidelberg Catechism speaks clearly. Its teaching on the gospel and the Christian life is biblical, accessible, and pastoral. Its three-part structure of guilt (law), grace (gospel), and gratitude (sanctification) is framed by the comfort the Christian has in God alone.In The Heidelberg Catechism, R. Scott Clark reflects on the catechisms theology, piety, and practice. This thorough yet accessible guide to the catechism comments on each of its 129 questions, revealing the catechisms historical and theological context and explaining how it enlivens the Christian faith today.

When it comes to developing a deep, trusting relationship with God, efficiency and productivity are not the answer. Its far better to "waste" time with him, to just enjoy being with him. After all, thats how any friendship grows.But making room for God in the midst of our fast-paced lives is not an easy task. Just as time with our best friends can get squeezed out by the rush of activities, so can time with God. Even "wasting time" with God means making a commitment and setting priorities--whether its something we enjoy or not.Beginning with the supposition that God desires friendship with us, Klaus Issler encourages us to consider seven character traits and to develop their companion disciplines: friendship, humility, faith, commitment, communication, apprenticeship and partnership. Here is a full-orbed model of Christian spirituality that will be of lasting value.

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.

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.

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.

A Christian Approach for Communicating with Your Neighbor Every day we give and receive communication. But good communication doesnt always come naturally. Strengthening our skills is vital not only for those who specialize in communication but for everyone who wants to have healthy relationships, love our neighbors, and shape the world around us for good.In Authentic Communication, educators Tim Muehlhoff and Todd Lewis offer a wealth of resources from both communication studies and the Bible. This textbook unpacks the essential elements of communication and applies them to common challenges, offering a unique look at biblical principles of communication such as loving our enemies and blessing those who insult us.Youll find wisdom to address questions like: How can we overcome our natural biases and take someone elses perspective? When are persuasion tactics ethicaland when arent they? What does healthy forgiveness look like? How should Christians offer alternative views to the dominant voices in society? Is constructive dialogue practical in a culture of argument? Whats new in the second edition: a new chapter on perspective taking in light of disagreement, a new chapter on communication in estranged relationships, an updated recommended resources section, and updated research and sources based on the past fifteen years of fresh scholarship in communication studies. This book lays a foundation for engaging people who hold different views, seeking to open pathways for communication. Embrace the invitation to communicate well as a Christian with Authentic Communication.

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.

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.

Find 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.