Understand the Old Testament Like Never Before with this Revised and Updated New Edition Does studying the Old Testament feel overwhelming and confusing? Do the stories and events seem disconnected and hard to follow? Have you resolved to really understand the Old Testament but find it difficult to piece together?Youre not alonemany Christians struggle to make sense of this portion of the Bible. In The Epic of Eden, Sandra Richter brings clarity and structure to the Old Testament, giving readers the tools they need to understand it.Richter skillfully organizes the people, events, and themes of the Old Testament into a cohesive and memorable history of Gods redeeming grace. Her approach helps you see the Old Testament in a new light, connecting the dots and revealing the unity of Gods redemptive plan.In this revised and expanded new edition, youll find fresh material throughout, including new chapters, new discussion questions, a new introduction, updated timelines, the latest scholarship, and insights to support your understanding of the story of the Old Testament. With The Epic of Eden, you will: Learn key facts and a clear timeline to connect events and people of the Old Testament cohesively. Discover fascinating details and fresh views that enhance your understanding of Scripture. See how the Old Testament connects to the New Testament, forming a unified story of Gods grace. Deepen your love for Gods Word by uncovering the beauty and unity of his story from Eden to the new Jerusalem. Accessible for Christians at all stages of their faith journeys, The Epic of Eden will give you a deeper and fuller understanding of the Old Testament from a Christian point of view. As you learn to make sense of the Old Testament, your passion for studying the Bible will be renewed and strengthened. The Epic of Eden is a transformative resource for anyone ready to enrich their biblical knowledge and deepen their understanding of Gods redemptive plan.

A Higher View and a Deeper Love for Gods Word In a world full of theological upheaval and trendy philosophies, Truth and Powers bold challenge for the church to remain committed to Scripture is as relevant today as when it was first written. Through centuries of use, abuse, and disuse, the Bible remains the foundational document of the Christian faith.From J. I. Packer, beloved theologian and author of Knowing God, Truth and Power explores how the Bible should shape every aspect of Christian discipleship. In this time-tested and masterful overview of the doctrine of Scripture, Packer offers both lifelong believers and new Christians thoughtful, personal guide to understanding Scriptures rightful place in the Christian life.In Truth and Power, Packer Explores the true place, use and benefit of the Bible in the Christian life; Examines Scriptures authority, methods of interpretation, and its role in preaching, the church, and the life of the individual believer; Invites you to move from a shallow cultural Christianity to a vibrant faith that testifies to the truth and power of Gods Word; and Helps Christians rightly value the Bible and understand its necessity for spiritual health without elevating it to a place of idolatry. This book shows how love for Gods Word opens the door to spiritual life in Christ. Whether youre a longtime admirer of Packers theological insights or discovering his wisdom for the first time, this newly republished edition encourages you to gain not only a better understanding of the place of the Bible but also a deeper love for it.

Uncover How Scripture And The Natural World Are Deeply Intertwined Every page of the Old Testament breathes with the life of Gods creation. From rainbows and desert winds to the roaring of a lion and green hills after rain, nature is woven through the biblical story and helps make it memorable. The natural world of the Bible holds memories of faith, failure, promise, and renewal.In Landscapes of Memory, Emma Austin blends biblical scholarship, memory studies, and insights from her own journeys through the lands of the Bible to show how the natural world is a key to remembering and engaging the Old Testament in a sensory way. You are invited to walk the same paths, breathe the same air, and feel the same seasons that shape the words of the Old Testament.Austin calls these connections among memory, nature, and text mnemonature. She demonstrates that the biblical landscape is not mere background, but a dynamic element in the story of faith, serving also to nurture spiritual formation.What youll find in Landscapes of Memory: Scholarly depth that integrates Old Testament biblical studies, archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern comparative literature, memory studies, spiritual formation, and personal experience. Austins new approach to how biblical authors reference nature; the memorable characteristics of natural features; and the impact on the readers understanding of the text, termed mnemonature. An invitation to come alive to the immersive world of Scripture, seeing how the natural world of the Bible invites you to engage with the biblical text in transformative ways. This book is an enriching companion for scholars and students of the Old Testament, pastors, and anyone drawn to the relationship of Scripture, memory, and the natural world. With Landscapes of Memory, discover how nature can fill you with awe and direct your attention to the God who made it.

An Ancient Commentary Available for the First Time in English For the first time in English, discover the full text of Theodoret of Cyrrhuss Commentary on Isaiah. As part of the Ancient Christian Texts series, this volume provides a unique look into the biblical interpretation of the early church. Long thought to be lost, this commentary was rediscovered in 1899 and is now accessible in English to scholars, pastors, and students.Theodoret of Cyrrhus (c. 393c. 458) was a significant and sometimes controversial figure in the fifth century church. He played a key role in the controversy between Cyril of Alexandria and his Antiochene opponents following the Council of Ephesus in 431. He is widely credited with helping the opposing sides reach an agreement.Excerpts from Theodorets commentary on Isaiah were included in the two series of Catenae that summarized and circulated ancient Greek commentaries for general use. The full text was thought to have been lost until its rediscovery in its entirety in 1899.This volume features: The full text of Theodoret of Cyrrhuss commentary on Isaiah, previously unavailable to the English-speaking world. Historically significant insights into early church biblical interpretation and commentary. An invaluable resource for scholars, pastors, and students of the patristic era, Old Testament studies, and church history. About the Series Ancient Christian Texts is a collection of new English translations that opens a window into the wisdom of the early church. Many of these full-length commentaries and sermon series by ancient Christian authors are available for the first time in English, providing contemporary readers with the resources they need to study for themselves the key writings of the early church.

The gospel is not meant to make us hyperspiritual. Its meant to make us fully human. Do you love Jesus but struggle to connect your faith to your daily work, hobbies, relationships, and everyday decisions? Many of us have been shaped by an understanding of discipleship thats focused primarily on "spiritual things" like reading Scripture, praying, and going to church. We might view the "secular" parts of our lives as neutral at best, or dangerous distractions from whats truly important at worst.You might have questions: Does God care about my work? Are hobbies a waste of time? Does it matter what I eat? Does my body matter as much as my soul? Is it okay for Christians to experience anxiety or depression? Pastor Jeremy Treat understands this disconnect. In Everyday Discipleship, he dismantles the harmful sacred-secular divide that leaves many Christians feeling spiritually compartmentalized, uncertain about how faith applies to ordinary life, and unable to fully enjoy Christ in the entirety of our lives.This practical, transformative book reveals how following Jesus encompasses every sphere of our existence, from the meals we eat to the work we do, from our engagement with technology to our approach to relationships.Explore how faith in Jesus shapes the most practical areas of your life: Daily activities like meals, work, rest, and play Engagement with society through technology, art, science, and politics Personal matters like the body, mental health, sexuality, and relationships Trade a compartmentalized mindset for a holistic understanding of discipleship that is rooted in the good news of Jesus. The mundane, often-overlooked parts of life can become infused with meaning and purpose as you learn to follow Jesus even in those areas. With Everyday Discipleship, begin to fully embrace your ordinary life to the glory of an extraordinary God.

Cultivate Communities that Discern the Will of God Many Christian communities long for deeper spiritual growth but find themselves stuck, not knowing how to move forward together. If you are a leader seeking to guide your community toward genuine, God-centered transformation, this book provides the vision and tools you need.In Leading a Transforming Community, spiritual formation expert Ruth Haley Barton shares insights from over twenty-five years of guiding leaders through the Transforming Center. She casts a compelling vision for what is possible when a community gathers around the presence of Christ with the shared goal of spiritual transformation.This seminal work is an essential resource for pastors, small group leaders, and leaders of all Christian communities who believe that change and transformation should be the norm, not the exception.Leading a Transforming Community will equip you and your team with Biblical and theological foundations for spiritual transformation in community; Shared attitudes, practices, and experiences to do together as a group; Real-life examples and stories from fellow leaders; and Practical, intentional strategies for opening to God as a community. This book shows how spiritual transformation is central to the message of the gospel and the mission of the church. With Leading a Transforming Community, learn to cultivate a community of spiritual transformation that discerns and does the will of God together, and in turn empowers others to do the same.

From Black-and-White Belief to a Faith Full of Color God is so much bigger than the box we often try to put him in.Spiritual platitudes, easy answers, and rigid expressions of belief often cannot bear the weight of lifes real questions. For those whose faith has been shaped by black-and-white certainty or narrow church cultures, what can it look like to untangle your faith and experience Jesus more fully?In The Other Side of Certainty, Kristin Mockler Young invites you to shift from a faith of pressure, judgmentalism, and conformity to one of curiosity, exploration, and freedom. Kristins gentle guidance will help you navigate through the confusion to find where Gods grace and love are present, helping you see that God really is bigger than all your doubts, choices, past selves, or difficult circumstances.The Other Side of Certainty will help you Move beyond rigid, black-and-white beliefs toward a faith with room for wonder; Embrace curiosity and questions as vital parts of your spiritual growth; and Encounter a deeper understanding of who God is and the joy and freedom he wants you to live in. Rather than clinging to certainty, you can choose wonder. Rather than fearing questions or tensions, you can embrace the mystery of a God who is far beyond your understanding. As you shift your focus from legalism to love, you can make room for not knowing and discover youre getting to know Godand yourselfbetter in the process.As much as you want to hold on to Jesus, he is holding on to you all the more. Discover a vibrant, honest faith on the other side of certainty.

Los acontecimientos que tuvieron lugar durante la última semana de Jesús en la tierra —el domingo de ramos, la última cena, el juicio, la muerte de Jesús y su resurrección— son fundamentales para tu

Uncover the Gifts of Your Tenderheartedness Have you always felt a little different? Do you find the world overstimulating and your own thoughts and feelings overwhelming? Maybe your relationship with God feels like a heavy list of obligations, and caring for others leaves you tired and empty.For the highly sensitive person (HSP), this inner experience can be both a gift and a challenge.In The Highly Sensitive Christian, author Jason Cusick shares pastoral insight and his personal journey as an HSP to reframe sensitivity not as a weakness to be fixed but as a God-given strength to be embraced.Research shows that 1520 percent of people have an innate sensitivity, making them highly discerning, deeply feeling, and uniquely attuned to the world. While your tenderheartedness comes naturally, it can also leave you feeling like youre not as "strong" as someone without this gift. This book helps you navigate these challenges, celebrate your giftedness, and develop lasting spiritual resilience.In this book, highly sensitive Christians will discover how to See your sensitivity as a superpower. Reframe your innate sensitivity as a good gift from God, designed to be celebrated and shared. Develop spiritual resilience. Learn practical ways to grow and move from feeling overwhelmed to empowered, engaging with the prayers, Scripture, discussion questions, and action steps included with each chapter. Listen to your body. Pay attention to your bodys signals rather than dismiss them. Deepen your faith. Unearth and correct theological beliefs that may have hindered your spiritual growth, and find new freedom in your relationship with God. Strengthen your relationships. Friends, family, and church communities can understand, celebrate, and benefit from highly sensitive loved ones. This encouraging book enables you to experience your tenderheartedness as the strength God intended for you. As you embrace your tenderheartedness, you can learn to carry and share your gifts in ways that honor God, others, and yourself.Whether you are a highly sensitive Christian seeking to feel seen and understood, or a pastor, friend, or family member wanting to better support the tenderhearted people in your life, The Highly Sensitive Christian offers a hopeful path forward.

Discover the Spirits Movement Throughout Scripture The Holy Spirit is often regarded as the most mysterious and misunderstood person of the Trinity. Though it is important to understand specific topics associated with the Holy Spirit, such as spiritual gifts, our understanding must expand to encompass the Holy Spirits powerful role throughout the entire canon of Scripture. The Spirit has been at work since the very beginning.In Gods Presence with Us and in Us, biblical scholar Miguel Echevarria explores how the divine personal Spirit has one of the most prominent roles in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is both with Gods people and also in them, guiding and bringing about Gods mission of new creation. From Genesis to Revelation, the Holy Spirit is at work in Gods people and in the world.What youll find in Gods Presence with Us and in Us: A comprehensive biblical theology of the Holy Spirit that follows the story of the Holy Spirits work throughout both the Old and New Testaments. An invaluable resource for preaching, teaching, and study of Scripture. Discussion questions and practical insights to foster reflection and application. This insightful biblical theology offers a comprehensive look at the Holy Spirits presence, making it an essential resource for pastors, students, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirits work in the world.About the Series Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd and L. Michael Morales, explore the central or essential themes of the Bibles grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 13, authors trace the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemptive history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an accessible yet rich introduction to biblical theology.

Recover the Wonder and Weight of the Sunday Service "Do I have to go to church?"Whether weve fielded this question from others or have at times wondered ourselves, pastor Adriel Sanchez invites us to consider afresh why Sunday corporate worship matters.Why We Worship reenchants our spiritual imagination, helping us rediscover the beauty of worship in Scripture and draw upon the richness of Christian liturgy through the ages. Sanchez delves into the biblical underpinnings and historical development of the core parts of a worship service, casting a vision for corporate worships vital role in healthy Christian spirituality and discipleship.In Why We Worship, Sanchez draws on Scripture and history to uncover not only the what but also the why of elements of the Sunday service including music, the sermon, Communion, baptism, confession, prayer, and the benediction. Church isnt meant to be a dull routine or an entertainment-driven spectacle. Its a weekly heavenly ascent that transforms us to live the Christian life here on earth. Enter anew into the wonder of Sunday worship as a transcendent, joy-filled journey into Gods presence.

Create Your Own Rhythm for Meaningful Time with God Do you long for a deeper connection with God but find yourself overwhelmed by the demands of a busy life? In the chaos and noise of everyday life, finding time to truly connect with God can feel impossible.But what if you could cultivate true intimacy with God right in the middle of your ordinary, everyday moments?With God Everyday offers a customizable framework for a daily spiritual practice that intentionally invites God into your everyday life. Through an adaptable, step-by-step process, this practice helps you cultivate the time and space to grow your relationship with God. Each step helps you find freedom to engage with God, yourself, and others in a practical and thoughtful way.This book guides you through a framework of questions to ask in your time with God, helping you to create your own process for a daily quiet time with God, experience Gods presence more deeply as you invite him into your daily life, and cultivate true spiritual transformation through a continually growing relationship with God. Discover how to create space for a meaningful quiet time with God, even on the most chaotic days. Whether used on your own or with a group, this book will allow you to meet God right in the middle of your everyday and foster an intimate connection with God that is rich, deep, and transformational.

«No quiero ofender a la gente». «No sé qué decir». La mayoría de nosotros puede pensar en al menos cien razones para no compartir el evangelio. La evangelización puede resultar intimidante, pero tamb

Laying the Foundation for a Classical Christian Theology Good theology requires a firm foundation. But how can we lay a good foundation in our theological work? Moreover, what is theology and how does one do theology?As the first volume in the Pillars of Christian Dogmatics series, The Cathedral of Theology is a work of prolegomena to establish principles for theology. This book takes an exegetical, historical, philosophical, and doctrinal approach to explore: what theology is the necessary virtues for doing theology the relationship between Gods knowledge and human knowledge revelation, both natural and supernatural the relationship between faith and reason the relationship of metaphysics to theology principles of biblical interpretation how to organize theology the covenantal context for theology the use of imagination the boundaries of doctrinal truth and error the pursuit of beauty Using the metaphor of a cathedral, Fesko argues for the supreme importance of attending to the basis of the building before advancing the further work of building out walls, windows, and ceilings. With such topics in hand, his book offers the blueprint, prepares the site, and lays the foundation for a beautiful and lasting theological edifice.The Cathedral of Theology serves as an ideal theology textbook for students and also stands as a rich resource for scholars seeking to deepen their understanding of the foundational structures and enduring beauty of theological study.About the Series The Pillars of Christian Dogmatics series seeks to foster contemplation of the triune God through the retrieval of classical, orthodox theology for the church and the world. Featuring field-leading scholars, each volume offers an intensive study of key topics in theology using exegetical, historical, philosophical, and doctrinal resources, while simultaneously embodying the interpretive commitments exhibited across the Great Tradition.

Equip Your Church to Reach Todays Generations Are your churchs outreach efforts feeling stalled? Do you sense a growing disconnect between traditional evangelism methods and the people you long to reach?If youve felt that familiar methods are failing and trust has been lost, you are not alone. The Call to Contextualize offers a practical path forward for ministry leaders seeking to address this crisis of evangelism.Drawing on insights from twenty-three years of effective ministry, pastor Jae Hoon Lee uses biblical examples, theological principles, and practical case studies to present an incarnational model for evangelism called accommodation evangelism that adapts the gospel message and methods to the audiences needs and cultural context while preserving the gospels integrity.In The Call to Contextualize, you will find: A theology of contextualization and accommodation evangelism. Discover how to effectively communicate the gospel in a way that is recipient centered, adapting the message to the audiences language and cultural context. Practical ministry application. Learn from biblical examples such as Jesus and Paul, alongside the extensive experience of Onnuri Church, to implement contextualized evangelism in your ministry. Biblical, theological, and missional foundations. Explore the scriptural underpinnings of a recipient-centered approach to the gospel, focusing on principles of divine communication and the theological concept of incarnation. Gospel and culture. Study how the gospel is conveyed through cultural forms, necessitating the churchs adaptation of its methods to resonate with contemporary society while being faithful to the original message. Missional communities. Embrace the call for your church to become a missional community that prioritizes relationships as the foundation of evangelism and values reconciliation as a core expression of Gods love for humanity. This book offers encouragement and practical guidance to churches seeking to reach the lost with wisdom, creativity, and love. Its time to reimagine what evangelism can look like in your context. Equip yourself and your church to engage people with the gospel in ways that truly resonate with The Call to Contextualize.

"No one practice (or book) will solve our generational battle against distraction. . . . But this book offers me hope that we can join Jay, and Ignatius, and so many others from the Way of Jesus, in slowing down from the helter-skelter speed of the modern world, and walking at the pace of peace." from the foreword by John Mark Comer, founder of Practicing the Way Receive the Gifts of an Examined Life with God "So much to do, so little time," so the saying goes. For many today, our attention is stretched thin by overextended schedules, unmanageable calendars, and an impossible to-do list.But what if the more we try to do everything, the less we are doing anything truly meaningful?In The Pace of Peace, pastor Jay Y. Kim invites you to fight distraction and focus your attention by examining your life with God. Drawing on the Prayer of Examen developed by Ignatius of Loyola as a framework for all of life, Kim guides us through the movements of this ancient prayer practiceinvitation, gratitude, reflection, confession, and looking forwardto point us toward the antidotes for the aches of our distracted age.In The Pace of Peace, you are invited to move: from the toil of absence to the gift of presence from the striving for more to the gift of gratitude from the wreckage of reactivity to the gift of reflection from the shackles of pride and shame to the gift of confession from the futility of self-will to the gift of Gods will A deep life is incongruent with a fast life. God invites you, instead, to live with your mind at ease, setting your life to the pace of peace. Free to be fully present. No longer straining to prove yourself. Settled and secure in the presence of God.Encounter God in all of life and discover the peace and ease of being present, known, and fully loved with The Pace of Peace.

From Transactional Faith to Transformational Life in Christ Are you tired of feeling stuck in your faith? Do you long for real, lasting spiritual transformation that feels relational rather than formulaic? Like many Christians, you may feel as if youre living in a cycle of fits and starts, seeking to grow closer to God but feeling disillusioned in your faith. In a culture of hustle and hurry, maybe you long to trade a transactional faith for a transformational relationship with God.In Dwelling in Christ, Jonathan R. Bailey reintroduces the Threefold Wayan ancient, time-tested path of Christian spirituality. Moving beyond quick fixes and performance-based faith, this well-worn path offers a practical movement through three stages for growing in Christlikeness over a lifetime.Discover anew how to walk the Threefold Way: Purgation: Learn to release the harmful and unloving things that pull you away from God. Illumination: Dwell more deeply in Gods presence as you intentionally and gradually align your heart more and more with his. Union: Experience an ever-deepening friendship with God that increasingly transforms you into Christlikeness from the inside out. Aided by the wisdom of ancient monastics, contemporary theologians, and thoughtful reflections on his own spiritual journey, Bailey invites you to trade the illusion of control for the reality of love. In continuity with spiritual voices such as Dallas Willard and Richard Foster, this book offers a hopeful and practical way of life through retrieving a framework reaching back into the earliest centuries of the church. With Dwelling in Christ, be free from chasing quick fixes and enter the steady, lifelong journey of becoming like Christ.

Make Gods Promises Your Daily Declaration God has uniquely created each one of us. In the Scriptures, he has a lot to say about who we are and how we can live with fullness of hope.But have we become so informed by the world that we have forgotten we were first formed by the Creator of the world? Claimed by God helps you remember your identity as a daughter of God through thirty statements about the joy, confidence, and hope that God has instilled in you. These declarations are grounded in Scripture and supported by guided prayers that fuel your assurance, strength, and gratitude for Gods unchanging love. Together they enable you to believe beyond what you can see in front of you.In each chapter, you will speak the declaration in an act of faith, read the Scripture passages, draw near to God in a closing prayer, and memorize the declarations that speak to your heart. These declarations arent meant to stay on these pages. As you make them a part of your daily routine, you can declare Gods promises over yourself as you start your day or as you drift off to sleep. Speak truths over your circumstances in moments of fear or doubt. If you need wisdom or discernment, make these words your prayer, inviting Gods provision into each situation.As you allow truths from Gods Word to permeate through your being, youll find yourself closing in on your God-given identity, calling, and destiny. God has so much in store for you. With Claimed by God, step forward in faith and live according to his hope-filled promises.

We Misread the Bible When Women Are Left Out Ignore them, marginalize them, or dismiss them as brief cameosthese have long been common approaches to Christian teaching on the women of the Bible. The result? We miss their significance in the biblical story and, in turn, misunderstand Scripture itself. Scholar Sandra Glahn challenges this pattern, calling readers to recognize how biblical narrative actually works. When we do, we see that women are not incidental to the story but essential to it.In A Womans Place Is in the Story, Glahn models how we can better read stories in their literary context and understand why the original authors included what they did. She reexamines both well-known and neglected passages, such as Tamar and Judah, the Hebrew midwives, Abigail, and the Samaritan woman at the well. Even when they appear briefly, women in Scripture move the plot forward and reveal profound truths about who God is.In this book, youll explore how leaving women out of the biblical story changes the plot and meaning that was intended, how distorting women as they appear in the biblical story affects the way we view women in general, and how misunderstanding how women appear in the story affects the way we view God. Women have always been part of the whole story of God. With A Womans Place Is in the Story, discover how rightly seeing women in the biblical narrative leads to more faithful interpretation and application for the benefit of all Gods people.Its time to tell the whole story.

Everyday Encounters with God Through the Lens of C. S. Lewis For many Christians, the mysticssaints and teachers throughout Christian history who have experienced direct encounters with Godare in a category of their own. We read about the supernatural experiences of biblical figures like Moses, Isaiah, and John, and historical figures like Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross, but how can we have spiritual experiences like theirs when our own walks with God feel ordinary and mundane?In The Everyday Mysticism of C. S. Lewis, professor of spiritual formation Gary Selby shows us what the mystics can teach us about everyday spirituality through the eyes of one of the most beloved Christian authors of the last century.C. S. Lewis deeply respected the mystics and thought that their experience truly represented the glory of God breaking into human existence. Lewis believed that in our daily encounters with beauty, we can glimpse the same kind of transcendent union with God that the mystics were given, and that the rich treasures of their tradition could be mined to enrich our day-to-day lives in Christ.What youll find in this book: Practical guidance on spiritual growth and practices like centering prayer and contemplative attention using Lewiss paradigm. How Lewiss work lies at the intersection of experience and theological reflection. A scholarly yet accessible exploration of C. S. Lewiss body of work that illuminates a seldom-analyzed dimension of his thought and writing. Whether you are a lifelong Lewis fan or just discovering his works, youll journey through the influence of the mystical tradition on Lewiss life and work and see how to practice everyday mysticism in the way that Lewis would. With The Everyday Mysticism of C. S. Lewis, experience Lewiss thought in a new way and behold the extraordinary beauty of God in the everyday moments you might be tempted to take for granted.