Since Jesus lived so long ago, we assume that we know little about his life story. In fact, we know more about him than many famous people closer to our own time. We have twenty-seven New Testament texts focused on him written by nine different authors; and, although hostile to him, non-Christian writers from the same era corroborate the basic facts about Jesus and the character of early Christianity.The first Christians worshipped Jesus the exalted Messiah as a divinity, as witnessed by Pliny's observation that they sang hymns to Christ 'as if to a god' - and yet many dismiss the pre-crucifixion Jesus as something infinitely less, a mere rabbi or prophet.In response, Paul Barnett offers this accessible exploration of Jesus as Messiah, beginning with a survey of Old Testament prophecies and then working through Messiah's birth, mission, message, miracles, resurrection, etc. in the New Testament.Barnett demonstrates that, as Messiah, Jesus is the centre of the Bible's story, which is the story of God's salvation of the human race. As the fulfilment of the promises in the Old Testament, the Messiah is the end of the beginning. At the same time, as the herald and inaugurator of the kingdom of God, he is the beginning of the end. So Messiah is the centre of all things that matter, both for humanity and for individuals.
The heart of the Biblical understanding of idolatry, argues Gregory Beale, is that we become like what we worship. Employing Isaiah 6 as his interpretive lens, Beale demonstrates that this understanding of idolatry permeates the whole canon, from Genesis to Revelation.
When Faith Flickers, Stoke the FireNo one sins out of duty. We sin because it offers some promise of happiness. That promise enslaves us - until we believe that God is more desirable than life itself (Psalm 63:3). Only the power of God's superior promises in the gospel can emancipate our hearts from servitude to the shallow promises and fleeting pleasures of sin. John Piper shows how to sever the clinging roots of sin that ensnare us, including anxiety, pride, shame, impatience, covetousness, bitterness, despondency, and lust. Delighting in the bounty of God's glorious gospel promises will free us for a less sin-encumbered life, to the glory of Christ. Rooted in solid biblical reflection, this book aims to help guide you through the battles to the joys of victory by the power of the gospel and its superior pleasure.
Examines who can be saved and how the religions fit into God's saving purposes.
Do you say 'yes' to requests when really you mean to say 'no'- Do you feel permanently trapped by your 24/7 lifestyle?While offering practical help to busy Christians, Tim Chester also opts for root-and-branch treatment: you need to deal radically with the things that are driving you.If you're busy because of the following:'I need to prove myself''Otherwise things get out of control''I like the pressure/money'think again!At the root of our 'slavery' are serious misunderstandings, often reinforced by our culture. If we want to be free, then we need to counteract them with God's word. It's important to manage our time, but it's more important to manage our hearts.God has promised his rest to all who are weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28). It's up to us to accept it.
The doctrine of the Trinity has received considerable attention in recent years. These essays demonstrate the substance and importance of the doctrine for Christian faith, particularly in worship, in the reading of Scripture, and in the church's mission. The contributors are Philip W. Butin, John R. Franke, Edith M. Humphrey, Mark Husbands, Keith E. Johnson, Robert K. Lang'at, David Lauber, Gordon T. Smith, Daniel J. Treier, Leanne Van Dyk, Kevin J. Vanhoozer and John D. Witvliet.
Evangelical Christianity has long been plagued by a dichotomy between evangelism and social action. The debate about whether evangelicals should attempt to make this world a better place in tune with God's will as well as prepare people for life in a better world is the background to this stimulating volume, which seeks to demonstrate that there is no tension between the task of evangelism and the Christian's obligation to care for those in need. The issue should never have been one of 'either/or' but rather should always have been voiced in terms of 'both/and'. The Bible's teaching makes it plain that God's salvific work is both spiritual and physical.The first seven chapters survey relevant material in the Old and New Testaments; the second seven explore the theme of world transformation from the perspective of social ethics, systematic theology and church history. The clear message is that the proclamation of God's salvation must address both the desperate spiritual need of a sinful humanity and the desperate physical need that is all too apparent in our troubled world - and that there is theoretical and practical work yet to be done as we think and work under the dominion of Jesus, who as a result of his death and resurrection has been given all authority in heaven and earth.The contributors are David L. Baker, Tim Chester, M. Daniel Carroll R., Jamie A. Grant, Peter S. Heslam, Jason Hood, Dewi A. Hughes, I. Howard Marshall, Rene Padilla, Anna Robbins, David W. Smith, Melvin Tinker, Alistair I. Wilson and Christopher J. H. Wright.
There have been times of personal difficulty when the Psalms alone have been my source of hope, as they directed me to God and his rebuke and discipline but also to his unfailing love and forgiveness.'The Psalms have an extraordinary ability to enable people to give voice to joy, praise and thanksgiving and an equal ability to turn their fears, frustrations and failures into heartfelt prayer to God. The whole of life is to be found in them, the complete range of emotions and the raw reality of our precarious existence.>*A psalm per page makes for ideal daily reading or preacher's notes.*Short articles explore significant themes from the Psalms.*'Signposts' helpfully provoke reflection, action or response.
Day one in the new job.>Many start their first job with three great hopes: a brand new status, a salary and loads of job satisfaction. Some even plan to shine for Jesus in their workplace. But all too often the pressures of work life cause even the keenest Christians to wilt. Jago Wynne believes with a passion that people can flourish in their work and keep their faith intact, if properly prepared. With humour, insight and real-life stories he equips readers both to negotiate the first few months and to continue wholeheartedly with Jesus at work - for an entire working life.
Waiting for a baby is a painful reality for many. As long months pass the well-meaning optimism of friends starts to ring hollow. The emphasis on family at the weekly church service becomes an unwelcome reminder of what's missing. God seems reluctant to bless. Using a wealth of real life stories this deeply caring book offers practical resources to address the pain and encourages biblical thinking childlessness and infertility. 'We have learnt that we are not immune from problems and we grow as Christians as a result of them. Most importantly, no matter how awful and difficult it seems, God is in control of what is happening to us, even if we most definitely are not.'
In this excellent commentary, David G. Firth takes seriously the narrative techniques employed in the books of Samuel and explores the central theme of how the reign of God is worked out in the interplay between king and prophet.
Can welding a gatepost bring glory to God?Does ironing your children's uniforms help you grow as a disciple?Will your new crime prevention strategy do anything to further the kingdom?>With lively Bible teaching and drawing on a wealth of real-life stories, he shows how work was part of God's good plan for men and women - given to us so we can make a creative contribution in his world. Whatever your work, God is interested in it, God can transform it, and God wants to use it - for his glory.
This discussion guide is a safe place to explore questions you may have about Jesus on your own or with a group. You'll take a closer look at John's narrative to discover more about who Jesus was, how he lived, and what that may mean for your life.This study is full of historical information, challenging questions and thought-provoking quotes, but it won't answer all your questions. In fact it may bring up new ones. What it will do is get you started on your journey toward faith.
Are you afraid to share your faith? Do you think you'll say the wrong thing? Then this is the resource for you.Rebecca Manley Pippert has spent over 25 years introducing people to Jesus. In this guide she draws from her experience to show you how you can overcome your fears and speak confidently to others about the love of Christ. She'll help you find a witnessing style that is comfortable and effective.
An Old Testament background to our understanding of Christ. A demonstration of how the leading themes of the Old Testament are fulfilled, and climax, in Jesus Christ.
The Global Dictionary of Theology' is inspired by the shift of the centre of Christianity from the West to the global South. But it also reflects the increase in two-way traffic between these two sectors as well as the global awareness that has permeated popular culture to an unprecedented degree. 'The Global Dictionary of Theology' has approximately 250 articles written by over 100 contributors representing a global spectrum of theological perspectives. The full range of standard theological topics are represented, but in addition to the Western tradition the GDT canvasses the array of theologies that are currently being worked out around the globe. Many articles are composite in nature and achieve a sort of conversation between more than one global perspective. The GDT surveys, describes and classifies the rich variety of theological perspectives that have grown in local and diverse soils around the globe. In an age of unprecedented global awareness, the GDT will become a standard launching point of theological research that will enrich every student's understanding of theology. Moving beyond mission theology, it explores the local and global theological fruit of the inculturation of the gospel.
A doctrinal handbook for those who want to get an overall grasp of the main teachings of the Christian faith, divided into clear sections for reference and study, with full bibliographies.
With over 60,000 copies in print since its original publication in 1984, 'Ethics' has served numerous generations of students as a classic introduction to philosophical ethics from a Christian perspective. Over the years the philosophical landscape has changed somewhat, and in this new edition Arthur Holmes adjusts the argument and information throughout, completely rewriting the earlier chapter on virtue ethics and adding a new chapter on the moral agent. The book addresses the questions: What is good? What is right? How can we know? In doing so it also surveys a variety of approaches to ethics, including cultural relativism, emotivism, ethical egoism and utilitarianism - all with an acknowledgment of the new postmodern environment.
David Bebbington's 'Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s', published in 1989, offered an intriguing hypothesis regarding the genesis of this movement. He argued that evangelical religion had emerged as a substantially new entity through trans-Atlantic evangelical revival in the 1730s, and had taken a collaborative rather than antithetical stance towards the Enlightenment. In both respects, Bebbington distanced himself from older interpretations that had held the opposite view. Now, after nearly two decades, the 'Bebbington thesis' has gained very wide international acceptance, and a review of its central contentions and implications is appropriate. In this stimulating volume, numerous scholars from arts and theology faculties on both sides of the Atlantic, representing several countries, and united by an admiration of Bebbington's work, take up various aspects of the 1989 volume and offer re-assessments. David Bebbington himself offers a substantial response.
Broken, desperate and humiliated, I entered the house. When I saw Steve and Katherine, my heart felt like it was going to explode in agony. They did not deserve this madness in their lives ...'Cut off by a dense fog of post-natal depression and anxiety, Hazel Rolston felt pushed beyond the edge. But when the grim voice of Despair offered her the path of suicide, she knew instinctively that this was not God's way for her.Hazel doesn't offer us a formula for instant escape. But she does remind us that God is there, even if our feelings say the opposite. No matter how bad things feel, God is faithful to his wounded, broken people beyond the edge.
Tired? Trapped? Troubled?>Work-life balance problems? Paul Valler has been there. Based on firsthand experience of a pressurized life Paul digs deep to uncover the root cause of our symptoms and shows how gaining a strong identity and clear purpose enables us to make winning choices. Bite-sized chapters and thoughtful questions make it possible for even the most committed workaholic to get a life.
Dave Bookless takes us right into the heart of his family and shows how living simply, besides honouring God, can be an exciting adventure.
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