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Cultivating a Christian vision for all of lifeChristian discipleship is a lifelong process that should steadily change everything about us--the way we view the world, the way we think, and the way we interact with other people and with our culture.In Mere Discipleship, Alister E. McGrath encourages us to move beyond a superficial grasp of our faith to discover its depth and riches, seeing discipleship as a process of growth in wisdom wherein we absorb a Christian vision of reality, allow it to percolate, and then let it inform how we think, love, and act. Drawing particularly on the astute insights of Dorothy L. Sayers, C. S. Lewis, John Stott, and J. I. Packer, McGrath illuminates how we can hold on to hope and live meaningfully in a world where things don't always seem to make sense. If you long for a robust faith that makes a real difference in the way you experience your everyday life, let McGrath be your guide."Alister McGrath invariably combines enormous scholarship with an accessible and engaging style."--Rowan Williams, master of Magdalene College, University of Cambridge"Alister McGrath offers an appealing and lucid demonstration of theology understood as a 'reflective inhabitation' of the Christian faith. This wise and elegant book shows the urgent importance of a Christian mind for faithful discipleship that engages the contemporary world. It is essential reading for every pastor and thoughtful Christian layperson."--Jeffrey P. Greenman, president of Regent CollegeAlister E. McGrath is the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University and director of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion. He is the author of many books, including the international bestseller The Dawkins Delusion? McGrath also serves as the Gresham Professor of Divinity, a public professorship in the City of London, established in 1597, that promotes the public engagement of theology with the leading issues of the day.

A biblical study of spiritual gifts and the Holy SpiritFew issues in evangelicalism are as thorny or as enduring as the issue of spiritual gifts. Did miraculous signs and wonders, such as speaking in tongues, cease with the closing of the canon? Or does God bestow such gifts on his people today? What can we expect once we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit? Are baptism by water and baptism by the Holy Spirit separate events?Eschewing extremes, Bible scholar D. A. Carson explores the controversial subject of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer and in the life of the church. Unpacking 1 Corinthians 12-14, as well as touching on relevant passages in Acts, Carson faithfully follows the evidence of the text and offers an honest look at the strengths and weaknesses of different viewpoints. D. A. Carson (PhD, University of Cambridge) is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The God Who Is There and How Long, O Lord? He is one of the founders of The Gospel Coalition and an active guest lecturer in academic and church settings around the world.

Essential disciplines for a life of faithChristians taking their first steps of faith, as well as experienced believers reexamining their spiritual foundations, will find wisdom in this practical study of the book of Philippians and the fundamental disciplines of the Christian life. To ensure persistent progress in their life of faith, D. A. Carson urges believers to- put the gospel first in their relationships, prayer life, career goals, and personal choices- take the right perspective on the cross, letting it shape their outlook on suffering, witnessing, and persevering for the faith- emulate Christian leaders who model compassion, faithfulness, confidence in Christ, and heavenly mindedness- resolve never to give up the Christian walk, but instead to pursue the same seven virtues Paul enjoins upon the believers in PhilippiThis call to get back to basics clearly exposits one of Paul's best-loved epistles and lays a solid foundation for withstanding the storms that beat upon the house of faith today.D. A. Carson (PhD, University of Cambridge) is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The God Who Is There and How Long, O Lord? He is one of the founders of The Gospel Coalition and an active guest lecturer in academic and church settings around the world.

Discover the magnificence of the character of GodConfused, angry, and hurt after the death of his father, a young R. C. Sproul began his personal search for ultimate truth with these piercing questions: Who are you, God? And why do you do the things you do? In Enjoying God, you'll journey with R. C. Sproul to discover the nature of God through his marvelous and often surprising attributes. In this warm, personal account, Dr. Sproul communicates deep wisdom of God as he shares his earnest, lifelong passion to know God and the profound hope he ultimately found in the attributes of God. He encourages each one of us to dig deep and seek the God who is alive, who is real, and who is love.R. C. Sproul (1939-2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Florida. He was also founding pastor of Saint Andrew's Chapel in Sanford, Florida, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. His radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, colleges, and seminaries around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone's a Theologian. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible.

"Thirty-five years ago, Richard Foster introduced a generation to the spiritual disciplines. Now his son introduces another generation to both the glories and the frustrations of seeking to practice them--to master and be mastered by the craft and art of the spiritual life. This is a book of honesty and hope."--John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church; author of Soul KeepingMore than thirty years after his father's classic book brought them to the masses, Nathan Foster took his own unique path into the spiritual disciplines. As he sought day by day to develop habits that would enable him to live more like Jesus, he encountered problems both universal and personal. Along the way, he found creative new ways to practice the disciplines and discovered that a vital, conversational relationship with God was truly within his grasp.Now he invites you to join him on the journey. You may just find that holy habits are truly possible for all. "Nathan Foster has written about the Christian life not impersonally and objectively but as a participant. Read this book and find yourself a new companion as you follow Jesus."-- Eugene H. Peterson, professor emeritus of spiritual theology, Regent College"Delightful . . . simply delightful. Nathan's reflections on the spiritual disciplines are honest, fresh, and insightful. Read and be blessed."--Ruth Haley Barton, founder of the Transforming Center; author of Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership and Sacred Rhythms"Nathan has a unique voice so badly needed today. He is a storyteller whose raw honesty disarms the reader and allows us to join him, without fear of judgment, on a journey toward an imperfect sainthood."--James Bryan Smith, associate professor of religion, Friends University; executive director of the Apprentice Institute; author of The Apprentice SeriesNathan Foster is director of community life at Renovaré. Formerly he served as the Andrews Chair in Spiritual Formation at Spring Arbor University and the pastor of spiritual formation at a Free Methodist church in Jackson, Michigan. Nathan is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified addictions counselor and he plays bass in the indie rock band Istra Blue. Learn more at nathanfosterprojects.com.

"This carefully argued book urges evangelical Christians to reexamine the potential of historical-critical biblical criticism. The authors seek not universal acceptance of what they propose so much as fresh evangelical engagement with questions involving the methods of biblical criticism--and therefore with Scripture itself. In this aim they succeed admirably."--Mark A. Noll, University of Notre Dame "Hays and Ansberry provide evangelical students with something they rarely see: a discussion of the major critical issues in biblical studies combined with a respectful, discerning appreciation for the biblical text as scripture. Too often students must choose between academic rigor and personal belief. A well-written volume treating these issues is a rare gift to a new generation of students now looking at many of these issues for the very first time."--Gary M. Burge, Wheaton College "A learned and pastoral collection of essays calling for evangelicals to engage with and integrate into their faith the genuine insights of historical criticism. The contributors exhibit the courage to give both faith and historical criticism the respect they deserve. This volume is a welcome addition to the growing number of evangelical voices calling for a reassessment of an evangelical doctrine of Scripture, not as an attack but for the end goal of supporting and enriching the evangelical movement."--Peter Enns, Eastern University "Chris Hays and Chris Ansberry engage in the courageous task of showing how evangelical scholars can soberly address the hot-potato issues in biblical scholarship, even appropriate many critical insights, without selling out on what evangelicals traditionally believe. This is the type of discussion on faith and criticism that evangelical scholarship has needed for years."--Michael Bird, Ridley Melbourne College of Mission and Ministry, Australia "A project like this is long overdue. Our students need to read essays and books that will not only orient them to the goals and methods of critical biblical scholarship but also provide them with a sieve with which to sift what they are reading. While a book of this sort could deal with two dozen or more critical subjects, the editors have chosen eight that scream the most loudly for attention. The contributors handle controversial notions with integrity, seriousness, respect, and a commitment to fairness."--Daniel I. Block, Wheaton College

A leading Matthean scholar blends exegesis, history of interpretation, and theological reflection to offer illuminating studies on the First Gospel.

What does the Bible actually tell us about the end times, and how has the church traditionally understood it? In a clear and accessible manner, Kim Riddlebarger presents and defends amillennialism--the belief that the millennium is a present reality centered in Christ's heavenly reign, not a future hope of Christ's rule on earth after his return--as the historic Protestant understanding of the millennial age. Recognizing that eschatology--the study of future things--is a complicated and controversial subject, Riddlebarger begins with definitions of key terminology and an overview of various viewpoints and related biblical themes. He then discusses key passages of Scripture that bear upon the millennial age, including Daniel 9, Matthew 24, Romans 11, and Revelation 20. Finally, he evaluates the main problems facing each of the major millennial positions and cautions us to be aware of the consequences of each view.This expanded edition includes a new foreword from Michael Horton, a new chapter on the antichrist, a new chapter on signs of the end, and several helpful charts and indexes. "For combining thorough exegesis, readability, and lucid argumentation on this important subject, this volume has no peers."--Michael Horton, author of Christless Christianity "By careful examination of the key biblical passages, Dr. Riddlebarger will help and encourage Christians both to understand the real teaching of the Bible and to appropriate the blessing of this truth."--W. Robert Godfrey, president and professor of church history, Westminster Theological Seminary in California "Carefully argued, clearly and charitably written, this work brings needed balance and sense to the debate over the subject of the millennium."--Cornelis P. Venema, author of The Promise of the Future Kim Riddlebarger (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is senior pastor of Christ Reformed Church in Anaheim, California, and visiting professor of systematic theology at Westminster Seminary California. He is also a co-host of the White Horse Inn radio program, a contributor to Modern Reformation magazine, and the author of The Man of Sin.

The Bondage of the Will is fundamental to an understanding of the primary doctrines of the Reformation. In these pages, Luther gives extensive treatment to what he saw as the heart of the gospel.Free will was no academic question to Luther; the whole gospel of the grace of God, he believed, was bound up with it and stood or fell according to the way one understood it. Luther affirms our total inability to save ourselves and the sovereignty of divine grace in our salvation. He upholds the doctrine of justification by faith and defends predestination as determined by the foreknowledge of God.This accurate translation by J. I. Packer and O. R. Johnston captures the vitality of Luther's treatise, thereby conveying its relevance to our lives today. The translators write, "Do we not stand in urgent need of such teaching as Luther here gives us--teaching which humbles man, strengthens faith, and glorifies God?"

This volume offers a brief but reliable introduction to the use of the Old Testament in the Gospels' portrayals of Jesus. "This balanced and informed survey of a fascinating and controversial topic--Jesus and Scripture--should serve students well. A first-rate introduction."--Dale C. Allison, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary "Recent study of the New Testament has demonstrated the crucial role played by Scripture in the development of the tradition. In this study of Jesus and Scripture, Steve Moyise turns to the most fundamental question of all, How did Jesus himself use it? His lucid discussion not only provides an excellent survey of the topic but also introduces students to the interlocking problems of the reliability of the tradition and the relationships of the Gospels to one another."--Morna D. Hooker, Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity Emerita, University of Cambridge "Steve Moyise's Jesus and Scripture begins with concise assessments of how Jesus used and understood Old Testament Scripture in the four respective New Testament Gospels. Moyise then surveys opinions on the subject from a range of scholars, from those who think Jesus made little or no use of Scripture to those who think that Jesus made extensive use of Scripture. This excellent book strikes the right balance and brings clarity to a subject that is often discussed in convoluted and confusing ways. Its value for students is obvious, but veteran scholars will also find it very helpful."--Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Acadia Divinity College

Hans Urs von Balthasar is widely recognized as perhaps the greatest Catholic theologian of the twentieth century. No writer has better revealed the spiritual greatness of the revelation to which the art of the church and the historic liturgies bear witness. Yet students and nonspecialist readers often find Balthasar daunting and difficult. This volume is the ideal introduction to his work. It unlocks the treasure of his theology by focusing on the beautiful, the good, and the true. These are the three qualities of being around which his great trilogy--The Glory of the Lord, Theo-Drama, and Theo-Logic--revolves. Though brief, the book captures the essence of what Balthasar wished to say."Combining profundity of thought with lucidity of expression, Aidan Nichols offers a penetrating discussion of Balthasar's participation metaphysic. The fruit of decades of reading the German theologian, this little gem captures the unity of his massive trilogy on beauty, goodness, and truth by way of devotional exposition, thereby reminding us of theology's basis in prayer and purpose of holiness. Few theological books are as pertinent, both culturally and doxologically, as this exercise in epistemological optimism!"--Hans Boersma, J. I. Packer Professor of Theology, Regent College

C. K. Barrett's exegetical prowess, evidenced in his volumes on the First and Second Epistles to the Corinthians, also in the Black's series, has long been appreciated in the world of biblical studies. His verse-by-verse exposition in The Epistle to the Romans further enhances our understanding of the book of Romans, early Christianity, the apostle Paul and his theology, and the New Testament. A master of thoroughness, historical backgrounds, and ancient languages, Barrett offers insights for scholars, ministers, students, and anyone who wants to know more about Paul's Epistle to the Romans. Black's New Testament Commentary series presents a reliable and enlightening exposition of the New Testament for the modern reader. Written by highly respected biblical scholars, each commentary offers a paragraph-by-paragraph exposition based on the author's own, fresh translation of the biblical text.

This lucid study shows how early Christians used the interpretive tools of Greco-Roman culture to build an alternative Christian culture on the basis of the biblical text.

The role of the Holy Spirit in the development of the early church was absolutely crucial as the New Testament documents were being written and circulated. However many first-century believers, often unacquainted with the Old Testament, had little knowledge of the work of God's Spirit. Therefore the New Testament writers sought to explain his character and mission in the events they recorded and through the letters they penned. Nevertheless, many Christians today have only a vague understanding of the Holy Spirit--the comfort he offers, the gifts he imparts--but few could articulate his vital role in the life of every believer. Taking a "text-driven" approach, Warrington moves beyond the controversy and sensationalism associated with charismatic phenomena to examine the third person of the Trinity himself. Progressing from Matthew to Revelation, this in-depth study allows the scriptures to speak out of their original contextual situations and into our lives today. Readers will gain an appreciation of the Spirit as a complex, wise, creative, powerful, and personal member of the Godhead who is sent to equip, empower, affirm, inspire, gift, and ultimately transform the people of God. Each chapter concludes with helpful study questions and a useful bibliography.

Expert help for understanding the BibleEach volume in the Understanding the Bible Commentary Series breaks down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. They present a careful section-by-section exposition of the biblical books with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Greek transliterated. Notes at the close of each chapter provide additional textual and technical comments for those who want to dig deeper. A bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes are also included. Pastors, students, and Bible teachers will find in this series a commitment to accessibility without sacrificing serious scholarship.As the author of this commentary explains, the very first word of John's composition, "revelation," is an essential clue for the interpreter of Revelation. The primary intent of this literature is to reveal the "mysteries of God" to believers presently experiencing oppression and suffering. This commentary will help you discover the meaning behind complex ideas and images found in this last book of the Bible.Robert W. Wall is the Paul T. Walls Professor of Scripture and Wesleyan Studies at Seattle Pacific University. In addition to his commentary on Revelation, he has authored numerous journal articles and several books, including commentaries on Colossians/Philemon, James, Acts, and the Pastoral Epistles.

The temple in Jerusalem was both the center of ancient Israel's religious life and also an economic center for the nation. In this groundbreaking study of the economic functions of the Jerusalem temple, Marty E. Stevens, who worked for fifteen years as a certified public accountant prior to getting a PhD in Old Testament, demonstrates that the temple acted as the central bank, internal revenue collector, source of loans, and even debt collector for ancient Israel. Applying a broad knowledge of temple-systems throughout the ancient Near East, Stevens sheds light on the roles played by various officials mentioned in Scripture and their tasks within the temple complex. Neither "Big Brother" nor "big business," the temple still served government and commerce in the course of conducting its religious functions. This fascinating book opens new avenues for understanding the Jerusalem temple and its impact on Israelite society."Professor Stevens has generously provided both the guild and the church a marvelously accessible study of the economic role of the temple in ancient Israel. She brings to her analysis the precision of an accountant, the judiciousness of a historian, and the passion of an educator. Her work will prove to be an indispensable reference work and an engaging textbook."--William P. Brown, professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary"This study presents an entirely new way of looking at the Jerusalem temples and their personnel. Stevens brings to light the most neglected aspect of temple life in most previous scholarship, that is, the commercial role it played in the culture of its times. She has introduced fresh ways of conceiving its function as the power behind the throne and nation."--John M. Halligan, professor emeritus of biblical studies, St. John Fisher College

What don't Christians believe? Is Jesus really divine? Is Jesus really human? Can God suffer? Can people be saved by their own efforts?The early church puzzled over these questions, ruling in some beliefs and ruling out others. Heresies and How to Avoid Them explains the principal ancient heresies and shows why contemporary Christians still need to know about them. These famous detours in Christian believing seemed plausible and attractive to many people in the past, and most can still be found in modern-day guises. By learning what it is that Christians don't believe--and why--believers today can gain a deeper, truer understanding of their faith."This is a deeply refreshing book, full of exciting ideas. It manages both to be generous to the heretics and to show the beauty of orthodoxy. It is theologically profound while being immensely readable."--Timothy Radcliffe, former Master of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans)"This is broadband, big-picture theology, brightly clear and easy to read--not in the least bit 'dogmatic' in the contemporary, negative sense of that word."--The Very Rev Dr Paul Zahl, former rector, All Saints Church, Maryland; former president and dean, Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, Pennsylvania

F. Scott Spencer's reading offers a guide through the book of Acts, charting both narrative features (plot development, character development, and shifting points of view) and cultural scenarios informing the story (honor-shame contests, patron-client relations, and purity-pollution boundaries). Within this "literary-cultural" framework, Spencer maps the time, place, and circumstance of each segment of the Acts journey. The element of surprise is maximized so the commentary reads like a first-time exploration of the text."It is the one commentary available in English today that is genuinely fresh and exciting in its engagement with the text of Acts. I have used it in every course I have taught on Acts since it first appeared in 1997 and regularly recommend it to pastors at conferences where I am presenting on Acts."--Joel B. Green, Fuller Theological Seminary"A fresh nineteen-page introduction and expanded bibliography enhances Spencer's solid, tested, and proven literary-cultural commentary. This new edition testifies to its welcome acceptance by a wide range of readers. Spencer has successfully met the desires of a broader audience for up-to-date scholarly interpretations of the Acts of the Apostles. The engaging style of his stimulating book continues to provide a satisfying experience for every reader."--John J. Pilch, Georgetown University"Finally, we have a fresh and evocative reading of Acts that is fully conversant with the vast and sometimes intimidating world of Lukan scholarship, a richly nuanced and compelling reading of Acts that is more than a catalog of competing opinions. Spencer's crisp and delightfully clear writing provides a provocative engagement with the social and literary questions that most interest contemporary interpreters. This self-consciously theological reading of Acts will enliven and enlighten both the pew and the academy for years to come. No serious student of Acts will want to be without this commentary."--Thomas E. Phillips, Point Loma Nazarene University

"The Social World of the New Testament: Insights and Models" surveys essential contributions made by leading scholars of the social-scientific approach to New Testament studies. Including important essays by Bruce J. Malina and John J. Pilch, among others, this book acts as a comprehensive collection of the most important essays and articles in the field. Included are topics vital to the social scientific interpretation of the New Testament, organized under three headings: INSTITUTIONS- Kinship: All in the Family: Kinship in Agrarian Roman Palestine--K. C. Hanson- The Patron-Client Institution: God in the Letter of James: Patron or Benefactor?--Alicia Batten- Economics: Jesus and Agrarian Palestine: The Factor of Debt--Douglas E. Oakman CULTURE- Honor and Shame: Loss of Wealth, Loss of Family, Loss of Honor: The Cultural Context of the Original Makarisms in Q--Jerome H. Neyrey, SJ- Purity: The Epistle of James in Rhetorical and Social-Scientific Perspective: Holiness-Wholeness and Patterns of Replication-- John H. Elliott- Social Location: Was Jesus a Peasant: Implications for Reading the Jesus Tradition (Luke 10:30-35)--Douglas E. Oakman- Social Location: The Social Location of the Markan Audience--Richard L. Rohrbaugh- Gender: Who Should Be Called "Father"? Paul of Tarsus between the Jesus Tradition and Patria Potestas--S. Scott Bartchy- Space: "Teaching You in Public and from House to House" (Acts 20:20): Unpacking a Cultural Stereotype--Jerome H. Neyrey, SJ- Healing: Healing in Luke-Acts--John J. Pilch- Evil Eye: Paul, Galatians, and the Evil Eye-- John H. Elliott- Limited Good: "He Must Increase, I Must Decrease"(John 3:30): A Cultural and Social Interpretation--Richard L. Rohrbaugh and Jerome H. Neyrey MODAL PERSONALITY- Modal Personality: Ancient Mediterranean Persons in Cultural Perspective: Portrait of Paul--Jerome H. Neyrey, SJ and Bruce J. Malina