Religion & Spirituality - Books

La differenza cristiana

Religion & Spirituality

È ancora possibile una chiesa che sia presidio di autentico umanesimo, spazio di dialogo e di recupero di principî condivisi, luogo di confronto tra etiche e atteggiamenti individuali e sociali diversi? E la laicità dello stato sa essere l'ambito in cui tutti, anche gli stranieri, si possono sentire accolti, capiti e rispettati nella loro diversità di cultura e religione? Una grande sfida attende oggi la nostra società complessa: la quotidiana lotta contro il ritorno della barbarie e la scomparsa di principî condivisi e fecondi di senso. Queste riflessioni accolgono gli stimoli che vengono da eventi ordinari, ma vorrebbero aiutare a «pensare in grande», a cogliere nel frammento qualcosa del tutto, a ridare dignità e ampiezza di visione a prospettive troppo spesso tentate di ripiegarsi su un angusto cortile.

The Evidences of the Christian Religion

Religion & Spirituality

Lucid and logical, The Evidences of the Christian Religion by A. Alexander is thought provoking. Astutely appealing to the reason of men to ascertain the truth of his arguments as he presents evidences for Christianity, he truly believes that this noble faculty was definitely given to man to assist him in choosing everything, including which belief system to follow! Alexander helps one to judge correctly and assent to the truth. Helps to show why Christianity is true and reasonable! Convincing!

What Is the Gospel?

Religion & Spirituality

Many people think that since God is good, He will accept us as long as we lead good lives. But this isn’t good news, because none of us is as good as God. If left to ourselves, we will receive what our lives actually deserve: His judgment. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains the gospel, God’s good news for sinful people like us. While we could never save ourselves from His just condemnation, God calls us to trust in His Son, Jesus Christ, who alone can redeem us through His righteous life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

A Community Called Atonement

Religion & Spirituality

Over the centuries the church developed a number of metaphors, such as penal substitution or the ransom theory, to speak about Christ's death on the cross and the theological concept of the atonement. Yet too often, says Scot McKnight, Christians have held to the supremacy of one metaphor over against the others, to their detriment. He argues instead that to plumb the rich theological depths of the atonement, we must consider all the metaphors of atonement and ask whether they each serve a larger purpose.A Community Called Atonement is a constructive theology that not only values the church's atonement metaphors but also asserts that the atonement fundamentally shapes the life of the Christian and of the church. That is, Christ identifies with humans to call us into a community that reflects God's love (the church)--but that community then has the responsibility to offer God's love to others through missional practices of justice and fellowship, living out its life together as the story of God's reconciliation. Scot McKnight thus offers an accessible, thought-provoking theology of atonement that engages the concerns of those in the emerging church conversation and will be of interest to all those in the church and academy who are listening in.

The Christian's Combat Against the Devil

Religion & Spirituality

Christopher Love (1618-1651) was a fiery and practical Puritan preacher. How does the Christian overcome sinful temptations, and fight successfully against the kingdom of darkness lead by the Devil himself? In this work on Ephesians 6:13-17, Christopher Love explains how the armor of God gives the reader a stratagem to wage war against the Devil and his darkness. Love shows the nature, power, and cunning deceit of Satan, the great enemy of our salvation, and subsequently demonstrates the means by which every good Christian may withstand his dreadful assaults. One cannot engage in spiritual warfare unless they know the weapons of their warfare, which are not earthly, but spiritual. Love will show Christians what those weapons are, and how to use them effectively against the assaults of the Devil. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.

A Call to the Unconverted to Turn and Live

Religion & Spirituality

This is an electronic edition of the complete book complemented by author biography. This book features a table of contents linked to every chapter. The book was designed for optimal navigation on the iPad, PDA, Smartphone, and other electronic readers. It is formatted to display on all electronic devices including the iPad, Smartphones and other Mobile Devices with a small display.

Ripe for Damnation: Sermons On the Book of Revelation

Religion & Spirituality

Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) was one of the greatest reformed preachers of the Gospel of Christ. From the book of Revelation Edwards draws six texts, four to teach the plight of the wicked in hell, and two to teach the strengthening and bliss of the saints in heaven: Ripe for Damnation, from Rev. 14:18-19 on God’s vintage winepress of wrath against the wicked. The Dangers of Decline, from Rev. 2:4-5 concerning the saint’s leaving their first love. Cold Nor Hot, from Rev. 3:15 concerning the manner in which wicked men profess to be Christian but live like heathen. Approaching the End of God’s Grand Design, from Rev. 21:6 concerning the God’s plan to glorify himself in the wicked and the just. Serving God in Heaven, from Revelation 22:3 concerning the saint’s service to Christ for eternity. And, The Lamb’s Book of Life, from Rev. 6:15-16 concerning the plight of the wicked before Christ's wrath. This is not a scan or facsimile and has been updated in modern English for easy reading.

The Nature, Danger and Cure of Temptation

Religion & Spirituality

Richard Capel (1586–1656) was a puritan divine and fiery preaching of the Gospel, who was invited to sit on the Westminster Assembly. In this masterful treatise on temptation, Capel explains what temptation is, what it means that one is drawn aside into temptation, what being enticed to sin means, and what it means to be tempted to lust (lust being a hinge for all temptation). He gives general rules for dealing with temptations, as well as specific remedies to fight against them. He shows that no temptations can be won over without the power of Christ through the Spirit, and how that work is accomplished in God’s people. A most excellent section to this treatise is Capel’s vivid depiction of how one sin will give way to other sins; a section worth its weight in gold to the glory of Jesus Christ. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.

Finally Alive

Religion & Spirituality

When Jesus said to Nicodemus, 'You must be born again', the devout and learned religious leader was unsure what Jesus meant. It would seem nothing has changed. Today 'born again Christians' fill churches that are seen as ineffectual at best, and even characterised by the 'mosaic' generation as 'unchristian'. The term 'born again' has been devalued both in society and in the church. Those claiming to be 'born again' live lives that are indistinguishable from those who don't; they sin the same, embrace injustice the same, covert the same, do almost everything the same. Being 'born again' is now defined by what people say they believe. The New Testament however defines Christians very differently. "When Jesus said to Nicodemus, "You must be born again" (John 3:7), he was not sharing interesting and unimportant information. He was leading him to eternal life... If he does that for you (or if he already has), then you are (or you will be) truly, invincibly, finally alive." John Piper

Resurrección

Religion & Spirituality

Ofrecemos este último tomo de Portavoz de la Gracia—Resurrección. El pueblo de Dios necesita que esta bendita y alentadora verdad llegue a sus corazones. Es realmente alimento para el alma hambrienta del creyente. Charles Spurgeon abre el camino enseñándonos la importancia de la resurrección como una verdad del evangelio. Incluso en sus tiempos muchos estaban desviando o distorsionando esa doctrina esencial. J. C. Ryle destaca el gran contraste entre el hecho de la resurrección y la lentitud de los discípulos en creerla. Albert N. Martin luego nos presenta cuatro verdades acerca de la resurrección de Cristo de entre los muertos que magnifica su gloria y esplendor. ¿Cuáles son las evidencias de la resurrección de nuestro Señor? William S. Plumer las examina y nos la detalla, y luego Thomas Manton describe los numerosos beneficios que los creyentes reciben de él: ¡qué impresionante cofre del tesoro! George Whitefield, poderoso predicador del Gran Despertar, explica el poder de la resurrección en el alma del cristiano, y David Martyn Lloyd-Jones demuestra la conexión crucial entre la resurrección de Cristo y la vida diaria del creyente. Para terminar, Charles Spurgeon tiene la última palabra sobre este tema glorioso: ¡nos dice que Cristo fue el primero en resucitar y que por eso, la resurrección del creyente está garantizada! ¡Alabemos el nombre del Señor! Jesucristo murió en la cruz del Calvario y resucitó para salvar a su pueblo de la pena, el placer, el poder y algún día de la presencia del pecado. Amados hijos de Dios, que este número de Portavoz de la Gracia avive el fuego de su amor por la resurrección del Señor de gloria y llene sus corazones de un gozo inefable y pleno de gloria. Que nuestra predicación y nuestro evangelio incluyan siempre la verdad eterna y transformadora que cambió toda la historia humana: “¡Ciertamente el Señor ha resucitado!” Servimos a un Salvador resucitado.

The Doctrine of Human Depravity

Religion & Spirituality

Another quality eBook from Chapel Library. This book “is likely to meet with a decidedly mixed reception. Some of our readers will probably be very disappointed when they see the title, deeming the subject quite unattractive Medicine is proverbially unpleasant, but there are times when all of us find it necessary and beneficial…Surely that which most glorifies God is to declare all His counsel, to insist on that which puts man in his proper place before Him, and to emphasize those portions and aspects of the truth which our generation is most in need of. As we shall endeavor to show, our theme is one of immense doctrinal importance and of great practical value, since it is a subject which occupies so prominent a place in God’s Word. Is man a totally and thoroughly depraved creature by nature?...According as is our answer to that question, so will be our views on many others…Any attempt to modify or abate, repudiate or tone down the teaching of Scripture thereon is fatal.”—A.W. Pink, from the Introduction

The Great Learning (Unabridged)

Religion & Spirituality

This carefully crafted ebook: “The Great Learning (Unabridged)” is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. The philosophy of Confucius emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. His followers competed successfully with many other schools during the Hundred Schools of Thought era only to be suppressed in favor of the Legalists during the Qin Dynasty. Following the victory of Han over Chu after the collapse of Qin, Confucius's thoughts received official sanction and were further developed into a system known as Confucianism. Confucius is traditionally credited with having authored or edited many of the Chinese classic texts including all of the Five Classics, but modern scholars are cautious of attributing specific assertions to Confucius himself. Aphorisms concerning his teachings were compiled in the Analects, but only many years after his death. Confucius's principles had a basis in common Chinese tradition and belief. He championed strong family loyalty, ancestor worship, respect of elders by their children of husbands by their wives. He also recommended family as a basis for ideal government. He espoused the well-known principle "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself", an early version of the Golden Rule. Confucius (551–479 BC) was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history.

In Gratitude to Pegasus

Religion & Spirituality

In Gratitude to Pegasus charts Tim Marshall’s journey through mental illness and recovery. It is divided into sections that reflect the different stages he experienced.With many creative gifts he found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on developing any of them fully in order to pursue a career. Tim joined a Christian community and during a quiet time of prayer he had a life changing spiritual awakening which led him to relentlessly search for its meaning for the rest of his life.Tim’s passion was frequenting bookshops with a keen eye for anything of a metaphysical nature. He studied the teachings of the ancient spiritual masters and became enchanted with many of the modern mystics, always searching for answers for the meaning of life and to put some light on his experiences in the Christian community. Tim learnt many meditation techniques and these played a pivotal role in his recovery from an ‘episode’.It was Tim’s wish to write a book in order to help fellow sufferers. He felt strongly this need to help people. After the diagnosis of an aggressive sarcoma in 2009, Tim was feeling the pressure to write his book. Time was running out.I feel blessed to have had Tim in my life. I have learnt so much from him and travelled along with him on his spiritual journey. I feel especially privileged being able to gather his poems, along with his drawings and personal reflections and to bring them all together. I don’t think Tim realised that his book was already written, the book that he hoped would help fellow sufferers. Despite all his suffering he remained a loving and thoughtful son. Tim insisted on calling these breakdowns, or episodes, ‘breakthroughs’, and likened it to peeling away the onion layers.Tim said to me once after recovering from an episode, ‘Mum, this is who I am!’ I think this sums up Tim’s spirit, his ability to see the positive meaning in life despite his circumstances and by his very nature to inspire others.Ruth Marshall

The Saint's Treasury

Religion & Spirituality

Updated to Modern English"The Saint's Treasury" by Jeremiah Burroughs is a deeply insightful theological work that comprises a series of sermons. Each sermon addresses a distinct spiritual theme, articulating the profound nature of Christian faith and practice. The contents include explorations of the exceptional nature and holiness of God, the central role of Christ in the believer's life, the joy of experiencing heavenly things through faith, the contrast between the natural man's subjection to the law and the Christian's liberty through the Gospel, and reflections on preparing for Judgment. This book offers rich, scripturally grounded insights, making it an invaluable resource for deepening one's understanding of these key aspects of Christian doctrine and life.The book presents a theology deeply rooted in the Puritan tradition, emphasizing the centrality of Christ in the Christian faith. Burroughs' teachings focus on the necessity of understanding and acknowledging Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. He underscores the belief that no blessings or grace can be received from God except through Christ, a cornerstone of Puritan theology. This perspective is particularly evident in his emphasis on the mediation of Christ as essential for salvation and the reception of divine mercy.

Overcoming Sin and Temptation

Religion & Spirituality

The writings of John Owen are a challenge to any reader, to say the least. His intricacy and complexity are intimidating and his language is downright befuddling at times. However, the depth of thought and the immense value of Owen's works cannot be quantified. His three classic works on sin and temptation are profoundly helpful to any believer who seeks to become more like Jesus Christ. In this volume, the editors have made updates to the language, translated the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew and footnoted difficult or unknown phrases, all without sacrificing any of the wonderful content of Owen's work. It is a uniquely accessible edition of John Owen's previously daunting work.

God's Rainbow Armor: The Light

Religion & Spirituality

God has given us the Rainbow as a sign, but also as a proof of many things. In this book I discuss God's armor of light and its benefits.

The Unwritten Wonders of the Grace of Christ

Religion & Spirituality

Another quality eBook from Chapel Library. In this message on John 21:25, Bonar considers what kind of wonderful works and words our Lord did above and beyond what are found written in holy Scripture. They were works of power, majesty, suffering, prayer, zeal, and pity. He closes with these thoughts: "Shall we not feel how well He deserved all our trust and love, how worthy He was of loudest praise, and honor, and blessing? Shall we not be ashamed to think that there actually was one period, nay, one day of our lives, when we did not love and trust and honor and praise Him? Shall we not be amazed to think, that one hard, one suspicious, one unbelieving thought, could ever have arisen within us? Shall we not be humbled at the remembrance of having so often treated with coldness, and disesteem, and neglect, this Being of beings, this Brother of brothers—so often brought dishonor upon this Name of names!"

The Doctrine of Justification By Faith

Religion & Spirituality

"That we are 'justified by faith,' is so frequently and so expressly affirmed in the Scripture, as that it cannot directly and in terms by any be denied." Doctrine of Justification is considered the most authoritative tome by Owen, both in terms of the subject of justification, but also as a high-mark of Owen's caliber of thought. The arrangement of the work is heavily theological by nature, and is composed of extensive exegesis, topical discourses, and a special section covering a selection of Pauline verses. If you have the ability to read heavy theological texts, then this one will surely not disappoint! This electronic edition features an active table of contents. This text contains Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew, and Latin. The Doctrine of Justification by Faith is part of The Fig Classic Series on Post-Reformation Theology. To view more books in our catalog, visit us at fig-books.com.

God's Decrees

Religion & Spirituality

God’s decrees gave rise to creation, providence, and redemption. Before the foundation of the world, this omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent sovereign Lord decreed an unchangeable, eternal plan for everything and everyone He would bring into existence. He purposed to create an astonishing universe that included a magnificent world that would be the habitation of His image-bearers. Not only would He create this glorious theater, He would unfold throughout its ages an extraordinary plan of redemption. He is, therefore, the holy Sovereign of all existing things, people, and events. This issue of the FGB is a companion to the previous one, God’s Eternal Purpose. However, God’s Decrees introduces a number of profound biblical doctrines between its covers; we hope to explore these in greater detail in future issues—the sovereignty of God, predestination, election and reprobation, creation, and providence. Dear pastors, preach these themes to God’s hungry sheep; it will do them much good, especially in the days ahead; and it will bring much glory to God. Parents, ground your children in these soul-anchoring truths. They will need them. God's Decrees (FGB #237) Contents The Decrees of God - Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952) God's Decree Defined - Wilhelmus à Brakel (1635-1711) God's Eternal Decrees - David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) God's Glorious Sovereignty - Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952) Foreknowledge - Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952) Election and Predestination - Thomas Boston (1676-1732) Creation - Thomas Watson (c.1620-1686) Providence - William S. Plumer (1802-1880) If God Be for Us - Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

Reading Romans Backwards

Religion & Spirituality

To read Romans from beginning to end, from letter opening to final doxology, is to retrace the steps of Paul. To read Romans front to back was what Paul certainly intended. But to read Romans forward may have kept the full message of Romans from being perceived. Reading forward has led readers to classify Romans as abstract and systematic theology, as a letter unstained by real pastoral concerns.But what if a different strategy were adopted? Could it be that the secret to understanding the relationship between theology and life, the key to unlocking Romans, is to begin at the letter’s end? Scot McKnight does exactly this in Reading Romans Backwards.McKnight begins with Romans 12-16, foregrounding the problems that beleaguered the house churches in Rome. Beginning with the end places readers right in the middle of a community deeply divided between the strong and the weak, each side dug in on their position. The strong assert social power and privilege, while the weak claim an elected advantage in Israel’s history. Continuing to work in reverse, McKnight unpacks the big themes of Romans 9-11--God’s unfailing, but always surprising, purposes and the future of Israel--to reveal Paul’s specific and pastoral message for both the weak and the strong in Rome. Finally, McKnight shows how the widely regarded "universal" sinfulness of Romans 1-4, which is so often read as simply an abstract soteriological scheme, applies to a particular rhetorical character’s sinfulness and has a polemical challenge. Romans 5-8 equally levels the ground with the assertion that both groups, once trapped in a world controlled by sin, flesh, and systemic evil, can now live a life in the Spirit. In Paul’s letter, no one gets off the hook but everyone is offered God’s grace. Reading Romans Backwards places lived theology in the front room of every Roman house church. It focuses all of Romans--Paul’s apostleship, God’s faithfulness, and Christ’s transformation of humanity--on achieving grace and peace among all people, both strong and weak. McKnight shows that Paul’s letter to the Romans offers a sustained lesson on peace, teaching applicable to all divided churches, ancient or modern.

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