Religion & Spirituality - Books

Toward Decentering the New Testament

Religion & Spirituality

Toward Decentering the New Testament is the first introductory text to the New Testament written by an African American woman biblical scholar and an Asian-American male biblical scholar. This text privileges the voices, scholarship, and concerns of minoritized nonwhite peoples and communities. It is written from the perspectives of minoritized voices. The first few chapters cover issues such as biblical interpretation, immigration, Roman slavery, intersectionality, and other topics. Questions raised throughout the text focus readers on relevant contemporary issues and encourage critical reflection and dialogue between student-teachers and teacher-students.

The Gospel-Driven Life

Religion & Spirituality

In his well-received Christless Christianity Michael Horton offered a prophetic wake-up call for a self-centered American church. With The Gospel-Driven Life he turns from the crisis to the solutions, offering his recommendations for a new reformation in the faith, practice, and witness of contemporary Christianity. This insightful book will guide readers in reorienting their faith and the church's purpose toward the good news of the gospel. The first six chapters explore that breaking news from heaven, while the rest of the book focuses on the kind of community that the gospel generates and the surprising ways in which God is at work in the world. Here is fresh news for Christians who are burned out on hype and are looking for hope.

Quo Vadis, Evangelicalism?

Religion & Spirituality

Quo vadis?-Where are you going?-is an appropriate question to ask of the current evangelical movement. To get a bearing on evangelical thought and assess future directions, the editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Andreas J. Köstenberger, has gathered selected addresses from past presidents of the ETS and contributed a thorough introduction and probing epilogue of his own. Covering the early years, the maturing movement, and recent times, the addresses-which span JETS' first fifty years-include discussions of foundational doctrinal issues, exegetical and theological practice and methodology, and current concerns delivered by some of evangelicalism's most distinguished leaders. These presidential addresses give today's scholars a much fuller and deeper appreciation of the history of evangelicalism and their place within it. Readers will also experience great hope for the future of a movement whose best days, by God's grace, are yet to come.

Scandalous

Religion & Spirituality

How are Christians to approach the central gospel teachings concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus? The Bible firmly establishes the historicity of these events and doesn't leave their meanings ambiguous or open to interpretation. Even so, there is an irony and surprising strangeness to the cross. Carson shows that this strange irony has deep implications for our lives as he examines the history and theology of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection.Scandalous highlights important theological truths in accessible and applicable ways. Both amateur theologians and general readers will appreciate how Carson deftly preserves weighty theology while simultaneously noting the broader themes of Jesus' death and resurrection. Through exposition of five primary passages of Scripture, Carson helps us to more fully understand and appreciate the scandal of the cross.

Preacher and Prayer

Religion & Spirituality

Three things make a divine--prayer, meditation, temptation. If you do not pray, God will probably lay you aside from your ministry as he did me, to teach you to pray. Remember Luther's maxim, "To have prayed well is to have studied well." Get your text from God, your thoughts, your words.Recreation to a minister must be as whetting is with the mower--that is, to be used only so far as is necessary for his work. May a physician in plague-time take any more relaxation or recreation than is necessary for his life, when so many are expecting his help in a case of life and death? Will you stand by and see sinners gasping under the pangs of death, and say: "God doth not require me to make myself a drudge to save them?" Is this the voice of ministerial or Christian compassion or rather of sensual laziness and diabolical cruelty?

Power Through Prayer

Religion & Spirituality

Power Through Prayer, by Edward M. Bounds, cuts directly to our most basic need in our walk with the Lord--prayer. Bounds demonstrates how our lack of power, dead churches, convictionless preaching, and fruitless ministries all spring from our prayerlessness. Jesus said, "He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). This passages demonstrates that much abiding, or much tarring in prayer with God--will result in us bearing much fruit. In contrast--a lack of abiding, or lack of prayer, results in a lack of fruit. The body of Christ in this hour needs to rediscover the power of secret prayer. As E. M. Bounds writes, the solution to our bareness, fruitlessness, and spiritual decline in the western church, is not more activity, sermons, or accountability groups--but more hours spent in prayer closets encountering the living God.

Heaven; Where it is, Its Inhabitants, and How to Get There

Religion & Spirituality

PREFACE TO FIRST EDITIONThis little book, upon a subject that is very dear to me, has been carefully revised, and is sent forth in the hope that it may give comfort and edification to many; that the weak may be strengthened, the sorrowing consoled, and the despondent encouraged to look with increased faith to that fairest of fair cities in the “Better Land,” which is the home of the Redeemer and the redeemed.Many books have been published in this country in my name, but none of them with authority, and the only motive inspiring this small volume is that souls may be helped.D. L. MOODY.Northfield, Mass., 1880.PUBLISHER’S NOTE TO SECOND EDITIONThe unprecedented sale of “Heaven,” which has in the four years since its first publication reached almost ninety thousand copies, has caused the plates to become very much worn, and we have taken this occasion in making entirely new electrotype plates, to carefully revise the book and materially improve its mechanical execution. That it may in its improved form go forth to an enlarged mission of usefulness is the hope ofTHE PUBLISHER.Chicago, January 1, 1885.CrossReach Publications

Vain Imaginations In the Worship of God

Religion & Spirituality

Considering American Colonial preachers on public worship gives the contemporary church a scriptural remedy for understanding God’s prescribed requirements. This anthology is compiled of six sermons and one lecture: The Sinfulness of Worshipping God with Men’s Institutions by Samuel Willard from Matthew 15:9.The Vanity of Human Institutions in the Worship of God by Jonathan Dickinson from Gal. 4:9. The Great Sin of Formality in God’s Worship by Joshua Moodey from Hosea 11:12. The Duty of Worshipping God in His House by Nathan Stone from Psalm 5:7. Two unpublished sermons and one lecture from Jonathan Edwards: The Profanation of God’s Holy Worship from Ezekiel 23:36-39; and Provoking the Lord to Jealousy in the Worship of God from 1 Cor. 10:22; and an Appendix: The Holiness of God from Isaiah 6:3. 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.

Conversión

Religion & Spirituality

Contenido: Un cambio radical - Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) Significado, causas y objetos de la conversión - John Gill (1697-1771) Conversión temporal, falsa y verdadera - David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) Convicción y conversión - William S. Plumer (1802-1880) Arrepentimiento y conversión - William S. Plumer (1802-1880) Fe y conversión - William S. Plumer (1802-1880) Siete cosas para considerar - A. W. Pink (1886-1952) ¿Cree usted que se ha convertido? - J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)

Lifting up the Bible

Religion & Spirituality

Read the adventurous story of the creation and building of the world's first museum dedicated solely to one book -- the Bible.Drawing on detailed firsthand accounts, Lifting Up the Bible brings the Museum's creation to life, retelling the full background of the Museum, including the colorful stories of the Museum's characters, concept, collection, and construction. It may be hard to believe an old refrigeration warehouse built in 1923 could be transformed into a museum, let alone one that includes such priceless artifacts, amazing displays, incredible architecture, and state of the art technology. The museum began as a simple idea in the minds of a handful of people. Soon it was reaching out and capturing others -- bringing more and more partners to the table. There was brainstorming followed by sketches. Innovation followed by clarification. Focus followed by concrete plans. And, finally, the moment to go for it. To take that first giant, collective step, trusting that everything would fall into place. The museum is for every single person who desires to learn more about the amazing document that is the Bible. The largest single museum under one roof in Washington D.C., and the first in the world to focus on honoring the Bible, the Museum of the Bible provides guests with an immersive and personalized experience as they see the Bible in a whole new light.

Christian Ethics: A Guide for the Perplexed

Religion & Spirituality

Christian ethics is a most perplexing subject. This Guide takes the reader through the most fundamental issues surrounding the question of Ethics from a Christian perspective: Is ethics a meaningful topic of discourse and can there be such a thing as an ethical argument or ethical persuasion? What is the meaning of the adjective in "Christian Ethics"?Could right behavior be different for Christians than it is for others? Can we turn to the Bible for help? Does the Bible tell us what to do, or give us insight into the good we should aim to achieve, or give us a narrative by which to live? Is it best to think of ethics as a matter of duty, or good, or excellence? If we take the virtue line and say that ethics is about human excellence, doing well as a human being or succeeding at being a good human being then what will we say about humans who cannot achieve excellence? The virtue approach leads us to place friendship as the goal of ethics.

The Missing Family of Jesus

Religion & Spirituality

The Holy Family of Jesus as commonly depicted in religious art is a myth fabricated by the early Christian church. Explaining this assertion, Tobias Churton leads the reader on a fascinating and highly readable quest to discover all that is to be found in the historical sources about Jesus' family background, parentage and siblings and the possibility of his having descendants. When Romanized Christianity decided to bend the historical facts about true early Christianity, Jesus was required to be the only son of God and to have been the product of a virgin birth, so that he could avoid the taint of original sin. Any inconvenient siblings had to be written out of history to prevent them from muddying the theological waters. Even today, in Catholic encyclopedias of the saints, St James the Just (the 'Zadokite'), while regarded as Jesus' brother by the majority of Church Fathers, is instead called the 'son of Alphaeus', deliberately obscuring any theologically compromising family relationship.This investigation is based on a thorough examination of a broad range of sources: the canonical evidence (Gospels and Epistles); apocryphal evidence including the Gnostic gospels and rejected works of early Christianity (including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the works of Josephus, Hegesippus and Eusebius); and myths and legends about 'heirs', known as the Desposynoi, who either travelled to France or remained in Palestine centuries after Jesus. 'It must be the case that behind both the historical and the legendary evidence there exists a missing, truthful picture of the family of Jesus. The task of the book is to establish as much of that truth as is historically possible within the bounds of reasonable probability.' (Churton)

The Works of the Holy Spirit

Religion & Spirituality

These articles were taken from the book Kelso Tracts. Bonar writes on the works of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and the New Testament as well as the love of the Spirit. He also has a chapter entitled “Night, Daybreak, and Clear Day,” which deals with walking in darkness and walking in the light. His last chapter is on the Lord’s Supper, what it is, and what it does. He ends with six brief questions (like a catechism) about the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper points “to the second coming of the Lord, in glory and majesty, to set up his kingdom, and sit down with his people at the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

After the Rapture

Religion & Spirituality

What if you or someone you loved missed out on the Rapture? What happens to those who are left behind? Trusted Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah shares the help and hope people will need as they face the End Times in this timely, easy-to-understand guidebook for believers and non-believers alike.In?After the Rapture,?Dr. David Jeremiah equips you to understand End-Times theology and Bible prophecy. Many people want to understand how the Rapture unfolds, and this is the perfect handbook to share with your unsaved friends and loved ones so they can prepare themselves or cope with the challenges they’ll face after the Rapture. With trusted biblical insight, this book will provide the hope and confidence you need and can share with your loved ones.An ideal witnessing tool and a resource of biblical direction for those seeking answers about what is to come, this life-changing book includes:A detailed look at what the Rapture is, how it happens, and what happens afterwardEye-opening sections on the Rapture, Judgment Day, and the Great TribulationThe information you need to clear up your own confusion and prepare for Christ’s returnA unique, compelling way to share Jesus with those in danger of being left behindValuable questions and answers, Scripture verses, life application, and moreAn epic and vital guide to life after the Rapture, this book is a must-have resource for you to buy for those you fear might be left behind. Help your loved ones understand the End Times and guide them to accept Christ as their Savior.

God's Love

Religion & Spirituality

Dr. R. C. Sproul is one of the most renowned theologians of our time. For over 40 years Dr. Sproul has encouraged, educated, and enlightened millions through his books, teaching, and ministry. God doesn’t just love us. He is love. God’s Love explores the unrelenting love of God, which found its ultimate expression through His Son. This release also explains difficult themes such as the different aspects of God’s nature, how His love coexists with His holiness, and what the Bible means when it mentions God’s hatred. This is a compelling read for all who long to love as God loves.

Empty Cauldrons

Religion & Spirituality

A Pagan Guide to Coping with Depression Whether is it impacting you or a loved one, depression can be difficult to discuss or even acknowledge. Empty Cauldrons explores the isolating influence it can have and why many people resist professional help. With contributions from Pagan clergy, depression sufferers, and therapists, author Terence P Ward creates a picture of depression that draws upon both science and religion. He also shares his own experiences with this common affliction and the spiritual methods he has used for relief. Discover how to draw off miasma, appeal to the gods of the wind, purify yourself with sound, and host a traditional Hellenic ancestor feast. Learn about conducting shadow work, tending a depression shrine, keeping a dream journal, and much more. Throughout the book, Ward compassionately presents dozens of simple strategies for developing a polytheistic relationship with depression, seeking comfort, and rekindling hope. Includes a foreword by M. Macha Nightmare, priestess, witch, and cofounder of the reclaiming collective

Ministry of Intercessory Prayer

Religion & Spirituality

Throughout his ministry, Andrew Murray passionately prayed and taught people about prayer. In this volume he combines his devotional writing with his only study guide on prayer: "Pray Without Ceasing." His simple but profound goal is teaching Christians how to change the world through the powerful ministry of intercession.

The Greatest Classics of Theology

Religion & Spirituality

In the remarkable anthology "The Greatest Classics of Theology," readers are invited to traverse the expansive terrain of theological thought across centuries. This collection encompasses an extensive variety of literary styles, from the mystical reflections of St. Teresa of Ávila to the incisive critiques of Friedrich Nietzsche. The anthology serves as a testament to the profound and diverse dialogues surrounding faith, reason, and spirituality. Themes of divine providence, ethical living, and the grappling of human existence with the divine are extensively explored. Standout pieces emerge within this anthology that collectively challenge, inspire, and enlighten, reflecting the complex and evolving tapestry of theological discourse. The contributors to this volume are among some of the most influential theologians, philosophers, and writers whose work has shaped religious and philosophical thought through history. Originating from a multitude of religious traditions such as Christian mysticism, Reformation theology, Enlightenment rationalism, and more, they offer insights that converge and diverge in fascinating ways. This anthology aligns itself with historical and cultural movements from the patristic era to modern existentialism, and its diverse voices collectively deepen the exploration of enduring theological questions. "The Greatest Classics of Theology" presents scholars and general readers alike with an unparalleled opportunity to engage in a polyphonic dialogue of immense scholarly and spiritual significance. It is an indispensable resource for those seeking to understand the multiplicity of perspectives that have informed theological inquiry and debate. By delving into this collection, readers will gain not only knowledge but also a nuanced appreciation of the complex interplay of faith and reason, and the profound impact these discourses continue to have on contemporary thought.

Power from On High

Religion & Spirituality

The apostles and brethren, on the Day of Pentecost, received it. What did they receive? What power did they exercise after that event? They received a powerful baptism of the Holy Ghost, a vast increase of divine illumination. This baptism imparted a great diversity of gifts that were used for the accomplishment of their work. It manifestly included the following things: The power of a holy life. The power of a self sacrificing life. (The manifestation of these must have had great influence with those to whom they proclaimed the gospel.) The power of a cross bearing life. The power of great meekness, which this baptism enabled them everywhere to exhibit. The power of a loving enthusiasm in proclaiming the gospel. The power of teaching. The power of a loving and living faith. The gift of tongues. An increase of power to work miracles. The gift of inspiration, or the revelation of many truths before unrecognized by them.

Systematic Theology

Religion & Spirituality

Monumental! Louis Berkhof’s Systematic Theology, with almost 800 pages of Reformed theological thought this is the magnum opus of his life! This hefty volume still remains the standard of systematic theology. Unsurpassed in clarity and convenience,his refreshing treatment of the essential doctrines of the Christian faith are crucial to a deeper understanding of the consequence of one’s beliefs. Refuting the myth that systematic theology is unexciting, Berkhof explains the doctrines, practices, and questions about the Christian faith from many new anglesrevealing a fuller knowledge of God. Phenomenal!

Religion & Spirituality Books