SPCK Publishing

'Insightful, pastoral, warm and encouraging. Charles has a gift for mining the gold and making it glitter.'
Martin Salter, Associate Pastor, Grace Community Church, Bedford

Hebrews was written to address some of the fundamental misunderstandings that the Jewish people had about Jesus.

This (unknown) author is correcting their ignorance of who Jesus was, and explaining how he completes and fulfils Israel's history, law, ceremonial rituals and priesthood.

And this is highly relevant today. We too can have a wrong understanding of Jesus and his work. We may do things in his name but have become detached from him. We are invited to 'fix our eyes on Jesus'. He is the ultimate and final expression of truth. He is absolutely central in our Christian lives.

One of the most difficult questions facing us today is that of the proper attitude toward possessions.

In wealthy nations such as Britain and the USA, individuals accumulate much and yet are daily exposed to the plight of the poor, whether the homeless on their own city streets or starving children on their TV screens. What action should they take on behalf of the poor? What should they do with their own possessions?

In Neither Poverty nor Riches Craig Blomberg asks what the Bible has to say to these issues. He avoids easy answers, and instead seeks a comprehensive biblical theology of possessions. Beginning with the groundwork laid by the Old Testament and the ideas developed in the intertestamental period, he draws out what the whole New Testament has to say on the subject and finally offers conclusions and applications relevant to the modern world.

This is a book that all concerned with issues of poverty and wealth should read.

We are living in a key cultural moment. Many widely assumed cultural values and norms are being shaken and dismantled. Is the Church ready to be the place where people can ask their deep questions and be lovingly discipled towards Jesus?

This book casts fresh vision for a holier, healthier and more humble expression and practice of Christian leadership. In it, Rich Johnson claims that as we navigate the early stages of the post-Christian/post-secular age, leaders have a responsibility to find new ways to develop engaging, resilient and biblical approaches to leadership. Approaches that are defined by being approachable, faithful, radical and Spirit-led.

Using biblical examples of leadership, such as Daniel and Nehemiah, Rich offers a set of principles that will help any church leader serve the communities they care for in a way that makes sense for today.

Written by grandparents and expert Bible study authors Phyllis and Andrew T. Le Peau, this LifeGuide Bible study explores the biblical framework for being a godly grandparent.
In nine sessions, this study guides you in how to be a loving and caring presence in not only the lives of your grandchildren, but also for your adult children as they parent

The book of Joshua tells the action-packed story of Israel's entry into and conquest of Canaan, the promised land. Yet it is often troubling for contemporary Christian readers, perhaps more than any other part of the Old Testament - isn't the violence shown inconsistent with the gospel of Jesus?

In The Message of Joshua, David G Firth explores this story as part of God's mission, which goes on to find its ultimate focus in Jesus Christ. He illuminates the meaning that the book of Joshua still has for Christians today; it challenges us, just as it challenges those who have read it down through the ages, to recognize that God not only includes those who join him in his mission, he also excludes those who choose to set themselves against it.

Part of the loved and trusted The Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of Joshua offers an clear, readable exposition of the Biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, The Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for anyone studying or preaching Joshua and who want to delve deeper into the text.

This beautifully redesigned edition has also been sensitively updated to include modern references and use the NRSV Bible text.

The Message of Joshua will help for anyone looking for a commentary on Joshua that makes clear its meaning both in its original context and for Christians in the twenty-first century.

This devotional book traces the course of David's life through his autobiographical Psalms: From triumphant boy hero to persecution in the court of Saul.

From gifted musician to compromised adulterer and murderer. From his exile on the run to his coronation as the leader of God's people.

The King's songs are a treasure-chest of jewels, telling not mere history but timeless truths about the King of Kings himself, David's magnificent God. With warmth and insight, the author draws out the lessons David learned in his turbulent life with the Lord and the rich gems he has bequeathed to followers of God today.

The world is changing fast, and digital technology fastest of all.

The growth of social media and increasingly innovative digital advancements raises questions for every Christian. How should we understand the new digital age? And how can we live well within it?

These technologies hold awesome potential for good. But when we engage unthinkingly with the online world, there is a danger that we begin to become increasingly like the technologies we use, relating and thinking without human connection. We fall short of what we were made to be. We are virtually human.

Whether you are an early adopter, a sceptic, or just content to go with the flow, this book will help you navigate the digital world in a way that honours Christ and leads to your growth and the growth of those around you.

The Story of the Church gives an accessible and concise survey of the history of the Christian church, from the first century to the twenty-first. Here is an epic tale of high hopes and great disappointments, of bitter persecution and heroic loyalty.

The Story of the Church is an established classic, widely appreciated by several generations of readers. It addresses the central question of why Christianity has spread around the world so successfully, and offers a distinctly evangelical perspective. Its clear structure pinpoints significant people, places, movements and events.

This new edition has been completely revised and updated by Allan Harman.

Do you long to get an overall grasp of the Bible? Do you want to venture beyond your favourite passages and explore the Bible as a whole? Would you like to know how the Old Testament builds up to the coming of Jesus?

Whether you're a church leader, theology student or simply eager to know your Bible better, here's the book for you. In short, pithy chapters, assisted by easy-to-follow visual layouts, it shows how the Bible fits together as the unfolding story of God's plan of salvation.

Jesus Christ is the link between every part of the Bible and ourselves, says Graeme Goldsworthy. This book shows you how the Old Testament builds up to the coming of Jesus. Work through it and you'll read the Bible with fresh insight.

The book of Revelation is the most developed example of a scriptural writer wrestling with the ideological implications of the gospel, and engaging with an opposing system in the light of what God has done in Jesus.

A fascinating piece of Scripture as well as an extraordinary piece of literature, its interpretation has affected our theology, art and worship, and even international politics.

It is an apocalypse, a letter and a prophecy. Ian Paul gives disciplined attention to the text, examines how John draws on the Old Testament, indicates how his message would have communicated and been understood in its first-century context, and makes connections with our contemporary world.

Tyndale Commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The Introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting, and purpose. Following a structural Analysis, the Commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional Notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties.

The cross and resurrection provide the pattern for discipleship today, calling Christians to a radical new way of living.
The Ordinary Hero invites us to :
live out the radical implications of grace
apply the way of the cross: sacrificial love and service, to every area of life
accept the pattern of suffering followed by glory as normal
pursue spiritual power, not for its own sake, but in order to live the weakness of the cross
embark on risk-taking lives because we're focussed on the world to come
Says the author, 'This book strikes a note that is rarely heard today. In particular, the important themes of suffering followed by glory, and the hiddenness of the Christian life, are all but absent in contemporary Christian thought.'
The book concludes with a powerful story of an ordinary hero.

What are the basics of Christian belief?

How can you know the most important elements of the faith?

When you hear people talk about doctrines that seem unfamiliar, how can you know if they are at the core of Christianity or outside the center?

The basics of Christian faith have remained the same for centuries. Affirmed by the church around the world since its earliest years, these truths are summarized in documents known as creeds. Among these, the Apostles' Creed is one of the most important.

In this brief book, Alister McGrath introduces you to the essential truths about God the Father, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Divided into six sections with reflection and discussion questions included for each core truth, "I Believe" is ideal for your personal study or for use in a small group or Sunday school class.

Here is the basic book you need to understand the basics of Christianity.

* Have you been forgiven but you still feel guilty?

* Does something from your past nag away despite all your best efforts to shrug it off?

* Do mistakes loom large in your thinking and do your conversations start with an apology?

Many people are paralysed with guilt. Guilt robs you of freedom, peace and joy. It can make you feel unacceptable or isolated. Jesus' forgiveness is the ultimate remedy for guilt, but even for those who believe, guilty feelings can still present a lingering problem.

The Guilt Book combines biblical theology and modern psychology, offering a fresh perspective and helping us differentiate between our true guilt, for which forgiveness is needed, and false guilt, for which a psychological approach will help.

Together, we will challenge entrenched cycles of guilt, with their associated feelings of hopelessness and despair. Freedom from persistent guilt is possible. Peace is worth fighting for.

Who do humans think they are?! A cacophony of answers in the face of global challenges - like climate change, artificial intelligence, racism, nationalism, terrorism, feminism, abortion, gene therapy, gender constructivism - shows we do not agree.

To a deeply divided, despondent world, the Bible speaks today about the human condition and destiny by pointing us to Jesus Christ, the true human, the image of God.

Ian Payne's conviction is that the most important answer to the question of humanity is God. He expounds a comprehensive selection of Old and New Testament passages and examines a range of issues in being human today.

The book is structured in three parts following the biblical narrative:

Part 1: Created in the image of God
Part 2: Image of God renewed in Christ
Part 3: Issues in being human

This biblical theology shows that hope and meaning for humans are found in remembering and trusting God's gift of life and goal of redemption and restoration. With an integrated study guide, this book is perfect for personal and group study and preachers' application of the passages covered.

Jesus had about three years to mould a dozen fearful and faithless men into the pillars of a worldwide movement.

As we study how Jesus made disciples we can expect to grow as disciples, and we can expect to hear a new call in our lives to follow Christ with a whole heart. Then we can expect to be sent out into the world to make disciples of all nations - including into our workplace and neighbourhood.

If Jesus wrote a letter to your church, what would he say about the challenges it faces or its relationship with the community?

This study helps us to engage with Jesus’ words and to ask some hard questions of ourselves, our leaders and the Lord. Jesus is pointedly honest with us; whether we respond with a renewed focus on him and a fresh pursuit of obedience is up to us.

With more than 130 titles, the LifeBuilder Bible Studies series delivers sound biblical content and raises thought-provoking questions. It provides a unique Bible study experience for individuals and groups.

Everyone knows disciplemaking in churches is important - vital, even. But how do we move from good intentions to real transformation?

Drawing on LICC's engagement with thousands of UK churches and his decades of experience as a church leader, Ken Benjamin offers 20 ways to put whole-life discipleship at the heart of our churches - 20 vital signs of disciplemaking life. Together, they'll help you grow a culture that equips people to live out their faith in every part of life, not just through church activities.

The key is not to add to our stretched to-do lists, but to permeate everything we already do with new, refreshing perspective. Whole-life disciplemaking should be embedded rather than added, built in rather than bolted on. When this happens, the effect is life-changing - not only for congregations and church leaders but for the individuals, organisations and places they seek to serve.

Vital Signs works in tandem with LICC's online assessment tool, training videos and resources to help leadership teams assess, embed and maintain whole-life discipleship in the churches they serve. Discover more at licc.org.uk/vitalsigns

So you're now a carer. Your elderly parents need you as never before. Nobody's ever trained you for what comes next, yet you re the unofficial project manager.

Emily Ackerman looks at practical and emotional issues like finding time, coping with pressure, the sandwich generation, cutting apron-strings, memory loss and caring from a distance. Underpinning it all is helpful advice from the Bible, for isn't it God who calls us to honour and care for our parents?

The author shares generously and sometimes humorously from her own experience, acting as a wise, sure-footed and sensitive guide. This book will be useful to all who care for elderly relatives.

You are not alone!

This 365 devotional provides Bible readings for the whole year from trusted the Bible teachers at the Keswick Convention.

Featuring well-known speakers such as Alistair Begg, Don Carson, Jonathan Lamb, Peter Maiden and many more, it offers daily encouragement to draw closer to God through his Word.

The book is an omnibus of the Food for the Journey Themes series, with a theme for each month of the year. It features three brand new themes that are only available in this volume: Grace, Suffering and The Holy Spirit, and is expertly edited by Elizabeth McQuoid.

The crucifixion of Jesus: a dreadful mistake? A tragic failure? Irrelevant? Absurd? An embarrassment?

The cross of Christ is, in fact, at the centre of God's plan for men and women. This book explains why.

With freshness and clarity, Mark Meynell explores the Bible’s teaching, to show how God himself 'cross-examines' us in the death of Jesus.

At the cross, God exposes our deepest need, meets it fully and enables us to live transformed lives.

This revised and expanded edition includes new chapters on union with Christ and leadership.

Preaching Survey of the Year's Best Books for Preachers

The appeal of biblical theology is that it provides a "big picture" that makes sense of the diversity of biblical literature. Through the lens of biblical theology the Bible ceases to be a mass of unconnected texts, but takes shape as a unified metanarrative connecting the story of Israel with that of Jesus. It presents the whole scene of God's revelation as one mighty plan of salvation.

For fifty years Graeme Goldsworthy has been refining his understanding of biblical theology through his experiences as a student, pastor and teacher. In this valuable complement to his Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics, Goldsworthy defends and refines the rationale for his approach, drawing especially on the work of Australian biblical scholar Donald Robinson.

Meet 'the Bookless bunch', a very ordinary family who went green.

When God challenged him over his attitude to the environment, Dave Bookless did a total rethink. This led to major changes, not only in his family's lifestyle but also eventually in his career: full-time involvement in the global A Rocha movement that aims to care for God's fragile world.

But in one sense this book isn't about going green at all. It's a personal account of a life lived in relationship. It's about roots and belonging, suffering and healing, identity and meaning, faith and doubt. It's about how in God's economy nothing need be wasted.

This is a story about the messiness that each human being wades through in every area of their lives, and about a God who can take all that seems most wasteful and useless, and recycle it into something of infinite worth.

Love has been described in so many ways, but do we really understand what it means?

This 30-day devotional in the Food for the Journey series drills down to what love really is, and how it is ultimately defined in and by God - a God who loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son to rescue us from sin and reconcile us to himself.

Covering passages from across the Old and New Testaments, in this devotional some of the Keswick Convention's best preachers - including Vaughan Roberts, David Coffey and Rico Tice - mine the riches of the Bible's wisdom on love. In self-contained daily devotions they show us how we rest assured that God's love is everlasting, unconditional and breathtaking in its immensity.

In a small, slim paperback format, Love: Food for the Journey is perfect for carrying around with you on the go. Like all the Food for the Journey books, its undated format means you can start and finish at any time of the year, and work through it at your own pace.

Uplifting and encouraging, this short devotional invites us to bask in God's love, appreciate afresh its depth and richness, and warm our hearts, equipping and empowering us to love and serve him better.

Jesus made some sweeping claims for himself - outrageous but true!

This study guide examines the 'I am' statements, mainly from the Gospel of John. But the eight sessions go beyond a study of ancient words to a consideration of how these claims can transform our lives today. What does it mean for Jesus to say he is the Bread of Life? That he is the Light? What do these dramatic claims tell us about the power and character of Jesus? And how might that impact our lives each day?

The study guide is produced in a useful workbook format and includes helpful notes for group leaders.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is always situated within a particular cultural context: but how should Christians approach the complex relationship between their faith and the surrounding culture?

Should we simply retreat from culture? Should we embrace our cultural practices and mindset? How important is it for us to be engaged with our culture and mindset? How might we do that with discernment and faithfulness?

William Edgar offers a biblical theology in the light of our contemporary culture that contends that Christians should -- and indeed, must -- engage with the surrounding culture.

By exploring what Scripture has to say about the role of culture and gleaning insights from a variety of theologians -- including Abraham Kuyper, T. S. Eliot, H. Richard Niebuhr and C. S. Lewis -- Edgar contends that cultural engagement is a fundamental aspect of human existence. He does not shy away from those passages that emphasize the distinction between Christians and the world. Yet he finds, shining through the biblical witness, evidence that supports a robust defence of the cultural mandate to 'be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it' (Genesis 1:28).

With clarity and wisdom, Edgar argues that we are most faithful to our calling as God's creatures when we participate in creating culture.

Introduction
Part 1: Parameters of culture
Part 2: Challenges from Scripture
Part 3: The cultural mandate
Epilogue

Volatile. Cowardly. Slow on the uptake.

As a follower of Jesus, Peter didn't have a lot going for him. Yet he became a passionate preacher and an extraordinary leader, and the rock on which Christ built his church.

Bishop Ken Clarke believes that Jesus works the same kind of transformation in his followers today.

In this warm-hearted and deeply encouraging book, he draws out lessons from Peter's life for us today. He equips enthusiastic disciples and growing leaders to keep their focus, handle failure and fulfil their potential in God's service.

Few who heard Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones preach will ever forget the experience, not because of his presence as a minister, but on account of the sense of wonder at the gospel that he conveyed.

Those, like the author, who had the privilege of knowing him up close, are uniquely placed to comment on his life and passion. Christopher Catherwood examines the remarkable legacy of his Welsh grandfather, tracing his relevance to the twenty-first century.

Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones was adamant that all doctrine and practice should originate in Scripture. This volume focuses on key principles, showing how these were arrived at using a biblical framework. The author looks at the controversies, but sets them in context. This is not a conventional biography, but one that sheds light on a hugely interesting era of UK evangelicalism, which we do well to remember.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Here's an astonishing claim. John 3:16 appears on everything from fridge magnets to sports stars' faces. But what does it actually mean? And how does it relate to you and me?

With warmth, personal stories and humour, the author explains God's love, his Son, his sacrifice, and the all-important connection with us today.

An invitation for anyone to dive straight in and take the first step in an exciting, life-transforming journey of faith.

'Mission is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate.'

John Piper's contemporary classic draws on key biblical texts to demonstrate that worship is the ultimate goal of the church and that proper worship fuels missionary outreach. Piper offers a biblical defence of God's supremacy in all things, providing a sound theological foundation for missions. He examines whether Jesus is the only way to salvation and issues a passionate plea for God-centredness in the missionary enterprise, seeking to define the scope of the task and the means for reaching 'all nations'.

Let the Nations Be Glad! is a trusted resource for missionaries, pastors, church leaders, youth workers, seminary students, and all who want to connect their labours to God's global purposes.

This third edition has been revised and expanded throughout and includes new material on the 'prosperity gospel'.

Where do we come from? What is our purpose? The early chapters of Genesis proclaim the origin of the world, and of human life on earth.

In The Message of Genesis 1-11, David Atkinson explores how the first eleven chapters serve as an overture to the rest of the Bible. They evoke wonder as God is portrayed in his creative power and beauty. They reveal his loving mercy and salvation even in his terrible judgment of those who turn from him and despoil the harmony of creation.

With vivid, provocative insight, Atkinson illuminates how the meaning of Genesis is still resonant today - providing the insight that allows us to understand both the greatness and the tragic flaw inherent in human beings. Although it was written thousands of years ago, the message of Genesis is one of timely urgency for the modern world: we are responsible participants in God's creation who must, like Noah, confront the possibility of global catastrophe.

Part of the loved and trusted The Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of Genesis 1-11 offers an insightful, readable exposition of the Biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, The Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for anyone studying or preaching Genesis and who want to delve deeper into the text.

This beautifully redesigned edition has also been sensitively updated to include modern references and use the NRSV Bible text.

Readable and reliable, The Message of Genesis 1-11 will help for anyone looking for a commentary on the Genesis that makes clear its meaning both in its original context and for twenty-first century readers.

Few biblical topics are as important as mission. It is inextricably linked to humanity's redemption and salvation in the person and work of Jesus Christ: Jesus' saving mission is the foundation for Christian mission and the Christian gospel is its message.

This revised and updated second edition of Salvation to the Ends of the Earth emphasizes the continuing narrative of God's mission throughout the Bible - ranging from the story of Israel to the story of Jesus and that of the early Christians. At the same time, it provides a robust historical and chronological backbone to the unfolding of the early Christian mission, perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about the Biblical role and importance of mission.

Thoroughly revised to draw on the most up-to-date scholarship, and incorporating exposition of the Epistles with the Gospel with which they have the closest canonical and historical affinity, this New Studies in Biblical Theology book offers a fresh, enriched and in-depth picture of God as a God of historical mission. It will leave you with a broader ands stronger understanding of the Biblical significance of mission and its place at the heart of the Christian message.

Although relatively few in number, the New Testament’s explicit summaries of the Old Testament story of Israel give readers direct access to the way the earliest Christians told this story -- which is to say, to the way they did biblical theology. These curiously overlooked summaries are the subject of this stimulating study.

Bruno, Compton and McFadden examine the passages in the Synoptic Gospels, Acts, Paul's letters and Hebrews that recount the characters, events, and institutions of Israel’s story in chronological order and at substantial length. They demonstrate just how valuable a lens these summaries provide for a clearer vision of the earliest Christians’ practice of biblical theology.

The authors' ultimate goal is to move beyond the descriptive to the prescriptive, to show how contemporary readers can and should follow the apostles' example.

The experiences of the early church therefore have much to say about issues that concern Christians today. What can Acts tell us about extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit? How should churches structure themselves - with elders, deacons, pastors or all three? And, of course, how should the church reach out into a lost world, with the glorious message of salvation? 

As John Stott concludes: 'The Acts of the Apostles have long ago finished: the acts of the followers of Jesus will continue until the end of the world.'

'Dear friends, you are foreigners and strangers on this earth. So I beg you not to surrender to those desires that fight against you. Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. Then on the day of judgment, they will honour God by telling the good things they saw you do.' 1 Peter 2:11-12

Linda Marshall, student worker and this book's author says, 'Pure began life a bit accidentally, to be honest, as a six-week course for young people on what God says about sex and relationships. It's so exciting to see it moving on to this next stage where it can be of use to the wider church.'

'Pure' was developed and written against a background of increasing promiscuity and godlessness in twenty-first century Britain. It offers an alternative to swimming with the tide. It looks at God's plan for creation, the impact of the fall, our wrong motives, and how we can live in harmony with God, which means of course living pure lives.

Too often, the Reformers and their doctrines have been caricatured, misrepresented or misappropriated in the service of agendas they would never have recognized, let alone endorsed. Happily, there has been a great deal of fine scholarship in recent years that has exploded some of these myths, but it has not always been accessible to non-specialists.

The intention of Celebrating the Reformation is that Christians today will find new cause to rejoice in what God did in the sixteenth century through weak and fallible men and women. These people sought, in their own context, to submit themselves to the word of God and lead his people in a godly and faithful response to the gospel of grace.

Three sections deal with the chief Reformers, key doctrines and the Reformation in retrospect. Each contribution seeks to connect its subject to the present, making clear its relevance for today. The Reformation is not a dead movement but a living legacy that can still capture the imagination and encourage men and women in their own Christian discipleship.

The contributors are Andrew Bain, Colin R. Bale, Rhys S. Bezzant, Gerald Bray, Martin Foord, David A. Höhne, Chase Kuhn, Andrew Leslie, Edward Loane, John McClean, Joe Mock, Michael J. Ovey, Tim Patrick, Mark D. Thompson, Stephen Tong, Jane Tooher and Dean Zweck.

Convinced that real satisfaction can be found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ, the author aims to encourage, inspire and equip all who struggle with same-sex temptations to resist, but 'make him their greatest treasure and live life to the full'.

He invites us to dig deep and discover great truths about our awesome God and his plans and purposes for our lives, for only then can we live bravely, boldly and counter-culturally.

He writes candidly, humbly and sensitively, with fellow strugglers in mind, but also their friends, families and the church leaders who support them, interweaving deeply personal stories from real life. God is good. He can be trusted even in the most painful situation. The surprising paradox is that it is the narrow road that leads to the abundant life promised by Jesus.

LESS Lies
LESS Fake
LESS Doubt
MORE > Truth
Truth is a tricky thing. Today, ‘the truth’ is not just hard to swallow; it is something we refuse to swallow. Truth is too certain, too divisive, too arrogant. In response, today’s truth is often one of relativism: what’s true for you might not be true for me. But if it’s sometimes true, and sometimes not, is it really truth at all?

Jesus claimed to be ‘the way and the truth and the life.’ But can we really accept this ultimate truth in an age of questioning, uncertainty, relativism and scepticism? In MORE > Truth, young philosopher Kristi Mair explores whether Christians can be confident in the ‘truth’ in our anything goes age.

When life is tough and we seem to have reached a dead end, it's easy to feel as if God has given up on us.

We're not alone in feeling like this. Catherine Campbell vividly retells the stories of real people from the Bible with difficult and sometimes painful lives, who struggled to see God's path for them.

Abigail was trapped in marriage to a fool.
John Mark ran away from his friends.
The Samaritan woman faced shame in the society of her day.
Judah sinned against Tamar and Joseph.
Simeon and Anna had the challenges of old age.

But God hadn't finished with any of them.

With Life Lessons reflections to encourage us to respond biblically to our own life circumstances, and questions for personal reflection or group discussion, Catherine Campbell helps us see what the Bible tells us - God isn't finished with you yet!

The apostle Paul's theology of divine glory has its foundations in the biblical drama of creation, fall, redemption and consummation, and in the identity of Jesus as revealed in his teachings, life, death and resurrection.

In The Glory of God and Paul, Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson explore Paul's view of the triune God - as one who is intrinsically glorious, and, through uniting his people to Christ, shares that glory with his people. Examining key parts of the New Testament letters, they show how the Pauline theology of glory is rooted in the Old Testament as well as in Jesus, revealing a God who joyfully displays his glory through his creation and whose people respond by glorifying him.

Covering a range of topics, including the Trinity, salvation, eschatology and more, this new volume in the NSBT series ultimately shows that God intends his glory to have an impact on many areas of believers' lives: their gradual transformation 'from glory to glory' occurs as they meditate and reflect on the splendour of the Lord.

Full of accessible insights, The Glory of God and Paul is a brilliant addition to the New Studies in Biblical Theology series. It will leave you with a greater understanding of Pauline theology and how it is still relevant for Christians today. It is ideal for students, pastors and anyone looking for a study of Paul the apostle that digs deeply into his epistles, particularly in relation to his teachings on divine glory.

A highly challenging call to respond with our whole hearts to Christ. To follow our Saviour is not about being nice. It's about taking risks.

Simon writes: 'There's a battle going on for our hearts. What I watch, what I listen to, what I spend my time and money on - all these erode my true sense of identify and worth as a child of God. Where is the vigilance, the discernment, the scrutiny? Our hearts are far too precious to treat with such lax indifference...

I want to play my part in turning the world upside down; I want to be fearless, bold, uncompromising and passionate in reaching out to the lost on behalf of the King of Kings; I never want to get over the grace of God.'

" For to me, to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21)

Many of us may have thought more about Paul's foundational theology than about how Paul learned more about Jesus and what it meant to obey him in the everyday tests of his faith. This ten-session Bible study leads us through the growth in the apostle Paul's knowledge of Jesus and how it changed his life, when at pivotal points he intersected with Jesus.

For over three decades the LifeBuilder Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought provoking questions - making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character and topical studies.

I'm longing for God...

* to answer my prayers
* to forgive me
* when my heart has grown cold
* to take me deeper
* to display his glory
* to take me home

The latest in the popular Keswick study guide series matches the banner theme of Keswick Convention 2019: Longing for God. Seminars, Bible readings and evening celebrations will be tightly focussed around this topic.

As in previous years, we want convention-goers and those who don't benefit from Keswick to explore the subject at home, on their own or in a group setting. For the latter, there are leaders' notes on the six standalone sessions. You can find out what the Bible says and what it means in your life, and be encouraged through praying the prayers and digging deeper.

As you interact with this resource, you will find yourself equipped to face life's challenges though knowing the God of the Bible better. We pray that your longing will be satisfied.

The writings of the prophets make up over a quarter of the Old Testament. But perhaps no other portion of the Old Testament is more misunderstood by readers today.

For some, prophecy conjures up knotted enigmas, opaque oracles and terrifying visions of the future. For others it raises expectations of a plotted-out future to be reconstructed from disparate texts. And yet the prophets have imprinted the language of faith and imagination with some of its most sublime visions of the future - nations streaming to Zion, a lion lying with a lamb, and endlessly fruiting trees on the banks of a flowing river.

We might view the prophets as stage directors for Israel's unfolding drama of redemption. Drawing inspiration from past acts in that drama and invoking fresh words from its divine author, these prophets speak a language of sinewed poetry, their words and images arresting the ear and detonating in the mind. For when Yahweh roars from Zion and thunders from Jerusalem, the pastures of the shepherds dry up, the crest of Carmel withers, and the prophetic word buffets those selling the needy for a pair of sandals.

The Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets is the only reference book of its kind. Not only does it focus exclusively on the prophetic books; it also plumbs their imagery of mountains and wilderness, flora and fauna, temple and Zion. It maps and guides us through topics such as covenant and law, exile and deliverance, forgiveness and repentance, and the Day of the Lord. Here the nature of prophecy is searched out in its social, historical, literary and psychological dimensions as well as its synchronic spread of textual links and associations. And the formation of the prophetic books into their canonical collection, including the Book of the Twelve, is explored and weighed for its significance. Then too, contemporary approaches such as canonical criticism, conversation analysis, editorial/redaction criticism, feminist interpretation, literary approaches and rhetorical criticism are summed up and assayed. Even the afterlife of these great texts is explored in articles on the history of interpretation as well as on their impact in the New Testament.

Nahum's prophecy of Nineveh's coming destruction. Habakkuk's probing dialogue with the Lord of Israel. Zephaniah's warning to Jerusalem's last great king. The texts of these minor but important prophets receive a fresh analysis in this introduction and commentary. Fanie Snyman considers each book's historical setting, structure and literary features as well as important theological themes.

A straightforward, user-friendly guide to how to read the Bible - dig deep into God's word for yourself.

'It's all a matter of interpretation.'

Most conversations I've had with non-Christians about the Bible end up there sooner or later. It's all a matter of interpretation. Sure, you say it means that Jesus is God and that sex outside marriage is wrong and that heaven is only for Christians, but maybe for me it means that Jesus was just a good teacher and sex with anyone is OK as long as you both want it and heaven is for everybody. It's all just a matter of interpretation.

Actually, we've all been conditioned to think like that. It's part of the whole philosophical movement called postmodernism, and over the last few decades it has infiltrated the TV shows that we watch and the classrooms that we sit in. Postmodernism teaches that when I come to a piece of literature such as the Bible, what matters is not what it means, but what it means for me. And that might be different from what it means for you. And that's OK.

I wonder if you've ever been in a Bible study like this:

Leader: Does anyone have any thoughts about verse 1?

Person A: I think it's talking about X, and . . . (blah, blah) . . .

Person B: Yes, I see what you're saying Person A and I totally respect you. For me though it means Y, the opposite of X.

Leader: Mmmm. Thank you both. Let s move on to verse 2.

That's postmodernism in action. The text means one thing for one person and the complete opposite for another, but both interpretations are to be respected and treated as equally valid. But the apostle Paul doesn't see it like that. He thinks that there is a right and a wrong way to understand the Bible.

The book is based on the idea of a toolkit. Each chapter introduces you to a separate tool and explains how it works. Although there are illustrations from the Bible throughout, we'll sometimes spend a bit longer on a Worked example to show you how that particular tool really can help us discover something exciting and relevant that the Bible is saying. Finally, the Dig deeper! boxes give you a chance to practise using the tools for yourself. At the end we've included a brief appendix with a suggestion of how you might use the toolkit concept in your small group.

How do we respond to the silent appeal in the dark eyes of the child in the charity catalogue, or the blanketed figure in the cold shop doorway? Should we share the gospel with them, or a bowl of soup?
Throughout history, men and women such as Wilberforce and Shaftesbury, Carey and Booth have recognized a call to help the needy. Others have argued that our first task is evangelism, that Christians should not meddle in politics, that social action is a distraction. Do we serve Christ through preaching his Word, or should we use words only when necessary?
Tim Chester argues passionately that evangelism and social action are inseparable, as two arms of the church's mission. He presents a biblical case for truly evangelical social action, that is shaped and inspired by the gospel. He shows how social activity is a response to evangelism, a bridge and a partner to it. He urges conservatives not to marginalize those who uphold the cause of the oppressed, and those involved in social action not to neglect the preaching of the Word.

Tom Gledhill argues that beauty, intimacy and sexual consummation are to be celebrated, but not as ends in themselves. Rather, the point to another world, another dimension, only occasionally and dimly perceived. God has chose the love of a man and a woman as an image of his own love of his people.

The book of Judges contains some of the most famous of the Bible's stories, as well as some of the least known. They show us the deepest sin of humanity, but reveal it in the light of God's abundant grace. Behind judges of Israel like Samson, Jephthah and Barak stands a Judge, discerning and deciding.

Michael Wilcock astutely explores The Message of Judges to show that God never abandons his people - then or now. In this clear, discerning Biblical exposition, he illuminates the meaning the book of Judges still holds for us today as the story of God's grace; the Judge of all ensures that his people will never manage to destroy themselves, even though it may look as if they are on course for disaster.

Part of the loved and trusted The Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of Judges offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how it relates to contemporary life. Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, The Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for anyone studying or preaching Judges and who want to delve deeper into the text.

This beautifully redesigned edition has also been sensitively updated to include modern references and use the NRSV Bible text.

Readable and reliable, The Message of Judges is a book for anyone looking for a commentary on Judges that make clear its meaning both in its original context and for twenty-first century readers.

Spiritual formation is critical for the Christian. And preaching is, effectively, spiritual formation from the pulpit, seeking to bring to bear the thrust of a portion of Scripture upon the lives of believers.

However, the careful integration of the divine call for holiness, with the concrete processes of transformation in response to that call, remains a challenge. How does the former lead to the latter, to culminate in Christlikeness?

This book fills that gap, as it shows the unnatural, supernatural journey from the glory of creation to the glory of redeemed humanity.

Abraham Kuruvilla informs and equips pastors, preachers and church leaders to focus on God's work to overcome the sinful flesh in humanity through the agency of the Spirit and through the Spirit's product: Scripture. These are the ways that God brings His people from glory to ever-increasing glory. This is not a model or plan of action, but rather an invitation towards being conformed to Christlikeness.

In many ways, Proverbs is similar to the wisdom literature of the wider Ancient Near East.

However, while the book initially appears to consist primarily of practical advice, it demonstrates that wisdom is grounded in a relationship with God. Lindsay Wilson shows how the first nine chapters provide a reading guide for the many proverbs in subsequent chapters; and how the fear of the Lord, choosing wisdom rather than folly, and having our characters formed by good choices are crucial for understanding Proverbs as Christian Scripture and living out our faith in daily life.

Part of the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries series designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means.

Faithfulness is fuelled by a renewed imagination for God's world and our place in it.

The Book of Revelation has often been treated as a futuristic prophecy - a road map of a bizarre future to be inflicted on the world by an angry God. Ian Paul invites you explore how the book's author draws on a style of writing familiar to Jesus and his first followers, and encourages God's people to stay faithful despite the world's pressures to compromise.

This fascinating six-session guide with its blend of insightful mini-features, timely notes and skilful questions will help you approach this book with fresh eyes. You'll gain a richer understanding of God's world and a fresh confidence to reimagine your place in it.

* Can I break free from my eating disorder?
* Why do I struggle with such anxiety?
* Where can I go with my shame and despair?
* Does my life have to be like this?

'I'm controlling and insecure and desperate to prove my own worth,' admits Emma Scrivener, and then goes on, 'I'm a Christian, but I don't always feel like it.'

There are lots of how-to books out there. In terms of the practicalities of recovery, they're brilliant. What they don't address is the spiritual dimension. However, even when writing about 'spiritual recovery', the author confesses that it's tempting to offer some sort of programme or strategy.

'But I don't think I've got one,' she says. What she does offer are practical suggestions for how to apply core gospel truths to practical circumstances.

With honesty and examples from real life (including her own), Emma connects with her reader. She shows how the gospel can speak to every heart and every addiction, equipping readers with confidence in Christ's sufficiency and the power of his Word and Spirit to bring change where change seems impossible.

'But you're the pastor's wife!'

Like most pastors' wives, Gloria Furman has found herself shouldering the burden of unrealistic expectations.

'Who am I? What am I? Am I supposed to be playing some sort of role? If so, where did I put that script?' she asks. But, she argues, our identity as a woman, a wife or a pastor's wife must come second to our primary reference point: that of being found in Christ.

With honesty and humour, and a truly fascinating window into the Middle East where she lives, Gloria helps us to love the Chief Shepherd and his under-shepherd, to love the church and look forward to the return of Christ.

The Old Testament is part of the canon of Christian Scripture and, as such, has continuing significance for the church. However, the writings are set within a different historical era, a different culture and a different religious context. To understand the Old Testament in a meaningful way, it must be read against its historical, cultural and theological background.

Here, Robin Routledge enables readers to engage with the text. He discusses:

- date, authorship, the writers' intention and purpose, and significant textual issues
- key scholarly approaches to the text, including historical-critical and literary approaches

To help us comprehend and interpret the Old Testament, and so apply it to current belief and praxis, Routledge includes an overview of exegetical and hermeneutical approaches. He also offers some guidance through the maze of new treatments and terminology.

The volume provides specific introductions to the sections and books of the Old Testament, following the canonical order of the Hebrew text. In addition, Routledge notes key distinctive issues and points to sources for further study.

The author's hope is that this volume will not only aid students but will also benefit others who want to take the Old Testament seriously, and to apply its message to the life and ministry of the church today.

'Scholarly and lucid, Old Testament Introduction is designed especially for those who want to understand how to read the Old Testament as Christian Scripture, while doing justice to its nuances and enormous diversity. I commend it warmly.'
Gordon McConville, Professor of Old Testament Theology, University of Gloucestershire

This is a portrait of the Revd Dr. Michael Green who died in January 2019 (aged 88). Michael was a leading evangelist and theologian, who wrote over 50 books, and spoke at thousands of evangelistic events over a long and respected career.

The book will tell the story of his life and ministry through the recollections of his family, friends and colleagues. It will seek to inspire and educate a new generation of evangelists.

This collection of articles will narrate his formative years through service in the military, his call to ministry and theological development. It will offer pen portraits of Michael as as theological educator, an innovative leader and of his contribution to the breadth of evangelicalism and the Church of England.

It will feature contributions from well-known Christians and receive endorsement from his family.

Can you be gay and Christian? Does the Bible really require celibacy outside of heterosexual marriage? Isn't it unrealistic and unfair, imposing loneliness and the loss of basic human satisfactions like sex and marriage? Is what the church teaches about homosexuality a plausible way of life?

In this honest book, Ed Shaw shares his pain in dealing with same-sex attraction - and yet he is committed to what the Bible says and what the church has always taught about marriage and sex. He shows us that obedience to Jesus is ultimately the only way to experience life to the full.

He also challenges missteps that the church has often made in its understanding of the Christian life and of sexuality. We have been shaped by the world around us, and urgently need to re-examine the values that drive our discipleship in the light of the Bible.

Only by reclaiming the reality of gospel discipleship, can we truly appreciate that life in Christ is the best way for all of us to flourish - whoever we are attracted to.

'After this, I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no-one could count...
And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb"'(Revelation 7:10).
Chris Wright uses this verse as a lens through which he surveys the Bible's teaching on 'salvation'. Every phrase in the verse resonates with significant themes in the Old and New Testaments, all of which combine to show that the Bible tells the story of God's salvation very broadly indeed, in relation to the character and purposes of God, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the redemption of all creation, the joy of Christian experience and the responsibility of Christian mission.
This clear, deep and warm-hearted exposition enriches our grasp of the Bible's multi-faceted teaching about salvation.

The Cross is the universal symbol of the Christian faith. But what does the Cross mean? Why did Jesus have to die?

In this magisterial and best-selling book, John Stott unpacks the significance of Christ's cross and answers objections commonly brought against biblical teaching on the atonement.

Stott will help you discover how Jesus himself understood the cross, and how 'Christ in our place' is at the heart of its meaning. Understand what the cross achieved, and learn what it means to live under the cross.

This modern classic combines excellent biblical exposition, and a characteristically thoughtful study of Christian belief, with a searching call to the church to live under the cross.

'A must-read for those who are seeking God, wishing to refresh their own faith, or hoping to lead others into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.' William van der Hart

Who was Jesus? Why was he crucified? Did he really rise from the dead? Is it plausible that he was truly divine?

Whether you are seeking to understand the Christian faith for the first time, or looking to be reminded of the basics, John Stott offers a clear and full explanation of the Gospel.

With over 2.5 million copies sold, this classic introduction is as clear and relevant on the centenary of Stott's birth as when it was first published in 1958.

Winner, 2007 Christianity Today Missions / Global Affairs Book

The Bible doesn't just provide a basis for mission. Mission is much bigger! Mission is the basis for the whole Bible - it is generated by, and is all about, God's mission.

In order to understand the Bible, we need an interpretative perspective that is in tune with this great missional theme. We need to see the 'big picture' of God's mission and how all parts of Scripture fit into its grand narrative.

In this comprehensive and accessible study, Chris Wright begins with the Old Testament understanding of who God is, what he has called his people to be and to do, and where the nations belong within God's mission. These themes are followed into the New Testament. Throughout, Wright emphasizes that biblically-defined mission is intrinsically holistic. God's mission is to redeem his whole creation from all that sin and evil have inflicted upon it, and the mission of God's people must reflect the breadth of God's righteous and saving love for all he has made.

We love weddings!

But how do two people, with their different cultural backgrounds and expectations, make sure they continue to grow together for the rest of their lives?

In Celebrating Your Intercultural Marriage, Les and Louise Isaac offer wisdom and encouragement from over 40 years of marriage, and 30 years of marriage ministry, to couples setting out on their intercultural marriage journey.

Including their own stories, and those of real couples they've mentored along the way, they address such important topics as:

- the social and spiritual context for marriage today
- how to set boundaries with parents and in-laws
- why it is important to talk through cultural differences
- how to work through times when those differences clash
- the role of the wider church community in supporting marriages
- why embracing difference can lead to a unique and life-giving relationship

This book is for every couple that wants to learn to love their cultural differences and turn them into their greatest strength.

What do 'clean' and 'unclean' really mean in the Bible? Biblical purity categories are often misconstrued either in hygienic terms or as a straightforward synonym for sin.

Geoffrey Harper's stimulating study adopts a canonical approach to explore the causes, objects, implications and remedies for ritual and moral uncleanness throughout the Scriptures in order to construct a biblical theology of cleansing and defilement.

Careful consideration of the biblical texts suggests the language of 'unclean' is most frequently used to demarcate a state of being of people or objects rendered unfit or 'out of place' (and requiring separation or removal) with respect to God's presence.

Harper teases out the implications for Christian theology and mission. This will help you gain a more rounded appreciation of what Christ has achieved for his people. You will also be better equipped to explain the gospel in a winsome way to those whose felt needs often orbit around issues of ritual and/or moral defilement.

What is really going on inside the Church of England?

God's Church for God's World offers essays and testimony from Evangelical Anglicans ahead of the Lambeth Conference 2022, that explore both the current state of Anglicanism and the future of Anglicanism in the UK.

Featuring contributions from the likes of Andrew Goddard, Esther Prior, a number of serving bishops and many more, this collection offers a unique window into recent Anglican history that has often be tumultuous, and the workings of the Anglican Communion today.

With a rare blend of theological reflection and timely storytelling, each essay offers something fresh - with no easy answers. Combining critical reflection with good news stories, they explore topics such as church planting and mutual flourishing, and encourage all of us to think through what faithfulness might look in our own context.

God's Church for God's World brings together voices drawn from all major Anglican evangelical networks in the UK, demonstrating a commitment to the Gospel being proclaimed and a unity both throughout and beyond the Church of England. With a number of young contributors, it also offers a glimpse of possible futures for the Anglican Church.

An honest, behind-the-scenes look at the Church of England in the twenty-first century, God's Church for God's World is a book for anyone looking for insight into the Anglican Communion from an evangelical perspective, and to understand what might lie ahead for the church.