SPCK Publishing

This book teaches the basics of the Christian faith, looking first at what Jesus himself taught, and then at what his apostles had to say. It is for anyone who wants to follow Jesus, but is not sure or would like to be reminded of the way.

In short clear steps, Dr Peter Walker takes us through the basics of enjoying Jesus' forgiveness, welcoming his Spirit and feeding on his scriptures; then explores the principles of worshipping with his people, following his teaching and trusting him with our future.

This classic of the field has been revised and is accompanied by access to an online PDF workbook and video content.

Mel Starr's latest novel is a thoroughly enjoyable medieval crime mystery. It may be enjoyed as complete in itself, or as part of the Hugh de Singleton series.

When Hugh and Kate's new-born son is taken to the church to be baptized, they are astounded to find that the locked font is completely dry. The possibility of a leak is quickly ruled out, and just as Hugh is beginning to wonder if there may be a sinister explanation for the stolen holy water, Fr Robert is found lying motionless by the rood screen in a pool of blood...

Meanwhile, parliament has passed a poll tax, stipulating everyone above the age of 14 is to be taxed equally. Folk are soon scrambling to find the money to pay and, inevitably, unscrupulous elements in society see an opportunity to feed off people's desperation and make some cash... But what connection can there possibly between this and events at Bampton?

In the warzone that Nigeria has become, Archbishop Ben Kwashi has survived three assassination attempts.

A brutal assault on his wife, Gloria, drove him to his knees - to forgive and find the strength to press on. Islamist militants have Nigeria in their sights. These are the terrorists who kidnapped hundreds of Christian schoolgirls - who have vowed to turn Africa's most populous nation into a hard-line Islamic state. Their plan is to drive the Christian minority from the north by kidnapping, bombing and attacking churches. Plateau State is on the frontline.

But holding that line against Boko Haram, and standing firm for the Gospel, is Ben Kwashi, the Anglican Archbishop of Jos.

In Jos, churches have been turned into fortresses and Archbishop Ben now conducts more funerals than weddings and baptisms put together. Yet his faith grows ever more vibrant. He has adopted scores of orphans who live in his home, including many who are HIV positive. And the challenge of his message - to live for the Gospel even in the face of terror - has never been so timely.

The Essential History of Christianity covers both the key historical events and the big picture.

Miranda Threlfall-Holmes helps us to understand what has gone on in the past, and sheds light on our present experiences of churches, religion, spirituality and religious conflict. She also gives important clues about what might happen in the future.

This entertaining and accessible guide makes sense of a fascinating subject, providing a clear overview of the broad sweep of Christian history, and is indispensible for those beginning to study Christianity or the Church.

This book contains 6 of Bob Hartmans immensely popular retellings, selected from The Lion Storyteller Bedtime Book, The Lion Storyteller Book of Animal Tales and The Lion Storyteller Christmas Book.

Arranged under broad themes - the series features stories about animals, Christmas and from the folk tradition - many of the stories also introduce 'citizenship' themes and values through story.

These entertaining short stories work especially well when read aloud and will also appeal to newly confident readers.

Millions have read his words or heard him speak.

Now here’s a chance to find out more about the man behind the books and speeches.

Be a fly on the wall as two friends – one the former Archbishop of Canterbury, the other ‘one of America's leading voices on religion and culture’ (BBC Radio) – talk about their shared passions and interests.

This is Rowan Williams at his most relaxed and personal. Listen in as he reflects on the vital pursuits that have characterized his life and ministry: among them, friendship, imagination, popular culture, faith and politics, prayer, and the blessings of sacred community.

Rowan Williams has made a unique contribution to the spiritual life of the English-speaking world. This eminently accessible introduction to the man and his thought reveals why.

Now you can journey through the Bible from your living room chair!

Journey through the Bible is a unique resource that approaches the Bible story by story. In these pages you will discover around 250 of our favourite Bible stories presented with background information in word and picture. 

This storehouse of authentic material includes these features:

• OVER 400 COLOURFUL PAGES OF PHOTOGRAPHS, DRAWINGS, MAPS, AND CHARTS
• MORE THAN 100 DRAWINGS FROM OBJECTS OR MONUMENTS OF BIBLE TIMES
• OVER 200 PHOTOGRAPHS OF BIBLE LANDS TODAY
• PHOTOGRAPHS OF MORE THAN 50 ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES
• SCORES OF RECONSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS
• DOZENS OF COLOURFUL MAPS.

This easy-to-read, visual exploration of the Bible allows you to follow the narrative from Genesis to Revelation. The stories of Scripture will come alive as you travel through Bible lands and times. You will discover how ancient people really lived – the foods they ate, the homes they lived in, the clothes they wore, the work they performed.

Every library – home, church, and school – will want this complete reference work on its shelves. It will enrich children’s and youth session preparation, Bible storytelling, family devotions, and Bible study. Journey through the Bible is unparalleled as a user-friendly resource.

The second - thoroughly updated and revised - edition of a bestselling textbook that surveys the grand narrative of the Bible, demonstrating how the biblical story forms the foundation of a Christian worldview.

The Drama of Scripture provides an engaging overview of the storyline and theology of the Bible. The authors work their way through the Bible as a drama with six acts - creation, sin, Israel, Jesus, mission and new creation.

Their study provides an introduction to the Bible and a commentary on important passages, while helping the reader relate their story to the Bible story at each point.

 - For anyone wanting a way through the minefield of dating without compromising faith
 - Want to keep your integrity by finding a way of dating that is simple and sincere?
 - With practical advice, this book will give you a route to the adventure of romance

'It's Complicated'

Matters of the heart always seem to be. But dating in the church? It can be even worse.

Relationships can be difficult to define, intentions hard to discern. But with singles making up a third of the total church congregation in the UK, there is a real need to demystify the dating process and return to dating in its simplest form.

Rediscover how to date.

In this brand new handbook, couples psychologist and dating course leader Aukelien van Abbema offers guidance on how to understand yourself and your own dating patterns, how to rely on your network of friends, and how to bring God into the whole process. Filled with wisdom, stories and practical advice, this book is a freeing reassessment of the dating scene.

Begin a whole new romantic adventure filled with hope, joy and a lot of laughter.

Go on, dare to date.

What does Christmas mean to you?

'Angels from the realms of glory'?
'Chestnuts roasting on an open fire'?
'Rocking around the Christmas tree'?

In this joyful and surprising collection, award-winning broadcasters and musicians Carrie and David Grant open the songbook of Christmas - from ancient carols to modern chart-toppers.

With behind-the-scenes stories, personal memories, and reflections on the hope at the heart of the season, this beautiful gift book will help you hear these songs in a whole new way - and remind you why they matter more than ever.

Contents
1 Songs from long ago
Including: Ding Dong! Merrily on High, O Come all Ye Faithful and The Holly and the Ivy
2 Best-loved carols
Including: Away in a Manger, In the Bleak Mid Winter and Silent Night
3 Holiday songs
Including: Let it Snow! White Christmas and Winter Wonderland
4 Time to party!
Including: Merry Xmas Everybody, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
6 Friends and family
Including: All I Want for Christmas is You, Feliz Navidad and Last Christmas
7 Songs for the world
Including: Do They Know it's Christmas? , Happy Xmas (War is Over) and When a Child is Born

One morning, Rabbit discovers a birthday parcel addressed to him. Inside is a Bible and on the flyleaf is written 'Read Me'. As he wonders at this odd present a brightly painted gypsy-style caravan hurtles down the road - and narrowly misses him. Rabbit picks up the book and joins the caravan travellers - Hector the horse, Caravan Bear and Whitby (female) the dog.

The Animals' Caravan, has echoes of children's classics such as Wind in the Willows and Alice in Wonderland as Rabbit leaves his home to set out on an unexpected journey - a journey to find friendship and make sense of the world around him. He also finds himself on a journey of faith as he and his new friends wrestle with some of the often difficult concepts in the bible, thereby gaining fresh insights and understanding of God's loving involvement and care for the world.

The travelling life of the caravan and its occupants provide the opportunity for Rabbit to share these tales with other animals they meet and they join Caravan Bear, Whitby and Hector in listening - and learning from - the stories. He is frequently interrupted by questions from his listeners, the kind of questions any child - or adult - might ask.

The real and often humorous events that happen to Rabbit and his friends are mirrored by the stories from the Bible enabling children to realise that the stories have relevance and meaning today.

Contents
1 The Caravan Sets Off 7
2 Adam and Eve Genesis 2-3 18
3 The Two Brothers Genesis 4 32
4 Jonah's Watery Adventure Jonah 42
5 The Babbling Tower Genesis 11 59
6 Noah and the Flood Genesis 6-9 72
7 Joseph and His Brothers Genesis 37 85
8 Crossing the Red Sea Exodus 4-14 100
9 Ruth's New Home Ruth 120

Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

God is looking for the kind of person he can use. Thankfully, he isn't put off very easily in his search. When Samson failed, he found Samuel. When Saul failed, he found David. When David failed, he lovingly restored him and used him again. God is still looking for the kind of person he can use. This book will help you become the kind of person he is looking for.

A new series of devotional commentaries enabling people to get to grips with the Bible one bite at a time.

Focusing on key sections, Phil Moore gives a useful introduction to each book of the Bible. There will be 25 volumes in all, each containing approximately 60 readings. The tone is light and the text is full of useful application, making it a great resource for daily devotions. It is backed by substantial scholarship for those who want more. These readings from 1and 2 Samuel provide insights into some of the greatest characters of the Old Testament, notably into the life and motivations of King David.

'It has been slowly dawning on me over many years that there is a fundamental problem deep at the heart of Christian faith and practice as I have known them . . . we have all forgotten what the four Gospels are about.'

With that surprising assertion, Tom Wright launches this ground-breaking work in which he helps us to see the gospel story in radically a new light, and to acknowledge that, for many generations, the Church has been avoiding its full impact and holding back from proclaiming its full meaning.

'Classic Wright: clear, accessible, robust, engaging and challenging.'
Paula Gooder in Third Way

'Scholarly, accessible, insightful and provocative.'
Christianity

'Wright argues compellingly that the twin themes of kingdom and cross are inseparably linked. . . This is a much-needed reorientation. The book makes its case for 'rethinking' cogently and deserves widespread attention.'
Theology

This timely book gives a voice to those living with HIV who are too often ignored or misunderstood by the Church and other religious institutions – including those in positions of care who may have thought they were helping but have ended up doing more harm than good.

The book exposes and challenges attitudes of institutional blindness and abuse and suggests some positive means of remedy, all of which have been formed and tested with the help of clients at the London HIV Chaplaincy.

With its powerful combination of moving personal testimony and honest pastoral reflection, this book will encourage a more informed, sensitive and effective interaction with many who, for whatever reason, feel marginalised by our society and alienated by those who most want to help.

As Rowan Williams says in his foreword, 'This book is a proclaiming of the gospel as well as a call to judgement. It is necessary material for the self-examination and self-awareness of any Christian minister or community, if the Church’s claim to be what it is supposed to be is not to go on being so hollow for so many who need to hear that their agency and dignity are understood and honoured.'

When you hear the word 'worship', what first springs to mind?

For many of us we think of singing songs and hymns with fellow believers in a church service or small group. But worship is more than that. Worship is a way of living.

In Worshipping, readers are invited to journey through a series of six studies in David's Psalms, learning from his worship in all of life, from worshipping together to worshipping under pressure, worshipping in failure and in contentment.

With contributions from Mark Greene, Antony Billington, Tracy Cotterell, Joe Warton and Pippa James, this practical workbook will help you see whole-life worship in a new way.

"Insightful, honest and very down-to-earth. I so wish there had been a book like this when I was a single dad." Steve Legg, editor, Sorted magazine

This is a book that comes alongside the reader as a travel guide and walks through the journey via a step-by-step approach. 

Walking the Single Parent Journey offers the reader a chance for self-discovery, of coming to terms with the pains and effects of the past in order to boldly face the challenges that lie ahead. The book discusses the everyday struggles and issues that single parents face, whilst offering advice and tips on managing and dealing with them successfully. The author encourages the reader to create systems and put strategies in place to help make life easier, drawing on her own experiences.

Interactive and experiential journal introducing prayer practices to teenagers. Space for teenagers to record their own thoughts on the practice and to read what other people have said Ideal confirmation gift Fresh, contemporary design.

This book is based on a blog run by Revd Miranda Threlfall-Holmes and her teenage son, Noah, www.TeenagePrayerExperiment.blogspot.co.uk. Miranda and Noah developed the blog and book as they could find nothing on the market to introduce teenagers to different ways of praying.

Each chapter of the book introduces a prayer practice, e.g using labyrinths, Lego Bible modelling, prayer beads, prayer walking.

It also includes comments by teenagers who have tried it out and plenty of space for the young person to record their own thoughts.

Each experiment is divided into 4 parts:

1. An introduction to the prayer idea being suggested and the context of the tradition
2. The experiment - how to do it and what you need
3. Space for notes on how it went/ what you thought
4. Notes from other teens who have tried out the experiment and their thoughts about it

Packed full of experiments in prayer this is a resource to get stuck into and try for yourself.

Gives the reader the benefit of many years' experience of putting MAP into practice.

'This is a must-read for anyone using MAP.'
JOHN DUNNETT, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS AT THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND EVANGELICAL COUNCIL

How to Do Mission Action Planning (SPCK, 2009) was the first book to appear on the MAP process, at a time when it was beginning to have a significant impact. In this fully revised and expanded edition, the authors offer further critical evaluation and theological reflection, by drawing on the experiences of people who have been using the MAP process in different contexts from their own:

Fr Damian Feeney, parish priest and Catholic Missioner of Lichfield diocese
Canon David Banbury, leader of Parish Mission Support, Blackburn diocese
The Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans
Dr Stephen Hance, Canon Missioner of Southwark diocese
Linda Rayner, the United Reformed Church co-ordinator for Fresh Expressions

‘Erudite, bold and wide-ranging – a book that makes you think about knowledge, wisdom and what the future has in store.’ PETER FRANKOPAN

'A book of remarkable sweep and scope - not just learned, but deeply humane.' TOM HOLLAND

The long human odyssey of self-discovery has reached a crucial stage: everything we do affects everyone and everything else - and we know it. The next hundred years will bring more change than we can easily imagine: more opportunities for more people to achieve the fulfilment of a good life, and more risks that could result in catastrophic harm to the entire planet.

Viewed geopolitically, the main question is whether the world-views of the world’s most important and influential powers – China and America (the one fundamentally Confucian, the other essentially individualist) – can be made to work together constructively.

At the same time, on a deeper level, the even greater question is how the irreversible fact of urbanisation may nurture healthy and mature human individuality, such that the accumulated wisdom of the world’s great cultures becomes mutually transforming and enriching.

This bold and wide-ranging book explores those questions, with all the risks and opportunities they hold for generations still to come.

Contextual Bible Study (CBS) by John Riches is an exciting approach to group Bible study for beginners, experienced readers and people of all ages and from every walk of life.

Contextual Bible Study allows people to shape their understanding of the burning issues of the day. It is a method of Bible Study that both established Christians and those new to the Bible find empowering, insightful and even life-changing.

John Riches offers a wealth of practical guidance on how to make CBS work for you, and how to start a CBS group in your local area. It also provides accessible Bible reading material and stimulating questions to use during Lent and Advent, along with inspiring stories of Contextual Bible Study in action.

By reading and applying the guidance in this book group Bible study will never be the same again.

Luke is excited. As the only non-Jewish writer in the New Testament, he can hardly believe that God became a human, not just for Jewish boys like Peter and Paul, but for Gentiles just like him. His excitement about the Gospel is contagious, as he tells us, wide-eyed: All of this happened for you too.

Want to explore Luke, but feel like you don't have the time? Straight to the Heart of Luke is a concise and bite-size approach to Bible study, giving you nuggets of information that you can think about throughout the day.

Bible study for busy people.

Luke was so unlike the other New Testament writers that many of his contemporaries believed he wasn't qualified to write Scripture at all. But to understand the message of his gospel, we need to grasp who he was.

Luke was the only New Testament writer who was not a Jew. The apostle Paul defends him by stating explicitly that his gospel was as much Holy Scripture as the Old Testament.

Luke was an outsider to the Jewish faith that God inspired to compile an account of the life of Jesus in order to show people all around the world that what Jesus said and did him said and did for us all.

The astonishing message of Luke's gospel is that what happened to Jesus happened for you. Phil Moore helps us to understand and see God's wisdom in choosing Luke as a writer. He shows that Luke assures us that this isn't someone else's story: he came for you. We can say yes to Jesus, discovering that he can use you.

And that all this is possible because he made a way for you.

'In another world it is otherwise, but here below to live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.'
From An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine (1903)

Canonized by Pope Francis in October 2019, Saint John Henry Newman (1801-90) was one of the most controversial and influential thinkers of his day. He is now recognized as one of the finest prose stylists of modern times, as well as a popular poet and hymn-writer. His spiritual autobiography, Apologia Pro Vita Sua, is a modern classic, and his many theological writings continue to be widely read and highly regarded by Christians of all traditions.

As Eamon Duffy brilliantly demonstrates in this fresh assessment of Newman's life and achievement, other theologians of his time are now largely of historical interest whereas Newman is still very much our contemporary.

'This splendid book... expertly illuminates every aspect of Newman's life [and] work.'
Wall Street Journal

Mark Oakley reveals George Herbert as a fine companion with whom to examine the journey of the soul.

His poems are 'heart-work and heaven-work', embracing love and closeness, anger and despair, reconciliation and hope.

There is too an appealing and audacious playfulness about Herbert: he seems to take God on, knowing God will win, confident God will not abandon him.

This sense of relationship with God as primarily friendship is one of many intriguing and healing aspects we are invited to consider.

George Herbert is one of the great 17th century poet-priests. His poems embrace every shade of the spiritual life, from love and closeness, to anger and despair, to reconciliation and hope. And his work is always rich with audacious playfulness: he seems to take God on, knowing God will win, as if he's having an argument with a faithful friend he knows is not going to leave. In much of theology and spirituality, God is a critical spectator to human lives, but for Herbert, his sense of relationship with God is primarily of a friendship that can never be broken. These are some of the themes Mark Oakley explores in this outstanding book

'My Sour-Sweet Days contains forty well-chosen poems by George Herbert (widely considered the greatest devotional poet in the English language), each of which is followed by a short but profound reflection by Mark Oakley. The combination is excellent: richly expressive poems and accessible personal meditations. This book powerfully demonstrates how poetry can bring comfort, refreshment and renewed energy to our spiritual lives.'

Professor Helen Wilcox, editor of the critically acclaimed edition of The English Poems of George Herbert (Cambridge University Press, 2007)

'It's extremely unusual to meet anyone who isn't a specialist who has such a subtle feeling for language as Mark Oakley does.'

Sir Andrew Motion, former Poet Laureate

It has been foretold:

In the hour of Britain's greatest need, King Arthur will return to rescue his people.

In Portugal, the reprobate King Edward the Ninth has died by his own hand.

In England, the British monarchy teeters on the edge of total destruction.

And in the Scottish Highlands, a mystical emissary named Mr. Embries-better known as "Merlin"-informs a young captain that he is next in line to the throne. For James Arthur Stuart is not the commoner he has always believed himself to be-he is Arthur, the legendary King of Summer, reborn. But the road to England's salvation is dangerous, with powerful enemies waiting in ambush. For Arthur is not the only one who has returned from the mists of legend. And Merlin's magic is not the only sorcery that has survived the centuries.

The story of the World War 2 de-coders of Bletchley Park continues to fascinate.

How did Mair Thomas, a musician brought up in the Welsh valleys, find herself in the rarefied atmosphere of Hut Six, surrounded by hundreds of others, all desperately trying to break the German Enigma Code?

Sworn to secrecy and working in cramped and uncomfortable conditions, Mair discovered her degree in German and Music was just what was needed. Drawn from the public schools and Oxbridge her background was very different to that of most of her colleagues and she didn't immediately fit in. This captivating memoir unpacks her daily life and explores the relationships she built.

My Secret Life in Hut Six provides a fascinating insight into one woman's battle against Nazi Germany vividly capturing an era of danger, strain and day to day difficulties that were brightened occasionally by visits from the top brass, such as Winston Churchill.

Whether you are completely new to John's Gospel or have read it many times before, Meeting God in John will help you see the Fourth Gospel with fresh eyes and gain a deeper understanding of its essential meaning and purpose.

David Ford, one of the world's most widely respected theologians and author of Theology: A Very Short Introduction and The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary, offers an accessible and absorbing introduction to the main message of John's Gospel, packed with compelling observations into the personality and impact of Jesus, both in the first century and today.

Meeting God in John explores what the Gospel reveals about God through the person of Jesus Christ. Essential reading for anyone seeking a richer grasp of the gospel message, it will leave you with a renewed appreciation of and enthusiasm for John's writing, and the desire to return to it over and over again. Ford's straightforward and illuminating approach also makes it eminently helpful for new Christians just starting out on their faith journey.

Each chapter includes questions for reflection or discussion, making Meeting God in John ideal for Bible study, whether individually or in small groups. With its focus on the Passion narrative, it also serves beautifully as a Lent devotional.

Simple yet profound, this is an invitation to all who long to deepen their understanding of John's Gospel - and, through it, to meet the God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Discover how to serve with genuine love in a time of self-interest and overwhelming need through this guide from New York Times bestselling author John Mark Comer and the team at Practicing the Way.

In a world where self-interest too often takes precedence, service is a defining characteristic of those who apprentice under Jesus. The Service Practice features a practical, accessible approach to integrating service to others into your daily life. Designed to be used with four engaging video sessions freely available online, this guide offers spiritual exercises, reflection questions, guided readings, and additional resources to help you and your community.

This course guide will equip you to experience the power of a neglected discipline as you learn to:

Embrace a lifestyle of love and acting on behalf of others, following the example of Jesus
Imitate the radical availability of Jesus and reframe interruptions as invitations
Value community engagement and notice the needs of others around you
Practice intentional acts of service where you are, starting today, in your everyday life

Discover how a life of service can lead to a transformed heart, meaningful connections with others, and a deepened sense of purpose.

Discover how to step away from the noise of life and into a place of encounter with this guide from New York Times bestselling author John Mark Comer and the team at Practicing the Way.

In our hyper-connected, constantly buzzing world, the practice of solitude is both countercultural and essential. The Solitude Practice provides a practical, accessible approach to incorporating this vital spiritual discipline into your life. Designed to be used with four engaging video sessions freely available online, this guide offers spiritual exercises, reflection questions, guided readings, and additional resources to help you and your community.

This course guide will equip you to experience the power of solitude as you learn to:

Create a daily rhythm of quiet time with God
Encounter your true self and address avoided emotions
Combat spiritual enemies through Scripture-based reflection
Deepen your intimacy with God through listening and loving presence

Discover how stepping away from distractions can lead to a transformed life, deeper self-awareness, and a renewed connection with God and others.

Part of a series of nine core practices that together build a Rule of Life for following Jesus in the modern world, each guide can be read individually or together in any order:

The Sabbath Practice
The Prayer Practice
The Fasting Practice
The Solitude Practice
The Generosity Practice
The Scripture Practice
The Community Practice
The Service Practice
The Witness Practice

HARRY CLARK first caught the public's eye as the quick-thinking, cool-headed winner of The Traitors - outsmarting the competition while staying true to himself. Since then, his journey has taken him from tense reality TV moments to the reflective landscapes of Pilgrimage, revealing his resilience, humour, and the values that shape his life.

In Staying Faithful, Harry shares stories of his upbringing and family, Army challenges, sudden fame, and the Roman Catholic faith that keeps him grounded. Speaking to the growing number of young people embracing Christian belief - and to anyone seeking purpose or meaning - Harry offers encouragement, authenticity, and hope.

'As the train sped on to Scotland, it seemed that everything I'd ever learnt - in my childhood, through my family, in church, in school, in the Army, and even at my lowest moment, lying on that bed in hospital – had been preparing me for this moment. It felt like destiny. Maybe it wasn’t nerves that were making me shake. Maybe it was excitement.'
FROM THE CHAPTER 'THE TRAITORS: PART I'

Winner of The Traitors, Harry Clark is an unexpected TV hero - grounded, values-driven, and unafraid to speak about what matters. With honesty and warmth, he shares the moments that shaped him, the lessons learned, and the faith that keeps him steady. For those seeking more than hollow fame, Harry offers authenticity, courage, and the freedom to walk a truer path.

About The Author: HARRY joined the Army Foundation College at 16 before training as a helicopter engineer with the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers. At 21, he became the quick-thinking winner of BBC1's The Traitors (Season 2), watched by 6.9 million viewers, catapulting him from Berkshire lad to national TV personality. Since then, he's appeared on The One Show, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, and Pilgrimage: The Road Through The Alps, co-presented VE-DAY at 80 at the Royal Albert Hall, and partnered with brands including LEGO, McDonald's, and Walker's. His podcast, The Harry and Paul Show, debuted at #1 in the comedy charts.

In Surprised by Hope Tom Wright argued that the authentic Christian hope is not 'going to heaven' to enjoy a blissful disembodied immortality, but 'life after life after death' in the bodily resurrection which, scripture promises, will be set within the whole new creation.

In God's Homecoming Wright takes this a big step further, exploring passages in Paul's letters and in the Hebrew prophets where 'hope' refers to the reconciliation and renewal of all creation, and where hope is focused on the belief that Israel’s God, the creator, has promised to fill the whole creation with his glorious and healing presence.

Putting things this way round reminds us that the gospel is essentially about grace. As long as we are asking 'how can I get to heaven' or 'how can I become fit to be in God's presence' there is always the danger that, however much we stress that God must take the initiative, we end up seeing it as precisely 'How can I... ' But if the main movement of the story is God's desire and intention to come to dwell with us and in us and through us then grace suffuses all that follows.