Seven Days to the Cross


Book Description

One step at a time, Jesus slowly made His way toward the cross as the culmination of His work on earth. Starting in Jericho, our Lord’s last week of life was a journey filled with unshakeable hope, profound trust in the Father, an unswerving commitment to the pain He had to endure, and an unfailing love for humanity. In Seven Days to the Cross Brian Byrne examines the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, weaving together the details of the four Gospels and adding historical facts that round out the story of the Messiah’s final days on earth. In addition to the eye-opening description of what Jesus experienced during the last week, Brian reflects on what it means to take up our cross and follow Jesus. At the end of each chapter, in a section titled “In His Footsteps,” Brian contemplates what it would have been like to be with Jesus on each of those last seven days and what principles we can all learn from that experience. Brian invites readers to examine the biblical record of Jesus’ last seven days and develop a greater reverence for the Lord rising out of a deeper personal understanding of what the cross means in our lives.




Seven Last Words


Book Description

The cross is regarded as Jesus Christ’s great work of salvation. But is it also a work of creation? Excitingly plumbing Scripture and Christian tradition, Andrew McGowan shows that it is. “Each of Jesus’s seven words from the cross can be understood as a creative act, as a new divine work,” he writes. From the cross, Jesus works forgiveness, bestows Paradise, enacts human relationship, identifies completely with humanity, fulfills Scripture, and reenacts Sabbath. From early days, Christians—for good reason—linked the original seven days of creation with creation and re-creation at the apex of salvation. Seven Last Words recovers this linkage in all its power and perennial freshness. But that is not all. In addition to surveying the seven last words Jesus spoke, McGowan insists that at the cross “the eternal Word not only speaks, but listens.” And so he turns to the “conversations” spoken not only from but to the cross. Here he opens new vistas on the words of Judas, Dismas (the criminal crucified beside Jesus), Mary, God the Father, Longinus (the centurion), and Nicodemus, and ruminates fascinatingly on the accompanying silence of the angels. Profound and endlessly edifying, Seven Last Words will richly repay reading and rereading.




Cross-Shattered Christ


Book Description

In Cross-Shattered Christ, theologian Stanley Hauerwas offers a moving reflection on Jesus's final words from the cross. This small and powerful volume is theologically poignant and steeped in humility. Hauerwas's pithy discussion opens our ears to the language of Scripture while opening our hearts to a truer vision of God. Touching in original and surprising ways on subjects such as praying the Psalms and our need to be remembered by Jesus, Hauerwas emphasizes Christ's humanity as well as the sheer "differentness" of God. Ideal for personal devotion during Lent and throughout the year, Cross-Shattered Christ offers a transformative reading of Jesus's words that goes directly to the heart of the gospel.




The Seven Sayings of the Savior on the Cross


Book Description

THE DEATH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST is a subject of never- failing interest to all who study prayerfully the scripture of truth. This is so, not only because the believer's all both for time and eternity depends upon it, but also, because of its transcendent uniqueness. Four words appear to sum up the salient features of this mystery of mysteries: the death of Christ was natural, unnatural, preternatural, and supernatural.The death of Christ was natural. By this we mean that it was a real death. It is because we are so familiar with the fact of it that the above statement appears simple and commonplace, yet, what we here touch upon is to the spiritual mind one of the main elements of wonderment. The one who was "taken, and by wicked hands" crucified and slain was none other than Jehovah's "Fellow". The blood that was shed on the accursed tree was divine - "The church of God which he purchased with his own blood"




The Final Days of Jesus


Book Description

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the most important event in human history. The Gospel writers understood this, devoting a proportionally large amount of space to Jesus's arrest, trial, crucifixion, and empty tomb. But how do the four Gospel accounts fit together? What really happened and what does it all mean? Combining a chronological arrangement of the biblical text with insightful commentary from Andreas J. Köstenberger, one of evangelicalism's brightest scholars, along with Justin Taylor, a well-known leader and blogger, this book offers readers a day-by-day guide to Jesus's final week on earth. Complete with a handy, quick-reference glossary and numerous maps illustrating key biblical locations, The Final Days of Jesus will help readers understand the geography, timeline, and background of Jesus's final days while serving as a devotional guide for meditating on the most important week in human history.




Seven Words


Book Description

While many of us naturally wish to avoid the reality of the cross, it’s from the cross that Jesus speaks and shows his deepest love for us. It’s from the cross that Jesus' full humanity draws us closest to him. It’s from the cross, as Jesus breathes his last breath and speaks his last words, that his deep trust in the Father and his divine glory are revealed. Those who listen to Jesus' last words from the cross will discover what he most wants them (the world) to hear and will experience an intimate and divine awe only available to those who are willing to draw near his cross. In Seven Words, Susan Robb looks at the seven last words of Christ on the cross through a lens that finds life and hope in his final sayings, while exploring each from a biblical and historical perspective. The book brings a hopeful and contemplative take on the cross during the weeks of Lent. Additional components for a six-week study include a DVD featuring Susan Robb and a comprehensive Leader Guide.




Seven Days to Hell


Book Description

A Texas sheriff joins forces with legendary desperado Cullen Baker in a fight against a land-grabbing baron in this historical Western adventure. Lawman Sam Heller is busy enough keeping the peace in Hangtree, Texas. But when he saves the life of a gunslinger on the trail from East Texas, the young man makes an audacious request—that Heller trek with him back across a desert held by brutal outlaws to save one more. Bill made the journey to Hangtree to get help for a friend—quick-draw artist Cullen Baker—who’s fighting to save the Torrent River from a robber baron. Baker’s old pal Johnny Cross has agreed to lend a bullet or two, and with Sam Heller at their side, the odds are even better. When the ammo’s loaded and the triggers are cocked, the Torrent will flow red with blood . . .




Jesus the Bridegroom


Book Description

In Jesus the Bridegroom, Brant Pitre once again taps into the wells of Jewish Scripture and tradition, and unlocks the secrets of what is arguably the most well-known symbol of the Christian faith: the cross of Christ. In this thrilling exploration, Pitre shows how the suffering and death of Jesus was far more than a tragic Roman execution. Instead, the Passion of Christ was the fulfillment of ancient Jewish prophecies of a wedding, when the God of the universe would wed himself to humankind in an everlasting nuptial covenant. To be sure, most Christians are familiar with the apostle Paul's teaching that Christ is the 'Bridegroom' and the Church is the 'Bride'. But what does this really mean? And what would ever possess Paul to compare the death of Christ to the love of a husband for his wife? If you would have been at the Crucifixion, with Jesus hanging there dying, is that how you would have described it? How could a first-century Jew like Paul, who knew how brutal Roman crucifixions were, have ever compared the execution of Jesus to a wedding? And why does he refer to this as the "great mystery" (Ephesians 5:32)? As Pitre shows, the key to unlocking this mystery can be found by going back to Jewish Scripture and tradition and seeing the entire history of salvation, from Mount Sinai to Mount Calvary, as a divine love story between Creator and creature, between God and Israel, between Christ and his bride--a story that comes to its climax on the wood of a Roman cross. In the pages of Jesus the Bridegroom, dozens of familiar passages in the Bible--the Exodus, the Song of Songs, the Wedding at Cana, the Woman at the Well, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and even the Second Coming at the End of Time--are suddenly transformed before our eyes. Indeed, when seen in the light of Jewish Scripture and tradition, the life of Christ is nothing less than the greatest love story ever told.




The Case for Christmas


Book Description

Who was in the manger that first Christmas morning? And how can we know for sure? In The Case for Christmas, award-winning legal journalist Lee Strobel tells us that somewhere beyond the traditions of the holiday lies the truth. Some say that newborn baby would become a great moral leader. Others, a social critic. Still others view Jesus as a profound philosopher, a rabbi, a feminist, a prophet, and more. Many are convinced he was the divine Son of God. But who was he really? Consulting experts on the Bible, archaeology, and messianic prophecy, Strobel searches out the true identity of the child in the manger, analyzing: Eyewitness Evidence--Can the biographies of Jesus be trusted? Scientific Evidence--What does archaeology reveal? Profile Evidence--Did Jesus fulfill the attributes of God? Fingerprint Evidence--Did Jesus uniquely match the identity of the Messiah? Join Strobel as he invites you to push past the distractions of the holiday season and come into the presence of the baby who was born to change your life and rewrite your eternal destination: the greatest gift of all.




7 Days to Change Your Life


Book Description

When did being "too busy" and "going through the motions" become a way of life? It’s no surprise that the rush between meetings and e-mails, sports practices and church functions is tiring, even exhausting. It’s time to stop running and start following. Jesus’s call to "Follow Me" was not just an invitation to faith; it was a prescription for living well. Walking through the seven "Follow Me" statements in the Gospel of Matthew, author Josh Moody explores Jesus’s teachings of hope, life, truth, freedom, humility, greatness, and glory in 7 Days to Change Your Life. In each statement and with each teaching, Jesus gets closer to Calvary and closer to the cross, and you get closer to finding a focus for your life—no matter how hectic it may be. Although following Jesus is not a new concept to believers, following Jesus completely becomes difficult when life moves faster and faster. Organized to be read a chapter a day, Josh meets you in your busy, hectic schedule and reveals a biblical plan to revitalize your life in as little as seven days. Endorsements: “Wonderfully accessible and culturally relatable, the book is destined to draw believers young and old to a fuller and ever-flourishing relationship with the King of Kings. A must read!” ~ Harold B. Smith, President and CEO, Christianity Today “I am confident that readers will find real guidance and genuine enablement in the pages of this thoughtful and readable volume. It is joy for me to commend this new work.” ~ David S. Dockery, President, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School “At the risk of sounding simplistic he tells us that the way to start again or to experience a revitalization is to change your mind about what you’ve been doing and rethink where you’re wanting to go. But here’s the point - this change of mind is linked to Jesus and the revitalized life is called ‘Following Jesus.’” ~ Stuart Briscoe, Speaker, Author, Broadcaster on “Telling the Truth” “The biggest need in the church today is for more disciples. Not hipper preachers, or dazzling worship, or even stunning sanctuaries. The biggest need is for more believers to follow after Jesus and become authentic disciples. Josh Moody has provided a great service to the church in that pursuit with 7 Days to Change Your Life. Absorb its contents, meditate on its message and learn more exactly how to leave your past behind and experience a future walk that is life-changing.” ~ J. Paul Nyquist, President, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL “Pastor Josh Moody’s new book, 7 Days to Change Your Life, could do just that. Its relentless focus on what it means to follow Jesus is the right prescription for all such readers. In fact, seven days with this book will be life-changing for any and all who are willing to embrace its godly counsel.” ~ Duane Litfin, President Emeritus of Wheaton College “In 7 Days to Change Your Life, Josh Moody makes a bold promise of life change... and delivers it. Josh invites us to follow Jesus as the disciples he has called us to be. In this accessible volume, you’ll be able to jump in quickly but still come out changed.” ~ Ed Stetzer, Billy Graham Distinguish Chair, Wheaton College “This rich seven day curriculum brings to sharp focus and creative application that transformational discipleship so necessary for both the individual believer and the corporate church body.” ~ David Bruce, Executive Assistant to Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association “Are you weary in your walk with the Lord? Has it become routine, mundane, joyless? In this book, you will find a challenge to start again – a 7 day plan that is guaranteed to renew, refresh and redirect your relationship with the Savior. If you are ready to respond when Jesus says, ‘Follow Me,” then open the pages of this book and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!” ~ Janet Parshall, Nationally Syndicated Talk Show Host “Josh Moody creatively and compellingly makes the case that following Christ is the heart of discipleship. From biblical texts and themes, and from his own experience he guides us to new depths of understanding and faithful motivation as followers of Jesus in every-day life.” ~ Dennis P. Hollinger, Ph.D., President & Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Christian Ethics, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary “As Christians, we too often separate our activities – such as sharing the gospel, doing justice and caring for others from our inner spiritual journey. By focusing on virtues such as hope, humility and truth, Josh Moody bridges this gap. He encourages us to be contemplative activists, having both deep roots and wide branches.” ~ Alec Hill, President Emeritus InterVarsity Christian Fellowship “Josh Moody is a Biblical scholar and a pastor who loves the people he serves. In his book, he uses the structure of a 7-day week to provide an insightful and thoughtful understanding of our role as disciples of Christ. In so doing, he reminds us of the importance of knowing the Jesus we serve, understanding the depth of His love for us, and experiencing the reality of having a relationship with Him for now and eternity. When the week is over, the reader will have a new and refreshed understanding of their Lord and Savior.” ~ C. William Pollard, Chairman, Fairwyn Investment Company “Taking his point of departure from Jesus’ seven “Follow me!” statements in Matthew’s Gospel, Josh Moody beckons you to follow him on a 7-day journey to revitalize your life – a time to reflect, refocus, and be refreshed spiritually. Highly recommended!” ~ Andreas Kostenberger, Author of Excellence, Founder of Biblical Foundations™ (www.biblicalfoundations.org), and Ministry Council Member of The God-Centered Life “Pastor Josh Moody creatively weaves together themes from several key NT texts to exhort and encourage Christians to pursue a God-honoring, Christ-exalting lifestyle.” ~ Douglas J. Moo, Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College; Chair, Committee on Bible Translation “We forget so easily who we are as Christians and what we are called to do. Moody reminds us afresh what it means to be a follower of Jesus. In a profound and yet simple way we are addressed anew by Jesus Christ himself as Moody unpacks the call to discipleship.” ~ Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary “I love the idea of a seven-day personal revival and recommitment of what it means to truly follow Jesus! Josh Moody is going against the tide of endless technology and communication by challenging us to turn off our phones and TVs at home and to ponder God's Word, grow in grace and truth, and walk in the footsteps of our Savior.” ~ Trevin Wax, Bible and Reference Publisher for LifeWay Christian Resources, author of This Is Our Time, Gospel-Centered Teaching, and Counterfeit Gospels “Josh Moody offers the church a great gift in this engaging and timely call to radical Christian discipleship. Filled with biblical insight and pastoral wisdom, 7 Days to Change Your Life provides a clear and Christ-centered roadmap to the abundant life. If we desire to follow Jesus in the midst of our current cultural pressures, we cannot afford to ignore his appeal.” ~ David Setran, Price-Lebar Chair of Christian Formation and Ministry, Wheaton College “Josh Moody provides a unique look at what it means to follow Jesus, using thoughtful illustrations from a wide historical and cultural spectrum. In Seven Days to Change Your Life, new believers will acquire a deeper understanding of true discipleship, and seasoned saints will find fresh zeal to persevere.” ~ Lydia Brownback, author, Finding God in My Loneliness and A Woman’s Wisdom “A mine of biblical wisdom interwoven with pastoral experience and theological insightfulness to refocus our journey on a God-centered life.” ~ Leonardo De Chirico, Pastor and theologian, Rome (Italy), director of the Reformanda Initiative “This wonderful Bible-centred book is a fabulous example of how to follow Jesus as God's Word shows us, showing how its clear teaching transforms our lives in a profoundly practical and entirely life-changing way.” ~ Christopher Catherwood, Historian, Writer, and Author of Martyn Lloyd-Jones: His Life and Relevance for the 21st Century “7 Days to Change Your Life by Josh Moody is a rich devotional book written by a theologian pastor who is gospel-centered, culturally-savvy and discipleship-driven. This devotional book is not a surface light-read for the casual fan of Jesus, but a thorough exposition of the call to follow Jesus. Read this book and be informed, enriched and transformed.” ~ Jim Tomberlin, Author, Founder of MultiSite Solutions "Dr. Josh Moody provides a much-needed devotional guide in this day and age for a world which desperately craves and needs spiritual guidance but may not know it. Beautifully written like a parable, this helpful book, structured around the number 7 (the 7 days of Creation, Jesus's 7 signs, his 7 'follow me' and 'I Am' statements, the 7 Churches of Revelation)...refocuses the attention on what is most important.” ~ Allen Yeh, Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies & Missiology, Biola “There is a lot of confusion in the evangelical church about what it truly means to follow Jesus. Many Christians talk about the call to discipleship, but in the midst of our busy lives many of us fail to consider what the Bible says about this call. So turn away from distractions and let Josh Moody help you see anew what John’s Gospel and Revelation teach us about this simple call and lifelong challenge. You will benefit tremendously from this renewed vision of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.” ~ Chris Bruno, author, The Whole Message of the Bible in 16 Words; The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses “Josh Moody is a pastor, a scholar, and, above all, one who wants to love and follow Jesus Christ. With this book, he guides us on a journey that stirs, refreshes, and challenges. I believe you will find this book to be thoughtful, encouraging, insightful, and penetrating. No matter where you are on the path of knowing Jesus Christ, this will be a beneficial tool.” ~ Curtis Cook, Pastor of Hope Fellowship Church, Cambridge, MA