The Way to Heaven


Book Description

This book explores the introduction and transplantation of Calvinism to the Dutch East Indies in the seventeenth century through close analysis of the earliest Malay translations of Reformed catechisms and printed sermons written by Dutch ministers working in the archipelago. This book shows how these ministers introduced, taught, and explained the main teachings of Calvinism to the people of the Dutch East Indies in a language they could understand, as well as the challenges these ministers encountered as they moved forward in their efforts to spread the gospel to the people.




Honest to God Preaching


Book Description

Brent A. Strawn focuses on the importance of honesty in preaching, especially around three challenging Old Testament themes: sin, suffering, and violence. He makes the case that preaching honestly about these topics is critical in the church today. Without honesty regarding them, there is no way forward to reconciliation, health, and recovery. He frames this work specifically for working preachers, to help them speak to these thorny themes with depth and clarity.




Reclaiming the Old Testament for Christian Preaching


Book Description

Based on the conviction that the Old Testament texts are a vital and dynamic part of the Christian canon and pertinent to Christian practice, this stimulating volume offers guidance for expository preaching and practical suggestions for understanding the message of its diverse literature.




After You Believe


Book Description

From the author of the acclaimed Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope comes a book that addresses the question that has plagued humans for centuries—what is our purpose? As Christians, what are we to do with that ambiguous time between baptism and the funeral? It's easy to become preoccupied with who gets into heaven; the real challenge is how we are going to live in the here and now. Wright dispels the common misconception that Christian living is nothing more than a checklist of dos and don'ts. Nor is it a prescription to "follow your heart" wherever it may lead. Instead, After You Believe reveals the Bible's call for a revolution—a transformation of character that takes us beyond our earthly pursuit of money, sex, and power into a virtuous state of living that allows us to reflect God and live more worshipful, fulfilling lives. We are all spiritual seekers, intuitively knowing there is more to life than we suspect. This is a book for anyone who is hoping there is something more while we're here on Earth. There is. We are being called to join the revolution, and Wright insightfully encourages readers to find new purpose and clarity by taking us on an eye-opening journey through key biblical passages that promise to radically alter the work of the church and the direction of our lives.




Shaping the Spiritual Life of Students


Book Description

Richard Dunn shows how to mentor today's teens by setting the pace--physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually--with sensitivity to the unique issues of adolescent development.




The Sermon on the Mount


Book Description

Taking his cue from Saint Augustine, who once described the Sermon on the Mount as the perfect measure of the Christian life, Frank Matera provides an exposition of the sermon that draws out its implications for daily life. Written for readers who want to know how they ought to live out their discipleship today, this volume shows how the sermon summons all believers to single-minded devotion and wholehearted service to God. This lively and engaging commentary is an ideal resource for adult education and Bible study groups, as well as for individuals looking to deepen their discipleship.







The Practices of Christian Preaching


Book Description

Leading homiletician Jared Alcántara offers a practice-centered, collaborative, technologically innovative, next-generation introductory preaching textbook. The book breaks new ground by adopting a practice-based approach to teaching preaching and by using innovative technological delivery to enhance the educational experience of learners. Alcántara introduces the basics of Christian preaching and emphasizes the skills preachers must cultivate throughout their lives. He shows that preachers can learn effective preaching by paying keen attention to five key competencies: conviction, context, clarity, concreteness, and creativity. Featuring the perspectives of a diverse team of collaborators, The Practices of Christian Preaching is designed to prepare effective communicators for the church's multicultural future. Call-outs in the book direct readers to a companion website for further information or practice. The online resources include audio and video sermons, video responses from the author, and contributions from collaborators, enabling Alcántara to coach students by showing them instead of just telling them. A Spanish language edition is also available.







Reading the Sermon on the Mount


Book Description

Talbert concludes that only when the text is read in three contexts--the whole of Matthew, the whole of the New Testament, and the entire biblical plot--can the Sermon on the Mount make a contribution to decision making.