Studying theology doesn’t need to be intimidating.Respected theologian and author of Knowing God, J.I. Packer, explains the essentials of biblical belief and Christian doctrine in a style that can be understood easily by any follower of Jesus. With each chapter being the perfect length for busy readers, this summary of Christian teaching covers 94 beliefs from a Reformed perspective. Each one highlights a unique facet of God and His plan for us.Packer offers precise descriptions that are accessible without sacrificing depth, including Scripture verses on each topic for further study. Thoughtfully arranged and refreshingly readable, this resource addresses:How predestination fits into God’s redemptive planThe mystery of the TrinityThe process of sanctificationThe purpose of spiritual giftsWhether you’re new to faith or a longtime believer who’s ready to dig deeper, discover for yourself why Christian theology is more than just a system of beliefs—it’s a way of life. Read more

In "Setting the Captives Free," Pastor Bev Tucker offers a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to deliverance, grounded firmly in Scripture. This manual is designed to keep all aspects of the process decent and orderly, emphasizing the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to lead. Deliverance, Pastor Bev asserts, is achieved by the power of the Holy Spirit and in Jesus' name, requiring the active willingness and pursuit of the person seeking freedom.Pastor Bev provides clear instructions for those involved in deliverance ministry, highlighting the necessity of humility, scriptural integrity, and avoidance of pride. She stresses that deliverance is not a power trip but a service to God, aimed at setting captives free.A crucial part of the deliverance process, as detailed in the manual, is identifying and addressing doorways or entry points granted to evil spirits in an individual's life. These entry points often involve sin, generational curses, traumatic events, occult activities, wrongful beliefs, and more. Renouncing and repenting these legal rights is essential for successful deliverance.Pastor Bev's manual also outlines the prerequisites for a deliverance minister. These include being born again, Spirit-filled, living a holy life, maintaining confidentiality, being non-judgmental, compassionate, under church authority, and submitting to God's Word. She advises ministers to always pray with another person and follow specific guidelines for ministering to men and women.The book underscores the importance of not engaging in conversations with demons, as they are liars, and such interactions are forbidden.Throughout "Setting the Captives Free," Pastor Bev provides prayers and practical steps to break legal rights and ensure long-lasting deliverance. The manual serves as a vital resource for anyone involved in deliverance ministry, always pointing back to Jesus as the ultimate source of freedom and healing. Read more

The Catholic Church faces a major crisis and the turmoil in priestly ministry is at the heart of it. "The priesthood is going through a dark time," write Pope Emeritus Benedict and Cardinal Robert Sarah. "Wounded by the revelation of so many scandals, disconcerted by the constant questioning of their consecrated celibacy, many priests are tempted by the thought of giving up and abandoning everything." In this book, Pope Emeritus Benedict and Cardinal Robert Sarah give their brother priests and the whole Church a message of hope. They honestly address the spiritual challenges faced by priests today, including struggles of celibacy. They point to deeper conversion to Jesus Christ as the key to faithful and fruitful priestly ministry and church reform. From the Depths of Our Hearts is an unprecedented work by the Pope Emeritus and a Cardinal serving in the Vatican. As bishops, they write "in a spirit of filial obedience" to Pope Francis, who has said, "I think that celibacy is a gift for the Church... I don't agree with allowing optional celibacy, no." Responding to calls for refashioning the priesthood, including proposals from the Amazonian Synod, two wise, spiritually astute pastors explain the biblical and spiritual role of the priesthood, celibacy, and genuine priestly ministry. Drawing on Vatican II, they present priestly celibacy as more than "a mere precept of ecclesiastical law". They insist that renewal of the Church is bound to a renewed understanding of priestly vocation as sharing in Jesus' priestly identity as Bridegroom of the Church. This is a book whose crucial message is for clergy and laity alike. Read more

The church is God’s plan – it is meant to look and act like Him. But does the church of Jesus resemble the Jesus of the church? Have we been shaped by Scripture, or by our culture? And is there still time to change? We are it, there is no plan B! We must get it right because if we do, the church will turn cities and nations upside down.This is not a book of new ideas, because the church doesn’t need new ideas. The people of God need restoration, not reinvention; we need to rediscover what was always there. Whether dealing with leadership, accountability or discipline in God’s church, we have been given a blueprint,handed down to us in the Word of God and the example of New Testament churches. If we return to the pattern we have been given, the church will look like it should – a glorious reflection of God’s Kingdom on the earth.Andrew Selley is the apostolic leader of Four12 and ministers worldwide. Along with his wife, Emma, he planted Joshua Generation Church (JoshGen) in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1999 out of a desire to see Christianity lived out exactly as written in the Bible. JoshGen has since multiplied into an international multi-site church, with over 50 congregations. Through Four12, Andrew oversees over 800 churches in 23 nations, uniting hundreds of churches in its mission to restore the church.In this book, he outlines the problems the modern church faces and takes a foundational look at how the church can be restored to health and reflect Jesus well by realigning with biblical principles.Topics include: Exploring Church TodayGod's Blueprint for Church The ApostolicChurch LeadershipAccountabilityWorshipDisciplineMarriageFinancesHeadship Read more

‘Every time he wanted me to do something, he would quote scripture... I couldn’t argue with scripture, it was like arguing with God.’ The term ‘spiritual abuse’ is widely used across the Christian community. But what is it? Sometimes spiritual abuse involves leaders misusing their position, but ministers can also be the victims. Common factors include control through misuse of scripture, claims to divine authority, pressure to conform, and enforced accountability. Individuals may be isolated, and compelled to secrecy and silence. Drawing on a combination of extensive research, individual testimonies, and years of hands-on experience, Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys describe clearly the nature of spiritual abuse, and the best ways of countering it. Recovery is possible. But – how do we prevent spiritual abuse in the first place? What can leaders do to create safer places? Is there a link between theological ideas and harmful behaviours? How can leaders create opportunities for spiritual and emotional flourishing? Dr Lisa Oakley has researched spiritual abuse in the Christian faith in the UK since 2003. Justin Humphreys is chief executive of the safeguarding charity thirtyone: eight. Read more

2022 Catholic Media Association first place award in church professionalPresiding over the liturgy takes more than following instructions. Good presiding is artful presiding. It is knowledgeable and inspirational. It faithfully grasps the church’s heritage and gives it personal expression.   In Ars Celebrandi, Father Paul Turner offers a guide for priests in preparing for and celebrating the Mass. Building on a liturgy which adheres to the liturgical books, Turner examines styles of presiding and reflects on principles that will help the presider to foster active participation of the faithful. Read more

Understand anxiety better and how God can free us from its grip.Whether mildly, moderately or severely, feeling anxious is something most of us experience at some point in our lives. It drags us down and it leaves us unequipped for the day ahead. This short, sympathetic and warm book will help both Christian and non-Christian readers understand anxiety better, learn some useful techniques to cope with it and, most importantly, show how the living God can liberate us from its grip.Whether you are used to reading about God or not even sure if he really exists (or if he cares about your anxiety in any meaningful way), this book has precious words of encouragement for you. “As you read, it is my prayer that you will come to see real hope and take the first few steps in a lifetime of change.” Helen Thorne, author. Ideal for giving away to those who are feeling anxious―whether Christian or non-Christian. Read more

As you prepare for marriage, dare to dream with God.Getting to know that special someone naturally involves learning about family and friends, education and athletics, favorite pastimes, and your hopes and dreams. Ideally, you’ll talk about life’s best moments and worst, the brightest places in your background and the darkest.But what about God?What is his role in your relationship?What do each of you believe about him?And how do you understand his dream for marriage—for your marriage?John Piper wants to help you faithfully walk the road to becoming husband and wife. Here you’ll find his counsel on practical topics like engagement, wedding planning, finances, and sex. But most importantly, John shares his single most vital word on marriage: a vision grander than many of us have ever dared to dream, about what God is doing in every Christian marriage.Also included are:a list of 55 questions, in 11 categories, for the two of you to ask each otheran Appendix on the Christian Virtue of Hospitality Read more

We cannot choreograph our own death, but we can die well. This is a book for those who are facing death. It is also for their relatives, friends and carers. John Wyatt looks at recent trends in dying. He examines the 'art of dying', a Christian tradition from the past. We see opportunities for dying well and faithfully, real-world examples of personal growth and instances of reconciliation and personal healing in relationships. On the other hand, there are also challenges to face: the fears and temptations that dying can bring. We learn from Jesus' example as we focus on his words from the cross. The wonderful news is that we can look forward to 'a sure and steadfast hope', the amazing hope of resurrection and its implications for our lives today. Read more

What is the difference between genuine faith and counterfeit faith? How do we know for sure that our faith is real? How can we know joy even in trials, and patience even in suffering? James is a book full of practical, life-changing help for real life. James For You makes clear its teaching and applies its challenges to the experiences of everyday Christians as Sam Allberry brings his clarity, wisdom and humour to every page. You can read through this book as a normal book… work through it as part of your daily Bible-reading routine… or use it to help you teach this letter, whether in small groups or from the pulpit. Read more

It is commonly thought in secular society that the Bible is one of the greatest hindrances to doing justice. Isn't it full of regressive views? Didn't it condone slavery? Why look to the Bible for guidance on how to have a more just society? But Keller sees it another way. In GENEROUS JUSTICE, Keller explores a life of justice empowered by an experience of grace: a generous, gracious justice. Here is a book for believers who find the Bible a trustworthy guide, as well as those who suspect that Christianity is a regressive influence in the world.Keller's church, founded in the 80s with fewer than 100 congregants, is now exponentially larger. Over 5,000 people regularly attend Sunday services, and another 25,000 download Keller's sermons each week. A recent profile in New York magazine described his typical sermon as 'a mix of biblical scholarship, pop culture, and whatever might have caught his eye in The New York Review of Books or on Salon.com that week.' In short, Timothy Keller speaks a language that many thousands of people understand. In GENEROUS JUSTICE, he offers them a new understanding of modern justice and human rights. Read more

“Evangelism” is a contested, even conflicted word. But churches are declining in numbers and resources. What if we aren’t thinking about evangelism in the right way, culturally or theologically? This book proposes a conversation that contextualizes evangelism in our late modern times and reimagines what the call to outreach means in today’s world. Our sad times are made sadder by the realization that our all-out pursuit of happiness has made us stressed, anxious, lonely, and depressed, says leading practical theologian Andrew Root. The French thinker Michel de Montaigne taught us to focus on making ourselves happy, but Blaise Pascal pointed out that we are creatures of soul as much as self—so happiness does not satisfy. Root offers a vision for how a theology of consolation can shape a hopeful approach to evangelism. We all need consolation, others to care for us in our sadness; if we can find such a minister and lean into our sorrow, we will find the presence of Jesus Christ. Root uses a fictional church to show rather than tell us how consolation evangelism works. For support he looks to the ministries of Gregory of Nyssa and his sister Macrina, Jean Gerson, Johann von Staupitz, and Martin Luther, who all contend that consolation is central to our transformation into the life of God. Read more

"The Aquinas Catechism: An Explanation of the Catholic Faith by the Church's Greatest Theologian" offers readers a comprehensive and accessible guide to the Catholic faith, drawing from the profound insights of Saint Thomas Aquinas. In this enlightening work, Aquinas provides a clear and systematic explanation of Catholic doctrines, teachings, and practices. With clarity and depth, he explores essential topics such as the existence of God, the Trinity, the sacraments, morality, and the afterlife. This catechism serves as a valuable resource for both newcomers to the Catholic faith and those seeking a deeper understanding of their beliefs. Through Aquinas' profound theological wisdom, readers are invited to explore the richness and beauty of Catholicism as articulated by one of its greatest theologians. Read more

Second in a new series of expository guides to the Bible, Timothy Keller's Judges For You walks you through the book of Judges, showing how the flawless God is at work in the most flawed situations and the most failing people. Combining a close attention to the detail of the text with Timothy Keller's trademark gift for clear explanation and compelling insights, this resource will both engage your mind and stir your heart. "Judges has only one hero—God. And as we read this as an account of how he works in history, it comes alive. This book is not an easy read. But living in the times we do, it is an essential one." - Timothy Keller Judges for You is a uniquely flexible resource. It can simply be read as a book; used as a daily devotional, complete with reflection questions; or utilised by anyone who has a teaching ministry, to help small-group leaders understand and apply the text, and to give preachers helpful ways of connecting timeless Bible truths to today's world. Read more

Many people, at one time or another, struggle with faith issues about sin, guilt, punishment, and hell. But a small few, particularly Catholics, so fear offending God—or fear never being forgiven by God—that they are unable to participate in daily life without experiencing severe doubt and anxiety. Rather than experiencing faith as a source of peace, their faith causes them to dwell on or second guess every decision they make.These people have scrupulosity. Sometimes called the doubting disease. Many Redemptorists believe their founder, Alphonsus Liguori, struggled with scrupulosity all his life. Because of this, Redemptorists have a special charism for compassionately helping those with this disease achieve peace of mind in their day-to-day struggle.Based on a half-century of questions and answers published in the Scrupulous Anonymous newsletter, Understanding Scrupulosity: Questions and Encouragement addresses concerns related to sin, thoughts, dreams, fantasies, and sexuality, as well as confession, self-worth, prayer, and God’s grace.This third edition of Understanding Scrupulosity includes new chapters on identifying and understanding behaviors associated with scrupulosity, and explains the medical breakthroughs of the past decade on how to treat it. Read more

This warm-hearted and practical handbook for hospital-based pastoral care considers the pastoral sensitivities surrounding patient encounters. It explores the essential skills needed for this kind of ministry: the importance of ritual, difficult pastoral tasks, deflecting anger, caring for the carers, working in multi-faith contexts and more. Read more

Wise and compassionate guidance for you and your church on how to support people who have suffered trauma.Many of us long to serve and be there for those who are suffering from trauma, but we don't know how to do so in a way that is caring and helpful.This book enables Christians, and especially pastors, elders, and ministry leaders, to understand what trauma is and how it affects people, including their experience of church, so that we can lovingly support those who are suffering from it.Author Steve Midgley trained as a psychiatrist before being ordained, served as Vicar of Christ Church Cambridge for 18 years and is now the Executive Director of Biblical Counselling UK. He writes with wisdom and compassion to summarize current understanding in this area, gives a biblical perspective, and makes lots of practical suggestions about how churches can be sensitive to, and be there for, those who have experienced trauma.This book will help whole church communities to help and care for those who are struggling with trauma. Read more

This handbook is an essential guide for churchwardens and members of PCCs. It is indispensable for all who wish to tread a clear path through the sometimes complex legislation and know the rules and extent of their responsibility as elected Church officers.Flow charts and checklists add to the usefulness of this volume, as do photocopiable legal forms and notices for practical use in parishes. Read more

OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD – Get the most out of your Bible.In clear, simple language, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth helps you accurately understand the different parts of the Bible—their meaning for ancient audiences and their implications for you today—so you can uncover the inexhaustible wealth of God's Word.More than a million people have turned to How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth to inform their reading of the Bible. This fourth edition features revisions that keep pace with current scholarship, resources, and culture. Changes include:Updated language for better readability.Scripture references now appear only in brackets at the end of a sentence or paragraph for ease of reading.A new authors' preface.Redesigned and updated diagrams.Updated list of recommended commentaries and resources.Used all around the world, this Bible resource covers everything from how to choose a good translation to how to understand the different genres of biblical writing.Understanding the Bible isn't just for the few, the gifted, and the scholarly. The Bible is meant to be read and comprehended by everyone from casual readers to seminary students. Even a few essential insights into the Bible can clear up a lot of misconceptions and help you grasp the meaning of Scripture and its application to your twenty-first-century life. Read more

What do you think about your pastor? Do you chew over his sermons and wonder if they are clear and helpful? Do you feel he spends enough time with you? In fact, do you ever catch yourself wondering what he does all day?The truth is, often we think, "What can my pastor do for me?" Far less often do we think, "What can I do for my pastor?"Former seasoned pastor, Christopher Ash, urges church members to think about pastors not just in terms of what they do how they lead and pray and preach and teach and so on but what about who they are. He encourages us to remember that pastors are people and to pray for them as they serve us. Paradoxically, caring for our pastor will be a blessing to us as well as to them, and create a culture of true fellowship in our church family. Read more