Discover how true faith can leave a lasting legacy with a poignant and personal look into the lives of some of the Bible's most faithful women.Come and take a deeper look at women who were ordinary, common, and in some cases even ostracized and rejected by society, yet each was made extraordinary by her life-changing encounter with God.In Twelve Extraordinary Women, bestselling author and Bible teacher John MacArthur shows you that the God to whom they were so faithful is the same God who continues to mold and guide you today.As you meet these women in Scripture and get to know more about their lives and characters, they will challenge you, motivate you, encourage you, and inspire you with love for the God whom they trusted, served, and loved, teaching you that:Your personal struggles and temptations are the very same kinds of trials that all believers of all ages have confrontedEven in the midst of your trouble, God remains eternally faithfulThrough God, anyone can become extraordinary Some of the women you'll come to know include:Ruth (Ruth 1– 4)Anna (Luke 2:36–38)Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus (Luke 10:38–42)Mary Magdalene (Matthew 27:56–61)Sarah (Genesis 11–25)Hannah (1 Samuel 1–2)The Samaritan woman (John 4)Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1–2) From Eve to the Samaritan Woman, these twelve women each serve as reminders of both our frailty and our potential. Together, they all point us to Christ and His grace. Read more

The religious historian and author of God’s Battalions delivers an accessible and illuminating account of Christianity’s rise in the West.In The Triumph of Christianity, celebrated sociologist and religious historian Rodney Stark traces the extraordinary rise of Christianity through its most pivotal and controversial moments to offer fresh perspective on the history of the world’s largest religion. Stark gathers and distills decades of authoritative research into a concise and highly readable volume that explores Christianity’s most crucial episodes. Stark begins with an overview of the pre-Christian religious landscape before examining how Christianity spread among the Roman Empire’s elite—especially women—and then expanded throughout Europe. Eschewing dense chronologies, Stark delivers a fascinating and often surprising narrative, bringing readers right to the heart of Christian history’s most vital controversies and enduring lessons. Read more

Beyond a mere introduction to great art, Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart is about loving to learn what art has to teach us about the wonder and struggle of being alive.Did you know that:Vincent van Gogh's attempt to start an artist's colony with Paul Gauguin lasted only nine weeks, ending in his infamous "ear episode"?Pablo Picasso was a prime suspect in the disappearance of the Mona Lisa?Artemisia Gentileschi was tortured with thumbscrews to verify her testimony at her own rapist's trial?Norman Rockwell's critics said his work would never be accepted as "high art"--and he agreed?These stories--and many more--shaped the work these artists left behind. In their art are lessons common to the human experience about the wonder and struggle of being alive: dreams lost, perspectives changed, and humility derived through suffering.??In Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart, Russ Ramsey digs into these artists' stories for readers who may be new to art, as well as for lifelong students of art history, to mine the transcendent beauty and hard lessons we can take from their masterpieces and their lives. Each story from some of the history's most celebrated artists applies the beauty of the gospel in a way that speaks to the suffering and hope we all face. Read more

C.S. Lewis’s Classic Work that Is Number 7 on National Review’s List of “100 Best Nonfiction Books of the Twentieth Century”In The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis sets out to persuade his audience of the importance and relevance of universal values such as courage and honor in contemporary society. Both astonishing and prophetic, The Abolition of Man is one of the most debated of Lewis’s extraordinary works.  Read more

In this fully revised and updated edition, the lauded church historian Justo González tells the story of Christianity from its fragile infancy to its pervasive dominance at the dawn of the Protestant Reformation. The Story of Christianity, volume 1, relates the dramatic events, the colorful characters, and the revolutionary ideas that shaped the first fifteen centuries of the church's life and thought.From Jesus's faithful apostles to the early reformist John Wycliffe, González skillfully weaves details from the lives of prominent figures tracing core theological issues and developments within the various traditions of the church. The Story of Christianity demonstrates at each point what new challenges and opportunities faced the church and how Christians struggled with the various options open to them, thereby shaping the future direction of the church.This new edition of The Story of Christianity incorporates recent archaeological discoveries to give us a better view of the early Christian communities. Among these are advances in the recovery of Gnostic texts that have revealed a richer diversity of "Christianities" in the first century. González also includes important research done in the past twenty-five years revealing the significant role of women throughout the history of the church.With lively storytelling incorporating the latest research, The Story of Christianity provides a fascinating introduction to the panoramic history of Christianity. Read more

Bestselling Author Kevin DeYoung Explores the History, Meaning, and Importance of the Nicene CreedThe Nicene Creed is a fundamental text that Christians have memorized and recited in church services and personal prayers for centuries. Despite its deep roots, many believers today recite the creed as a routine, often without fully understanding its meaning and significance.Part of the Foundational Tools for Our Faith series, this book delves into the origins, theological meaning, and modern relevance of the Nicene Creed. Each chapter provides insightful analysis of key terms and phrases within the creed. By examining the truths the creed affirms and the errors it opposes, bestselling author Kevin DeYoung aims to help readers recite this essential statement of faith with understanding and clarity. Comprehensive: Explores the historical, theological, and devotional significance of the Nicene CreedIn-Depth Analysis: Each of this book’s 7 chapters examines a specific term or phrase in the Nicene CreedAccessible Resource for Many: A great guide for laypeople and students as well as for pastors, church leaders, and ministry leadersPart of the Foundational Tools for Our Faith Series: A trilogy by Kevin DeYoung dedicated to exploring 3 important historical texts in the Christian faith Read more

Widely recognized as a pillar of 20th-century evangelicalism, J. I. Packer has had a profound impact on millions of Christians living today. Now in his late eighties, Packer still exerts an enormous influence on pastors and laypeople around the world through his many books, articles, and recorded lectures—works that overflow with spiritual wisdom related to the Christian life. In the latest addition to Crossway’s growing Theologians on the Christian Life series, well-known pastor Sam Storms examines Packer’s legacy when it comes to the Christian and sanctification. Whether exploring Packer’s insights into prayer, Bible study, the sovereignty of God, or the Christian’s fight against sin, this accessible book offers readers the chance to learn from the best of Packer’s thinking on what true godliness really entails.Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series. Read more

In Beyond Belief, renowned religion scholar Elaine Pagels continues her groundbreaking examination of the earliest Christian texts, arguing for an ongoing assessment of faith and a questioning of religious orthodoxy. Spurred on by personal tragedy and new scholarship from an international group of researchers, Pagels returns to her investigation of the “secret” Gospel of Thomas, and breathes new life into writings once thought heretical. As she arrives at an ever-deeper conviction in her own faith, Pagels reveals how faith allows for a diversity of interpretations, and that the “rogue” voices of Christianity encourage and sustain “the recognition of the light within us all.” Read more

Over 330,000 copies sold. This is the story of the church for today's readers.Bruce Shelley's classic history of the church brings the story of global Christianity into the twenty-first century. Like a skilled screenwriter, Shelley begins each chapter with three elements: characters, setting, plot. Taking readers from the early centuries of the church up through the modern era he tells his readers a story of actual people, in a particular situation, taking action or being acted upon, provides a window into the circumstances and historical context, and from there develops the story of a major period or theme of Christian history. Covering recent events, this book also:Details the rapid growth of evangelical and Pentecostal Christianity in the southern hemisphereAddresses the decline in traditional mainline denominationsExamines the influence of technology on the spread of the gospelDiscusses how Christianity intersects with other religions in countries all over the worldFor this fifth edition, Marshall Shelley brought together a team of historians, historical theologians, and editors to revise and update this father's classic text. The new edition adds important stories of the development of Christianity in Asia, India, and Africa, both in the early church as well as in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It also highlights the stories of women and non-Europeans who significantly influenced the development of Christianity but whose contributions are often overlooked in previous overviews of church history.This concise book provides an easy-to-read guide to church history with intellectual substance. The new edition of Church History in Plain Language promises to set a new standard for readable church history. Read more

Beginning with the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, this fully revised and updated second volume of The Story of Christianity continues the marvelous history of the world's largest religion. Award-winning historian Justo Gonzalez bring to life the people, dramatic events, and theological debates that have shaped Protestantism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy. From the monk Martin Luther, who dared to stand up to a corrupt pope, to the surprising spread and growing vitality of today's church in Africa, Asia, and South America, The Story of Christianity offers a complete and up-to-date retelling of this amazing history.With new information on the important contributions of women to church history as well as the latest information on Christianity in developing countries, Gonzalez's richly textured study discusses the changes and directions of the church up to the twenty-first century. The Story of Christianity covers such recent occurrences as the fall of the Soviet Union and the return of the Russian Orthodox Church; feminist, Africa-American, and Third-World theologies; the scandals and controversies facing the reign of Pope Benedict XVI; interfaith dialogue; and the movement toward unity of all Christian churches. This revised and updated edition of The Story of Christianity concludes with a thoughtful look at the major issues and debates facing Christianity today. Read more

How do art and faith intersect? How does art help us see our own lives more clearly? What can we understand about God and humanity by looking at the lives of artists?  Striving for beauty, art also reveals what is broken. It presents us with the tremendous struggles and longings common to the human experience. And it says a lot about our Creator too. Great works of art can speak to the soul in a unique way.Rembrandt Is in the Wind is an invitation to discover some of the world's most celebrated artists and works and how each of them illuminates something about God, people, and the purpose of life. Part art history, part biblical study, part philosophy, and part analysis of the human experience, this book is nonetheless all story.From Michelangelo to Vincent van Gogh to Edward Hopper, the lives of the artists in this book illustrate the struggle of living in this world and point to the beauty of the redemption available to us in Christ. Each story is different. Some conclude with resounding triumph while others end in struggle. But all of them raise important questions about humanity's hunger and capacity for glory, and all of them teach us to love and see beauty."The artists featured in these pages—artists who devoted their lives and work to what is good, true, and beautiful—remind us that we can, and should, do the same." —Karen Swallow Prior, author of On Reading Well Read more

Discover the Complexity of Culture and Connection in A Passage to India E. M. Forster’s A Passage to India is a powerful exploration of friendship, colonialism, and the clash of cultures in British-ruled India. With its richly drawn characters and profound social commentary, this novel remains a cornerstone of 20th-century literature.A Story of Friendship and Conflict Set in the fictional town of Chandrapore, the novel follows Dr. Aziz, a Muslim physician, and his interactions with two English visitors, Miss Adela Quested and Mrs. Moore. Their attempt to bridge cultural divides is disrupted by a tragic misunderstanding during a visit to the mysterious Marabar Caves. The event ignites tensions between the British colonizers and the Indian community, unraveling friendships and exposing deep-seated prejudices.Key Themes in A Passage to India:Colonialism and Power: A critique of the British Empire’s impact on Indian society and identity.Friendship and Misunderstanding: The challenges of forming meaningful relationships across cultural boundaries.Religion and Spirituality: The coexistence and conflict among Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.The Mystery of the Marabar Caves: A symbol of the unknown and the limitations of human understanding.A Timeless Classic With its nuanced portrayal of cultural tensions and its universal themes of humanity and connection, A Passage to India is a profound and thought-provoking novel. E. M. Forster’s keen insight into human relationships and societal dynamics makes this a must-read for lovers of classic literature. Read more

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No story in the Bible is under more assault to its eternal truth than the Creation story found at the very beginning in the book of Genesis. Modern science has made it almost unbelievable for all but the very faithful.This is a 2nd edition, adding even additional evidence for God’s existence. Genesis 1 Day 1 makes a precise prediction of liquid water on the surface of the Earth when the sun became a star. Recent discoveries in Early Earth science are revealing our planet cooled quicker than originally believed, and that much of the water came from the Earth itself. Evidence may soon prove that science and scripture in total agreement.Recent polling from Public Opinion Strategies found that only 26% of Gen Z believe in God and nearly half have never attended a religious service. No doubt, public schools have played a huge part since prayer and the teaching of the Biblical Creation has been removed from government education by the Supreme Court.Unfortunately, many of the religious have adopted an absolute belief that it’s not possible to explain the biblical creation in scientific terms. This requires either an outright rejection of modern science or an adoption of dubious conjectures impossible to prove. Worst still, some churches have completely capitulated to evolutionary science.But what if there were another way?Could the biblical Creation narrative be more scientific than anyone has ever determined before or could even believe? Could early earth science confirm the Creation story like archeology has done for other Biblical stories?Could godless evolution be replace with a God centered explanation where science can provide many of the missing details?A “Theistic terraforming?” What is this new concept, and can it explain how humanity and all life originated?In the last few decades, early earth science has made many advances in the conditions of our planet back then, whenever that actually occurred. Surprisingly, these discoveries explain why the story why and how the story is told.Could it be that it had to be that way, especially to match the recently discovered science?Take the case of why God didn’t create the sun on the first day. The sun is not specifically mentioned till day four. Why?The explanation is nothing short of incredible!And, this book explores many of the aspects of the Creation narrative looking under the hood, so to speak. If one has an open mind, the reader will get a new appreciation for the entire story.For the biblical Creation narrative showed not only that God is supernatural, but, and more importantly, that He is also “super in the natural.”However, this book will go beyond that. When answering the ultimate question of the ages, “Did humanity create god or did God create humanity?” The treatise will give a definitive answer.As in, could it be that GOD▪️QED?The answer is a resounding “Yes!” But, one has to read to find out if the proof is even sound and believable, and the proof presented here has little in common with Creationism.Adding to that extraordinary claim, this book also covers:Creation is close to evolution’s order of life.But evolution isn’t happening in many aspects.Proof of the biblical flood. Why God chose it.Why the Garden of Eden may be discovered?Why did God create other humanoids?Did God cause the dinosaur killing asteroid?Is Islam’s creation narrative scientific?And what could be God’s Greatest Wish?Another question answered is whether there’s life elsewhere in the universe. And more importantly, what would it mean if a real UFO landed on Earth with intelligent alien life aboard? How would that affect a person’s belief in God? And, does it necessarily have to be impacted negatively?And as if that weren’t enough, there’s actually so much more… Read more

“By far the most profound thinker of the 19th century” —Ludwig Wittgenstein “Kierkegaard’s great contribution to Western philosophy was to assert, or to reassert with Romantic urgency, that, subjectively speaking, each existence is the center of the universe.” —John Updike, The New YorkerHarper Perennial Modern Classics presents the rediscovered spiritual writings of Søren Kierkegaard, edited and translated by Oxford theologian George Pattison. Called “the first modernist” by The Guardian and “the father of existentialism” by the New York Times, Kierkegaard left an indelible imprint on existential writers from Sartre and Camus to Kafka and Derrida. In works like Fear and Trembling, Sickness unto Death, and Either/Or, he by famously articulated that all meaning is rooted in subjective experience—but the devotional essays that Patterson reveals in Spiritual Writings will forever change our understanding of the great philosopher, uncovering the spiritual foundations beneath his secularist philosophy. Read more

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From the creative minds of the scholarly group behind the groundbreaking Jesus Seminar comes this provocative and eye-opening look at the roots of Christianity that offers a thoughtful reconsideration of the first two centuries of the Jesus movement, transforming our understanding of the religion and its early dissemination.Christianity has endured for more than two millennia and is practiced by billions worldwide today. Yet that longevity has created difficulties for scholars tracing the religion’s roots, distorting much of the historical investigation into the first two centuries of the Jesus movement. But what if Christianity died in the fourth or fifth centuries after it began? How would that change how historians see and understand its first two hundred years?Considering these questions, three Bible scholars from the Westar Institute summarize the work of the Christianity Seminar and its efforts to offer a new way of thinking about Christianity and its roots. Synthesizing the institute’s most recent scholarship—bringing together the many archaeological and textual discoveries over the last twenty years—they have found: There were multiple Jesus movements, not a singular one, before the fourth centuryThere was nothing called Christianity until the third centuryThere was much more flexibility and diversity within Jesus’s movement before it became centralized in Rome, not only regarding the Bible and religious doctrine, but also understandings of gender, sexuality and morality.Exciting and revolutionary, After Jesus Before Christianity provides fresh insights into the real history behind how the Jesus movement became Christianity. After Jesus Before Christianity includes more than a dozen black-and-white images throughout. Read more

The renowned biblical scholar, author of The Misunderstood Jew, and general editor for The Jewish Annotated New Testament interweaves history and spiritual analysis to explore Jesus’ most popular teaching parables, exposing their misinterpretations and making them lively and relevant for modern readers.Jesus was a skilled storyteller and perceptive teacher who used parables from everyday life to effectively convey his message and meaning. Life in first-century Palestine was very different from our world today, and many traditional interpretations of Jesus’ stories ignore this disparity and have often allowed anti-Semitism and misogyny to color their perspectives.In this wise, entertaining, and educational book, Amy-Jill Levine offers a fresh, timely reinterpretation of Jesus’ narratives. In Short Stories by Jesus, she analyzes these “problems with parables,” taking readers back in time to understand how their original Jewish audience understood them. Levine reveals the parables’ connections to first-century economic and agricultural life, social customs and morality, Jewish scriptures and Roman culture. With this revitalized understanding, she interprets these moving stories for the contemporary reader, showing how the parables are not just about Jesus, but are also about us—and when read rightly, still challenge and provoke us two thousand years later. Read more

Unlock the Secrets of the Ancient Scriptures: The Definitive Apocrypha Collection**Discover the Mysteries: Unveil the hidden truths of the ancient world with "The Definitive Apocrypha Collection." This comprehensive compilation brings together all 16 books excluded from the Bible, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the spiritual and historical landscapes of early Christianity.Newly Revised Edition: Our 2024/2025 Revised Edition presents these profound texts with enhanced readability and insightful forewords and introductions by renowned biblical scholar Edward Whelan. His expert commentary illuminates the significance and context of each book, guiding you through their intricate narratives and theological themes.Exclusive Content: Dive deeper into the lesser-known stories, prophecies, and teachings that shaped early Christian thought but were left out of the canonical Bible. From the Wisdom of Solomon to the Book of Enoch, explore the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that these texts reveal.Essential Reading: Whether you are a theologian, historian, or simply a curious reader, this collection is an invaluable resource. Gain a deeper understanding of the religious and cultural dynamics of the past, and see how these apocryphal books continue to influence contemporary faith and scholarship.Why This Edition? Edward Whelan's forewords and introductions provide not just context but a scholarly perspective that enhances your reading experience. His authoritative voice bridges the gap between ancient texts and modern readers, making this edition a must-have for any serious collection.Take Action Now: Don't miss the opportunity to own this essential piece of religious history. Enhance your library and your knowledge by ordering "The Definitive Apocrypha Collection" today. Embrace the wisdom of the past and enrich your understanding of the Bible's most enigmatic books.**Order Your Copy Today**: Secure your copy of the 2024/2025 Revised Edition now. Click the link below to purchase and embark on a journey through the fascinating world of apocryphal literature.**[Buy Now]** Read more

A major new work on the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest sacred documents of Judaism, which reveals their surprising connections to early Christianity. “A luminous treatment of a fascinating subject! Highly recommended!”—Scott Hahn, author of The Fourth Cup From award-winning scholar John Bergsma comes an intriguing book that reveals new insights on the Essenes, a radical Jewish community predating Christianity, whose existence, beliefs, and practices are often overlooked in the annuls of history. Bergsma reveals how this Jewish sect directly influenced the beliefs, sacraments, and practices of early Christianity and offers new information on how Christians lived their lives, worshipped, and eventually went on to influence the Roman Empire and Western civilization. Looking to Hebrew scripture and Jewish tradition, Bergsma helps to further explain how a simple Jewish peasant could go on to inspire a religion and a philosophy that still resonates 2,000 years later.   In this enriching and exciting exploration, Bergsma demonstrates how the Dead Sea Scrolls—the world's greatest modern archaeological discovery—can shed light on the Church as a sacred society that offered hope, redemption, and salvation to its member. Ultimately, these mysterious writings are a time machine that can transport us back to the ancient world, deepen our appreciation of Scripture, and strengthen our understanding of the Christian faith.“An accessible introduction . . . This is a handy entry point for readers unfamiliar with Essenes or those interested in the Dead Sea Scrolls.”—Publishers Weekly Read more