Many have asked thequestion "Can I findmeaning in life" This isbecause we as humanbeings need to feel thatour lives count forsomething that they aresignificant. It is linked toour selfesteem. To feel unimportant is to feelinadequate and this is a difficult burden to bear.Enjoying a meaningful life is therefore a preciousthing and something that is worthwhilesearching for. However if our existence isultimately meaningless if there's no God to obeyand no immortality to enjoy then our individualactions become utterly futile. This book is apersonal apologetic that is thoughtprovoking forboth Christians and nonChristians.

The magnificent series of biblical commentaries known as Black's New Testament Commentaries (BNTC) under the General Editorship of Professor Morna Hooker has had a gap for far too long - it has lacked an up to date commentary on the Fourth Gospel.
Professor Andrew Lincoln now fills this gap with his excellent new commentary. The key questions for scholars are gone into thoroughly- questions of historicity, the use of historical traditions and sources, relationship to the Synoptics, authorship, setting, first readers and Professor Lincoln makes his own position on these issues abundantly clear.
The Fourth Gospel raises a number of problems generally known as The Johannine Question. According to tradition the Gospel was written by St John the Apostle. The authenticity of the tradition is examined in the introduction but the textual issues are examined within the commentary itself. For example one problem is that Chapters 15 and 16 seem in early versions to have preceded chapter 14. Chapter 21 must have been a later addition. The purpose of the Gospel as stated in Chapter 20 v 31 is to strenghten the reader's faith in Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God. But even the celebrated prologue has given rise to much speculation, whereas most commentators believe it is the key to the Gospel as a whole.
These issues are meat and drink to scholars but in Professor Lincoln's expert hands they are extremely interesting and highly pertinent to our contemporary understanding of the Gospel.

The story of Lazarus in John 11-12 typically has been understood by scholars to act as a prototype for what was to follow in the form of the resurrection of Christ. In this book, Esler and Piper examine the raising of Lazarus, the relationship between him and his two sisters Mary and Martha, and examine the theological implications of a social scientific critique of this relationship and the Lazarus story in general. By this we mean that the authors examine the story using social identity theory, an approach that forms part of the flourishing field of social psychology. The authors set out what social identity theory actually means, how it works, with specific reference to group identity, and they apply it to John's Gospel. In addition, the authors have taken examinations of the catacomb art from Rome to provide empirical confirmation of their argument. The book concludes by setting out some of the theological dimensions of the investigation, and ultimately provides fresh theological insight into this New Testament text. Philip Esler has a particular interest in the reading of biblical texts using the tools provided by social-scientific research. He also publishes and teaches in the areas of the Bible and the Visual Arts, and early Christian identity in Rome. He is the Vice-Principal for Research at the University of St Andrews. Ronald Piper currently holds the positions of Professor of Christian Origins in the Divinity School, and University Vice-Principal for Learning & Teaching, also at the University of St Andrews. His primary research interests have been in the field of the gospels.

This small booklet tries to set out some of the basic teaching of the Bible about itself. If the Bible is the source book of our Christian Faith then we must have confidence in it. Our spirituality depends upon it. I define Spirituality as simply our relationship with God. In the Bible we understand what God is like. How we can have a relationship with Him. How we can converse with Him in prayer. How we can lead lives that are pleasing to Him. Many today, even within the Church, have lost confidence in God. They are not sure if they can trust His Word, rely on His promises, or whether it is possible to have a personal relationship with Him.

Voel dit of die eise van die lewe jou wil oorweldig? Smag jy na ’n plek waar jy kan wegkom van daaglikse stres en spanning, en onsekerheid oor die toekoms?

Topverkoper-outeur Milanie Vosloo wéét dat die lewe soms elke druppel energie uit ’n vrou tap. Die 366 bemoedigende dagstukkies met ’n Skrifaanhaling, oordenking en kort gebed sal vroue opnuut verseker dat God die enigste Bron is wat hulle volkome kan versterk.

Krag vir elke dag moedig vroue aan om hul angs en onsekerheid te verruil vir God se ewige, onuitputbare krag.

This volume, the first in a major new series which will provide authoritative texts of key non-canonical gospel writings, comprises a critical edition, with full translations, of all the extant manuscripts of the Gospel of Mary. In addition, an extended Introduction discusses the key issues involved in the interpretation of the text, as well as locating it in its proper historical context, while a Commentary explicates points of detail. The gospel has been important in many recent discussions of non-canonical gospels, of early Christian Gnosticism, and of discussions of the figure of Mary Magdalene. The present volume will provide a valuable resource for all future discussions of this important early Christian text.

Is jy op soek na vrede? ’n Kalm oomblik te midde van die chaos? Voel dit of selfs één dag sonder bekommernisse eenvoudig buite jou bereik is?

Riekert Botha se raad om ons woeste wêreld te navigeer, is reguit: Fokus op Jesus. Wanneer jou hele lewe op Hom gefokus is, word jou visie helder, jou prioriteite duidelik en onmoontlike situasies hanteerbaar. Jy kan rus in die wete dat Jesus jou krag is en dat Hy al is wat jy nodig het. Hý is jou stilte in die storm.

Wees oor niks besorg nie is ’n treffer-dagboek met 366 dagstukke wat jou sal lei om elke dag daarop te fokus om Jesus, jou Verlosser, beter te leer ken sodat jy kan groei in ’n meer volwasse volgeling wat ook vir die wêreld sal wys hoekom Jesus ook die antwoord op húl soeke na vrede is.

When difficult or unwanted change enters our lives, it can cause fear, anxiety, and anger to bubble up from within. We want to quiet that simmering stress, but how do we do that, especially when we know our circumstances aren't going to calm down any time soon? By regularly meeting with God and exchanging our worries and fears for his assurances that he is using our difficult change for us, not against us. Easier said than done? Not if you have Kristen Strong alongside you as your understanding guide. Offering thoughtful, humorous anecdotes and powerful prayers to recite, Strong invites you to think and feel differently about change on the inside so you can live and love differently on the outside. As the tender companion she is, Kristen will show you how not to get over difficult change but rather to get through it. She'll help you acknowledge your change, give your anxieties over to God, and abide well in the days to come--no matter what transitions life brings.

This book is an illuminating guide on critical, sensitive and salvation-based topics that will intrigue, educate, inspire and above all promote the doctrine of salvation as the focal point of the entire Bible. The book highlights the fact that humanity's greatest need has never been the food that satiates his hunger, the building that gives him shelter, the status that makes him relevant or anything that caters to his physical needs, albeit it consists of topics that discuss humanity's daily needs and how they can be acquired in line with God's word. It adequately emphasises that the salvation of souls constitutes the greatest need and should occupy the top echelon of our priorities. The scripture says that faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). But what happens when the word is not correctly taught, or correctly taught but not completely broken down and hence not properly understood? This book breaks down biblical lessons in a manner that will be easily understood by readers. Many have read the Bible and taught from it wrongly because they missed the central theme of the Bible which is the salvation of our souls but the words in this book have been written to help the reader avoid reading the Bible amiss and achieve this precious and priceless gift - salvation - that will make existence in this world a meaningful one. The lessons readers will learn are drawn from the context of the scriptures, the express commands of God and from the lives and experiences of several biblical characters. Readers are made to examine some biblical characters' strengths and flaws, successes and failures and extract valuable lessons that will guide them on the journey through life. While people can scan through the Bible and get a general understanding of the stories within these chapters, this book will draw the readers' attention to vital lessons they may not have noticed.

Mini-oordenkings vir vroue is ’n geskenk van hoop en vreugde wat vroue herinner dat God altyd naby hulle is. Die 180 kort en inspirerende oordenkings sal elke vrou aanmoedig om God se belofte van onfeilbare liefde te koester.

Die handige sakpas-formaat laat vroue toe om enige tyd en enige plek stil te word en tyd saam met Hom deur te bring.

TOM WRIGHT offers reflections on the Sunday readings in the Revised Common Lectionary for Years A, B & C. This volume, which brings together his widely read columns in the Church Times and also contains new material, covers all the Sundays and major festivals. Scholarship, history and insights into the world and language of the Bible are woven together to give a deeper understanding of the Word of the Lord. Twelve Months of Sundays will be invaluable to anyone who wants to gather their thoughts in preparation for Sunday worship, or for regular Bible study throughout the year.

'n Reis na innerlike vrede en wysheid - Hierdie 365 oordenkings verken elke aspek van die Gebed om kalmte en hoe jy dit daagliks op jou lewe kan toepas.

Ons lewe is gejaagd. Ons omstandighede – goed en sleg – stoot ons hiernatoe en daarnatoe. Ons voel asof gebeurtenisse buite ons beheer ons lewe bepaal. Ons smag na vrede, na ’n plek waar veiligheid en rus is. As antwoord op hierdie soeke na vrede herinner die geliefde predikant en skrywer Trevor Hudson lesers aan die beproefde wysheid in die alombekende Gebed om kalmte:

God, skenk my die gemoedskalmte, om die dinge te aanvaar wat ek nie kan verander nie, die moed om die dinge te verander wat ek kan, en die wysheid om te weet wat die verskil is.

Hierdie 365 oordenkings verken elke aspek van hierdie gebed en hoe jy dit daagliks op jou lewe kan toepas. Namate jy die Gebed om kalmte gebruik as gids om elke dag in vriendskap met jou Here en Skepper te lewe, sal God se geskenk van vrede jou lewe vul en deur jou vloei waar jy jou ook al bevind. Elke oordenking word afgesluit met ’n praktiese voorstel hoe jy hierdie gebed elke dag kan uitleef. Só sal jou lewe ál meer op God gefokus word, en sal jy die innerlike vrede ervaar waarna jou hart smag.

Trevor Hudson is ’n Metodistepredikant, en tans ook betrokke by The Institute for Creative Conversations by die Northfield Metodistekerk in Suid-Afrika. Trevor se bediening behels onderrig, die aanbied van lesings en naweekseminare dwarsoor die land, sowel as internasionaal. Hy is die skrywer van verskeie boeke, waaronder ’n Dieper verhouding met God, Gebed om kalmte en Vrae wat God ons vra.

Advent is a season almost forgotten by the secular world. With new toys and electronics available, why should we focus on this time of anticipation? Most everyone cannot wait for Christmas morning to arrive, but is it for the right reason? Sarah A. Reinhard designed "Welcome Baby Jesus" for you and your family to capture some of what's intended by the liturgical season of Advent. Each day has a Scripture quote from the Sunday gospel readings, a brief reflection, and an action to complete. With each passing Sunday, your Advent Wreath will grow brighter, your family's faith will grow stronger, and the true meaning of this season will be discovered.

Finding your heart’s true home - This 365-day devotional carefully unpacks the meaning of each part of the Serenity Prayer and how to apply it to our lives.

We live helter-skelter lives; each day we are pulled here and there by circumstances, both good and bad. We feel as if we are living at the mercy of events beyond our control. We long for peace, for a safe, serene and secure place where we can be at rest. In response to this search for peace, beloved author and minister Trevor Hudson reminds readers of the Serenity Prayer—a simple prayer that most of us know by heart:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

This 365-day devotional carefully unpacks the meaning of each part of the prayer and how to apply it to our lives. As we let the Serenity Prayer show us how to live each day in friendship with our Lord and Creator, God’s gift of peace will grow and fill us to overflowing. “Seeking Serenity”—a practical suggestion at the end of each day’s devotion—will also help the reader put this prayer into practice, and begin to develop the clear life-focus that brings the peace our hearts long for.

Trevor Hudson is a Methodist minister, currently seconded to The Institute for Creative Conversations at the Northfield Methodist Church, South Africa. He exercises a ministry of teaching and lecturing around the country and internationally, and is the author of several books including The Serenity Prayer, Questions God Asks Us, Holy Spirit Here and Now, Friendship with God and Towards a Closer Walk with God.

This book is an illuminating guide on critical, sensitive and salvation-based topics that will intrigue, educate, inspire and above all promote the doctrine of salvation as the focal point of the entire Bible. The book highlights the fact that humanity's greatest need has never been the food that satiates his hunger, the building that gives him shelter, the status that makes him relevant or anything that caters to his physical needs, albeit it consists of topics that discuss humanity's daily needs and how they can be acquired in line with God's word. It adequately emphasises that the salvation of souls constitutes the greatest need and should occupy the top echelon of our priorities. The scripture says that faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). But what happens when the word is not correctly taught, or correctly taught but not completely broken down and hence not properly understood? This book breaks down biblical lessons in a manner that will be easily understood by readers. Many have read the Bible and taught from it wrongly because they missed the central theme of the Bible which is the salvation of our souls but the words in this book have been written to help the reader avoid reading the Bible amiss and achieve this precious and priceless gift - salvation - that will make existence in this world a meaningful one. The lessons readers will learn are drawn from the context of the scriptures, the express commands of God and from the lives and experiences of several biblical characters. Readers are made to examine some biblical characters' strengths and flaws, successes and failures and extract valuable lessons that will guide them on the journey through life. While people can scan through the Bible and get a general understanding of the stories within these chapters, this book will draw the readers' attention to vital lessons they may not have noticed.

This book is an illuminating guide on critical, sensitive and salvation-based topics that will intrigue, educate, inspire and above all promote the doctrine of salvation as the focal point of the entire Bible. The book highlights the fact that humanity's greatest need has never been the food that satiates his hunger, the building that gives him shelter, the status that makes him relevant or anything that caters to his physical needs, albeit it consists of topics that discuss humanity's daily needs and how they can be acquired in line with God's word. It adequately emphasises that the salvation of souls constitutes the greatest need and should occupy the top echelon of our priorities. The scripture says that faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). But what happens when the word is not correctly taught, or correctly taught but not completely broken down and hence not properly understood? This book breaks down biblical lessons in a manner that will be easily understood by readers. Many have read the Bible and taught from it wrongly because they missed the central theme of the Bible which is the salvation of our souls but the words in this book have been written to help the reader avoid reading the Bible amiss and achieve this precious and priceless gift - salvation - that will make existence in this world a meaningful one. The lessons readers will learn are drawn from the context of the scriptures, the express commands of God and from the lives and experiences of several biblical characters. Readers are made to examine some biblical characters' strengths and flaws, successes and failures and extract valuable lessons that will guide them on the journey through life. While people can scan through the Bible and get a general understanding of the stories within these chapters, this book will draw the readers' attention to vital lessons they may not have noticed.

This book is an illuminating guide on critical, sensitive and salvation-based topics that will intrigue, educate, inspire and above all promote the doctrine of salvation as the focal point of the entire Bible. The book highlights the fact that humanity's greatest need has never been the food that satiates his hunger, the building that gives him shelter, the status that makes him relevant or anything that caters to his physical needs, albeit it consists of topics that discuss humanity's daily needs and how they can be acquired in line with God's word. It adequately emphasises that the salvation of souls constitutes the greatest need and should occupy the top echelon of our priorities. The scripture says that faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). But what happens when the word is not correctly taught, or correctly taught but not completely broken down and hence not properly understood? This book breaks down biblical lessons in a manner that will be easily understood by readers. Many have read the Bible and taught from it wrongly because they missed the central theme of the Bible which is the salvation of our souls but the words in this book have been written to help the reader avoid reading the Bible amiss and achieve this precious and priceless gift - salvation - that will make existence in this world a meaningful one. The lessons readers will learn are drawn from the context of the scriptures, the express commands of God and from the lives and experiences of several biblical characters. Readers are made to examine some biblical characters' strengths and flaws, successes and failures and extract valuable lessons that will guide them on the journey through life. While people can scan through the Bible and get a general understanding of the stories within these chapters, this book will draw the readers' attention to vital lessons they may not have noticed.