Christian Book Award Finalist But God speaks through wombs, birthing prophetic utterances. . . . Enough of this unbelieving religion that masquerades as faith. Divine favor is placed on what we have disgraced. In God Speaks Through Wombs, Drew Jackson explores the first eight chapters of Luke's Gospel in a new poetic register. These are declarative poems, faithfully proclaiming the gospel story in all its liberative power. Here the gospel is the "fresh words / that speak of / things impossible." From the Magnificat ("That girl can sing! . . . She has a voice / That can shatter shackles") to the baptism of Christ ("I stepped in / Committing insurrection"), this collection helps us hear the hum of deliverance-against all hope-that's been in the gospel all along.

Storytelling is a vital skill for everyone in ministry of any kind. Everything we are and everything we do revolves around the big story of God's love for us and how we respond to it. Tell It Together combines stories that have been written to read well aloud with tools for groups to share them effectively. The stories can be used on their own, to enhance a theme or Bible passage, or alongside other activities as the basis for clubs or creative worship gatherings and festivals.

Get to know God better and dig deeper into His Word with The Bible Recap Study Guide. Following a chronological Bible reading plan, this easy-to-use resource includes reflection and research questions specific to each day's reading, as well as space to write your responses. From just a handful of questions each day, you will get a concise yet comprehensive view of the Bible's larger narrative and how God's character is revealed throughout Scripture. You will soon discover that He's where the joy is! Praise for The Bible Recap "I have grown closer to God in ways I couldn't expect." "It has helped me understand the Bible like never before." "More than a Bible study, it is a God study."

Let's Study Philippians is the first in a series of commentaries written to encourage ordinary Christians to read and apply God's Word. Designed to be used by individuals or by groups, it contains an exposition of the text as well as a study guide.

Fitzroy Dearborn is pleased to announce an historic event in religious reference publishing -- Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Already eight years in development under the general editorship of Thomas C. Oden, the first six volumes have now been released: Mark; Romans; Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians; I Corinthians; Colossians; and the General Epistles.

Scripture today is interpreted primarily from the perspective of post-Enlightenment thinkers. Earlier commentary, particularly that of the renowned church fathers -- Ambrose, Chrysostom, Augustine, etc. -- has largely been lost to us. These early patristic writings are now rarely consulted -- not because they lack interest but because many of them have not been translated; still others are not readily available in reliable editions.

Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a truly unique resource: when completed, it will include 27 volumes encompassing the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, plus the Apocrypha. On each page readers will find the text of scripture, line by line, accompanied by the relevant commentary (in English) of the early church fathers. The salient insights, rhetorical power and unique exegeses of these great thinkers will now be available to readers in the 21st century.

Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is possible only now, for it relies on computer searches of the ancient Greek, Latin, Coptic and Syriac patristic texts to identify and isolate commentary on individual books of the Bible. Volume editors (who together constitute an illustrious team of Biblical scholars) review and select the best expositions and analyses from dedicated Biblical commentary as well as from theentire range of patristic writings, including sermons, homilies, letters, and theological translations. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is thus an unprecedented international undertaking, involving the expertise of computer experts and translators as well as that of hundreds of Protestant, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic scholars from around the world.

Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is dedicated to reclaiming for the modern reader classic commentary on the entire Christian canon: 21st century scholars, librarians, teachers, and students of the Bible will gain unequalled access to the most profound and enduring commentary by the early church fathers, from Element of Rome in the 2nd century to John of Damascus in the 8th century.

Fitzroy Dearborn expects great demand from libraries around the world for this extraordinary reference project, and very large initial printings allow us to price individual volumes at only $40 each. It is our hope that, at this price, even the smallest libraries will be able to afford this landmark work, which will be issued over a period of five years. Fitzroy Dearborn will record standing orders.

Paul's letter to the Galatians, sometimes known as the Magna Carta of Christian liberty, is central to the understanding of the relation of Paul and the Law and is packed with crucial historical, social and theological material. Philip F. Esler provides a detailed and accessible interpretation of the text, which draws on contemporary and modern literary models. He outlines the problems often associated with reading Galatians, the context of the text, the rhetoric of the text and the intercultural and social implications of Galatians. Galatians includes comprehensive indices of ancient sources and modern sources, detailed references and an appendix discussing Paul's attitude to the Law in Romans 5.20-21. Galatians presents a succinct and emminently readable analysis of a dense and important New Testament text.

Continuing a Gold Medallion Award-winning legacy, this completely revised edition of The Expositor s Bible Commentary series puts world-class biblical scholarship in your hands. Based on the original twelve-volume set that has become a staple in college and seminary libraries and pastors studies worldwide, this new thirteen-volume edition marshals the most current evangelical scholarship and resources. You ll find up-to-date information grounded in the same unchanging commitment to the divine inspiration, complete trustworthiness, and full authority of the Bible. Of the fifty-six contributors, thirty of them are new. Reflecting the Expositor s Bible Commentary international and cross-denominational approach, they come from the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand, and from a broad diversity of churches, including Anglican, Baptist, Brethren, Methodist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, and Reformed. The Expositor s Bible Commentary uses the complete New International Version for its English text, but it also refers freely to other translations and to the original languages. For each book of the Bible, the thoroughly revised features consist of: A comprehensive introduction A short and precise bibliography A detailed outline Insightful exposition of passages and verses Overviews of sections of Scripture to illumine the big picture Occasional reflections to give more detail on important issues Notes on textual questions and special problems, placed close to the text in question Transliteration and translation of Hebrew and Greek words, enabling readers to understand even the more technical notes A balanced and respectful approach toward marked differences of opinion"

Matthew - the visit of the Magi, the Sermon on the Mount, the Great Commission: these are only a few of the well-known passages that draw readers specifically to Matthew's gospel. Yet it begins with a forbidding list of unknown names and apparently irrelevant 'begettings'. In fact, the early church may have placed Matthew first in the New Testament because it more fully than any other Gospel provides a Christian perspective on the relation between the church and the Jews, an issue that is still important today. R. T. France tackles this and other key issues in the Gospel with clarity, reliability and relevance.This classic commentary has been completely retypeset and presented in a fresh, vibrant new large paperback format, with new global branding.

Do you ever feel like Jesus couldn't possibly know what you are going through? He's the God of the universe after all! Does he really know your daily struggles? The good news is: he does. For thirty-three years Jesus felt everything you have ever felt: weakness, weariness, sadness, rejection. His feet got tired and his head ached. He was tempted and his strength was tested. And you know why? Because in becoming human, Jesus made it possible for us to see God. His tears, God's tears. His voice, God's voice. Want to know what matters to God? Find out what matters to Jesus. Want to know what in the world God is doing? Ponder the words and life of Jesus. For more than three decades, pastor and bestselling author Max Lucado has shown us Jesus. In this capstone book, he takes us further on the journey to know the life and character of the Savior. This book describes both the person Jesus was on earth and how to live in a personal relationship with him. It is divided into six sections: Immanuel Friend Teacher Miracle Worker Lamb of God Returning King This compilation from Max Lucado gives readers the chance to become more familiar with the man at the center of the greatest story ever told. Max explores Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, including how Jesus interacted with his friends and his enemies, what he did with time alone, and how he acted at a party. Max writes, "Don't settle for a cursory glance or a superficial understanding. Look long into the heart of Christ and you'll see it. Grace and life. Forgiveness of sin. The defeat of death. This is the hope he gives." Jesus wants you to know him. As you read these pages, may the hero of all history talk to you personally, and may you find in him the answer to your deepest needs.

Ancient prophecy was not confined to Israel, yet the phenomenon of prophetic poetry as it developed there was unique. The impact of this poetry on civilization is incalculable, though its origins and motives largely remain mysterious. This book shows that this poetry is inseparable from the empires which determined the history of the ancient Near East and the fate of Israel and Judah from the late-8th century to the end of the 6th century BC - first Assyria, then Babylonia, and finally Persia. Each empire had its own characters and motives, and stimulated a distinct wave of prophecy, led in turn by Isaiah Ben Amos, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and the second Isaiah. The book is an historical interpretation and an anthology of prophetic poetry which uses recent research on imperialism and creativity to produce a radically new interpretation of the biblical prophets. More than three dozen outstanding poems and fragments in new translation from the Hebrew Bible are arranged in a running narrative, from the late-8th century BC until the late-6th century BC.

Are you curious about biblical Christian meditation? Through stories, practical advice, and helpful prompts, Rick Hamlin guides Christians to center their minds and hearts on God as they seek to hear the still small voice above all the noise and chaos in the world. Rick Hamlin has been unpacking the power of prayer in Finding God on the A Train and Ten Prayers You Can't Live Without and the special Guideposts book, Prayer Works. In this new book, you will discover how meditation has deep Christian roots that go back for millennia, how it can be used to live more authentically and let go of anxiety, how to love more generously and find God's will in your life, and how to grow in compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance. The steps are simple, and at the end of each chapter Hamlin offers specific exercises to enhance your practice. "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take his cross daily and follow me," Jesus said to his followers. Meditative prayer offers a rich resource to do just that. Silence speaks volumes and becomes a tool for all Jesus followers.

The Little Book of Advent is an indispensable collection of readings from some of the most celebrated modern-day spiritual writers, with passages specially selected for each day of Advent. These carefully chosen insights come from men and women, lay and ordained, across the denominational spectrum, and their wisdom is combined with both a suggested scripture passage, and a prayer to make your own. This book can be used either for self-reflection or to spark discussion in groups during an Advent course. It is a volume that will become a treasured part of your prayer life during the run-up to Christmas, and can be used year after year. Canon Arthur Howells is a retired priest, having served all his ministry in the Church in Wales.

Packed with resonant and thoughtful reflections, chosen as indispensable signposts for all who wish to make the best possible progress on life's journey. Offering inspiration for any situation you might face, Bible Verses to Lift the Soul is the perfect easy-to-use life companion, full of invaluable insights to steer you through your days and weeks. Reflection helps us to become more self-aware, and guided journaling is a great tool to enhance our everyday self-reflective practice. The Bible offers timeless wisdom - the 52 verses with accompanying prompts in this journal have been carefully selected to help you navigate life's challenges. Let faith, strength, love and truth guide you to greater peace.

Troubled. Confused. Uncertain. After 3 years with Jesus there was so much the disciples didn't understand. They were still reeling from the news that someone in their inner circle would betray the Lord. Worse still, Jesus predicted that their fiery and courageous friend Peter would deny him, and that his death was imminent. It seemed unthinkable. What would Jesus say to them? What comfort could he possibly offer? Reclining around the meal table, Jesus answered questions, taught and prayed for his disciples. In this final tutorial, he wanted to remind them of his love and faithfulness. Regardless of what was to come and how things looked, he was in complete control, and events would indeed unfold according to his sovereign plan.

In this fresh and gripping exposition, David Prior writes first of all as a pastor. His conviction is that 1 Corinthians is uniquely a tract for our times. His aim is that churches will recognise the problems and tensions inherent in being God's people in the increasingly urban world today, and not be ignorant of the true spirituality that is the work of the Holy Spirit. He wishes for each of them as a body to grow to express the total lordship of Christ. For Paul, he points out, Corinth as a strategic test case: if the gospel of Christ could change lives there, it could do so anywhere. He saw in the Corinthian believers the rich resources for Christian ministry and mission that are present in every local church.

There are times in our lives when we especially need encouragement, which gives us the determination to keep going whatever our circumstances. During times of distress, joy, and hopelessness, David poured out his heart to the Lord and documented it in the Psalms. We, too, live in a fallen world, which is at enmity with God. But immersing ourselves in God's Word lifts our heads and enables us to live life filled with hope. Within these pages, you will find a 40-day journey of discovery, exploring vital and life-changing principles from God's Word. These devotionals, built around key verses in the Psalms, reflect on how God encouraged David, and they provide daily encouragement for Christians today. End-of-chapter prayers and an opportunity to journal help anchor the daily truths into the reality of your own life.

Do you long for a closer, deeper walk with God? Would you like to know more about what the Bible says about spiritual intimacy? We say we know about God's love in our heads, but has it really percolated through to our hearts? The Bible employs the metaphor of Christ, the Lover, and believers, his beloved. Yet this rich relationship potential is relatively unexplored in modern popular books, and we are the poorer for it. Using Song of Songs and other Bible sources, the author explores the dynamics of our relationship. We come to understand more fully what it is for Christ to love us and for us to love him. Contents Desire - You're the one I want Show me your face Jesus is not my boyfriend, but... Is the Song of Songs really about me and Jesus? Insecurity Delight Springtime Belonging Distance Christ finds us beautiful Christ gets crazy for love Finally, consummation Distant again Spiritual intimacy betrayed and lost through porn Porn-spoiled lives restored Reconciled Still beautiful to him Spirals of longing and love Conclusion: the power of spiritual marriage in the storms This portrayal of the living dynamics of a believer's relationship with Christ cannot fail to transform our devotional life profoundly.

In 1804 Thomas Jefferson decided to study the gospels to see if he could distill the essence of Jesus' teachings into a concise book that could be quickly read and easily understood. This volume is the result, offering valuable insights into the teachings of Jesus Christ and into the mind and beliefs of Thomas Jefferson.

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.