Many people continue to believe that only a small percentage of the New Testament accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth reflect what he really said and did. The reasons for scepticism may vary over the years, but some arguments have proved remarkably persistent - for example, the Gospels were not written by people in a position to know what Jesus was like, primitive cultures believed in miracles that we know are impossible, theological interest precludes historical accuracy, non-canonical texts disprove the stories in the Gospels, and so on. Such claims are in fact weakly supported, or have actually been disproved. However, various issues contribute to the complexity of the question of the Gospels' trustworthiness, and disagreements remain. Furthermore, confusion has been compounded by fiction promoted in popular culture, or by eccentric, unrepresentative scholarship. Since its first appearance in 1987, Craig Blomberg's response to scepticism in 'The Historical Reliability of the Gospels' has been widely appreciated. Fully revised and updated, this new edition takes account of the vast amount of relevant scholarship that has appeared over the last two decades. Ranging over a wide field - differences between parallel accounts of the same event, the striking contrast between John and the Synoptic Gospels, the theological interests of the evangelists, the miracles of Jesus, the testimony of extrabiblical sources, and critical assessment of historical methods - Professor Blomberg presents a thorough, informed engagement with the main issues in the ongoing debates. Deliberately refusing to appeal to the inspiration of the Bible or to church tradition, he convincingly demonstrates the overall historical reliability of the Gospels.

Holy Habits is an adventure in Christian discipleship. Inspired by Luke's model of church found in Acts 2:42-47, it identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them. The habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, Prayer and Making More Disciples. These Bible reading notes have been created to help churches and individuals explore the habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.

Holy Habits is an adventure in Christian discipleship. Inspired by Luke's model of church found in Acts 2:42-47, it identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them. The habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, Prayer and Making More Disciples. These Bible reading notes have been created to help churches and individuals explore the habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.

Enoch's apocryphal work from the 2nd century B.C. introduced such concepts as fallen angels, resurrection, and last judgement. It exercised a powerful influence on early Christians, particularly the Gnostics. This title offers the definitive translation.

Read our customer guide The Torah is the essence of Jewish tradition; it inspires each successive generation. The current JPS translation, based on classical and modern sources, is acclaimed for its fidelity to the ancient Hebrew.

Joyce Meyer will help you use the Word to overcome the battles of your mind by changing your thoughts to change your life. Features she shares include over 150 contemplative articles on Winning the Battles of the Mind, 500 scripture-based articles called Keys to a Victorious Life, and so much more. She also helps empower you with God's strength through hundreds of prayers, thought-provoking questions, and thorough introductions to each book of the Bible.

Joyce's teachings on the "Battlefield of the Mind" give a new dimension to how the "Words of life" can transform your life. You'll feel as though you have Joyce as your own personal study partner.

Additional features include:

*PowerPoints - Approximately 350 powerful tips drawn from scripture to help you think, speak, or live to win the battles of the mind.

*Speak God's Word - 300 scripture confessions that will teach you how to confess God's Word for yourself.

*A Prayer for Victory - 125 prayers to fuel your ability to overcome any obstacle and live victoriously.

The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' most inspiring and challenging description of the Christian counterculture. John Stott's teaching on this timeless text shows how its value system, ethical standard, religious devotion and network of relationships clearly distinguish it from both the nominal church and the secular world. In this volume Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount is offered in brief readings suitable for daily use which take us passage by passage through the Scripture text. Including eight weekly studies for individuals or groups, this book covering Matthew 5-7 allows readers to enjoy the riches of Stott's writings in a new, easy-to-use format. John Stott was one of the most beloved and masterful Bible teachers of the last fifty years. His books have sold in the millions. Christians on every continent have heard and read his instructive and inspiring expositions of Scripture. The books in the Reading the Bible with John Stott series offer the essential message of Stott's teaching, largely drawn from his Bible Speaks Today volumes, and present it in a format suitable for daily reading. Questions at the end of each section make these books even more useful for individuals or groups.

Does the church have a future? Across the generations troubled Christians have often asked this question. Even as early as the end of the first century the future of the church hung in the balance. False teaching, internal division and persecution were rife. Emperor Domitian had exiled the apostle John, probably in his 90s, on the island of Patmos. You can imagine John, pacing up and down the island at night, looking across the sea to the cities on the shore, wondering, `Does the church have a future?' Into this situation the Lord comes and makes these glorious revelations. He gives John this vision and tells him to write to the seven churches of Asia Minor, in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, in what is now called Turkey. To each of these churches Jesus says, `I know... I know your hopes and dreams, your faults and failings, your joys and sorrows, your temptations and frustrations.' Jesus knew each church, and so he could speak wisely and truthfully into each circumstance. He said some hard things to shake the believers out of their apathy. He also spoke words of comfort. The letter ends by pointing the believers to heaven, a reminder that despite their present struggles, ultimately they are on the victory side. Today the church still faces internal division, opposition and persecution. It is understandable that some believers ask, `Does the church have a future?' The answer is the same as it always has been. Absolutely.

***The Christian Market Devotional of the Year 2022*** ***Winner of the 2022 Angel Book Awards*** ***Winner of the American Book Fest "Best Book" Award in Two Categories!***Guaranteed to breathe new life into your walk with God, this 90-day devotional-with entries for March, April, and May-will reawaken your spirit through famous quotes, inspirational readings, meaningful prayers, and targeted scriptures. Whether you're looking for those first signs of new life to burst through the soil, hunting Easter eggs with the kiddos, or seeking a closer relationship with Jesus, it seems we're all searching for something to bring us hope, joy, and a new beginning. That's why Springtime For Your Spirit: 90 Devotions of Hope, Joy, and New Beginnings is the perfect devotional for such a special season. Award-winning authors Michelle Medlock Adams and Andy Clapp have carefully woven biblical lessons into holidays and happenings that we experience only during spring, such as: MLB Spring Training Lent Easter Spring Storm Season Spring Pancake Festival Spring Planting Mother's Day Each devotion not only features an inspirational teaching and quote, but also, it gives readers the opportunity to: Plant the Word, Work the Word,Pray the Word, and learn more through a Did You Know? feature. We challenge you to search the pages of this devotional and experience the sweetness of this sacred season. Your beautiful new beginning awaits. . . .

A Deeper Sort of Devotional Words are powerful. They contain ideas and shape the way we see God, ourselves and all of reality. We're transformed, in particular, by God's Word, and by "the Word," the Logos--Jesus himself--as described by John in the first chapter of his Gospel. Memorizing and studying a passage in depth can offer a deeper sense of the meaning of each word. In this unique introduction to the hidden life in Christ, James Bryan Smith walks readers through a thirty-day immersion in Colossians 3:1-17. Each of the thirty short chapters of this book bring out the main truth of just one word or phrase of this rich passage. You'll also find a very simple daily practice to take up, reflection questions and a guide for five weeks of group discussion. The chapters are short in length, making this book an ideal daily devotional. Since there are thirty chapters, it could be used for a one-month introduction to the hidden life in Christ. Though brief in terms of length, each chapter tries to unearth some very deep truths. For those who have read and practiced the exercises in the Apprentice series, this book will be a helpful refresher as you continue your sacred journey. Each chapter also contains an exercise or practice ("Living into the Truth"), as well as an affirmation that summarizes the main point of the chapter and a written prayer designed to move you deeper into the truths of the Word. In addition, each chapter concludes with a few reflection questions that can be used either by individuals or in a group discussion. The only way to tell a story is to use words. May the words of Colossians 3 become a companion to you as God continues to write your story.

Holy Habits is an initiative to nurture Christian discipleship. It explores Luke's model of church found in Acts 2:42-47, identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them. The habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, Prayer and Making More Disciples. These Bible reading notes have been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.

Holy Habits is an initiative to nurture Christian discipleship. It explores Luke's model of church found in Acts 2:42-47, identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them. The habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, Prayer and Making More Disciples. These Bible reading notes have been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.

Holy Habits is an initiative to nurture Christian discipleship. It explores Luke's model of church found in Acts 2:42-47, identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them. The habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, Prayer and Making More Disciples. These Bible reading notes have been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.

The place: Persia. The time: fifth century BC. The Jews were threatened with genocide. A decree ordered the extermination of young and old, women and children. The book of Esther describes how this crisis was averted through the bravery of Esther, the wisdom of her stepfather and the unity of the Jewish people. It also reveals the God who quietly - and sometimes unexpectedly - works behind the scenes to order the events of our lives.

Large Print Edition. For years, the beloved classic devotional Streams in the Desert has sustained and replenished God's weary desert travelers. Now, bursting forth like a sparkling-clear river of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration, this updated edition of Streams in the Desert promises to revive and refresh today's generations of faithful sojourners, providing daily Scripture passages from the popular, readable New International Version-and modern, easy-to-understand language that beautifully captures the timeless essence of the original devotional.

Fresh translation and facing-page annotations bring the compelling wisdom of the Hebrew prophets to life.

Hundreds of commentaries and dozens of Bible translations make the Hebrew prophets available to modern-day readers, but most often these sources focus on history or apologetics, losing the reader who is searching for spiritual insight.

"The Hebrew Prophets: Selections Annotated & Explained" makes the wisdom of these timeless teachers available to readers with no previous knowledge of the prophets. With fresh, contemporary commentary, Rami Shapiro reveals the central themes covered by all the prophets: moving from ignorance to wisdom, injustice to justice, cruelty to compassion, and despair to joy.

This unique look at the Hebrew Prophets sharpens the personal nature of their message and highlights their critique of the spiritual errors we all face in life, challenging readers to correct those errors and experience a life of awakening and joy.

Using the metaphor of a seed, Jen Baker encourages us all to nurture the promises God sows into our lives, and equips us to stand firm as we learn to understand the different stages a promise undergoes towards fulfilment. God loves to sow promises in our hearts, but they very rarely come to fruition immediately. Often they can take many years to come to fruition and too often the storms of life can rob the hope we have and we can let go of these promises. But what if these dark times were all part of the journey to fulfilled promises - would that give us hope to persevere? Through personal experience Jen Baker has learned over the years that God works in seasons, and the more that we can understand our current season, the greater impact it can have on future victories. As Jen has seen, too many people over the years give up on a promise, or abort that promise, simply because they did not understand their season. So, using a seed as a metaphor for the journey, Jen shares six key stages a promise undergoes toward fulfilled purpose. Each stage of the journey is detailed, including what to expect and how we could respond. The book weaves together biblical reflections on how Jesus' life fits this pattern, and her own personal successes and failures so that readers are inspired to view their lives through the lens of promise. With questions for readers to reflect on further, this book is a gently challenging look at how we can all live fully in the calling God has uniquely designed for each of us.

Jack Countryman's trademarked God's Wisdom® series and God's Promises® series have sold millions of books over the years. Now he brings his two most popular series together in the ultimate gift book, God's Wisdom and Promises.

This incredibly useful gift book from bestselling author Jack Countryman is composed of topically divided Scriptures that reveal what the Bible says about key experiences and needs in life. Scripture is in the trusted New King James Version of the Bible.

More than 90 important topics include God's guidance on relationships, finances, difficult situations, frightening scenarios, ethical issues, and when a friend needs encouragement, as well as what the Bible says about mercy, loyalty, caring for others, disagreements, faithfulness, and obedience, among many others.

The focus of God's Wisdom and Promises is the grace, love, hope, blessings, and knowledge that God offers His people. While much of the success of the God's Promises series comes from people looking for guidance in times of crisis, God's Wisdom and Promises alsoprovides readers with positive promises to rely on. God's Wisdom and Promises is an easy impulse purchase for anyone needing encouragement or an ideal gift for any occasion.

For all Sundays, Solemnities, Major Feasts, and Other Occasions Edited by Bishop Peter J. Elliott. This new edition reflects the themes of both Pope John Paul II and the vision of Pope Benedict XVI. The style of the prayers anticipates the dignity, accuracy, and quality of the new ICEL translation of the Roman Missal.

En Nunca estas solo, Max Lucado, el pastor y autor best seller del New York Times, te mostrara que eres mas fuerte de lo que crees porque Dios esta mas cerca de lo que te das cuenta. Seras consolado por el Dios vivo, amoroso y hacedor de milagros que ni lo pensara dos veces antes de entrar en los matorrales espinosos de tu mundo para sacarte de alli. Cuando sentimos que la vida no es suficiente, ?le importa a Dios? Cuando lo escucho decir "No", ?tiene una respuesta? Cuando me enfrento a una avalancha de desafios, ?me ayudara? Cuando la vida se vuelve oscura y tormentosa, ?se da cuenta? Cuando me enfrento al temor a la muerte, ?me ayudara? La respuesta en los milagros que dan vida en el Evangelio de Juan es un rotundo si. En este libro, Max Lucado te ayudara a: Darte cuenta de que Jesus esta caminando contigo y levantandote de tus tormentas. Permanecer en la gracia de la cruz, el milagro de la tumba vacia, y la garantia del poder de la restauracion. Creer que Dios es tu fuente de ayuda siempre presente. Reconocer que nunca estas sin esperanza o fuerza porque nunca, nunca, estas solo. Anhelamos a Alguien que nos acompane en medio de los lios de la vida. Anhelamos creer en un Dios vivo, amoroso y hacedor de milagros que ni lo pensara dos veces antes de entrar en los matorrales espinosos de nuestro mundo para sacarnos de alli. Si este es tu deseo, echa un vistazo a las palabras de Juan y los milagros de Cristo y ve si no logran su objetivo deseado: "Para que ustedes crean que Jesus es el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios, y para que al creer en su nombre tengan vida" (Juan 20.31). Hoy, armate de valor porque eres mas fuerte de lo que crees, ya que Dios esta mas cerca de lo que crees. You Are Never Alone In You Are Never Alone, Max Lucado, the pastor and New York Times best-selling author, will show you that you are stronger than you think because God is closer than you realize. You'll be comforted by the living, loving, miracle-working God who won't even think twice about entering the thorny bushes of your world to get you out. When we feel that life is not enough, does God care? When I hear Him say "No", does He have an answer? When I am faced with an avalanche of challenges, will He help me? When life gets dark and stormy, does He notice? When I am faced with the fear of death, will He help me? The answer in the life-giving miracles in John's Gospel is a resounding yes. In this book, Max Lucado will help you: Realize that Jesus is walking with you and lifting you up from your storms. Remain in the grace of the cross, the miracle of the empty tomb, and the assurance of the power of restoration. Believe that God is your ever-present source of help. Recognize that you are never without hope or strength because you are never, ever, alone. We long for Someone to be with us in the midst of life's troubles. We long to believe in a living, loving, miracle-working God who will not even think twice about entering the thorny bushes of our world to get us out. If this is your desire, take a look at the words of John and the miracles of Christ and see if they do not achieve their desired goal: "That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing in his name you may have life" (John 20:31). Today, take courage because you are stronger than you think, because God is closer than you think.

As leader of the Jerusalem church, what words of encouragement would James write to these persecuted Christians? Perhaps a little surprisingly, his key message was: faith works. Genuine belief inevitably transforms our speech, suffering, compassion for the poor, humility, prayers, priorities, and, frankly, every other aspect of life. In 5 chapters James introduces and briefly touches upon a whole variety of issues that concern the new believers. In a simple, forthright style he urges them to live out their faith, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for every trial and that there is a value and purpose to their suffering. James' own life illustrated this message. He had grown up with Jesus and was naturally sceptical about his brother's Messianic claims. But a post-resurrection encounter with Jesus revolutionised his life. He was transformed from a vocal critic into a key leader of the early church and prime mover in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).