Why is the Bible so often used as a tool for division and exclusion? And why are so many intelligent and compassionate people embarrassed to say they find wisdom and comfort in the Bible? In this groundbreaking book, the man Time magazine called one of the seven best preachers in America provides answers to these questions and shows what the Bible says about topics that concern Lis all, including joy, suffering, evil, and goodness. With compassion, humor, and insight, lie gives readers the tools and understanding they need to make the ancient wisdom of the Bible a dynamic part of their modern lives.

Christian faith is centered in the cross. And the Christian life is likewise rooted in the cross. The studies in this guide, written by John Stott and based on his book The Cross of Christ, are designed to bring us to the heart of the cross with an understanding of what was accomplished there on our behalf. We begin with an individual perspective but move on from there into a deeper understanding of what it means to live as a community under the cross. Our worship, our call to mission, our ability to love our enemies and to face the perplexities of suffering--the cross transforms everything These studies provide the ever-increasing understanding of the cross needed by every believer.

In The Holy Spirit: Works & Gifts Donald Bloesch aptly brings his grasp of historical and systematic theology together with his deep concern for spirituality. The fruit of a lifetime of study and devotion, this work masterfully interweaves biblical study, historical overviews, and reflection on contemporary developments and issues to shed light on faith in God the Holy Spirit. On a topic that sadly threatens to divide the church, Bloesch strives to build bridges between the various traditions of Christian faith, especially between Reformed theology and the Pentecostal movement.

Building on the inaugural volume of the Christian Foundations series, A Theology of Word & Spirit, Bloesch guards against the equal dangers of a subjective spiritualism and a cold formalism. He speaks out of the perspective of the Protestant Reformation with its emphasis on the complementarity of Word and Spirit and the priority of grace over works. But he also acknowledges the Pentecostal perception that the work of the Spirit involves empowering for witness as well as sealing for salvation. Bloesch likewise finds truth in the mystical tradition of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy that the Spirit calls us to holiness of life as well as to a decision of faith.

This wide-ranging and in-depth reflection on the presence, reality and ministry of the Holy Spirit serves as a landmark guide to those seeking a faithful theological understanding of the Holy Spirit as well as those searching for a renewing and empowering hope for the church of Jesus Christ.

In Slaves, Women & Homosexuals William J. Webb tackles some of the most complex and controversial issues that have challenged the Christian church--and still do. He leads you through the maze of interpretation that has historically surrounded understanding of slaves, women and homosexuals, and he evaluates various approaches to these and other biblical-ethical teachings. Throughout, Webb attempts to "work out the hermeneutics involved in distinguishing that which is merely cultural in Scripture from that which is timeless" (Craig A. Evans). By the conclusion, Webb has introduced and developed a "redemptive hermeneutic" that can be applied to many issues that cause similar dilemmas. Darrel L. Bock writes in the foreword to Webb's work, "His goal is not only to discuss how these groups are to be seen in light of Scriptures but to make a case for a specific hermeneutical approach to reading these texts. . . . This book not only advances a discussion of the topics, but it also takes a markedly new direction toward establishing common ground where possible, potentially breaking down certain walls of hostility within the evangelical community."

#1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer teaches readers how to create change in their lives and truly receive God's blessings. Includes powerful Scriptures covering over 50 topics, such as patience, loneliness, and wisdom.

Many books--many fine books--have been published on the fruits of the Spirit. But none are quite like Life on the Vine. Philip Kenneson combines in this book rich, theologically grounded reflection on Christian life and practice with stunning analysis of contemporary culture. After a probing introductory chapter on the necessity and complexity of cultural analysis, Kenneson takes up each of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. He explores what each fruit means in its biblical context, then investigates how key traits of late modern Western culture inhibit the development and ripening of each fruit. Life on the Vine is that rare book that will reward the reader on many levels. It may be read as a biblical and theological study, as an inspirational work on spirituality, as incisive cultural criticism and as a practical guide to Christian discipleship.

In eight studies, Douglas Connelly looks at the "I Am" statements of Jesus. In the midst of friends' grief, a crowd's hunger and followers' fear, Jesus made some bold claims: "I am the Resurrection." "I am the Bread of Life." "I am the Way." His claims are still true in our grief, fear and uncertainty. These studies help us see Jesus more clearly and live with hope and confidence because of who he is.

When it comes to Bible translations, readability and reliability are what matter; and on both counts, the original Jerusalem Bible stands alone.

Reissued for the first time in over a decade, The Jerusalem Bible, Reader's Edition carries the imprimatur of the Roman Catholic Church. It meets the need for a modern translation based on the most reliable ancient texts. While it avoids the archaic language of the King James Version, it still holds to the traditional (noninclusive) language that appeals to conservative Catholic and Protestant Christians.

The Jerusalem Bible, Reader's Edition is filled with several appealing features:

• The complete canon of Holy Scripture, including the deuterocanonical books
• An English translation that is as close as possible to the literal meaning of the ancient texts
• Traditional, non-inclusive language
• Brief introductions to each book that orient the reader to the historical setting
• Limited footnotes where necessary to clarify only the literal meaning of the text
• Portable 5 1/2" x 8 1/4" x 1 7/8" trim size
• 8 point text
• Single column format
• Footnotes
• Jacketed Hardcover

How can you become a woman of God? Leading you through a series of studies drawn from Old and New Testament passages, Bunch offers Scripture as the best guide to help you develop the traits of a godly woman. She includes sessions on how to be strong, trustworthy, wise, resourceful, forgiving, beautiful, content, confident--and how to claim God's grace when you fall short. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

Learn the secret of living in the presence of God through this simple book written by a humble monastery cook in the 17th century. This newly revised Pure Gold Classic edition is the only historically accurate and complete version available, and features Scriptures from the KJV and NIV, a topical index, and a full color timeline chart.

Do you want to discover the riches of Scripture? Do you want to draw closer to God? Based on IVP's bestselling LifeGuide Bible Study series, the Quiet Time Bible Guide helps you dig into Scripture for yourself, developing a deeper and stronger relationship with God in the process. Instead of being told what the Bible says, you'll begin with questions to put you in a worshipful frame of mind. You'll move on to interpretive questions that help you explore what the Bible says, and then consider application questions to help you act on what you learn. Suggestions for personal prayer conclude your time of worship and study--and launch you into the rest of your day. Millions have benefited from the thoughtful experience of Scripture found in IVP's LifeGuide Bible Studies. This material was adapted from those guides and originally published as The NIV Quiet Time Bible. Millions more have since used these devotionals online on IVP's Quiet Time Bible Study website. Now 365 of the studies, leading you through the New Testament and Psalms, have been gathered together in one volume again. Whether you're new to the idea of quiet times or you've enjoyed them for years, theQuiet Time Bible Guide provides you with a fresh opportunity to read all of the New Testament and Psalms in one year--and draw close to God every day.

When we strip away what is superficial, cultural or traditional, what is the essence of true Christianity? What qualities and beliefs characterize a living--and life-changing--faith? The three letters of John help to answer these questions. 1, 2 and 3 John focus on the most important aspects of Christian life. As Ron Blankley leads you through the lessons of these letters, you'll discover what really matters--now and for eternity. Now available in IVP's revised LifeGuide Bible Study format, John's Letters features questions for starting group discussions and for personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session.

Bible study is serious fun The Discover 4 Yourself(r) Inductive Bible Studies for Kids help you find out for yourself what the Bible is all about - and give you exciting ways to do it These hands-on books help teach the basic skills of Bible study for a lifetime of discovering God's Word.
Are You Ready To Train For A Special Mission?
Welcome to Camp MacHaven, the training facility for God's Special Forces. You have been selected for the elite A Team. Should you choose to accept the special mission, you and fellow A Team members will train for 28 days as communications specialists, learning the most important skill of all - how to pray.
Operation Prayer has started So grab your gear and don't forget your training manual, the Bible. You will have a great adventure exploring a trail of questions, discovering secrets about life, understanding God's Word, and best of all, spending one-on-one time with your Commander-in-Chief - God
Compelling stories, engaging activities, and puzzles create a study ideal for Sunday school classes, homeschools, and independent study
NEW Teacher Guides
The Discover 4 Yourself(r) Teacher Guides have been developed by collegiate teacher educator, Elizabeth A. McAllister, Ed. D., and Janna Arndt for use by teachers in both classrooms and home school. The Teacher Guides provide invaluable tools to help you maximize the time you invest teaching a Discover 4 Yourself(r) Bible study. The Teacher's Guide will show you how to clearly, carefully, and sensitively lead your students through inductive Bible study, giving them a greater understanding of God and His ways coupled with practical ways to live out what they are learning. Teaching strategies are designed to enhance memory, creativity, and reasoning skills and to ignite young imaginations with the fun and rewards found only in studying God's Word.
FEATURES include:
Self-contained with the full student workbook included.
Creative ways to handle different learning abilities.
Memory enhancement: reading out loud, drawing pictures, creating and marking key words, and making charts, lists, and timelines.
Guided daily instructions including topic introductions and suggestions for: key word markings (symbols and colors), leading discussions, and playing games.
Weekly Quizzes and Final Exam.
Answer Keys for all student workbook questions, crossword puzzles, mazes, weekly quizzes, and final exam.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. To be spiritually mature is to show the fruit of the Spirit of Christ in our lives. These studies drawn from nine New and Old Testament passages highlight each quality and allow the Spirit's fruit to ripen in our lives.

Prophets prophesied about him. Angels and shepherds rejoiced at his birth. Friends cried for joy at his resurrection. And we still celebrate him today. He is Jesus, the Messiah. Perfect for Advent or Lent, this study guide explores some of the key passages in the Old Testament about the Messiah and their completion in the life and saving work of Jesus. These passages have had a profound effect on the imagination and worship of Christians for two thousand years, leading George Frederic Handel to write one of the greatest expressions of worship and adoration--his oratorio, the Messiah. We hear parts of it sung every year during the Christmas season, but what many listeners fail to realize is that the entire text of Handel?sMessiah is drawn from Scripture--and many of the Old Testament passages that shaped Israel's hope for their Redeemer are included in that text. This guide leads you through Scripture passages used in Handel's work that highlight who Jesus is and what he came to do. It might change the way you listen to the Messiah. Even more, it might change the way you live.

In this solid evangelical commentary on John's Gospel, a respected Scripture expositor makes clear the flow of the text, engages a small but representative part of the massive secondary literature on John, shows how the Fourth Gospel contributes to biblical and systematic theology, and offers a consistent exposition of John as an evangelistic Gospel. The comprehensive introduction treats such matters as the authenticity, authorship, purpose, and structure of the Gospel.

In this intensive exegesis of the Epistle to the Galatians, renowned German theologian Gerhard Ebeling strives to open "our eyes to the explosive force that produced this text, a force which, through this text, can explode over and over again.&334; Using rigorous technical tools, Ebeling interprets Galatians in such a way that "the truth of the Gospel" confronts the general reader as well as the specialist. He clarifies and emphasizes the relevance of this explication to the real-life struggles of contemporary Christians.

We're updating and revising our bestselling LifeGuides to make them even more effective for small group Bible study

New features of the revised LifeGuides include special options for group activities, additional questions for personal reflection, a "Now or Later" section with practical follow-up activities for use after the study or between sessions, expanded and improved leaders' notes and an attractive, redesigned format for easier reading.

Beginning with the new guides Miracles and Pleasing God (released in February 1999), all new LifeGuides will be presented in the new format. In addition more existing volumes will be revised every year to ensure that all our LifeGuides continue to be effective Bible study resources for the twenty-first century.

Heaven is often hard for us to picture, but these eight studies provide us with a biblical perspective on heaven -- something richer and more exciting than what we could ever imagine.

Which translation do I choose?

In an age when there is a wide choice of English Bible translations, the issues involved in Bible translating are steadily gaining interest. Consumers often wonder what separates one Bible version from another.

The contributors to this book argue that there are significant differences between literal translations and the alternatives. The task of those who employ an essentially literal Bible translation philosophy is to produce a translation that remains faithful to the original languages, preserving as much of the original form and meaning as possible while still communicating effectively and clearly in the receptors' languages.

Translating Truth advocates essentially literal Bible translation and in an attempt to foster an edifying dialogue concerning translation philosophy. It addresses what constitutes "good" translation, common myths about word-for-word translations, and the importance of preserving the authenticity of the Bible text. The essays in this book offer clear and enlightening insights into the foundational ideas of essentially literal Bible translation.

Are you tired of pat answers to your hard questions of faith? The writer of Ecclesiastes is not afraid to confront your dilemmas. Like "Where can you find fulfillment?" And "Who is really in control of this world that seems so topsy-turvy?" Or "Is there any value in my work, my struggles, my life?" As you explore this fascinating Old Testament book with Bill and Teresa Syrios, you will discover how God brings meaning to the world and how following God brings meaning to your life. Now available in IVP's revised LifeGuide Bible Study format, Ecclesiastes features questions for starting group discussions and for personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session.

There have been many studies of the women in the Gospels, but this is a new kind of book on the subject. Rather than offering a general overview of the Gospel women or focusing on a single theme, Richard Bauckham studies in great depth both the individual women who appear in the Gospels and the specific passages in which they appear.

This unique approach reveals that there is much more to be known about such women than previous studies have assumed. Employing historical and literary readings of the biblical texts, Bauckham successfully captures the particularity of each woman he studies.

An opening look at the Old Testament book of Ruth introduces the possibilities of reading Scripture from a womans perspective. Other studies examine the women found in Matthews and Lukes genealogies, the prophet Anna, Mary of Clopas, Joanna, Salome, and the women featured in the Gospel resurrection narrative. A number of these women have never been the subject of deep theological enquiry.

Unlike most recent books, Bauckhams work is not dominated by a feminist agenda. It does not presume in advance that the Gospel texts support patriarchal oppression, but it does venture some of the new and surprising possibilities that arise when the texts are read from the perspective of their female characters.

Astute, sensitive to issues of gender, and written by one of todays leading theologians, "Gospel Women will be of interest to a wide range of readers.

"Why is there so much violence in our midst?" Rene Girard asks. "No question is more debated today. And none produces more disappointing answers." In Girard's mimetic theory it is the imitation of someone else's desire that gives rise to conflict whenever the desired object cannot be shared. This mimetic rivalry, Girard argues, is responsible for the frequency and escalating intensity of human conflict. For Girard, human conflict comes not from the loss of reciprocity between humans but from the transition, imperceptible at first but then ever more rapid, from good to bad reciprocity. In this landmark text, Girard continues his study of violence in light of geopolitical competition, focusing on the roots and outcomes of violence across societies latent in the process of globalization. The volume concludes in a wide-ranging interview with the Sicilian cultural theorist Maria Stella Barberi, where Girard's twenty-first century emphases on the continuity of all religions, global conflict, and the necessity of apocalyptic thinking emerge.

What was life like for first-century Christians? Imagine a modest-sized Roman home of a well-to-do Christian household wedged into a thickly settled quarter of Corinth. In the lingering light of a summer evening, men, women and children, merchants, working poor and slaves, a mix of races and backgrounds have assembled in the dimly lit main room are are spilling into the central courtyard. This odd assortment of gathered believers--some thirty in number--are attentive as the newly arrived and travel-weary emissary from Paul reads from the papyrus scroll he has brought from their apostolic mentor. But if you were to be transported to this scene you would perhaps be overwhelmed by a flood of unexpected difference. The voice of the reader recedes as through open windows the din and clamor of the city assault your ears. Hooves clunk and cart wheels grind and echo from the street while drivers shout, vendors call and neighbors gather and converse. And later, as you accompany a family through darkened and dangerous streets to their third-story tenement apartment, you might try to mask your shock at the cramped and unsafe conditions. InThe Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era James Jeffers provides an informative and scenic tour of daily life during the time of Jesus and the apostles. He affords "you-are-there" glimpses of everything from legal codes to dinner foods, from social hierarchy to apartment living, from education to family dynamics. His eye-opening book will advance your understanding of the New Testament and early Christianity and enrich your reading and application of the Bible.