Of all the books of the Bible, few are as fascinating or as intimidating as Revelation. Four grim horsemen, the Antichrist, the ten-horned beast, the ultimate battle at Armageddon, the "mark of the beast." It's no wonder that these images have griped the imagination of so many--and have been variously interpreted as symbolizing everything from Hitler and Gorbachev to credit cards and the Internet. Is the book of Revelation a blueprint for the future? A book of powerful symbolic imagery with warnings for the church? Is it essentially an imaginative depiction of historical events in the first century? Four Views on the Book of Revelation explores four interpretations of the book of the Apocalypse: Preterist - a historical interpretation, arguing that most of John's prophecies occurred in the first century, soon after his writing of them. Idealist - a spiritual or symbolic interpretation, arguing that the events in Revelation are not literal, and that apocalyptic literature requires a different approach than the Gospels or Epistles. Classical dispensationalism - a literal interpretation based on a reading of Revelation that pays close attention to the rules of grammar and the separate eras of covenantal history. Progressive dispensationalism - a modification of classical that has its root in the understanding of Christ's reign beginning immediately after the resurrection. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Knowledge that Transforms Without truth, we will be subject to every wind of distraction. Without grace, our lives will ring hollow. The Grace and Truth Study Bible is designed to help you understand and be formed by Scripture. Rich passage-by-passage study notes are theologically sound, guiding you to a deep understanding of each text, while always keeping in view the transformative affirmation and goodness of God's nature and redemptive plan. Dr. R. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and one of the foremost voices for evangelicals worldwide, heads up the editorial team for the NASB Grace and Truth Study Bible. This group of scholars and pastors is committed to delivering a trustworthy and approachable guide to Scripture to Bible readers. The warmhearted and faithful notes will provide first-time Bible readers reliable guidance while simultaneously nourishing veteran students of the Word with fresh insights. Unwavering in its commitment to evangelical steadfastness, this study Bible paints a stunning canvas of the goodness of God's redemptive plan revealed in the gospel of Jesus. Universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations, the beloved New American Standard Bible, 1995 Text, is now easier to read with Zondervan's exclusive NASB Comfort Print (R) typeface. Available in a variety of sophisticated designs, the NASB Grace and Truth Study Bible gives you the translation celebrated for faithfulness to the original biblical languages in a portable, easy-to-read format. Features: The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Text Insightful and practical bottom-of-the-page study notes faithfully illuminate Scripture passage by passage Bible Book Introductions invite you into the Scripture text without overwhelming technical terms or outlines Center-column cross reference system for deeper study NASB concordance Words of Jesus in red Elegant two-color page design 16 pages of full-color Bible maps Satin ribbon marker Project leadership by general editor Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface Print Size: 9 (Study Notes: 8)

Better understand the original meaning of Scripture for deeper Bible study. Bring the words of Scripture to life and discover the richness and significance of the original languages of the Word of God. The NKJV Word Study Reference Bible includes in-text subheadings and 2,000 easy-to-use word studies with select Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words explained in every chapter from Genesis to Revelation. By looking into these ancient texts, we are able to read scripture as it was originally written and passed on from generation to generation. In addition, this Bible's Topic-by-Topic studies give a practical framework for understanding scripture, along with more helpful resources. Features include: Presentation page allows you to personalize this special gift by recording a memory or note Book introductions provide a concise overview of the background and historical context of the book about to be read 2,000-word studies illuminating the biblical language 21 chain-linked topical studies for better theological understanding and application Study the Book provides helpful notes for reading each book of the Bible Word study indices by Strong's number, by English word, and by book help you find Greek and Hebrew word studies Extensive cross-references drawing connections between texts Concordance provides an alphabetical listing of important passages by key words Words of Christ in red quickly identify verses spoken by Jesus 16 full-color maps show the layout of Israel and other biblical locations for better context Ribbon markers make it easy to navigate and keep track of where you were reading Clear and readable 9.5-point NKJV Comfort Print (R)

"Fasting" has been called the forgotten spiritual discipline. Although it is found throughout Scripture, it is often neglected by modern Christians. Is there power in fasting? Does it really make a difference? How does fasting relate to prayer? In this study, Ashlee Alley considers the biblical basis for fasting and explores ways modern Christians can make this ancient discipline part of their faith walk. "Converge Bible Studies" is a series of topical Bible studies based on the "Common English Bible." Each title in the series consists of four studies on a common topic or theme. "Converge" can be used by small groups, classes, or individuals. Primary Scripture passages are included for ease of study, as are questions designed to encourage both personal reflection and group conversation. The topics and Scriptures in "Converge" come together to transform readers relationships with others, themselves, and God."

Four centuries in the making, a monumental undertaking and a magnificent achievement, the first definitive Catholic Catechism since the Council of Trent in 1566 details the doctrine, dogma, and the basic tenets of the Church.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

LEARN LEADERSHIP QUALITIES FROM THE GREATEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN AND BECOME A LEADER PEOPLE WANT TO FOLLOW

Where do you turn to learn leadership? Business experts? Management consultants? Theoreticians? The world of politics? Why not learn from the Bible—the original leadership book!

In this study, John digs deep into the Bible to teach twenty-one indispensable qualities found in the men and women who led God’s people God’s way. These essential traits will help you to lead with integrity in every area of your life.

In twenty-one lessons, John guides you to develop the core qualities all good leaders exhibit. Each lesson includes:

- THE QUALITY DEFINED: a brief description and introduction to the Quality

- CASE STUDIES: three biblical studies—including leaders such as Joshua, David, Ruth, Nathan, Esther, Elijah, Stephen, John, Titus, and Jesus—that reveal and illustrate the Quality

- STUDY QUESTIONS: reflection and application questions to help you dig into the stories of the men and women in Scripture and learn from them

- LEADERSHIP INSIGHT AND REFLECTION: questions to help you assess and improve your own leadership skills

- TAKING ACTION: practical takeaways and direction to help you incorporate the quality from each lesson into your daily life

- GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: questions to help you learn and process the Bible study material with other like-minded people who want to grow in leadership

Leadership is for everyone, because every person who accepts Christ is called to influence others. And the good news is that everyone can develop the leadership qualities exemplified by the men and women of the Bible.

This workbook has been designed to enhance readers' experience of working through John Maxwell's leadership materials and is intended both for individual use and for small groups.

Better understand the original meaning of Scripture for a deeper study of God's Word. Bring the words of Scripture to life and discover the richness and significance of the original languages of the Word of God. The KJV Word Study Reference Bible includes in-text subheadings and 2,000 easy-to-use word studies with select Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words explained in every chapter from Genesis to Revelation. By looking into these ancient texts, we are able to read scripture as it was originally written and passed on from generation to generation. In addition, this Bible's Topic-by-Topic studies give a practical framework for understanding scripture, along with more helpful resources. Features include: Presentation page allows you to personalize this special gift by recording a memory or note Book introductions provide a concise overview of the background and historical context of the book about to be read 2,000 word studies illuminating the biblical language 21 chain-linked topical studies for better theological understanding and application Study the Book provides helpful notes for reading each book of the Bible Word study indices by Strong's number, by English word, and by book help you find Greek and Hebrew word studies Extensive cross-references drawing connections between texts Concordance provides an alphabetical listing of important passages by key words Words of Christ in red quickly identify verses spoken by Jesus 16 full-color maps show the layout of Israel and other biblical locations for better context Ribbon markers make it easy to navigate and keep track of where you were reading Clear and readable 9.5-point KJV Comfort Print (R)

The canon for Catholic social teaching spreads to six hundred pages,yet fewer than two pages are devoted to Catholic social learning or pedagogy. In this long-needed book, Roger Bergman begins to correct that gross imbalance. He asks: How do we educate ("lead out") the faith that does justice? How is commitment to social justice provoked and sustained over a lifetime? To address these questions, Bergman weaves what he has learned from thirty years as a faith-that-does-justice educator with the best of current scholarship and historical authorities. He reflects on personal experience; the experience of Church leaders, lay activists, and university students; and the few words the tradition itself has to say about a pedagogy for justice. Catholic Social Learning explores the foundations of this pedagogy, demonstrates its practical applications, and illuminates why and how it is fundamental to Catholic higher education. Part I identifies personal encounters with the poor and marginalized as key to stimulating a hunger and thirst for justice. Part II presents three applications of Catholic social learning: cross-cultural immersion as illustrated by Creighton University's Semestre Dominicano program; community-based service learning; and the teaching of moral exemplars such as Dorothy Day, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and Archbishop Oscar Romero. Part III then elucidates how a pedagogy for justice applies to the traditional liberal educational mission of the Catholic university, and how it can be put into action. Catholic Social Learning is both a valuable, practical resource for Christian educators and an important step forward in the development of a transformative pedagogy.

Justin Martyr (c.100-165) was one of the key apologists of the Early Church. Oxford Early Christian Texts presents a new critical edition of the Greek text of the Apologies with introduction, English translation, and textual commentary.
Editors Denis Minns and Paul Parvis take a searching look at the text transmitted by the single fourteenth-century manuscript containing the works of Justin. They attempt to see behind the work of the Byzantine editor, and his predecessors, who sought to make sense of the badly damaged text before them. The commentary is designed not merely to annotate the text but to identify and draw out Justin's train of thought and the structure of his argument. It explains the readings adopted in the text by setting Justin's Greek within his Christian, Hellenistic, and philosophical contexts.
The introduction traces the complex history of the text in manuscript and print and discusses the puzzling relationship of the Second Apology to the First, and suggests a new solution. Justin is located against the background of the diversity of Christianity in the second century. A new understanding of Justin emerges from this work. His thought is often sharper, and his language more pointed than has been recognised, and the difficulty of the task he set himself of bridging the enormous gap between two cultures is clearly shown.

Contemporary political venues have put religious belief at the forefront of our thinking. Yet, we live in a world where religion has become a tool people can use to their advantage rather than a means of growing closer to God. In this revised edition of "In Search of Belief, " Sister Joan Chittister challenges readers to reflect upon whether they truly live what they say they believe or whether they have created their own images of God to suit whatever is convenient for their personal and/or social situations.
With a new foreword by Tom Roberts (National Catholic Reporter) and a new Introduction by the author, this fresh edition examines the Apostles' Creed phrase-by-phrase, offering challenging interpretations of its familiar themes and a provocative way of understanding--and expressing--its tenets.
232-page paperback; 5-1/2 x 8-1/4
Testimonials
"Chittister's meditations on the mysteries that her belief affirms in the Creed are rich. She cautions that disbelief in God inevitably leads to a myopic affirmation of one's own divinity, and she repeats the ancient caveats against creating God in our own image, or believing that a human being is able to grasp God intellectually...Her characterization of heaven is both refreshing and challenging...Her reflections on the annunciation and incarnation soar with hope as she affirms the reality of miracles, the active presence of God who fills human flesh 'with an insatiable capacity for the divine.'"
--"America Magazine"
"A refreshing and contemporary analysis of the true meaning of the Creed. Honest and thought provoking, "In Search of Belief" calls us to a spiritual adulthood...Not for the spiritually faint-hearted."
--"Edwina Gately"
Each age has those who understand more deeply than most the essence of belief and the need to liberate religion from itself -- and God from the constrictions of religion. Joan Chittister brings a religious vision, one deeply considered and richly experienced, to the task. In doing so, she offers us the way to new eyes and new hearts when we pray, "I believe."
--"Tom Roberts, " National Catholic Reporter
.."."In Search of Belief" raises several questions about the Creed.... The book is an invitation to examine the extent to which we have made the Creed a personal statement of what we truly believe....The life of faith is a perilous journey because it involves placing one's trust in God and in transcendent reality. What makes the book so refreshing is that the Creed is made relevant to the modern age. There is absolutely no chance of anyone being bored "
--"Trefoil, Southern African Catholic Quarterly"
"In this stirring testament to the resiliency of the Christian faith, Joan Chittister ...spells out the meaning of the apostles Creed, phrase by phrase. For her, this testament is not an index of dogmas, but a "catalog of choices, an inventory of possibilities, a roster of visions...She breathes new life into these familiar phrases...This is a path-breaking resource for Christian educators to study and use in parishes."
--"Spirituality & Health"
"This book is dangerous. Once you have read it, you can never again mumble the Creed complacently, without thought. Joan Chittister

In youthful yet tasteful comic-book style, Jesus comes alive for young readers with vibrant and expressive four-color illustrations and simple but engaging text. The moving story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is told in a way young readers will find both attractive and challenging; the Gospel is simplified without losing any of its saving power. "And what about you, who do you say that I am?"

For several decades, "Foundational Issues in Christian Education" has been a key text for many Christian education courses. Its perceptive analysis coupled with clear writing make it a resource without peer. Christian education expert Robert Pazmino guides readers through a comprehensive discussion of the interdisciplinary foundations of Christian education, calling all Christian educators to reevaluate the fundamentals of their discipline. This updated edition includes interactions with professional developments over the past ten years and appendixes that assess the impact of postmodernism as an educational philosophy. In addition, each chapter includes "points to ponder" for personal reflection or classroom use.

Praise for Previous Editions

"In a clear and concise way the author introduces each of the foundational areas by exploring its purpose, current trends, and inherent difficulties. . . . His surveys are accurate and his critiques are pointed, insightful, and fair, consistently calling the educator to examine each of the theories in light of one's biblical and theological framework. . . . An outstanding strength of this work is the way it consistently examines foundational considerations in light of the stated purpose of education."--Darwin K. Glassford, "Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society"

"[A] basic work on the philosophical and theological foundations for education within the church. . . . [It is] certainly worthy of note. . . . Pazmino's work always attempts to integrate insights from social science with a thoroughly biblical worldview. . . . This book is highly recommended for the libraries of professional staff engaged in the educational ministry of thechurch."--Robert C. De Vries, "Calvin Theological Journal"

"A feature . . . that should be appreciated is the application of the content to evangelical concerns. This is usually done in the form of questions. Besides being helpful to evangelical educators, it has the potential of promoting understanding by nonevangelicals of the direction and enthusiasms of the evangelical."--Eugene S. Gibbs, "Religious Education"

"Theology has much to contribute to education and Pazmino has made a valuable contribution in drawing attention to that point."--Kenneth Wilson, "Expository Times"