Classic IVP series now rejacketed and retypeset

Each Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them to understand the message and to apply its truth to today's circumstances. Though not a commentary, it gives valuable insight into the book's message. Though not an introduction, it summarises the important aspects of the book to aid reading and application. This Really Useful Guide to Colossians will transform understanding of the biblical text, and will help you to engage with the message in new ways today, giving confidence in the Bible and increasing faith in God. The series is edited by Simon Stocks and Derek Tidball.

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. This Bible study group material has been created 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 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.

Recent days have seen a debate among evangelicals over how the death of Christ is to be interpreted. When a popular British evangelical leader appeared to denounce the idea that God was punishing Christ in our place on the cross as a 'twisted version of events, ' 'morally dubious, ' and a 'huge barrier to faith' that should be rejected in favour of preaching only that God is love, major controversy was stirred. Many thought the idea of penal substitution was at the heart of the evangelical understanding of the cross, if not the only legitimate interpretation of the death of Christ. Yet for some time less popular evangelical theologians had been calling this traditional interpretation of the atonement into question. So, is the traditional evangelical view of penal substitution the biblical explanation of Christ s death or one of many? Is it the non-negotiable heart of evangelical theology or a time-bound explanation that has outlived its usefulness? What does the cross say about the character of God, the nature of the law and sin, the meaning of grace, and our approach to missions? The public debate which resulted was often heated. In order to act as reconcilers, the Evangelical Alliance and the London School of Theology called for a symposium in which advocates of the different positions could engage with each other. The symposium, which was attended by some 200 participants, was held when the July 7th bombings took place in London and drew together many of Britain s finest evangelical theologians. This book contains the collection of papers given at the symposium, supplemented by a few others for the sake of rounding out the agenda, and grouped in convenient sections."

Pastoral theology is theology seen from the shepherding perspective. Relating to every aspect of church life - from leading congregations to counselling individuals - it calls for pastors with a good grasp of Christian doctrine and a wide range of skills. After defining pastoral theology the author examines its biblical foundations. He then surveys the various ways in which it has been understood in the history of the church. In his final section Dr Tidball considers five major themes - belief, forgiveness, suffering, unity and ministry - as examples of pastoral theology at work in the church today.

The New Testament writers set before us a number of models of ministry, each of which is shaped by the particular needs of the churches they were serving. Their own backgrounds, ambitions and passions also contribute to what they have to say about ministry. The contours of New Testament pastoral leadership, inspired by the Holy Spirit, exhibit a genuine diversity that finds its unity in Christ and his gospel. Derek Tidball provides a comprehensive survey of these models and patterns. By 'ministry', he has in mind primarily 'full-time' or 'professional' ministry, although his analysis is relevant to others who exercise ministry on a more occasional basis. For Tidball, the terms 'ministry' and 'leadership', or 'pastoral leadership', are interchangeable. His main focus in this volume is on pastoral leadership within local churches or groups of churches. Tidball's survey offers 'models of permission' that enable a freer approach to ministry and the way it is conducted, challenges the stunted understanding of ministry that can often characterize our churches today, and gives encouragement to those who do not fit a 'ministry by numbers' approach. Well-grounded in the relevant scholarship, Tidball's fresh engagement with the biblical texts, stimulating analysis and wise application will be of value to all who are established in pastoral leadership, or training for it.

What makes a wise, effective leader? For the answer, Derek Tidball turns to Moses' successor, Joshua. While leading God's people at a key time in their history, Joshua needed every ounce of wisdom for the challenges he faced. Through exploring the great man's story in the book of Joshua, Dr Tidball uncovers 24 leadership lessons that are still highly relevant today. 'Will prove hugely beneficial to those just starting out as well as those with lots of experience.' Gavin Calver 'Cultures and situations change: the principles that underpin godly leadership do not . . . Provides a rich resource for those intent on pursuing twenty-first century leadership with integrity.' Jill Garrett 'Chock-full of practical wisdom and powerful application.' Marcus Honeysett 'Offers insights that will help in the wonderful privilege and complex demands of leadership.' James Lawrence 'In this fast-changing world, the church needs leaders with their heads screwed on and hearts on fire, who draw inspiration from deep wells of prayer and from reflecting on Scripture. In this brilliant book, Derek Tidball has given us a feast . . . I commend this fantastic book to you with enthusiasm.' Mark Russell

The magnificent theme of the cross of Christ is treated in a readable and practical manner. In a wide-ranging exploration, Derek Tidball brings out its implications for Christian living, community and spirituality. Opening up key passages throughout the Bible, Tidball considers the anticipation of the Cross in the Old Testament, the experience of it in the Gospel accounts, its explanation and application in the New Testament letters and the Book of Revelation. He writes: 'Before the cross of Christ countless men and women of every generation and culture have stood in adoring wonder and humble penitence. The cross stands at the very heart of the Christian faith, manifesting the love of God, effecting salvation from sin, conquering the hostile forces of evil and inviting reconciliation with God.'

Novel, interesting approach to exposition of New Testament theology

There have been times of personal difficulty when the Psalms alone have been my source of hope, as they directed me to God and his rebuke and discipline but also to his unfailing love and forgiveness.' The Psalms have an extraordinary ability to enable people to give voice to joy, praise and thanksgiving and an equal ability to turn their fears, frustrations and failures into heartfelt prayer to God. The whole of life is to be found in them, the complete range of emotions and the raw reality of our precarious existence. Signposts provides a map to help readers chart their way through the Psalms, watch out for points of interest, and make connections between one place and another. This devotional book will repay careful reading with a Bible open alongside it. *A psalm per page makes for ideal daily reading or preacher's notes. *Short articles explore significant themes from the Psalms. *'Signposts' helpfully provoke reflection, action or response.

Guidance and wisdom for maintaining good practice and avoiding temptation in preaching. With insight and wisdom, Derek Tidball reviews a selection of idols to which preachers are particularly vulnerable, under four headings: the self, the age, the task and the ministry. His aim is not to condemn, but to alert.

We are all flawed masterpieces,' says Derek Tidball. 'In one way or another, and to one degree or another, the image of God in which we were formed has become marred and corrupted. Holiness is about the restoration of that image. In his innermost nature God is holy, and to be fully and truly human is to conform to and reflect his holiness in our lives.' The concern for 'holiness' has been central to the evangelical movement since its inception - and the way evangelical Christians have understood it has been far from uniform. In this wide-ranging volume, Tidball expounds key biblical passages by letting them speak for themselves, rather than adopting a systematic perspective. His ultimate objective is to see the lives of GodaEURO (TM)s people increasingly transformed, in conformity with his character.

The unsurprising secret to resembling our ideal models is to have as close a relationship with them as possible. We grow to be like our heroes by listening to them and watching them as much as we can. Becoming like Jesus is no different. It requires us not just to meet him occasionally but also steadily and surely to remain in him. How does this look close up? In a world where Christlikeness is counter-cultural, the author offers sure-footed Bible teaching, questions, illustrations, suggestions and prayers to point us in the right direction. And, as well as this useful material, we have the Holy Spirit's help to live transformed lives today. A practical, thought-provoking and accessible resource to help us live 'transformed' lives.

The New Testament writers set before us a number of models of ministry, each of which is shaped by the particular needs of the churches they were serving. Their own backgrounds, ambitions and passions also contribute to what they have to say about ministry. The contours of New Testament pastoral leadership, inspired by the Holy Spirit, exhibit a genuine diversity that finds its unity in Christ and his gospel. Focusing on pastoral leadership within local churches or groups of churches, Derek Tidball provides a comprehensive survey of these models and patterns with applications for today's ministry. Tidball's overview offers "models of permission" that enable a freer approach to ministry and the way it is conducted, challenges the stunted understanding of ministry that can often characterize our churches today, and gives encouragement to those who do not fit a "ministry by numbers" approach. Well-grounded in relevant scholarship, Tidball's fresh engagement with the biblical texts, stimulating analysis and wise application will be of value to all who are established in pastoral leadership, or training for it, and looking to explore a variety of biblically valid approaches to ministry.

Builder, fool, ambassador, athlete, parent, pilot, scum, shepherd: the apostle Paul uses rich imagery when he discusses what it means to be a Christian leader. Derek Tidball believes these images have important lessons and fresh insights for pastors and others in church leadership today. At a time when such people struggle under increasing pressure to 'produce results' and 'perform up to standard', what is needed is a different way of looking at leadership. Builders and Fools provides that. By explaining and drawing out the implications of Paul's imagery, it helps us focus on what really matters, on what God wants leaders to do and how he wants them to be.

The letter of James is among the most 'suspect' books of the New Testament. It was by no means clear that it would be included in the list of authoritative books of the Christian church (called the canon) until very late in the day. Reading it quickly you would not find too much specifically 'Christian' content in it. Most famously Martin Luther declared James 'an epistle of straw'. He wrote somewhat dismissively, "I will not have him in my Bible to be numbered among the true chief books, though I would not thereby prevent anyone from including or extolling him as he pleases, for there are otherwise many good sayings in him." There is also controversy about who James is, sections of the church refuse to believe that he exists! Closer examination of the letter, however, shows that none of these charges stand up. Time and time again we find the echoes of the Master's words reverberate throughout the book. James did make it into the canon - and rightly so.