How does one authentically hear and live out the gospel in North America? This new book attempts to answer this question in a way that reveals much about the nature of Christian faith today and its relation to contemporary culture. In keeping with the aims of the acclaimed Gospel and Our Culture series, StormFront investigates how the gospel intersects American culture and seeks to reorient the church to its full and proper missional vocation. Four authors noted for their understanding of modern church life offer a sober yet hopeful critique of American culture that focuses on consumerism and the privatization of religion, and they challenge the Christian church to embrace its corporate task to be salt and light to the world. Amid the many books on the subject, this one is distinctive in its concern for application. By constrasting contemporary life with a thoroughgoing reading of the biblical narrative, the authors help American Christians discern how our cultural location makes it difficult to live out the transformative message of the gospel. Few readers will fail to be engaged by the lessons offered here. Series: The Gospel and Our Culture Series Series Editors: Craig Van Gelder (general editor) A series to foster the missional encounter of the gospel with North American culture. Titles in this Series: Bearing the Witness of the Spirit: Lesslie Newbigin's Theology of Cultural Plurality Confident Witness -- Changing World: Rediscovering the Gospel in North America The Continuing Conversion of the Church Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America StormFront: The Good News of God

Grapples conscientiously with biblical texts at the heart of the church's debate over same-sex relationships This thought-provoking book by James Brownson develops a broad, cross-cultural sexual ethic from Scripture, locates current debates over homosexuality in that wider context, and explores why the Bible speaks the way it does about same-sex relationships. Fairly presenting both sides in this polarized debate -- -traditional- and -revisionist- -- Brownson conscientiously analyzes all of the pertinent biblical texts and helpfully identifies -stuck points- in the ongoing debate. In the process, he explores key concepts that inform our understanding of the biblical texts, including patriarchy, complementarity, purity and impurity, honor and shame. Central to his argument is the need to uncover the moral logic behind the text. Written in order to serve and inform the ongoing debate in many denominations over the questions of homosexuality, Brownson's in-depth study will prove a useful resource for Christians who want to form a considered opinion on this important issue.

Christians who otherwise love each other and work together on shared projects and causes nonetheless often disagree on the subject of baptism. Should infants be baptized, or is baptism for believers only? What exactly does baptism "mean"? What "happens," if anything, when someone is baptized? Which is better -- sprinkling or immersion? These disagreements are disheartening to some and confusing to many.

The sacrament of baptism from a Reformed perspective is clearly and thoughtfully outlined in this useful book. James Brownson explains the scriptural basis, the theological underpinnings, and the practical implications of this particular element of the faith. Organized into thirty brief, tightly focused chapters -- each of which centers on a key question -- and enhanced by thoughtful discussion questions, "The Promise of Baptism" will be an important resource for pastors, students, and laypersons seeking to better understand this sacrament that lies at the heart of the church's life.

A sampling of key questions addressed:

What is a sacrament, and how does it differ from an "ordinance"?

What's the relationship between baptism and being "born again"?

How do the sacraments bring God's grace to us?

Can someone be "saved" without being baptized? Can someone be baptized without being saved?

Does baptism take the place of circumcision as the mark of the new covenant?

What is "confirmation" or "profession of faith," and what is its relationship to baptism?

What happens "after" baptism?