The church lies at the centre of God's purpose. Christ gave himself 'to purify for himself a people that are his own'. But when we think about church, there's the tension between the ideal and the reality. The former is beautiful: God's special treasure, the covenant community, a haven of love and peace. The latter? A motley rabble needing constant rebuke and exhortation. Here we focus on the ideal, on what God intends his church to be, while all the time keeping in view the reality, so that we can grasp the changes that need to be made.

Scripture has brought us light in darkness, strength in weakness, comfort in sadness. It isn't difficult to endorse the Psalmist's experience that the words of God are 'more precious than gold... sweeter than honey'. So it's distressing to watch the Bible being dislodged from its position of authority, not only in our nation but also in the church. Here we focus on the urgent need to continue in, respond to, interpret and expound God's Word.

How can Christians effectively engage today's world while staying true to Scripture? Calling us to listen well to both the Word and the world, John Stott shows how Christianity can preserve its authentic identity and remain relevant to current realities. With the God's Word for Today series, pastor Tim Chester has updated Stott's classic book The Contemporary Christian and made it accessible to new generations of readers. In The Gospel, Stott declares that Christianity is not a religion but God's good news for the world. To present the gospel faithfully, we must emphasize both the human need for true freedom and the historical work of Christ. Beginning with the question "What does it mean to be human?" Stott explains a biblical perspective on the human paradox: our dignity and our depravity. He then considers common objections to the gospel message, the importance of Jesus' physical resurrection, and what affirming that Christ is Lord means for all of life. The gospel is truth from God that has been committed to our trust. This book offers a trustworthy guide for readers to understand the essence of the Christian faith and share the good news in a way that connects with people around us.

How can Christians effectively engage today's world while staying true to Scripture? Calling us to listen well to both the Word and the world, John Stott shows how Christianity can preserve its authentic identity and remain relevant to current realities. With the God's Word for Today series, pastor Tim Chester has updated Stott's classic book The Contemporary Christian and made it accessible to new generations of readers. In The Disciple, Stott explores four often-neglected aspects of Christian discipleship in light of Scripture. First, followers of Jesus should be good listeners-to God, one another, and the world. Second, both the mind and emotions have an indispensable place in discipleship, and we should understand how they relate to each other. Third, how do we discover God's will for our lives, and what does the Bible tell us about guidance, vocation, and ministry? Finally, the primary distinguishing mark of a Christian is the first fruit of the Spirit: love. Following Christ encompasses all of life, and today's world desperately needs disciples who embrace their full God-given potential.

How can Christians effectively engage today's world while staying true to Scripture? Calling us to listen well to both the Word and the world, John Stott shows how Christianity can preserve its authentic identity and remain relevant to current realities. With the God's Word for Today series, pastor Tim Chester has updated Stott's classic book The Contemporary Christian and made it accessible to new generations of readers. Unless Scripture is widely respected and its teaching followed, there is little hope for the church to be renewed or to influence the surrounding culture for good. In The Bible, Stott explains how Christians can continue standing firmly on the Word, respond with obedience, and interpret the text faithfully in our own cultural contexts. He also paints a picture of authentic biblical preaching, in which both preacher and hearers listen for and respond to the voice of God. With pastoral wisdom and clear biblical exposition, Stott helps readers understand the central role of the Word of God in the church and the individual lives of all followers of Jesus.

How can Christians effectively engage today's world while staying true to Scripture? Calling us to listen well to both the Word and the world, John Stott shows how Christianity can preserve its authentic identity and remain relevant to current realities. With the God's Word for Today series, pastor Tim Chester has updated Stott's classic book The Contemporary Christian and made it accessible to new generations of readers. In The Church, Stott presents a biblical portrait of the church as a covenant community at the center of God's purposes. Keeping in view both the ideal of what God intends and how we fall short, Stott considers how the church can be sensitive to current needs and societal issues, mobilize people for mission, seek holistic renewal, and promote healthy leadership. Each chapter includes stories, practical suggestions, and questions for reflection or discussion. People are hungry for transcendence, significance, and community. This is the great challenge and opportunity facing the church-will we cooperate with the Spirit so that others can find what they seek in Christ and his people?

How can Christians effectively engage today's world while staying true to Scripture? Calling us to listen well to both the Word and the world, John Stott shows how Christianity can preserve its authentic identity and remain relevant to current realities. With the God's Word for Today series, pastor Tim Chester has updated Stott's classic book The Contemporary Christian and made it accessible to new generations of readers. In The World, Stott presents four major aspects of the church's mission-God's assignment to infiltrate the world and share the good news. How do we understand the uniqueness of Christ in a pluralistic world? What is the biblical basis for mission? What is the relationship between evangelism and social responsibility? And what can we learn about mission from the life and work of Jesus? Each chapter includes questions for reflection or discussion. The Christianity of the Bible is not a safe, escapist religion but an explosive force pulling us into the world to witness and serve. This book equips individuals and churches to join the mission that flows from the heart of God.