When a Christian prays, does it make any difference? Does it change anything? Though our prayers do not change God's mind, He ordains prayer as a means to accomplish His will. We can be confident that prayer does change things—including our own hearts.

In Does Prayer Change Things?, Dr. R.C. Sproul argues that prayer has a vital place in the life of the Christian and calls us to come before God's presence with joy and hope. Dr. Sproul shares practical wisdom and helps us understand the purpose, pattern, practice, prohibitions, and power of prayer.

• Part of the Crucial Questions booklet series that offers clear answers to the most common and difficult questions about the Christian faith
• Offers practical wisdom on prayer
• Explores the place, purpose, pattern, practice, prohibitions and power of prayer
• A useful resource for pastors, teachers, Bible study leaders, and anyone else desiring to get deeper into the truth of God’s Word
• 112 one-color pages
• Also available in Afrikaans under the title Maak gebed ’n verskil?

Must a person accept Christianity on faith alone, or is there a reasoned defense for being a Christian? The authors of this book hold that Christianity is eminently reasonable. The primacy of the mind in the Christian faith can be affirmed without denying the importance of the heart. This book embraces reason without rationalism, personal love without personalism, faith without fideism is our capacity to love Him. The book is divided into three parts. Section I is a prolegomenon dealing with the problems and methods of apologetics. Section II develops the theistic proofs and authority of Scripture. Section III is given over to a critique of presuppositionalism in apologetics, particularly with reference to the thought of Cornelius Van Til. Classical Apologetics will help the thoughtful Christian understand his or her faith better, and it will provide more solid grounds for sharing this faith with others.

If you start at the beginning of the New Testament and read straight through, first you’ll find three similar accounts of Jesus’ life. Then you come to the gospel of John.

From recounting Jesus’ signs to recording His famous I am statements, John puts a spotlight on Jesus’ redemptive work so that others will believe and be saved. In this volume, Dr. R.C. Sproul provides an introduction to John in his accessible, conversational style. Each chapter is packed with insights and exhortations to draw you closer to the life and light of the Savior.

Dr. Sproul’s expositional commentaries help you understand key theological themes and apply them to all areas of your life. Drawn from decades of careful study and delivered from a pastor’s heart, these sermons are readable, practical, and thoroughly Bible-centered. Here is your opportunity to learn from a trusted teacher and theologian as he leads you through God’s Word and shares his perspective on living faithfully for God’s glory. This is a series to serve pastors, small groups, and growing Christians who want to know the Bible better.

The great challenge for the Christian in a post-Christian context is how to impact this fallen world with our faith. In Making a Difference, beloved theologian R. C. Sproul shows readers how to confront today's moral and social issues with an effective biblical response. Dr. Sproul first examines the major philosophies that affect the way Americans think and act--secularism, existentialism, humanism, and pragmatism--and then presents ideas on how to apply a biblical perspective to spheres of public life that need the Christian's influence today: economics, science, art and literature, and government.

Does Christianity Have Good Answers for the Really Tough Questions? Dr. R. C. Sproul believes it does. In this book, the founder of Ligonier Ministries deals with the most common objections to the truths of the Christian faith, including: Has science disproved the existence of God? Will non-Christians who never hear of Christ go to hell? Is it narrow-minded and bigoted to believe Christ is only one way to God? Why do people need God when life is going smoothly? Isn't Christianity just a crutch for people who can't handle life's pressures? Is heaven real or just "pie in the sky"? Do Christians have a good answer to evil and suffering? How does the church explain all its hypocrites? Reason to Believe is no collection of pat answers and proof texts. It addresses each objection in a separate chapter-rigorously and biblically-and includes a special capsule summary that gives the kernel of each argument. This is a superb resource for those in visitation and calling programs, and a must for anyone who wants to do more than scratch the surface of Christian truths.

Central to God’s character is the quality of holiness. Yet, even so, most people are hard-pressed to define what God’s holiness precisely is.

Many preachers today avoid the topic altogether because people today don’t quite know what to do with words like “awe” or “fear.” In this classic work, the famed reformed theologian R. C. Sproul puts the holiness of God in its proper and central place in the Christian life. He paints an awe-inspiring vision of God that encourages Christians to become holy just as God is holy.

R. C. Sproul will be your guide as you explore this principle from biblical theology, discovering insights on topics like:

• The impact of God’s holiness on the beliefs of Martin Luther
• The concept of holy justice
• How to allow God’s holiness to touch our lives

Once you encounter the holiness of God, your life will never be the same.

R. C. Sproul has committed his life to clearly communicating deep, practical truths from God's Word to students and laypeople. His lucid teaching style brings clarity to the most difficult--and often contentious--biblical and theological questions. Gathered here in one volume are three of his best-selling books--over $40 worth of reading at a great low price. From Rudolf Otto's" mysterium tremendum" to Martin Luther's "insanity"and Jonathan Edwards's fiery sermons, Sproul's classic "The Holiness of God"illuminates history and Scripture to help readers understand--and live with--the tension that exists between God's terrifying holiness and his inexplicable grace. In "Chosen by God," Sproul tackles the divisive subject of predestination, and discusses God's sovereignty and the problem of evil, human freedom, and the task of evangelism. He explains that there is a mystery in God's ways but not contradiction; and paints a picture of a loving--not spiteful or whimsical--God who provides redemption for radically corrupt people."Pleasing God" explores the topic of sanctification--how we satisfy God by pursuing righteousness. Sproul examines the constant battle Christians wage against sin--pride, slothfulness, dishonesty. He reveals how many Christians have tragically abandoned the struggle, but that God delights in those who press on. Although Sproul brings a Reformed background and approach to topics, his work is not just for Calvinists but for all Christians who want to understand and build on the foundations of their faith.

Confused, angry, and hurt after the death of his father, a young R. C. Sproul began his personal search for ultimate truth with these piercing questions: Who are you, God? And why do you do the things you do? In Enjoying God, readers journey with R. C. Sproul to discover the attributes of God through the questions many of us have asked: Where are you, God? Can I trust you, God? and more. In this warm, personal account, Dr. Sproul communicates deep truths in a fresh and easy-to-understand style as he shares his passion to know God and urges the reader to dig deep and seek the God who is alive, who is real, and who loves each one of us.

What must you do to be right with God? The Reformers broke with the Roman Catholic Church when they insisted people are justified by faith alone. But today many Protestants fail to grasp that keystone of faith. In Faith Alone, a Gold Medallion finalist, R. C. Sproul explains why Protestantism and Roman Catholicism split over justification in the first place and why that division remains an uncrossed chasm. Protestants must understand the biblical, Reformation view of the doctrine of justification to grasp the power of the gospel and proclaim it far and wide today. This repacked edition of a classic offers a new generation of Christians a clear explanation of the vital doctrine of salvation.

Speculation and theories abound about what the last days have in store for us. But what did Jesus believe and teach about the end times and the timing of his return? R. C. Sproul points believers back to the words of Christ, offering them a solid footing amid ever-shifting opinion about the age to come.

This compact book outlines the controversies andimplications of the central debate of the Reformation: justification by faith alone.Luther said that the doctrine of justificationby faith alone is "the article upon which the church stands orfalls." R. C. Sproul follows Luther's lead in his concise andcompelling work, now repackaged and republished. Justified byFaith Alone surveys the main tenets of the doctrine ofjustification in Roman Catholicism and evangelicalism. Sproul iscareful to accurately represent Catholic beliefs and observes thatwhile both traditions agree that faith is necessary forjustification, the difference lies in whether faith alone issufficient. He explores problems with the Catholic doctrine andchampions the sole sufficiency of Christ for our salvation.Effective and engaging, Sproul does not shyaway from difficult theological terms and ideas, but capably guidesreaders through this famous doctrinal dispute. To those who decrythe doctrines of imputation and justification by faith alone as"legal fiction," Sproul warns that nothing less than the centralmessage of the gospel is at stake.

What Do the Five Points of Calvinism Really Mean? Many have heard of Reformed theology, but may not be certain what it is. Some references to it have been positive, some negative. It appears to be important, and they'd like to know more about it. But they want a full, understandable explanation, not a simplistic one. What Is Reformed Theology? is an accessible introduction to beliefs that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church. In this insightful book, R. C. Sproul walks readers through the foundations of the Reformed doctrine and explains how the Reformed belief is centered on God, based on God's Word, and committed to faith in Jesus Christ. Sproul explains the five points of Reformed theology and makes plain the reality of God's amazing grace.

Acts is a book of action. But whose actions does it follow? The most obvious answer is the Apostles’.

The book’s full name is the Acts of the Apostles, for it recounts their efforts to take the gospel to the nations. Yet we can also think of it as the Acts of the Holy Spirit. Poured out like a mighty rushing wind (Acts 2:2), the Spirit empowered the Apostles’ witness and opened hearts to believe. In this volume, Dr. R.C. Sproul offers an in-depth study on the Spirit’s work through these Christians and in the growth and spread of the early church.

Dr. Sproul’s expositional commentaries help you understand key theological themes and apply them to all areas of your life. Drawn from decades of careful study and delivered from a pastor’s heart, these sermons are readable, practical, and thoroughly Bible-centered. Here is your opportunity to learn from a trusted teacher and theologian as he leads you through God’s Word and shares his perspective on living faithfully for God’s glory. This is a series to serve pastors, small groups, and growing Christians who want to know the Bible better.

R. C. Sproul's beautifully illustrated story about Martin Luther's barber will teach children how to pray.

This imaginative tale from R. C. Sproul, based on a true story, begins one evening with Mr. McFarland leading family devotions. When his daughter asks him how she should pray, Mr. McFarland shares a 500-year-old story about a barber and his famous customer.

Master Peter is a barber well-known to all in his village. One day, when Martin Luther the Reformer walks into his shop, the barber musters up the courage to ask the outlawed monk how to pray. Luther responds by writing a letter to the barber. The barber's life and many others' are changed as they encounter a model for prayer by using the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles' Creed.

Sproul's beautifully illustrated story will delight children and help them learn to pray according to the Bible. The full text of the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles' Creed will make this a treasured book to be returned to time after time.

With nearly 200,000 copies sold in its 25 years, Chosen by God by Dr. R. C. Sproul is a contemporary classic on predestination, a doctrine that isn't just for Calvinists, says Sproul. It is a doctrine for all biblical Christians. In this updated and expanded edition of Chosen by God, Sproul shows that the doctrine of predestination doesn't create a whimsical or spiteful picture of God, but paints a portrait of a loving God who provides redemption for radically corrupt humans. We choose God because he has opened our eyes to see his beauty; we love him because he first loved us. There is mystery in God's ways, but not contradiction.

This redesigned anthology of Advent readings edited by best-selling author Nancy Guthrie, features 22 works by classic and contemporary theologians, each helping to prepare your heart for the sacredness of the Christmas season.

In today’s skeptical age, many people insist that Jesus was, at best, a great teacher. Mark demonstrates that He was—and is—so much more.

In this volume, Dr. R.C. Sproul dives into Mark’s action-packed and fast-paced gospel. As we are told in vivid detail, Jesus immediately vanquishes demons, banishes diseases, subdues the forces of nature, satisfies hunger, and silences critics. From one mighty miracle to the next, this gospel builds an unshakable case for Jesus’ true identity and leads us to confess along with the Apostle Peter that You are the Christ (Mark 8:29).

Dr. Sproul’s expositional commentaries help you understand key theological themes and apply them to all areas of your life. Drawn from decades of careful study and delivered from a pastor’s heart, these sermons are readable, practical, and thoroughly Bible-centered. Here is your opportunity to learn from a trusted teacher and theologian as he leads you through God’s Word and shares his perspective on living faithfully for God’s glory. This is a series to serve pastors, small groups, and growing Christians who want to know the Bible better.

The Bible is the written Word of God, and it is treasured by many. But it is also an ancient book about people and cultures very different than us. Thus, while we know we should read it, many of us have a hard time understanding the Bible. In this expanded edition of Knowing Scripture, R. C. Sproul helps us dig out the meaning of Scripture for ourselves. The author says, "The theme of this book is not how to read the Bible but how to study the Bible." He presents in simple, basic terms a commonsense approach to studying Scripture and gives eleven practical guidelines for biblical interpretation and applying what we learn. With a minimum of technical jargon, Sproul tackles some of the knotty questions regarding differences of interpreting the Bible, including discovering the meanings of biblical words understanding Hebrew poetry, proverbs and parables approaching historical and didactic passages being careful with predictive prophecy discerning how culture conditions the Bible choosing and using Bible translations, commentaries, Bible software and other helps Now with a new preface, Knowing Scripture is a basic book for both beginning Bible readers and experienced students of Scripture.

Now That's a Good Question! answers more than 300 challenging questions about life and faith.

Sproul, a distinguished theologian and educator, address doctrinal points and contemporary issues such as euthanasia, evolution, and abortion. His answers cover over three hundred topics in a personable, easy-to-read style that's perfect for the lay person. New believers as well as those older in the faith will find this book a great resource for those challenging questions of life and faith.

Unity in the gospel is essential to the witness of the church. Yet that unity was tested by the release of two documents, Evangelicals and Catholics Together and The Gift of Salvation, which appeared to surrender the historic doctrine of sola fide (faith alone). In response, Christian leaders released a statement called The Gospel of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Celebration. Getting the Gospel Right, a companion to Sproul's popular Faith Alone, contains the complete text of that statement along with thorough, point-by-point discussion and exposition, to make a strong declaration of the abiding unity of evangelicals regarding the gospel and justification by faith alone.

Despite claiming unbelief in God or any higher power that may have designed or created the world and all that is in it, modern scientists often write and speak of "chance" as some kind of being or force that can "cause "things to happen. In one breath they push the evolution agenda and in the next they say that creatures were "designed" with specific traits. In this classic book, R. C. Sproul and Keith Mathison call the scientific world to employ logic and clarity in their discourse, to leave the word "chance" as an abstract concept to describe mathematical possibilities rather than an ontological being that can actually "cause" change. This expanded edition includes a new chapter dealing with the most recent attempts to defend irrational scientific statements. Two new appendices answer critics and review other literature on scientific discoveries that support belief in a Creator God.

Central to God’s character is the quality of holiness. Yet, even so, most people are hard-pressed to define what God’s holiness precisely is. Many preachers today avoid the topic altogether because people today don’t quite know what to do with words like “awe” or “fear.” R. C. Sproul, in this classic work, puts the holiness of God in its proper and central place in the Christian life. He paints an awe-inspiring vision of God that encourages Christian to become holy just as God is holy. Once you encounter the holiness of God, your life will never be the same.