Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

Beloved by millions around the world, the English Standard Version of the Bible is ideal for anyone looking for a contemporary and readable translation that is also accurate and consistent in its rendering of key words and phrases. This edition of the ESV is completely Anglicized and features the full Apocrypha. Presented in a double-column format, with explanatory footnotes providing alternative renderings of particular words and phrases, the ESV Bible with Apocrypha offers a clear, easy-to-read text that is perfect for everyday use. The ESV Bible is an excellent version for detailed Bible study, but one that also possesses a beauty, clarity and dignity of style that makes it superbly suitable for private devotion or for reading aloud during public worship. This Deluxe edition is presented in a stunning midnight blue leatherette binding, inlaid with bronze foil, with two ribbon markers to bookmark your favourite verses and keep track of your Bible study. A premium quality Bible, it will be loved by collectors and first-time buyers alike, and is a Bible you will delight in for years. It also makes a truly special gift for loved ones that they will treasure. Other features include: 9.5 pt font size An award-winning typeface Inline chapter headings Inline chapter numbers 12 maps White paper from sustainable sources

Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

This is a short book focussing on the relationship between theology and prayer, and their effects on a Christian's life. It sets the reader tasks of self-examination and reflection in the light of Christian teaching.

Meister Eckhart, the fourteenth-century German mystic and theologian, is one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in the history of the Church, and few have played so diverse and fertile a role in the cultural imagination. He has been seen as both heretic and 'the man from whom God nothing hid'; Christian mystic and Buddhist sage; Catholic and Protestant; feminist and ecologist; he is both medieval schoolman and inspirer of contemporary philosophers such as Heidegger, Bloch and Derrida. Oliver Davies's masterly evaluation of Eckhart is based on an unrivalled knowledge of the original texts, their historical and theological context, and their place in the Christian mystical tradition. The portrait of St Dominic on the cover (of the book) illustrates one of Davies's main themes: Eckhart's position in the mainstream Dominican tradition of grounding theology in spiritual experience. Both a stimulating scholarly study and an ideal introduction for the non-specialist, Meister Eckhart: Mystical Theologian explores the enduring fascination of Meister Eckhart, 'a mystic for our age'.

There are a great many Christians involved in politics today, both in and around parliament and at a local level. This book offers some serious resources to help them understand what the role of government should be.

With his usual consummate clarity of thought and style, Michael Ramsey sets out to establish what the Spirit meant in the experience and the language of the early Christians. 'There are none from whom we can learn more about a theme so intimately linked with the coming of Jesus Christ.'

As a minister or pastoral worker it is highly likely that, at some stage in your ministry, you will find yourself caring for people with psychiatric problems and their families. "The Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems" provides an invaluable resource to help you provide the best care for those suffering from the most common problems, such as: depression, Alzheimer's disease, anorexia, addiction to drugs or alcohol, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anti-social personality disorder.As well as outlining the main psychiatric conditions and their treatments, the particular issues facing pastoral workers are examined and some of the ethical issues involved are discussed. Using a wealth of pastoral illustrations, the book offers practical advice and guidance for the care of individuals and families who find their lives turned upside down by psychiatric illness. It addresses questions such as: How can I help the family of a young girl who cuts herself? What is the difference between depression and an abnormal grief reaction? And how can I distinguish between a symptom of mental illness and genuine religious revelation? In cases of severe mental illness it will be necessary to work alongside medical, nursing and social work staff, and guidance on how to do this effectively is given.

John Eaton compares reading the Psalms to walking in the mountains: 'Time and time again you see a new crest to climb, but the summit remains beyond.' In "Psalms for Life", he explores the poetry as a never failing source of challenge, comfort and encouragement. Beginning with Psalm 1 and continuing through to Psalm 150, he provides a short reflection on each psalm, explaining the poet's essential message, and ending with a brief meditative prayer. Readers are helped to identify with the wide range of emotions expressed in the Psalms and to pray for God's loving guidance in dealing with them from day to day. As a distinguished biblical scholar who has studied the Psalms all of his life, John Eaton writes with warmth, clarity and authority. As a Christian, he sees the Psalms as prophetic of Christ, revealing vital and often little-known facts of his life and character. As a sensitive and skilful teacher, he draws out the full significance of these ancient songs as a source of wisdom and insight for all who live the Christian life today.

Since its first appearance in 1960 and revision in 1970, Documents of the Baptismal Liturgy has been widely praised both for its value as a source book and for the light it sheds on contemporary discussion of Christian initiation. The texts are in English, and a glossary of technical terms and a brief introduction to each document help to make them accessible to both the general and the specialist reader. This revised and expanded edition: retains all the sources previously included, many of which have been corrected and replaced with newer translations; incorporates Eastern Christian texts from the great East Syrian Church Fathers, Aphrahat and Ephrem, as well as selections from The Rite of the Assyrian Church of the East and the Maronite Rite; includes additional Western texts such as the famous Pentecost Homily attributed to Faustus of Riez, Letter 26 to Januarius from Pope Gregory 1, and the Rite of Confirmation from the Pontifical of William Durandus; Places individual councils in their respective geographic locales; lists sources and related publications in a variety of languages for each document studied or for each locale. "This is a most useful addition to liturgical study." Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Denise Inge introduces a selection from Thomas Traherne's writing in this, the third volume in this series on seventeenth century spiritual writers. This volume will contain some biographical detail and historical context, the story of the discovery of his work as well as a discussion of its literary and spiritual power. The main body of the anthology will cover both well known works such as a selection from the Centuries and also excerpts from newer discoveries, including a recent find from Lambeth Palace Library. Thomas Traherne 1636?-1674 was schooled at Brasenose College, Oxford, was ordainded and served in the village of Credenhill, Herefordshire.

Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

Each word and phrase in the ESV has been carefully weighed against the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, to ensure the fullest accuracy and clarity

DO I NEED TO BE SAVED? God is holy. No sin will ever enter his presence, for "righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne" (Psalm 97:2). Humanity is sinful. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Sin separates all people from God. "Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you" (Isaiah 59:2). It is impossible for humans to save themselves. "By works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight" (Romans 3:20). CAN I BE SAVED? God sent his Son to be your Savior. "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10). The living Savior invites sinners to receive him. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Forgiveness of sins and salvation can be yours today. "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18). HOW CAN I BE SAVED? Agree with God that you are a lost sinner unable to save yourself. "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and ask him to be your Savior. "To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). Confess the Lord Jesus Christ. "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life" (John 5:24).

Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

Many people are struggling with shame. Whether it comes from things they have done, or things done to them, shame is the sign of a wounded spirit. But there is hope: Although the Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), the story does not end there. The Bible also says that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died and rose again to take away the shame of his people. This tract extends Jesus's offer of unlimited mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing to all who trust in him.

Perhaps one of the most commonly referenced verses in the Bible is John 3:16, in which Jesus says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Even though you may recognize John 3:16 when it shows up on posters at sporting events, do you really know what it means? And who is this John person anyway? By way of introduction, John was one of the twelve disciples that followed Jesus during his ministry, and he is also the author of the books of the Bible called First, Second, and Third John, as well as Revelation. He wrote the Gospel of John, including the verses that are referenced in this pamphlet, sometime between A.D. 70 and A.D. 100 from a city in Asia Minor (modern- day Turkey). John's Gospel is crucial to learning more about Jesus and discovering what it means to become a Christian. His purpose in writing this book of the Bible is to evidence that Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior. By believing in Jesus and trusting in the salvation from our sin that he offers, people can gain eternal life. WHY DO WE NEED TO BE SAVED? Jesus said, "Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). If we are honest with ourselves, we cannot deny that from the moment of our birth we have done wrong things--things that make us guilty before God and deserving of his judgment. The Bible calls these wrong things sin, and sin separates us from God. And because we are separated from God, we face the awful prospect of his eternal wrath (John 3:36). JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY Can anyone save us from God's wrath and assure us of heaven? Some people believe that they can get into heaven by doing good works, or by following the teachings of a religion, or even by giving money to churches or charities. But Jesus clearly said that none of these things would save us: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). No human effort can give us eternal life. In fact, the only "work" that can save us is the "work" of believing in what Jesus has done to accomplish our salvation: "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent" (John 6:29). And to those who so believe, the promise of God stands firm: "To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). HOW DOES JESUS SAVE US? John the Baptist, a biblical prophet, calls Jesus the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Jesus explains that our salvation comes through his death on the cross as the perfect and sufficient sacrifice for our sin (John 3:14-15). When reading the Gospel of John, for example, you'll notice that chapters 18-19 describe Jesus' death and then chapter 20 tells of his glorious triumph over death as he rose from the dead. Jesus' resurrection means that he can give eternal life to all who believe in him: "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die . . ." (John 11:25-26). DO YOU BELIEVE? John 11:26 ends with Jesus asking, "Do you believe this?" It is a question that every person must answer: Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Do you believe that he died on the cross to free you from guilt and judgment of sin? Do you believe that he rose from the grave, breaking the power of death and making a way for you to have eternal life in heaven? If you believe that these things are true, then you may want to express your faith in him by praying this prayer: Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son, and that he died on the cross to save me from my sin. I believe that he rose again to life, and that he invites me to live forever with him in heaven as part of your family. Because of what Jesus has done, I ask you to forgive me of my sin and give me eternal life. Help me to live in a way that pleases and honors you. Amen. GROWING IN CHRIST Once you have received the gift of eternal life, you will want to grow in your knowledge of Christ and your obedience to him. Jesus' teaching about how to live for God can be summed up in three simple instructions: Read the Bible. Jesus said, "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me" (John 14:21). One way to show our love for God is to read and live out the commands set forth in the Bible, God's holy Word. Read the Bible daily to learn how to live a life that honors God and gives testimony to others that Jesus has made a difference in your life. Pray. Communication with God through prayer keeps your focus on eternal things. If you are truly following Jesus, your desires will be for God's glory and for his kingdom, the church. Jesus promised, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7). Seek Christian fellowship. Meeting regularly with Christian brothers and sisters allows you to follow Jesus' example of love and to fulfill his command to "love one another . . . just as I have loved you" (John 13:34). Just as Jesus surrounded himself daily with his disciples and followers, find a Bible believing church where you can meet with other Christians. There you will find joy and encouragement in the fellowship of God's people.

Bringing together over 1,200 prayers, both classic and contemporary, The SPCK Book of Christian Prayer is an inspiring and practical resource for Christians of all denominations. This prestigious collection encompasses a wide and varied range of Christian prayers, making it an essential handbook for all who want to deepen and enhance their prayer life, as well as for those involved in leading others in worship - whether in church, in school or in the home. The prayers are helpfully arranged under practical subject headings, and there is a comprehensive index of subjects, with cross references throughout.

An Almighty Passion celebrates the God who walks with us in our communities, forever reaching out with his all-embracing love. He is not, as this beautifully narrated collection of real-life stories demonstrates, a God who can easily be tied to a formula. Often we glimpse his glory where we least expect to see it: in the seemingly commonplace events of an ordinary Cambridge housing estate; on the freezing altiplano of Bolivia; in the blistering, dusty heat of the Argentine Chaco. Skilfully but simply, Alan Hargrave relates the great doctrines of the Church - Trinity, Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection - to the pain and the joy, the mundane and the surprising, the dull and the dramatic of the everyday life in which God Incarnate is to be found.

The last couple of years have not been easy. Everyone has been affected in some way by the credit crunch and we need to reorient ourselves. It's a comfort for Christians to remember that real life and fulfilment are to be found in relationships - in loving God and loving our neighbour. But in practice it's difficult not to be influenced by consumerism and individualism. How do we guard against this? How can we apply our faith in practical ways? What disciplines can we put in place to help us worship God in every area of our lives? These are the questions that Free to Love aims to answer. Well researched, inspiring, practical and engaging, it will prove of much value to Christians wishing to live in a more deeply considered way.

This book assumes that everyone has a basic religious impulse, but that in England the Church has 'lost the hearts' of the English people. This did not happen suddenly and this book will examine what happened, and how the natural human response to religion can be rekindled. Questions and issues to be covered include: Why religion still appears to be a natural response within certain parts of Europe, How did the English Reformation affect the religious sensibilities of the population?, The Methodist revival of the 18th Century Evangelical and Tractarian revivals of the 19th Century, Secularisation, How does one re-awaken a sacred view of the world?, Examples of good practice