Mostrando resultados por Editor "Christian Focus Publications" en Todas las categorías

John Gillespie here examines each resolution in the light of scripture and encourages modern listeners to meditate on how they could apply Edwards’ resolutions to their own lives.

The Middle Ages were dubbed the "Dark Ages" almost before they had begun to draw to a close. Ever since then, they have continued to be seen as a time of hardship and oppression, full of popes and crusades. In the second volume of 2,000 Years of Christ's Power, another side of the Middle Ages shines through though: The continual workings of Christ as he built his kingdom through figures such as Thomas a Kempis and John Wycliffe, who lived and struggled during these centuries. This was far from a period of stagnation; rather it was the fire from which the Reformation was kindled.

Do you ever wonder why you keep doing things you know you shouldn't? Does life sometimes feel like one constant battle between what you know you should do and what you actually end up doing? The Obedience Option directs us to Paul's letter to the Ephesians to discover an "overwhelming faith" - a life dominating conviction that what God has for us through obedience is vastly better than anything this world has to offer. In this state a passion for God and his ways overwhelms everything else.

The Bible is a big book and reading it can seem a bit daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to start. It’s also a very important book. Is has had a huge impact on the world - socially, morally, politically - and even on the language we use. This book is structured around 12 phrases that come from the Bible and uses them to explain the whole story - from the first book (Genesis) to the last book (Revelation). If you want to find out what the Bible is all about, and why it has changed the world, this book is for you.

Volume Three of 2,000 Years of Christ's Power, in showing the progression of the Reformation era and the daring bravery of its figures, presents a period of history from which there are many lessons to be learnt—not least of all, the vibrancy of people's lives and the courage with which they faced death.

Grace is the heart of God to do you good when you deserve it least. But do we really know how deeply we don't deserve it? Only God can reveal that to us. He does it through the bible. And when he does, the wonders of his grace explode with brightness as never before. These Five Points are about how Christians come into being, and how we are kept forever. It reaches back into times past when we were freely chosen. It reaches forward into the future when we will be safe and happy forever.

Every generation has an uncanny tendency to view themselves as more enlightened than those that have gone before. The Church certainly has made mistakes all through history - and yet, no insights which we possess would be possible without the efforts, and even some of the mistakes, of our ancestors. The first volume of 2,000 Years of Christ's Power covers the period from the 1st Century AD to the start of the Middle Ages.

Thoroughly researched with beautifully linked arguments, biographies, context and discussions, Needham provides a riveting text: balancing fact and understanding in the wisdom of experience. The book offers a wealth of knowledge for pastors, missionaries, students and professors as they pursue their own education into the response of Christians during the 18th century towards these shifts in the tides of the affairs of men.

David Livingstone was one of the most consequential individuals who lived in the 19th century. An unpretentious Scottish missionary doctor, explorer, and abolitionist, he opened the door for Christianity in southern Africa. He was a man who overcame many deprivations and discouragements, and displayed the utmost measure of courage, self-control, faith, wisdom, and ingenuity. Christie takes a balanced look at Livingstone’s amazing achievements, but also at his very real flaws. This gripping and in-depth biography is a must-listen insight into a fascinating man.

The Renaissance and Reformation were exciting times of learning and discovery – they pushed the boundaries of accepted thought. The repercussions of this, however, were that they left in their wake a period of universal uncertainty. The centuries-old status quo had been turned on its head. Nothing was stable anymore. Conflict ensued. The fourth volume of 2,000 Years of Christ's Power spans from the 16th to the 18th century.

Emotional and raw, Sean DeMars tells his story of a life turned around. It is a tale of two families: one scarred by brokenness, another renewed by grace. In his storytelling, the tragedy and horror of his early years are punctuated with the beauty of restoration evident in the life he now leads. Abandoned by a father and abused by a mother, his search for a father finds a home with the King of heaven who graces him with love and sonship.

Athanasius rightly knew that upon one’s view of Christ hung one’s eternal destiny. As he wrote to the bishops of Egypt in 356: “as therefore the struggle that is now set before us concerns all that we are, either to reject or to keep the faith, let us be zealous and resolve to guard what we have received, bearing in mind the confession that was written down at Nicaea.” And, by God’s grace, his victory in that struggle has been of enormous blessing to the church ever since.

Christians should have the answers, shouldn't they? Depression affects many people - both personally and through the ones we love. Depression is not new, though. Indeed, the "Prince of Preachers" C.H. Spurgeon struggled with depression and talked openly about it. Here, Zack Eswine draws from Spurgeon's experiences to encourage us.

The Psalms can be very helpful, but they can also be hard. Following on from The Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Life and Slogging Along the Paths of Righteousness, Dale Ralph Davis delves into Psalms 25 to 37. Using his own recognisable humour and razor - sharp observations these expositions help us to engage with the conflict in these 12 psalms.

The world of work is expanding. New technologies, industries and means of meeting apart–and–still–together, have presided in the transition of the workplace into a fast, digital and busier–than–ever era. In whichever sector you care to name, work is increasing exponentially, for reducing rewards and benefits. It is more than easy to complain, drag one’s feet while getting out of the door, and face daily tasks with an apathetic attitude. A Good Return does not provide maxims to get you through the day.

The Envy of Eve guides listeners to understand how desires grow into covetousness and what happens when this sin takes power in our hearts. Covetousness chokes out the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, allowing discontentment to bloom. The key to overcoming is to get to the root of our problem: unbelief, a mistrust of God's sovereignty and goodness. An ideal resource for deeper study or group discussion.

Many people today would say that Christianity has done more harm than good to our world. Sharon James argues, however, in seeking to love their neighbour and reflect God's moral character, the followers of Jesus have had a largely positive impact on our society.

Although William Borden was taken from this world at the young age of 25, the years he lived were full of dedication to serve. Kevin Belmonte draws on letters and quotations to paint a unique picture of William’s life of commitment to God, delving into the ways "vital truth", as William called it, was the star he reckoned by. In the telling of the life story of William Borden, there is much to learn about living a life of devotion to God. The desire to live for Christ guided and shaped William’s life, from his school days right up until his death.

I think there is real hope to be found, in the middle of our deepest traumas, in the good news about Jesus Christ. I also think that there is a place for us to find hope and community within the church. Because of these two beliefs, I truly think, distant though it may be, that we may even get to a place of peace within our souls and a place of forgiveness for those who hurt us so much.

The Bible is a cobbled-together selection of ancient writings that have been changed so many times by so many people over hundreds of years that surely the text can no longer be trusted, right? Certainly, there are plenty of people who take this view. Author Timothy Paul Jones addresses the fact that the Bible is a difficult book to believe. It is full of incidents that seem highly improbable, if not impossible. Especially suitable for people who are skeptical of its accuracy and of its authority, this book takes a reasonable look at the claims made about the Bible.