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There is no greater pursuit, no greater journey, and no greater joy than discovering the extraordinary character of God. Incomparable explores sixty names and descriptions of our creator. Each chapter is filled with profound Biblical insights and revelations that will inspire and enrich your faith. Selah moments allow for a time of reflection and worship. And practical applications connect each truth with your daily life. Throughout, Incomparable unfolds the greatest wonder our minds and hearts will ever contemplate. Immerse yourself in His character. Delve into the depths of His presence. And experience a God that is truly beyond compare. This new edition adds a further sixteen mini-chapters, called Selahs. These are additional reflections, inserted throughout the book, aimed to apply practically some of the theology that has been taught in the previous chapters. The Selahs come in four types: "Read and Reflect" gives a key passage of Scripture to meditate on "Pause and Pray" gives a suggested prayer with which to follow up what has been said "Stop and Study" gives direction for further reading on more complex or controversial topics "Wait and Worship" gives various hymns and songs which focus on the relevant attribute of God

An accessible guide to the history, meaning, and interpretation of the Apocryphal Gospels Shows how close analysis of text, contents and context are vital in assessing the value and authenticity of such ancient and valuable texts. Discusses the limitations of using the apocryphal gospels to reconstruct an accurate portrait of the historical Jesus - and sets this against the limitations of using the New Testament gospels. Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over two million copies sold worldwide. This Very Short Introduction offers a clear, accessible, and concise account of the apocryphal gospels - exploring their origins, their discovery, and discussing how the various texts have been interpreted both by the Church and beyond. Looking at texts from the Gospels from Nag Hammadi to the Dialogues with the Risen Saviour, Paul Foster shows how the apocryphal gospels reflect the diversity that existed within early Christianity, and examines the extent to which they can be used to reconstruct an accurate portrait of the historical Jesus. Including discussions of controversies and case-studies such as the alleged hoax surrounding the discovery of Secret Mark, Foster concludes that the non-canonical texts, considered in the correct context, offer us an important window on the vibrant and multi-faceted face of early Christianity.

A sword plunged to the hilt into a super-fat king's blubber, a bloke getting killed by lightning, cold-blooded murder, tons of people drowning, scary skin diseases, famines, earthquakes ... loads of gross and gory things happened in Bible times! In this book you'll find fifty of the goriest! Among this collection are the stories of Cain and Abel, Abraham and Isaac, Moses and his rebellious relations, David and Goliath and Judas Iscariot. Each story has a cliffhanger ending - and a short Bible passage to look up to you can find out what happened next. All this plus some thoroughly gruesome cartoons - what more could you want?

For ages 8-12 This collection of Bible stories is ideal for vivid imaginations Children will want to discover more of how wild the Bible is In 50 Wildest Bible Stories there's a slippery serpent suggesting sin, a bunch of babbling builders, a pair of past-it parents, a final farewell feast - and lots of other wild things besides. Andy Robb succeeds again in retelling and illustrating fifty exciting Bible stories in a way that children will love. Among this colourful collection are the stories of Ruth and Boaz, Samson killing a lion with his bare hands, the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon and Jesus' temptation by Satan. As in 50 Weirdest Bible Stories and 50 Craziest Bible Stories each story in this book has a cliff-hanger ending and points to a Bible passage for readers to look up to find out what happened next. A great introduction to the wildest stories of the Bible and to the God who works even the wild things into His plans and purposes. Andy Robb is an established children's illustrator and writer with almost thirty books to his name. He is passionate about producing books that help children understand who God is and how to live life God's way

From its humble beginnings as a minor Jewish sect in a remote part of the Roman empire, Christianity has grown to become a major world religion with over 2 billion adherents worldwide. But what does it mean to be 'Christian' in the increasingly multi-religious setting of the twenty-first century? In this Pocket Guide, Benno van den Toren explores the main features of the Christian faith in a warm and approachable way, helping the reader to understand what Christians believe and giving special attention to questions that are raised about Christian beliefs in our multicultural and post-modern setting. Addressing topics such as Global Christianity, The Identity of God, Christ and Salvation, The Holy Spirit and the Church, and The Meaning and End of History, and comparing Christianity's teachings with those of other religions along the way, A Pocket Guide to Christian Belief provides an accessible and contemporary introduction to the major Christian doctrines, unpacking their meaning for today's world.

"A Pocket Guide to Christian History" offers an accessible, down-to-earth introduction to the key aspects of Christian history. It includes timelines, key episodes and characters, and quotations from writings. It features sections that include stories to bring the era alive, like the martyrdom of Polycarp, Antony in the desert, and the Reformation martyrs. It consists of 10 sections: After the Apostles; Conversion of the Empire; Celtic Fringe; Middle Earth; Eastern Promise; Reform; Dissenters; The Machine Age; The Modern Age; and, Emergence.

We today are at the terminal period of the dispensation of grace. The hand of the clock is pointing at the midnight hour. Now is the darkest of the night. Soon, following the gloomiest hour, the day shall dawn. Meanwhile, the Church rushes swiftly towards apostasy, moving farther away from God: the power of darkness is unleashed; its evil influence is as damaging in the Church as in the world. The cross of Christ is the sole light that enlightens the current darkness. It is therefore time for the Church to go back to the cross, to the firm foundation of God. There, sins are cleansed and self is delivered. There, the redemptive facts of God are revealed for us to believe and enter in. There, the power of resurrection is experientially known so that the Church may once again be the true witness of Christ on earth. It is time for God’s children to seek for higher life and service, time to review the past and rededicate themselves for the days ahead. At the closing of this age, the activities of Satan are intensified. How greatly are the children of God being attacked, oppressed and especially deceived. Now is the time for the saints to rise up and exercise the victory of the cross to resist and counterattack the Enemy. How fierce is the battle. Can the saints overcome without being fully armed? Saints of God, arise, stand on the victory of Calvary, and proclaim the victory of Christ. Your King is coming, and the days of the Enemy are numbered. This present volume is a compilation of various writings and addresses given by Watchman Nee in the early days of his ministry. The passage of time, however, only increases the urgency of these messages which are as relevant today, perhaps even more so, than at the time of their first delivery. Would that God’s children might return to the cross and be true followers of Christ crucified. May the Church of God be re-awakened to her calling as the light in the world, holding forth the word of life. May she stand in the victory of Christ and bring back the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Most people live or work among Muslim colleagues and neighbours, or mingle with Islamic people on trips overseas. But many Christians struggle to see beyond the stereotypes to connect in depth with the people they meet. In this winsome book Martin Goldsmith recounts colourful stories from a lifetime of conversations and friendships with Muslims in various countries around the world, including the UK. Part-travelogue, part-biography, readers are whisked from an English college garden to an Afghan market, from a London secondary school to a North African tourist destination, from Dubai airport to a home in Scotland, all the while becoming better equipped to make their own connections with Muslims - to the glory of God.

SECONDHAND

In the context of growing concern over climate change and other environmental pressures, Biblical Prophets and Contemporary Environmental Ethics explores what an ecological reading of the biblical text can contribute to contemporary environmental ethics. The Judaeo-Christian tradition has been held partly to blame for a negative attitude to creation - one that has legitimised the exploitative use of the earth's resources. Hilary Marlow explores some of the thinking in the history of the Christian tradition that has contributed to such a perception, before discussing a number of approaches to reading the Old Testament from an ecological perspective.
Through a detailed exegetical study of the texts of the biblical prophets Amos, Hosea, and First Isaiah, Marlow examines the portrayal of the relationship between YHWH the God of Israel, humanity and the non-human creation. In the course of this exegesis, searching questions emerge: what are the various understandings of the non-human creation that are present in the text? What assumptions are made about YHWH's relationship to the created world and how he acts within it? And what effect do the actions and choices of human beings have on the created world?
Following this close textual study, Marlow examines the problem of deriving ethical norms from the biblical text and discusses some key ethical debates in contemporary environmental theory. The book explores the potential contribution of the biblical exegesis to such debates and concludes by proposing an inter-relational model for reading the Old Testament prophets in the light of contemporary environmental ethics.

Review

Having been born in the Middle East and raised among Arabs, Christians, and Jews, Pastor Benny Hinn has a truly unique perspective on the Middle East. For this reason Christians with a sincere desire to understand the roots of the conflict have questioned him for years, prompting him to publish this timely book on the subject. Blood in the Sand takes readers on a journey in time from Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael to the critical situation we currently face as citizens of the world. Along the way, Pastor Benny shares personal memories of growing up in the region, scriptural prophecies pertaining to the current crisis, and his own heart regarding what he believes is on the horizon.

This companion volume to Celebrating Christs Appearing covers the Church's year from Ash Wednesday onwards, and has been written for all those involved in planning and leading worship. Chapters deal with Lent, Passiontide and Holy Week, the Easter liturgy, Eastertide, Trinity to All Saints, and seasons and festivals of the agricultural year. In each chapter, the liturgical character of the season is described and clear guidance given on the setting and celebration of the Eucharist and other services. Many resources are provided in this book, and particular reference is made to the material in Common Worship: Times and Seasons.

Charles Spurgeon was a simple country lad who went on to become one of the best-known preachers in London, Europe and the world. Caught in a snowstorm one night Charles snuck into the back pew of a dusty country chapel. He had no idea that as well as escaping the freezing temperatures outside he would be faced with the most important decision of his life. A wrinkled old man started to preach. Charles thought it would be a thoroughly boring service - but with the words "Look unto Jesus and be saved!" a cold and grumpy teenager began to realise that God's word can change you, completely! The simple country lad became a man who mixed with princes and beggars. He spoke words that touched the hearts of rich and poor alike. His fame became so widespread that it is reputed that even Queen Victoria attended one of his sermons. The Queen of England came to listen to the Prince of Preachers. But Charles was more concerned about the King of Kings - Jesus Christ.At night I've been reading my kids a biography of Charles Spurgeon by Christian Timothy George. It's in the Trailblazers series for children published by Christian Focus. They have biographies of great saints from Church history ranging from Jonathan Edwards and John Calvin to Bill Bright and Martyn Lloyd Jones...I'm impressed by the books that Christian Focus is putting out. If you have children, be sure to check them out. Josh Harris - On his blog Read less

In this gutsy and intimate book, Rachel Gardner tackles head-on the issues facing teenage girls: self-image, the pull of the in-crowd, puberty, boys, sex, regrets and godly ambition. Credible yet shot through with biblical wisdom, parents and youthworkers can give this book with confidence. To her readers, she writes: I realize that you don't know me so it might feel a bit weird me saying that. But it's true. I have written this book because I want to let you in on a bit of a secret; you are precious and your life is a gift to you. It's a secret because few of us know it and fewer actually believe it. I hope you will feel inspired to explore your abilities and dreams be encouraged to protect your heart and still keep it open to God and others appreciate your life and the mysteries in the world around you May these words of wisdom help you know that you are lovely, lovable, unique, full of potential and, above all, cherished. Rachel x

Many assume that living with dementia is one long term steady decline. Jennifer s insightful book debunks that myth. Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Society Jennifer Bute was a highly qualified senior doctor in a large clinical practice, whose patients included those with dementia. Then she began to notice symptoms in herself. She was finally given a diagnosis of Young Onset Dementia in 2009. After resigning as a GP, she resolved to explore what could be done to slow the progress of dementia. The aim of this practical book is to help people who are living with dementia and to give hope to those who are with them on the dementia journey. Jennifer believes that her dementia is an opportunity as well as a challenge. Her important insights are that the person inside remains and can be reached, even when masked by the condition, and that spirituality rises as cognition becomes limited. The observant physician shines through in Dr Bute's book, while her practical advice reveals the resourcefulness of an inventor. Alzheimer s disease has surely met one of its toughest ever adversaries! Peter Garrard, Professor of Neurology, University of London From the Back Cover 'Many assume that living with dementia is one long-term steady decline. Jennifer's insightful book debunks that myth.' Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Society Jennifer Bute was a highly qualified senior doctor in a large clinical practice, whose patients included those with dementia. Then she began to notice symptoms in herself. She was finally given a diagnosis of young-onset dementia[MC1] in 2009. After resigning as a GP, she resolved to explore what could be done to slow the progress of dementia. The aim of this practical book is to help people who are living with dementia and give hope to those who are with them on the dementia journey. Jennifer believes that her dementia is an opportunity as well as a challenge. Her important insights are that the person 'inside' remains and can be reached, even when masked by the condition, and that spirituality rises as cognition becomes limited. 'The observant physician shines through in Dr Bute's book, while her practical advice reveals the resourcefulness of an inventor. Alzheimer's disease has surely met one of its toughest ever adversaries!' Peter Garrard, Professor of Neurology, University of London

Food plays a huge part in our church lives, whether it's through the breaking of bread or a bring-and-share meal. But it can be a little-considered subject, despite the Bible and Christian history having much to say about it. BRF's Lent book for 2009, Fasting and Feasting sees Gordon Giles guide us through daily Bible readings for the Easter season around the theme of eating and food. It examines the importance of the Eucharist and its roots in the Jewish Passover, as well as containing thorough group material and suggestions for an 'Agape' (fellowship) meal. Fasting and Feasting is ideal for dedicated followers of BRF's popular Bible readings and reflections for Lent. It's suitable for groups, with emphasis on sharing meals and fellowship. Those who have enjoyed Gordon Giles's writings in New Daylight, Quiet Spaces and his other books will enjoy this latest offering. Gordon Giles is a vicar in Enfield, north-west London. He was previously based at St Paul's Cathedral, where his work included musical and liturgical responsibilities. He has also written O Come, Emmanuel, The Music of Praise and The Harmony of Heaven for BRF, and contributes to New Daylight Bible reading notes and Quiet Spaces journal

Ann Benton's delightful book portrays characters such as Ferdinand, Sunny Jim, Morning Star, and the inventor in a way that children can be taught profound truths in a simple way. To fully appreciate the book there are songs available for free download and a free CD from the author.

The idea of 'giving something up for Lent' is widely known and discussed today - yet how many know that the ancient discipline of the Lenten fast had several purposes? It was designed as a reminder of our daily dependence on God for all our needs, to draw us closer to God in prayer, to reconnect with the idea of community, and to help us follow Christ's journey through the wilderness and on to Jerusalem. How many of us simply abstain from some treat or other for a few weeks and fail to engage with this deeper meaning of Lent? This book shows how Lent can be a time for exploring a different kind of 'giving up', one that can transform our lives. If we are to draw closer to God, we have to be willing to give up some of our entrenched ideas about him, in order to see him more clearly. In a series of daily studies, Maggi Dawn shows how, throughout Scripture, people were radically changed by encountering the true God. If we follow their examples, we can allow the Holy Spirit to shed his light on our ideas of God that are too harsh, too small, too fragile, or too stern. Then God will graciously reveal himself to us and bring us to an Easter joy that is richer and more profound than ever before. Contents includes: •Introduction •Section 1: Giving up (Ash Wednesday to Saturday) •Section 2: Jesus in the wilderness and beyond (First week of Lent) •Section 3: Other wildernesses (Second week of Lent) •Section 4: Changing perceptions (Third week of Lent) •Section 5: Changing communities (Fourth week of Lent) •Section 6: Changing your mind (Fifth week of Lent) •Sections 7: 'The end of all our exploring' (Holy Week) •Easter Sunday Review A review by Caroline Hansen: I have found Maggi Dawn's book both enjoyable and thought provoking. It fulfils its claim to explore a different kind of 'giving up' and widens the reader's horizons. I would definitely recommend it. A review by Marion Cheel I have been reading a book at Lent time for some 30 years now in order not necessarily to give anything up like my time but to discipline myself to follow the season of Lent more closely and to prepare myself for the joy of Easter Day. I can honestly say I have never read such an excellent Lent book as Maggi Dawn's Giving it Up. The title in itself drew me to the book as I was both struggling to think of what I could give up for Lent and in what way would it improve my walk with the Lord or deepen both my relationship with God and my Spirituality. From the Introduction through to Easter Day I have found the book utterly compelling reading and each day I couldn't wait to see where Maggi was leading our thinking next. I particularly liked the simplicity of her style of writing which I found easy to follow and for me she has opened up many familiar Bible stories and the characters which appeared in these stories. I'd read them before but in this book she puts a fresh slant on them and both her description of Jesus' thoughts and words and those of His disciples and people that He met on His way led me into a new and deeper understanding of these stories and also I'm sure have given me a new understanding of God and given me a deeper knowledge of Lent and subsequently Jesus entry into Jerusalem, the events of Holy Week culminating into Maundy Thursday, Good Friday right up to Easter Day. I was humbled and horrified at the events of Good Friday in a way I haven't been for a long time. Her description of the emptiness of Easter Saturday and the feeling of absolute devastation at the separation from God was awesome and yet there was for me and all of us the thought of the joy that awaited us on Easter Day! Indeed life will never be the same again for me with these new insights into the events from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day. I have on this occasion read the book on my own but hopefully will have the opportunity in the future to take it to a group that I co-lead. I was challenged by the questions that Maggie set at the end of each week and it would be both good and helpful to have discussion in a Group about these. Once again an excellent book which I shall recommend to many in the future to read from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day. A review by Michael Young: I have been reading The Rev'd Maggi Dawn's book daily, in conjunction with the St Alban's Diocese Lent Course for 2010 'Words of Challenge, Words of Life'. The enlightening words and observations of the author, concerning Jesus as described in her daily texts, are both reassuring and challenging. When I reach Easter Day in her company I will want to keep her book by my side for a long time to come. A review by Philip Cook: Maggi Dawn's 'Giving it Up' is a profound devotional work. It is scholarly, accessible, challenging, informative, and inspiring. Maggi's book has enriched my Lenten journey. A review by Cilla Diggle This was a really good Lent book, upbeat, positive and life-affirming. It comes at ideas from a different angle and I found it truly encouraging. I recognised her description of the older idea of the fast as an activity of the whole community as I have observed this with interest in a Muslim country during Ramadan and was surprised that she make no reference to the fact that muslims continue to observe the fast. I loved the Easter Day chapter which gave the sense of beginning rather than end and incidentally was reminded of celebrating the first day of Eid with my (non-muslim) family with a picnic breakfast on the beach. A review by Rod Montague My wife and I both enjoyed a very readable and thought provoking book giving fresh insight to some familiar Lenten readings. We now look forward to reading Maggi Dawn's Advent publication.

If we are to believe many modern commentators, science has squeezed God into a corner, killed and then buried him with its all-embracing explanations. Atheism, we are told, is the only intellectually tenable position, and any attempt to reintroduce God is likely to impede the progress of science. In this stimulating and thought-provoking book, John Lennox invites us to consider such claims very carefully. Is it really true, he asks, that everything in science points towards atheism? Could it be possible that theism sits more comfortably with science than atheism? Has science buried God or not? Now updated and expanded, God's Undertaker is an invaluable contribution to the debate about science's relationship to religion.

Book six in a greatly successful, visually-driven yet content-rich reference series, the Holman QuickSource™ Guide to Understanding Jesus takes a close and clear look at Christ in five parts: (1) His Old Testament background, (2) His life on Earth, (3) the Cross, (4) His teachings, and (5) His followers. Author Jeremy Howard, an apologetics expert inspired by the engaging style of C. S. Lewis, equips Christians with answers to deep and challenging spiritual questions while also helping seekers and unbelievers see Jesus for who He really is. In support, the book includes more than two hundred color photographs and illustrations.