Showing results by narrator "Jim Denison" in All Categories

In the 2,000 years that have elapsed since the time of Christ, Christians have been as much divided by their faith as united, as much at odds as in communion. And the contents of Christian confession have developed with astonishing energy. How can believers claim a faith that has been passed down through the ages while recognizing the real historical contingencies that have shaped both their doctrines and their divisions? In this carefully argued essay, David Bentley Hart critiques the concept of "tradition" that has become dominant in Christian thought as fundamentally incoherent.

Although there are numerous books on St. Paul and his letters, none "knock over" the average person. In Understanding St. Paul, Deacon Bob Evans breaks open the wealth of St. Paul's wisdom in brief, understandable chapters through the lens of fascinating findings. You will learn about St. Paul's tempestuous times and heroic life which reveal the mystery of his message.

For over a decade, A Biblical History of Israel has gathered praise and criticism for its unapologetic approach to reconstructing the historical landscape of ancient Israel through a biblical lens. In this much-anticipated second edition, the authors reassert that the Old Testament should be taken seriously as a historical document alongside other literary and archaeological sources. Significantly revised and updated, A Biblical History of Israel, Second Edition includes the authors' direct response to critics, and includes updated archaeological data and new references.

In today's world of shallow pursuits, surface-level social media, and frivolous vanities, too many Christians are distracted from what really counts: a passionate pursuit of Christ. Because of that, the enemy controls us, keeping us and the Church at large from being everything God wants us to be. In this compilation of teachings, A. W. Tozer dives deep into a favorite topic: growing in Christ.

Fear is the primary reason we fail to share the gospel with our friends, family, and coworkers. We're afraid of looking weird or out of touch. We're afraid we won't have the right answers to their questions. We're afraid that if they reject the gospel, they're really rejecting us. We don't want to make things awkward or strain our relationships. So we say nothing because our discomfort feels bigger than our loved ones' ultimate destination if they remain outside of the body of Christ. We know it's not, but it's just so hard to get over our fear.

Old Paths is a collection of 19 of J. C. Ryle's most effective tracts on the leading truths of Christianity, which are, as he says, "necessary to salvation." In including in such a series Inspiration, Election, and Perseverance, he allows that good Christians have disagreed and will still disagree about them, but he inserts them nevertheless on account of the immense importance of the first and the extraordinary neglect into which the last two have fallen. Ryle's racy style, plainspokenness, and good taste are sure to secure your affection and hold your attention.

Taking a phrase from Matthew 12:20, Sibbes explains what it means to be a "bruised reed". It is a metaphor that exemplifies the way in which God humbles sinners by allowing them to see sin in the way that he sees it - the lesson being that God sometimes wounds before healing but with the ultimate goal of deepening our love for Christ.

We have all experienced times when we have not eaten a balanced diet or have eaten too many sweets. We feel sick, light-headed, and occasionally depressed, or we become irritable and edgy. It's the body's way of letting us know that it's lacking sufficient nourishment. Optimal health requires optimal nutrition. The same is true spiritually speaking. Without sufficient and regular biblical nutrition, our inner life begins to suffer the consequences. We become shallow and selfish, more demanding and less gentle, and quick to react impatiently.

Originally published in 1737, The Crook in the Lot continues to bring comfort and inspire countless souls, and it remains one of the most beloved of all Puritan classics. Its depth of explanation regarding God's role in our afflictions and sufferings is without equal. Thomas Boston - a well-known, influential, and beloved Puritan - was famous for his ability to communicate sound biblical truths in a way that conveyed clarity and insight.

Jonty Rhodes guides us in an engaging study of covenant theology and why it matters. With clarity and wit, he shows us how covenants carry the Bible's story from start to finish and ultimately give root to the gospel of salvation by grace. Beginning with Adam in the garden of Eden, and ending with Jesus, our risen Covenant King, Rhodes illuminates the good news of a promise-making, promise-keeping God.

The Bible is the most influential book in Western history. As the foundational text of Judaism and Christianity, the Bible has been interpreted and reinterpreted over millennia, utilized to promote a seemingly endless run of theological and political positions. Adherents and detractors alike point to different passages throughout to justify wildly disparate behaviors and beliefs. Translated and retranslated, these texts lead both to unity and intense conflict.

An Exposition of Hebrews considers the epistle’s purpose, theme, divisions, characteristics, value, and its writer. It then delves into each verse and passage, explaining the truths found within and giving valuable insight into how one can apply these truths to life. This classic volume is the result of 20 years of research by Arthur Pink. It is one of Pink’s earlier works and originally appeared in his monthly magazine, Studies in the Scriptures. Volume two contains chapters 54 through 127.

John Owen wrote this book, often given the subtitle The Nature and Power of It, the Danger of Entering into It, and the Means of Preventing That Danger, with a resolution to show how Christians can avoid temptation in living a more spiritual life. A prolific author, Owen was an English nonconformist Church leader who served as academic administrator at the University of Oxford.

Thomas Watson was one of the most famous Puritan preachers in history, and his 17th-century writings are still read across the world today. A highly influential example of Puritan writing, The Great Gain of Godliness is Watson's study of Malachi 3:16-18. British Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon bemoaned the fact that he couldn't find a copy of The Great Gain of Godliness.

Through a pointed analysis of our spiritual and practical difficulties in prayer, Wallis show how the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. Learn how to yield yourself to Him, to allow Him to pray through you, and let the Holy Spirit lead you into "the deep things of God."

In this intellectual biography, Bennett W. Rogers analyzes the complicated life and times of a man variously described as traditional, moderate, and even radical during his 58-year ministry. Ryle began his ministerial career as a rural parish priest; he ended it as a bishop of the second city of the British Empire. In the time between, he became a popular preacher, influential author, effective controversialist, recognized party leader, stalwart church defender, and radical church reformer.

Does God stare down at us in unyielding disapproval? No, says author Robert Henderson. God's gaze toward us is one of kindness and love. "Understanding his heart and expression", he adds, "changes everything." God is ready to pour out his unmerited favor on his children. It is up to us to receive it. Always keying in on Scripture, global apostolic leader Robert Henderson shows how accessible the grace of God really is.

The devil is real, and his strategies are hidden in plain sight. He's created an atmosphere of distraction and temptation all around us, so that when you pick up your phone, turn on your television, or walk out your door, you're bombarded with images and messages that glorify evil and demean what is good. In this never-before-published compilation of teachings, A. W. Tozer offers piercing insight and practical application to help you make God-honoring, life-giving decisions in a culture that prizes what is evil.

Archaeologist Dr. Titus Kennedy has investigated firsthand the discoveries connected to Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. He has visited and excavated where Jesus walked and examined the artifacts connected to Jesus’ life. Here, he presents a comprehensive overview of the research and findings that illuminate the historicity of Christ as presented in the Bible. As you listen, you’ll be able to decide for yourself whether the evidence confirms the existence of Jesus and determine whether the Gospels are worthy of being approached not as legends but as history.

Negative perceptions. Church dropouts. Prodigals and nomads. It's easy to get discouraged by all that's going wrong when it comes to Christianity and the emerging generation. Yet what's going right? In fact, signs of hope are springing up all around. Faith for Exiles unveils major new Barna research that uncovers what's working - five practices that contribute to resilience. In a world where always-connected smart devices and search algorithms educate and entertain, digital Babylon is the new context for discipleship.