Cultivating Humility in a Gospel-Centered Way There are many misconceptions about what it means to be humble. Some think that being humble means hiding your talents and abilities or being weak and inauthentic. But the Bible paints a different picture--defining humility as a self-forgetfulness leading to joy and explaining that it is a life-giving virtue that frees you from the restricting needs of your ego. In Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness, Gavin Ortlund encourages readers that humility is not just an abstract virtue but a mark of gospel integrity. Ortlund examines humility both on a personal level and in the context of the church, giving examples of ways to cultivate it--including meditation on the gospel and practicing intentional gratitude. Drawing from Philippians 2 and historical texts such as C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity and Jonathan Edwards's sermon "A Christian Spirit Is a Humble Spirit," Ortlund defines humility in light of the incarnation and death of Jesus Christ, casting a vision for a gospel-centered, humble life. First Book in the Growing Gospel Integrity Series: Created in partnership with Union School of Theology Written by Gavin Ortlund: Author of Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals: Why We Need Our Past to Have a Future and Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage For Small Groups and Individual Study: Questions at the end of each chapter encourage small group discussion
How the Hope of Heaven Shapes Our Lives as Christians in the Meantime What we expect from our future has tremendous power over our experience in the meantime—that's why the Bible places the hope of heaven at the center of the Christian life. But even if we affirm the reality of our heavenly future, we often struggle to long for heaven, much less to connect the promises of the world to come to the concrete details of life in this world as it is. If and when we think about heaven at all, it's easy to think of it like an insurance policy that will be there when we need it. But the Bible defines our future hope as an inheritance—a trust fund that is certain, inexhaustible, and freely accessible here and now. In this book, Matthew McCullough offers a series of meditations that model how to draw on the hope of heaven for everyday life in the meantime. Chapters connect specific struggles of life in this world—from dissatisfaction and inadequacy to anxiety, grief, indwelling sin and more—to specific promises of the world to come. Drawing on insights from Christian writers of the past, McCullough shows how the Bible uses the hope of heaven to help us now. - Offers Hope: Helps readers deal with feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, grief, and dissatisfaction to curate a healthy life perspective around God's promises - Biblical and Practical: Engaging meditations offer Christians applicable advice for living joyfully in light of the inheritance that awaits them in heaven - Published in Partnership with Gospel Coalition
An In-Depth Biography on the Life and Work of Missionary Elisabeth Elliot Elisabeth Elliot (1926–2015) is one of the most widely known Christians of the 20th and 21st centuries. After the death of her husband, Jim, and 4 other missionaries at the hands of Waorani tribesmen in Ecuador, Elliot famously returned to live among the same people who had killed her husband. Her legacy, however, extends far beyond these events. In the years that followed, Elliot became a prolific writer and speaker, touching the lives of countless people around the world. In this single-volume biography, Lucy S. R. Austen takes listeners on an in-depth journey through the life of Elisabeth Elliot—her birth to missionary parents, her courtship and marriage to Jim Elliot, her missions work in Ecuador, and her private life and public work after she returned to the United States. Through Elliot's example of love for God and obedience to his commands, listeners will ponder what it means to follow Jesus. - Single-Volume Biography on Elisabeth Elliot: Author Lucy S. R. Austen explores Elliot's professional articles, books, and radio programs, as well as personal scrapbooks, journals, and letters - Engaging: Tells the complex and moving life story of one of the most well-known Christian missionaries - A Great Resource for Students: Thoroughly researched book provides information about Elliot beyond her work with the Waorani people and her first husband's death
How the Habitat of Internet Technology Undermines Christian Wisdom With advancements in internet technology, people can get instant answers to just about any of their questions, connect long distance with family and friends, and stay informed with events around the world in real time. In Digital Liturgies, tech-realist Samuel D. James examines the connection between patterns in technology and human desires. Everyone longs for a glimpse of heaven; James argues they are just looking for it in the wrong place—the internet. This accessible book exposes 5 "digital liturgies" that prohibit people from contemplating big truths, accepting the uncomfortable, and acknowledging God as their Creator. It then calls readers to live faithfully before Christ, finding wisdom through Scripture and rest in God's perfect design. - A Biblical View of the Internet and Technology: Readers explore the connection between human desire, the internet, and wisdom through a Christian lens - Great for College Students, Parents, and Pastors: This book encourages readers to live faithfully for Christ - Offers a Tech-Realist Perspective: Samuel D. James highlights the inherent dangers of digital technologies, offering wisdom for navigating our internet-saturated world
For centuries, skeptics have disputed the claims of Christianity—such as belief in an eternal God and the resurrection of Jesus Christ—arguing that they simply cannot be accepted by reasonable individuals. Furthermore, efforts to demonstrate the evidence and rational basis for Christianity through apologetics are often deemed too simplistic to be taken seriously in intellectual circles. Apologist and theoretical chemist Neil Shenvi engages some of the best contemporary arguments against Christianity, presenting compelling evidence for the identity of Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels, his death and resurrection, the existence of God, and the unique message of the gospel. Why Believe? calls listeners from all backgrounds not only to accept Christianity as true, but also to entrust their lives to Christ and worship him alone.
Rediscovering the Church's Prophetic Witness in Our Highly Politicized Age The goal of the church should be simple—share the gospel to the ends of the earth. But in our highly politicized age, Christians can tend to place earthly political and social agendas over God's spiritual mission of the church. In Empowered Witness, author Alan D. Strange examines the doctrine of the spirituality of the church, making a clear distinction between the functions of the church and other institutions. Strange argues that if the church continues to push political agendas, no institution will be focused solely on the Great Commission and the gospel will be lost entirely. This book calls readers to become aware of the church's power and limits and shed light on moral issues in a way that doesn't alter the deeply spiritual and gospel-centered mission of the church. - Explores the Spirituality of the Church: An important biblical doctrine developed in the 19th century - Appeals to Thoughtful Laypeople and Church Leaders: Considers the critical distinctions between the church and other institutions - Historical: Examines the purpose of the church throughout history and the development of the spirituality of the church in the 19th century - Foreword by Kevin DeYoung: Author of Just Do Something; Crazy Busy; and The Biggest Story
Short, Accessible Guide to Biblical Theology Helps Churches Avoid Heretical Doctrine Every week, many churches around the world read the Bible but miss the main point—and end up teaching false gospels week in and week out. One of the most important safeguards against this danger is an understanding of biblical theology: reading the Bible in light of its main message, culminating in Jesus Christ. Starting with a framework for understanding the storyline of the Bible and then explaining basic principles for prioritizing the teaching of this message, this book aims to help churches guard the truth of the gospel. - Concise Guide to Biblical Theology: Provides basic principles for interpreting Scripture and argues for the importance of sound doctrine - International Perspective: Addresses the growing influence of the prosperity gospel, syncretism, and various heretical doctrines around the world - Part of the 9Marks Building Healthy Churches Series
Singer Laura Story Explains Why Humble Reverence Is Essential for Honoring God in Our Songs and with Our Lives We were made for God, not the other way around. Living for God's glory—revering him above all else—gives us purpose and lasting joy but we often get distracted and become too self-focused, believing that we are the center of our lives. From singing at church on Sundays to our work and leisure throughout the week, we are in daily need of refocusing our attention on God. Laura Story seeks to lead Christians in scriptural, reverential worship all 7 days of the week. Sharing her 20 years of experience as a worship leader and award-winning recording artist, she clarifies what worship is, what it isn't, and what's at stake without it. She then explains 4 everyday ways our reverence is often diverted away from God. Finally, Story demonstrates how to apply biblical principles, seeking God in humility and reverence through singing and daily life. With a heart for music ministry, this accessible book also speaks to everyday Christians who long to engage in proper devotion, leading listeners in rich worship that reflects who God is rather than who we are. - Accessible, Holistic Guide for Worship: Thoughtfully explores Scripture and church history, creating a Bible-focused theology of worship - Applicable: Helps Christians cultivate a reverential posture all 7 days of the week by honoring God's word, relating to others, and properly stewarding our lives - Written by Christian Recording Artist and Author Laura Story: Inspires modern Christian songwriters to create scriptural songs focused on the attributes of God - A Great Study for the Entire Church: Addresses both individual and corporate worship - Useful in Schools and Churches: Practical insights for worship team leaders and volunteers as well as students earning worship degrees, with advice for worship and prayers, order of service, and more - Ends with a Liturgy Written by the Author
How Churches of Every Size Can Create Inclusive Ministry Spaces for People with Disabilities An estimated one in 5 households has a child with a disability. Many of these families miss out on church due to a lack of physical or social accommodations. And while ministry leaders want to help, they often don't know how to with limited space, budget, and trained volunteers. Churches must understand the challenges that disability families face so they can remove barriers to biblical fellowship. Sandra Peoples, a disability ministry consultant and professor, has equipped hundreds of churches, large and small, to reach children and teens who have various cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and behavioral and mental health diagnoses. Caring for disabled family members of her own, she understands what it takes to create a welcoming, inclusive space that supports children with a variety of diagnoses into adulthood. Through expert advice and practical examples, she shows ministry leaders how they can make their spaces—and the gospel—accessible to all. - Practical: Features creative ways that churches can adapt their teaching style, classrooms, safety policies, and more to accommodate special needs families - Written by an Experienced Consultant and Professor: Peoples draws from her years of expertise as well as her personal experience as a caregiver - A Great Resource for Churches and Families: Ideal for pastors and volunteers in children's ministry, family ministry, disability ministry, and more, as well as parents of children with disabilities - Addresses a Variety of Needs: Including Down syndrome, autism, dyslexia, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-related issues - Includes a Foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada
The term evangelical is often poorly defined and frequently comes with cultural and political baggage. As the label has become more controversial, many Christians have begun to wonder if they should abandon it altogether. Michael Reeves argues from a global, scriptural, and historical perspective that, while it's not necessary to discard the label altogether, Christians must return to the root of the term—the evangel, or "gospel"—in order to understand what it truly means. He identifies the theology of evangelicalism and its essential doctrine—the Father's revelation in the Bible, the Son's redemption in the gospel, and the Spirit's regeneration of the heart—calling believers to stand with integrity as people of the gospel.
A Gracious, Biblical Model for Marriage Married Christians, and those preparing for marriage, know that they're sinners—and that their sin threatens God's great purposes for their union, including mutual support, companionship, and intimacy. But how often do believers recognize that they are also saints, equipped through God's power to create a healthy, loving marriage? In Gospel-Shaped Marriage, Chad and Emily Van Dixhoorn encourage couples with how Christ calls and enables them to love their spouse. They give a brief assessment of the biblical design for marriage while offering practical, proven advice for husbands and wives. Drawing from Scripture and the writings of Puritan minister William Gouge, their advice also prepares churches, friends, and others to support married couples in their lives. - Comprehensive and Theological: Includes a summary of marriage in redemptive history, recommended Bible verses with each chapter, and prayer prompts - Accessible: Offers guidance for singles preparing for marriage, young and mature couples, struggling couples, and those who want to strengthen their relationship - Practical Advice: Written by a pastor and his wife, this concise, easy-to-understand guide includes discussion questions for each chapter
"There really is more to this life, but it can't be found in our own conjuring, our own identity creation and curation." —Jen Oshman In our search for meaning and purpose, we can be influenced by idols like outward beauty and ability, sex, abortion, and gender fluidity. Even good things like marriage and motherhood can become symbols of idolatry. We may sense that these counterfeits are hollow and leave us feeling unsettled, but where should we turn instead? Jen Oshman equips us to reject the empty, cultural promises of our age and recognize our unshakable and eternal identities in Jesus. Addressing timely topics such as the sexual revolution, LGBTQIA+, social media, and feminism, Oshman provides compelling cultural analysis and engaging discussion questions to help us uncover God's good design and purpose for our lives. Good news awaits—we really were made for so much more.
Bestselling Author Kevin DeYoung Offers Hope for Those Who Feel Like Christianity Has Become Hopelessly Crushing and Complex The apostle Paul described the Christian life as a race, but to many believers it feels more like a punishing obstacle course. Fearing they'll never be able to do enough or give enough or be enough, they see themselves as spiritual failures. But Scripture offers good news: even in ordinary life, Christians can be faithful, fruitful, and pleasing to God. Impossible Christianity reassures readers that they don't need to feel a collective sense of guilt for sins in the past and solve every societal problem in the present. Through biblical wisdom and engaging personal stories, Kevin DeYoung challenges the misconception that we need 40 hours in the day just to be good Christians. By reflecting on what Jesus actually taught about Christian discipleship, readers will be newly encouraged to pursue single-minded devotion to God and find lasting joy in a life of sincere and simple obedience. - By Bestselling Writer Kevin DeYoung: Author of books including The Biggest Story; Just Do Something; and Crazy Busy - Applicable: Written in a conversational tone, this book addresses Christian life issues including guilt, corporate responsibility, personal disciplines, assurance of salvation, and righteousness - Offers Strength for Weary Christians: Helps believers answer the question, Can we please God and live a happy life in this anxious age?
Sort through Your Questions and Find a Path from Doubt to Faith Do you have honest questions about faith? Or have you walked away from faith altogether? Perhaps you've been part of a faith tradition, but you've begun to question parts of what you've been taught. Students and young professionals today are submerged in a culture of cynicism and doubt. Many identify as nonreligious but wrestle with questions about God's existence, the meaning of life, and whether it's possible to find goodness and beauty in this world. After 40 years listening to hundreds of people's stories of faith, Randy Newman has come to see that answering spiritual questions usually involves a series of twists and turns, not a direct ascent from one belief to another. Our political view, family background, understanding of sexuality, and religious background all play a part in our faith journeys. If you or a friend are navigating terrains of doubt, you'll find Newman to be a faithful guide. He'll help you sort through your many questions and find solid answers. - Culturally Aware: Touches on matters of morality, identity, suffering, sexuality, and science - Accessible: Newman mixes thought-provoking anecdotes with a clear and compelling message about the Christian faith - A Tool for Winsome Apologetics: Written to help those who doubt to answer their questions about the Christian faith; will also help Christians strengthen their beliefs and share them with doubting friends - Written by Randy Newman: Senior fellow for apologetics and evangelism at the C. S. Lewis Institute
2" ruled margins allow you to capture notes, prayers, and thoughts right inside your Bible. "This edition includes just about everything I want in a Bible, and excludes everything I don't." --Bible Design Blog The ESV Single Column Journaling Bible features an easy-to-follow, single-column format with two-inch ruled margins, enabling you to easily align your notes, thoughts, and prayers alongside specific verses. With high-quality Bible paper and cover materials, the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible is a durable edition for anyone who wants to capture sermon notes, prayers, artwork, discussion notes, or personal reflections in their Bible. Features: Single-column format 2" ruled margins for writing Cream-colored Bible paper Ribbon marker Smyth-sewn binding Size: 6.25" x 8" 7.5 pt Lexicon type 1,360 pages Black letter text Packaging: O-wrap, clamshell box, or permanent slipcase
Listen to Important Systematic Theology Topics Each Day with This Accessible One-Year Devotional Audiobook All thoughtful Christians want to better understand the Bible, its author, and its influence on their beliefs. In short—whether they recognize it or not—they want to understand theology. But many find the subject matter too academic, dense, or difficult to understand, and they lack proper study resources to help expand their knowledge of God and his written word. Designed to make systematic theology clear and accessible for the everyday Christian, this devotional audiobook walks through the most important theology topics over the course of a year. Each month is categorized into broad themes, starting with the study of God and concluding with the end times. Written by bestselling author and associate professor of systematic theology Kevin DeYoung and read by Tom Parks, each concise daily reading contains verses for meditation and application, building upon each other and easing readers into the study of systematic theology. - Written for Thoughtful Christians: Offers pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday Christians access to a theologically rich yet accessible study - Covers Important Theological Topics: Each month covers a different broad theological topic, including mankind, salvation, the church, end times, and more - Written by Kevin DeYoung: Pastor, bestselling author, and associate professor of systematic theology
Explore God's Unfolding Plan of Redemption The single most popular book in the world—the Bible—came to us over many centuries from many authors and in many different literary styles. Yet every part fits together into a coherent whole. Its pages tell a unified story of grace a story that climaxes in the triune God of love redeeming sinners and sufferers through his Son, Jesus. In Unfolding Grace, discover the overarching storyline of God's Word as it is revealed through forty Scripture readings drawn from key points in the biblical narrative. Each passage, coupled with brief and accessible commentary, will help you follow God's grace as it unfolds from Genesis through Revelation.
The Daily Joy devotional inspires women to engage with God's word every day, allowing the truth of the gospel to transform their lives throughout the year. Featuring content from the ESV Women's Devotional Bible, Scripture meditations and articles are written by more than 50 Christian writers and pastors including Joni Eareckson Tada, Lydia Brownback, Dane C. Ortlund, Jen Wilkin, Sam Storms, and Nancy Guthrie. Focused on biblical teaching and God's transforming grace, these resources motivate women to apply God's word while strengthening their hearts and nurturing their souls.