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A teenage trip to the beach, a diving accident, and a life of disability testifies to the goodness of God. Joni Eareckson Tada is a Christian author, speaker and artist whose life was turned upside down at the age of seventeen when a serious diving accident meant she was paralysed from the shoulders down. This short biography tells the story of what happened on that fateful day, and in the days and years that followed. Catherine MacKenzie skilfully shows how Joni's story is a story of God's goodness in the face of extreme suffering. Her testimony is one that has encouraged and moved people around the world. Read it here and see how the God of love is working for the good of those who love him, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The thrilling tale of a German preacher in World War II who plotted to assassinate Hitler Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of the heroes of World War II. Not only did he preach God's word fearlessly, he spoke and actively resisted the evil of the Nazi regime. Discovered to be one of the people behind the plot to assassinate Hitler he was arrested and eventually martyred. Not long before his death he was engaged to be married, and this unfulfilled marriage is one of the bittersweet notes to his story, written here by skilled storyteller Dayspring MacLeod. Today he is remembered for his writings, including his letters from prison and commentaries.

'Right, that's it. Tomorrow I'm going to change.' Ebbie thought that student life in Europe would be an opportunity to escape the restrictions of his upbringing in India. But when he found himself alone in a strange city, he realised that drinking and partying didn't bring happiness. And he was shocked to discover he could not turn around his own life. 'I was bound by my sins. I couldn't get out. I needed a Saviour.' Read how Ebbie reached his turning point and how he experienced the power of God to save.

Revival history expert sorts fact from myth in the story of one of the best known revivals Scotland has played host to a vast array of religious revivals over the course of its history, but by far the best known of these is the Lewis Revival of 1949-52 (also known as the Hebrides revival). The stories around it are extraordinary, with the Spirit working in the lives of many people across this Scottish island. There have been, however, rumours and myths that have grown up around the stories of the Lewis Revival, that did not actually occur. Revival history expert, Tom Lennie, examines the eye witness accounts and sorts the amazing true story from the exaggerations that have become entangled. The story of the revival that truly occurred is based on overwhelming evidence. Its essence was powerful preaching, based on God's word. It was a remarkable, life changing event for hundreds of individuals, and that still has an impact today.

Filled with the characteristic warm humour and biblical clarity that readers have come to expect, Dale Ralph Davis' exposition of Psalms 38-51 will help readers to get to know God's Word better. Each chapter begins with Davis' own translation of the Psalm from the Hebrew, before delving into his exposition. Peppered with sports anecdotes and references to military history, this book follows in the same vein as The Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Life: Psalms 1-12; Slogging Along in the Paths of Righteousness: Psalms 13-24; and In the Presence of my Enemies: Psalms 25-37. For those who enjoyed Davis' previous works, this will not disappoint. For those who are unfamiliar with his writings, allow this book to direct your eyes to the God of the psalmist and find your exceeding joy in him.

This collection of C. H. Spurgeon's travel letters offer a rare insight into a different side of the famed preacher. Of the many telling phrases C. H. Spurgeon gave the world, one speaks to the way he, and his contemporaries, greatly valued letters, or what he called "gifts of the pen." He lived in a golden age of letter-writing, and helped to make it so. The best letters, he knew, are written with caring reflection, love of the written word, wit, and a vivid sense of place. His travel letters model these gifts. His love of nature, history, culture, and art live--and breathe--in these pages. Rest and recreation, on holiday, when he could follow these interests, were meaningful, renewing gifts from God. He cherished them, and needed them. They lend a special, one-of-a-kind voice to this book. With a painter's gifts, set amid the countryside of England, or places of Europe, Spurgeon's Travel Letters are eloquent, and many times moving. His "gifts of the pen" shine in them. At long last, they have a place well-deserved, a place all their own. Now, we ourselves may travel with Spurgeon--discovering the world that he knew. And we may bless God for the privilege given in these letters.

One of Scotland's most popular theologians traces the theological debates and disagreements of the eighteenth century The eighteenth century saw many changes within the Scottish church. The Kirk was divided by the Patronage Act of 1712 into Moderates (men favoured by the landed gentry) and Evangelicals (men favoured by the people). The Marrow Controversy highlighted theological strife within the Church. Ebenezer Erskine's Protest against patronage led to the first major rift in the Church of Scotland with the Secession of 1733. Through all these, Donald Macleod is our reliable guide. Drawing attention to the major characters of the period and gives a faithful account of the theological discussions, including the social, economic, ethnic, and personal factors involved. He also subjects these discussions to theological evaluation. A fascinating look at a crucial period for anyone with an interest in theological history.

A story-based introduction to apologetics answers some big questions, and encourages kids to keep asking them 10-year-old Samantha and her brother, Joshua, have some big questions about God, and their parents are ready to help them explore the answers. Join them as they find out what the Bible has to say, and what it means for their lives. Each chapter in this book addresses a big question, including: Who is God? What is the Trinity? Is God for Real? How Did We Get the Bible? Did God Really Create Everything? Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen? How Can I Be Saved? Why Don't My Friends Believe? The conversation between parents and children makes the explanation easy to read, and the chapter ends with a passage of Scripture to read, a verse or two to memorize and a few discussion questions.

Polycarp was Bishop of Smyrna (a city in modern‿day Turkey) in the days of the early church. He was a disciple of the apostle John. He was martyred in his eighties for refusing to burn incense to the Roman emperor. David Luckman‿s new biography in the Trail Blazer series shows readers how this brave man‿s faith was the most important thing to him.

We are busy and constantly bombarded. Notifications, pings, alerts: we carry in our pockets devices that are designed to capture and keep our attention. We are never fully present, always thinking ahead to the next thing, distracted by an email, playing worries over in our minds. But what effect is this having on our lives,relationships and, most importantly, our spiritual health?We need rest ‿the rest that only Christ can give. But this book is not simply meant to get you off your phone, make more time to stop, or help you simplify and digitally detox. Instead, you are invited into the greatest life imaginable, where we have the openness to be interrupted by God and used in a way that will bring Him glory. At the end of each chapter, Thomas encourages us to take time to ponder and pray ‿ or Selah ‿and gives us guiding questions to consider. A challenging read for anyone who feels overwhelmed by all that calls on their attention and for those who long for peace.

Atheists often level charges at the God of the Bible as being angry and hateful. They claim that God condones genocide, that He is a cruel and oppressive megalomaniac, but this doesn‿t seem to match what Christians claim about Him being a God of love. How can a God who provides and saves also wipe out entire nations? Richard Belcher‿s addition to the Big Ten series addresses these commonly asked questions. He begins by laying out how God created humanity in His own image,but we chose to reject Him. Our very sense that things are not fair points to the perfect justice of God. Belcher shows that God‿s justice, including expressions of anger against wrongdoing, is compatible with His love and goodness.  Belcher then tackles specific texts in the Bible that seem to promote genocide and oppression and shows how the God of the Old Testament is the same loving, generous, gracious God that we meet in the person of Jesus Christ.  An excellent read for any who struggle to answer questions about the character of God and for those looking to bolster their faith in the God of the Bible.

Eryl Davies‿ short guide to mentoring answers all the most common questions people have about being a mentor. Including the biblical examples of Jesus and Paul, Davies shows how a mentoring relationship is a close, real‿life relationship that can supply us with the wisdom and encouragement we need. A mentor helps to apply biblical wisdom to family and work tensions, suffering, disappointments, difficult choices, bereavement,personal development, spiritual growth.  Davies also includes testimonies from a number of people who have been mentored and are mentoring others, application questions to consider at the end of each chapter, as well as a reading list to examine how other Christians have actively mentored others.

Dementia is experienced in different forms, in different ways and is coped with differently by different people, but with nearly 10 million new cases every year, it is something many people face. It‿s tough on those with the disease, but it is also incredibly hard for the loved ones around them. Karen Martin‿s story about her friend Kathleen, however, is overwhelmingly one of love and persistence. Despite their nearly half‿century age difference, their commonality drew them to each other, and their genuine friendship uplifted them both. Charting the story from pre‿diagnosis to Kathleen‿s eventual passing, this moving tale highlights the difficulties and joys of facing dementia, through the lens of friendship.

"This ... follow-up to the popular A.S.K. takes 52 new questions from real teenagers. Covering issues from society, education, the Bible, theology, God, each short chapter contains a question, a Bible passage, a verse, a discussion, something to consider, further reading and a prayer."--Provided by publisher.

A practical guide for church leaders looking to prevent, or navigate accusations of,pastoral malpractice.  Good spiritual leadership is vital to the health of a church. When leaders misuse their position and are controlling, egotistical and proud, they abuse the trust they have been given by the Lord. Abuse of power is not a new phenomenon however, it is an ancient biblical category, and must be addressed.  There are delicate situations to be navigated. Drawing lines between abuse and normal,appropriate pastoral care, including warning, admonition and discipline is crucial,as is discovering when accusations are false.  The author team behind this book bring many years of pastoral experience, as well as wisdom and training in the area of abuse within the church.    This book is for‿       Those struggling to navigate this hazardous landscape‿       Church leaders working through these issues‿       Churches seeking to create a healthy Christian community Contents includeSpiritual Abuse and ScriptureHealthy Church CultureAbusive Church CultureTrauma and those who SufferDeveloping Healthy ProceduresMedia and Abuse

All of the Bible is teachable. However some sections of The Word are easier to preach than others. Bob Fyall‿s Why Are We So Often Boring? sets forth a clear discussion around the issues around expositional preaching to pastors, church leaders and students. With social, economic, political and health concerns inherent in many congregations, writing a sermon can be an exercise in balancing a tough equation; how to rely on the truth and relate it to people‿s lives. The purpose of this book is to enthuse, encourage and stimulate those who teach the Bible.  Fyall encourages teachers to rely less on behavioural and attitude centred questions, and more on God‿s omnipotent work in the congregation‿s hearts.

1600‿1890 The Protestant Reformation had redrawn the map of the Christian world. Now the Church sought to take the hope of the Christian Gospel where it had not been before.  The nearly three centuries covered in this volume give us a picture of the incredible energy and great expansion of the Church throughout the world, and the people who led the way through a variety of abilities that God gave them. Harry Hosier, William Wilberforce, Emilie Mallet, and Sojourner Truth took bold stands against wrongdoing and injustice. Cyril Lucaris, John Owen, John Bunyan,and David Brainerd suffered well as they faithfully shared the goodness of Christ. Great preachers arose in the form of Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and Charles Spurgeon, all of whom communicated the Gospel with clarity and passion. And God stirred the hearts of missionaries like Robert Moffat, Hudson Taylor, and Dwight Moody to offer hope in Christ to those who were walking in spiritual darkness.  The result was a Church that, by the end of this era, had expanded to lands previously unreached, bringing glory to the Lord who continued to guide His Church.

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. Instead, it is a book that encourages Christians to view their workspace, be it field, car, classroom or office, as an avenue of worship. John C. Lennox has crafted a book with thoughtful, biblical and evangelical deliberation on our behaviour in, and towards, our work. With his trademark clarity, faithfulness and wisdom, Lennox curates room for a wider discussion on Christian approaches toward salaries, time management, motivation and attitudes amidst a workspace environment.

1485‿1600 Throughout the Christian lands of Europe, there was darkness. Not a physical darkness, but a spiritual one. For many years, the clarity of God‿s grace given through Jesus Christ had dimmed. A system of human effort designed to achieve God‿s favor meant people were confused about Scripture, about salvation, and about the purpose of life.  But in those dark times, light dawned. Brave individuals challenged long‿held teachings that had drifted from Scripture. Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Thomas Cranmer led movements of reformationin their nations, calling their followers to the clear teaching of the Bible, to Christ, to faith, to grace, to live to the glory of God. Others, such as Patrick Hamilton, William Tyndale, and Lady Jane Grey, sought to continue this enterprise, sometimes at the cost of their lives.  These bold Christians‿called Protestantsfor their protest against the established and wayward Church practices of the day‿sought to be faithful to Christ in their world, and in the process they offered in a new world that endures today.

Wisdom from Jonathan Edwards on the journey towards death, with application for modern life.  Death is inevitable. Whether we‿re facing the death of a loved one, or our own passing from this world to the next, we cannot avoid it. Death is something we never get used to. But it is something that we can get ready for.  Deborah Howard has taken Jonathan Edwards‿ intensely encouraging sermon on the Christian Pilgrim and, drawing on her own experiences as a hospice nurse, has written this book to encourage us to live with our final destination in mind.  Focussing on scripture truth, the reader is encouraged to think about the journey that leads us towards our final destination. How are we spending our lives, as we live in the light of eternity? This combination of classic sermon and modern application makes this book an essential addition to any Christian‿s bookshelf.

 A call to engage with the identity politics of our world, and reframe the way we spread the Christian gospel.  In our modern world the gospel of Jesus is seen by many less as good news for all humanity,and more as the bigoted edicts of a bygone era. Benjamin Chang explores the stories of the revolution, tracing the trajectories of four of the biggest social justice movements âEUR" feminism, racial justice, gay pride and the trans movement âEUR" before looking at the ways Christians usually engage with these arenas of cultural conflict (mirror, argue, ignore) and identifying a better way forward.  Rather than hunkering down in our own identity tribes, arguing against other groups, or ignoring what is going on in the culture around us, Chang encourages Christians to find ways to speak for Jesus. He urges us to look at the way we tell stories,and consider whether we can reâEUR"capture hearts in our culture by telling a more powerful counterâEUR"narrative. He gives us language to use to speak about the cross in our world of identity politics. We will see that the gospel resonates with a culture when it speaks the language of the culture.

 In 52 short chapters, Bless‿ed shows us the gifts God has given us, and how we can share them with our friends When we think about blessings, we often think about material gifts that God has provided. These are indeed things to be grateful for, but these are things that God has given to all people ‿ what are the additional blessings we receive because we are his? Have you given thought to the knowledge that you have a forgiven past, a promising present and a certain, glorious future? Have you thanked God for giving you a proper view of health, balanced emotions and a fearless intellectual life? With one chapter for every week of the year, Larry Dixon looks at a different blessing that we have in our Christian life. He explains the blessing, gives Bible passages to examine, encourages us to take action with three action points, and also provides a guide for praying for unsaved friends to also know this blessing.

Motherhood. Not for the faint hearted or blasé,it‿s a state of being that tries one‿s patience, purpose and peace. Sequel to 10 Women Who Overcame their Past, Dayspring Macleod‿s10 Women Who were Spiritual Mothers is set to be yet another poignant read. In tackling themes from purity to patience, each focused narrative allows the reader an insight into the lives of women whom they may have heard of but not known well. From Katherine Parr, sixth and final wife of Henry VIII, to Sharon Dickens and Lisa Harper, the ten women represent a spectrum of life delivered via the prism of motherhood. This book isn‿t only for mothers. It‿s for those who are heartbroken, single, bereft or at peace in later life. Discipleship is a key theme, be it with the children who litter your hallways with Nerf Pellets or friends undergoing the ups and downs of infertility. As a woman who knows the support of women in her own life, Macleod has gracefully painted a canvas of joy in sorrows, peace and panic and Christ‿s love triumphant.

Right views of sin have a tendency to lead us to right views of the Person of the Saviour. But the converse is also true; right views of the SaviourâEUR(TM)s person lead to the right views of Sin. The Person of Christ is a wonderful encouragement for Christians today. Despite the difference between this editionâEUR(TM)s original publication date, the truths Bonar addresses are timeless. Focusing his structure on topics from the person of Christ as the essence of good tidingsto views on Christ and the second coming, Bonar sets out a precedent for heartfelt evangelical exposition of the Gospel via the personal relationship Christians have with the Person of Christ. Â

We live in a bad news world filled with relentlessly disturbing headlines ‿ war and crime, poverty and pandemics, racism and oppression, mass murder and disaster. And we all experience discouragement in our personal lives as well ‿ temptation and regret, pain and suffering, failure and disappointment, decline and death. Though the world is overflowing with bad news, the message of Jesus is bigger and brighter than all of it, giving us hope in the midst of every negative experience of our lives. It‿s always good news!