In a confused world with moral decay, we need clear direction for godly living. While the mention of holiness is not commonly heard these days, the Psalms call us to cultivate holy lives in today’s society. The psalmists not only teach us how to grow in holiness but they draw us into their own rich experiences. The author explores the Psalms to give us a perspective on the nature of holiness and the many important ways we can grow in holiness. The Psalter serves as an invaluable guide for our spiritual formation as followers of Jesus Christ.
In these turbulent times we need a strong anchor. This one-year devotional invites you to explore the anchoring wisdom of the Psalms, lovingly amplified through the insights of a spiritual giant, Charles Spurgeon. Written over a span of twenty years, his multi-volume commentary, The Treasury of David, is the basis for these daily meditations. Far from shallow sentimentalism, Spurgeon leads us into a greater understanding of the important biblical truths of the Christian faith. He also draws us deeper into the psalmists’ interior lives. Spurgeon’s own physical and emotional suffering heightened his awareness of the psalmists’ personal struggles, prayers, and ultimate dependence on the Father. Never pulling us to despair, Spurgeon rather lifts our eyes to see how God works in our world and through his people. Through these reflections on the Psalms, Spurgeon invites us into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, an unswerving commitment to the church, an increasing love for a hurting world, and living for God’s glory. Start your days with this devotional guide and you will be oft-reminded that we may have weeping in the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Although the Old Testament can appear irrelevant, outdated, and difficult to read, there are precious nuggets of truth in it which are vital for Christians to understand. That is why Michael Barrett provides this practical approach to reading the books of law, history, prophecy, and poetry through the lens of Jesus. As Barrett explains, “Seeing Christ and the gospel in the Old Testament gives life to what otherwise seems to be dry and outdated.” Grow in personal holiness today as you learn to read and apply the Old Testament properly. Contents: Presuppositions About the Bible Misunderstandings of the Old Testament Procedures for Bible Reading Purpose of the Bible Practical Reading of the Old Testament Series Description D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that what the church needs to do most all is “to begin herself to live the Christian life. If she did that, men and women would be crowding into our buildings. They would say, ‘What is the secret of this?’” As Christians, one of our greatest needs is for the Spirit of God to cultivate biblical godliness in us in order to put the beauty of Christ on display through us, all to the glory of the triune God. With this goal in mind, this series of booklets treats matters vital to Christian experience at a basic level. Each booklet addresses a specific question in order to inform the mind, warm the affections, and transform the whole person by the Spirit’s grace, so that the church may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Renowned pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller writes the book his readers have been asking for: A year-long daily devotional, beautifully designed with gilt edges and a gold ribbon marker. The Book of Psalms is known as the Bible’s songbook—Jesus knew all 150 psalms intimately, and relied on them to face every situation, including his death. Two decades ago, Tim Keller began reading the entire Book of Psalms every month. The Songs of Jesus is based on his accumulated years of study, insight, and inspiration recorded in his prayer journals. Kathy Keller came to reading the psalms as a support during an extended illness. Together they have distilled the meaning of each verse, inviting readers into the vast wisdom of the psalms. If you have no devotional life yet, this book is a wonderful way to start. If you already spend time in study and prayer, understanding every verse of the psalms will bring you a new level of intimacy with God, unlocking your purpose within God’s kingdom.
"Your word I have treasured in my heart." Psalm 119:11 The book of Psalms applies to every facet of life—positive and negative, busy and quiet, joyful and hurting. The words within are always timely, always freeing, and always God-revealing. Take a fresh look at this beloved book of the Bible with 90 thought-provoking devotions accompanied by questions to ponder. Concise yet deep, each devotion takes just a couple of minutes to read while preparing your heart to engage with eternity and enter into the presence of the Lord. The psalms are raw...real...relevant. Soak in their profound truths and let God use them to lead you ever onward in your faith walk—deeper and closer to His heart.
World-renowned New Testament scholar offers a straightforward examination of what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. Who exactly is the Holy Spirit? What does he do in our lives? How can we know him more deeply, and is it possible to tap into his power? Should we pray to the Holy Spirit? Is it possible to be aware of his promptings and speaking into our lives? Dr. Scot McKnight answers these questions and more in this comprehensive examination of what the Bible says about this divinely important, but often confusing member of the Trinity. This is the third work in a three-part series examining some of the more mysterious components of the Christian faith. Scot's The Heaven Promise examines the afterlife. The Hum of Angels elucidates the Bible's teaching on God's supernatural messengers and protectors. Now, Open to the Spirit examines the most mysterious member of the Trinity. Scot blogs at Patheos, a large multi-perspective blog format. It serves many influential voices from many faith and non-faith traditions. Scot's blog draws primarily a Christian readership; one that is looking for intellectual engagement and thoughtful analysis of Scripture, Theology, and Culture.
A broadly experienced trio of rising church leaders share substantive research on churches and individuals that will help readers foster a culture wherein people intentionally grow in their Christian faith.
This easy-to-use resource provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with adults preparing for Baptism. Through reflection and discussion, each dismissal session guide helps to develop the catechumen’s relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal an easy and prayerful experience.
Central to God’s character is the quality of holiness. Yet, even so, most people are hard-pressed to define what God’s holiness precisely is. Many preachers today avoid the topic altogether because people today don’t quite know what to do with words like “awe” or “fear.” R. C. Sproul, in this classic work, puts the holiness of God in its proper and central place in the Christian life. He paints an awe-inspiring vision of God that encourages Christian to become holy just as God is holy. Once you encounter the holiness of God, your life will never be the same.
