Journey inside the pages of Scripture to meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work from the inside out. Shaped with the individual in mind, Immersion encourages simultaneous engagement both with the Word of God and with the God of the Word to become a new creation in Christ. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they’ll be able to discover God’s revelation through readings and reflections.
Live a Conspicuously Christian Life. The book of Romans is widely regarded as one of the most influential writings of all time. The foundational document of Paul's theology, Romans shaped Church history through men like Augustine, Luther, Bunyan, and Wesley--leaders who were profoundly affected by its teachings. It continues to change millions of lives today. Exploring the beloved book of Scripture that preaches life in Christ, exhorts us in our present sufferings, and promises we are "more than conquerors," this studyguide will help you understand what you can do to live a distinctly Christian life. 16 studies for individuals or groups.
In this third volume of the Biblical Imagination Series, Michael Card leads us to see the unique purpose of Matthew's Gospel both in the lives of the early Christians and for us today. Using the language of fulfillment, Matthew calls his readers to see their former identity confirmed even as it is recast in the dazzling image of Christ.
Every day we are formed by what we see on social media. Every day we are formed by the new Netflix special. Every day we are formed by the hot-button topics of the culture that appear on our news feeds. In fact, every single day we are formed as we interact with the world around us. We learn from it, are taught by it, and live from it. So what is the faithful Christian to do when they can’t help but be shaped by the world around them? What is the believer in Jesus to do when the world opposes so much of his teachings? This book seeks to answer those questions by turning to the lost art of catechesis. This book seeks to turn the tables on formation by the world by providing formation through the word. This devotional work utilizes an updated form of The Westminster Catechism, Scripture passages, brief reflections, and prayers to help form believers into more robust disciples. Who knows, maybe this process will provide a way for us to no longer be formed by the world but rather, to begin forming the world to reflect its great redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Judgment and the wrath of God are prominent themes in Matthew’s Gospel. Because judgment is announced not only on the hypocritical but also on those who reject God’s messengers—and because this rejection is implicitly connected with the destruction of Jerusalem—the Gospel has often been read in terms of God’s rejection of Israel, with catastrophic results. Anders Runesson sets out to show, through careful study of Matthew’s composition and comparison with contemporary Jewish literature, that the theme of divine judgment plays very different and distinct roles regarding diverse groups of Jews (including Jesus’ disciples) and non-Jews in this Gospel. Runesson examines various assumptions regarding the criteria of judgment in each case and finds that Matthew does not support some of the most popular slogans in Christian theology. The results and implications for our historical understanding of Christian origins and our theological estimation of Matthew’s place in that story will be of vital interest to scholars and students for years to come.
Journey inside the pages of Scripture to meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work from the inside out. Shaped with the individual in mind, Immersion encourages simultaneous engagement both with the Word of God and with the God of the Word to become a new creation in Christ. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they’ll be able to discover God’s revelation through readings and reflections.
The Gospel of Matthew is all about the King-the King of the Jews, the King who came to die to save His subjects, the King who is coming again to establish His millennial kingdom, the King of Kings. That King is Jesus Christ. Matthew focuses on both the first and second comings of Christ, with the assurance that in both cases, indeed the King is coming! Matthew, the tax collector turned disciple, writes to Jewish believers and unbelievers alike. For the believers, he emphasizes the legitimacy of Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. For the unbelievers, he portrays the One who is the Savior of all people everywhere. His arguments are cogent, his style is vibrant, and his portrayal of Christ is magnificent. Charles Spurgeon said it best when he proclaimed, "Come just as you are, all guilty, empty, meritless and fall before the great King. And see it He will cast you away. Jesus is ready to pardon you...never tolerate low thoughts of Him. You may study, look and meditate, but Jesus is a greater Savior than you think Him to be, even when your thoughts are at their highest." Throughout Matthew's gospel, he draws our attention to the One who is the rightful King of Israel. Jesus is portrayed as being born a King, living and dying as a King, and coming again as the ultimate King of Kings. As you read this gospel and study this commentary, you will be challenged to become His disciple and follow Him wherever He leads you. A commentary for the twenty-first century, Study questions at the end of each chapter, Challenges you to follow the king wherever he leads you. Book jacket.
