Seasoned pastor, Terry L. Johnson, shares practical wisdom for pastors to help them prioritise their public ministry. Includes foreword by Ligon Duncan.
Ministers, in our age, are expected to be jacks-of-all-trades. However important administration, committee work, counselling, and relationship building may be, the pastor's public ministry in the preaching of the Word and leading of public worship and prayer are fundamental.
The Bible lays out specific qualifications for elders and deacon. The gospel is guarded by requiring those who hold public office to have high standards of knowledge, character, and conduct. Terry Johnson lays out that, if this is true for lay leadership, how much more important for those called to ministry.
With years of experience, and practical wisdom, Terry L. Johnson guides pastors to think through each of the key aspects of public worship.
If you are just starting out in ministry, or have been serving the Lord for many years, a prayerful reading of this book will be of great benefit to your ministry, and your congregation.
Contents:
With colour illustrations, pictures, and pull-out timelines, this history book brings the whole Bible to life!
From Genesis to Revelation, from the beginning of time to the early church, from the first promise of a Saviour to the promise that one day that Saviour will return - this book spans all of time. Find out about how the God of all time spoke to his people and still speaks today through his Word.
This absorbing book is split into 6 colour-coded sections:
The eighteen illustrated timelines place Bible events side-by-side with other historical events, helping readers to understand how biblical history fits with other historical accounts. These timelines also draw together events from different books of the Bible, clearly showing, for example, when in Israel and Judah's history the prophets were speaking, and what else was happening at the time.
The timelines are interspersed with descriptions of notable people, maps and illustrations depicting key locations and occasions, as well as explanations of why certain incidents are so important.
Throughout the book there are icons drawing the reader's attention to:
Seeing these things laid out in such a clear format helps to identify the threads of redemptive history that are woven throughout the Bible.
Written and designed by the same people who created the popular God's Timeline, this companion book will help young and old readers alike to understand the chronology of the Bible. It also includes a pull-out poster of the whole timeline, and the main heroes and villains mentioned in the Bible.
Beloved children's author, Patricia St John tells a compelling story inspired by what we read of Onesimus in Paul's New Testament letters.
Set in the vibrant first-century Roman Empire, this richly detailed narrative follows the life of Onesimus, a young slave who dreams of gaining freedom and winning the love of Eirene, a rich merchant's daughter.
His master, Philemon, followed Jesus Christ and his apostle Paul. A turning point in Onesimus's life comes when, through Paul's teachings, Onesimus learns about love, forgiveness, and a different kind of freedom that changes his life forever.
Twice Freed is more than a novel; it's an unforgettable journey of faith, friendship, freedom and discovering Jesus. A captivating story designed to help deepen an understanding of Jesus and the life he offers; this book is a fantastic addition to any young reader's collection.
True prayer comes from the heart, so why do we need a method? The great devotional commentator and pastor shows here that Christians benefit from discipline just as much as talking freely with God. You will discover the methods Jesus taught, look at styles of prayer, and see helpful examples. Duncan has incorporated some of Henry's other work on prayer.
A short reading for every day.
Spurgeon wrote this selection of readings to encourage believers to enter into the full provision that their relationship to Jesus entitled them to realise, on a daily basis.
He explains we have to present the promises of Scripture to God in prayer and faith, anticipating that he will honour what he has said.
Each day's devotion therefore begins with a verse of scripture and is followed by a brief exposition to exhort and encourage believers to continue walking with God.
Dated from 1st January to 31st December, and drawing on verses from throughout the Bible, Spurgeon assures readers of the necessity and relevance of God's word for each and every day.
A wealth of Biblical meditations from Spurgeon with applications that are relevant for contemporary Christians. Spurgeon's characteristically pithy comments hit home with a wit and elegance rarely found in other writing. Christians young and old will find his words challenging and stimulating. Complete and unabridged in a beautiful matt tan/burgundy edition.
This is John Flavel's classic work on union and fellowship with God. In a comprehensive and helpful manner Flavel helps us understand better what 'keeping the heart' means. He tells us why we should take this commission seriously and speaks about there being particular times when we need to be especially wary of being distracted from our goal. He then shows how we can go on to develop a greater ability in keeping our hearts in tune with God. His advice is timeless, sensitive and profound. Flavel was an English Puritan who became a non-conformist after the 'Great Ejection' of 1662. It was 10 years before he was licenced to preach again, and then only in his own home. His writings, when collected in the 19th century, filled 6 volumes. Flavel's writings are known for their practical nature. He was instrumental in promoting the 'Happy Union' of Presbyterians and Congregationalists.
Can work be worship?
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 as an avenue of worship.
The world of work is expanding. New technologies, industries and means of communication, have presided in the transition of the workplace into a fast, digital and busier-than-ever era.
With increasing demands and declining rewards, in whichever sector you care to name, work can become all-consuming, overwhelming, burdensome, dissatisfying, and more. It becomes easy to complain, drag one's feet while getting out of the door, and face daily tasks with an apathetic attitude.
When battling external pressures and internal conflicts, the workplace is a challenging environment. We need equipped to tackle so many aspects of working life:
How should the Christian navigate these areas? 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 invites us into a wider discussion on Christian approaches to lots of areas of working life.
It will provide great help, encouragement and joyful inspiration to all who are seeking to apply the Lordship of Christ in all these vital areas of life - Lindsay Brown (Former General Secretary of IFES and International Director, Lausanne Movement)
A new look for timeless truth.
For almost 400 years families have been using The Westminster Shorter Catechism as a guide to understanding the basics of the Christian faith. This new, illustrated edition breathes fresh life into these timeless questions and answers, helping a new generation to learn the primary truths drawn from the Bible and laid out by our fathers in the faith. Ira Miniof's striking images will help families engage with and meditate on the meaning of each entry. A valuable addition to any family's library.
The entries are separated into sections for ease of reference:
Also includes a short glossary of practices and concepts used, and an index of Scripture proofs.
With colour illustrations, pictures, and pull-out timelines, this history book brings the church throughout the ages to life!
Learn about the Early, Medieval and Missionary church, passing through key events such as the Council of Nicea and the Reformation - right through to the present day. Find out about the people God used and the impact they had on those around them - including us today!
This fascinating book is split into five colour-coded sections:
Sixteen colourful illustrated timelines place key events in church history in a broader historical context. Maps show the ways in which the gospel spread; tables clearly and simply lay out differences in beliefs; and illustrated pages explain key events, people and theological debates throughout the church's 2,000 year history.
Although each period is different from the others, there are common threads that run through all of church history. Symbols highlight a number of important things to look out for:
This absorbing book will be a great aid to anyone looking for an overview of church history. The pull-out poster featuing the whole timeline, plus key herores and villains, make it easy to trace God's work through his church.
History: The Triumph of Christ
'A thankless task.' 'A waste of time.' Two of the ways worn out people have described the Christian training of children. You don't have to feel that way In this book you will find encouragement, practical help and biblical principles.
You will also go away with a new vision of the importance of the work in which you are involved. C.H Spurgeon shows us that telling young people about Jesus is the most important task given to anyone, be they parent, teacher or youth leader.
Ivan may not be the most popular boy in the school but he is the best football player they have. However, some of the other boys think that Ivan should not be allowed to play on the school team because he is a Christian. The teasing and the bullying continue and Ivan struggles on. Things begin to look up when Ivan and his sister Katya get the chance to travel to the Lenin Collective Farm to help with the harvest. It will be great to have a break from school with plenty of fresh air and exercise. But there's another reason Ivan and Katya can't wait to get there - there just might be a hidden Bible somewhere on the farm - the farm that once belonged to Ivan and Katya's Grandfather
Many of us know and love the stories and characters of the Old Testament such as Joseph, Moses and Jonah. But how do we view its importance in relation to New Testament teaching and our 21st century experiences? This accessible yet powerful addition to the Pocket Guide series draw together the threads of Scripture to help us understand the power of God's word when viewed in its completeness.
Iron Sharpens Iron Small Bible-study groups are great places for Christians both to interact with God's Word and to share their lives with others. They provide relaxed and informal settings which facilitate growth in grace and understanding. Orlando Saer provides a realistic and practical guide for anyone leading or wanting to lead such a group. This book will give you the tools you need as a leader to see your group thrive.
What if you woke up one morning knowing that it was your last day on earth? That's what happened to the thief on the cross, who died a few feet from Jesus. Heaven, How I Got Here is his story, told in his own words, as he looks back from Heaven on the day that changed his eternity, and the faith that can change yours.
In the common practice of Christian churches, across many traditions, a call to worship is typically a few lines of Scripture (or a combination of Scripture texts) expressed at the beginning of a church service. The call to worship exhorts God's people to turn from worldly distractions and to focus hearts, minds and actions on revering him.
If you are involved with leading worship in the church or in the home your next question will be 'Where do I go to find them?' Fortunately, Robert Vasholz has done the legwork for you in this book.
The first section is designed to address specific events common to the Church such as Christmas, Easter, etc. The second section pertains to calls to worship that ask for an audible response from God's people. The third part offers a number of calls to worship from the minister alone. It is my honest desire that this will serve as a proper and dignified way to enhance public corporate worship and to invite God's people to be attentive to the service that follows.
When that little voice in your head tells you that you shouldn't be doing what you're doing, do you listen to it? Emma is a little girl whose Mommy explains to her that the little voice in her head is her conscience - a gift from God that tells her whether something is wrong or right. She explains how we can have a clean conscience because of Jesus, and how we train our consciences to work better by understanding the Bible.
An attractively laid out edition of the Christian classic with explanatory notes from well-known puritan Thomas Boston
An intriguing book, quite unlike any other The Marrow of Modern Divinity defies pigeon-holing. It was written in the 1600s by an author of whom we know little, yet it proved to be a critically important and controversial theological text.
Penned as dialogue between a minister (Evangelista), a young Christian (Neophytus), a legalist (Nomista) who believes Christianity is a set of rules to be obeyed and Antinomista who thinks it's okay to sin because God will forgive him anyway, it makes for a wonderfully insightful book that remains tremendously relevant for our world today.
This newly laid out and eagerly awaited edition includes explanatory notes by the famous puritan Thomas Boston, an introduction by Philip Ryken and an historical introduction by William Vandoodewaard.
J.C. Ryle has become one of the most loved of British authors on church matters. He was the first Bishop of Liverpool, managing to establish a thriving diocese in that most sectarian of English cities. Although a convinced evangelical he was regarded as fairminded by those who disagreed with him. Even Ryle's opponents in church politics wept when he died.
His books have remained in print for a hundred years because Ryle was able to touch the person in the street with clear teaching on doctrinal matters. He showed how the Bible was relevant.
His writings thus lend themselves to a devotional format and here is a new selection different to any that have gone before. Here Eric Russell has arranged writings according to themes that develop the reader's understanding on a topic before moving on to new pastures.
It is as refreshing as it is profound.