Must the prospects for succeeding generations be darker than those of today? Can we even expect any period of history to intervene before the Advent of Christ? How can readiness for Christ's coming be consistent with the belief that revivals are yet to be given to the Church? Such questions are brought to the fore in The Puritan Hope and the author, employing both exposition of Scripture and much historical and biographical material, sets out the case for believing that it is not 'orthodox' to indulge in gloom over the prospect for Christianity in the world.

Updated 2022 Edition In this highly useful book, Earl S. Johnson, Jr. explores the role of the deacon in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The author explains the freedom for churches to define the roles of deacons while also supplying many helpful suggestions. Johnson examines the ministry as it is described in sections of the Book of Order and analyzes how the word deacon is used in Scripture. In addition, Johnson provides historical information regarding the inclusion of women and offers innovative ways to incorporate the ministry of deacons into the larger ministry of the church. Fully revised based on the new Form of Government of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), this book is invaluable for new deacons preparing for their roles, while also helping pastors and leaders who are training prospective deacons.

Enlarged print edition now available! Tom Wright's eye-opening comments on the Gospel of Mark and what it might mean for us are combined, passage-by-passage, with his fresh translation of the Bible text. Making use of his true scholar's understanding, yet writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Wright captures the urgency and excitement of Mark's Gospel in a way few writers have.

Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.

Written as a guide for Christians seeking to understand the distinctives of a Bible-centered church, Measures of the Mission shows how the coming of the king affects our understanding of the kingdom story (the Bible), kingdom central (the church), and kingdom living (culture and vocation).

The gospel of the kingdom is not just about how the story of your individual life can have a happy ending, it's about how God is bringing in a new heavens and a new earth, filled with His glory, so that the story of the whole cosmos has a happy ending.

Measures of the Mission offers answers to the following questions:

• Bible: What is the gospel? How does six-day creation affect our lives? What happened at Pentecost? What happened in AD 70?
• Church: Why is the church necessary? What is the free exercise of religion? How do we disciple? How should we order our worship services?
• Christian Life: What is justification? What is a Christian view of singleness? Of marriage? How do we parent? How do we work as employees, or love our neighbor?



In order to recover the kingdom, we must understand our own story. In order to live out the kingdom, we must see the church's place at the center of the kingdom. And if we are going to transform the kingdoms of this world into the kingdom of God, we must understand how to live out our kingdom citizenship in everyday life. Faithful kingdom living in our vocations brings us full circle, back to God's original purposes for creation and humanity.

N. T. Wright, the renowned biblical scholar, offers an accessible commentary on the book of Revelation, highlighting God's hope for believers rather than dwelling on doom and destruction others may focus on.
Often deemed the most enigmatic New Testament book, the book of Revelation overflows with peculiar, intense and occasionally violent imagery. In today's world of complex cinematic visuals, Revelation might seem like a natural fit, but it isn't. Despite its challenging nature, we must recognize its importance. This book provides a remarkably clear glimpse into God's ultimate design for the entire creation. It shows how Jesus the Messiah's triumph and the resulting costly victory of his followers overcome the powerful evil forces at work, particularly within idolatrous and oppressive political systems. Our modern world is no less complex and perilous than in the late first century, when this book was composed. To be faithful witnesses of God's love in a world rife with violence, hatred and suspicion, we should grasp John's magnificent imagery with both our intellects and our hearts.
The biblical text is thoughtfully divided into easily manageable sections, ensuring accessibility for readers of all backgrounds. As you engage with this ancient narrative, you'll discover its timeless resonance with the spiritual quests of today's readers, whether they are newcomers or seasoned followers of Jesus.
This expanded edition includes Wright's updated biblical translation along with a new introduction and a dynamic study guide suitable for both group and individual study. Including helpful summaries and thought-provoking questions, Revelation for Everyone is an invaluable companion for exploring the New Testament with renewed enthusiasm and profound insights.

Esteemed Bible scholar N. T. Wright delivers fresh insight and relevance to the gospel of Mark for contemporary readers. With a reader-friendly translation and insightful commentary, Mark's gospel comes alive in his hands.
'This is where the good news starts - the good news of Jesus the Messiah, God's son.' - Mark 1.1
The gospel of Mark opens with a bold proclamation of Jesus as Israel's Messiah, God's son. As the shortest of the four gospels, it captivates readers' attention and compels them to confront profound truths about Jesus, God and ourselves. N. T. Wright's accessible translation and insightful commentary breathe fresh life into Mark. This commentary includes an updated, contemporary translation of the biblical text, thought-provoking commentary and an all-new study guide.
The biblical text is thoughtfully divided into easily manageable sections, ensuring accessibility for readers of all backgrounds. As you engage with this ancient narrative, you'll discover its timeless resonance with the spiritual quests of today's readers, whether they are newcomers or seasoned followers of Jesus.
This expanded edition includes Wright's updated translation of the biblical text, supplemented by a new introduction and a dynamic study guide tailored for both group study sessions and individual contemplation. The inclusion of helpful summaries and thought-provoking questions makes Mark for Everyone an ideal companion for those seeking to explore the New Testament with fresh enthusiasm and profound insights.

Explore Jesus as teacher, healer and embodiment of compassion with renowned Bible scholar N. T. Wright. He unveils Luke's gospel through an accessible translation and profound commentary, revealing its brilliance and historical importance.
Luke for Everyone unveils one of early Christianity's brilliant writings. Luke's meticulous approach, conversation with key figures and examination of prior texts provide readers with the truth about Jesus. Luke, an educated historian, situates Jesus at the crossroads of the Jewish and Roman worlds of the first century.
The biblical text is thoughtfully divided into easily manageable sections, ensuring accessibility for readers of all backgrounds. As you engage with this ancient narrative, you'll discover its timeless resonance with the spiritual quests of today's readers, whether they are newcomers or seasoned followers of Jesus.
This expanded edition includes Wright's updated translation of the biblical text, supplemented by a new introduction and a dynamic study guide tailored for both group study sessions and individual contemplation. The inclusion of helpful summaries and thought-provoking questions makes Luke for Everyone an ideal companion for those seeking to explore the New Testament with fresh enthusiasm and profound insights.

Written by Dr William Roulston, author of the best-selling Researching Scots Irish Ancestors and Research Director of Ulster Historical Foundation, Researching Presbyterian Ancestors in Ireland is a new genealogical guide to help you find your Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors.

Millions of people around the world have Presbyterian ancestors from Ireland. The aim of this book is to help those with Irish Presbyterian roots find out more about their forebears. It considers the different strands of Presbyterianism in Ireland and explores the range of records generated by these religious denominations and where this material can be accessed by researchers. Much attention is focused on the documentation created by individual congregations, though consideration is also given to the records created by the higher courts of Presbyterianism and other bodies, as well as the personal papers of Presbyterian ministers.

Whether your ancestors were Covenanters, Seceders or Non-Subscribers, whether they were devout or merely nominal, whether they lived and died in Ireland or departed from these shores, this publication will assist you in understanding more about Presbyterians and Presbyterianism in Ireland.

Biblical scholar N. T. Wright explores the captivating yet challenging letter to the Hebrews. This ancient text unveils a profound and timeless message for today's and tomorrow's church, much as it did for yesterday's.
The letter to the Hebrews is a captivating yet challenging text, filled with unfamiliar concepts. As we engage with the ancient text, its richness and profound message reveal themselves, resonating with both today's and tomorrow's church as it did with yesterday's.
The biblical text is thoughtfully divided into easily manageable sections, ensuring accessibility for readers of all backgrounds. As you engage with this ancient narrative, you'll discover its timeless resonance with the spiritual quests of today's readers, whether they are newcomers or seasoned followers of Jesus.
This expanded edition includes Wright's updated translation of the biblical text, supplemented by a new introduction and a dynamic study guide tailored for both group study sessions and individual contemplation. The inclusion of helpful summaries and thought-provoking questions makes Hebrews for Everyone an ideal companion for those seeking to explore the New Testament with fresh enthusiasm and profound insights.

John Wise's appraisal of church governance in Massachusetts during the early 1700s offers deep insight into the religious and political thinking of the era.

Wise sought to evaluate how and whether the churches of New England conformed to the principles set out by the English royal charter of 1630. Since the entire communities were built from scratch as colonies, with most colonists being avowedly Christian, the role of the church was central to daily life. As the generations passed the growth of the settlements, in size and population, altered how the local churches behaved. Questions such as whether each church was independent of another, or where the colonial churches stand in relation to those of England and Scotland, were important by the time Wise wrote this work.

The direction of travel of the churches was also concerning to the settlers; should these churches evolve to have a hierarchy, with bishops and other officers? Or should each church retain a sole focus upon their local village congregations? Amicably resolving such debates was paramount in the context of the devout societies of colonial-era New England, and the author sets about doing so eloquently and persuasively.

Updated 2022 EditionThis useful guide for church leaders covers all aspects of officer training: call, duties, ethics, the Presbyterian Constitution, and much more. Congregations will find this resource indispensable for the recruitment and training of effective church leaders. Earl S. Johnson, Jr. has revised this best-selling book to include the new standards from the new Form of Government in the Book of Order

Updated 2022 EditionThis detailed, comprehensive interpretation of the Presbyterian Book of Order is the most complete resource of its kind. Joan S. Gray and Joyce C. Tucker have revised this best-selling book to include the new standards from the new Form of Government in the Book of Order. It explains the system of Presbyterian government, from sessions to presbyteries to synods to the General Assembly itself.

John Wise's appraisal of church governance in Massachusetts during the early 1700s offers deep insight into the religious and political thinking of the era.

Wise sought to evaluate how and whether the churches of New England conformed to the principles set out by the English royal charter of 1630. Since the entire communities were built from scratch as colonies, with most colonists being avowedly Christian, the role of the church was central to daily life. As the generations passed the growth of the settlements, in size and population, altered how the local churches behaved. Questions such as whether each church was independent of another, or where the colonial churches stand in relation to those of England and Scotland, were important by the time Wise wrote this work.

The direction of travel of the churches was also concerning to the settlers; should these churches evolve to have a hierarchy, with bishops and other officers? Or should each church retain a sole focus upon their local village congregations? Amicably resolving such debates was paramount in the context of the devout societies of colonial-era New England, and the author sets about doing so eloquently and persuasively.

In this highly useful book, Earl S. Johnson, Jr., explores the role of the deacon in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its office as a ministry of sympathy, witness, and service. Himself a Presbyterian deacon, Johnson examines the office as it is described in sections of the Book of Order and analyzes how the word deacon is used in Scripture. Biblical texts are explored, historical information regarding the inclusion of women is provided, and innovative ways to incorporate the office into the larger ministry of the church are suggested.

Pastor and seminary professor Sean Michael Lucas suggests that being Presbyterian means embracing distinctive beliefs, practices, and stories as one's own. As new members, church officers, and potential Presbyterians read about beliefs, practices, and stories, they will understand and move to embrace this way of being Christian. Written in a nontechnical style, On Being Presbyterian is a unique resource for equipping believers and introducing them to Presbyterian church practice.

2023 Award of Excellence, Religion Communicators Council

Like most Americans, Presbyterians in the United States know woefully little about the history of slavery and the rise of anti-Black racism in our country. Most think of slavery as a tragedy that just happened, without considering how it happened and who was involved. In What Kind of Christianity, William Yoo paints an accurate picture of the complicity of the majority of Presbyterians in promoting, supporting, or willfully ignoring the enslavement of other human beings. Most Presbyterians knew of the widespread physical and sexual violence that enslavers inflicted on the enslaved, and either approved of it or did nothing to prevent it. Most Presbyterians in the nineteenth century--whether in the South or the North-held racist attitudes toward African Americans and acted on those attitudes on a daily basis. In short, during that period when the Presbyterian Church was establishing itself as a central part of American life, most of its members were promoting slavery and anti-Black racism. In this important book, William Yoo demonstrates that to understand how Presbyterian Christians can promote racial justice today, they must first understand and acknowledge how deeply racial injustice is embedded in their history and identity as a denomination.

The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is the largest conservative, evangelical Presbyterian denomination in North America. And yet ministers, elders, and laypeople know only the barest facts concerning the denomination's founding. For a Continuing Church is a fully researched, scholarly yet accessible account of the theological and social forces that brought about the PCA. Drawing on little used archival sources, as well as Presbyterian newspapers and magazines, Lucas charts the formation of conservative dissent in response to the young progressive leadership that emerged in the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) in the 1920s and 1930s. Their vision was to purify the PCUS from these progressive theological elements and return it to its spiritual heartland: evangelism and missions. Only as the church declared the gospel with confidence in the inspired Scriptures would America know social transformation. Forty years after its founding, the PCA has nearly 400,000 members and is still growing in the United States and internationally.

How can the Book of Confessions help elders and lay leaders when they face challenging situations within their congregations? John P. Burgess offers answers in Confessing Our Faith. Using the confessions as a framework, Burgess covers areas of ministry such as stewardship, evangelism, discipleship, and conflict resolution, offering in each case ways in which the lay leader can respond. A unique and practical reference, Confessing Our Faith is designed to aid church leaders in understanding how their work can be informed by the confessional documents.

The Historical Roots of the Presbyterian Church in America is a Presbyterian Primer, one of a series of books by Don Clements that has been written in non-academic style, specifically designed to reach new or previously unread Church members. It lends itself quite well as an easy-to-read training manual for church officers or as an interesting introduction for persons new to church history. Topics covered in this volume include a pithy overview of the Protestant Reformation, the birth of Presbyterianism, the branching of Reformed denominations, the theological decline into liberalism by various branches, the founding of the Presbyterian Church in America and the rejoining of branches as the roots come back together. Dr. Clements offers a list of characteristics of the PCA that makes it who it is and calls others to solidify such an anthology in order to firmly establish a distinct foundation for leadership and a legacy for future generations. Reading this book will inspire you to appreciate the service, sacrifice and martyrdom of those who have gone before, and whet your appetite for Christian history, even if you don't enjoy or see the importance of spending time on learning about the past.