Sometimes hope can feel like a scam-a swindle, a hustle. You thought it was real, and you bought into it. But then the tables turn, and you feel like you've been hustled-like you've been had.
As Christians, we often respond to the brokenness of life as if we do not actually have hope-as if the promises of God are not really certain. But Pastor Irwyn Ince assures us that not only do we have hope, but that hope cannot disappoint us because it is validated by God himself. Hope Ain't a Hustle is a clear and accessible exploration of the epistle to the Hebrews, urging us to place our confidence in the finished work of our great high priest, Jesus Christ, and showing how that confidence changes the way we live in the here and now.
It's not that Christians don't face grief or anger, disappointment or deep sorrow. It's that we don't face them as those 'who have no hope.'
When the disciples asked Jesus how to anticipate His return, He gave a remarkably detailed answer. The disciples could not wait. Christ had said He would bring an end to human rule and establish His kingdom. But when? Eager to learn how the future would unfold, they asked Him about the signs of His coming and the end times. What should they expect to take place? In The Time of the Signs, pastor Barry Stagner explores the events that will precede Christ’s return. As he describes Earth’s final days, he answers the many questions people ask, including these: -Why is the rebirth of Israel the most significant sign that the end times are near? -What other important clues, evident today, reveal the closeness of the tribulation and Christ’s return? -Where does the rapture fit in the chronology of all that will occur in the last days? -After Christ returns, what is next? As you study the signs Jesus foretold, you’ll see amazing evidence that we are living in the very time of these signs—and gain a clear understanding of what will happen, and when.
Prayer doesn't begin with you; it begins with Jesus.
Paul wrote, "Christ Jesus who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" (Romans 8:34). Interceding. That's what Jesus is doing right now. He is praying for you. He is the bridge between the Father's heavenly resources and your earthly life. Every prayer you have ever prayed, and every prayer you ever will pray, is a response to his prayers for you.
Join pastor and author Tyler Staton for a five-session Bible study that takes you to the starting point of a journey that will lead you from receiving the intercession of Christ to interceding with Christ. Along the way you'll make four stops, summarizing the Lord's Prayer that Jesus taught into four core practices: adoration, confession, petition, and intercession. But it all starts and ends not with our prayers, but with Christ's.
The Audio Bible Studies series provides a unique audio learning experience. Unlike a traditional audiobook's direct narration of a book's text, this audio Bible study includes high-quality, live audio sessions from the author that cover important Bible-based topics. These sessions will reflect the ambiance of the unique recording locations, immersing the listener into the teaching. While not required for the audio experience, these studies are designed to partner with the coordinating study guide, sold separately.
An Introduction to the Theology and Themes of 2 Corinthians by Dane C. Ortlund
Best known for its interpersonal, emotionally raw, and pastorally distressed tone, 2 Corinthians is one of Paul's most distinctive epistles. In this letter to his complicated church in Corinth, Paul aims to expand on the deeply paradoxical nature of the Christian life. The importance of understanding this key doctrine makes 2 Corinthians an ideal study for believers today.
In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, bestselling author Dane Ortlund explores 2 Corinthians to reveal the core arguments presented by Paul. Through clear and engaging theological examinations, Ortlund expounds two predominant themes―inaugurated eschatology and strength through weakness―and connects various other motifs traced throughout this epistle. Readers will learn how Christ's resurrection ushered in the new realm―one where life and ministry are flipped upside down, and God's power is intertwined with human weakness.
FROM THE BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF TOTAL FORGIVENESS
God uses people as they are and will let history determine one's legacy.
This book will guide me through the challenges and blessings of receiving God's anointing so that I can use greater wisdom and discernment of how to properly use a double portion of anointing.
Next to Moses, Elijah was the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. But he was so human-so much so that James said he was "just like us" (Jas. 5:17). One day he challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and fire fell from heaven. The next day he was running from Jezebel, scared to death. Toward the end of his ministry Elijah selected an unknown person-Elisha-with no obvious qualifications to succeed him.
Elijah was Elisha's mentor, but they were different. Elijah was colorful; Elisha was by comparison colorless. But God's hand was equally on Elisha as with Elijah. In a short period of time Elisha put a bold request to Elijah, asking for a double portion of his spirit. It was granted. But how was this manifested? That is what this book is about.
The anointing can be manifested in more than one way; we must all discover our anointing and live within it (Rom. 12:3). Elisha's double anointing was partly in quantity rather than quality. Elijah performed something like seven miracles; some of Elisha's miracles overlap with Elijah's. But the total of Elisha's miracles comes to at least fourteen, including raising the dead, as Elijah did.
These things said, the two men were different in personality. Elijah ended brilliantly. Elisha ended not only as a lackluster successor to Elijah but in personal disappointment. This is a reminder that not all saintly Christians end their pilgrimage with sensational testimonies.
A Study of How Genesis 3 Influences the Whole Story of the Bible
When looking around at the world, it is easy to see that all is not as it should be. This brokenness within the world and humanity finds its roots in mankind's rebellion against God. The fall, as recorded in Genesis 3, sets the stage for creation's need for redemption―ultimately found in Jesus Christ.
In this book, pastor and professor Mitchell Chase argues that in order to understand the fall and recognize its profound impact on later Scripture and the world today, Christians must first understand Genesis 3. Chase identifies themes found in Genesis 3―temptation, shame, messianic hope, and more―and shows how they reverberate throughout the rest of the storyline of Scripture. Understanding Adam and Eve's fall is crucial to understanding the world as it currently is and the need for redemption through Jesus.
- Accessible: Clear and concise writing on one of the most vital chapters in Scripture
- For Those Interested in Biblical Theology: Ideal for students, thoughtful lay people, and pastors looking to grow in their knowledge of inner-biblical exegesis and connections
- Identifies Biblical Themes in Genesis 3: Including temptation, shame, and messianic hope
- Written by Mitchell L. Chase: Professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the author of Resurrection Hope and the Death of Death
A bold and radical reinterpretation of the Old Testament. 'Brilliant...Nothing quite like it has appeared in years.' (Jack Miles, author of A Biography )
Imagine if someone who had never heard of Judaism or Christianity read the Old Testament. How could the relationship between God and humanity possibly be understood? In Joseph's Bones , Segal approaches the Bible from this fresh perspective-one framed by the story of the Israelites' fidelity to Joseph-and finds something an account of the human condition that reads like an existential novel about the struggle of mankind against the unpredictable and often unwarranted wrath of God. This is a rarity in Biblical interpretation- brilliant and rigorously argued, 'a work of stunning originality.'
God amazes us by showing us Jesus Christ present in the Old Testament.
Why, in order to create Eve, did God send a 'deep sleep' on Adam?
Why does Genesis tell us Noah was laid out naked and drunk? Why did God send a 'deep sleep' upon Abraham, with dark dread in the midst of his sacrifice, when making a Covenant with him?
Beginning with these deep sleeps experienced by Adam, Noah, and Abraham, this book finds more than a dozen instances of sleep featured in the Old Testament, which each foreshadow the Passion of Jesus Christ.
The various examples highlight different aspects of the Crucifixion, the goods which belong to the cross. They teach us to expect the cross in our own life, and to be confident of the graces it contains if we carry it. Inspiring us in our trials, together the Old Testament figures work to give us an invincible faith in God’s plan for our redemption, as they demonstrate that the sacrifice of his beloved son was foreknown from the beginning.
This is the first book in the New Old series.
Are you looking for an explanation of the Olivet Discourse that isn’t dispensational? Have you ever been curious about the partially-preterist explanation of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21? I did this study for you. I wrote this in a semi-casual way to make it easy to understand, yet the information is still in-depth. I want to show you how these 3 accounts of Jesus’ prophecy regarding the Temple and the City tie together. Very few evangelicals today are familiar with early church history figures, and thus don't realize that Eusebius of Caesarea left a ton of insight into the first century and what led to the destruction of the Temple. If you are somewhat of a quick reader, you can get through this in an hour.
A 30-Day Anthology of Classic Christmas Writings
For centuries, Christians have treasured the same classic hymns and passages at Christmas. While these works have stood the test of time, believers can be tempted to adopt them as commonplace and fail to consider their deeper meaning.
Journey to Bethlehem presents an insightful selection of Christmas classics from the greatest English and American poets to important historical church figures such as Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Spurgeon. Ideal for reading during the month of December, yet applicable for use year-round, each of the 30 readings consists of a classic work, literary analysis, takeaway summary, and Bible passage.
Literary expert Leland Ryken analyzes hymns, poems, and prose, highlighting how each passage is edifying and stylistically satisfying. Readers will experience a new fondness for these classic works as they meditate on the mystery of Christ's incarnation.
The Seed of the Woman traces the gospel storyline through the narratives of women―from the garden of Eden to the times of the matriarchs, the judges, the kings, the Exile―to the birth of Christ. In this thoroughly biblical and encouraging book, Nana Dolce opens up their lives and uncovers deep truths that shape our daily life and faith. Through the stories of these thirty women, we find our place in the fabric of redemptive history as it unfolds to show us Jesus, the promised Seed of the Woman.
Judges & Ruth is the 7th book in The Interpreter's House Audio Bible Commentary. In this careful treatment of the biblical text the author explains, illustrates and applies the meaning of the books of Judges and Ruth.
