Out Now
Blood, Sweat, and casseroles: 10 life lessons from the experiences of a pastor
Jesse Kennedy Colbert
Blood, Sweat, and Casseroles is an inside look at the whacky, humorous, heartwarming, and heartbreaking roller-coaster ride that is parish church ministry. It is the true stories and honest experiences of pastor Jesse Colbert. In this book, you will indeed find blood, hard work, joy, death, anger, and some extremely uncomfortable moments involving underwear and the lack thereof.
The stories will bring laughter, smiles, and a tear or two as you absorb the honest experiences of a pastor and church life. Well, some names have been changed to protect the innocent or guilty.
Life is indeed an amazing teacher, and Jesse shares the important life lessons that he learned from his stories. These lessons will encourage and strengthen you in your journey. Blood, Sweat, and Casseroles is not just a humorous and heartwarming journey, but also an uplifting and inspiring one that will bless and uplift you.
Building up: Six Simple Spiritual Disciplines for Students
Ethan Smith
Bible reading. Evangelism. Prayer. Worship. Service. Giving.
These six spiritual disciplines are crucial for any Christian’s growth in godliness and last a lifetime. However, building these habits into your life at a young age is not always so easy, but it is crucial. Young students are often told that they need discipline. Unfortunately, they are too often left without the “why” of discipline and are rarely given concrete steps to implementing it into their lives. This book provides a helpful guide to help students fill these vital needs in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Faithfulness to Jesus is the task for every Christian, no matter the age. Building Up is a blueprint to help students build a foundation of faithful discipline for the house that will stand for Christ throughout their lives.
Contextualizing Preaching: Conversations with diverse church leaders
Edited by Mario M.C. Melendez
Through God’s word, God’s people most clearly hear His voice.
Through God’s word, God’s people get the prescriptive way of life.
Through God’s word, God’s people find encouragement and the hope of the Gospel.
Through God’s word, the world can be reached for the Gospel.
I have sat under some amazing preachers and truly believe that the preaching of God’s word is the central act of worship in the Church. This volume is focused on the preaching of God’s word in various cultural contexts. While some chapters may be longer than others, they each present the history of preaching, impact of preaching, view of preaching, and notable preachers within their respective contexts.
100 Christian Classics: a literary bucket list for the thoughtful christ-follower
Robert A. Yost
Discover the treasures among 100 Christian Classics handpicked by author and scholar Robert A. Yost. Benefit from his insightful introductions and explanations of why each work is essential for those sitting in a pew.
Included in the book:
- A curated selection of 100 Christian classics.
- Introductions and explanations by Robert Yost.
- The 100 works are divided among chapters on topics such as Christian living, discipleship, Biblical studies, and more.
journey of the cross: a prayer guide for the season of lent through the gospel of john
Graham and Susan Michael
The season of Lent is a season of prayer. As such, this guide is not a devotional. It is a guide designed to structure the reader’s prayer life during Lent. Each week begins with a meditation on the week’s theme from the Gospel of John. Each day is structured with an invitation to meet with God with verses from a Psalm followed by a suggested prayer of confession. Then, verses from Scripture are provided for reflection followed by a prayer of adoration. Finally, there is a commission to serve the Lord and an opportunity to reflect on the day. This guide can be used by individuals, small groups, or churches as they prepare over the course of Lent to celebrate our glorious risen Lord, Jesus Christ. He is risen indeed!
Renewing evangelicalism: Carl f. h. henry and a full-fledged approach to christian living
Matthew R. Akers
In the latter half of the 20th century, evangelicalism grew into a guiding light at the spiritual heart of American life, and Carl F. H. Henry was the movement’s primary intellectual influence. His phenomenal understanding of Scripture, culture, and history allowed him to make astute observations concerning how evangelicals can develop a robust orthodoxy and a vibrant orthopraxy. As the 21st century has continued, partisan attitudes have eroded evangelicalism’s influence on the wider American public. In Renewing Evangelicalism, Matthew Akers explores Henry’s work as a roadmap to renewal in order to bring an authentic Christianity back into the public square, where Christians are called to be salt and light in a society rapidly losing hope.
Who do you want to be?: Grow Your Character in Harmony with God’s Desire for You
Paula Carpenter
In Who Do You Want to Be?, Paula Carpenter encourages teenage girls to grow into who God wants them to be. During this six-week character study, girls can reflect on the condition of their hearts by asking themselves if who they are is who they want to be. Paula wants girls to understand God doesn’t demand perfection. He only asks for obedience. By being obedient, we can become who we want to be and, more importantly, who the Lord wants us to be. This study was inspired by the small group of sweet girls Paula teaches at her church who gave her a list of character traits they wanted to grow in their lives. Small groups are ideal for the study because girls can celebrate with each other, encourage one another, understand they are more alike than they are different, and realize they really aren’t alone in their struggle. Whether done in a group or independently, this study will help teenage girls start or continue to grow their character into who God wants them to be.
Stories About the end of things: Revealing themes of eschatology through scripture
Joshua P. Howard
Eschatology ends in Revelation, but it begins in Genesis. It is not contained only in John’s visions recorded in Revelation, but courses through the entire story of Scripture. In Stories About the End of Things, Josh Howard explores nine eschatological themes woven through the tapestry of the Old and New Testaments. What did they mean before Jesus’s advent? What do they mean now for us living in the light of Jesus’s Resurrection? What do they mean for our future in Christ? Using this “Already/Not Yet” paradigm for the chosen themes, Howard invites the reader into a more full-orbed and eminently practical study of eschatology in Scripture.
Hebrew Grammar: Implicit Learning By Elaborative encoding
Jeff Griffin and Mario Melendez
This is not your typical Grammar… it’s a Grammar to teach students to read as soon as possible. Most Hebrew and Greek teachers espouse either deductive or the rare inductive teaching method. Within this work we spouse Elaborative Rehearsal which results in implicit learning. The methods are simple, straight to the point, and proven. The aim of this book is for students to gain quick understanding and confidence handling the language so that they may continue to learn for the rest of their lives. Our end goal of this text is for users to not be a grammarian, but rather Hebrew readers.
the torah’s infants: abortion and the status of the unborn in the pentateuch
Robert L. Cole
In The Torah’s Infants: Abortion and the Status of the Unborn in the Pentateuch, Dr. Robert Cole examines clarion texts from the Torah to illuminate the value of children and the unborn in the eyes of God. Most treatments of this issue centers on Exodus 21:22. But, Cole follows the flow of the Pentateuch, beginning with the Genesis creation account of Adam and Eve in the Garden. He also brings insights from the accounts of Jacob and Esau in the womb, Judah and Tamar, along with the story of the midwives in the first chapter of Exodus. Weaving together the linguistic and thematic elements of these passages then informs the interpretation of the laws concerning pregnant mothers and unborn children in Exodus 21. Examining the canonical context, linguistic patterns, and common themes throughout the Torah demonstrates God’s love and concern for the unborn.
Worship of the Triune God: Finding Delight in a life of worship
Nathan Skipper
In Worship of the Triune God: Finding Delight in a Life of Worship, Nathan Skipper sets out to show that the whole of the Christian life is an act of worship. Skipper does this by exploring the major themes of systematic theology through a doxological lens, rooting our understanding of God, salvation, the church, and the age to come in this chief end—“to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Skipper’s project finds its core in the Book of Ephesians, which is itself a letter of high praise to the Lord. The reader is left understanding that Christian worship is more than just a weekly act. Worship is the reason for which we exist and the only way to find true purpose and delight.
The virgin will conceive: The message of isaiah 7:14 in its context
Robert L. Cole
In The Virgin Will Conceive: The Message of Isaiah 7:14 In Its Context, Robert Cole examines the literary context of Isaiah to demonstrate the meaning of “the virgin birth” in Isaiah 7:14. Cole examines the placement of Isaiah within the canonical context of the Old Testament (TaNaK) to demonstrate the role of the Prophets in the TaNaK and the role of Isaiah within the Prophets. During the canonical examination, Cole highlights the seams between the different books in the Prophets and the theme of the Servant of the Lord. Cole drills down into the immediate context of Isaiah to demonstrate the compositional purpose of Isaiah: pointing the people of God to a vision of the eschaton. The eschatological perspective of Isaiah transcends beyond the time of the kings to coming judgment of immorality, exile, remnant of Israel, and return to the dwelling place of God. Cole illustrates how Isaiah offers hope in the midst of national suffering, a suffering servant who is called Immanuel. Cole examines further still the proximate context of Isaiah 7:14 to show what verse 14 means within chapter 7 and how chapter 7 fits together with surrounding chapters. Cole examines the themes and phonetic parallels within the context to explain the “virgin birth” of Isaiah 7:14 and how this sign relates to the Suffering Servant of the Lord.
The King’s Command: The Great commission and christ’s victory
Joshua P. Howard
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
These are the last words of Jesus to his followers in the Gospel of Matthew. But who was he talking to? Was Jesus instructing those standing there before him at the time? Or was he commissioning all Christians for all time? Was Jesus just giving one additional command or does the commission have a context in which it is a climax in a story that began in the Garden of Eden and continues to the end of this age? Most importantly, what does the Great Commission actually command? It is frequently associated with foreign missions, but is that the right primary emphasis? In The King’s Command, Josh Howard seeks to answer these questions and more. Examining both the context and the content of the Great Commission, Howard exhorts all Christians at all times to make disciples of Christ, who is with us always.
JOSHUA P. HOWARD (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the Teaching Elder at Grace Community Church in Battle Creek, MI. Josh is also the author of The Exorcism of Satan, co-hosts a few theology podcasts, and writes periodically. Josh is married to his high school sweetheart Marci, with whom he has four children.
All Our Minds: Why Women should study theology
Edited by Rhonda Smith
Studying theology is vital for every Christian. This book seeks to show women learning theology and living that out in their everyday lives. The more women study theology, the more capable they are to live it out in their jobs, home, church, and relationships. We want to ask what does this look like? How do we take this head knowledge and apply it to our daily lives? Why is that important to God and how does it affect every area of our lives as women?
One Lord One Faith
Matthew R. Akers
In One Lord, One Faith: Lessons on Racial Reconciliation from the New Testament Church, Matthew Akers explores the deep racial divides that threatened the early church. Believers, who learned how to celebrate their unity by applying Christ’s teachings to their lives, ultimately tore down the ethnocultural barriers that separated them. Their oneness astounded a world that had never seen this level of reconciliation. As a result of their commitment to love God and to love others, the Holy Spirit blessed their faithfulness, which convinced many that Jesus is Lord. The purpose of this book is to help twenty-first century American churches implement in their congregations the first century church’s approach to racial reconciliation.
$14.99 (plus applicable taxes and $3.99 shipping)
Selah, an obscure term in the Psalter and Habakkuk, has commonly been the subject of discussion regarding its meaning and use. Many 19th century scholars have spent countless hours, and devoted many pages, to remove Selah from obscurity. Only now have we revealed a previously undiscovered clue in Selah’s use during the Second Temple period due to 20th century archaeological finds. In Reassessing Selah, Ashley E. Lyon approaches each text with a “whole picture” perspective to examine each psalm and Selah occurrence in its immediate context. Many scholars believed that Selah was simply an instruction for the musical director, but new evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls suggests that it was a live term in the Second Temple period.
$29.99 (plus applicable taxes and $2.99 shipping)
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Bethlehem’s Redeemer: Seeing Jesus in Ruth
by: Daniel J. Palmer
In Bethlehem’s Redeemer: Seeing Jesus in Ruth, Daniel Palmer creates a Bible study for small groups or individual study that emphasizes the Messianic and salvific content contained in Ruth. Within the introduction, Daniel offers a practical, theologically-minded hermeneutic for his readers to trace and emulate his method as he deploys it through the text of Ruth.
Bethlehem’s Redeemer Learner’s Workbook and Journal: Seeing Jesus in Ruth
by Daniel J. Palmer
In Bethlehem’s Redeemer: Seeing Jesus in Ruth, Daniel J. Palmer creates a Bible study for small groups or individual study that emphasizes the Messianic and salvific content contained in Ruth. This Learner’s Guide facilitates exploring even deeper with guided questions for individual study or for group discussions.
Why Psalm 23 Is Not About You: Reading Psalm 23 In Its Context
by Robert L. Cole
In this updated edition of Why Psalm 23 Is Not About You: Reading Psalm 23 in Its Context, Dr. Robert L. Cole reveals linguistic and thematic patterns in the Psalter that demonstrates a continuity of meaning from Psalm 1 through Psalm 24. Particular attention is given to the meaning of Psalm 23 and it’s surrounding Psalms. Fans of canonical studies and lovers of the Psalter will enjoy this quick, but thought provoking read.
The eBook is Available now for purchase in our online store.
Walk Like A Man: A Path Toward Spiritual Maturity by Field Thigpen
Walk Like A Man: A Path Toward Spiritual Maturity is a six-week devotional book for men. Field draws upon his ministry experience counseling and mentoring others to speak to the heart of men’s uncertainties about identity, leading, and serving others. This book is not simply for young Christians seeking to mature in their faith. Thigpen writes for people who have lived, suffered, and lost. Walk Like A Man pushes the reader to continue maturing spiritually despite setbacks. Thigpen speaks to people in broken circumstances and points them towards God’s desire to restore peace in the midst of trials.
Available now for purchase in our online store. Click on the title for more information and an excerpt.
Upcoming Titles
Theology
The following titles in systematic, historical, or practical theology are forthcoming:
The King’s Command: The Great Commission and Christ’s Victory by Joshua P. Howard
The Great Commission is both a climactic promise and triumphant command of the victorious King to His subjects. As such, it is a mandate to follow for all churches as well as all individual Christians. However, the Great Commission is not a standalone proof text or isolated command. It is rooted within a grand biblical narrative that extends from its beginnings in Eden to its consummation in the New Heavens and New Earth. In The King’s Command, Josh Howard explores the all-encompassing scope of the Great Commission by seeking to answer questions such as:
• How does the Great Commission fit in to the larger biblical narrative?
• How can the Great Commission teach us about the beginning and end of God’s work in this world?
• Who is the Great Commission given to? How is the Great Commission to be carried out?
• How is the Great Commission an eschatological passage—one that teaches us about the beginning and the end?
• What does the Great Commission have to do with God’s eschatological plan for creation?
• What is the extent of the Great Commission in this world?
Howard invites the reader to consider who the Commission is given to, what it commands, and what is its aim. All authority and all peoples are in view, and Christ is present always in the accomplishment of the Commission.
Coming September 2022
The Table that Unites by J. Rudder Jenkins.
In The Table that Unites: Combating a Divisive Culture, Dr. Rudder Rudder examines our increasingly polarized society as people entrench in divisive attitudes over religious, political, and social issues. Rudder reflects on a decade of conversations and relationships that have been impacted by the Gospel through one simple spiritual gift: hospitality. Sharing meals with people who differ from us builds connections that allow us to care about what they care about and for others to care about what we care about. Hosting people in your home allows for guards to be lowered, stories to be shared, laughter to unite, and entries to be passed. Join Rudder as he explores the possibility of overcoming the vitriolic tones of social media and click-bait news articles with shared meals and real human interaction.
Forthcoming.
Spiritual Cartography by Timothy Mathis.
In Spiritual Cartography, Dr. Timothy Mathis explores how you can develop a plan to grow in your relationship with Jesus and teach you how to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus. These plans, or maps, identify where you are right now spiritually and help you chart simple, attainable steps to grow spiritually.
People interested in personal discipleship plans or leading a group in spiritual formation would benefit from Mathis’s Spiritual Cartography.
Forthcoming.
College and Clayton Press 