CFP Academic Catalogue Winter 2015,16

Academic & Pastoral Resources WINTER 2015/16

Welcome Thank you for picking up a copy of Christian Focus Publication’s new Academic and Pastoral Resources Catalogue which features the latest titles geared towards pastors, leaders, academics and thinkers.

Christian Focus Publications (CFP) is all about the message. The message of the gospel; the message of God’s word communicated in the book of books, the Bible. CFP has been producing Christian books since the early 1970’s, with the express purpose of: Staying Faithful – In dependence upon God we seek to impact the world through literature faithful to his infallible word. Our aim is to ensure that the Lord Jesus Christ is presented as the only hope to obtain forgiveness of sin, live a useful life and look forward to heaven with him.

Reaching Out – Christ’s last command requires us to reach out to our world with his gospel. We seek to help fulfil that by publishing books, which point people towards Jesus and for them to develop a Christ-like maturity. We aim to equip all levels of readers for life, work, ministry and mission.

We produce books for all ages and abilities through four focused imprints:

Christian Focus popular adult titles

CF4K books for children, including Sunday school and Home school titles

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Christian Heritage classic books kept in print for the benefit of each new generation

Mentor thoughful and thought-provoking books for more detailed study

Why Everything Matters The Gospel in Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes is for people who have their doubts about God, but can’t stop thinking about him. The author of Ecclesiastes had his doubts, too, and these have enabled him to speak to skeptics as well as believers down through the centuries.

Ecclesiastes is a book rich in literary artistry and multilayered depths of spiritual meaning. Philip G. Ryken explores this wonderful Old Testament book, and reminds us again of the need to trust God with the questions, even when we do not have all the answers. “...Why Everything Matters is a remarkable read that will inform and elevate every heart with essential wisdom for living a life that matters.”

R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois

“... I’ve preached through Ecclesiastes once and am not so sure I got it right. That’s why when I preach the book again I will have Philip Ryken’s warm and insightful book at the top of my resource list.”

Bryan Loritts, Pastor for Preaching and Mission, Trinity Grace Church and President, The Kainos Movement, New York City

160 pages, Large Trade Paperback 978-1-78191-645-2, £8.99, $14.99

“... a wonderful treatment of the book of Ecclesiastes. In his study of the text the author beautifully blends the mind of a scholar with the heart of a pastor. It is a faithful exposition of a book that is troubling to many.”

Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

“Philip Ryken has provided another crisp, lively and faithful exposition that will serve both Bible reader and Bible teacher alike. This book will be a great help in opening up the wonderful and unique world of Ecclesiastes. Highly

CONTENTS 1. Why Bother?

2. The Ultimate Quest 3. Meaningful Hedonism 4. Working Things Out 5. All in Good Time 6. Death and Injustice 7. Satisfaction Not Guaranteed 8. The Crook in the Lot 9. Don’t Forget!

10. The Final Analysis

recommended.”

Sam Allberry, Assistant Pastor, St Marys, Maidenhead and Author of Is God Anti-Gay?

Philip G. Ryken became President of Wheaton College in July 2010. Prior to that he was Senior Minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is also a prolific author and a member of the council of The Gospel Coalition.

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Philippians A Mentor Commentary Christians throughout the centuries have loved Paul’s letter to the Philippians for its call to rejoice in the gospel of Jesus Christ regardless of life’s circumstances. But our familiarity with the letter can cause us to neglect or overlook Paul’s message to the Philippians. After all, we must remember that this letter was not originally written to us, though as part of the canon of inspired Scripture it is most certainly written for us. It was written to a church that lived in a very different time and place than we find ourselves. Yet Dr Matthew Harmon in this uplifting and inspiring work brings context and application to this wonderful book. “… an outstanding work. Scholars, students, pastors, and teachers will profit significantly from this work.”

Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

“... insightful theological analysis, and practical pastoral application. Pastors and laypeople alike can benefit from this finely crafted work.”

512 pages, Large Trade Hardback

Justin Taylor, author and blogger, “Between Two Worlds”, Wheaton, Illinois

978-1-7-8191-428-1, £22.99, $34.99

“... a model of good commentary writing...I commend his work to students, teachers, and preachers who seek better CONTENTS 1. The Progress of the Gospel (1:1-26) Greetings and Gratitude in the Gospel (1:1-11) The Progress of the Gospel through Paul and His Circumstances (1:12-26) 2. Living as Kingdom Citizens in a Manner Worthy of the Gospel (1:27–4:3) Call to Live as Kingdom Citizens Worthy of the Gospel (1:27-30) Joy Rooted in a Shared Life Produced by the Gospel (2:1-4) Christ the Exemplar (2:5-11) Work Out Your Own Salvation (2:12-18) Examples of a Christ-like Mindset (2:19–4:3) Paul’s Co-workers (2:19-30) Paul Himself (3:1-14) The Call to Imitate Paul and His Co-workers (3:15 –4:3) 3. Growth and Gratitude in the Gospel (4:4-23) Final Exhortations in the Gospel (4:4-9) Gratitude for Gospel Partnership (4:10-20) Final Greetings in the Gospel (4:21-23)

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to understand this important letter of Paul.”

Douglas Moo, Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois

“Matt Harmon explains Paul’s letter clause by clause, traces Paul’s argument, reads Paul’s argument in light of the rest of the Bible, and applies the letter to people today.”

Andy Naselli, Assistant Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Bethlehem College and Seminary, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Matthew Harmon serves as Professor of New Testament Studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. He also serves on the preaching team of Christ’s Covenant Church.

Faith of Our Father Exposition of Genesis 12-25 With typical wit and wisdom Dale Ralph Davis opens up chapters 12-25 of Genesis. These beautiful and insightful expositions guide you through some of the early chapters of the Bible and will deepen your understanding of this important area of Scripture which help shape our understanding. This is an ideal resource for pastors, as well small groups and personal study.

“Ralph Davis is probably my favorite Old Testament expositor: he always unfolds the text with freshness, insight, and humor, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of what God is up to and the difference that should make in our lives. This volume on Abraham is a classic in the making!”

Iain Duguid, Professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“What a pleasure it is to read Dale Ralph Davis on Abraham...

He writes with clarity, insight and warmth as well as a lovely humility before God and his word. Read, enjoy and benefit.”

Graham Beynon, Pastor, Grace Church, Cambridge and Director of Independent Ministry Training, Oak Hill College, London

“... another example of the lively biblical exposition that

176 pages, Trade Paperback 978-1-78191-644-5, £8.99, $14.99

readers of Dale Ralph Davis have come to know and love...

Anyone wanting to study, preach, or teach Genesis 12-25 will want to have this book ready at hand.”

Scott R. Swain, Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida

“Reading Faith of our Father was an edifying meditation.

Moreover, behind each of these sermons there is much work in the text of Scripture including labor in the original language.”

Bryan D. Estelle, Professor of Old Testament , Westminster Seminary California, Escondido, California

Dale Ralph Davis is Minister in Residence, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South

CONTENTS 1. God so loved the world that he called Abraham 2. God keeps hold of losers 3. Resident or pilgrim?

4. Covenant man goes international 5. Faith faces the passage of time 6. How do you spell ‘assurance’?

7. When God has the slows…

8. What does it mean to have a covenant God? 9. Faith faces the facts of life 10. Standing before the Lord 11. What Sodom does to you 12. When faith doesn’t show up 13. Laughter and anguish in the Covenant 14. Faith faces the complexity of God 15. Promise bu$ine$$ 16. Covenant romance 17. Sunset

Carolina. Prior to that he was pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

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Held in Honor Wisdom for Your Marriage from Voices of the Past Are you ever disappointed in your spouse? Do you fight?

Do you disagree about money, sex, or in-laws? What if the very struggles you are facing were addressed by thoughtful Christians hundreds of years ago?

In Held in Honor, you will find 50 devotional reflections on marriage carefully selected from 2,000 years of church history. Alongside each inspiring historical quote is a brief introduction to the person quoted and an accompanying biblical reflection. “... This is historical theology at its best. Biblical, practical, wonderfully helpful and really enjoyable.”

Alistair Begg, Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

“... a wonderful resource for Christians as they seek to live out their marriages in a way that glorifies God and exalts the Gospel.”

R. Albert Mohler, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

“As a woman who recently married for the first time at the 144 pages, Large Trade Paperback 978-1-78191-643-8, £8.99, $14.99

age of 57 and who loves classic Christian writings and devotional literature, I have found this book to be a treasure trove. A sweet and timely source of wisdom as I seek to honor Christ in a new season and station of life.”

CONTENTS (Partial) PATRISTIC ERA (c. 100–500) Surviving a Bad Marriage – Justin Martyr (100–165) Guard Your Mind – The Shepherd of Hermas (c. 150) MEDIEVAL ERA (c. 500–1400) Commending Marriage – Statutes of Salisbury (c. 1217) Should a Man Love His Wife or Parents More? – Thomas Aquinas (1225–1275)

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Author, Revive Our Hearts radio host

Robert L. Plummer is professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky and serves as an elder at Sojourn

REFORMATION & PURITAN ERA (c. 1400–1700) What the World Says About Marriage – Martin Luther (1483–1546) Peace Leads to Prayer – John Calvin (1509–1564)

Community Church.

EARLY EVANGELICAL ERA (c. 1700–1900) Can You Part With Your Daughter? – Adoniram Judson (1788–1850) On Marrying a Minister – Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834–1892

of Ministry Studies at Columbia International

MODERN ERA (c. 1900–Present) After the Honeymoon – Elisabeth Elliot (1926–2015) The Beauty of Covenant–Keeping Love – John Piper (1946–)

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Matthew D. Haste is Associate Professor University Seminary and School of Ministry, Columbia, South Carolina

Tough Topics 2 Biblical answers to 25 challenging questions Countless people are worried, angry, fearful and just plain confused when it comes to some of the more perplexing issues that life poses and the Bible provokes. Tough Topics 2 provides solid and scriptural answers to 25 such questions.

Sam Storms seeks to tackle frustration by looking deeply, not superficially, at what Scripture says, deriving clear and persuasive explanations for these thorny matters.

“Wouldn’t it be great to take, say, fifteen minutes and think with Sam about the Trinity, or whether all religions lead us to God, or whether prayer really makes any difference in our lives? Tough Topics 2 offers us that.”

Ray Ortlund, Lead Pastor, Immanuel Church, Nashville, Tennessee

“Sam Storms tackles difficult questions in Tough Topics 2 like only a seasoned pastor can... This is a great book to use as a resource or to read straight through.”

Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor, The Village Church & PresidentActs 29 Church Planting Network, Flower Mound, Texas 368 pages, Large Trade Paperback

“... thoughtful brief answers that aren’t superficial. As a

978-1-78191-552-3, £9.99, $15.99

model pastor-theologian, he answers with clarity, wisdom, and grace.”

Andy Naselli, Assistant Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Bethlehem College and Seminary, Minneapolis, Minnesota

“Tough Topics 2 tackles twenty-five more challenging issues with the same biblical wisdom as employed in the original.

Is this sequel as good as the original? Read it and see!”

Gregg R. Allison, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Sam Storms is the Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the President of Enjoying God Ministries (www.samstorms.com).

CONTENTS (Partial) 1. If God is Triune, Do Christians Believe in Three Gods?

3. Is God Guilty of Genocide?

4. How Did Jesus Perform His Miracles?

7. Is Suicide the Unpardonable Sin? 8. Are All World Religions Pathways to the Same God? 11. Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

12. Does Hell Last Forever?

15. Does Paul Restrict the Office of Elder and Senior Pastor to Men? 16. What Did Jesus Teach about Divorce and Remarriage?

17. What Did Paul Teach about Divorce and Remarriage?

18. Can a Divorced Man Serve as an Elder in the Local Church?

19. Is It Ever OK for a Christian to Swear an Oath (or to Lie)?

20. Does the Bible Endorse Capital Punishment?

21. Does Prayer Really Change Things?

22. Is the Man in Romans 7 a Christian or a NonChristian?

23. What Does It Mean to Forgive Someone as God Has Forgiven Me?

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Gamechangers Key Figures of the Christian Church Weaving together biography and theology, Robert Letham delves into the life and influence of twelve key figures who have helped shape the church. Gamechangers is a must read for any Christian with an interest in learning the way the church has understood the gospel down through the centuries. Features: Athanasius, Gregory of Nazianzus, Augustine, Charles the Great, Anselm, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, Heinrich Bullinger, John Calvin, John Wesley, J.W. Nevin and Karl Barth.

“It has been said that ideas change the world. Actually, it is people gripped by the ideas that do the changing, as this series of studies of various Christians who did indeed change their worlds reminds us. An extremely interesting and helpful book.”

Michael A. G. Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

“… Letham’s Gamechangers shows us once again how fascinating Christian history can be, and how one life can influence generations to come.”

208 pages, Large Trade Paperback 978-1-78191-599-8, £8.99, $14.99

Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“...a great book for any Christian who wants to know more CONTENTS 1. Athanasius (C. 295–373) 2. Gregory of Nazianzus (C. 330–391) 3. Augustine (354–430) 4. Charles the Great (741–814) 5. Anselm (1033–1109) 6. Thomas Aquinas (1225–74) 7. Martin Luther (1483–1546) 8. Heinrich Bullinger (1504–75) 9. John Calvin (1509–64) 10. John Wesley (1703–1791) 11. J.W. Nevin (1803–86) 12. Karl Barth (1886–1968)

about how God has preserved the gospel for them in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds.”

David A. Hohne, Lecturer of Theology, Philosophy and Church History, Moore Theological College, Sydney

“...an intriguing guide to some outstanding figures of the past by one of the most articulate reformed theological voices of our time.”

Leonardo De Chirico, Church planter in central Rome

Robert Letham is Senior Lecturer in Systematic and Historical Theology at the Wales Evangelical School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales.

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Systematic Theology (Volume 1) Grounded in Holy Scripture and understood in light of the Church “Douglas F. Kelly is one of the English-speaking world’s leading Reformed theologians. Here we begin to enjoy the fruits of his labors. What a feast it is!”

Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary

640 pages, Hardback, 978-1-84550-386-4, £24.99, $39.99

Systematic Theology (Volume 2) The Beauty of Christ – a Trinitarian Vision “One of those rare books that will shape both scholarly and pastoral theology for generations to come.”

Richard Pratt, President, Third Millennium Ministries, Orlando, Florida

568 pages, Hardback, 978-1-78191-293-5, £24.99, $39.99

Kingdom Come The Amillennial Alternative “This is a remarkable book which will surely become the standard bearer for Amillennialism for years to come.”

Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church. East Lansing, Michigan

592 pages, Large Trade Hardback, 978-1-78191-132-7, £19.99, $29.99

Living by Revealed Truth The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon “… an immense and monumental portrait of almost every aspect of the life of “the prince of preachers”... educational, edifying, and enjoyable to read, this massive work is a masterful contribution to Baptist history and Christian biography.”

David S. Dockery, President, Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois

700 pages, Hardback, 978-1-78191-122-8, £29.99, $49.99

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Song of Songs A Biblical-Theological, Allegorical, Christological Interpretation In the Song of Songs the son of David, King in Jerusalem, overcomes hostility and alienation to renew intimacy between himself and his Bride.

This most sublime Song sings of a love sure as the seal of Yahweh, a flashing flame of fire many waters could never quench. The noble King in the Song points us to the one who so loved his bride that not even death could keep him from her, and the Song’s setting – a lush garden and the city of Zion rejoicing at the wedding of her King – hints at the way that day will see the curse on the ground rolled back for the renewal of edenic life in the presence of the Lord. “...a fresh, biblically-theologically informed approach to the Song of Solomon ... make no mistake-reading this commentary will make you want to preach this book.”

160 pages, Large Trade Paperback

R. Albert Mohler, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

978-1-78191-560-8, £8.99, $14.99

James M. Hamilton Jr is Professor of Biblical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Preaching Pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

Hosea The Passion of God People often talk about what they feel about God. Hosea tells us what God feels about us. In the message of Hosea we see the passion of God. We see the jealousy of God, the commitment of God, the heartbreak of God, the enthusiasm of God and the love of God. This book will help explore the message of Hosea and seeks through the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s passion so that He stirs our soul: our jealousy for God, our commitment to God, our heartbreak at sin, our enthusiasm to serve and our love for the lost.

“This is an excellent commentary on an under-preached part of God’s word …This book has deepened my love for the One who first loved me, and I think it is a valuable addition to the existing commentaries on Hosea.”

Robin Weekes, Minister, Emmanuel Church Wimbledon, London

240 pages, Large Trade Paperback

Tim Chester is pastor of The Crowded House, Sheffield,

978-1-78191-368-0, £9.99, $15.99

leader of The Crowded House church planting network and Curriculum Director of the Acts 29-Oak Hill Academy.

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In Christ In Him Together for the World Union with Christ is truly phenomenal and supernatural, but it is not make-believe or mysterious. It is beautifully pertinent to daily experience.

‘In Christ’ focuses on how our union with Christ really does shape and impact not only everything we do and say, but how we say and do it. “…theologically rich but also accessible to the ordinary reader. In Christ isn’t merely unpacked and explained but is also applied to our lives, so that we are strengthened to grow in Christ.”

Thomas R. Schreiner, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Steve Timmis is the co-founder of The Crowded House and the co-director of the Porterbrook Network, an initiative that trains church planters. He’s also the director of Acts 29 in Western Europe.

96 pages, Trade Paperback

Christopher de la Hoyde is part of Acts 29 and leads

978-1-78191-429-8, £5.99, $8.99

Grace Church in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire.

Crown of Thorns Connecting Kingdom and Cross Within evangelicalism today it can sometimes seem there are two competing versions of the gospel. There is the gospel of the kingdom with its focus on God’s plan to restore the world. And there is the gospel of the cross with its focus on the offer of forgiveness. These two emphases create contrasting models of discipleship and mission.

In Crown of Thorns Tim Chester shows how these two gospels are really one gospel – the message of the King who establishes justice in a surprising way.

“It is hard to imagine a more needed book today than Tim Chester’s Crown of Thorns. He offers a needed corrective to some who would pit these themes against each other.”

Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Tim Chester is pastor of The Crowded House, Sheffield, leader of The Crowded House church planting network and

112 pages, Large Paperback 978-1-78191-614-8, £5.99, $8.99

Curriculum Director of the Acts 29-Oak Hill Academy.

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Proclamation Trust | Teaching the Bible Series This series is for those who have the privilege and the joy of

“The Teaching series is a great resource

teaching or preaching a particular book or theme from the Bible.

for Bible study leaders and pastors,

Whether you are a small group leader, preacher or academic, it will

indeed for any Christian who wants to

help you to communicate the message from a Biblical theme or

understand their Bible better.”

book. This series is published in conjunction with Proclamation Trust

Mark Dever, Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church and President, 9Marks.org, Washington, DC

Media whose aim is to encourage ministry that seeks above all to expound the Bible as God’s Word for today.

Teaching/Introducing 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Teaching/Introducing 2 Timothy

Teaching/Introducing 1 Kings

In a day when church planting

Paul’s second letter to Timothy is

Like many other books

is back in fashion, here is Paul

a letter written from one pastor

containing Old Testament story, 1

speaking to a newly planted

to another, and it is designed

and 2 Kings are both well-known

fellowship. Under growing

to train, equip and encourage

and obscure. Certain stories are

pressure from the surrounding

Timothy for the work of ministry.

remarkably familiar, others are

culture, here is Paul encouraging

This volume is not an academic

hardly ever preached or taught

a church facing strong opposition.

study of 2 Timothy, but rather an

and contain gems of familiarity

This book enables the leader

accessible and easily navigable

only because they pop up from

to apply practical theology to

teaching resource which will aid

time to time in reading plans.

specific situations that still affect

those examining 2 Timothy both

Teaching 1 Kings will help you

the church today.

to teach and for their own study.

communicate the message, whether it is a word for believers or the opportunity to teach

Angus MacLeay

Jonathan Griffiths

is the Rector of St.

serves as tutor on

evangelistically.

Nicholas, a large

the Cornhill Training

Anglican Church in

Course. He previously

Bob Fyall is Senior

served as assistant

Tutor in Ministry for

Sevenoaks, and is also a member of the Church of

minister at Christ Church,

the Cornhill Training

England General Synod.

Westbourne.

Course, Scotland.

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352 pages, Trade Paperback,

192 pages, Trade Paperback

320 pages, Trade Paperback

978-1-78191-325-3, £8.99, $14.99

978-1-78191-389-5, £7.99, $12.99

9781781916056, £8.99, $14.99

80 pages, Paperback,

80 pages, Paperback

96 pages, Paperback

978-1-78191-326-0, £2.99, $4.99

978-1-78191-402-1, £2.99, $4.99

978-1-78191-606-3, £2.99, $4.99

Burning Hearts Preaching to the Affections Affection is often a neglected theme in our generation of Bible believing Christians. It has not always been so. Previous generations thought a great deal about the centrality of the heart in the Christian life and the need to preach to it. This book will prove a valuable resource as we learn about the place of the affections in our walk with Christ and in preaching Him to ourselves and others.

“Moody and Weekes encourage us to preach to the affections – not simply the emotions, but the very center of our being, everything that inclines us to think and act and move, and not merely learn. For some, this will be a healthy reminder; for others, it will revolutionize their preaching.”

D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois.

“This book will be a great help to many who, like me, have begun to be more aware of the importance of preaching to the heart, but have not always quite known how to do it.… It has not only convinced me of the importance of preaching to the affections, but has also inspired me to think that I must and can do this better.”

144 pages, Trade Paperback 978-1-78191-403-8, £7.99, $11.99

Vaughan Roberts, St Ebbe’s, Oxford

Josh Moody is Senior Pastor of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois. His books include Burning Hearts, Journey to Joy, No Other Gospel, and The God-Centered Life. For more, visit www.GodCenteredLife.org.

Robin Weekes serves as the minister of Emmanuel Church, Wimbledon, London.

Also from Josh Moody

How Church Can Change Your Life Answers to the Ten Most Common Questions about Church Google books on church, there will be no shortage of choice! Some will be helpful, others less so. So why another book on church? Josh Moody, is, in fact, asking a very different question: why should I go to church at all? Filled with practical advice, this book will help you answer questions you maybe should have known the answer to and other questions you never knew to ask! “... a powerful and needed reminder of the central role the local church should play in the life of every Christian.”

R. Albert Mohler, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

96 pages, Trade Paperback, 978-1-78191-611-7, £4.99, $7.99

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Pastoral Resources

Unashamed Workmen How Expositors Prepare and Preach Bringing together some of the finest preachers of our day, Unashamed Workmen focuses on the methods they use to prepare their sermons. You will find a variety of approaches and styles but they all share a passion for the Word of God to be explained and applied clearly.

Contributors: Peter Adam, Rhett Dodson, Iain Duguid, Ajith Fernando, David Jackman, Simon Manchester, David Meredith, Josh Moody, Douglas Sean O’Donnell and Richard D Phillips “Unashamed Workmen is like looking into the mind and over the shoulder of ten master expositors as they prepare, and then sitting in the audience as they deliver the fruits of their labours.”

Hershael W. York, Victor & Louise Lester Professor of Preaching, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

256 pages, Large Trade Paperback 978-1-78191-319-2, £11.99, $17.99

Rhett Dodson is pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Hudson, Ohio

Mea Culpa Learning from Mistakes in the Ministry Kyle McClellan has gone into a church “with guns blazing” and he was quickly fired. He has experienced the disappointment of unmet expectations and left because of this. He has pastored a destructive church that chewed him up and spat him out. He has felt the pull of the bigger and better church trying to woo him away. He has faced the burnout and fatigue that many pastors experience that causes them to bail. Read this book. Learn from him. Receive the essential lessons from a wise, broken man who has lived it, possesses the scars from it, owns the T-shirt and yet by the grace of God still stands. “... Young ministers ought to read the book as a warning and an opportunity. Older ministers need to read the book as a call to humble mentoring of the next generation.”

Paul R House, Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama 128 pages, Trade Paperback 978-1-78191-529-5, £5.99, $8.99

Kyle McClellan is the founding pastor of Grace Church (PCA) in his hometown of Fremont, Nebraska. He is an occasional contributor to Practical Shepherding, an organization committed to equipping pastors in practical matters of pastoral ministry.

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The Secret Life of a Pastor (and other intimate letters on ministry) Living a life of Christian service is tough. Quite rightly we can have big hopes for what can be done and dealing with discouragement and disappointment when these dreams shatter can be a painful experience.

Michael Milton has a real heart for those who are beginning that work, this heart comes out in brief, honest, penetrating letters that are gold for a pastor just starting out, and remain tremendously helpful to the rest of us, as we seek to serve Christ in our daily lives. “...here is a modern version of C. H. Spurgeon’s Lectures To My Students... they should be read by every pastor, those studying for ministry, and those who care for ministers.“ Paul Kooistra, President, Erskine College and Seminary, Due West, South Carolina

Michael A. Milton is president and senior fellow at D. James Kennedy Institute for Christianity and Culture.

128 pages, Trade Paperback 978-1-78191-596-7, £5.99, $8.99

Preaching with Spiritual Power Calvin’s Understanding of Word and Spirit in Preaching The nature of the relationship between the Spirit of God and the Word of God has been debated among believers for centuries. Is the Spirit present wherever and whenever the Word is preached?

Ralph Cunnington explores this and in particular the narrow historical theological question of what the Protestant Reformers, in particular John Calvin, actually taught on this topic. With careful and incisive scholarship, and writing that is both clear and cogent, we travel through this question. “... provides a most careful analysis in some depth of the historical data concerning Lutheran and Reformed views of the subject and thereby takes the debate forwards in a very helpful manner.”

Robert Strivens, Principal, London Theological Seminary, London 144 pages, Large Trade Paperback 978-1-78191-601-8, £9.99, $15.99

Ralph Cunnington is co-pastor of City Church Manchester.

He is a member of the Theological Teams of FIEC and Affinity and editor of Affinity’s theological journal Foundations.

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a christian’s pocket guide...

A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Loving The Old Testament One Book, One God, One Story 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.

“A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Loving the Old Testament, and Alec Motyer’s recent volume Preaching? prove that faithful believers ‘will still bear fruit in old age-they will stay fresh and green.’ (Ps. 92:14) Why? Because they will continue proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.’ (Ps. 92:15)” Tim Keller, Senior Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City, New York

“Now 90, Alec Motyer retains all his old clarity, warmth and charm as he shares his infectious affection for, and insight into, Jesus’s Bible. This is a first-rate get-you-started book.”

144 pages, Pocket Paperback 978-1-78191-580-6, £4.99, $7.99

J. I. Packer, Well known Author & Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada

Other new titles in the pocket guide series

Alec Motyer is a well-known Bible expositor and from an early age has had a love for studying God’s Word. He was formerly principal of Trinity College, Bristol.

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