Böcker utgivna av Christian Focus Publications Ltd

The fundamentals of preaching are central to the life of the church. Revisit them in this crucial guide for beginner and veteran preachers alike. When a preacher stands in the pulpit or at the lectern, he aims to help God's people understand what God has said and how it applies to their lives so that they grow in their knowledge of God and are equipped to live for his glory. It's a job with eternal significance, so the process of getting to that point is crucial. Jonathon Woodyard and Chase Sears encourage us to go back to the basics. Returning to the fundamentals of preaching from time to time, reminding ourselves of our basic undertaking, is a wise strategy for faithfulness and helpful to both veteran and novice. Preaching flows from a man who has seen great things in the Bible, has savored what he has seen, and is eager to stand before God's people to say what he saw. This is the pattern we follow in The Simplicity of Preaching. The authors highlight some strategies you can employ to see what the text says; ways you can help yourself savor the glorious truths of the Bible; and good homiletical practices that inform how you can most effectively say things from the pulpit. This short book is helpfully divided into five sections: 1. What is Preaching and Why Do We Need It? 2. The Role of the Spirit in Preparing to Preach 3. Seeing: How We See Before We Say 4. Savoring What We See 5. How We Say What We Have Savored

'Right, that's it. Tomorrow I'm going to change.' Ebbie thought that student life in Europe would be an opportunity to escape the restrictions of his upbringing in India. But when he found himself alone in a strange city, he realised that drinking and partying didn't bring happiness. And he was shocked to discover he could not turn around his own life. 'I was bound by my sins. I couldn't get out. I needed a Saviour.' Read how Ebbie reached his turning point and how he experienced the power of God to save.

Revival history expert filters fact from fiction in the story of one of the best-known revivals. Scotland has played host to a vast array of religious revivals over the course of its history, but by far the best known of these is the Lewis Revival of 1949-52 (also known as the Hebrides revival). The stories around it are extraordinary, with the Spirit working in the lives of many people across this Scottish island.  There have been, however, rumours and myths that have grown up around the stories of the Lewis Revival, that did not actually occur. Revival history expert, Tom Lennie, examines the eyewitness accounts and untangles the amazing true story from the exaggerations that it has been caught up in.  With an evidence-based approach to the story, Lennie walks readers through the Revival in six sections:Revival islandBarvas breakoutRevival extendedRevival in focusRevival controversyPost revival  In essence, powerful preaching, based on God's word sparked a life changing event for hundreds of individuals, and that still has an impact today.

Follow the way of the Psalmist: direct your eyes to the God, and your heart will find its exceeding joy. For those who enjoyed Davis' previous works, this will not disappoint. Always accessible and relevant, anyone can join for this final leg of his pilgrimage with the Psalmist. Come ready to lift your eyes and leave with an uplifted heart. Filled with the characteristic warm humour and biblical clarity that readers have come to expect, Dale Ralph Davis' exposition of Psalms 38-51 will help readers to get to know God's Word better. Davis loves the Psalms but, most of all, he loves the Psalmist's God: so too will you. In this final instalment of his essential guide to the Psalms, trusted theologian Dale Ralph Davis leads readers through a careful study of Psalms 38-51 with clear application for daily life. Using his own translation, Davis sets out a verse-by-verse exposition and crystallises the Psalmist's message with cross-references to situate the passages in broader biblical context. With illustrations from history and personal experience, the truth comes alive. An indispensable accompaniment to the Psalms. Suitable for use as a personal study guide or as a reference and teaching guide for facilitating small group study. Read the rest of the series: The Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Life: Psalms 1-12 Slogging Along in the Paths of Righteousness: Psalms 13-24 In the Presence of my Enemies: Psalms 25-37

This collection of C. H. Spurgeon's travel letters offers a rare insight into a different side of the famed preacher. Of the many telling phrases C. H. Spurgeon gave the world, one speaks to the way he, and his contemporaries, greatly valued letters: what he called "gifts of the pen." He lived in a golden age of letter-writing, and played his part in making it so.  The best letters,he knew, are written with thoughtful reflection, love of the written word, wit, and a vivid sense of place. His travel letters model these gifts; his love of nature, history, culture, and art live-and breathe-in these pages.  Rest and recreation, during precious holiday time, let him follow these interests. Such times were meaningful,renewing gifts from God. More than a preacher, he was a man who needed rest and cherished the world God had given him to enjoy.  With artistic flair, scenes and experiences from the English countryside and European continent are brough to life with vivid descriptions. Eloquent, and often moving, his "gifts of the pen"shine through Spurgeon's travel letters.  With this insightful new collection, Spurgeon's letters finally have a well-deserved place f honour in a book of their own. Now, we ourselves may travel with Spurgeon - enjoying the world he knew and experienced through this privileged perspective.

Real answers about a real God.  A story-based introduction to apologetics: tackling some of the big questions and encouraging kids to keep asking.  10-year-old Samantha and her brother, Joshua, have some big questions about God, and their parents are ready to help them explore the answers. Join them as they find out what the Bible has to say, and what it means for their lives.  Each chapter in this book addresses a big question, including:Who is God?What is the Trinity?Is God for Real?How Did We Get the Bible?Did God Really Create Everything?Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?How Can I Be Saved?Why Don't My Friends Believe?Continue the conversation with scripture to refer to, verses to learn and discussion questions to explore more.

One of Scotland's most popular theologians traces the theological debates and disagreements of the eighteenth centuryThe eighteenth century saw many changes within the Scottish church. The Kirk was divided by the Patronage Act of 1712 into Moderates (men favoured by the landed gentry) and Evangelicals (men favoured by the people). The Marrow Controversy highlighted theological strife within the Church. Ebenezer Erskine's Protest against patronage led to the first major rift in the Church of Scotland with the Secession of 1733.  Through all these, Donald Macleod is our reliable guide. Drawing attention to the major characters of the period and gives a faithful account of the theological discussions, including the social, economic, ethnic, and personal factors involved. He also subjects these discussions to theological evaluation. A fascinating look at a crucial period for anyone with an interest in theological history.

We are busy and constantly bombarded. Notifications, pings, alerts: we carry in our pockets devices that are designed to capture and keep our attention. We are never fully present, always thinking ahead to the next thing, distracted by an email, playing worries over in our minds. But what effect is this having on our lives,relationships and, most importantly, our spiritual health?We need rest -the rest that only Christ can give. But this book is not simply meant to get you off your phone, make more time to stop, or help you simplify and digitally detox. Instead, you are invited into the greatest life imaginable, where we have the openness to be interrupted by God and used in a way that will bring Him glory. At the end of each chapter, Thomas encourages us to take time to ponder and pray - or Selah -and gives us guiding questions to consider. A challenging read for anyone who feels overwhelmed by all that calls on their attention and for those who long for peace.

What was life like in the early church? This engaging biography takes young readers on a journey through Polycarp's life, from his days as a disciple of the Apostle John to his steadfast leadership as the Bishop of Smyrna to his courageous stand against persecution.  Through vivid storytelling and dynamic illustrations, David Luckman highlights Polycarp's unwavering faith and his willingness to die for the gospel he defended.  The book brings to life the inspiring story of Polycarp, one of the early Christian martyrs and a pivotal figure in the early church.  The Trailblazer series collects great stories from Christians of the past and delivers them to the young people of today.  This gripping and astonishing story from David Luckman will challenge young readers to stand firm in their faith like Polycarp did.  A well-known and long-standing series:Over 50 titles Great for ages 9 to 14Published in 14 languages Half a million books soldAlso available in box sets when one book is not enough! 7 themed box sets, each with 5 booksEach biography follows the trailblazer's journey to faith,and on to the work that God had planned for them. With lots of dialogue, these engaging stories show how God uses normal individuals to bring about his purpose.  Each book features:Thinking Further Topics for each chapter to help readers think about how what they've read applies to their life todayTimeline of important events in the lifetime of each book's subject

Atheists often level charges at the God of the Bible as being angry and hateful. They claim that God condones genocide, that He is a cruel and oppressive megalomaniac, but this doesn't seem to match what Christians claim about Him being a God of love. How can a God who provides and saves also wipe out entire nations? Richard Belcher's addition to the Big Ten series addresses these commonly asked questions. He begins by laying out how God created humanity in His own image, but we chose to reject Him. Our very sense that things are not fair points to the perfect justice of God. Belcher shows that God's justice, including expressions of anger against wrongdoing, is compatible with His love and goodness. Belcher then tackles specific texts in the Bible that seem to promote genocide and oppression and shows how the God of the Old Testament is the same loving, generous, gracious God that we meet in the person of Jesus Christ. An excellent read for any who struggle to answer questions about the character of God and for those looking to bolster their faith in the God of the Bible.

Eryl Davies' short guide to mentoring answers all the most common questions people have about being a mentor. Including the biblical examples of Jesus and Paul, Davies shows how a mentoring relationship is a close, real-life relationship that can supply us with the wisdom and encouragement we need. A mentor helps to apply biblical wisdom to family and work tensions, suffering, disappointments, difficult choices, bereavement,personal development, spiritual growth.  Davies also includes testimonies from a number of people who have been mentored and are mentoring others, application questions to consider at the end of each chapter, as well as a reading list to examine how other Christians have actively mentored others.

Dementia is experienced in different forms, in different ways and is coped with differently by different people, but with nearly 10 million new cases every year, it is something many people face. It's tough on those with the disease, but it is also incredibly hard for the loved ones around them. Karen Martin's story about her friend Kathleen, however, is overwhelmingly one of love and persistence. Despite their nearly half-century age difference, their commonality drew them to each other, and their genuine friendship uplifted them both. Charting the story from pre-diagnosis to Kathleen's eventual passing, this moving tale highlights the difficulties and joys of facing dementia, through the lens of friendship.

"This ... follow-up to the popular A.S.K. takes 52 new questions from real teenagers. Covering issues from society, education, the Bible, theology, God, each short chapter contains a question, a Bible passage, a verse, a discussion, something to consider, further reading and a prayer."--Provided by publisher.

A practical guide for church leaders looking to prevent, or navigate accusations of,pastoral malpractice.  Good spiritual leadership is vital to the health of a church. When leaders misuse their position and are controlling, egotistical and proud, they abuse the trust they have been given by the Lord. Abuse of power is not a new phenomenon however, it is an ancient biblical category, and must be addressed.  There are delicate situations to be navigated. Drawing lines between abuse and normal,appropriate pastoral care, including warning, admonition and discipline is crucial,as is discovering when accusations are false.  The author team behind this book bring many years of pastoral experience, as well as wisdom and training in the area of abuse within the church.    This book is for-       Those struggling to navigate this hazardous landscape-       Church leaders working through these issues-       Churches seeking to create a healthy Christian community Contents includeSpiritual Abuse and ScriptureHealthy Church CultureAbusive Church CultureTrauma and those who SufferDeveloping Healthy ProceduresMedia and Abuse

All of the Bible is teachable. However some sections of The Word are easier to preach than others. Bob Fyall's Why Are We So Often Boring? sets forth a clear discussion around the issues around expositional preaching to pastors, church leaders and students. With social, economic, political and health concerns inherent in many congregations, writing a sermon can be an exercise in balancing a tough equation; how to rely on the truth and relate it to people's lives. The purpose of this book is to enthuse, encourage and stimulate those who teach the Bible.  Fyall encourages teachers to rely less on behavioural and attitude centred questions, and more on God's omnipotent work in the congregation's hearts.

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:SalariesWealthTime managementMotivationRest and Sabbath The secular sacred divideEternal rewardsOur digital technological eraGospel supportHow 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)

1600-1890Missionaries get moving. The Protestant Reformation had redrawn the map of the Christian world. Now the Church sought to take the hope of the Christian Gospel where it had not been before.  The nearly three centuries covered in this volume give us a picture of the incredible energy and great expansion of the Church throughout the world, and the people who led the way through a variety of abilities that God gave them:Harry Hosier, William Wilberforce, Emilie Mallet, and Sojourner Truth took bold stands against wrongdoing and injusticeCyril Lucaris, John Owen, John Bunyan, and David Brainerd suffered well as they faithfully shared the goodness of Christ. Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and Charles Spurgeon were great preachers who communicated the Gospel with clarity and passion. Robert Moffat, Hudson Taylor, and Dwight Moody were stirred by God to be missionaries offering hope in Christ to those who were walking in spiritual darkness.  The result was a Church that, by the end of this era, had expanded to lands previously unreached, bringing glory to the Lord who continued to guide His Church.  The Risen Hope series is a narrative-driven journey through the history of the Church. Introducing key people and events from the last two thousand years, readers will be captivated by the fascinating stories and engaging style. Continuing the legacy of its predecessor, the History Livesseries, the Risen Hope series is a breath of fresh air on the church history scene.  Book 4 of 5.

The Gurvsy family arrived in China during 2017. Two years later they were back home, reeling from the experience and asking, 'What happened?'. After being sent out to missional work, the Gurvsys look back at newsletters, diaries, examining memories and their culture shocks; all with the prayer-fuelled awareness of God, His ways, His Word and His promises. This book is a narrative made possible by reflection. It's a story of waiting, action and benching. It's less an account of missional life in Asia. Rather, a story which reflects the complexities, challenges, choices and changes humanity experiences while here on earth. It's a letter to all who are called to go, be it at home,in work or overseas.

1485-1600Protesting Protestants. Spiritual darkness had swept across the continent.  Throughout the Christian lands of Europe, the clarity of God's grace given through Jesus Christ had dimmed. A system of human effort designed to achieve God's favor meant people were confused about Scripture,about salvation, and about the purpose of life.  But in those dark times, light dawned.  To rekindle the Church, a radical reformation was needed. Brave individuals challenged long-held teachings that had drifted from Scripture. Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Thomas Cranmer led movements of reformation in their nations. They called the church back to basics: the clear teaching of the Bible, to Christ, to faith, to grace, to life to the glory of God. Others, such as Patrick Hamilton, William Tyndale, and Lady Jane Grey, sought to continue this enterprise, sometimes at the cost of their lives.  These bold Christians-called Protestants for their protest against the established and wayward Church practices of the day-sought to be faithful to Christ in their world and, in the process, they offered in a new world that endures today.  The Risen Hope series is a narrative-driven journey through the history of the Church. Introducing key people and events from the last two thousand years, readers will be captivated by the fascinating stories and engaging style. Continuing the legacy of its predecessor, the History Livesseries, the Risen Hope series is a breath of fresh air on the church history scene.  Book 3 of 5.

Wisdom from Jonathan Edwards on the journey towards death, with application for modern life.  Death is inevitable. Whether we're facing the death of a loved one, or our own passing from this world to the next, we cannot avoid it. Death is something we never get used to. But it is something that we can get ready for.  Deborah Howard has taken Jonathan Edwards' intensely encouraging sermon on the Christian Pilgrim and, drawing on her own experiences as a hospice nurse, has written this book to encourage us to live with our final destination in mind.  Focussing on scripture truth, the reader is encouraged to think about the journey that leads us towards our final destination. How are we spending our lives, as we live in the light of eternity? This combination of classic sermon and modern application makes this book an essential addition to any Christian's bookshelf.

A call to engage with the identity politics of our world, and reframe the way we spread the Christian gospel.  In our modern world the gospel of Jesus is seen by many less as good news for all humanity,and more as the bigoted edicts of a bygone era. Benjamin Chang explores the stories of the revolution, tracing the trajectories of four of the biggest social justice movements - feminism, racial justice, gay pride and the trans movement - before looking at the ways Christians usually engage with these arenas of cultural conflict (mirror, argue, ignore) and identifying a better way forward.  Rather than hunkering down in our own identity tribes, arguing against other groups, or ignoring what is going on in the culture around us, Chang encourages Christians to find ways to speak for Jesus. He urges us to look at the way we tell stories,and consider whether we can re-capture hearts in our culture by telling a more powerful counter-narrative. He gives us language to use to speak about the cross in our world of identity politics. We will see that the gospel resonates with a culture when it speaks the language of the culture.

In 52 short chapters, Bless-ed shows us the gifts God has given us, and how we can share them with our friends When we think about blessings, we often think about material gifts that God has provided. These are indeed things to be grateful for, but these are things that God has given to all people - what are the additional blessings we receive because we are his? Have you given thought to the knowledge that you have a forgiven past, a promising present and a certain, glorious future? Have you thanked God for giving you a proper view of health, balanced emotions and a fearless intellectual life? With one chapter for every week of the year, Larry Dixon looks at a different blessing that we have in our Christian life. He explains the blessing, gives Bible passages to examine, encourages us to take action with three action points, and also provides a guide for praying for unsaved friends to also know this blessing.

Right views of sin have a tendency to lead us to right views of the Person of the Saviour. But the converse is also true; right views of the Saviour's person lead to the right views of Sin. The Person of Christ is a wonderful encouragement for Christians today. Despite the difference between this edition's original publication date, the truths Bonar addresses are timeless.  Focusing his structure on topics from the person of Christ as the essence of good tidingsto views on Christ and the second coming, Bonar sets out a precedent for heartfelt evangelical exposition of the Gospel via the personal relationship Christians have with the Person of Christ.

Motherhood. Not for the faint hearted or blasé,it's a state of being that tries one's patience, purpose and peace. Sequel to 10 Women Who Overcame their Past, Dayspring Macleod's10 Women Who were Spiritual Mothers is set to be yet another poignant read. In tackling themes from purity to patience, each focused narrative allows the reader an insight into the lives of women whom they may have heard of but not known well. From Katherine Parr, sixth and final wife of Henry VIII, to Sharon Dickens and Lisa Harper, the ten women represent a spectrum of life delivered via the prism of motherhood. This book isn't only for mothers. It's for those who are heartbroken, single, bereft or at peace in later life. Discipleship is a key theme, be it with the children who litter your hallways with Nerf Pellets or friends undergoing the ups and downs of infertility. As a woman who knows the support of women in her own life, Macleod has gracefully painted a canvas of joy in sorrows, peace and panic and Christ's love triumphant.

We live in a bad news world filled with relentlessly disturbing headlines - war and crime, poverty and pandemics, racism and oppression, mass murder and disaster. And we all experience discouragement in our personal lives as well - temptation and regret, pain and suffering, failure and disappointment, decline and death. Though the world is overflowing with bad news, the message of Jesus is bigger and brighter than all of it, giving us hope in the midst of every negative experience of our lives. It's always good news!

Better, not boring: a biblical view of relationships. David Ayers has written this helpful little book to help you think through these questions and understand why this is such an important part of the Christian life.  Chastity is a word that isn't used much these days, but it means exercising sexual self-control in line with the moral teachings of the Bible. It means honoring God, respecting others, and embracing the liberating beauty of God's order. But how do we do that in today's recreational dating culture? And how do we think about dating and, ultimately, marriage?  Practical and relatable, Ayers doesn't shy away from addressing the real questions, situations and decisions young people are likely to have to navigate. With sensitivity, he shows how biblical truth can resonate with real life.   Contents:Chastity - What's That?Marriage - God's Perfect Plan for SexObstacles to Thinking about Sex BiblicallyPractical Wisdom for Pursuers of ChastityNormal Christian Living Recreational DatingSexual Cohabitation Between Unmarried PartnersThe Blessings of ChastityAppendix A: What now?Appendix B: Other Books and Resources Track is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, and the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren't always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is.  With the intention of the content being absorbed, examined and applied, each chapter includes a summary of the main point, and reflection questions that can be used individually, in 1-2-1 mentoring or in a group setting.

Armed with answers: a short guide to help young Christians defend their faith. The only option is not to hope the ground will open and swallow us up... Confident that our faith can stand up to scrutiny, Stephen Nichols has written this short book to help you defend what you believe.   The Bible says we should be prepared to give an account of our faith. It's good to be prepared for hard questions. And, if you're a Christian, hard questions are going to come.  This compact yet comprehensive guide covers essential topics such as the nature of truth, the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the historical reliability of the New Testament. With academic rigor packaged in accessible language, complex ideas are made understandable and relatable for everyday conversations. Cultivating effective ambassadors for the faith, this book will equip readers to confidently engage with doubters and share the reasons for their hope with clarity and conviction.  Contents:Peter, Paul, and Mary: Biblical Foundations for ApologeticsGrilled Hot Dogs Need a Hot Dog Griller: Belief in God Makes SenseOld Rocks, Ancient Scrolls, and John Ran on Ahead:You Can Trust the BibleThe Way, the Truth, and the Life: Jesus and His Compelling Message Put it all Together: The GospelThe Apologist and the Work of GodAppendix A: What Now?Appendix B: Other Books on This TopicAppendix C: Key Biblical Passages for ApologeticsTrack is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, and the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren't always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is. With the intention of the content being absorbed, examined and applied, each chapter includes a summary of the main point, and reflection questions that can be used individually, in 1-2-1 mentoring or in a group setting.