Surveying the barriers that contemporary thinking has erected between the natural and the supernatural, between earth and heaven, Hans Boersma issues a wake-up call for Western Christianity. Both Catholics and evangelicals, he says, have moved too far away from a sacramental mindset, focusing more on the "here-and-now" than on the "then-and-there." Yet, as Boersma points out, the teaching of Jesus, Paul, and St. Augustine, indeed, of most of Scripture...

Distinguished biblical scholar Frank Matera here views the theology of the Pauline letters through the lens of the saving grace that Paul experienced at his call and conversion. Focusing on Christology, soteriology, theology, anthropology, ecclesiology, ethics, and eschatology, Matera explores both the unity and the diversity of the thirteen Pauline letters. Written in a clear and coherent style, God's Saving Grace presents students, professors,...

"Luther's transformational idea of justification by faith alone was often misunderstood and misrepresented in the early years of the Reformation. In 1520, with his Wittenberg congregation in mind, Luther set out to clarify the biblical foundation of good works. In doing so he recast the very definitions of 'sacred' and 'secular' both for his own generation and ours. Treatise on good works is the second of an occasional series of guides to key Reformation...

What is Baptism? Many church bodies have developed their own versions of this ancient Christian rite, but what does the Bible say about Baptism? The book Baptism clearly demonstrates what the Bible says: Baptism is a mighty act of God in which he washes away sin and creates saving faith. Through this mighty act, sinners are born again as children of God and become living members of Christ's spiritual body, the church. If you're wondering what Baptism...

Søren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher, theologian and religious author interested in human psychology. He is, regarded as a leading pioneer of existentialism and one of the greatest philosophers of the 19th century. In FEAR AND TREMBLING, Kierkegaard wanted to understand the anxiety that must have, been present in Abraham when God commanded him to offer his son as a human sacrifice. Abraham had a choice to complete the task or to forget it....

"Jesus' final words on the cross have impacted us for eternity. With His death and resurrection, He finished the work of our salvation. But our transformation continues. Journey to the cross to examine how the Holy Spirit is now at work in us as we are continually being made "perfectly perfect."-- Front cover flap

Christian hospitality is more than a well-set table, pleasant conversation, or even inviting people into your home. Christian hospitality, according to Elizabeth Newman, is an extension of how we interact with God. It trains us to be capable of welcoming strangers who will challenge us and enhance our lives in unexpected ways, readying us to embrace the ultimate stranger: God. In Untamed Hospitality, Newman dispels the modern myths of hospitality...

"Their son, Jason, a young man who initially had so much promise, is now serving a life sentence for murder in a maximum-security prison. All their appeals have be exhausted at both the state and federal levels--humanly speaking, they have run out of options. But there's more to the story. Despite their grim situation, Carol and her husband live a life full of grace. Kent reveals how life's problems are a fruitful time to discover the very best divine...