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The Descent
Cliff Hulling
Follow the bittersweet story of a young man who is fleeing an abusive home life and seeking respite as he journeys to and descends into a mountain called Hamartia*. This strange mountain is outwardly glorious but soon betrays the fact that it is a deadly trap filled with treacherous terrain, shadowy people, and a terrifying mystical dimension. Haunted by his past life experiences, he quickly finds out that the evil forces within this wretched mountain can be much worse than the life from which he was fleeing. Hope and despair wage heart-rending battles for complete control of his very soul as he encounters various characters and circumstances inside the depths of this mysterious mountain. By the time he reaches the bottom of this seemingly desperate and godforsaken place, his life has unraveled and spiraled completely out of control. It is in these murky depths that he is surprised to find one final chance at redemption. The choice he makes will forever change his life. Which one will he make? Which one would you make?*Harmartia is a Greek word, meaning, "to miss the mark". It describes poor judgment that leads to tragic consequences in the life of those who err.
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Prewrath response
Alan Hultberg
Chapter response to Douglas moo's "A case for the posttribulation rapture".
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Prewrath response
Alan Hultberg
Chapter response to Craig Blaising's chapter, "A case for pretribulation rapture'.
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Thinking right when things go wrong : biblical wisdom for surviving tough times
John C. Hutchison
With an empathetic heart and solid biblical insights, pastor-teacher John Hutchison offers a guide for going through painful trials or prolonged suffering.
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Being God's Image : Why Creation Still Matters
Carmen Imes
What does it mean to be human? This timeless question proves critical as we seek to understand our purpose, identity, and significance. Amidst the many voices clamoring to shape our understanding of humanity, the Bible reveals important truths related to our human identity and vocation that are critical to the flourishing of all of creation.
Carmen Joy Imes seeks to recover the theologically rich message of the creation narratives starting in the book of Genesis as they illuminate what it means to be human. Every human being is created as God’s image. Imago Dei is our human identity, and God appointed humans to rule on God's behalf. Being God’s Image explores the implications of this kinship relationship with God and considers what it means for our work, our gender relations, our care for creation, and our eternal destiny. The Bible invites us into a dramatically different quality of life: a beloved community in which we can know God and one another as we are truly known.
Includes a discussion guide for personal reflection or group study, as well as links to related video material through the BibleProject.
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How we learn : a Christian teacher's guide to educational psychology
Klaus Dieter Issler
No one fully understands how learning works, but educational psychologists understand a great deal about what works. The collaborative team of Klaus Issler and Ronald Habermas has assembled an integration of theology and instructional theory in Teaching for Reconciliation: Foundations and Practice of Christian Educational Ministry. Now they expound on one aspect of educational theory/theology to help teachers choose the method that best reaches particular learners in a specific learning situation. How We Learn demystifies the principles of educational psychology. The book identifies: --means and barriers in learning- --motivational factors that make learners receptive --learning's outcome in attitudes, spirituality, and behavior Application sections, special exercises and examples, plus dozens of figures and tables aid understanding of learning effectiveness, age-related development, individual learning style, special education, and other issues.
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Living into the life of Jesus : the formation of Christian character
Klaus Dieter Issler
Why does merely understanding and trying hard to follow the example of Jesus often yield little progress--and even less joy and peace? In this foundational work of Christian formation, Klaus Issler derives insights from the life of Jesus in the Gospels to uncover the dynamics of becoming Christlike. You will discover how you can forge much deeper connections with Jesus so that his life begins to permeate your own character.
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Teaching for reconciliation : foundations and practice of Christian educational ministry
Klaus Dieter Issler
Ronald Habermas and Klaus Issler have written a textbook on Christian education that reflects their conviction that the educational function of the church is central to Christ's mission of reconciliation. They suceed in balancing both theory and practice.
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Two Categories of Loans in the Old Testament: Subsistence Loans without Interest and Productive Loans with Interest
Klaus Dieter Issler
p. 32+
What does the Bible say about money? This volume presents the researches of 18 international biblical scholars at Ansgarskolen´s Norwegian Summer Academy for Biblical Studies.
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Wasting time with God : a Christian spirituality of friendship with God
Klaus Dieter Issler
When it comes to developing a deep, trusting relationship with God, efficiency and productivity are not the answer. It's far better to "waste" time with him, to just enjoy being with him. After all, that's how any friendship grows. But making room for God in the midst of our fast-paced lives is not an easy task. Just as time with our best friends can get squeezed out by the rush of activities, so can time with God. Even "wasting time" with God means making a commitment and setting priorities--whether it's something we enjoy or not. Beginning with the supposition that God desires friendship with us, Klaus Issler encourages us to consider seven character traits and to develop their companion disciplines: friendship, humility, faith, commitment, communication, apprenticeship and partnership. Here is a full-orbed model of Christian spirituality that will be of lasting value.
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In search of a confident faith : overcoming barriers to trusting in God
Klaus Dieter Issler and James Porter Moreland
Many obstacles can get in the way of having a healthy Christian faith. Some of those obstacles are intellectual, but there are emotional, relational and experiential ones as well. Even theological problems can get in the way when the very nature of faith itself is misunderstood. J. P. Moreland and Klaus Issler team up in this book to clear away the barriers to faith by helping you gain a clear grasp of what faith is, identifying the various obstacles to it and providing guidance for growing in your trust in God through Jesus Christ.
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Lost virtue of happiness : discovering the disciplines of the good life
Klaus Dieter Issler and James Porter Moreland
We are only happy when we pursue a transcendent purpose, something larger than ourselves. This pursuit involves a deeply meaningful relationship with God by committed participation in the spiritual disciplines. The Lost Virtue of Happiness takes a fresh, meaningful look at the spiritual disciplines, offering concrete examples of ways you can make them practical and life-transforming.
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Jesus in trinitarian perspective : an introductory christology
Klaus Dieter Issler and Fred R. Sanders
Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective features six highly respected scholars from schools such as Erskine Theological Seminary, Talbot School of Theology, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. These scholars address an issue that has a significant impact on the way Christians should approach everyday evangelism but is often ignored: the fundamental fact that the Savior who died on the cross and rose from the dead is the eternal second person of the Trinity. The Christian church has confessed this truth since the early centuries, but many modern theologies have denied or ignored its implications. To clarify the complex issue, these writers approach “post-Chalcedonian” (451 AD) Christology from a variety of disciplines—historical, philosophical, systematic, and practical—thoroughly examining the importance of keeping Jesus Christ in trinitarian perspective. Major chapters include: “Introduction to Christology: Chalcedonian Categories for the Gospel Narrative,” “The Eternal Son of God in the Social Trinity,” “The One Person who is Jesus Christ: The Patristic Perspective,” “Metaphysical Models of the Incarnation: Person, Nature, Mind, and Will,” “The Atonement: A Work of the Trinity,” and “Jesus’ Example: Prototype of the Dependent, Spirit-Filled Life.”
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Church : a guide for the perplexed
Matt Jensen
An upper-level introduction to the Christian doctrine of the Church. This book is a rigorous comprehensive introduction to the doctrine of the Church by taking the tack of walking readers through the internal logic of ecclesiology. Rather than simply offering a compendium of perspectives on each issue that arises, the authors seek to teach and model thinking theologically, with the grain of scripture and ecclesial reflection, about the Church. The chapters are peppered with two to three excurses per chapter which consider a particularly pertinent issue that arises from the doctrine's development (e.g. the move from Jesus to the Church, schism and the rise of denominations, sacramental mediation) or contemporary concerns (e.g. the question of other religions, contemporary ecumenical questions, the emerging church). While the overall tone and content of the book articulate and invite discussion on the problematics of ecclesiology, these excurses will provide ample opportunity to examine and (where appropriate) untangle ecclesiological knots. Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers, and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.
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Gravity of sin : Augustine, Luther and Barth on 'homo incurvatus in se'
Matt Jensen
Matt Jenson argues that the image of being 'curved in on oneself' is the best paradigm for understanding sin relationally, that it has sufficient explanatory breadth and depth to be of service to contemporary Christian theology. He looks to Augustine as the Christian source for this image in his various references to humanity's turn to itself, though the threads of a relational account of sin are not drawn together with any systematic consequence until Martin Luther's description of 'homo incurvatus in se' in his commentary on Romans. Luther radicalizes Augustine's conception by applying this relational view of sin to the totus homo and by emphasizing its appearance, above all, in homo religiosus. The Western tradition of sin understood paradigmatically as pride has been recently called into question by feminist theologians. Daphne Hampson's critique of Luther on this front is considered and critiqued. Though she is right to call attention to the insufficiency of his and Augustine's myopic focus on pride, the question remains whether 'incurvatus in se' can operate paradigmatically as an umbrella concept covering a far wider range of sins. Karl Barth's extension of 'incurvatus in se' to apply more broadly to pride, sloth and falsehood suggests that incurvature can do just that.
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Church
Matt Jenson
Jonathan Edwards and Karl Barth are widely considered to be the greatest North American and Swiss theologians, respectively. Though situated in vastly different contexts and separated by nearly two hundred years, they shared intriguing similarities. Both employed exegesis, theology, and philosophy with ease. Both reasoned with unique quality, depth, and timelessness. Both resisted liberal shifts of their day while remaining creative thinkers. And both were Reformed without uncritically assuming the tradition.
Each chapter brings these theologians into conversation on classic theological categories, such as the doctrine of God, atonement, and ecclesiology, as well as topics of particular interest to both, such as aesthetics and philosophy. As with all great theologians, Edwards and Barth continue to illuminate Christian doctrine. Readers will appreciate their rigor of thought and devotion to Christ.
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Much ado about nothing: The necessary non-sufficiency of faith
Matt Jenson
Chapter 7
Luther Refracted speaks to the currency that Luther's life and thought continue to enjoy in today's Christian reflection. The contributors, representing a variety of Christian denominations, demonstrate Luther's lasting impact on their own traditions and, together with the Lutheran respondents, encourage a fresh understanding of the Reformer. In their at times vigorous engagement, Luther's legacy comes to light not only as variously received but also as contradicted, and transformed, only to reemerge as a fruitful leaven for further thought and transformation. All the essays presented here witness to Luther's significance as a formidable doctor ecclesiae, a teacher of the church.
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Theology in the Democracy of the Dead
Matt Jenson
G. K. Chesterton wrote, "Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead." This book pays homage to major theologians of the Christian tradition that tell the history of theology. Matt Jenson engages in charitable yet critical exposition and dialogue with eleven select thinkers, offering a lucid, synthetic account of their theology with a view to ongoing systematic theological issues. He engages directly with core primary texts and treats individual theologians in greater depth and nuance than most overview textbooks.
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Atonement
Adam J. Johnson
Jonathan Edwards and Karl Barth are widely considered to be the greatest North American and Swiss theologians, respectively. Though situated in vastly different contexts and separated by nearly two hundred years, they shared intriguing similarities. Both employed exegesis, theology, and philosophy with ease. Both reasoned with unique quality, depth, and timelessness. Both resisted liberal shifts of their day while remaining creative thinkers. And both were Reformed without uncritically assuming the tradition.
Each chapter brings these theologians into conversation on classic theological categories, such as the doctrine of God, atonement, and ecclesiology, as well as topics of particular interest to both, such as aesthetics and philosophy. As with all great theologians, Edwards and Barth continue to illuminate Christian doctrine. Readers will appreciate their rigor of thought and devotion to Christ.
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Atonement : a guide for the perplexed
Adam J. Johnson
Christians agree that they are saved through the death and resurrection of Christ. But how is the atonement achieved in these events? This book offers an introduction to the doctrine of the atonement focused on the unity and diversity of the work of Christ. Johnson reorients current patterns of thought concerning Christ's work by giving the reader a unifying vision of the immensely rich and diverse doctrine of the atonement, offering a sampling of its treasures, and cultivating the desire to further understand and apply these riches to everyday life. Where introductions to the atonement typically favor one aspect of the work of Christ, or work with a set number of themes, aspects or theories, this book takes the opposite approach, developing the foundation for the multi-faceted nature of Christ's work within the being of God himself. It offers a grand unifying vision of Christ's manifold work. Specific elaborations of different theories of the atonement, biblical themes, and the work of different theologians find their place within this larger rubric.
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Atonement and Sin
Adam J. Johnson
Chapter 6
What is Christian Doctrine? This Companion guides students and scholars through the key issues in the contemporary practice of Christian theology. Including twenty-one essays, specially commissioned from an international team of leading theologians, the volume outlines the central features of Christian doctrinal claims and examines leading methods and theological movements. The first part of the book explores the ten most important topics in Christian doctrine, offering a nuanced historical analysis, as well as charting pathways for further development. In the second part, essays address the most significant movements that are reshaping approaches to multiple topics across disciplinary, as well as denominational and ecclesiastical, borders. Incorporating cutting-edge biblical and historical scholarship in theological argument, this Companion serves as an accessible and engaging introduction to the main themes of Christian doctrine. It will also guide theologians through a growing literature that is increasingly diverse and pluriform.
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Reconciling wisdom of God : reframing the doctrine of the atonement
Adam J. Johnson
In The Reconciling Wisdom of God: Reframing the Doctrine of the Atonement, Adam Johnson, already a leading scholar of the atonement, considers God's redemptive work in Christ through the atonement as an act of God's infinite wisdom. In making this crucial turn, Johnson is able to speak to proponents of the various atonement theories and move the discussion forward in a new direction, grounded in the truth of God's infinite wisdom.
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T&T Clark Companion to Atonement
Adam J. Johnson
The T&T Clark Companion to Atonement establishes a vision for the doctrine of the atonement as a unified yet extraordinarily rich event calling for the church's full appropriation. Most edited volumes on this doctrine focus on one aspect of the work of Christ (for example, Girard, Feminist thought, Penal Substitution or divine violence). The Companion is unique in that every essay seeks to both appropriate and stimulate the church's understanding of the manifold nature of Christ's death and resurrection.
The essays are divided into four main sections: 1) dogmatic location, 2) chapters on the Old and New Testaments, 3) major theologians and 4) contemporary developments. The first set of essays explore the inter-relationship between the atonement and other Christian doctrines (for example Trinity, Christology and Pneumatology), opening up yet further avenues of inquiry. Essays on key theologians eschew reductionism, striving to bring out the nuances and breadth of the contribution. The same is true of the biblical essays. The final section explores more recent developments within the doctrine (for example the work of Rene Girard, and the ongoing reflection on "Holy Saturday").
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Immortal: How the Fear of Death Drives Us and What We Can Do About It
Clay Jones
Is There Life After Death? For many, death is terrifying. We try to live as long as possible while hoping that science will soon find a way to allow us to live, if not forever, then at least a very long time. Whether we deny our mortality though literal or symbolic immortality or try to turn death into something benign, our attempts fail us. But what if the real solution is not in denying death’s reality, but in acknowledging it while enjoying a hope for a wonderful forever? Clay Jones, a professor of Christian apologetics, explores the ways people face death and how these “immortality projects” are unsuccessful, even destructive. Along the way, he points to the hope of the only true immortality available to all—the truth that God already offers a path to our hearts’ deepest longing: glorious resurrection to eternal life.
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