In 1 John: On Docetism and Resurrection (2016), the author elucidated the fundamental principles driving the modern order. The latter works according to a novel form of salvation, an ontology unto dissolution that the author recognizes as a new manifestation of the ancient heresy of docetism. The modern heresy turns on faith in the Christ-Idol, an idolatry hidden for centuries beneath the cover of Western Christianity. Its theological solution requires renewed engagement with the Trinitarian love, understanding that love as a function of mutual life-giving between the divine persons. The revised and extended version of 1 John assumes the undoing of Western society under the docetic ethos, seeking theological foundations for the society that might follow. It details the meaning of various aspects of docetic (modern) society through a Johannine lens, explaining these aspects as forms of oppression. The author counters these through the Eastern Orthodox focus on the inner life over the external one, the spiritual world over the physical, and the proper appreciation of hierarchy as opposed to docetic equality.

Where did the Bible come from? How do we know the right books are in the Bible? Does the Bible contain errors? What are the oldest copies we have of the Bible? How do we know that the Bible hasn't been changed over the years? Why are there so many translations of the Bible, and which one should I use? These are just some of the important questions about the Bible that are discussed in this book. Understanding basic facts about the origin of the Bible is essential for every Christian, but it can also be confusing and difficult. Here, two well-known scholars, authors of a more technical book, A General Introduction to the Bible, explain simply and clearly these basic facts. Inspiration, the biblical canon, major manuscripts, textual criticism, early translations, and modern versions are some of the major topics discussed. Careful explanations of important points are given throughout, as the entire field of biblical introduction is covered. Completely updated and revised edition of the 1974 work (more than 78,000 copies sold). Helpful charts have been added, along with an index of subjects, persons, and Scripture. This book is ideally suited for Bible students, pastors, and professors. While writing for readers without previous training, the authors do not gloss over difficult and complex issues when they arise. The nature of inspiration, the extent of the canon, and the usefulness of modern versions are all clearly discussed. The authors write: "The chain of communication from God to us is strong. It has several solid links: inspiration, collection, transmission, and translations. The strength of these links provide the contemporary Christian with the moral certitude that the Spirit-inspired original text of Scripture has been providentially preserved by God so that for all practical purposes the Bible in our hands is the infallible and inerrant word of God."

Controversy rages on about God's choosing people for salvation. Are only the few elect? Rather than typically beginning with the preconceptions of systematic theologies, Dr. William Klein takes up this question by searching for a biblical theology of election. He surveys the OT contexts of God's choosing individuals--prophets, priests, kings--to serve divine purposes, and considers God's election of the nation of Israel as his special people. This OT study proposes that God's election is both individual and corporate, but not always determinative. Individuals entered the people of God by birth, but not all the people found salvation. Faith in Yahweh was required. This book traces these elective understandings through the intertestamental literature, identifying continuities and shifts. The bulk of the study, and the heart of the argument, focus on the New Testament. Klein identifies concepts of election, and relationships between writers in the gospels, the Lucan material, Paul's writings, and the rest. The new covenant, God choosing the church in Christ, emphasizes election as corporate, while the individual election of Jesus' disciples and of Paul raises the question whether such chosenness is necessarily salvific. In closing, Klein discusses the most engaging and divisive questions around God's election, and offers a real challenge to today's church.

Real answers for the tough questions today's Christians face Whether you want to grow in your own understanding of Christianity or need trustworthy responses to the questions of friends, Dan Story has the answers. Defending Your Faith helps Christians see that their faith is reasonably and intelligently grounded on objective, verifiable evidence. And it equips readers to share these answers with family, friends, and coworkers who have questions about Christianity. Story's book has filled a valuable niche in apologetics for the past twenty years. He has helped countless readers answer confrontational questions such as: · How do I know that God exists? · Can I trust the Bible? · Why is there evil and suffering in the world? · Is God an environmentalist? · Are the Bible and science in conflict? In this revised and expanded edition, Dan Story goes even further. With the latest apologetic evidence and tactics, he not only answers those age-old questions but also deals with new challenges to Christianity that have emerged over the last two decades, including the ubiquitous presence of social media. He also responds head-on to the new breed of vocal, aggressive, man-on-the-street atheists. With culturally relevant strategies and a firm foundation of truth, Defending Your Faith will challenge you to share your faith with others while knowing that you are not alone as you witness for Christ.

What does a missional leader look like? Trusted pastor and denominational leader Dr. Frank Page answers that question in The Nehemiah Factor when he examines the 16 vital keys to living like a missional leader. Drawing from the life of well-known biblical examples, targeted Scripture passages, personal leadership stories, and testimonies of others, Page provides the basis every leader needs to understand what it means to be a person of calling, comprehension, fruitfulness, and integrity. Personal reflection questions are included in each chapter to help readers apply the model and the caracteristic to their specific leadership situations.

Keith Nickle provides a revised and updated edition of a well-respected resource that fills the gap between cursory treatments of the Synoptic Gospels by New Testament introductions and exhaustive treatments in commentaries. In a clear and concise manner, Nickles explores the major issues of faith that influenced the writers of the Gospels. The Synoptic Gospels is helpful for classroom or personal use.

"A superb collection and summary of our sixteenth-century Anglican Reformers' thoughts on key points of Christian theology." --John H. Rodgers Jr. Dean and President Emeritus Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry Ambridge Pennsylvania

A collection of 51 plays that features previously unpublished works, contemporary plays by women, and the modern classics.

A rigorously researched biography of the founder of modern magick, as well as a study of the occult, sexuality, Eastern religion, and more The name “Aleister Crowley” instantly conjures visions of diabolic ceremonies and orgiastic indulgences—and while the sardonic Crowley would perhaps be the last to challenge such a view, he was also much more than “the Beast,” as this authoritative biography shows. Perdurabo—entitled after the magical name Crowley chose when inducted into the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn—traces Crowley’s remarkable journey from his birth as the only son of a wealthy lay preacher to his death in a boarding house as the world’s foremost authority on magick. Along the way, he rebels against his conservative religious upbringing; befriends famous artists, writers, and philosophers (and becomes a poet himself); is attacked for his practice of “the black arts”; and teaches that science and magick can work together. While seeking to spread his infamous philosophy of, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” Crowley becomes one of the most notorious figures of his day. Based on Richard Kaczynski’s twenty years of research, and including previously unpublished biographical details, Perdurabo paints a memorable portrait of the man who inspired the counterculture and influenced generations of artists, punks, wiccans, and other denizens of the demimonde.

You’ve seen movies and TV shows or read books that have supernatural ideas. A lot of times, it’s entertaining. Boys who are warlocks with magical powers, women who see the future, a girl who sees and talks to dead people—as ideas go, these have great potential to tell a good story. But is it real? And if so, what does that mean to me? The Dark Side of the Supernatural will show you the truth behind the supernatural. It’s a handbook that separates truth from fiction, while looking at each topic in light of the Bible. Bill Myers has spent years researching supernatural phenomenon, and has even made movies about it. In this book, he’ll share his research, along with interviews and true-life experiences of psychics, Satanists, people who have been possessed, and even abducted by aliens. The stories he shares may sound like Hollywood movies, but they are based on real events. His encounters with a variety of supernatural topics will open your eyes to what is real and what is fantasy. You’ll learn more about: • Wicca and witches • Reincarnation • UFO’s • Ouija boards • Angels and demons • Ghosts and near-death experiences • Satanism • Vampires, and more If you’re curious about these issues, or have friends who are caught up in them, The Dark Side of the Supernatural will uncover the truth and explain how to help.