Books published by Baker Publishing Group

Although each generation searches for effective ways to be salt and light, Elaine Heath argues that the church is currently in an especially difficult place--a dark night of the soul. She calls the church to embrace, rather than ignore, its difficulties and find different ways of doing outreach.Heath brings a fresh perspective to the theory and practice of evangelism by approaching it through contemplative spirituality. By looking to mystics, saints, and martyrs of church history--such as Ignatius of Loyola, Julian of Norwich, St. Francis, John Wesley, Mother Theresa, and Henri Nouwen--she suggests we can discover ways of thinking about God that result in a life of outreach.

A Fascinating Glimpse into the World of the New TestamentTransported two thousand years into the past, readers are introduced to Antipas, a Roman civic leader who has encountered the writings of the biblical author Luke. Luke's history sparks Antipas's interest, and they begin corresponding. While the account is fictional, the author is a highly respected New Testament scholar who weaves reliable historical information into a fascinating story, offering a fresh, engaging, and creative way to learn about the New Testament world. The first edition has been widely used in the classroom (over 30,000 copies sold). This updated edition, now with improved readability and narrative flow, will bring the social and political world of Jesus and his first followers to life for many more students of the Bible.

In a Culture of Distortions, Discover God-Defined Womanhood and Beauty In a culture where airbrushed models and career-driven women define beauty and success, it's no wonder we have a distorted view of femininity. Our impossible standards place an incredible burden of stress on the backs of women and girls of all ages, resulting in anxiety, eating disorders, and depression. One question we often forget to ask is this: What is God's design for womanhood?In Girl Defined, sisters and popular bloggers Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird offer women a countercultural view of beauty, femininity, and self-worth. Based firmly in God's design for their lives, this book helps women rethink what true success and beauty look like. It invites them on a liberating journey toward a radically better vision for femininity that ends with the discovery of the kind of hope, purpose, and fulfillment they've been yearning for.Girl Defined helps readers· discover God's design for femininity and his definition of a successful woman · uncover the secrets of lasting worth, purpose, and fulfillment· be equipped and empowered to live out a radically better vision for womanhood · gain personal insight through the chapter-by-chapter study guide

Each of us has but one life to live on this earth. What we do with it is our choice. Are we drifting through it as spectators, reacting to our circumstances when necessary and wondering just how we got to this point anyway? Or are we directing it, maximizing the joy and potential of every day, living with a purpose or mission in mind?Too many of us are doing the former--and our lives are slipping away one day at a time. But what if we treated life like the gift that it is? What if we lived each day as though it were part of a bigger picture, a plan? That's what New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt and executive coach Daniel Harkavy show us how to do: to design a life with the end in mind, determining in advance the outcomes we desire and path to get there. In this step-by-step guide, they share proven principles that help readers create a simple but effective life plan so that they can get from where they are now to where they really want to be--in every area of life.

It's no secret that the evangelism methods of yesterday are not yielding the kinds of results they did in the 1970s and 1980s. So how are new Christians hearing the Gospel today? How are they finding churches? And what makes them stay at a church? The answers to these questions have the power to dramatically alter the way we do outreach. And Dr. McIntosh has them.Based on ten years of scientific research, Growing God's Church shows pastors and church leaders how people are actually coming to faith in the 21st century. It covers factors such as our motive for ministry, the priorities churches set for themselves, the reality of churchless Christians, generational and gender-based differences in evangelism effectiveness, the name of your church, the influence of pastors, and much more. The appendix includes a copy of the survey that provides the basis for McIntosh's arguments and an overview of the study is provided in the first chapter.

The Big Book of Christian Apologetics is a comprehensive resource designed to equip motivated believers with information to help defend and explain their faith. Examining nearly every key issue, person, and concept related to Christian apologetics, this book clarifies difficult biblical passages, clearly explains various philosophical systems and concepts, examines contemporary issues and challenges, and offers classic apologetic arguments, all with the aim of giving readers the background to intelligently and persuasively talk about their Christian faith with skeptics. An expertly abridged version of the Baker Encyclopedia on Christian Apologetics, this resource brings leading apologist Norman L. Geisler's seminal work to the masses.

How and why did the early church grow in the first four hundred years despite disincentives, harassment, and occasional persecution? In this unique historical study, veteran scholar Alan Kreider delivers the fruit of a lifetime of study as he tells the amazing story of the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Challenging traditional understandings, Kreider contends the church grew because the virtue of patience was of central importance in the life and witness of the early Christians. They wrote about patience, not evangelism, and reflected on prayer, catechesis, and worship, yet the church grew--not by specific strategies but by patient ferment.

This comprehensive yet user-friendly primer to the Septuagint (LXX) acquaints readers with the Greek versions of the Old Testament. It is accessible to students, assuming no prior knowledge about the Septuagint, yet is also informative for seasoned scholars. The authors, both prominent Septuagint scholars, explore the history of the LXX, the various versions of it available, and its importance for biblical studies. This new edition has been substantially revised, expanded, and updated to reflect major advances in Septuagint studies. Appendixes offer helpful reference resources for further study.

A highly regarded Old Testament scholar offers a substantive yet useful commentary on the book of Genesis.

This introduction to the field of cultural anthropology from a Christian perspective exposes students to the excitement and significance of human history and culture.

A practical commentary on Revelation that is conversant with contemporary scholarship, draws on ancient backgrounds, and attends to the theological nature of the texts.

Through an abundance of examples, this book explores how pastors have both perpetuated and responded to our secular age, and provides a new vision for pastoral ministry today.

In this companion workbook to Think and Eat Yourself Smart, scientist and therapist combines current scientific research with biblical teaching to help readers understand the connection between thinking and eating, empowering readers to manage their weight and improve their health.

This Catholic commentary on Galatians interprets Scripture from within the living tradition of the Church for pastoral ministers, lay readers, and students.

In this easy to use, research-driven guide, a Christian psychiatrist takes an in-depth look at the aging process, showing how we can keep our brains young and prevent dementia, allowing us to maintain vitality, a sharp mind, and independence as we age.

A Prayer Manual for the BattlefieldWith more than 250,000 copies sold, this book is the in-demand, definitive guide to intercessory prayer. Join international prayer leader Cindy Jacobs as she equips you to be a victorious prayer warrior. Full of wisdom and strategic information, Cindy addresses these essential topics--and more:· the call to prayer· the nature and purpose of intercession· spiritual accountability· prophetic intercession and praise· prayer watches and walks· spiritual warfareNow fully revised and updated, and with an in-depth study guide, the third edition of this classic offers more vital insights into militant intercession than ever before. Whether you are a beginning "pray-er" or an expert intercessor, you can learn to pray about matters on the heart of God--and possess the gates of the enemy.

This Catholic commentary on Romans interprets Scripture from within the living tradition of the Church for pastoral ministers, lay readers, and students.

A Respected Scholar Introduces Students to the Discipline of Old Testament StudiesRichard Hess, a trusted scholar of the Old Testament and the ancient Near East, offers a substantial introduction to the Old Testament that is accessibly written and informed by the latest biblical scholarship. Hess summarizes the contents of the Old Testament, introduces the academic study of the discipline, and helps readers understand the complex world of critical and interpretive issues, addressing major concerns in the critical interpretation of each Old Testament book and key texts.This volume provides a fulsome treatment for students preparing for ministry and assumes no prior knowledge of the Old Testament. Readers will learn how each book of the Old Testament was understood by its first readers, how it advances the larger message of the whole Bible, and what its message contributes to Christian belief and the Christian community. Twenty maps, ninety photos, sidebars, and recommendations for further study add to the book's usefulness for students. Resources for professors are available through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.

This Catholic commentary on Revelation interprets Scripture from within the living tradition of the Church for pastoral ministers, lay readers, and students.

This 3-in-1 collection of A.W. Tozer's writings will strengthen your walk with Jesus. The Pursuit of God is sure to resonate if you long for a life spent in God's presence. The Purpose of Man is a call to worship as God reprioritizes your life and fills your soul. The Crucified Life will lead you to the cross so you can be raised to new life in Christ.

An essential tool for pastors of any denomination on how to prepare for worship services, weddings, funerals, benedictions, dedications, baptisms, and more.

Develop nurturing friendships that lead to authentic community with this insightful look at the "one another" passages in Scripture.

This updated edition offers a guide to the Book of Romans that is informed by current scholarship and written at an accessible level.

Dramatic changes have taken place in global society and in the church that have implications for how the church does missions in the twenty-first century. This guide helps readers understand these trends.

Eminent evangelical theologian provides a basic introduction to the faith that traces the story of redemption through the Bible.

Written with prophetic zeal, this book reveals the keys to restoring power and holiness in the church today. Over 165,000 copies sold in previous editions.

This updated edition by a leading evangelical scholar offers a guide to John's Gospel that is informed by current scholarship but written at an accessible level.

After his conversion, this African boy is sent by God to prepare an American university for its mission in the world.

Comprehensive, up-to-date collection of primary source documents (creation accounts, epic literature, etc.) gives insight into the Ancient Near East and the Old Testament.