Books published by Inter-Varsity Press

A straightforward, user-friendly guide to how to read the Bible - dig deep into God's word for yourself.

Race is a central biblical theme, and yet has been neglected in much evangelical scholarship. Daniel Hays offers a thorough foundational study, ranging from Genesis to Revelation.

The stories and instruction in the Old Testament book of Exodus seem more at home in a museum than in today's world. Yet, for the apostle Paul, the Old Testament is 'written for us': hence, reading Exodus as direct address is the appropriate Christian stance.This volume, based on the 2007 Moore College School of Theology, acknowledges that reading Exodus for all its worth, as a witness to the gospel and as wisdom for Christian living, is an enormous challenge. The book's appeal for today is unmistakable, in terms of its epic scope and moral complexity.The opening chapter surveys the 'uses, re-uses and misuses' of Exodus in contemporary culture, and exhorts us to feel the book's raw power, by facing squarely its moral challenges and being shaped by its sometimes bewildering theology.In response, subsequent chapters explore major units of the text and the main theological and ethical issues that they raise. Topics covered are the exodus event itself; its significance in contemporary theologies of liberation; Moses at Sinai; the Law in Exodus; the tabernacle; and how we should preach Exodus.

There are many biographies of John Calvin, the theologian - some vilifying him and others extolling his virtues - but few that reveal John Calvin, the man.Professor and renowned Reformation historian Herman Selderhuis has written this book to bring Calvin near to the reader, showing him as a man who had an impressive impact on the development of the Western world, but who was first of all a believer struggling with God and with the way God governed both the world and his own life.Selderhuis draws on Calvin's own publications and commentary on the biblical figures with whom he strongly identified to describe his theology in the context of his personal development. Throughout we see a person who found himself alone at many of the decisive moments of his life - a fact that echoed through Calvin's subsequent sermons and commentaries. Selderhuis's unique and compelling look at John Calvin, with all of his merits and foibles, ultimately discloses a man who could not find himself at home in the world in which he lived.

Eckhard Schnabel's two-volume Early Christian Mission is widely recognized as the most complete and authoritative contemporary study of the first-century Christian missionary movement. Now in Paul the Missionary Schnabel draws on his research and provides a manageable study for students of Paul as well as students and practitioners of Christian mission today. Schnabel first focuses the spotlight on Paul's missionary work - the realities he faced, and the strategies and methods he employed. Applying his grasp of the wide range of ancient sources and of contemporary scholarship, he clarifies our understanding, expands our knowledge and corrects our misconceptions of Paul the missionary. In a final chapter Schnabel shines the recovered light of Paul's missionary methods and practices on Christian mission today. Much like Roland Allen's classic Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or Ours? of nearly a century ago, Schnabel offers both praise and criticism. For those who take the time to immerse themselves in the world of Paul's missionary endeavour, this final chapter will be both rewarding and searching.

Edited by Scott J. Hafemann, this comprehensive text addresses the state of the discipline of biblical theology, analyzes the history and future of methodological issues, tackles specific problems in the separate disciplines of Old and New Testament theology, and outlines a way forward.

Since Jesus lived so long ago, we assume that we know little about his life story. In fact, we know more about him than many famous people closer to our own time. We have twenty-seven New Testament texts focused on him written by nine different authors; and, although hostile to him, non-Christian writers from the same era corroborate the basic facts about Jesus and the character of early Christianity.The first Christians worshipped Jesus the exalted Messiah as a divinity, as witnessed by Pliny's observation that they sang hymns to Christ 'as if to a god' - and yet many dismiss the pre-crucifixion Jesus as something infinitely less, a mere rabbi or prophet.In response, Paul Barnett offers this accessible exploration of Jesus as Messiah, beginning with a survey of Old Testament prophecies and then working through Messiah's birth, mission, message, miracles, resurrection, etc. in the New Testament.Barnett demonstrates that, as Messiah, Jesus is the centre of the Bible's story, which is the story of God's salvation of the human race. As the fulfilment of the promises in the Old Testament, the Messiah is the end of the beginning. At the same time, as the herald and inaugurator of the kingdom of God, he is the beginning of the end. So Messiah is the centre of all things that matter, both for humanity and for individuals.

Examines who can be saved and how the religions fit into God's saving purposes.

The doctrine of the Trinity has received considerable attention in recent years. These essays demonstrate the substance and importance of the doctrine for Christian faith, particularly in worship, in the reading of Scripture, and in the church's mission. The contributors are Philip W. Butin, John R. Franke, Edith M. Humphrey, Mark Husbands, Keith E. Johnson, Robert K. Lang'at, David Lauber, Gordon T. Smith, Daniel J. Treier, Leanne Van Dyk, Kevin J. Vanhoozer and John D. Witvliet.

Evangelical Christianity has long been plagued by a dichotomy between evangelism and social action. The debate about whether evangelicals should attempt to make this world a better place in tune with God's will as well as prepare people for life in a better world is the background to this stimulating volume, which seeks to demonstrate that there is no tension between the task of evangelism and the Christian's obligation to care for those in need. The issue should never have been one of 'either/or' but rather should always have been voiced in terms of 'both/and'. The Bible's teaching makes it plain that God's salvific work is both spiritual and physical.The first seven chapters survey relevant material in the Old and New Testaments; the second seven explore the theme of world transformation from the perspective of social ethics, systematic theology and church history. The clear message is that the proclamation of God's salvation must address both the desperate spiritual need of a sinful humanity and the desperate physical need that is all too apparent in our troubled world - and that there is theoretical and practical work yet to be done as we think and work under the dominion of Jesus, who as a result of his death and resurrection has been given all authority in heaven and earth.The contributors are David L. Baker, Tim Chester, M. Daniel Carroll R., Jamie A. Grant, Peter S. Heslam, Jason Hood, Dewi A. Hughes, I. Howard Marshall, Rene Padilla, Anna Robbins, David W. Smith, Melvin Tinker, Alistair I. Wilson and Christopher J. H. Wright.

There have been times of personal difficulty when the Psalms alone have been my source of hope, as they directed me to God and his rebuke and discipline but also to his unfailing love and forgiveness.'The Psalms have an extraordinary ability to enable people to give voice to joy, praise and thanksgiving and an equal ability to turn their fears, frustrations and failures into heartfelt prayer to God. The whole of life is to be found in them, the complete range of emotions and the raw reality of our precarious existence.>*A psalm per page makes for ideal daily reading or preacher's notes.*Short articles explore significant themes from the Psalms.*'Signposts' helpfully provoke reflection, action or response.

Day one in the new job.>Many start their first job with three great hopes: a brand new status, a salary and loads of job satisfaction. Some even plan to shine for Jesus in their workplace. But all too often the pressures of work life cause even the keenest Christians to wilt. Jago Wynne believes with a passion that people can flourish in their work and keep their faith intact, if properly prepared. With humour, insight and real-life stories he equips readers both to negotiate the first few months and to continue wholeheartedly with Jesus at work - for an entire working life.

Waiting for a baby is a painful reality for many. As long months pass the well-meaning optimism of friends starts to ring hollow. The emphasis on family at the weekly church service becomes an unwelcome reminder of what's missing. God seems reluctant to bless. Using a wealth of real life stories this deeply caring book offers practical resources to address the pain and encourages biblical thinking childlessness and infertility. 'We have learnt that we are not immune from problems and we grow as Christians as a result of them. Most importantly, no matter how awful and difficult it seems, God is in control of what is happening to us, even if we most definitely are not.'

In this excellent commentary, David G. Firth takes seriously the narrative techniques employed in the books of Samuel and explores the central theme of how the reign of God is worked out in the interplay between king and prophet.

Can welding a gatepost bring glory to God?Does ironing your children's uniforms help you grow as a disciple?Will your new crime prevention strategy do anything to further the kingdom?>With lively Bible teaching and drawing on a wealth of real-life stories, he shows how work was part of God's good plan for men and women - given to us so we can make a creative contribution in his world. Whatever your work, God is interested in it, God can transform it, and God wants to use it - for his glory.

This discussion guide is a safe place to explore questions you may have about Jesus on your own or with a group. You'll take a closer look at John's narrative to discover more about who Jesus was, how he lived, and what that may mean for your life.This study is full of historical information, challenging questions and thought-provoking quotes, but it won't answer all your questions. In fact it may bring up new ones. What it will do is get you started on your journey toward faith.