When a rich theological perspective is lost, so is the larger story for pastoral ministry. When pastors see how God’s whole counsel shapes and impacts their entire ministry, both pastors and churches will thrive. Deeply connecting theology with practice, this volume seeks to recover the rich scriptural framework for ministry that is grounded in key Christian doctrines such as the Triune God and his decrees, the person and work of Christ, and the application of all the benefits and blessings that come to us through the Spirit in our union with Christ. Contributors such as Joel Beeke, Ligon Duncan, Michael Horton, and Robert Letham write out of their experience both as pastors and theologians, providing a pattern of rich biblical-theological reflection that a vibrant ministry demands and that those engaged in ministry need in order to be sustained in their work.

A Gracious, Biblical Model for Marriage

Married Christians, and those preparing for marriage, know that they’re sinners―and that their sin threatens God’s great purposes for their union, including mutual support, companionship, and intimacy. But how often do believers recognize that they are also saints, equipped through God’s power to create a healthy, loving marriage?

In Gospel-Shaped Marriage, Chad and Emily Van Dixhoorn encourage couples with how Christ calls and enables them to love their spouse. They give a brief assessment of the biblical design for marriage while offering practical, proven advice for husbands and wives. Drawing from Scripture and the writings of Puritan minister William Gouge, their advice also prepares churches, friends, and others to support married couples in their lives.

Comprehensive and Theological: Includes a summary of marriage in redemptive history, recommended Bible verses with each chapter, and prayer prompts
Accessible: Offers guidance for singles preparing for marriage, young and mature couples, struggling couples, and those who want to strengthen their relationship
Practical Advice: Written by a pastor and his wife, this concise, easy-to-understand guide includes discussion questions for each chapter

Understand Foundations of the Christian Church through These Historic Statements of Faith

For centuries, followers of Jesus have used creeds and confessions to express their Christian beliefs. Summarizing key truths from Scripture into succinct statements, these words have shaped the church for generations and continue to teach and inspire believers today.

Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms gathers 13 of Christian history’s most important documents―including the Apostles’ Creed, the Belgic Confession, and the Heidelberg Catechism―into one beautiful collection. Each text includes an introduction from editor Chad Van Dixhoorn that explains its origins and significance to the early church. By learning and revisiting these timeless confessions of faith, readers can grow spiritually and learn more about Christian history.

  • Great Resource for Daily Reading and Study: Includes early church creeds and major Protestant statements, historical context from editor Chad Van Dixhoorn, and a Scripture index
  • Accessible: Useful for pastors and laypeople, seminary students, church groups, or anyone seeking to learn about the foundations of Christianity
  • 13 Christian Creeds and Confessions: Includes The Apostles’ Creed, The Nicene Creed, The Athanasian Creed, The Chalcedonian Definition, The Augsburg Confession, The Belgic Confession, The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, The Canons of Dort, The Westminster Confession of Faith, The London Baptist Confession, The Heidelberg Catechism, The Westminster Larger Catechism, and The Westminster Shorter Catechism
  • Beautiful Layout: Features a premium cloth-over-board cover with elegant foil stamping, Smyth-sewn binding, and a 2-color interior on premium, cream-colored paper
  • Adapted from the ESV Bible with Creeds and Confessions

Greg Lanier Presents a Simple Method for Studying Old Testament Citations in the New Testament

Many Bible readers have difficulty understanding the Old Testament’s connection to the New Testament, and some even believe it’s obsolete in light of God’s new covenant. In reality, New Testament writers alluded to earlier books of the Bible roughly 300–400 times. The Old Testament isn’t outdated; it’s critical to understanding the rest of Scripture.

In Old Made New, Greg Lanier explains how New Testament authors used the Old Testament to communicate the gospel and present the person and work of Jesus. He also explains what the Old Testament teaches Christians today about the church’s identity and ethics. Writing for a broad range of readers, Lanier distills thorough research into simple, descriptive examples and tips. His 3-step method explains how to identify and explore an Old Testament passage and see how it’s “remixed” in the New Testament to thoughtfully engage with Scripture.

  • Accessibly Written: Clear language and easy-to-follow methods make this resource helpful for laypeople, Sunday school leaders, and students
  • Effective Bible Study Method: Includes the most recent research on Old Testament references in the New Testament, complete with a simple 3-step study plan to help readers apply it
  • Comprehensive: Tables, worksheets, case studies, and notes guide readers through exciting, thorough Scripture study
  • Appendices Included: Features the most agreed-upon citations, quotations, and allusions to the Old Testament in the New Testament, along with a Bible reading plan

A Short Study of the Sabbath from Creation to Consummation

When it comes to the Sabbath, Christians have different ideas on what it means and how to observe it. For many people, it is a day to go to church and have fellowship with other believers. What they often miss, though, is that the Sabbath is intricately tied to rest and worship―both of which ultimately point to the Lord as our creator and redeemer.

In this addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, Guy Prentiss Waters offers an introductory study of the Sabbath from the creation of the world to the consummation of all things when Jesus returns. He shows how the Sabbath is observed through the major themes and genres of the Bible―creation, law, prophets, Jesus, and the apostles―and how that applies to our lives today. Waters teaches us about the Sabbath’s full restoration in the new heavens and the new earth and its continual reminder of the covenant that God has made with his people.

  • Written for New Believers and Seasoned Saints Alike: Perfect for laypersons, pastors, college and seminary students, and academics
  • Practical: Examines how the Sabbath is relevant to the church now as well as how it will be restored in the new heavens and the new earth
  • Short Studies in Biblical Theology: Part of a series designed to give readers accessible volumes on God’s word

Why does church government matter? In this book, Guy Prentiss Waters offers a brief and accessible introduction to Presbyterianism that shows how a well-ordered church fosters Christian lives lived well. In making the case that church government is critical to Christian discipleship, Waters presents an overview of the nature of the church (the body and its member) and its structures of authority (officers, assemblies, and ordination). He concludes by answering common questions people raise about church government. The book is an ideal resource for explaining the relevance of church government to the ordinary Christian’s life and service.

A study of Jacob Arminius’s theology that shows how he deviated from the Reformed churches and presented an alternative Protestant conception of salvation.

Best-Selling Author Kevin DeYoung Explores Jesus’s Foundational Prayer

Christians know the importance of prayer, but the act of praying can be a real challenge. Some have the desire, but not always the will; others worry they don’t do it well. Books about prayer usually emphasize spiritual discipline, but that can foster more guilt than reassurance. So how can Christians improve their prayer life, embracing the privilege of communicating with God?

In The Lord’s Prayer, Kevin DeYoung closely examines Christ’s model for prayer, giving readers a deeper understanding of its content and meaning, and how it works in the lives of God’s people. Walking through the Lord’s Prayer word by word, DeYoung helps believers gain the conviction to develop a stronger prayer life and a sense of freedom to do so.

  • Concise, Inspiring Guide to Prayer: Examines Luke 11:1–2 and Matthew 6:5–9, gives biblical and historical context to each part of the Lord’s Prayer, and ends with a doxology
  • Accessible Resource for Many Readers: A great guide for laypeople and students as well as for pastors, church leaders, and ministry leaders
  • Versatile Resource: A useful reference for seminary review or personal devotional reading.

104 Engaging Bible Stories for Ages 6–12 from Author Kevin DeYoung, Illustrated by Don Clark

The Bible is a BIG book about the BIGGEST story. Each page tells about the God who created the world, acted in history, and continues to act in the present. In The Biggest Story Bible Storybook, Dr. Kevin DeYoung shares this grand story with children ages 6-12 through 104 short chapters.

Beginning in Genesis and ending with Revelation, Dr. DeYoung provides engaging retellings of various Bible stories, explaining how they fit into the overarching storyline. Each reading is coupled with beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark and concludes with a reflective prayer. Perfect for bedtime stories or to read together as a family, both children and parents alike will experience afresh the captivating story of the Bible in an easy-to-understand, compelling way.

  • Written by Kevin DeYoung and Illustrated by Don Clark: Creators of the bestselling companion book, The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden
  • Memorable Retellings of 104 Biblical Stories: Helps kids ages 6-12 learn the unified story of the Bible
  • Full-Color Illustrations on Every Page: Vibrant artwork draws children into each engaging story 
  • Part of the Biggest Story Suite: Featuring The Biggest Story ABC, The Biggest Story: The Animated Short Film, and other exciting resources that bring the Bible to life
  • High-Production Quality: Includes sewn binding and a ribbon marker

The Knowledge of God turns to consider the knowledge of God revealed in the Word of God, with several essays addressing the doctrine of God, then the person of Christ, and finally the miracle of the church.

Michael Allen shows the exegetical shape of historical and dogmatic reasoning as well as the significance of thinking about these topics in their interrelationships with a range of other Christian themes, not least the doctrine of the living and true God. In each of these topics, the theme of the promise and nature of God’s presence (whether in his own life or then in the economy of the incarnation and of the church) proves to be a unifying thread. The gospel is shown to be rooted backward in God’s own life and to have consequence forward for the ongoing life of Christ displayed in his church.

This volume explores what it means to learn of and come to know God, who has life in himself and then shares his life with us in the coming of his Son and the ongoing presence amidst his body, the church of Christ.

What is a life with Jesus like? How does the Son of God impact me? Through 31 devotions about Jesus, family and the church we discover what being friends with Jesus really means. Find out about Jesus, his friends and family, the disciples and the church through stories such as: Jesus Knows Your Name; Ready Steady Think; and Who Loves Church?

These stories were first told at The First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.