Baker Publishing Group

The Hebrew word hesed is often translated as love, faithfulness, loyalty, or steadfastness of God, but it means so much more. Could hesed be the seed from which the diverse biblical story grows and expand? raditionally, Old Testament theology has focused on key themes or a "center" around which to organize the Old Testament. These approaches may help unify the Old Testament, but they also ignore important material and simplify the Old Testament's complexity and diversity. As an alternative to a gravitational center that reduces, Jennifer M. Matheny's argument emphasizes possibilities as she posits that hesed is the relational seed from which the complex and diverse biblical story grows. In her accessibly written analysis, Matheny engages theologically with the Torah, Prophets, and Writings to trace hesed's relational impact through the Old Testament. Through stories, poems, and songs of broken covenants, war, and exile, Matheny also shows how violence and injustice reign when humanity fails to be keepers and doers of Yhwh's hesed, while justice and hope prevail when humanity chooses courageous acts of hesed. This fresh, introductory-level approach emphasizes the importance of story, complexity, and diversity--and how we do hesed to others and back to Yhwh.

Their hidden past brings questions about their future . . . together. Unsure of her future within the Amish community, Beth Peachy arrives in Lancaster County for the summer to care for her ailing grandmother. Yet with dementia threatening to steal away Mammi's memories, Beth's visit quickly evolves into an urgent search for answers to questions that her relatives seem determined to avoid. How can Beth possibly make a lifelong vow to the Amish church when her own family is concealing so much of the past from her? Beth's childhood friend Danny Lapp faces his own dilemma as his ex-Amish older brother turns his back on their family upbringing, dishonoring his Plain heritage. Struggling to find some sort of connection with his brother despite their deep difference of opinion, Danny is determined to find a solution before church leadership becomes involved. As Beth and Danny reconnect and seek to help each other in their search for answers, they find themselves stirring up not only surprising revelations about the past, but questions about a possible future--together. "A tender journey that explores friendship, second chances, and finding unexpected love."--AMY CLIPSTON, bestselling author of The Heart's Shelter Book clubs and fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and Wanda E. Brunstetter will love this can't-put-down mix of romance, family secrets, and touching faith in an Old Order Amish community.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD· Deluxe, giftable edition· Offers hope and comfort to the sick, the grieving, and the fearful· Based on 100+ near-death experiences (NDEs)***1 out of 25 Americans has had a near-death experience. Do they reveal the Heaven of the Bible? In Imagine Heaven, bestselling author John Burke compares more than one hundred gripping stories of near-death experiences to what Scripture says about our biggest questions of Heaven: Will I be myself? Will I see friends and loved ones? What will Heaven look like? What is God like? What will we do forever? What about children and pets?Burke shows how the common experiences shared by thousands of near-death survivors--including doctors, college professors, bank presidents, people of all ages and cultures, and even blind people--point to the exhilarating picture of Heaven promised in the Bible. This thrilling journey into the afterlife will make you feel like you''ve been there, forever changing the way you view the life to come--and the way you live your life today. This beautifully designed deluxe edition makes the perfect gift for anyone who longs to know more about heaven.

Foundational Teaching on Spiritual Warfare from Trusted Bestselling Teacher· The Holy Spirit Essentials series presents faith foundations for leading a Holy Spirit-empowered life· Concise, easy-to-read, entry-level guide outlines the basics of spiritual warfare· Experience real-life victories as you learn who you are in Christ, wield the spiritual weapons available to you, and protect your mind and heartCreated for the next generation of believers, the dynamic new Holy Spirit Essentials series introduces foundations of faith for living a Spirit-empowered life. Taken from the trusted teachings of leading Christian voices, these updated, concise, easy-to-read overviews include real-world applications, related Scriptures, and prayers. This essential installment introduces foundational beliefs and hands-on instruction on the topic of spiritual warfare. From the dynamic teaching of bestselling author Neil T. Anderson, this quick-reference guide outlines the basics of spiritual warfare, including how to· know who you are in Christ· recognize the battle· understand and use the spiritual weapons available· protect your mind and heart· experience real-life victoriesFull of biblical wisdom and everyday application, this is your go-to spiritual warfare handbook--whether you''re new to it or have been in the trenches for years.

"Afshar's writing shines in this brilliant perspective shift on Queen Esther's story."--MESU ANDREWS, bestselling author on The Queen's Cook Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman's sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place. Yet her troubles are not over as Haman's sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen's agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission. Experience the thrill and intrigue of secrets and romance within Queen Esther's royal domain in this biblical fiction tale that will appeal to fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt.

Two siblings. One fate. A web of secrets that could ensnare them in an inescapable destiny. In 1883, Charles is a poor farmer desperate to secure financial stability for his mother and sister, as he is unsure which of his time-crossing paths he will choose on his twenty-fifth birthday. Posing as the Earl of Norfolk, he enters the opulent circles of Newport's elite to assist a fellow time-crossing friend, Drew. But suspicions of his identity arise among the upper crust, and his encounters with Drew's intriguing sister further complicate decisions that could impact a lifetime. In 1563, Lady Cecily serves Queen Elizabeth while clinging to the hope that her stepbrother Charles will remain with her in this path. As the true Earl of Norfolk, Charles is deeply entangled in the deadly politics of the court. When he brings Drew, a physician in training, to Windsor Castle to help save the ailing monarch, old feelings for Drew rekindle in Cecily's heart, but her love faces impossible odds under the strict rules of the crown. As their futures hang by a thread, Charles and Cecily race to prevent their web of secrets from unraveling and ensnaring them in an inescapable destiny. "From opulent palaces to depths of poverty, the rich historical details are immersive and meticulously crafted."--Booklist starred review of Every Hour until Then "Propulsive and intricately detailed, this hits all the right notes."--Publishers Weekly on Across the Ages Fans of time-travel, dual timelines, and clean romantasy will indulge in this historical romance of family, love, loyalty, and fate from a bestselling and Christy award-winning author.

This reader with commentary helps Christians understand and critically examine major arguments that have been made in the Western intellectual tradition through an examination of great texts. The book explores themes related to the natural world, human nature, politics, and God.The core of a liberal arts education lies in the debates made possible by a shared set of texts and questions. Combining their expertise in science, theology, political science, and history, the authors guide readers through the most important sections of classic texts from the Reformation to the modern era, explaining their significance and the debates they sparked. The texts are organized around four themes: God, science, society, and human nature. Rather than simply summarizing the texts, this introduction presents them in a way that allows readers to engage directly with the material. The authors provide historical context, point out potential themes and connections, and encourage readers to explore the ideas and questions the texts raise. Reflection questions are included.This book facilitates teaching for professors from a wide variety of disciplines and will work well for students in great books courses. In addition, it will be of interest to Christian classical learning organizations, including high schools.

Serious students of the Bible quickly discover the diversity that stems from the human origins of Scripture, such as different authors writing in different times, places, genres, and languages. Written by an expert in biblical theology, this short, accessible book helps readers understand the unity that springs from the divine authorship of Scripture and how the whole Bible fits together. Alan Thompson enables readers to see the big picture of the Bible by unpacking nine key themes that unite the Testaments and hold the Bible together: creation, covenant, the exodus, law and wisdom, sacrifice, kingship, the prophetic hope, the kingdom of God, and the final holy city. A Basic Guide to Biblical Theology helps readers read the Old Testament in light of the New Testament and the New Testament in light of the Old Testament.This book provides an introductory framework for the big themes of biblical theology, preparing readers for a lifetime of Bible study. It will appeal to anyone who wants to understand how the Bible fits together, including students, pastors, church leaders, and laypeople.

An Honest Search for Personal and Collective Peace in Our Anxious Times· Discover how to live well in a culture permeated with fear, worry, and anxiety· Develop doable daily practices to promote peace both for yourself and in community· Learn to face anxiety head-on rather than merely coping and compartmentalizingEvery era has its challenges, but ours seem to be majoring in anxiety. Bombarded (via screens) by constant global conflicts, rancorous politics, and church scandals, today we endure seemingly endless external stressors. The reasons are easy to find--division in politics and the pews, caring for kids or aging parents, and the rapid impact of social media on our psyches, to name a few. While exploring these origins may hold some benefit, Sara Billups is concerned with right now: How do we live well in the presence of pervasive personal and collective anxiety?The dissonance between Jesus saying "Do not worry" and her heart''s inability to stop worrying led Sara to seek out spiritual rhythms and practices that create a holistic, holy response to the anxiety brimming in our bodies, our churches, and our society.Nervous Systems offers helpful, doable daily practices for anxiety in the large and small trials in our lives. This collection of personal and cultural observations invites us to let go in the presence of our anxiety. Join Sara in learning how, with God''s help, to face anxiety head-on rather than trying to pray it away or, worse, grin and bear it.

Is authority reserved for those with a specific calling to leadership? Who holds power in the church? Does authority have limits? Are teaching and preaching the most important practices of authority?Our understanding--and misunderstanding--of authority has significant implications for our individual and corporate flourishing. In A Theology of Authority, Christa McKirland challenges our assumptions about authority, power, and leadership. With a focus on low-church traditions, she examines authority through the lens of analytic philosophy and biblical theology to offer a theological definition of authority. She also tackles questions related to divine and human authority, Scripture, and practices typically related to ordination: preaching, teaching, serving communion, baptizing, church discipline, and vision casting.A Theology of Authority expands our understanding of authority, recognizing the Spirit''s enablement of each member to fulfill their calling to spiritual maturity. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of authority and power and how we relate to one another as siblings in Christ.

She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance. Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year. Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too lat? gatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this compelling Regency-era novel laced with intrigue, love, and English village charm for fans of historical romance and whodunit mysteries.

In her new homeland of Iowa, she must risk heartbreak and uncertainty for her dreams to flourish.Maya Bredesen and her husband plan to journey from Norway to a new life at her cousin''s boardinghouse in America, but on one last fateful fishing trip, a fierce winter storm steals away her husband. With her dreams for the future crushed, Maya is left grieving on the voyage to Iowa, accompanied instead by her brother, who plans to finish his seminary degree.Arriving at a boardinghouse spilling over with orphans and a newly married couple, Maya struggles to find her place amid the chaos. A new friendship develops between her and Eben Miller, the reserved, kind farmer next door, but just as Maya begins to recover from her wounded heart, more tragedy engulfs her. As she and Eben weather trials together, can they overcome the difficulties this new land holds when it seems so far from becoming home?This Christian fiction historical read by Lauraine Snelling paints a heartwarming story of family and love on the Midwestern frontier for readers of frontier romance, Janette Oke, and Tracie Peterson.

Discover the freedom that comes from trusting God with today--and tomorrow· 60-day daily devotional to replace fear, anxiety, and worry with promises from God''s Word· visually stunning packaging includes 4-color interiorIf you feel like fear, anxiety, and worry have taken over your thought life or your spirit, you''re not alone. But you also weren''t meant to live this way. God wants more for you--promises more for you. He wants you to live free from fear, to have victory over your anxiety, to face the future with hope rather than worry. He wants you to rest in and rely on Him in times of trouble. He even shows you how in His Word.With compassion born from personal experience, Maddie Joy Fischer invites you on a 60-day journey to overcome the fears that are currently overcoming you. Diving into God''s Word, she shows you that freedom from fear doesn''t mean you''ll never be afraid again. It means that you no longer give fear the authority to consume your thoughts, make your decisions, and dictate your future. The application questions and prompts help you put these devotions into practice so you can see and feel a real difference in your spirit from day one.

An abandoned estate encased in stagnant darkness . . . A haunting legacy intent on silencing all within reach . . . In 1890, the ominous tolling of the bell announces that death has come to Traeger Hall, leaving orphaned Waverly Pembrooke to piece together the puzzle behind her uncle's and aunt's murders. Bound by the terms of her uncle's eccentric will, Waverly finds herself alone in a manor shrouded by death and questioning the reasons for her uncle's paranoia. A madness hovers over Traeger Hall, and Waverly--as well as the people of nearby Newton Creek--are ill-prepared for the woe that has descended. In present day Newton Creek, whispers of a family curse still cling to the century-old, abandoned property of Traeger Hall. When Jennie Phillips takes possession of the estate after her mother's passing, she is intent on solving the mystery of the Traeger murders. Yet a modern cold case suggests that untimely deaths and mysterious occurrences still plague the property. And as thorny truths surface, Jennie realizes the dark legacy threatens not only the town and the Traeger descendants . . . but also, chillingly, Jennie herself. "Readers will be eager to take this twisty, suspense-filled ride."--Publishers Weekly on Specters in the Glass House Follow two timelines set centuries apart in this clean Gothic suspense tale of unsolved murders, haunting rumors, and a troubling family legacy for readers who crave atmospheric thrillers with multilayered mystery, a hint of romance, and glimmers of hope.

In The Incarnation as God''s First Intention, Edwin Chr. van Driel advocates a transformative perspective on the incarnation, proposing that God''s decision to become incarnate was not a response to human sin but was instead God''s first and foundational intention. Engaging the historical and theological roots of this supralapsarian (before the fall) Christology, Van Driel, a leading scholar on the topic, invites readers to reconsider long-held views on God''s engagement with creation.With clarity and depth, Van Driel unpacks how understanding the incarnation as God''s original purpose reshapes the doctrines of creation, election, salvation, and eschatology. His insights offer a fresh framework for the church''s mission in today''s world, suggesting that God''s presence with us is not merely a remedy for human fallenness but, rather, God''s first intention and ultimate goal for creation.Written for students, theologians, and all who seek a deeper understanding of God''s relation to the world, this book challenges readers to see the incarnation, God''s dwelling among us, as God''s central purpose.

Replace Internalized Lies with God''s Unchanging Truth· Replace toxic lies with scriptural truths· Escape the burden of expectations· Finally feel true freedom in Christ· For any woman feeling trapped by comparison and the fear of falling shortAre you feeling burned out by hustle culture? Weighed down by expectations? Stuck in indecision? Overwhelmed by, well, practically everything? It''s not just you. A generation of Christian women are caught between being told they can and should "have it all" and an inner terror that, with one wrong move, it will all come crumbling down. Erica Ligenza Gwynn has lived in the constant tension of being told she is too much yet never enough. After too many uncomfortable years, she finally discovered the key to living free: recognizing and rejecting worldly lies and replacing them with God''s truth.In That''s Just Not True, she shows you a better path forward through the noise. This book is an anthem for true freedom, helping you spot lies you didn''t even know you believed or that the world sells as "empowering" even though they leave you feeling empty. Lies like· If I''m not hustling, I''m lazy· It''s happening for everyone but me· I am enough· I will never be given anything I can''t handle· My feelings are my truth· I''m in control and can "manifest" my dream life· I''m too messy/broken/damaged to be loved· and moreBegin replacing those lies with God''s truth today and find wild freedom in living out your God-given callings with authenticity, purpose, and joy.