What does the future hold for us? Where is our world heading? And how should this shape the way we live today?For many Christians, such questions conjure images of chaos, destruction, and doom—and talk of the "end times" evokes anxiety and fear, not hope. In contrast to these sensationalist depictions of the end times, The Story of the Future by Michael J. Svigel offers a refreshing alternative rooted in Scripture and the beliefs of the early church. By directing attention...

Dive into the classic eschatology of Irenaeus of Lyons with The Fathers on the Future as you unpack key truths, untangle misunderstandings, and get a deeper understanding of this balanced and biblically-sound end times framework.Many today with an interest in the end times face a problem—they have forgotten the past. Knowing the history of eschatology is key to understanding its importance, how we interpret our faith, an...

Exploring Christian Scripture provides a robust introductory overview of the narrative of Scripture and guides to how to locate the particulars of each biblical book within this narrative. It offers a collection of resources to familiarize lay and student audiences with the structure, context, and content of each book of the Bible and instructs on how to read it, with an eye toward personal spiritual growth and practical application.

Urban Legends of Church History surveys forty of the most commonly misunderstood events of church history from the period of the early church through the modern age. While these “urban legends” sometimes arise out of falsehood or fabrication, they are often the product of an exaggerated recounting of actual historical events. With a pastoral tone and helpful explanations, authors John Adair and Michael Svigel tackle legendary misconceptions, such as the early church worshiping on ...

From its original composition and wide distribution in the early second century, the Shepherd of Hermas has both puzzled and intrigued readers with its strange images, surprising language, and challenging rhetoric. Today, both critical and confessional scholars struggle with placing its message in its original historical-theological context while lay readers find the work to be riddled with countless puzzles. To help dispel some of the mystery and misunderstandings concerning the Shepherd ...

A "how-to" manual for doing theology, and a handbook of etiquette for doctrinal discussions with other believers.Around a table sit men and women with distinct roles: The Interpreter, the Theologian, the Virtuous, the Philosopher, the Scientist, the Artist, the Minister, and the Historian. Each is ready to engage in a passionate discussion centered on God, his works, and his ways. Regardless of which role you play at the same table, you're invited. You simply need ...

Evangelicalism is in trouble. Surveying the modern evangelical landscape, professor Michael Svigel asks, "Why does evangelicalism appear to be spinning out of control, losing appeal to younger generations, dwindling in numbers, or selling out to pop culture to muster a crowd?" He seeks to answer this question by looking to the past—to a Retro Christianity.Calling for a return to evangelicalism's historical and theological roots, Svigel begins by addressing some of present-day evang...

Cutting through the controversies and doctrinal debates, two trusted Dallas Theological Seminary professors offer a practical, foundational handbook on the basics of Christian theology—and why it matters to everyday life.From humanity and sin to the Trinity to the end times, Svigel and Holsteen show why these topics matter and how you can apply them to your life every day. With a winsome tone, fast-paced style, and everyday language, each chapter of this book covers one key doctrin...

Around a table sit men and women with distinct roles: The Interpreter, the Theologian, the Virtuous, the Philosopher, the Scientist, the Artist, the Minister, and the Historian. Each is ready to engage in a passionate discussion centered on God, his works, and his ways. Regardless of which role you play at the same table, you're invited. You simply need to pull up a chair and join the conversation. But how? What do you say when you take your seat? Where do you start? What are the "rules" o...

New Testament scholar N.T. Wright reveals how we have been misreading the Gospels for centuries, powerfully restoring the lost central story of the Scripture: the powerful arrival of the kingdom of God, where the coronation of God through the acts of Jesus was the climax of human history. Wright fills the gaps that centuries of misdirection have opened up in our collective spiritual story, tracing a narrative from Eden, to Jesus, to today. Wright’s powerful re-reading of the Gospels, a lan...

An illuminating, reassuring explanation of the Catholic Church’s teachings on confession and forgiveness by the bestselling author of The Lamb’s Supper and Hail, Holy Queen.Jesus told his first clergy, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” In Lord, Have Mercy, Scott Hahn explores the sacrament of reconciliation and shows why it is the key to spiritual growth, particularly in these times of i...

Bart Ehrman, author of the highly popular Truth and Fiction in The Da Vinci Code and Lost Christianities, here takes readers on another engaging tour of the early Christian church, illuminating the lives of three of Jesus' most intriguing followers: Simon Peter, Paul of Tarsus, and Mary Magdalene. What do the writings of the New Testament tell us about each of these key followers of Christ? What legends have sprung up about them in the centuries after their deaths? Was Pa...