In this expanded edition of a classic work of spiritual theology, historian Richard Lovelace presents a history of spiritual renewals in light of biblical models. With scholarly and pastoral insight, he offers a powerful vision of renewal that can unify various models across traditions, combining individual and corporate spirituality, social activism, and evangelism.

Worship. Small groups. Community outreach. Prayer Evangelism. Political action. Missions. Signs of renewal are springing up everywhere. How can we encourage and sustain this spiritual vigor? How can we make renewal a way of life? Spiritual growth, says Richard Lovelace, depends on grasping and applying certain key biblical principles. We need to understand how the forces of evil work against us and what God has done for us in Christ. Lovelace begins by focusing on our need to develop a God-centered, kingdom-centered life. He then details the dangers and strategies of the world, the flesh and the devil. Individually we are renewed as we grow in Christ, who accepts us, frees us from bondage to sin, and lives in us through the Holy Spirit. Corporately we are renewed as we pray, participate in community life, increase our theological depth, and reach out with the gospel in word and deed. This book incorporates insights from seven years' thought since Lovelace's earlier Dynamics of Spiritual Life. Its shorter length and added discussion questions make it ideal for small group study as well as for individual reflection. This is a guidebook for all who desire spiritual growth.

Most people think of weakness as purely negative, but true Christianity embraces weakness as a way of life. In this collection of meditations on 2 Corinthians, renowned Bible scholar and theologian J. I. Packer reflects on the central importance of weakness for the Christian life. He exhorts readers to look to Christ for strength, affirmation, and contentment in the midst of their own sin and frailty. Now in his mid-eighties, Packer mediates on the truths of Scripture with pastoral warmth and exegetical care, drawing on lessons learned from the experience of growing older and coming face-to-face with his own mortality. Overflowing with wisdom gleaned from a life of obedience to Christ and dependence on his Word, this encouraging book ultimately directs readers to the God who promises to be ever-present and all-sufficient.

Pastors and church leaders can use the normal activities of church life to touch the innermost lives of their flock, fostering spiritual growth and building up the body of Christ.

A New York Times bestseller people can believe in—by "a pioneer of the new urban Christians" (Christianity Today) and the "C.S. Lewis for the 21st century" (Newsweek). Timothy Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics, and even ardent believers, have about religion. Using literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and potent reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand their ground against the backlash to religion created by the Age of Skepticism. And to skeptics, atheists, and agnostics, he provides a challenging argument for pursuing the reason for God.

Our churches have hardly begun to tap the potential in the pews. Many Christians have settled for far less than God intends because many have never discovered or developed their spiritual gifts. "An understanding of Ephesians 4:11-16 has changed my entire perspective on my Christian service. I discovered that one of my highest priorities must be equipping the saints for their work of service. Pursuing this objective I have made a second discovery. Exceedingly few believers are conscious of possessing a spiritual gift, and even fewer know what their gift is or what to do about it. My third discovery is that few things can be of greater assistance to a Christian in setting his own priorities or discerning the will of God than knowing his own gift. These are the discoveries that have motivated me to prepare this book," says the author. Included are chapters on: - The Definition of a Gift - The Distribution of the Gifts - A Description of the Gifts - The Distinctions Within the Gifts.

Content: Creation: The Kenosis of the Father - The Fall: The Negative Kenosis of Humanity - Redemption: The Kenosis of the Son - Sanctification: The Kenosis of the Holy Spirit - The Kenosis of the Individual - The Kenosis of Humankind - A Model of Kenosis.