This concise introduction to the basics of the history, interpretation, and theological understandings of the Bible equips students to think critically about their own approach to Scripture.

A succinct, readable survey of key Christian thinkers and significant theological developments from the church's inception to the present.

The Apostles' Creed is a treasure trove of basic Christian beliefs and wisdom that helps ensure the integrity and orthodoxy of our faith. Sadly, modern churches have often hesitated to embrace the ancient creeds because of our "nothing but the Bible" tradition. In What Christians Ought to Believe Michael Bird will open your eyes to the possibilities of the Apostles' Creed as a way to explore and understand the essential teachings of the Christian faith. Bringing together theological commentary, tips for application, and memorable illustrations, What Christians Ought to Believe summarizes the basic tenets of the Christian faith using the Apostles' Creed as its entryway. After first emphasizing the importance of creeds for the formation of the Christian faith, each chapter, following the Creed's outline, introduces the Father, the Son, and the Spirit and the Church. An appendix includes the Apostles' Creed in the original Latin and Greek. What Christians Ought to Believe is ideally suited for both the classroom and the church setting to teach beginning students and laypersons the basics of what Christians ought to affirm if they are to be called Christians.

Many people today, both Christians and non-Christians, are confused about or unaware of the essentials of Christian faith. In this book, Anna Wierzbicka takes a radically new approach to the task of communicating "what Christians believe" to the widest possible audience. "The Story of God and People," the heart of the book, sets out the core tenets of Christian faith in narrative form using simple language that is accessible to anyone, even those with no familiarity with Christianity or Christian vocabulary. The Story is not only simple but also universal: though written in English, it is not phrased in full English--English as we know it today, shaped by history, culture, and tradition--but in "Minimal English." Minimal English contains only those 400 or so English words that can be translated into any other language; essentially, it corresponds to the shared core of all languages. In the introduction to the book, Wierzbicka explains Minimal English and minimal languages in general, and in "The Story of God and People" that follows, she demonstrates the effectiveness of Minimal English as a tool for global understanding. At the same time, the use of Minimal English allows her not only to retell the Christian story in a strikingly new way, but also to rethink its meaning, bringing into relief its internal cohesion, logic and beauty.

This full-color book explains basic Christian beliefs in an easy-to-understand way. Includes explanations of 16 essential doctrines, the Trinity, Jesus’ claims, the Resurrection, salvation, and heaven. It covers the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed. Includes charts that compares 12 denominations, the two most common methods of baptism, and four Christian views of the End Times in the Book of Revelation. Includes 6-week study guide for individual or group use. Overview:Essential Doctrines: the 16 key beliefs Christians holdCreeds: These simple summary statements were the early Church’s way of training new believers, and helping them discern truth from error.The Trinity: Simple explanation, plus answers to questions. Includes diagrams, illustrations, and ways of helping people understand what the Trinity is—and isn’t.Life of Jesus: His claims, his miracles, his death, resurrection, ascension, and Second Coming. This covers the key biblical passages. Includes a timeline and a map of Jesus’ travels.Denominations Comparison: Helpful side-by-side comparison of the beliefs of 12 Christian church groups on God, Scripture, Church structure, founder, date, and more. Shows where they are unified and where they diverge.Baptism: Covers Jesus’ command to be baptized, the symbolism in Scripture for baptism, what to expect when being baptized. Includes the most common types of baptism and what biblical basis and symbolism is being emphasized.Understanding the Book of Revelation: Shows four approaches that serious Christians have taken to this book over the past 2000 years. This side-by-side comparison helps Christians focus on Christ—the beginning and the end.Heaven: Compares the popular views of Heaven in the media with the actual passages in Scripture. Very encouraging to know about this place of joy, restoration, and healing. Ideas for Use:Discipleship for individuals or groupsIntro to Christianity (for new believers or a refresher course)Confirmation classesPre-baptism or Baptism prepHomeschoolingSunday schoolHome fellowshipSmall group

We’re all searching. Sometimes the search is easy: simply type a question and the answer pops up. But sometimes our questions are complicated, and the answers are difficult to see and harder to articulate. How do we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? Adam Hamilton believes that some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles’ Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. In this book, Hamilton considers important questions of life, reality, and truth. He explores not only what Christians believe, but also why they believe it and why it matters. Chapters include: God Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit The Church at the Communion of Saints The Forgiveness of Sins The Resurrection of the Body Creed: What Christians Believe and Why is also part of a six-week church-wide program that includes a Leader Guide, DVD, and youth and children resources.

The Essentials Explained Master storyteller and essayist C. S. Lewis here tackles the central questions of the Christian faith: Who was Jesus? What did he accomplish? What does it mean for me? In these classic essays, which began as talks on the BBC during World War II, Lewis creatively and simply explains the basic tenets of Christianity. Taken from the core section of Mere Christianity, the selection in this gift edition provides an accessible way for more people to discover these timeless truths. For those looking to remind themselves of the things they hold true, or those looking for a snapshot of Christianity, this book is a wonderful introduction to the faith.