This book is a study of the various metaphors, figures, similes, and usages of water found in the book of Isaiah. It covers representations of water relating to: water as a blessing in nature; the sea as a symbol of the expanse of space; Yahweh, the rider of the clouds; water or absence of water as symbol of divine punishment, hardships, and affliction; water as a defense strategy in military circumstances; water as a means of dilution; rain and snow as symbols of Yahweh's word; various forms of water symbolizing arrogance; rain, streams, water, and snow as symbols of forgiveness; water as a metaphor for Yahweh's control over nations and triumph over enemies; calm water as a symbol of trust in Yahweh; Yahweh's knowledge as waters cover the sea; water, lack of water, and overcoming threatening water as metaphors or similes for restoration and help; the great river as a symbol of the influx of nations; tears as the manifestation of lament and mourning; dew as a symbol of serenity and life-giving power; the personification of water; troubled waters as a symbol of the wicked; swimming as desperate effort to survive; and cultic practices involving water. These themes emphasize important religious truths in the book of Isaiah. They include many concepts dealing with the nature and mighty acts of Yahweh; sin, punishment and forgiveness; Yahweh's work over and through nations; personal and corporate matters like trust and lament; and Yahweh’s work in nature.

The book of Revelation has many clues in it, that tell us how it should be understood. These clues include many references to the Old Testament that it's using. By putting these texts from other prophets alongside those of Revelation, the true meaning of the images of Revelation become obvious. But also the true meaning of the other prophets becomes clear. This might be a little bit different than what is being thaught all over the place today. Revelation is far more about God's plan with Israel/Judah than most people would like. Revelation is written while Nero was emperor. Revelation predicted the suicide of Nero and the civil war in Rome that erupted after that. Revelation predicted the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70. Revelation predicted Hitler and his Third Reich. Revelation predicted the resurrection of the people of Juda, that happened in 1948. Revelation predicts that Israel/Judah will accept Jesus as Mesiah to a large extend. Revelation shows what the true reading of Daniel 12 should be. Daniel 12 shows that the season in which Jesus will come back has already started and this season will end at 2060.

Through the orienting lens of nexus passages, biblical scholar Kevin Chen offers a constructive, evangelical approach to the Old Testament that is both exegetical and intertextual. In this thorough analysis, Chen shows how these nexus passages serve as lexical, thematic, and theological hubs for understanding the Old Testament.

This addition to A Catholic Biblical Theology of the Sacraments series provides readers with a deeper appreciation of God's gifts and call in the Sacraments through a renewed encounter with God's Word. New Testament scholar Isaac Morales, OP, offers a biblical theology of the initiatory rite of baptism that will be interesting and informative to the church catholic. Morales provides a synthetic biblical account of the sacrament of baptism, rooted in the rich water symbolism of the Old Testament and finding its full flourishing in baptismal participation in the saving events of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection as described in the New Testament. This book provides lay teachers with background and depth on topics taught frequently in the parish, making it suitable for classroom use and parish ministry. The series editors are Timothy C. Gray and John Sehorn. Gray is president of the Augustine Institute, which has one million subscribers to its online content channel, Formed.org. Gray and Sehorn both teach at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, which prepares students for Christian mission through on-campus and distance education programs.

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples.” So, what exactly are we doing? Western churches face a difficult future marked by numerical decline and evident signs of shrinking cultural influence. But Discipleship in Community wisely asks the church to go back to basics. What does it mean to follow Jesus? What does a life of discipleship look like? Trusted scholars Mark Powell, John Mark Hicks, and Greg McKinzie invite you to consider how good theology can lead to better, more intentional discipleship. In Discipleship in Community you will learn • how the language of Trinity matters to everyday disciples; • how God’s plan and mission is unfolding and how, as disciples, we can participate in that mission; • how the Bible is more than a book of facts and how it guides us into a relationship with God; • how baptism and the Lord’s Supper allow us to experience God’s saving power; and • how local churches can encourage intentional discipleship.

In Effective Prayer Charles Spurgeon urges men to come before the presence of God striving in prayer. Let us earnestly plead that the blessings of God's merciful promises would be given, for Christ's sake, on the merit of His attributes. "If God’s mercies came to us unasked, they would not be half so useful as they now are, when they have to be sought for; for now we get a double blessing, a blessing in the obtaining, and a blessing in the seeking. The very act of prayer is a blessing."