For much of American history, evangelicalism was aligned with progressive political causes. Nineteenth-century evangelicals fought for the abolition of slavery, universal suffrage, and public education. But contemporary conservative activists have defaulted on this majestic legacy, embracing instead an agenda virtually indistinguishable from the Republican Party platform. Abortion, gay marriage, intelligent design -- the Religious Right is fighting, and winning, some of the most important political battles of the twenty-first century. How has evangelical Christianity become so entrenched in partisan politics? Randall Balmer is both an evangelical Christian and a historian of American religion. Struggling to reconcile the contemporary state of evangelical faith in America with its proud tradition of progressivism, Balmer has headed to the frontlines of some of the most powerful and controversial organizations tied to the Religious Right. With a skillful combination of grassroots organization, ideological conviction, and media savvy, the leaders of the movement have mobilized millions of American evangelical Christians behind George W. Bush's hard-right political agenda. Deftly combining ethnographic research, theological reflections, and historical context, Balmer laments the trivialization of Christianity -- and offers a rallying cry for liberal Christians to reclaim the noble traditions of their faith.

A thorough study that traces the kingdom program from Genesis to Revelation, relating the various biblical covenants.

First published in 1970, this book helped spur the modern rise of postmillennialism. Revelation's details are often perplexing, even baffling, and yet its main meaning is clear: it is a book about victory. It tells us that our faith can only result in victory. "This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4). This is why knowing Revelation is so important. It assures us of our victory and celebrates it. Genesis 3 tells us of the fall of man into sin and death. Revelation gives us man's victory in Christ over sin and death. The vast and total victory, in time and eternity, set forth by John in Revelation is too important to bypass. This victory is celebrated in Daniel and elsewhere in the Bible. We are not given a Messiah who is a loser. These eschatological texts make clear that the essential good news of the entire Bible is victory, total victory.

Monsters are real.When I was five years old, I watched my mother take her last breath-a breath three monsters stole from her.I never chose this life. My father says it's my birthright, but all I see is a curse. It's because of the Kelly name my mum was slain by the Doyles-our enemies in Dublin, the fellas livin' on borrowed time. All of Belfast fears my family, especially me. I'm Puck Kelly, otherwise known as Punky; the lad ye don't want to double cross. I don't do feelings or emotions. I never have...until she walks into my world.Babydoll is a liar and a thief, but I can't stay away. We both thrive in the darkness because that's where our demons can play.No word af a lie, sixteen years later, those monsters still haunt my dreams. But every monster is scared of somethin'...and that somethin' is me.No more hiding in the shadows because I'm huntin' youse. Run, wee monsters, run.

Jesus' final words to his disciples ring down through the ages: preach the gospel to every individual and disciple every nation. Preach the gospel? Got it. But what does it mean to disciple the nations? Do I preach or teach? To individuals or groups of people? What exactly did Jesus want me to do? Come explore these questions through Scripture, history, and the ideas and experiences of those who are actively engaged in discipling nations. You'll discover that God's kingdom comes in and through many ministries, vocations, and locations-from university campuses to developing regions, in kitchens and boardrooms, through government, journalism, and the arts. All followers of Christ, not a select group, are needed to bring God's grace and truth to individuals, cultures, and nations, to do the works God prepared in advance for us to do. Jesus' words are for each of us, wherever we are and whatever God has gifted us to do. What does it look like for you, for the body of Christ worldwide, to respond passionately and creatively to the call of God in our day to see every person and every nation transformed?

Some two hundred selections give evidence of a lifetime of intensive and fruitful struggle with the great issues of faith: redemption, the kingdom of God, revelation, pacifism, and the suffering of humanity.

Monsters are real...and that monster is me.I've surrendered. I have no other choice.With Babydoll gone, I'm going to do whatever it takes to find her.I will lie.Cheat.Murder...and I'll do so with a smile.I'll even sell my soul to the devil...because that's who my father, Sean Kelly, is. He won't stop until Belfast is his. He knows I'm at my breaking point. Just how far will he push until I lose myself to the darkness for good?But I'm prepared to give it all away. She's all that matters.However, this life isn't done with me yet.A startling secret threatens to destroy me, and a new player is introduced into the game. I don't know if he is a friend or foe. What I do know is that he has the power to change the world as I know it.He wants what is mine.My kingdom.My name.And my legacy.But I am Puck Kelly--and every monster is scared of somethin'...and that somethin' is me.No more hiding in the shadows because I'm huntin' youse, and this time, I won't lose.Run, wee monsters, run.