George Bourne was one of the early American republic’s first immediate abolitionists, an influential figure who paved the way for the campaign against slavery in the antebellum period. His approach to reform was shaped by a conservative Protestant outlook that became increasingly hostile to Catholicism. In To Preach Deliverance to the Captives, Ryan C. McIlhenny examines the interplay of Bourne’s pioneering efforts in abolitionism and his intensely anti-Catholic views. McIlhenny portrays Bourne as both a radical and a conservative, a reformer who desired to get back to the roots of Christianity for the purpose of completely dismantling slavery. Bourne’s commentary on a variety of controversial topics—slavery, race, and citizenship; the role of women; Christianity and republicanism; the importance of the Bible; and the place of the church in civil society—put him at the center of many debates. He remains a complex figure: a polymath situated within the political, social, and cultural possibilities of an early republic that he was eager to play a part in shaping. Bourne’s religious radicalism gave rise to his hope for an emerging post-revolutionary republic that would focus mainly on its religious foundations. The strength of the American nation, in Bourne’s mind, rested not only on institutions indicative of a republican form of government but also on a pure Christianity, exemplified best in historical Protestantism. To Bourne, the future of the fledgling nation depended not only on principles and institutions but also on the activism of Protestant leaders like himself.

This book takes us behind prison bars--to hear powerful, simple, direct sermons by the man widely known as the twentieth century's most influential theologian. Originally delivered to inmates of the prison in Basel, Switzerland, these sermons shine with Karl Barth's thought and exaltation of the living Christ. Including sermons on the great feasts of the Christian year such as Christmas and Easter, Deliverance to the Captives offers new hope powerfully phrased, and a wide entry into the thought of a supreme theologian.

In 1807, the slave trade was abolished throughout the British Empire, the result of a 20-year-long campaign in which both Parliament and the public played an active role. The Particular Baptists significantly contributed to the success of this campaign, advocating for abolition in sermons, petitions and newspapers. Their biggest contribution to the debate was in sermons, five of which were preached and published between 1788 and 1792, and are reproduced, some for the first time since the 18th century, in this book. The role of religion in abolition, and Non-conformist Christians in particular, has been long understated, yet these texts are an indispensable resource for discovering the sentiments not only of Particular Baptists, but of all the abolitionists. In the preface, the wider work of Particular Baptists in opposing the slave trade, through the denominational structure, petitions and publications, is explored. In addition to the five sermons, a hymn of thanksgiving for the slave trade's abolition, composed by John Rippon in 1807, is reproduced. A biographical sketch of each author is provided, as well as a selection of contemporary reviews of the sermons.

In Preaching and Preachers, the author states unapologetically his attitudes about his role in the church and explains his methodology, all the while addressing various problems and questions that have been put to him.

Releasing the Captives is a prophetic journey presenting an unseen captivity that holds Christians back from the purposes and calling God has for their lives. A spiritually thought-provoking voyage into a prison where a prisoner’s mind binds his body with chains that only he can break by focusing on Jesus. The prisoner encounters the Lord, the Warden (satan), apostle Paul, Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Abraham. The prison scenes are vivid and the bondages that keep believers from being completely free are brutally true and will stir your spirit and soul. Presented in a refreshingly unique way, new as well as seasoned Christians will be shocked into realizing that they are imprisoning themselves day after day, year after year—falling as easy prey to satan’s deceptions and evil ploys. You will learn how to: See yourself and others through God’s eyes. Avoid traps and lies of the enemy. Live outside of the bondages that grow comfortable. Walk forward with the Lord, not turn back to previous cycles. Live out the testimony of Jesus to release captives. You can leave behind the chains of judgment, the bars of unbelief, and the walls of your past to join Jesus and hear God’s voice, creating a new closeness with the Lord.

The book was first published in 1915. Jesus the Christ is the classic presentation of the life and ministry of the Savior. It helps people get a deeper understanding of the subject and give inspiration to believers. This book is often used in ministry and for the preparation of sermons.

In a rapidly changing culture, many of us struggle to talk about faith. We can no longer assume our friends understand words such as grace or gospel. Others, like lost and sin, have become so negative they are nearly conversation-enders. Jonathan Merritt knows this frustration well. After moving from the Bible Belt to New York City, he discovered that the sacred terms he used to describe his spiritual life didn’t connect as they had in the past. This launched him into an exploration of an increasing American reluctance to talk about faith—and the data he uncovered revealed a quiet crisis of affecting millions. In this groundbreaking book, Jonathan revives ancient expressions through incisive cultural commentary, vulnerable personal narratives, and surprising biblical insights. Both provocative and liberating, Learning to Speak God from Scratch will breathe new life into your spiritual conversations and invite you into the embrace of the God who inhabits them.