You don't have to be perfect to do God's work. Look no further than the twelve disciples, whose many weaknesses are forever preserved throughout the pages of the New Testament. Join bestselling author John MacArthur in Twelve Ordinary Men as he draws principles from Christ's careful, hands-on training of the original disciples for today's modern disciple, you! Jesus chose ordinary men--fishermen, tax collectors, political zealots--and turned their weakness into strength, producing greatness from people who were otherwise unremarkable. The twelve disciples weren't the stained-glass saints we imagine. On the contrary, they were truly human, all too prone to mistakes, misstatements, wrong attitudes, lapses of faith, and bitter failure. Simply put, they were flawed people, just like us. But under Jesus' teaching and touch, they became a force that forever changed the world. MacArthur takes you into the inner circle of the disciples--their selection, their training, their personalities, and their incredible impact. As MacArthur took a closer look at the lives of the twelve disciples, he found himself asking difficult questions along the way, including: Why did Jesus pick each of the twelve disciples? How did Jesus teach them everything he could in just eighteen short months? Can the lessons that Jesus taught the disciples can still influence our faith today? In Twelve Ordinary Men, you'll learn that disciples are living proof that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. As you get to know the men who walked with Jesus, you'll see that if he can accomplish his purposes through them, he can do the same through you.

A contemporary replacement for the classic "Vine's Expository Dictionary," this newly written reference book covers the key vocabulary of the Bible with an integrated coverage of the Old Testament and New Testament words. Students of the Bible will be able to uncover the meaning of the original biblical text whether or not they have a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek. Each English word entry includes the Hebrew or Greek for that word and explains its nuances and variations in meaning. It is coded to Strong's numbering and is a valuable resource for students, pastors, or the layperson interested in word studies.

A hope-filled expository guide to an epistle written to Christians in a society like ours. A must-read for Christians under cultural pressure. The book of 1 Peter could have been written for our times-a time of antagonism toward biblical ethics, and the marginalization of biblical Christians. Into that culture-our culture-Peter speaks of hope and offers joy as he points believers home to heaven. Juan Sanchez brings his experience of ministry in the US and Latin America, and his pastoral wisdom and insight, to this wonderful epistle-an epistle that every Christian needs to treasure today.

Larry R. Helyer embarks on a comprehensive study of a much neglected figure in New Testament studies. Reconstructing Peter's life, theology and legacy from evidence in 1 and 2 Peter, the Gospels, Acts, Paul's letters and texts from the early church, Helyer renders a great service for future students of the New Testament.

"All thoughtful leaders can admit experiences of ongoing incompetence--dilemmas, decisions, and even debacles that make them question how they became leaders in the first place. When we look at St. Peter, however, we see a great leader who engaged with his weaknesses and knew his shortcomings. By following his example, we become better leaders in any arena. Seminary president Peter Lillback's profound treatment of more than 100 principles drawn from St. Peter helps you to think through your management style, communication, decision-making, and more. Practical spiritual exercises put the lessons of each short chapter into action--bringing joy to our hearts, guidance to our lives, and help to our service"--From publisher's description.

Simon Peter—an ordinary fisherman who heard an extraordinary call. He left everything to follow his teacher and possessed a passion that would change the world. That’s one way to describe Peter. Here’s another: poor, uneducated, quick-tempered, and full of doubts and fears. Doesn’t even sound like the same man. And that’s the point of Simon Peter, a new book and six-week adult Bible study by Adam Hamilton. Peter was just an ordinary guy who heard and followed God’s extraordinary call. Discover how you, too, have special gifts, talents, and abilities that God can use to make a difference today. In addition to the Leader Guide and DVD components for adult studies, corresponding youth and children’s resources, sold separately, can be used to create a churchwide study. Chapters Include: The Call of the Fisherman Walking with Jesus in the Storm Bedrock or Stumbling Block? “I Will Not Deny You” From Cowardice to Courage The Rest of the Story