Showing results by narrator "Jonathan St. John" in All Categories

At the very heart of God’s plan for the world stands an extraordinary city. Beginning with the garden of Eden in Genesis and ending with the New Jerusalem in Revelation, the biblical story reveals how God has been working throughout history to establish a city filled with his glorious presence. Tracing the development of the theme of city in both testaments, T. Desmond Alexander draws on his experience as a biblical scholar to show us God’s purpose throughout Scripture to dwell with his redeemed people in a future extraordinary city on a transformed earth.

Beauty. Justice. Identity. Love. Stories. Nature. Hope. These things intrigue us, move us and prompt us to ask big questions. Could there be clues in our deepest desires that point to life’s meaning? Have You Ever Wondered? invites you on an immersive tour through the issues that matter. This book is for anyone who has looked at a landscape and contemplated why we are drawn to beauty; or wondered why we are so insatiably curious about our universe, or even for those who have simply looked up at a million stars in the vast night’s sky and just wondered.

An incredible tale of redemption, forgiveness, sacrifice, and love, this classic novel is now paired with the beautiful Christian Readers’ Guide by Jonathan St. John. Each chapter of the original work is followed by St. John’s expert analysis—tying together themes, illuminating character development, and highlighting the Christian morals, undertones, and parallels. Silas Marner and the characters within form a depth of storytelling that evokes rich conversation and enthusiastic annotations.

The Puritan movement began in England during the sixteenth century and continued all the way into the early eighteenth century. Although the Church of England was formed as a result of the Reformation, the Puritans believed it needed much more reform. The book concludes with ten important lessons readers can learn from the Puritans and study questions to help them retain these fascinating stories and assist them in applying the lessons to their lives.

As a physician of souls, John Downame begins this important book by carefully defining anger and distinguishing between righteous and unjust expressions of it. He then helps us consider the properties, causes, kinds, and effects of unjust anger. Finally, moving beyond diagnosis, he presents the cure of sinful anger by prescribing practical strategies for both preventing and overcoming unjust anger in its different forms. Downame writes as a skilled practitioner who has assembled a comprehensive moral and spiritual pharmacy for treating sin-sick souls.

Although believers have a right to every spiritual comfort in Christ, remaining sin and temptation often hinder them from enjoying these blessings. John Owen recognizes that faith is the root on which all genuine comforts grow, and these comforts are ordinarily shared by believers in proportion to the evidences of true faith in their lives. Owen investigates the proper operations of faith that demonstrate its genuineness, encouraging us to cling fast to Christ, pursue holiness, commune with God through worship, and bring our souls into a special state of repentance.

The Puritan movement began in England during the sixteenth century and continued all the way into the early eighteenth century. Although the Church of England was formed as a result of the Reformation, the Puritans believed it needed much more reform.

Thomas Boston was born in 1676 in Duns, Scotland, during a time of religious conflict. Seeing his father imprisoned for his beliefs, Thomas understood that he too might suffer for his faith someday. As a young pastor, Thomas discovered an important book that helped him understand God’s grace more clearly. As helpful as that book was, it also sparked debate in the Church of Scotland and plunged Thomas and other pastors into a heated controversy. Hear how Thomas stood firmly in the face of opposition, defending more than just a book—he was defending the truth of the gospel.

We may know some Bible stories, or maybe we've even read large portions for ourselves. But what it's really all about? How do all the different pieces fit together? In The 30-Minute Bible, experienced Bible teachers Craig Bartholomew and Paige Vanosky present the story of Scripture in thirty short readings, each designed to take about half an hour.

Jonathan Edwards lived at a time when many people were seriously questioning long-accepted ideas about the world, life, and God, and his answers to these questions have left a mark on the way we think today. While he is often remembered as the preacher of a scary sermon about a spider dangling over a fire, he remains significant as one of the greatest thinkers America has produced.

The name St. Patrick is associated with three-leaf clovers and leprechauns, but what was his life really like? Simonetta Carr tells the inspiring story of how Patrick's suffering as a slave opened his eyes to the mercy of God and prepared him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Get to know the real Patrick of Ireland as young listeners learn that the joy of the Lord will sustain them through difficult times and strengthen them to share the gospel.

Charles Spurgeon is considered one of the greatest preachers in the history of Christianity. In this book, Simonetta Carr informs us how young Charles learned to look to Christ alone for salvation, and how he never tired of point others to his savior. See how God used this young country boy to preach to thousands, provide training for pastors, start orphanages, and stand against those who denied basic teachings of the Bible. Interesting facts and a compelling story combine to introduce young listeners to this important British preacher.

From armed bodyguard to galley slave, from loving husband and father to fiery preacher, John Knox was moved by a relentless passion for the honor of God and the purity of His truth and worship. Yet when he was a schoolboy growing up in the small Scottish town of Haddington, he could never have imagined that he would become a major leader of the powerful movement that transformed Scotland into one of the most committed Protestant countries in the world.

An Honest, Well-Experienced Heart introduces us to the life and writings of Puritan preacher and author John Flavel (1627-1691). In his brief introductory biography, Adam Embry discusses Flavel's background, ministry, and theology of keeping the heart, which, for Flavel, is the great business of a Christian's life. Centuries ago, Flavel wrote, Above all other studies in the world, study your own hearts. Embry guides us through forty-two short passages from Flavel's writings that acquaint us with this dedicated Puritan minister's piety.

Jonathan St. John expertly tackles the Christian threads woven into this beloved fairy tale that has inspired many famous works throughout literary history. A wonderful tool for homeschoolers, book clubs, teachers, parents, and more, this Christian Readers' Guide walks through the many layered characters, themes, and plot points and carefully reveals the nature of God, Christ’s sacrifice, and the relationship between The Father and his beloved children as portrayed in George MacDonald’s work.

This comprehensive guide to the Christian faith focuses primarily on the themes of belief and understanding. It offers insights and guidance for those who seek to deepen their knowledge of the Christian faith and improve their personal and spiritual lives. St. Augustine provides practical advice on how to cultivate hope, faith, and charity and explains how these virtues can help Christians grow. He also addresses how to instruct and care for the needs of those who may be unfamiliar with Christianity and who may be seeking to improve their understanding of Christian faith.

After learning to wait on God and after growing a healthy and fruitful relationship with Him, the next step is putting in the work for His kingdom. This collection of 31 daily devotions emphasizes the good work required of God’s children. Andrew Murray reveals not only how important working for God is, but also how to lean into individual giftings from God and how to submit to His laws and ways when working to expand the Kingdom.

The analogy of Christ as the vine and His children as the branches has been referenced and quoted so many times that it has become a common Christian household phrase and inspirational quote. However, it is not often lived out or truly understood and experienced. Andrew Murray details how exactly to live as a part of God’s vine. He expands on what it means to rely on the Father for strength, power, growth, and life. Composed in a style that breaks up into daily meditations, this wealth of information on how to live connected to God is an invaluable resource.

Learning to wait, learning to have patience, and learning to trust are all skills known to be exceedingly valuable and helpful in every aspect of life, yet they are also well known for being some of the most difficult traits to practice and even harder to master. Waiting on God discusses the importance of these practices to develop a healthy and fruitful spiritual life and relationship with God. Divided into 31 chapters, this resource is perfect for a month of dedicated, daily improvement in praying to and waiting on a loving God who fulfills every promise.

Vacations often give us an opportunity to rest and reflect. However, when our normal routines are suspended, it can be hard to spend time with God. These 30 devotions have been specifically designed to help you to rest in the Lord’s goodness and glory during your time away so that you can return home feeling refreshed spiritually as well as physically. You can pick and choose which devotions to listen to depending on the type of vacation you are on, and there are optional family activities linked to each devotion, giving other family members an opportunity to reflect alongside you.