Many churches have an official process to join their membership. Is this really a biblical practice? The authors show that the Bible assumes the necessity of formal church membership so that we can fulfill the commands and apply the promises given to the church. Clearly and carefully, and answering contemporary objections along the way, the authors make the biblical case that God desires the members of His heavenly kingdom to join with the earthly society that reflects it Christ's body, the church.

Many churchgoers assume that worship is inherently boring, something we need to make exciting. But as Jonathan Landry Cruse shows, churchgoing only seems monotonous and mundane because our eyes are blinded to the supernatural wonder that is taking place all around us.

Church history is important because it shows us how God's faithful dealings with his people in the Bible continue in the ongoing life and work of Christ in our world. If you have ever wished for a short book highlighting church history's most important events that will enlighten your mind and pique your interest, this is the one you've been waiting for. Three prolific church historians collaborate their efforts in Church History 101 to present you with a quick listen of church history's high points.

In God's Battle Plan for the Mind, pastor David Saxton seeks to convince God's people of the absolute necessity for personal meditation and motivate them to begin this work themselves. But he has not done this alone. Rather, he has labored through numerous Puritan works in order to bring together the best of their insights on meditation. Standing on the shoulders of these giants, Saxton teaches us how to meditate on divine truth and gives valuable guidance about how to rightly pattern our thinking throughout the day.

In Watchfulness, Brian Hedges provides a fresh look at the what, why, how, when, and who of watchfulness, drawing principles from Scripture and instruction from believers of the past who have understood this discipline and written about it. Designed for reflection, self-examination, and personal application, with "Examine and Apply" questions at the end of each chapter, this book will chart your course toward greater watchfulness, increased holiness, and deeper communion with the triune God.

Many Christians mistakenly believe that true Christians don't get depressed, and this misconception heaps additional pain and guilt onto Christians who are suffering from mental and emotional distress. Author David P. Murray comes to the defense of depressed Christians, asserting that Christians do get depressed!

Talk is cheap, and so is a profession of faith apart from repentance. But we live in a day when people put more stock in a once-said prayer than a life reflective of a renewed heart. Taking Matthew 7:13-27 as his text, Paul Washer reminds us of Jesus' insistence that his way is narrow and that its travelers will bear good fruit and rest on the solid foundation of God's word.

It should come as no surprise that misunderstandings about the gospel message and the nature of true conversion result in a problem with genuine assurance of salvation. A pseudo-gospel of easy believism has led many into careless presumption, and a poor understanding of salvation has abandoned tender consciences to near spiritual despair.

Sometimes the many tasks of homemaking and motherhood seem unending, and many moms wonder if they will ever feel productive. Author Esther Engelsma says moms can feel productive - if they change the way they think about their work. She helps readers understand that God's goal for moms is not centered on getting things done. Rather, God wants them to use time well, grow in sanctification, and glorify Him. With a warm, friendly style, the author shares from scripture and practical experience the freeing truth of God's purpose for moms and their valuable kingdom work.

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend," Proverbs 27:17 tells us. God uses Christian friendships to help His children grow in grace and stay true to Christ. But our 21st century Western culture values individualism, busyness, and selfishness qualities that do not encourage deep, long-lasting, satisfying friendships.

So often in the moment we ask ourselves, "How did we get here?" If you are looking for a solution that not only helps you reduce the emotional temperature but also would have reduced the flare-up in the first place then Thomas Parr has trusted, biblical answers. Healing Contentious Relationships will help you get to grips with the way pride, covetousness, and unbelief cause us to mistreat others and how God grants grace in Christ to resolve such tension. Treat your war-weary soul to answers from the Spirit of peace.

This short, no-nonsense guide equips you with practical tools and Christ-centered encouragement for the daily grind of Christian family leadership. Joel Beeke speaks directly to men pursuing biblical manhood—challenging them to step up to God’s calling—while reminding them to rest in the finished work of Christ alone.

Using the Puritan writings judiciously, Joel R. Beeke and Brian G. Hedges provide 12 fascinating chapters on how the Puritans help us in a variety of ways, such as shaping our lives by the Scriptures, convicting our consciences of the subtlety and sinfulness of sin, opening for us the beauty and loveliness of Christ, and much more.

In How Can I Overcome Lust?, Ryan M. McGraw highlights the seriousness of sexual lust and gives listeners hope for overcoming it. He considers the foundational principles of overcoming lust in general, identifies the nature of sexual lust in particular, and applies biblical principles for finding a path through it. As McGraw shows, overcoming sexual lust is made possible by union with Christ as the Spirit makes us like Him through God-given means. He also encourages us to meditate on appropriate truths of Scripture so that our affections can be reordered in a God-honoring way.

The author of Romans: The Gospel of God for Obedience to the Faith presents her latest book.