Amanda’s journey has been filled with good times and bad, but is not without purpose. In her own words, she says, "Sometimes we feel we are walking down a meaningless pathway to nowhere, but in all truth that is just the version of our life’s story Satan wants us to see. Satan doesn't want us to understand that every obstacle presented is able to be overcome; if we could just reach beyond the insecurities, and the atmosphere of fear, doubt, and negativity to embrace God's infinite truth that was graphed into our lives before we were conceived." "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." But Satan’s purpose is to divert that good God-given purpose that God intended for our lives toward that of utter destruction. God knows the thoughts that he thinks toward us, but do we? Do we realize it isn't God's will that anyone perish but that all come to repentance? Yet, God's not going to overrun our will, so God says, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I WILL give you rest." Amanda has come to realize that being a Christian is a bed of roses, because even something as fragile as a rose has the ability to inflict pain. Amanda’s journey hasn't been one of ease, but it has all brought her closer to one thing, love.

Reflecting on the practice of disciple making in young adult, college, graduate, and local church contexts, Jonathan Dodson has discerned some common pitfalls. For many, discipleship is reduced to a form of religious performance before God. For others, it devolves into spiritual license and a loose adherence to spiritual facts. Both approaches distort biblical motivations for Christian obedience and are in need of reform. By explaining various motivations for discipleship, Dodson charts a biblically faithful, grace-driven alternative. Additionally, he provides a practical model for creating gospel-centered discipleship groups—small, reproducible, missional, gender-specific groups of believers that fight for faith together. This book blends both theology and practice to inspire and equip Christians to effectively fight sin, keep Jesus central, and make gospel-centered discipleship a way of life. Both new and growing Christians will learn to trust the gospel in community as they fight together for holiness as well as how to start gospel-centered community groups in any local church.

"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" How should a Christian interpret this passage? What implications does the cross have for the trinitarian theology? Did the Father kill the Son? Theologian Thomas McCall presents a trinitarian reading of Christ's darkest moment--the moment of his prayer to his heavenly Father from the cross. McCall revisits the biblical texts and surveys the various interpretations of Jesus cry, ranging from early church theologians to the Reformation to contemporary theologians. Along the way, he explains the terms of the scholarly debate and clearly marks out what he believes to be the historically orthodox point of view. By approaching the Son's cry to the Father as an event in the life of the Triune God, Forsaken seeks to recover the true poignancy of the orthodox perspective on the cross.

Raised on the south side of Chicago, Jonathan Brooks moved as far away as possible as soon as he could. But through unforeseen events he found himself not only back in Englewood but also serving as a pastor and community leader. In this book he challenges Christians to be fully present in their communities, helping local churches rediscover that loving our neighbors means loving our neighborhoods.

Of the seven statements Christ uttered from the cross, two stand out as being extremely significant in confirming what was being accomplished through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The question, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” gives us a sense of what was in “the cup” of God’s wrathful judgment, which Jesus drank to its bitterest dregs on our behalf. The exclamation, “It is finished!” unquestionably assures us that the Savior’s atoning sacrifice accomplished what was necessary in satisfactorily paying the debt owed for our sin. Your gratitude and faith will be strengthened as you read this book. This book is unique in the following ways: 1. This book focuses on only two of the seven statements Christ made while on the cross, and they are brought together in testimony to the most profound truths concerning God’s plan of salvation. 2. This book includes alternative viewpoints (including historical perspectives) and challenges unbiblical perspectives in regard to these statements of Christ and their significance, including some church dogmas. 3. This book demonstrates that salvation is graciously offered by God based on an individual’s repentant faith. Jesus Christ purchased our redemption. All that is left is for us to repent of sin and receive the Savior. Would you like a “faith lift” today? Would you like your heart to grow in love and gratitude toward the Savior? If so, this book is for you.

He’s spoken of only in whispers. His origins are a mystery. Some say that he’s descended from the last of the angels. Others say much worse. By all appearances, Rol Cortishane is just another ruthless pirate roaming the lawless seas, raiding warships and slavers. But the truth is something far more complicated and dangerous than anyone can imagine, including Rol. Even as he seeks to escape his birthright, Rol is slowly discovering who—and what—he really is. But the revelation won’t come without exacting a terrible price from Rol and all he loves. Now a treacherous figure from his past has made him a proposition it would be fatal to turn down. Racing against time, Rol must chart a harrowing course across the sea, back to the beautiful Rowen and the people she would rule as Queen. With his steadfast crew—the battle-scarred Creed, the mirthful halftroll Gallico, and a young escaped slave named Giffon—Rol will plunge headlong into a destiny as dark as they come. And toward a terrifying battle against an enemy as determined to destroy the world as Rol is to save it.