InterVarsity Press Books

The theme of repentance is evident in almost every Old and New Testament corpus. However, it has received little sustained attention over the past half-century of scholarship. In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, Mark Boda offers a comprehensive overview of the theological witness of Scripture to the theme of repentance, a return to intimate fellowship with the triune God, our Creator and Redeemer.

With Playing God, Andy Crouch opens the subject of power, elucidating its subtle activity in our relationships and institutions. He gives us much more than a warning against abuse, though. Turning the notion of "playing God" on its head, Crouch celebrates power as the gift by which we join in God's creative, redeeming work in the world.

Steve Hayner was serving as president of Columbia Seminary and was healthy and fit when he found out he had terminal pancreatic cancer. These pages, including reflections from some of those closest to Steve and his wife Sharol, offer us a hope-filled glimpse into what it means to walk with God in honesty, with joy, even through great pain.

What if our view of testimony is all wrong? Integrating sociological analysis and theological reflection, Amanda Drury presents testimony as not merely something that describes what happened in the past, but as an essential practice for Christian spiritual formation, especially for adolescents in the process of developing their identity.

Renowned Christian musician John Michael Talbot calls the church to greater unity and service under God's authority. A parable of God as Master Musician and God's people as his instruments, this spiritual meditation draws us into closer union with Jesus and each other. A free download is available for the companion song of the same name.

John Stapleford interacts with seven standard introductory economics texts to show how ethics are inextricably intertwined with economic life and analysis. This revised and expanded edition includes discussions of entitlements, global poverty, government debt, healthcare reform and immigration reform.

M. Robert Mulholland Jr. fleshes out a carefully worded definition of spiritual formation that encompasses the dynamics of a vital Christian life and counters our culture's tendency to trivialize, methodize and privatize spirituality.

In this fast-paced fictional account, we follow Appius, a Roman centurion, and Tullus, his Jewish slave, from battles to the gladiator arena and finally to the village of Capernaum where they encounter a Jewish prophet from Nazareth. Seeing Galilee of Jesus' day through Roman eyes, we learn much about the culture and social world of Romans and Jews.

While many Christians wonder whether we really need the Old Testament, John Goldingay turns the question around: Perhaps Jesus' Bible—the Old Testament—is enough. Goldingay probes our misreading of the Old Testament and brings out the richness of the "First Testament's" message as Israel's and the church's gospel.

Now is the time for the church to reclaim its role as a center of creativity. Among your members are artists and musicians whose gifts can enhance your worship, inform your theology and impact your community. Christian arts advocate J. Scott McElroy gives a comprehensive vision and manual for unleashing creativity in your congregation.