Lee Gatiss

The early church used patterns of set readings to guide Christians through scripture. Over the centuries, these readings developed into full Lectionaries to guide communities through the Bible, week by week, year by year. This new set of reflections on the church's weekly Lectionary readings invites readers to join in this tradition and connect with the living, global church. Keeping in step with the weekly rhythm of Lectionary readings, The Word Week by Week provides a series of short reflections that unpack the weekly readings in the Revised Common Lectionary and Common Worship. Inspiring, uplifting and pastorally rooted, each reflection equips Bible readers, teachers and leaders for lives of daily worship, meditation and service. Drawing on wide biblical and historical sources to help make fruitful connections between the lectionary readings for each Sunday, this book is a catalyst for further reflection and exploration of God's word. A companion for anyone who belongs to a church that follows the Lectionary, or for those seeking to rediscover the wonder and joy of being part of the weekly rhythm of the worldwide church, it will strengthen the desire to help the whole of God's word be better heard and understood in our churches.

'A lovely invitation to bring "a smile to God's face".' Tim Chester How can we live for a higher purpose and pleasure in both this life and the next That is the subject of this short but thought-provoking book, which traces the theme of "pleasing God" through the whole Bible, with Jesus at its centre, along with saints through the ages who have explored the same practical question. Whether read as a weekly Lent study, or at any time of year, Lee Gatiss offers a sure-footed and warm-hearted guide. This book will help you grasp the Bible's teaching on the subject of living to please God, as well as reveal how the Old and New Testaments fit together around that theme. Drawing deeply on the wells of the past, you will be inspired and equipped to live to please God in daily life. 'A beautiful picture of the God-pleasing life.' Donald John Maclean 'A great read for anyone seeking happiness...' Vuyani Sindo

Delve into the depths of Paul’s experiential and godly wisdom in 2 Timothy and Titus, and find encouragement for your own ministry These are difficult days for those who pastor God’s people. In many parts of the world, especially in the West, culture and society have turned away from their Christian past, as if from something both passé and repulsive. Churches are profoundly divided over how to cope with this disorientating situation, and there is much unseemly confrontation. It is no wonder then that many people who might previously have considered giving their lives to full–time ministry in the church are now uneasy and uncertain at the prospect. And yet it is at just such a time — when huge swathes of the population are ignorant of even the basics of the faith, and churchgoers are often left confused and bewildered by the deep public rifts in the church — that we need trustworthy spiritual guides. Paul, an apostle, missionary church planter, and a pastor of great experience, wrote to Timothy and Titus, his trusted younger colleagues in the ministry. They were facing huge challenges in serving the gospel, trying to keep their churches safe from charlatans and false teaching while doing the work of an evangelist in places famously full of idolatry, immorality, and entrenched opposition. Paul’s letters gave them the guidance they needed in such a moment, to keep them on track. And his words contain vital instruction for those in the ministry today. Shamelessly Suffering for the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:1–10)Unashamedly Standing by Paul (2 Timothy 1:8–18)Soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:1–13)Protecting the Flock (2 Timothy 2:14–26)Keep Calm and Carry On (2 Timothy 3)Fulfil Your Ministry (2 Timothy 4)A Remedy for Plague (Titus 1)What Accords with Sound Doctrine (Titus 2)The Mercy and Grace of God (Titus 3) Whether you are considering going into gospel ministry of some kind, training for it, or already engaged in it, this is a book to help you “fulfil your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5), discharging all its many difficult duties — for the glory of God and the good of the world.

365 daily readings from one of the greatest theologians of the Puritan movement John Owen (1616–1683) was one of the best known and most prolific English church leaders of the 17th Century. His writings have been a challenge and encouragement to believers throughout the centuries since and have influenced many leaders in the church today. In this attractively bound faux leather book, Lee Gatiss has selected a reading from John Owen’s writings for each day of the year. Theologically sharp, these readings will help you to see the majesty of God anew. Includes some extracts from Owen that are not currently in print anywhere else, and freshly translations of his Latin works. Each reading is just a page long but is packed with theological insight. Spending a little time with this giant of the faith every day will help you to delight in the joy of the gospel again.

"Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." (1 Thess 4:14). The epistles of the New Testament provide unparalleled insight into the realities of the life of the early church, guidance for those called to lead the church, and comfort in the face of pressing theological questions. Among those letters are 1 and 2 Thessalonians, which address questions about the expected return of Christ, the pastoral epistles of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, written to two of Paul's coworkers who were overseeing early churches, and Philemon, which concerns the relationship between a slave and his master. The Protestant Reformers of the sixteenth century also found wisdom and guidance in these letters. For example, Martin Luther reminded the Christians of his day that Paul had encouraged believers "not to sorrow over the dead as others who have no hope, but to comfort each other with God's Word as having a certain hope of life and of the resurrection of the dead." In this volume of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture, Lee Gatiss and Bradley Green guide readers through a diversity of early modern commentary on the epistles of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Readers will hear from familiar voices and discover lesser-known figures from a variety of theological traditions, including Lutherans, Reformed, Radicals, Anglicans, and Roman Catholics. Drawing upon a variety of resources—including commentaries, sermons, treatises, and confessions—much of which appears here for the first time in English, this volume provides resources for contemporary preachers, enables scholars to better understand the depth and breadth of Reformation commentary, and seeks to bring guidance and comfort in the midst of today's challenges.

The Protestant Reformers of the sixteenth century regained, retold, and relied on the gospel of grace — and we can learn from their tragedies and triumphs, their dark deeds and noble heroics. The stories of Ulrich Zwingli, William Tyndale, Martin Luther, John Calvin and Thomas Cranmer remind us of the glorious truths which warmed the hearts and fired the souls of passionate and imperfect people, and how they tried to share the good news of Jesus Christ in their generation. Will it strengthen and inspire passionate and imperfect Christians today to emulate their clarity, their courage, and their compassion for the lost?

Let Calvin, Luther, Bullinger and Cranmer sit alongside you as you open up your Bible day by day. The writings of these Reformers have been edited, and in parts translated, by Dr Lee Gatiss. Each day includes helpful questions and prompts to apply the Reformers' insights to your life and bring the Reformation to life in your own devotional walk with God. 2017 is the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Explore with the Reformers includes brief biographies of John Calvin, Martin Luther, Heinrich Bullinger and Thomas Cranmer. Enjoy the treasures of Genesis, the Psalms, Galatians, the Ten Commandments, and more.