R. C. Sproul

What do Christians believe about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the church, salvation, eternal life, and more? This contemporary classic from theologian R. C. Sproul provides a matchless introduction to the basics of the Christian faith.

Speculation and theories abound about what the last days have in store for us. But what did Jesus believe and teach about the end times and the timing of his return? R. C. Sproul points believers back to the words of Christ, offering them a solid footing amid ever-shifting opinion about the age to come.

Despite claiming unbelief in God or any higher power that may have designed or created the world and all that is in it, modern scientists often write and speak of chance as some kind of being or force that can cause things to happen. In one breath they push the evolution agenda and in the next they say that creatures were "designed" with specific traits. In this classic book, R. C. Sproul and Keith Mathison call the scientific world to employ logic and clarity in their discourse, to leave the word chance as an abstract concept to describe mathematical possibilities rather than an ontological being that can actually cause change. This expanded edition includes a new chapter dealing with the most recent attempts to defend irrational scientific statements. Two new appendices answer critics and review other literature on scientific discoveries that support belief in a Creator God.

Dealing sensitively with touchstone issues, R. C. Sproul sends a challenge to deepen your understanding of the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures and His work. Come to know this mysterious member of the Trinity and see His work in your life.

In the twentieth century, the doctrine of Scripture became a particular focus of intense criticism. Some of R. C. Sproul's most significant writings have been on the doctrine of Scripture. Not all this material is in print, and no volume has ever collected his best writings on this pivotal doctrine. Scripture Alone consists of four chapters that originally appeared in symposium volumes edited by others and the author's commentary on the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. These writings constitute an important restatement of the evangelical doctrine of Scripture. Scripture Alone will help all Christians to stand firm in defense of the truth.

"The work of Jesus reveals to us who He is. The work and the person may be distinguished but never separated."--Dr. R. C. Sproul Most Christians recognize the importance of Christ's death and resurrection. But how many of us understand the theological significance of Jesus' actions before and after the Crucifixion? In The Work of Christ, Dr. R. C. Sproul looks at every aspect of Jesus' life and work, addressing such life-changing topics as: Why Jesus' baptism is relevant for our salvationThe similarities and differences between the temptation of the first Adam and the temptation of Jesus, the "second Adam"How God uses song to celebrate his redemptive actsWhy the Last Supper marks the beginning of a greater exodus than that of the Old TestamentHow Jesus' death and resurrection are grounded in the eternal covenant among the persons of the TrinityWhy Jesus' ascension makes a difference in our lives todayWhat we know and don't know about Jesus' returnMoving from Jesus' existence from before creation through His incarnation, boyhood, adulthood, death, resurrection, and return, Dr. Sproul guides you to a deeper understanding of God's beautiful promise and purpose behind the works of Christ's life.

Are you at home in the company of Jesus? Through over 100 meditational passages, respected theologian, R. C. Sproul helps us walk with Jesus as our mentor and friend. Learning to live with Jesus at the centre of our world is the secret to a meaningful life. Jesus is the pre–eminent character of history – even time is divided by his birthdate. He encouraged people from all walks of life to spend quality time with him. We cannot afford to ignore his compassionate, but firm invitation to become his friend and disciple. Luke was a 1st Century doctor and historian. He realised the importance of the carpenter’s son whose family came from an obscure Nazarene village, yet whose life’s mission was foretold for centuries before his birth. Luke was concerned to record all that he knew about him and painstakingly collected information from eyewitness, giving an accurate account of the most important life in all history. With an incisive mind and an ability to shine a clear light on his subject, R. C. Sproul’s books have been widely read. With this book your heart will be stirred by arresting insights and your mind refreshed by helpful teaching. Sproul divides Luke’s account of the life of Jesus into devotional sections that help us to understand his profound impact and re–evaluate our response to it. The Study questions included will help you understand the Lord of the Universe who is also the friend of all who walk with him in faith.

This imaginative tale, based on a true story, begins one evening with Mr. McFarland leading family devotions. When his daughter asks him how she should pray, Mr. McFarland shares a 500-year-old story—a story about a barber and his famous customer. Master Peter is a barber well known to all in his village. One day, when Martin Luther the Reformer walks into his shop, the barber musters up the courage to ask the outlawed monk how to pray. Dr. Luther responds by writing a letter to the barber (a letter that we know today as the book, A Simple Way to Pray!). The barber’s life is changed as he encounters a model for prayer by using the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles’ Creed. R. C. Sproul’s beautifully illustrated story will engage children and help them learn to pray according to the Bible. Dr. Sproul’s unique gift for explaining complex truths will make this a treasured book to be returned to time after time—a delight for both children and their parents!

How should we think about God in instances of terror and man-wrought disaster? R. C. Sproul discusses this very issue in this book—the presence of God when ideological differences turn violent.

The concept of the invisible spiritual realm is something which is difficult for us to grasp. What we can see, hear, and feel we can take on face value that it is reality. But what about those things that are unseen? Scripture speaks about heaven, hell, angels and demons which are a part of this invisible spiritual realm. Internationally renowned Bible teacher R. C. Sproul helps us gain an understanding of these things so that we can come to a realisation that in fact all four are true realities that impact upon our everyday lives.

Explore the most monumental story ever recorded, a story filled with intrigue, drama, and real-life accounts of God at work in the universe. Highly respected theologian R. C. Sproul and best-selling author Robert Wolgemuth have collaborated to highlight the essence of God's voice, activity, and purpose throughout the Old and New Testaments in an understandable and thoroughly-readable introduction to the Bible. Written from the perspective of a theologian and a layman, What's in the Bible is a road map that will help you better comprehend the whole of Scripture. This revised and updated edition includes a new topical index.

Luther said that the doctrine of justification by faith alone is "the article upon which the church stands or falls." R. C. Sproul follows Luther's lead in his concise and compelling work, now repackaged and republished. Justified by Faith Alone surveys the main tenets of the doctrine of justification in Roman Catholicism and evangelicalism. Sproul is careful to accurately represent Catholic beliefs and observes that while both traditions agree that faith is necessary for justification, the difference lies in whether faith alone is sufficient. He explores problems with the Catholic doctrine and champions the sole sufficiency of Christ for our salvation. Effective and engaging, Sproul does not shy away from difficult theological terms and ideas, but capably guides readers through this famous doctrinal dispute. To those who decry the doctrines of imputation and justification by faith alone as "legal fiction," Sproul warns that nothing less than the central message of the gospel is at stake.

R. C. Sproul has committed his life to clearly communicating deep, practical truths from God's Word to students and laypeople. His lucid teaching style brings clarity to the most difficult--and often contentious--biblical and theological questions. Gathered here in one volume are three of his best-selling books--over $40 worth of reading at a great low price. From Rudolf Otto's" mysterium tremendum" to Martin Luther's "insanity"and Jonathan Edwards's fiery sermons, Sproul's classic "The Holiness of God"illuminates history and Scripture to help readers understand--and live with--the tension that exists between God's terrifying holiness and his inexplicable grace. In "Chosen by God," Sproul tackles the divisive subject of predestination, and discusses God's sovereignty and the problem of evil, human freedom, and the task of evangelism. He explains that there is a mystery in God's ways but not contradiction; and paints a picture of a loving--not spiteful or whimsical--God who provides redemption for radically corrupt people." Pleasing God" explores the topic of sanctification--how we satisfy God by pursuing righteousness. Sproul examines the constant battle Christians wage against sin--pride, slothfulness, dishonesty. He reveals how many Christians have tragically abandoned the struggle, but that God delights in those who press on. Although Sproul brings a Reformed background and approach to topics, his work is not just for Calvinists but for all Christians who want to understand and build on the foundations of their faith.

Suffering often seems to catch us by surprise. One day we are healthy, comfortable, and happy. The next we find ourselves ill or injured, struggling, and distraught. The pain that invades our lives may come from our own suffering or that of a loved one. But no matter the source, we didn't see it coming. All too often, our perplexity prompts us to suspect God of wrongdoing. In this classic book, republished in a revised and expanded edition, Dr. R. C. Sproul argues that we should not be surprised by suffering; instead, we should expect pain and sorrow in this life. Some are actually called to a "vocation" of suffering, and all of us are called to undergo the ultimate suffering of death. God promises in His Word that difficult times will come upon us, but He also promises that He allows suffering for our good and His glory, and He will never give us more than we can bear with His help. Dr. Sproul offers solid biblical counsel and comfort for those undergoing suffering and for those who minister to the suffering, counsel that helps believers stand in times of trial with faith in a God who is both loving and good.

Two respected pastors make a compelling case for the need to recover the five fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. We live in an age of weak theology and casual Christianity. And this situation will continue as long as God's people insist on substituting intuition for truth, feeling for belief, and immediate gratification for enduring hope. Yet if evangelicalism will again denounce this self-centered faith and place Christ and his cross at the center of its vision, the church will see great days once more. According to authors James Montgomery Boice and Philip Graham Ryken, this will happen when believers specifically return to the gospel foundation with its doctrines of radical depravity, unconditional election, particular redemption, efficacious grace, and persevering grace. As these two noted pastors provide a compelling exposition of these essential truths, they also consider the current challenges, leaving no doubt that the church suffers when the doctrines of grace are neglected. Only in a faith that is practical-minded, kindhearted, and Bible-based will Christians recover what they have lost in this postmodern age. Now in paperback.

With The Prince's Poison Cup, Dr. R. C. Sproul continues his series of books designed to present deep biblical truths to children on their own level. In this work, he focuses in on the atonement to show that Jesus had to endure the curse of sin in order to redeem His people from their spiritual death. When Ella gets sick and has to take yucky medicine, she wonders why something that will help her get well has to taste so bad. When she puts the question to Grandpa, he tells her the story of a great King and His subjects who enjoyed wonderful times together--until the people rebelled against the King and drank from a forbidden well. To their horror, they found that the beautiful water in the well made their hearts turn to stone. To reclaim His people, the King asks His Son, the Prince, to drink from a well of horrid poison. The poison will surely kill the Prince--but He is willing to drink it to please His Father and help His people. Richly illustrated, The Prince's Poison Cup will help children appreciate the great love of God for His people and the awful price Jesus had to pay because of sin. A "For Parents" section provides assistance in unfolding the biblical elements of the story.

A key figure during the Great Awakening, Jonathan Edwards wrote this important discourse, The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, in 1741, just after the revival had reached its peak. In his thorough exploration of the true and false signs of revival, drawn from 1 John 4, Edwards concludes that while a movement may be accompanied by excesses and questionable actions, these signs do not necessarily disqualify it as authentic. In a refreshing way Edwards embraces a genuine enthusiasm in these manifestations while stressing the need for biblical discernment. His critique is kind and gentle as he points to the true marks of revival: love and humility. In The Spirit of Revival, Parrish makes Edwards's entire work more accessible by modernizing the text and adding explanatory notes. R. C. Sproul's extended introduction compares the great theologian's time to our own, and the preface by Edwards's contemporary William Cooper rings resoundingly to the people of God today. Edwards's message provides more than just insight into the Great Awakening. It is a map to follow for all revivals in all times.