{"title":"Gift ideas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGifts to thank people in ministry teams or for encouraging your growth group members.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"growing-in-prayer","title":"Growing in Prayer","description":"\u003ch5\u003eVideo\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 50% 0 0 0; position: relative; display: block;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/351286646?loop=1\u0026amp;color=ff9933\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/api\/player.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a sea of busyness and distractions, prayer so often falls off the agenda. Or maybe it was barely on the agenda to begin with. Even with the best of intentions, sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. Wherever you’re at, join Stephen Shead as he takes you through 4 weeks of daily reflections to get you on track with a pattern of prayerful living. With each short reflection, you’ll be encouraged to meditate on truths that fuel joyful prayer. Through the weeks, you will build up your own habit of coming before your heavenly Father each day to delight in and depend on him. Includes four optional group studies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter purchasing \u003cem\u003eGrowing in Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e, you can also download a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/Growing-in-Prayer-studies.pdf?v=1587529193\" title=\"PDF for purchasers\"\u003ePDF of the group studies\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStephen Shead studied at Moore Theological College and has a PhD in Biblical Hebrew from the University of Sydney. He was a missionary in Chile for ten years, teaching at the Anglican Church’s Centre for Pastoral Studies in Santiago. He now serves as the senior minister at St Barnabas’ Anglican Church in Fairfield and Bossley Park, Sydney.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"head accordion_toggle\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":29089717583958,"sku":"gip","price":12.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":29388242387030,"sku":"egip","price":9.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/products\/growing-in-prayer_19_2048.jpg?v=1560819258"},{"product_id":"sermon-notebook","title":"Sermon Notebook","description":"\u003cp\u003eListening well to sermons can be hard. Getting lasting benefit from them even harder. But the practical advice in this \u003cem\u003eSermon Notebook\u003c\/em\u003e, together with the new routine it encourages you to adopt, will help you feed more eagerly, deeply and satisfyingly from the spiritual food that is presented to you each week from God’s word.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReflection questions help you focus on the key points of the sermon and think through application\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractical articles provide tips for getting the most out of weekly sermons and note taking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElastic binder to keep notebook together for safe transportation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLined spaces for easier writing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable in four colours: black, almond, pistachio and heather.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book (black)","offer_id":29409703493718,"sku":"snb2","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Book (almond)","offer_id":29089795276886,"sku":"sna","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Book (pistachio)","offer_id":41693007183958,"sku":"snpi","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Book (heather)","offer_id":41693007282262,"sku":"snh","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/Sermon_Notebook_24_black_rgb_150dpi.jpg?v=1731933988"},{"product_id":"gift-card","title":"Gift Card","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003c!--\u003cp\u003eLooking for a gift to encourage someone in their faith but not sure\u0026nbsp;what to give them? Give them the gift of choice with a\u0026nbsp;Matthias Media gift card\/voucher.\u003c\/p\u003e--\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGift cards are delivered by email to the purchaser so that they can send them on to someone else, and contain instructions on how to redeem them in this online store (checkout). Our gift cards have no additional processing fees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"disclaimer__subtext\"\u003eYou can redeem the value of a gift card by entering its unique code at the checkout. (This code isn't case sensitive.) A gift card holds a balance, which can be spent over more than one order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"disclaimer__subtext\"\u003ePlease note: gift cards purchased in our Australian online store are not redeemable in our US online store (and vice versa). We are unable to refund gift cards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"$10.00 AUD","offer_id":29602203205718,"sku":"gc10","price":10.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"$20.00 AUD","offer_id":29602203238486,"sku":"gc20","price":20.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"$30.00 AUD","offer_id":29602203271254,"sku":"gc30","price":30.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"$40.00 AUD","offer_id":31955719880790,"sku":"gc40","price":40.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"$50.00 AUD","offer_id":39347532595286,"sku":"gc50","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"$100.00 AUD","offer_id":39347532660822,"sku":"gc100","price":100.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/products\/giftcard3.png?v=1620012388"},{"product_id":"waiting-for-the-christ","title":"Waiting for the Christ","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe heart of Christmas is easily swamped by sentimentality, busyness and shopping. Setting aside time each day during December for special reflection and focus on the great gift of Jesus has become a time-honoured practice—one that helps us escape from these distractions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful leather-feel devotional book is a timely and thought-provoking advent resource from respected pastor and scholar Dr Chase Kuhn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChase doesn’t just help us to remember and celebrate Jesus’ first advent; he also casts our hearts and minds forward as we anticipate and long for Christ’s return, a second advent!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough daily Scripture reflections (of around ten minutes each), \u003cem\u003eWaiting for the Christ\u003c\/em\u003e will take you through the past, present and future of Jesus’ salvation work and the joy we can find in all his triumphs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChase R. Kuhn teaches theology and ethics at Moore Theological College and is the director of the Centre for Christian Living. The Centre seeks to resource Christians through regular events and a podcast that brings biblical ethics to everyday issues. Chase's passion is to help Christians connect the deep truths of Scripture to the rest of life. Though natives of California, Chase and his wife Amy have enjoyed calling Australia home for over a decade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"head accordion_toggle\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":40360891514966,"sku":"wait","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/WaitingfortheChrist23rgb72dpi.jpg?v=1698718323"},{"product_id":"made-in-our-image","title":"Made in Our Image","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWinner of the \u003ca title=\"Australian Christian Book of the Year\" href=\"https:\/\/sparklit.org\/awards\/acboy\/\"\u003e2025 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtificial intelligence is coming. And this tech revolution, perhaps more than any such revolution that’s gone before, will change the world. No life will be left untouched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow do Christians navigate their way through these momentous changes? What does Christianity have to say about this brave new world? What will living for Jesus look like in a world where humans, made in God’s image, coexist with intelligent machines made in our image?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor, pastor and self-confessed ‘tech realist’ Stephen Driscoll sets out to answer those questions with a deep dive into the intersection of faith and technology. Avoiding the extremes of both the tech worshippers and the ‘doomers’, Driscoll offers accessible and illuminating insights into the nature of AI, along with practical tips on how Christians might use this technology for good. Most of all, he shows how the deepest structures of biblical thought will equip Christians to live with AI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a must-read for tech-savvy optimists and sceptics alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eTable of contents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1. Waiting for the future: The (latest) technological revolution\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2. More than a calculator: Understanding artificial intelligence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3. Identity implosion: Creation and artificial intelligence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4. Less dead than the others: Sin and artificial intelligence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5. Intellect overthrown: The cross and artificial intelligence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6. Drawn together in love: The new creation and artificial intelligence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7. Concluding thoughts: On the wise use of artificial intelligence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAppendix: Technology and our changing society\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStephen Driscoll studied at Moore College, The University of Sydney, and the University of NSW, and has worked for the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students and in investing roles with a few banks. He loves training and teaching students and ministry apprentices from the Bible about all sorts of topics. He is married to Lauren, and they have two young children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eEmergent large-language model AI will be one of the most disruptive technological developments in the history of humanity. In \u003cem\u003eMade in Our Image\u003c\/em\u003e, Stephen Driscoll does not take a simplistic proof-texting or moralistic approach, but shows how the deep structures of biblical thought and the unfolding of redemption history equip us for this disruption. Driscoll is masterful in bringing together theology, science, history, economics, sociology, politics and ethics. At the same time, \u003cem\u003eMade in Our Image\u003c\/em\u003e is very approachable for the non-academic. An exceptional and important book.\u003cbr\u003e—Mikey Lynch, Editorial Director, The Gospel Coalition Australia; Campus Director, University Fellowship of Christians, University of Tasmania; Author, \u003cem\u003eThe Vine Movement\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Good Life in the Last Days\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eSometimes the right book comes along at the right time. Stephen Driscoll’s \u003cem\u003eMade in Our Image\u003c\/em\u003e is just such a book. Filled with awareness of the topic, the book engages richly with timeless biblical truth to chart a way forward in responding to a complex issue in a way that will honour Jesus and love others. If you’re looking for a biblically informed and technologically aware response to an issue that is shaping our world right now, this book should be at the very top of your list.\u003cbr\u003e—Paul Grimmond, Dean of Students, Moore Theological College, Sydney; Author, \u003cem\u003eWhen the Noise Won’t Stop\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eRight Side Up\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIf you want a short, engaging, insightful and theologically discerning book on the technological revolution that will be more influential than the internet, it is in your hands. Enjoy!\u003cbr\u003e—Richard Chin, National Director, Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students; Author, \u003cem\u003eCaptivated by Christ\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHow to Read the Bible Better\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThe rise of AI technology has enormous implications for all of us—not only for how we live and work, but also for how we understand what it means to be human. Christians need to be equipped to grasp the issues and to navigate the waters ahead. In this book, Stephen Driscoll provides us with a highly valuable resource for doing just that. He describes the nature of the technology in an accessible but highly informative way, insightfully outlines the challenges the technology raises for us, and then applies a deeply biblical framework—creation, sin, the cross of Jesus Christ, and new creation—to help us address these challenges. The book is biblical and practical, full of insights into many ways the gospel of the Lord Jesus shows us how to live in light of this increasingly pervasive technology.\u003cbr\u003e—Lionel Windsor, New Testament Lecturer, Moore Theological College, Sydney; Author, \u003cem\u003eTruth Be Told\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGospel Speech Online\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eStephen Driscoll is no empty-headed Pollyanna, mindlessly praising technology in all its forms. But neither is he a panicked Chicken Little, shrieking at us to go churn our own butter. Instead, this book is nuanced and careful. But don’t think that makes it boring. \u003cem\u003eMade in Our Image\u003c\/em\u003e is interesting. But more than that, it’s important, and it will make you think. It’s a book about theology as much as it is about technology.\u003cbr\u003e—Craig Hamilton, Senior Minister, Pitt Town Church, Sydney; Author, \u003cem\u003eMade Man\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWisdom in Leadership\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":41000931524694,"sku":"mioi","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":41331889569878,"sku":"emioi","price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/MadeinOurImage24rgb150dpi.jpg?v=1712788839"},{"product_id":"prayerfulness","title":"Prayerfulness","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow’s your prayer life? Do you pray as often as you’d like to? Does it feel like a chore? Most Christians long for a deep, fulfilling prayer life, but life’s busyness and distractions can make prayer an afterthought or a burden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePrayerfulness\u003c\/em\u003e, experienced pastor and Bible teacher Peter Adam guides you in rediscovering the joy and power of prayer. He uses the Bible, the wisdom of Christians from the past, and down-to-earth examples to help you:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eunderstand the biblical foundations of prayer and see how the gospel can transform your prayer life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eovercome common obstacles to prayerfulness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003elearn how to plead God’s promises, actions, character and reputation—going beyond simply asking God for things\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eexperience many kinds of prayer—thanks, praise, lament, confession, dedication—and the joy of bringing your requests to God.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re just starting out or looking to go deeper in prayer, \u003cem\u003ePrayerfulness\u003c\/em\u003e will help you embrace God’s gracious and transformative gift of prayer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eTable of contents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003e1. What is prayer?\u003cbr\u003e2. Our relationship with God\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod’s promises, actions, character and reputation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3. An anatomy of prayerlessness\u003cbr\u003e4. Enriching our prayers and using written prayers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePraying for ourselves and others\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e5. Letting the Bible enrich our prayers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearning to pray the Bible\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e6. Praying the Lord’s Prayer\u003cbr\u003e7. Jesus and the apostles on prayer\u003cbr\u003e8. Repentance, confession and lament\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eServices of repentance, confession and lament\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e9. ‘Unanswered’ prayers\u003cbr\u003e10. Prayer, fasting, decisions and promises\u003cbr\u003e11. Prayer for deliverance and protection\u003cbr\u003e12. A praying church\u003cbr\u003e13. Planning to pray\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eDaily prayers\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMore Bible-enriched prayers\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppendix: More resources on prayer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Adam is vicar emeritus of St Jude’s Carlton in Melbourne, Australia. He was formerly vicar of St Jude’s, then principal of Ridley College, Melbourne. He is the author of numerous books, including \u003cem\u003eSpeaking God’s Words\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHearing God’s Words\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eWritten for Us\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Message of Malachi\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Majestic Son\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eWalking in God’s Words\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eEsther\u003c\/em\u003e. He is a regular speaker at training conferences for pastors and preachers, he mentors young ministers, and he runs ministry workshops on preaching and on praying. You can find more of his writing at \u003ca title=\"Peter Adam's website\" href=\"https:\/\/peteradam.org\/\"\u003epeteradam.org\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThere are many books about prayer, and if, like me, you’ve probably already read one or two, I hope you’ll read one more: \u003cem\u003ePrayerfulness\u003c\/em\u003e, by Peter Adam. Distilled from a lifetime of studying God’s word and walking in God’s ways, Adam gently diagnoses the causes of our prayerlessness and winsomely invites us into a more prayer-saturated life. With its bullet points, sample prayers, practical advice, and insight into our very human struggle to commune with God in a meaningful and consistent way, this book doesn’t simply tell us to pray; it opens us up and instils in us a greater desire to pray. \u003cbr\u003e—Nancy Guthrie, Author of \u003cem\u003ePraying Through the Bible for Your Kids\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eAny book that nurtures our prayer life is to be prized. This is such a book. Peter Adam faithfully engages the Bible with pastoral deftness and theological astuteness, and makes numerous practical applications born of experience. A feast.\u003cbr\u003e—Graham Cole, Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL, USA\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePrayerfulness\u003c\/em\u003e, Peter Adam’s scholarship is made accessible and deeply practical. Adam walks us through his own prayers and prayer practices as well as showing how they are rooted in Scripture. At one point he writes, “We need deliberate, sustained coaching in prayer, as in every area of our lives”. You may not be able to have Adam as your personal prayer coach, but \u003cem\u003ePrayerfulness\u003c\/em\u003e is the next best thing: a conversation in which he encourages you to take next steps in prayer. \u003cbr\u003e—Tim Chester, Lecturer in Spiritual Formation at Crosslands Training, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, and author of \u003cem\u003eEnjoying Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eAn absolute masterclass on true biblical prayer! Jesus wanted his people to learn how to pray, and Peter Adam leaves no spiritual stone unturned in carrying out our Lord’s desire. He reminds us that prayer is simply talking to God, and that God loves to talk to us about … anything! We can pray what Peter calls “big prayers”, about the world, the nations, God’s plan, and so on, and “little prayers”, about things like our failures, difficulties, trials, relationships, and joys. We are encouraged by sound theology and practical wisdom to pray in a biblical way.\u003cbr\u003ePeter widens our perspective and shows us that prayer is not just asking God for our needs, though that’s important; it also includes praise, thanksgiving, trust, repentance, lament, dedication and worship. His section on prayers of lament is gold!\u003cbr\u003eChristians, pastors, and churches in the West need this book, to bring us back to a true prayerfulness.\u003cbr\u003e—Wally Behan, Former Rector of St John’s Latimer Square (now Latimer Church), Christchurch, New Zealand\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eHere is the fruit of a lifetime listening to God, responding to God, and sharing the gospel of God. The book is a treasure chest full of seasoned personal experience and pastoral wisdom, generously shared to “help people in gospel ministry to pray for themselves, to pray for their ministries, to pray with their fellow workers, to teach and train others to pray, to lead in prayer, and to promote a culture of prayerfulness in their church or ministry”.\u003cbr\u003e—Johnny Juckes, Former President of Oak Hill College, London, UK\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eWhat a wonderfully helpful gift to God’s people is this new book from Peter Adam. \u003cem\u003ePrayerfulness\u003c\/em\u003e is encouraging, challenging and inspiring. It is gracious, scriptural, pastoral and practical—full of ideas to try, examples to use, dangers to avoid, wisdom to learn from, and grace to rejoice in.\u003cbr\u003eIn it, Peter sends us again and again to God in his word and then calls us to turn those words into prayer. Sharing his life, doctrine and even his progress, Peter calls us to a richer, deeper, broader prayer life, both individually and corporately to the glory of God.\u003cbr\u003eThe aim of the book is to help us pray. And that’s what it does. Praise God.\u003cbr\u003e—Pete Sorrensen, Regional Team Leader at AFES Victoria, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003ePeter Adam has blessed us with this rich banquet of a book on prayerfulness. It reflects the breadth of the biblical teaching on prayer, the depth of our dependence upon our triune God, and the height of the privilege we have in lifting our hearts to heaven in prayer. Not only does Adam allow us to eavesdrop, as it were, into his years of prayerfulness, but he supplies us with so many practical ideas and helps to enfold into our own personal prayer lives. This book is important for church leaders to read also, for with so many churches desperate to reach and revitalize Australia for Christ, how important it is that our corporate church life is increasingly dependent upon both public and private prayer to the Lord. The fervent prayers of the righteous avail much, and so I wholeheartedly commend this book. \u003cbr\u003e—Mark Earngey, Head of Church History and Lecturer in Christian Thought at Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eWhen senior ministry leaders take Peter Adam’s short course in prayer and emerge saying, “This has been the best and most revolutionary thing for my prayer life”, you sit up and notice. Much of that course is in this book. But be forewarned: this is not a casual, inspirational read. It is instead the full twelve-course meal in growing yourself as a biblically formed and theologically rich pray-er. It will inspire and challenge you to further glorify, worship and appeal to God more constantly as his beloved child and faithful worker. It will help you to help others grow as faithful prayer warriors. It will minister gospel grace to your soul. I can’t think of another book I’d rather use for small group studies next! A book to spend the year with.\u003cbr\u003e—Wei-Han Kuan, Executive Director of CMS Victoria, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI admit I was surprised. Of course I was expecting to learn about prayer in this book, but I wasn’t ready for such rich reflection on matters of the soul and pastoral theology more generally. Drawing on Bible themes, topics like atonement and the church, and quotations from great people of prayer in history, Peter Adam gives us sage advice as well as a window into his own heart, providing written examples of praise, intercession and lament that he has found useful himself and commends to us too. Just when I thought I knew where Peter was taking us, I had to slow down and read again something that had been freshly worded or profoundly summarized. Why is common sense to help us in a close walk with the Lord so hard to find? Simple. Direct. Compassionate. Practical. \u003cbr\u003e—Rev Canon Dr Rhys Bezzant, Dean of the Anglican Institute and Principal at Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI am one of the legion of people who have been enormously helped by Peter Adam’s books on preaching and the ministry of the Word. \u003cem\u003eSpeaking God’s Words: A practical theology of preaching\u003c\/em\u003e is widely and rightly known as a contemporary classic. Now, Dr Adam has written a unique volume on prayer that deserves returning to time and again. It is full of the fruit of Dr Adam’s sustained personal practice and reflection on that most intimate, precious, but perpetually neglected privilege of Christian discipleship: prayer to our Heavenly Father, through the Son in the power of the Spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrayerfulness: Cultivating a Bible-enriched prayer life\u003c\/em\u003e is bursting with wise biblical insight, generous practical encouragement, and devotionally rich resources, including worked examples: ready-to-use prayers for many contexts and circumstances, and concise liturgies suitable for personal, pastoral or corporate ministry.\u003cbr\u003eBest of all, Dr Adam articulates a vision for growing our own relationship with God in prayer that relies upon and responds to what God has said in his word. This is a book that lives up to its title. It’s a book to read slowly, and to re-read, so as to mine every page for the nuggets of gold immediately and directly applicable in daily routines of prayer.\u003cbr\u003eSurely personal and corporate prayerlessness is one of the besetting sins of our age. Here is a bold, biblical and resolutely practical counteroffensive that is also theologically rich and pastorally sensitive. It will benefit the new believer, those long-serving in the battle, the local church and the pastor. Highly recommended. \u003cbr\u003e—Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, Archbishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":42197984411734,"sku":"pray","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":42305999568982,"sku":"epray","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/Prayerfulness25rgb150dpi.jpg?v=1742439982"},{"product_id":"the-sinning-saint","title":"The Sinning Saint","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpend a couple of minutes reflecting on your day so far. Have you been a sinner or a saint? Do you know what your answer means or implies? Are you confident in that answer?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes the Christian life is a sweet embrace of God’s holiness. At other times, we seem so thoroughly poisoned by sin that we’re tempted to despair.  Our sin can make us question if we’re really Christian, and the wrestle to put it to death can be so difficult that we wonder whether there is any hope of change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard and Jeanette Chin have spent years encouraging young Christians to find answers to these questions in the Scriptures. In \u003cem\u003eThe Sinning Saint\u003c\/em\u003e, they share the awesome wonders of who God is, the sobering reality of who we are, and how Christ’s holiness defines us and empowers our daily battle with evil. Come with them to find hope for your worst days, rest for the weary soul, and practical ways to fight temptation. Discover how the gospel of Jesus can transform not just your thoughts and feelings but your whole life, both now and into eternity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eTable of contents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA brief word on methodology\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart I: Essential foundations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e1. The essence: What is holiness?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e2. The foundations: Incompatibilities\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e3. The first problem: We’re all sinners\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e4. The second problem: God’s righteous justice\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e5. The only solution: The sanctifying sacrifice\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart II: Our new identity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e6. The great transformation: How sinners can become saints\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e7. The motivational means: Be who you are\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e8. The ongoing problem: Saints still sin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e9. The ongoing solution: Sinners need the Spirit\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart III: Battle tactics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e10. The ongoing fight: Know your enemy\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e11. Battle scars: Know your weakness\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e12. No more sorrow: Know your future\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e13. Contending together: Know your family\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e14. Conscience and confession: Know your freedom\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e15. Transformation: Know the truth\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e16. Bold proclamation: Know and share the truth\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConclusion: Being different and blending in\u003cbr\u003eFurther reading\u003cbr\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"Flush\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRichard Chin\u003c\/b\u003e is the father of four married children, and grandfather of three grandchildren (so far). His first wife (Bronwyn) went to be with the Lord on Resurrection Sunday in 2013. For over twenty years, he has served on university campuses as National Director of the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES). He loves proclaiming Jesus to the nations, and is also the author of \u003ci\u003eCaptivated by Christ \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eHow to read the Bible better.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"Flush\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eJeanette\u003c\/b\u003e married Richard in 2016, and has always loved telling people about the hope of God’s kingdom. After graduating from Moore Theological College, she has enjoyed reading the Bible with university students, teaching the Scriptures to primary school girls, and sowing gospel seeds through Mark Drama Australia. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, Richard and Jeanette relish time with family, serve their local church, and depend daily on the sanctifying work of Christ Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThis book is an invaluable guide to the Christian life. Richard and Jeannette Chin faithfully unpack profound biblical truths in an accessible manner, helping believers understand who they are in Christ and how to put that reality into daily practice. I look forward to putting it into the hands of new believers, as well as longstanding Christians who want to take a fresh look at what it means to be holy.\u003cbr\u003e—Andrew Cheah, Dean, St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eYou might have seen some odd books out there on the topic of holiness, but \u003cem\u003eThe Sinning Saint\u003c\/em\u003e is definitely not one of them. It is soundly biblical and infused with gospel hope; weighty topics are carried along with joyful confidence in Christ. The practical wisdom woven throughout makes it a real page-turner for those who have ears to hear. Of particular note is how The Sinning Saint is written in accessible prose for a new generation of believers (where else can you read a GK Beale quote on the same page as a reference to Taylor Swift?). This book is a gift to the church.\u003cbr\u003e—Gloria Furman, Author, Missional Motherhood, \u003cem\u003eLabor with Hope\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eTreasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003ePastorally sensitive and grounded in robust theological thinking about sin and holiness, this is a book that can strengthen every Christian’s battle against sin. We’ll aim to put this much-needed resource into the hands of every sinning saint at our church.\u003cbr\u003e—Ivan Chow, Senior Pastor, Bukit Arang Church, Singapore\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eSometimes as Christians we feel a bit like Jekyll and Hyde—are we saints or sinners? It can leave us, or those we love, feeling confused, uncertain or downcast. With a mix of big truths and bite-sized wisdom, the Chins show us the Bible’s reassuring answer: we are sinning saints. A great book to read, and a wonderful resource to share.\u003cbr\u003e—Annabel Nixey, Speaker, EQUIP Women’s Conference, Australia; Resources and Training Pastor, Crossroads Christian Church, Canberra, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eRichard and Jeanette Chin have written a pastorally warm, theologically sure-footed and biblically rich account of God’s call to holiness. The topic (strangely neglected by modern evangelicals) is an urgent one. This book has all the telltale signs of authors who have taken their own walks with God seriously and have helped others to do so as well. It is well worth reading for anyone keen to live a life that pleases the Lord.\u003cbr\u003e—Rory Shiner, Senior Pastor, Providence City Church, Perth, Australia; Chair, The Gospel Coalition Australia Council\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eRichard and Jeanette Chin take the complex and often misunderstood ideas of holiness and transformation and at one and the same time explain them simply and clearly, making the possession and pursuit of them profoundly attractive. This book is full of liberating gospel truth. It is punctuated with compelling illustrations and application. It is thoroughly readable, and it will do you good! I highly recommend it.\u003cbr\u003e—William Taylor, Rector, St Helen’s Bishopsgate, London, UK\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIf I had a dollar for every time a troubled soul asked me about sin in the life of a believer, I would be a lot richer today. But as the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils, I suspect that thinking like that indicates the sinfulness and unholiness of this saint! Richard and Jeanette Chin have done us a wonderful kindness by addressing the issues of the sinning saint. It is a marvellous topic to open up the great grace of our glorious Saviour while laying before us the importance of striving for holiness.\u003cbr\u003e—Phillip Jensen, Bible teacher and evangelist, Two Ways Ministries, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003ePastorally, the issue of holiness crops up constantly. Sometimes it has a theological edge. More often it arises from guilt and personal conviction around sin. \u003cem\u003eThe Sinning Saint\u003c\/em\u003e is theologically insightful, exegetically careful, and above all gospel centred. One of its strengths is its practicality. This is a great resource for believers wanting to live holy lives.\u003cbr\u003e—Wei-Han Kuan, Executive Director of CMS Victoria, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eAn excellent and timely book! Some Christians assume we are saints, and don’t recognize our present sins—the greatest barrier to our lives and ministries. Others assume we are sinners, and have no expectation that God will transform us into the image of his Son. Both assumptions are dead ends. This book shows us from the Bible the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of holiness, sin and transformation through Christ. Buy it for yourself and give copies to others! \u003cbr\u003e—Peter Adam, Former Vicar, St Jude’s Church Carlton, Melbourne, Australia; Former Principal, Ridley College, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eAre you a sinner or a saint? It’s such a simple yet profoundly important diagnostic question. In an increasingly polarized world, we are drawn to the simplicity of categorizing other people like this, but if you follow the Lord Jesus and are honest with yourself, you know that you are, in fact, a sinning saint. Honest—that’s what this book is. Richard and Jeanette are honest with us about the holiness of God; honest about us and our sin; and honest about the glorious transforming gospel of Jesus. This book helped me to see each of these things more clearly and left me encouraged to more deeply soak in the gospel of the Lord Jesus, and to live a boldly distinct, Jesus-like life in the power of the Holy Spirit. Do yourself a favour and read on.\u003cbr\u003e—Simon Gillham, Former Vice Principal and Head of Department of Mission, Moore Theological College, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eRichard and Jeanette Chin have created a masterpiece for our age. They have crafted this book with the theological precision necessary to understand our fallen condition, allowing us to see God’s incredible redeeming love for us in Christ Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Sinning Saint \u003c\/em\u003eis an engaging book from start to finish. It features vulnerable illustrations and compelling applications, from historic quotes by Richard Sibbes to modern lyrics by Taylor Swift. It will draw you in, and as it does you’ll gain a deeper understanding of yourself. But even more, this book will help you to know God.\u003cbr\u003e—J. Mack Stiles, Director, Messenger Ministries, USA\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eI knew \u003cem\u003eThe Sinning Saint\u003c\/em\u003e would be a good read given that it is written by the Chins. However, I was surprised at how exceptionally well it is written and how profound are its theological insights. A must-read!\u003cbr\u003e—Ray Galea, Senior Pastor, Fellowship Church, Dubai, UAE\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIf you’ve ever caught yourself thinking that your sins and failures as a Christian might tip you out of God’s kingdom, or the opposite—that your sins and failures don’t really matter very much—then you need this rich and wise book. Richard and Jeanette Chin are honest and insightful about the reality of sin in our lives, but just as insightful and practical in teaching us what the Bible says about God’s holiness and our sainthood in the gospel. Very much recommended.\u003cbr\u003e—Tony Payne, Lecturer in Christian Thought, Moore Theological College, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIt’s hard for sinners to live as saints. We may veer off into laxity or legalism, passivity or perfectionism, or a dozen other dead ends. But Richard and Jeanette Chin have written a beautiful guide to living the holy life our holy God saved us for. Deeply grounded in the gospel, this book is gentle, personal, direct, realistic and full of Scripture. \u003cem\u003eThe Sinning Saint\u003c\/em\u003e is a short but brilliant aid to help us face our sinfulness and pursue holiness in utter dependence on Christ. Get it for yourself and give it to others. We all need this help.\u003cbr\u003e—Murray Capill, Dean of Ministry Development and Lecturer in Pastoral Ministry, Reformed Theological College, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis is a book that does exactly what your heart needs it to do: it lifts your eyes to the glory of God’s holiness, exposes and convicts you of your own sin, and then rekindles your joy in the beauty of the gospel. It ignites a fresh desire to keep running the race and to persevere in the fight against sin and temptation. I love that it’s not only theologically rich but also deeply practical, written with all the warmth, humility and pastoral wisdom of a couple who know what it is to be sinning saints.\u003cbr\u003e—Jocelyn Loane, Chaplain, Moore Theological College, Australia; Author, \u003cem\u003eMotherhood: How the gospel shapes our purpose and priorities\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":43695681667158,"sku":"sinsa","price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":44061910204502,"sku":"esinsa","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/TheSinningSaint25rgb150dpi.jpg?v=1764637020"},{"product_id":"the-end-in-mind","title":"The End in Mind","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalling ourselves \u003cem\u003efollowers \u003c\/em\u003eof Jesus points to a profoundly important truth: our lives are not directionless. We go where he goes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet many of us spend precious little time thinking deeply about the mind-blowing future Jesus is leading us to, nor about how that future directly shapes the way we live now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book of 26 Bible readings, Ian Carmichael and Marty Sweeney take you on a journey from the end to the beginning of the New Testament. Each reading includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBible text\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ehelpful commentary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ethought-provoking reflection questions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom Revelation to Matthew you will see with new clarity what the Bible has to say about our destination, and what it looks like—with lots of practical detail—to lead a destination-driven Christian life. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe End in Mind\u003c\/em\u003e is suitable for personal and one-to-one use, or for working through with a group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eTable of contents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eReading 1 | Revelation 21:1–4\u003cbr\u003eReading 2 | Revelation 12:7–11 \u003cbr\u003eReading 3 | Revelation 7:9–17\u003cbr\u003eReading 4 | 2 Peter 3:8–14\u003cbr\u003eReading 5 | Hebrews 3:12–19\u003cbr\u003eReading 6 | 1 Timothy 1:15–17\u003cbr\u003eReading 7 | 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:3\u003cbr\u003eReading 8 | Colossians 3:1–4\u003cbr\u003eReading 9 | Colossians 1:9–14\u003cbr\u003eReading 10 | Philippians 2:1–11\u003cbr\u003eReading 11 | Ephesians 1:3–10 48\u003cbr\u003eReading 12 | 2 Corinthians 5:14–6:2 52\u003cbr\u003eReading 13 | 1 Corinthians 15:51–58 57\u003cbr\u003eReading 14 | 1 Corinthians 14:1–12 61\u003cbr\u003eReading 15 | 1 Corinthians 7:29–31 65\u003cbr\u003eReading 16 | Romans 10:9–17 70\u003cbr\u003eReading 17 | Acts 4:18–31 74\u003cbr\u003eReading 18 | John 16:1–15\u003cbr\u003eReading 19 | Luke 9:23–26\u003cbr\u003eReading 20 | Matthew 28:16–20\u003cbr\u003eReading 21 | Matthew 25:14–30\u003cbr\u003eReading 22 | Matthew 22:34–40\u003cbr\u003eReading 23 | Matthew 11:27–30 \u003cbr\u003eReading 24 | Matthew 9:35–38\u003cbr\u003eReading 25 | Matthew 6:19–34\u003cbr\u003eReading 26 | Matthew 6:5–13\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLiving with the end in mind\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. Driving where? Driving what?\u003cbr\u003e2. Praying for the kingdom\u003cbr\u003e3. Being the answer to your own prayers\u003cbr\u003e4. Better post-church conversations\u003cbr\u003e5. The ‘people plan’\u003cbr\u003e6. A final exhortation and a prayer\u003cbr\u003eAppendix: Some thoughts on New Testament prophecy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the authors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIan Carmichael has been with Matthias Media from its beginnings in 1988, co-leading with Tony Payne for many of those years. Ian stepped down from the CEO role in late 2020, and now contributes in an honorary capacity. Ian and his wife, Stephanie, are part of Chatswood Presbyterian Church and Unichurch in Sydney.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarty Sweeney is the Chief Content Officer and Executive Director of Matthias Media (North America), and the Pastor of Training at Old North Church, Canfield (Ohio). Marty enjoys talking to pastors and church leaders about the practicalities of infusing a disciple-making culture into all aspects of church life. Marty and his wife, Abby, live with his four children Claire, Malachi, Corinne, and Colleen.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI am tempted to write an understated commendation of this little book, on account of its authors being two of my oldest and dearest friends in ministry. Instead, I will say that I feel privileged to know them, and am delighted with what they’ve achieved in this brilliantly conceived and skilfully executed book of biblical readings, insights and prompts to prayer. Whether for personal reading and prayer, or for discipling someone in the gospel (and our response to it), \u003cem\u003eThe End in Mind\u003c\/em\u003e is a marvellous resource.\u003cbr\u003e—Tony Payne, Lecturer in Christian Thought, Moore Theological College, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eLife confronts all of us with challenges and moments of confusion. Where can Christians find courage and direction? These thoughtful Bible reflections offer courage by reminding us of our hopeful end. Then they share gospel-shaped wisdom for life in light of that hope. With helpful questions and practical insights at the end, \u003cem\u003eThe End in Mind\u003c\/em\u003e is a great resource for following Jesus and for helping others follow him as well. \u003cbr\u003e—Kevin Walker, Director Ministries, The Charles Simeon Trust, Chicago, IL, USA\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThe well-worn cultural mantra of ‘being whatever you want to be’ continues to promise meaning but falls short in delivering it. In response, Marty and Ian offer a Scripture-forward vision of life shaped by the end in view. Accessible and pastoral, this book calls Christians not only to understand these truths for themselves, but to live them out for the good of others in shared discipleship. With characteristic humility, Marty and Ian present a biblical vision that is rich in doctrine, clear in hope, and graciously practical—and one I gladly commend to the reader.\u003cbr\u003e—Dan Schillero, Lead Pastor, Parkside Church, Bainbridge, OH, USA\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI’m a big fan of regularly changing up the method for my personal Bible reading. So this innovative set of personal Bible studies was always going to grab me. Jenny and I enjoyed starting with last things first and working back through time. The studies are just the right length with just the right amount of commentary and helpful questions. We often came away from a study praying better for family members and friends who don’t yet follow Jesus or thinking hard about good things we want to improve in our everyday walk with Christ. If you sometimes feel like every resource for personal Bible reading has become a bit same-same then these studies are just what you need to shake things up in a really helpful way. \u003cbr\u003e—Carl Matthei, Senior Minister, Campus Bible Study, Sydney, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eMarty and Ian effectively put our eyes on the end, something we don’t think of often enough. Their daily reflections will help you to know your part in God’s plan to save his people.\u003cbr\u003e—Colleen J. McFadden, Director of Women’s Workshops, Charles Simeon Trust\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eLife in the present only makes sense when seen through the perspective of the future and its ultimate destination. For the Christian, this destination is heaven. In this accessible, practical, and Scripture-rich collection of 26 reflections, Ian Carmichael and Marty Sweeney show how the future—the new heavens and new earth, the home of righteousness—reorients and reshapes our ‘here and now’. Far from being light on theology, these reflections bring the Bible’s grand story vividly to life and apply it with depth and clarity. Being heavenly minded is to be of earthly use! Setting your life’s GPS around that final destination, with all its beauty and certainty, will enrich you beyond measure. Buy this book for a friend—in fact, buy one for all your friends. They will thank you.\u003cbr\u003e—Trevor Johnston, Rector, St Nicholas and All Saints Church, Belfast, Northern Ireland\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eA distinctive, Christ-centred read\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book does something refreshingly unexpected. It begins at the end—directing the reader first to the glorious future that awaits in Christ. That counterintuitive starting point reorients the heart, rekindling hope and deepening affection for the Lord Jesus from the very first page.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAccessible and versatile\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDesigned with flexibility in mind, this book is well suited to personal devotions, family worship, or one-to-one reading with a friend. Its concise chapters are clear, readable, and practical—simple without ever being simplistic. The helpful inclusion of the text in line at the start of each chapter grounds every reflection firmly in God’s word, while thoughtful prayer prompts at the end invite meaningful response and application.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSearching, honest, and purposeful\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe reflections are both confronting and thought-provoking, pressing the reader to consider how present faithfulness is shaped by future hope. I personally really appreciated that running throughout is a bold evangelistic instinct—an emphasis too often absent from devotional literature. This is rooted in the very character of God, who is patient and “waiting for more people to repent”, and carries a clear sense of gospel urgency and responsibility, shaped by the eternal realities of life with or without Christ.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBiblically faithful, eternally focused\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith careful attention to biblical-theological context, the book remains firmly future-focused. It highlights godliness as a defining mark of those who await Christ’s return, motivated not by fear or duty, but by gratitude for the finished work of the cross.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eDeeply pro-church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book affirms the centrality of the local church, reminding readers of its priority in the Christian life and in God’s purposes.\u003cbr\u003eWarm, faithful, and uncompromising, this is a book that fixes the eyes on eternity—and shows how having the end in mind reshapes life in the present. \u003cbr\u003e—Grant Retief, Senior Minister, Christ Church Stellenbosch, South Africa\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":44971635212374,"sku":"eim","price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/TheEndinMind26rgb150dpi.jpg?v=1781754132"}],"url":"https:\/\/matthiasmedia.com.au\/collections\/gifts.oembed","provider":"matthiasmedia.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}