Bücher veröffentlicht von 9marks

How does the church portray the beauty of Christ?The gospel is a theological message. But this message also creates human beauty¿beautiful relationships in our churches, making the glory of Christ visible in the world today.In this timely book, Pastor Ray Ortlund makes the case that gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture. In too many of our churches, it is the beauty of a gospel culture that is the missing piece of the puzzle. But when the gospel is allowed to exert its full power, a church becomes radiant with the glory of Christ.

Throughout the history of the church, Christians have always had to contend with the influence of unbiblical teachings related to God, humanity, and salvation. One of the most important safeguards against all forms of heresy is a robust appreciation for biblical theology¿reading the Bible in a way that takes into account the whole storyline of redemptive history. Exhorting pastors and other church leaders to prioritize biblical theology in their own congregations, this book explains basic principles for reading the Bible that help pastors teach the big story of the Bible from every text. Understanding the Bible in Christ-centered terms shapes the church's teaching and mission, and protects the truth of the gospel around the world.

What does effective church leadership look like? In this conversational book, pastor Jeramie Rinne sets forth an easy-to-understand "job description" for elders drawn from the Bible's teaching on church leadership. Offering practical guidance for new elders and helping church members better understand and support their spiritual leaders, this succinct volume will encourage elders to embrace their calling with grace, wisdom, and clarity of vision.

What's so important about the local church? The 9Marks Church Questions booklets answer common questions about the local church and what it means for the daily life of a Christian.9Marks Church Questions is a new series that provides ordinary Christians with answers to common questions about the local church. Each booklet is predicated on a question asked in a local church setting and offers sound teaching from Scripture and practical applications that help connect commitment to the local church with the daily life of a Christian.This Church Questions book contains all the following booklets all together in one book:Why Should I Join a Church?What If I Don't Desire to Pray?What Should I Do Now that I'm a Christian?What If I'm Discouraged in My Evangelism?How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics?What If I Don't Feel Like Going to Church?How Can Our Church Find a Faithful Pastor?Is It Loving to Practice Church Discipline?Why Should I Be Baptized?Why Should I Give to My Church?How Can I Find Someone to Disciple Me?Does God Love Everyone?How Can Women Thrive in the Local Church?How Can I Serve My Church?How Can I Get More out of My Bible Reading?Why is the Lord's Supper so Important?How Can I Support International Missions?Am I Called to Ministry?What Should We Do About Members Who Won't Attend?What Do Deacons Do?Can Women Be Pastors?Does the Gospel Promise Health and Prosperity?How Can I Be Sure I'm Saved?Who's in Charge of the Church?What Is the Church's Mission?Is Hell Real?What Should I Look For in a Church?

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus instructed his followers to "make disciples of all nations." But what does this command actually entail? What does it look like for Christians to care for one another's spiritual well-being and growth? In this introduction to the basics of discipling, veteran pastor and author Mark Dever uses biblical definitions and practical examples to show how Christians can help one another become more like Christ every day. The eighth volume in the 9Marks: Building Healthy Churches series, this short book explains how discipling should function in the context of the local church, teaching pastors and church leaders how to cultivate a culture of edification and growth in their congregations.

How Sound Doctrine Influences Every Area of the Christian LifeDoctrine might be something you've heard in church, but how does it impact your life? Christian doctrine examines what the Bible teaches about particular topics, such as the nature of God, the nature of humanity, how humans should live, and more. By understanding biblical truths, believers have the tools to understand God, interpret Scripture, and live godly lives. In this addition to the Church Questions series, Samuel James addresses how doctrine influences every area of life for the believer. Many individuals know that their beliefs matter in certain areas of life, such as politics, but don't always understand how key biblical principles like the Trinity, ecclesiology, and the atonement should shape their everyday lives. It is easy to think that doctrine is only for theologians, but in reality, it is essential for everyone-humanity was created to know the truth about God, themselves, and the world.

When individuals talk about an afterlife, they often talk about heaven and avoid any mention of hell. The idea of hell is uncomfortable and most people prefer to not discuss it. Given this reality, our society lacks an understanding of what hell is, why it exists, and how people can avoid it. Pastor Dane Ortlund has written this Church Questions booklet to educate readers on the reality of hell and the hope found in Jesus Christ. Using a variety of biblical passages, Ortlund explains that God is just, righteous, and deals perfectly with humanity. In light of God's holiness and our sin, we fall woefully short of heaven. Humanity deserves hell, but heaven is offered to believers through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

A Short Introduction to the Sovereignty of God for the Christian LifeGod's sovereignty is difficult for most people to wrap their minds around even when they're not going through difficult times; the topic raises many questions about salvation, evangelism, sin, and suffering. But when difficult circumstances arise, many believers ask, "Is God really in control?" In this addition to the Church Questions series, pastor Conrad Mbewe explains the Bible's teaching on God's sovereignty and addresses the common questions that it raises. He shows how it affects one's outlook on salvation, suffering, prayer, and worship in the Christian life. This short and accessible work is ideal for anyone currently struggling with the sovereignty of God or for new Christians wanting to learn more about God's sovereignty.

Who leads a church? Why is this important to God?God cares about his glory, and he means to display his glory through the church. For this very end, God has established elders and deacons, members, and congregational authority. This primer on church structure connects the different offices of the church to one another and to the glory of God.In the Church Basics Series, trusted church experts write practical, trustworthy resources on issues like Church Discipline, Church Leadership, the Lord's Supper, and Baptism that every pastor can hand every church member.

Looking for a new church can feel overwhelming, and it's often difficult to know what aspects to prioritize. In this addition to the Church Questions series, Alex Duke provides criteria on what to look for in a healthy local church. Using personal experiences and biblical principles, Duke identifies important elements within the church-the gospel, the Bible, and the community-as well as specific questions to ask. He also reminds believers that they should not be looking for a perfect church, but a biblical and faithful one. This booklet is perfect for those who are looking for a new church and unsure where to begin.

What Is the Role of Corporate Worship in the Church?Christians worship God at church every week, but many don't know exactly what worship is or why they do it. For some, it's a warm-up for the sermon. For others, it's a "me-and-Jesus" moment. What is the biblically informed way to view corporate worship?In this book, Matt Merker shows that corporate worship is the gathering of God's people by his grace, for his glory, for their good, and before a watching world. He offers biblical insights and practical suggestions for making worship what it truly is meant to be: a foretaste of God's people worshiping together for eternity in the new creation.

Why should you join a church? Becoming a member of a church is an important, and often neglected, part of the Christian life. Yet the trend these days is one of shunning the practice of organized religion and showing a distaste or fear of commitment, especially of institutions. Jonathan Leeman addresses these issues with a straightforward explanation of what church membership is and why it's important. Giving the local church its proper due, Leeman has built a compelling case for committing to the local body.

Five Ways the Lord's Supper Is Important for the Local ChurchChurch Questions is a series that seeks to provide ordinary Christians with sound and accessible biblical teaching by answering common questions about church life. Each volume offers biblical answers and practical applications with the goal of nurturing healthy church practice and commitment.Have you taken the Lord's Supper without understanding what it means? Do you wonder about its relevance to your Christian life? This ordinance doesn't have to be mysterious. Pastor Aubrey Sequeira shares five ways the Lord's Supper enriches the church as it invites believers to look backward (remembrance), outward (togetherness), upward (spiritual nourishment), inward (reflection), and forward (anticipation).

After his resurrection, Jesus commanded his disciples to go and "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them" (Matthew 28:19). In this booklet, pastor Bobby Jamieson unpacks Scripture's teaching on the importance of baptism in the local church, responding to seven reasons people often give for not being baptized.

Many of us have questions about what it means to live as a Christian in the context of a local church. You may even catch yourself asking, If I believe in Jesus, why do I need to join a church? To put it simply, when you are saved from your sin, you are saved into a community characterized by fellowship and accountability. Best-selling author Mark Dever presents seven biblical reasons why church membership is essential for displaying the gospel in your life.

Many new believers have questions about what it means to live as a Christian in the context of a local church, and pastors are looking for resources to pass along to their congregations to help them think biblically about the Christian life. Church Questions is a series by 9Marks that seeks to provide Christians with sound and accessible biblical teaching by answering common questions about church life. Each booklet offers biblical answers and practical applications with the goal of nurturing healthy church practice and commitment.Statistics show that while charitable giving is as popular as ever in America, giving to the church has dropped significantly in the past several decades. The Bible, however, stresses the importance of Christian giving-specifically for the benefit of the local church. In this short booklet, Jamie Dunlop addresses the question Why should I give to my church? by demonstrating how giving to the local church is spiritually rewarding, accomplishes God's purposes, and brings God glory.

How Can We Know What the Church Is Supposed to Do?Jesus commissioned the local church to carry out a mission. Yet local churches often disagree over exactly what Jesus commanded them to do, leading them to align their mission with current political or economic trends. So what does the Bible have to say?In this short book, Jonathan Leeman argues from Scripture that the mission of the church is first and foremost to make disciples-the task that each local assembly is called to do collectively-and to be disciples-the task for each individual Christian. He equips readers to obey this disciple-making mission both inside and outside the local church as they seek to follow Christ's call and make God's glory known in all the world.

This booklet gives readers the biblical basis and practical tips for sharing the gospel with those who aren't Christians, demonstrating how evangelism is doable for all believers, even those who feel like they aren't particularly gifted in evangelism.

Take the next step in your Christian faith.When you became a Christian, you recognized your need to be forgiven of sin and freed from sin's reign over your life. As a result, your life has been changed forever-you are now a follower of Jesus. But what does the Bible say it means to follow Jesus? Sam Emadi offers eight simple steps you should take once you become a Christian, as you set out in newness of life to thrive as a disciple of Jesus.

Practical Advice on Biblical Church Leadership and MembershipGod created his church to be a covenant of love and service among believers. It's an ideal design for fellowship, but one that's pushed to the side in the busyness of church life. How can congregations be sure to embrace God's purpose for them?In the short book Who's in Charge of the Church?, Sam Emadi explains that church polity isn't just transactional; it's meant to be transformative. He describes how churches should reflect biblical authority, particularly members' responsibilities to one another, their elders, and deacons. Emadi's direction helps provide clarity for congregations, showing them how to operate within God's perfect design and grow stronger in their love for Christ.

Looking for a new church can feel overwhelming, and it's often difficult to know what aspects to prioritize. In this addition to the Church Questions series, Alex Duke provides criteria on what to look for in a healthy local church. Using personal experiences and biblical principles, Duke identifies important elements within the church-the gospel, the Bible, and the community-as well as specific questions to ask. He also reminds believers that they should not be looking for a perfect church, but a biblical and faithful one. This booklet is perfect for those who are looking for a new church and unsure where to begin.

Helping Leaders to Develop Meaningful Church MembershipMany new believers have questions about what it means to live as a Christian in the context of a local church, and pastors are looking for resources to pass along to their congregations to help them think biblically about the Christian life. Created in partnership with 9Marks, Church Questions is a series that seeks to provide ordinary Christians with sound and accessible biblical teaching by answering common questions Christians have about church life. Each booklet offers biblical answers and practical applications with the goal of nurturing healthy church practice and commitment.In this concise booklet, Alex Duke explains the importance of meaningful membership and discusses what church members should do about fellow members who don't regularly attend. Duke highlights the benefits of church membership¿discipleship, accountability, and fellowship¿and offers advice on how all Christians can encourage faithful church membership in their congregations.

This booklet aims to encourage Christians to speak to their heavenly Father through prayer as it helps them understand the basics of why, what, and how to pray, especially as they worship and serve alongside other Christians.

When individuals talk about an afterlife, they often talk about heaven and avoid any mention of hell. The idea of hell is uncomfortable and most people prefer to not discuss it. Given this reality, our society lacks an understanding of what hell is, why it exists, and how people can avoid it. Pastor Dane Ortlund has written this Church Questions booklet to educate readers on the reality of hell and the hope found in Jesus Christ. Using a variety of biblical passages, Ortlund explains that God is just, righteous, and deals perfectly with humanity. In light of God's holiness and our sin, we fall woefully short of heaven. Humanity deserves hell, but heaven is offered to believers through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Does the phrase church discipline sound like an oxymoron? Many people believe that the church's message is centered around grace, and discipline seems contrary to this message. In this booklet, Jonathan Leeman presents biblical answers to questions about the nature and application of church discipline, illustrating how Scripture presents it as loving and necessary for yielding life, health, holiness, and growth in the local church body.

Concise, Scripture-Centered Guide Addresses Common Questions about Diaconal Service in the ChurchMany new believers have questions about what it means to live as a Christian in the context of a local church, and pastors are looking for resources to pass along to their congregations to help them think biblically about the Christian life. Church Questions is a series by 9Marks that seeks to provide Christians with sound and accessible biblical teaching by answering common questions about church life. Each booklet offers biblical answers and practical applications with the goal of nurturing healthy church practice and commitment.In this concise booklet, Juan Sanchez explains the essential role deacons play in the life of the church. He addresses topics such as why churches need deacons, how deacons carry out their role, who is eligible to be a deacon, and how diaconal service exemplifies the character of Christ. Valuable for church leaders and members alike, this resource helps readers understand what the Bible has to say about this important church office and why its ministry is indispensable.

Feelings are complicated and fickle, yet they often reveal what you really want or think. When you don't feel like going to church, something much deeper may be going on that must be addressed by God's Spirit, through his word. Gunner Gundersen diagnoses the human heart and offers biblical insight on the importance of being involved in the local church¿even when you don't feel like it.

Many new believers have questions about what it means to live as a Christian in the context of a local church, and pastors are looking for resources to pass along to their congregations to help them think biblically about the Christian life. Church Questions is a series by 9Marks that seeks to provide Christians with sound and accessible biblical teaching by answering common questions about church life. Each booklet offers biblical answers and practical applications with the goal of nurturing healthy church practice and commitment.Discipleship is an important part of the Christian life. As we follow Jesus, we learn the importance of pointing unbelievers to Jesus and helping believers grow in their relationship with him. But how do you know where to start? In this addition to the Church Questions series, Garrett Kell explores the Bible's teaching on discipleship and how that plays out practically in the context of the local church.

This booklet offers six practical recommendations for Christians who are divided on political issues. Authors Jonathan Leeman and Andy Naselli propose that Christians should learn how to disagree on many such issues with a spirit of gracious understanding by recognizing the importance of what binds us together as a local church body.