Bryan M. Litfin

Christian Martyrdom

History & Biography

“The subject of martyrdom is an essential one for the twenty-first-century church, and Ed Smither is just the man to address it in a theological, historical, and pastoral way. Combining expertise in church history with missiology, Smither offers a history of Christian persecution, then reminds us why it matters today: because our brothers and sisters are still suffering as they bear witness to the Lord. Grounded in Christology, this book calls Christians to a life of cruciform suffering and spiritual oneness with those whose imitation of Christ may require the ultimate sacrifice.”

Mission in the Early Church

Evangelism & Missions

“Too many Christians suppose evangelism began when modern Westerners decided to bring the gospel to the ignorant masses of the world's darkest continents. As both a missiologist and ancient church scholar, Edward Smither is perfectly positioned to recover the truth that missions began in the New Testament and never stopped expanding during the church's earliest centuries. Writing with easy-to-read clarity and an expert's mastery, Smither tells a forgotten story that no Christian should miss!”

Missionary Monks

History & Biography

“Church historian and missiologist Ed Smither is the perfect person to bridge two academic fields and offer us a comprehensive look at monastic Christian missions. His historical overview covers all the bases with readability and depth. Perhaps his most important contribution is the 'theology of mission' that calls us to imitate the globe-trotting monks in their love for God and lives of sacrifice. Everyone interested in contemporary missions needs to read this book; for in its pages we come face to face with our great predecessors who first took the Gospel to faraway lands. These are friends we need to know, and Smither offers them to you. Don't miss out!”

One with Christ

Christian Living

“Evangelicals certainly love Jesus, but for too long they have loved him from a distance. He is the beloved man of the Gospels who did great deeds ‘back then,’ or the glorious Christ who reigns on his throne ‘up there.’ Marcus Johnson puts the Savior back where he belongs: in our midst as the one to whom we are truly united. This book is a timely reminder that our union with Christ is actual, mystical, and sacramental. Are we ready for that?”

Quest for the Historical Apostles

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Just as there have been quests for the historical Jesus, so now Shelton leads us on a quest for the historical core within the many apostolic legends. More than just a work of scholarship, this book takes readers by the hand and guides us through the minefield of ancient mythmaking to help us meet the actual disciples of Christ, the real men who walked with the Savior and sat at his feet. Never gullible or credulous, yet never unconcerned about the edification of the church, Shelton gives us the bottom line when it comes to the apostles: their actual historical biographies and their enduring significance for today.”

RetroChristianity

Theology

“As the Evangelical church in America muddles its way into the twenty-first century—aimless, adrift, and uncertain about its identity—Michael Svigel wisely taps us on the shoulder and reminds us, ‘Look to the past.’ His advice couldn’t be more astute. Now more than ever, the church needs to find its way forward by locating its roots in RetroChristianity.”

Talking with Catholics about the Gospel

Evangelism & Missions

“Talking with Catholics is vintage Castaldo – deeply pastoral, generous to the other side, full of humor, and insightful about the issues that really matter. The author finds the perfect balance of truth and love. He doesn’t misrepresent the Catholic Church, yet he tests every claim by the Word of God. Castaldo has written a book that anyone who loves a Roman Catholic friend or relative should own. In a dialogue that is too often harsh and painful, Talking with Catholics shows us how to be truly Christian.”

Dr.

The Unfinished Reformation

Theology

“This book blows a welcome breeze into the stifling and oppressive debates between Protestants and Catholics. Too often each side labels the other a “false church” and refuses to see the good the other tradition offers. Allison and Castaldo refuse to be this simplistic—not to mention uncharitable—in their approach. Congenial in their tolerance while never obscuring real differences, the authors lay out the main points of disagreement between these two Christian traditions. If you are a Protestant with a Catholic in your life, or vice versa, you need this book in your library.”

Where I End

History & Biography

“Where I End shook me to the core and left me on my knees in worship. Many theologians can write sound doctrine, but few can write it as beautifully as Kate Clark has done. Her elegant prose, courageous vulnerability, spritely humor, and profound insights take us deep into a narrative of fearsome suffering and godly perseverance. Any Christian trying to find God needs to read this book. Clark's story reminds us that only when we reach our end do we truly discover where Jesus Christ begins.”