New Releases by R. C. Sproul

These essays from leading Reformed pastors and scholars reflect on the importance of John Calvin''s life and teaching for the church today.

Apologetic Primer Explains How Reason Supports Christianity''s Claims From the classroom to mainstream media, Christians regularly find their fundamental beliefs discounted by opponents who consider faith to be incompatible with reason. Faith is viewed as subjective, emotional, and a crutch for those who find the real world too hard. The late R. C. Sproul, however, claims faith reveals just how rational Christianity truly is. This book surveys the history and fundamentals of apologetics to demonstrate how reason and scientific inquiry actually support Christianity''s claims—thus equipping believers to defend the existence of God and the Bible''s authority. The defense of the faith is not a luxury or an intellectual vanity. It is a task appointed by God to give reason to your eternal hope as you bear witness before the world. A Logical and Biblical Defense: Sets forth the basic truth claims of Christianity to show the rationality of the Christian faith Comprehensive: Deals with arguments from philosophy, science, reason, logic, and history Ideal for New and Seasoned Believers Alike: Helps Christians know what they believe and why they believe it Great Resource for Individual, Small Group, or Classroom Study

Until we understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we will not understand the Christian faith. God is holy, so He cannot simply overlook our sin. That means we all stand condemned before His righteous judgment. In order to find deliverance from the wrath we deserve, we must look to the Savior who has paid the penalty of sin for those who trust in Him. In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul surveys the Bible''s teaching about the cross of Christ and the grace of God in redeeming His people.

In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul employs his unique perspective as a highly experienced pastor-theologian and a trained philosopher to provide well-considered and compassionate answers to the difficult questions that attend termination of pregnancy. Dr. Sproul strives for a factual, well-reasoned approach informed by careful biblical scholarship. He considers both sides of this issue in terms of biblical teaching, civil law, and natural law. This edition includes a new foreword by Dr. George Grant and has been updated to reflect developments in the issue. Appendixes provide further background on the issue of when life begins and list sources for pro-life resources.

From the first page of the Bible, we encounter a God who is sovereign. By His power and authority, He created the world and governs it to accomplish His plans. But is God sovereign over everything that happens--even our salvation? And if He is, do our choices even matter? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul demonstrates that the sovereignty of God extends to all things, from creation to redemption. Rather than erasing our responsibility, God''s absolute power and complete authority are what enable us to know Him, obey His Word, and tell others about His saving grace. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

R.C. Sproul takes a look at the meaning of holiness and why people are both fascinated and terrified by a holy God. "The Holiness of God" is a profound, moving investigation of the character of God which defines all we are and do as Christians.

The Christian life is a process of growing in holiness, our natural response to the good news of our redemption in Christ. This kind of growth is gradual, and obstacles are plentiful. Thankfully, we don''t have to go it alone. God has given us his Spirit so that we can overcome temptation and become more and more conformed to the image of Christ. But how does the Spirit work? What is the nature of our own personal involvement in the process? And how do we know if we are making progress? Drawn from the lectures of beloved theologian R. C. Sproul, Growing in Holiness explores the doctrine of sanctification, offering insightful commentary on themes such as developing perseverance, overcoming barriers to growth, dealing with feelings of inadequacy, cultivating love for God and others, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, and much more. Whether you''re a new believer who wants to understand what the Christian life is all about or you''ve been a Christian for some time but are frustrated by a lack of progress, this book is your guide to pursuing a holy life.

When the word church is mentioned, many people think of a building. Others think of a denomination. But the church is so much more. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains that the church is a group of people, not a building. These Christians make up the universal family of God and are called to live lives that glorify Him. Beginning with one of the church''s earliest statements of faith, Dr. Sproul takes an in-depth look at the "one, holy, catholic, and Apostolic" church. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

The person and work of the Holy Spirit spark much interest these days--but also much confusion. Many do not fully understand who the Spirit is or how He works in our lives. Some people even claim that the Spirit speaks to them apart from the Bible. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul cuts through the confusion by going to Scripture. After explaining who the Holy Spirit is, Dr. Sproul briefly sketches His work in this world, from giving new life to unbelievers to sanctifying and empowering God''s people. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

No person in history has provoked more difference of opinion than Jesus of Nazareth. Some say He was a cunning fraud, while others say He must have been out of His mind. In many cases, His story is altered to suit people''s agendas. While there are many ideas about Jesus, to truly understand Him, we must go to the Bible. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul presents a compelling portrait of Christ as the Son of God as he examines the biblical account. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

When a Christian prays, does it make any difference? Does it change anything? Though our prayers do not change God''s mind, He ordains prayer as a means to accomplish His will. We can be confident that prayer does change things--including our own hearts. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul argues that prayer has a vital place in the life of the Christian and calls us to come before God''s presence with joy and hope. Dr. Sproul shares practical wisdom and helps us understand the purpose, pattern, practice, prohibitions, and power of prayer. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Many people in the church today are plagued by doubts about their salvation. However, it''s not only possible for Christians to be sure that they are saved; it''s their duty to make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul seeks to help believers reach this goal. In short, accessible chapters, Dr. Sproul defines assurance, shows how we can gain it, reveals the blessings it brings, and warns of the dangers of false assurance. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

When Jesus said to the Jewish leader Nicodemus, "You must be born again," Nicodemus asked in astonishment, "How can these things be?" Some two thousand years later, people are still confused about the term "born again," though more people than ever claim to have had the experience. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul cuts through the confusion and carefully explains what it means to be born again. Dr. Sproul affirms that the new birth is essential for salvation and goes on to show that this regeneration is a sovereign work of God in our hearts. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Surveys routinely show that a majority of men and women believe that people are basically good. In fact, the Bible reveals that mankind was indeed created good. And yet, we all know people who have hurt us or others. And we have likewise done what is wrong. So what changed? Why do people lie, cheat, and steal? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains how we became morally corrupt and just how deep our corruption is. We don''t merely make mistakes; we sin against a holy God. But although this is bad news, it''s not the end of the story. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

All people have sinned and broken God''s law. None of us are good (Rom. 3:10). And as a result of our sin, God commands us to repent. But what does repentance look like? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks at several people in the Bible and how they give us a model of repentance. Dr. Sproul explains that true repentance is not simply a religious ritual or the resolve to do better next time. Rather, it''s a spiritual conversion in which we turn from our sin and to God in faith. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Christians agree that baptism is an essential practice in the church, and they also agree that it does not in itself save people from their sins. But why is there disagreement when it comes to whom should be baptized and how? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul introduces us to the sacrament of baptism and explains why well-meaning Christians come to different conclusions about it. As he unpacks its meaning, we see that baptism is a sign and seal of God''s promise of redemption, of cleansing from sin, and of new life in Christ. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

On the night He was betrayed, Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples. What was so significant about this meal, and what is its ongoing importance in the life of the church? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains the origins of what we now call the Lord''s Supper and the meaning behind the bread and wine. Dr. Sproul reminds Christians not to take this meal lightly but to prepare their hearts before receiving the Lord''s Supper. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

After His resurrection, Jesus gave His followers a mission: to go to all the nations and make disciples. What does this Great Commission mean? How are disciples made? And does every Christian have a role to play? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explores the Great Commission by defining key terms such as the gospel, evangelism, missions, and discipleship. Dr. Sproul explains that disciple-making requires much more than just sharing the gospel, and two thousand years after Jesus'' commission, this mission continues. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

"What is the Bible? Can we really trust it? Many people today assume that the Bible is full of errors and contradictions. At best, it is a mildly interesting look at the lives and beliefs of people who lived centuries ago. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul shows that these common assumptions are wrong. The Bible is the Word of God, and therefore it is trustworthy, authoritative, and without error. What it says is of life-changing importance and should not be neglected by anyone. We can always trust what God reveals about Himself in His Word. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers."

The Good Samaritan. The Prodigal Son. The Pearl of Great Price. Jesus was well known for using parables to illustrate a point. These short stories can be simple enough for a child to understand, yet they are also profound and have left many puzzled about their meaning. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul walks through eleven of Jesus'' parables and the rich lessons they carry for us today. Dr. Sproul also explains how parables worked to clarify Jesus'' message for some--and to conceal it from others. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Jesus said that knowing God is essential. The fact that God exists is obvious from creation, but in order to know who God is, we must learn what He has revealed about Himself in the Bible. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains what Scripture teaches about God''s nature, will, and attributes, presenting a glorious picture of the one true God--the God we are called to know, trust, and obey. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

God is holy, and we are sinful. God cannot stand to look upon sin. But the gospel of Jesus Christ reveals how sinful people can be right with God. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul delves into Scripture and church history to explore the doctrine of justification by faith alone. In so doing, he explains that by faith alone in Christ alone, sinful men and women can be justified and stand forgiven before a holy God. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

We often hear people say, "Just have a little faith." But what is faith? Is it a blind leap into the dark? Believing something without evidence? How does the Bible define faith? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks to Hebrews 11 for a biblical definition of faith: believing God and living by His Word. Exploring the lives of God''s people in history, he shows how they trusted God when they didn''t know the future. Like them, when we face the struggles of life, we too must trust God. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Jesus taught more often on money than He did on love or on heaven and hell combined. Why? It''s because money is one of the chief competitors for our affections. He warned, "You cannot serve God and money." How, then, should we view anu003ed use money? How should we understand and participate in the economy? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul offers much-needed biblical answers to these questions, and in so doing, he provides clarity as to how being good stewards of our money honors God. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Many people today believe that, even if there is a God, He is not actively involved in this world. Biblical Christianity has taken a very different view, teaching that God, not fate or free will, is the primary cause of what is and what happens. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explores the Christian doctrine of providence, the teaching that God is the sovereign Ruler of the universe. Dr. Sproul then answers some common questions: What is chance? Is God responsible for human wickedness? What about human freedom? The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, international upheaval--Jesus said all of these things would be signs of His return. It sounds like Jesus was describing our own time, but was He really predicting the events that we see in the news every day? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks at Jesus'' prophecies to consider a controversial question: Are we living in the last days? The answer may surprise you. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

The Bible teaches that God is one in substance and three in person--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Although the Trinity is clearly taught in the Bible, it has been attacked throughout church history, and many Christians today have not studied this foundational doctrine. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul carefully explains the Trinity and clarifies common misconceptions. While the Trinity is mysterious, it is not contradictory, and it is essential to understanding the nature of God. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

If you say "nobody''s perfect," likely everyone will agree with you. Feelings of guilt over sin are common. A person may ignore their sense of guilt, rationalize it, or suppress it, but it is there. It points to the fact that all people are objectively guilty before God. So, what do we do with our guilt? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul shows how God can use these feelings to reveal our true guilt. Dr. Sproul then points to the only remedy--the forgiveness that God provides through Jesus Christ. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

The great challenge for the Christian in a post-Christian context is how to impact this fallen world with our faith. In Making a Difference, beloved theologian R. C. Sproul shows readers how to confront today''s moral and social issues with an effective biblical response. Dr. Sproul first examines the major philosophies that affect the way Americans think and act--secularism, existentialism, humanism, and pragmatism--and then presents ideas on how to apply a biblical perspective to spheres of public life that need the Christian''s influence today: economics, science, art and literature, and government.

In today''s skeptical age, many people insist that Jesus was, at best, a great teacher. Mark demonstrates that He was--and is--so much more. In this volume, Dr. R.C. Sproul dives into Mark''s action-packed and fast-paced gospel. As we are told in vivid detail, Jesus immediately vanquishes demons, banishes diseases, subdues the forces of nature, satisfies hunger, and silences critics. From one mighty miracle to the next, this gospel builds an unshakable case for Jesus'' true identity and leads us to confess along with the Apostle Peter that You are the Christ (Mark 8:29). Dr. Sproul''s expositional commentaries help you understand key theological themes and apply them to all areas of your life. Drawn from decades of careful study and delivered from a pastor''s heart, these sermons are readable, practical, and thoroughly Bible-centered. Here is your opportunity to learn from a trusted teacher and theologian as he leads you through God''s Word and shares his perspective on living faithfully for God''s glory. This is a series to serve pastors, small groups, and growing Christians who want to know the Bible better.