Short Studies

Some people think of Jesus as a great prophet or a wise philosopher; others see him as an important religious leader or even a revolutionary. In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Stephen Wellum challenges these claims as he argues for the divinity of Jesus according to Scripture and in line with creedal Christianity. In this brief introduction, we are invited to rejoice in the centrality of Christ―who as both God and man reconciles us to God.

Throughout the Bible, God has related to his people through covenants. It is through these covenant relationships, which collectively serve as the foundation for God’s promise to bring redemption to his people, that we can understand the advancement of his kingdom. This book walks through six covenants from Genesis to Revelation, helping us grasp the overarching narrative of Scripture and see the salvation God has planned for us since the beginning of time―bolstering our faith in God and giving us hope for the future.

Hinduism is practiced by nearly 80 percent of India's population, and by some 70 million people outside India. In this Very Short Introduction, Kim Knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyzes the challenges facing it in the 21st century. She discusses key preoccupations of Hinduism such as the centrality of the Veda as religious texts, the role of Brahmins, gurus, and storytellers in the transmission of divine truths, and the cultural and moral importance of epics such as the Ramayana.

God’s people, once resting in his divine presence, now toil in exile. The theme of humanity’s expulsion and wandering begins with Adam and Eve, but echoes in events throughout the Bible. Emphasizing the pain of separation from God, exile stories also highlight the hope of resurrection and creation’s imminent restoration back to the Edenic state.

What comes to mind when you think of the word church? In this volume, Gregg R. Allison helps define the church and its mission by presenting an overview of the specific doctrines and practices of different churches and denominations. He lays a basic foundation for better understanding the common practices among local church communities (“mere ecclesiology”) and the ways that they diverge from one another (“more ecclesiology”).

The theme of divine sonship stretches across the pages of the Bible: from Adam in the garden of Eden, through the nation of Israel and King David, and ultimately to Jesus Christ in the New Jerusalem―the Son of God par excellence. In this volume, renowned biblical scholar Graeme Goldsworthy shows what Christ's fulfillment of the divine sonship motif means for all who are sons and daughters of God.

At the very heart of God’s plan for the world stands an extraordinary city. Beginning with the garden of Eden in Genesis and ending with the New Jerusalem in Revelation, the biblical story reveals how God has been working throughout history to establish a city filled with his glorious presence. Tracing the development of the theme of city in both testaments, T. Desmond Alexander draws on his experience as a biblical scholar to show us God’s purpose throughout Scripture to dwell with his redeemed people in a future extraordinary city on a transformed earth.

Daily Study #3: Silence and Complicity is a short devotional reflection inspired by ancient writings preserved within the Ethiopian Orthodox biblical tradition. This daily study explores the often-overlooked relationship between silence and responsibility. Drawing on themes found in the Book of Enoch, Jubilees, and related ancient texts, it invites readers to reflect on moments when silence is not neutral—and when it quietly becomes participation. Rather than offering doctrine or formal instruction, this study encourages thoughtful self-examination around questions such as: When silence ...

In 1999, Texas passed a landmark clean energy law, beginning a groundswell of new policies that promised to make the US a world leader in renewable energy. As Leah Stokes shows in Short Circuiting Policy, however, that policy did not lead to momentum in Texas, which failed to implement its solar laws or clean up its electricity system. Examining clean energy laws in Texas, Kansas, Arizona, and Ohio over 30 years Stokes argues that organized combat between advocate and opponent interest groups is central to explaining why states are not on track to address the climate crisis.

Death is a powerful and sobering reality. While everyone must face death, it is not the end for those united with Christ. Followers of Jesus Christ have resurrection hope―the proclamation that Christ has defeated death and the promise that believers shall share in his victory. The resurrection is essential to the Christian faith and is rooted in the faithfulness of God.

The Bible is the written word of the living God. He speaks through this word, working in and through human agents as he reveals himself to his people. His word is trustworthy, yet many Christians struggle to articulate why they believe that to be true. Centered in the words of Scripture and especially the teaching of Jesus himself, this volume unpacks the doctrine of Scripture as taught by the church through the ages, helping to strengthen listeners’ confidence in God’s word.

More than any writer before or since, Louis L'Amour brought the American West to life. His action-packed stories deal with eternal themes: honor, deceit, passion, betrayal, loyalty, courage, love. His settings are historically accurate, his prose riveting, and his characters colorful: good guys, bad guys, toughs, roughs, sidekicks, and saints.

Tracing the theme of serpents and dragons through both Testaments, trusted scholar Andrew David Naselli demonstrates that these stories reflect our desire to know the ultimate story―the struggle between God’s offspring and the offspring of the serpent. As we come to experience this captivating, unifying narrative, we will rejoice in the ultimate victory of Jesus―the serpent slayer―over the devouring dragon in Revelation.

♥ What if you could set yourself free from the trauma and pain of the past…with one simple prayer? ♥ Sounds impossible, right? In this powerful book from the #1 bestselling author of Becoming the Woman God Wants Me To Be, you’ll discover a proven process that will heal your heart and make your spirit soar with hope. This Bible study devotional for women is for you if: ✓ Someone betrayed you…and you need the courage to trust again. ✓ You’re holding on to past hurts. ✓ You don’t understand why God let certain things happen to you. You’ll be amazed to discover exactly how...

Learn English the smart way—one small step a day. If big, heavy grammar books have slowed you down, this 30-day English grammar & vocabulary program gives you a simple, repeatable system: short lessons, a quick story you can read & listen to, and focused practice that fits in 30 minutes a day. Built on an Atomic Learning approach—consistent small actions that compound—this book helps adult learners, high school & college students, and busy professionals build real fluency without burnout. Inspired by the habit science popularized in modern learning research, you’ll progress with ...

The phrase "the meaning of life" for many seems a quaint notion fit for satirical mauling by Monty Python or Douglas Adams. But in this spirited Very Short Introduction, famed critic Terry Eagleton takes a serious if often amusing look at the question and offers his own surprising answer.

Based on the African American Women's Voices Project, Shifting reveals that a large number of African American women feel pressure to compromise their true selves as they navigate America's racial and gender bigotry. Black women "shift" by altering the expectations they have for themselves or their outer appearance....

Is religion a force for war, or a force for peace? Some of the most terrible wars in history have been caused and motivated by religion. Much of the violence that fills our screens today springs from the same source. Yet some of the bravest pacifists have also been deeply religious people, and many of the laws and institutions that work to soften or prevent war have deep religious roots. This Very Short Introduction provides an overview of the history of religion and war, and a framework for analyzing it.

Daily Study #7: Restoration and Hope is a short devotional reflection inspired by ancient biblical writings and early religious traditions. This daily study explores how restoration follows honesty, accountability, and endurance, and how hope is often born not from avoiding hardship, but from learning through it. Drawing on themes preserved in ancient texts and shared biblical wisdom, the reflection invites readers to consider renewal as a forward-looking process rather than a return to what once was. Readers are encouraged to reflect on: Restoration after failure or loss Hope grounded in ...

Daily Study #5: Judgment and Mercy is a short devotional reflection inspired by ancient biblical writings and early religious traditions. This daily study explores the often-misunderstood relationship between judgment and mercy, emphasizing that the two are not opposites but are meant to function together. Drawing on themes preserved in ancient scripture, the reflection invites readers to consider how justice, accountability, and compassion shape both personal growth and communal responsibility. Rather than offering doctrine or formal instruction, this study encourages thoughtful self-...