Christian Essentials
The Christian Essentials series passes down tradition that matters. The ancient church was founded on basic biblical teachings and practices like the Ten Commandments, baptism, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Supper, the Lord’s Prayer, and corporate worship. These basics of the Christian life have sustained and nurtured every generation of the faithful—from the apostles to today. The books in the Christian Essentials series open up the meaning of the foundations of our faith.
The Lord’s Supper
A Guide to the Heavenly Feast
You receive Communion. But what does it mean?
In The Lord’s Supper: A Guide to the Heavenly Feast, John W. Kleinig awakens a hunger for meeting Jesus in the bread and wine. The Bible tells us that Jesus came from heaven to earth to give us himself, and his self-giving continues in the meal that he hosts. In the sacrament of Communion, Jesus offers believers nothing less than his holy, life-giving body and cleansing blood. He brings heaven to earth for us and gives us a foretaste of the heavenly supper of the Lamb. And by faith, we commune with him. In the Eucharist, Christians give thanks for God’s gift of himself.
Learn more“John Kleinig's reflection on the Lord's Supper is at once simple, profound, and thoroughly biblical. Avoiding several of the thickets that divide churches on this mystery, he focuses our attention on the central aspects that unite them. The result is the most accessible and catholic introduction to the Lord's Supper I have read.”
“Dr. Kleinig has gifted readers with a winning, accessible, and engaging introduction to the Lord's Supper. Written in the Lutheran tradition for a wide Christian audience, The Lord's Supper helps all readers to see and to relish the gracious Savior to whom the Supper points.”
The Church
A Guide to the People of God
You belong to God’s family. But do you understand what that means?
The Bible tells the story of God and his people. But it is not merely history. It is our story. Abraham is our father. And Israel’s freedom from slavery is ours. Brad East traces the story of God’s people, from father Abraham to the coming of Christ. He shows how we need the scope of the entire Bible to fully grasp the mystery of the church. The church is not a building but a body. It is not peripheral or optional in the life of faith. Rather, it is the very beating heart of God’s story, where our needs and hopes are found.
Learn more“This is a bright, thoughtful, and passionate account of the Church. Brad East roots ecclesiology in the story of Israel and the story of Jesus Christ and in doing so provides a number of fresh perspectives that can help us in our doctrine and our practice.”
“I find this an extraordinary book. It is written with simplicity and clarity. And yet it covers so much, introducing its readers to an extraordinarily rich field of theology.”
The Collected Christian Essentials: Catechism
A Guide to the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer
The catechism— the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer—has sustained and nurtured every generation of believers, directing their faith, hope, and love. It helps Christians read, pray, and live God’s word. By giving Christians God’s word to give back to him, it plants seeds of his word and cultivates them to full growth. The Collected Christian Essentials: Catechism brings the church’s ancient catechism to a new generation.
Learn more“This is a brilliant and inspiring collection of studies by three of the leading theologians of our day. It should be on the bookshelf of all Christians.”
“Whether for personal or communal use, this inviting catechism is itself a gift of grace.”