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Your New Clothes this Easter

Posted on by P&R Staff

As a kid, the most important thing about Easter was that I was getting a new suit, shirt, and shoes.

There were only two times a year where I was virtually guaranteed to receive new clothes—the start of the school year and Easter. We understand the start of the school year; it marked the start of a new year, new grade, and perhaps even a new school. But why new clothes at Easter?

Easter points us to renewal and new life. The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the revelation of new life in God. Christ was raised unto new life and all those in Him are now raised and granted new life—better life, eternal life in Him. The resurrection of Jesus gave us the fulfillment of God’s promise to do “a new thing” (Isa. 43:19) and the first fruits of His promise to “make all things new” (2 Cor. 5:17).

When Christ rose from the dead, he brought to us new life, new hope, new songs, new joys, and a new way. So, put on your new clothes this Easter, and let them be a reminder to you that in Christ you are a part of a new creation—the old is gone, the new has come.

—Anthony J. Carter, author, Dying to Speak

Jesus’s last words reveal who he is: the Son of God, Messiah, Shepherd of our souls, Savior of the world. They also tell us what we are to be because of him: forgiven, saved, loved, reconciled, refreshed, complete, and satisfied. With pastoral care, Anthony Carter and Lee Fowler remind us of the implications of Christ’s words for our lives today.

Hardcover | 88 Pages | 978-1-62995-878-1 | List: $15.99

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Good Friday: Hope in the Tension

Posted on by P&R Staff

Good Friday, a day when the church is called to remember the greatest sin ever committed: the murder of Jesus Christ.  

Honestly, the injustice of the crucifixion makes me uncomfortable. Sure, I know that the events of Good Friday are part of the story, but honestly, I’d rather just get to Easter Sunday celebrations without acknowledging the utter depravity this day commemorates. I want to dress up in spring colors and plan lovely family get-togethers. This gloom isn’t really necessary, is it?  

Yes, it is. 

Why? Good Friday presents us with deeply difficult tension. On that day, humanity committed the greatest sin—and God offered the greatest act of love. Good Friday reminds us that we humans love our god-playing. We abuse our authority, while Jesus used his authority to lay his life down (John 10:18). We try to preserve the status quo, while Jesus disrupts our petty plans. On our own, we pursue our own ways, even if it means destroying the One who is perfectly good and loving. 

God used a terrible sin to bring about salvation from our sin. We will see that salvation fully realized in the new heavens and the new earth, when we are finally made holy. That day is coming, but it isn’t here yet. Today, let yourself experience the discomfort this day brings—even as its tension reveals our true hope. 

—Elyse Fitzpatrick, author, The Afternoon of Life

With humor, transparency, and biblical wisdom, Elyse Fitzpatrick shows that God uses the challenges of middle age—often the most difficult time in a woman’s life—to glorify himself and sanctify us. Drawing on Scripture and the stories of friends, she shows that when we cling to him as the source of our joy, peace, and blessing, we can laugh at the days to come.

Paperback | 200 Pages | 978-1-62995-921-4 | List: $18.99

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Hope in the Face of Death

Posted on by P&R Staff

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).

What we believe about the resurrection shapes how we live today. If Christ did not rise, our faith is in vain. But he did rise—seen by Mary Magdalene, by Thomas who touched His scars, by disciples huddled in fear, and by many others. Because he lives, we live with hope!

This hope changes everything—including how we prepare for glory. We fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is eternal (2 Cor. 4:18). We loosen our grip on earthly treasures, knowing we have an inheritance that will never fade (1 Pet. 1:4). We endure suffering with patience, for our momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17). We forgive freely, love deeply, and serve faithfully because our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20).

Christ’s resurrection is our guarantee: when we die, we will be with him. And when he returns, we will receive new, immortal bodies fit for eternity. We live today in hope, certain of our forever home.

How are you preparing for glory today?

—Elizabeth Turnage, author, Preparing for Glory

You don’t have to be dying to have questions about death, the afterlife, legacy planning, and more. Life and legacy coach Elizabeth Turnage presents bite-size biblical answers on theological and practical issues, accompanied by beautiful hymns, prayers, reflection questions, and additional resources. Rediscover hope as you meditate on the glory that lies ahead.

Paperback | 184 Pages | 979-8-88779-012-1 | List: $16.99

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The Hope Our Prayers Proclaim

Posted on by P&R Staff

How do you hold on to hope when life is hard or when guilt and shame overwhelm you?

Hope in the Christian life isn’t tied to circumstances; it is tied wholly to our risen Savior. As Peter says, we have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). This means that you can have confidence at all times that God is for you, even when your circumstances don’t show it or when your sins try to tell you otherwise.

This confidence, which is yours for eternity in Christ, is something you can express in prayer. Jesus has opened the way for you to walk boldly into the heavenly throne room into God’s presence and to lay your desires, fears, anxieties, discouragements, longings, challenges, and successes before him. You don’t need to worry about whether or not he will receive you. If you believe in Jesus, the resurrection is your guarantee that your Savior will always welcome you into his presence—by prayer in this life and by conversing with him “face to face” (1 Cor. 13:12) forevermore in the world to come.

—Guy Richard, author, Persistent Prayer

In this practical and sympathetic guidebook, biblical counselor Esther Smith provides twelve powerful strategies that are targeted to different thought struggles. Each chapter is filled with a variety of exercises so that you can begin to change your thoughts right away and live at peace.

Hardcover | 136 Pages | 978-1-62995-872-9 | List: $15.99

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Peace In Christ: More Than a Feeling

Posted on by P&R Staff

It’s a profound thing to experience reconciliation in a relationship. Where there was rupture, there’s now repair. Where there was brokenness, peace.

Is this not the work of the cross? The Father sacrificed his Son to a horrific execution in order to bring peace to this world (Col 1:20). Between every warring party, there will be shalom. All will be mended in the end.

But we live in the era of the unfinished, where anxiety niggles and brokenness remains. Yet we are not left without hope. The One who is our peace dwells closer than our very skin.

When your mind races on overdrive and your stomach twists, breathe these words of life into your body: In him, all things hold together (Col. 1:17). A peace that passes understanding is available to your mind, your heart, and your body, because it is held fast by the One who holds you fast. It isn’t dependent on your feelings. It is dependent on the finished work of Jesus. Thanks be to God.

—Liz Edrington, author, Anxiety

With daily Scripture readings, breathing exercises, and additional counseling resources, this little book offers you comfort and help in your anxiety. See how your anxiety fits into God’s big story—and learn how Jesus can bring you peace.

Paperback | 96 Pages | 978-1-62995-913-9 | List: $12.99

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