facebook pixel

4 New Releases Today!

Posted on by Kim

We are excited to release 4 new titles today!

  1. Jazz, Blues, and Spirituals: The Origins and Spirituality of Black Music in the United States, New Edition
  2. Respect the Image: Reflecting Human Worth in How We Listen and Talk
  3. Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability, Revised and Updated
  4. The Song of Songs

Jazz, Blues, and Spirituals: The Origins and Spirituality of Black Music in the United States, New Edition by Hans Rookmaaker

248 pages | $19.99 | SAMPLE CHAPTER | Mobi: $9.99 | ePub: $9.99

About

At a time when many white Europeans and Americans dismissed the artistry of African-American music, Dutch art professor Hans Rookmaaker wrote in praise of its merits. This musical history explores the development of jazz, blues, spirituals, and gospel music from its earliest days until the 1950s—describing, as Dr. Rookmaaker understood them, the origins, rationale, and interplay of diverse new genres.

This new edition features a preface by William Edgar, an accomplished jazz pianist and a professor at Westminster Seminary.

Endorsements

“The fundamental admiration of African American creativity shining through oppression is Rookmaaker’s view woven through every paragraph of this research. Though written in 1960, this is an example that the twenty-first-century educated musician should follow.”

—James Ward, Recording Artist, Singer-Songwriter

“A robust and diverse contribution to the world of music comes out of the Black experience in America. . . . Hans Rookmaaker gives us this American story through the lens of God’s work among a people. We are brought into the beauty that springs out of joy and sorrow intimately tied to a hope rooted in God.”

—Irwyn L. Ince, Director, GraceDC Institute for Cross-Cultural Mission

“Hans Rookmaker is a fascinating man who played an important role in the development of a neo-Calvinist vision of the arts. Now that it is available once again, may this volume remind a generation of Christians that no musical form is neutral or without meaning. May it stimulate further work across a variety of musical genres.”

—Mark P. Ryan, Director of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute, Adjunct Professor of Religion and Culture, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis

Respect the Image: Reflecting Human Worth in How We Listen and Talk by Timothy M. Shorey

208 pages | $15.99 | SAMPLE CHAPTER | Mobi: $9.99 | ePub: $9.99

About

We humans talk a lot, so you’d think we’d be good at communicating with one another. But . . . well, we’re not. And the result is hurt, misunderstandings, frustration, division, and sometimes all-out war.

Yet whether we’re trying to repair a relationship, interact on social media, or understand someone whose beliefs differ from our own, there is hope! The people around us bear God’s image. As we learn to treat them accordingly, our communication will become a powerful means of showing God’s love to them.

Laying out eleven key principles for loving conversation, Pastor Tim Shorey guides us to a memorable, scriptural approach to communication that can transform our relationships.

Endorsements

“A focused and helpful plea for greater listening and learning in all our relationships.”

—Ruth Naomi Floyd, Vocalist; Lecturer on African-American Spirituals and Resident Artist, Temple University

“Expertly crafted, this rich biblical treatment of relational and racial unity is a blessing and an encouragement.”

—Diane Hunt, Counselor; Editor and Coauthor, Crossing the Jordan

“Helps us all precisely because Tim aims to make every truth transformative and every story connect to the truth.”

—Jeffrey S. Black, Professor and Chair of the Department of Counseling and Psychology, Cairn University

Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability, Revised and Updated by Stephanie O. Hubach

272 pages | $16.99 | SAMPLE CHAPTER | Mobi: $9.99 | ePub: $9.99

About

In a fallen world, we all experience brokenness. In our humanity, we all experience limited ability. We’re in the same lake, sharing a common story—but because our experiences differ from person to person, we’re not in the same boat.

When it comes to people with disability, however, we often act like we’re in different lakes. Disability can seem frightening, abnormal—or even irrelevant to those who do not experience it. But Stephanie Hubach argues that there is a better way to think of disability, a better way to understand the challenges facing those touched by disability, and a better way to understand the role of the church in the lives of people with differing abilities. She pinpoints what is true about disability, in contrast to common secular views, and what we need to rethink and relearn in order to support one another and make God’s kingdom truly accessible to all.

This revised and updated edition includes new chapters on growing in grace and journeying into maturity.

Endorsements

“Whether you are someone who is navigating the challenges of dealing with disability in your own family or someone who can’t imagine . . . the difficulties faced by families touched by disability, this book is for you.”

—Nancy Guthrie, Author, Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow

“Steph Hubach is an exceptional Christian leader whose honest, wise, and hope-filled book has helped Christians worldwide. . . . It remains the first resource I recommend to anyone who wishes to demonstrate the love of Christ in response to human disability.”

—Philip Graham Ryken, President, Wheaton College

“Delightfully engaging. Personal and poignant. Same Lake, Different Boat is a must-read for anyone who wants to make the church as God has designed it to be . . . beautiful.”

—Emily Colson, Author, Dancing with Max

“Hubach reminds us of God’s clear call to become communities of belonging for individuals with disabilities and their families. And she equips us with the perspectives and practices needed to move in this direction.”

—Erik Carter, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Special Education, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

“Stephanie Hubach’s book shines the light of biblical truth on many of the disability-related conversations and current words and trends to give us a well-articulated place where Christians can plant their feet.”

—Barbara J. Newman, Director of Church Services, All Belong

The Song of Songs by G.I. Williamson

112 pages | $9.99 | SAMPLE CHAPTER | Mobi: $6.99 | ePub: $6.99

About

These eight sermons became a landmark in Rev. Williamson’s preaching ministry to his congregation and are presented here as a source of blessing to others.

“In my early ministry, I said one time that the whole Bible is the Word of God, and we should not be afraid to preach on any part of it, and I’m willing to do it. And what do you think happened then? Right away somebody said, ‘Okay, preach on the Song of Solomon.’ I can understand why preachers tend to shy away from it—because it’s not easy to preach on a book about sex and marriage. It’s especially difficult when you face a whole congregation of people of different ages. But I had to keep my word, and I’m glad I did!

In my half-century of experience in the ministry I still look back on that series of sermons as unique. Through the entire series the eyes of the people were riveted on their preacher. You could hear a pin drop in the auditorium. And everyone—from eight to eighty—was there to hear these sermons. I cannot adequately express the sense of wonder that I felt in preaching these messages.” — G. I. Williamson

 

Author Interview with Timothy Shorey

Posted on by Kim

This week’s author interview is with Tim Shorey. He is the author of Respect the Image: Reflecting Human Worth in How We Listen and Talk, which is releasing February 5th. Read a sample chapter of his book HERE.

  • Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a missionary and preacher’s kid who was wondrously rescued from spiritual rebellion in my mid-teen years. I was going in a seriously wrong direction when God got ahold of me and drew me to Christ at age 15. But that isn’t where God’s work in me began. As I rummage around in my memory files, I can go back to age 5, when I already aspired to be three things: I wanted to be a husband, a father, and a pastor. I’m sure that says something about how much I admired my father who was all three in faithfulness till death took him home.

But it turned out to be much more than a son’s admiring desire to be like his dad when he grows up; it was the early hint of a three-fold calling. As a simple matter of fact, I was a husband (to Gayline) at 19, a father at 20, and a pastor at 23. I’m now 61 so you can do the math and see that grace has been pretty amazing to me. It makes me think of words that I’m guessing most have heard somewhere before: “Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

Along the way the family has grown to six kids and 13 grand-kids—and a world of brothers and sisters in Jesus. Writing has become ministry and hobby to me—even as pastoral life continues. And as for rest and replenishment, food and walks and grand-kids and music and laughter and sushi and a very occasional round of golf are all consistent restoratives and interests of mine—so long as, at least 90% of the time, I get to do them with Gayline.

 

  • When did you first want to write a book?

In my twenties, but family and church didn’t leave enough left-over time to pursue it. So that made all those years of marriage and parenting and pastoring the prep time for writing; which I’m getting to do now. I think that’s called, “having your cake and eating it, too”.

 

  • Have you always enjoyed writing?

Yes I have; all the way back to junior high.

 

  • What inspired you to write this book, about this topic?

I’ve self-published a couple of smaller books that function mostly as testimonials and devotionals—and they were a pure joy to write. Inspired as they were by a spirit of worship and delight in Jesus, they were very personal offerings of praise to my Savior, by which more than a few seem to have been blessed.[1]

But my February 5, 2020-released P&R-published Respect the Image: Reflecting Human Worth in How We Listen and Talk is different. While still an offering of praise, it’s also a result of decades of life, ministry, and study.  And it’s born out of a longing ache that families and churches and classes and diverse ethnicities would lay down their weapons of warfare and form a mutually binding pact to take up and apply the Word of God and all it has to say about respect, love, careful listening, and a sanctified tongue.

I put the core of this teaching together over 20 years ago and have taught it in summer Bible camps, marriage retreats, churches; even in public schools. The burden to get it into writing has grown over the years, and has been ignited further by my recent experiences as a pastor of a very multi-cultured church in a polarized world; a context where listening and talking are being tested like never before—much to our delight! In short: people are far too precious to damage or abuse through the wretched communication sins we all too often commit. It is time for change.

 

  • What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Given that this is my first formally published work—and that it’s just being released—means that the critiques are still mostly to come; which produces, I must say, a bit of a vulnerable sensation. I do like to craft words, but have been warned not to do too much of it. Readers will have to decide whether or not it’s overboard in Respect the Image. On the other hand, I think that the best compliment I’ve heard—apart from comments of how the writing has blessed people and is pastorally helpful—is one I’ve received quite often; that my writing is winsome. I like that. I think that people who know me will know that I take life, the gospel, theology, Scriptural authority, and the glory of God very seriously; which is pretty clear in my book (I hope!). But along with that, I seriously hope that I take joy, grace, whimsy, light-hearted fun, and smiles seriously, too. Enough so that people can feel them though the words on the page, as well.

 

  • What is your favorite food?

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes swimming in butter, fresh green peas (swimming in the potatoes’ overflow butter), and a nice sized bowl of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

 

  • The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia?

When I am reading for pleasure alone, The Lord of the Rings, which I happen to be reading for the fourth time right now. LOTRs stirs me to courage, endurance, and friendship; reminding me to seize the time I’m given to do the tasks I’m given. But if I am reading to children, The Chronicles of Narnia. Seeing the faces of kids as they go further up and further in to Narnia’s wonders is a sight to delight!

 

  • If you have a favorite book of the Bible, what is it and why?

I’m not sure about “favorite” but I love the book of Ecclesiastes. It has rescued my soul time and again when the seemingly random and endless sorrows of a broken world have threatened my faith. I thrill over its simple powerful message in the midst of all that is crazy and unexplained; a message simply stated: “Remember God. Do what he says. And enjoy life.” But hey; that may be focus for another book.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

[1] Worship Worthy: Alliterative Adoration and 30/30 Hindsight: 30 Reflections on a 30-Year Headache

 

Daily Excerpt — Come to the Waters by James Montgomery Boice

Posted on by Kim

 January 1

Good Creation

Genesis 1:1–26

And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:21

The value of creation, declared good by God, brings us to a natural conclusion: if God finds the universe good in its parts and as a whole, then we must find it good also. This does not mean that we will refuse to see that nature has been marred by sin. But even in its marred state, it has value, just as fallen man also has value.

First, we should be thankful for the world God has made and praise him for it. In some expressions of Christian thought only the soul has value. But this is not right, nor is it truly Christian. The Christian view is that God has made all that is and that the material world therefore has value and should be valued by us because of this origin.

Second, we should delight in creation. This is closely related to being thankful but is a step beyond it. It is a step that many Christians have never taken. Frequently, Christians look on nature only as one of the classic proofs of God’s existence. But instead of this, the Christian should really enjoy what he sees. He should appreciate its beauty. He should exult in creation even more than the non-Christian, because in the Christian’s case there is a corresponding knowledge of the God who stands behind it.

Third, we should demonstrate a responsibility toward nature, meaning that we should not destroy it simply for the sake of destroying it but rather should seek to elevate it to its fullest potential. Men and women together should seek to sanctify and cleanse the earth in order that it might be more as God created it, in anticipation of its ultimate redemption.

Finally, after he has contemplated nature and has come to value it, the Christian should turn once again to the God who made it and sustains it moment by moment and should learn to trust him. God cares for nature, in spite of its abuse through man’s sin. But if he cares for nature, then he also obviously cares for us and may be trusted to do so. This argument occurs in the midst of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount in which he draws our attention to God’s care of the birds (animal life) and lilies (plant life) and then asks, “Are you not of more value than they? . . . But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matt. 6:26, 30).

This excerpt was taken from Come to the Waters: Daily Bible Devotions for Spiritual Refreshment by James Montgomery Boice.

31-Day Devotionals for Life

Posted on by Kim

In the 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, biblical counselors and Bible teachers guide you through specific situations or struggles, applying God’s Word to your life in practical ways day after day. We currently have 11 available and will have 3 new books releasing in May.

 

Available Now

1. Addictive Habits: Changing for Good by David R. Dunham

$9.99 | 96 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER

Addictions begin with a choice—but come to trap and define you. These daily devotionals refocus us on the God who can restructure lives and disentangle sinners from enslavement.

“God has given Dave a tremendous gift for writing succinctly and yet powerfully, and here he keeps the gospel and God’s grace at the center of one of the greatest epidemics in our land: addiction. . . . Dave’s book is biblical, practical, hopeful, and focused on our Savior. I highly recommend it.”

—Brad Bigney

“As he writes with the warmth of a pastor’s heart, Dunham’s keen expertise in the area of addictions shines through. Carefully balancing a myriad of factors that make up addiction, David plays the part of a wise friend and helper for those who need it most.”

—Jonathan Holmes

2. After an Affair: Pursuing Restoration by Michael Scott Gembola

$9.99 | 104 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER

Counselor Michael Gembola offers daily guidance, reflection questions, and practical action steps for those who have repented of an affair and want to move closer to God and their spouses.

“Inviting and compelling. It is as if Michael is a good friend who knows you and knows exactly what you need. He will bring you into the meaningful words of God that give you direction, and he will set your pace so that you persevere with hope.”

—Ed Welch

“Written so that the person swirling in guilt, shame, and . . . family-altering decisions can know that God will meet them right where they are.”

—Brad Hambrick

3. Anger: Calming Your Heart by Robert D. Jones

$9.99 | 104 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER 

Approximately one out of one people struggle with anger. Biblical counselor Robert Jones guides you through Scripture’s teaching—showing how to calm your heart, reconcile with others, and grow in grace.

“Every Christian needs to read this book and heed its counsel. . . . [It] is rich in both gospel and Scripture.”

—R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

“This devotional gets right to the point. It [opens] Scripture passages that you might already know . . . so that you see more and are drawn right in.”

—Ed Welch, Counselor and Faculty Member, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation; Author, When People Are Big and God Is Small

4. Anxiety: Knowing God’s Peace by Paul Tautges

$9.99 | 104 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER

In anxiety, the suffering of body and soul are intertwined. Counselor Paul Tautges’s daily devotional readings, reflection questions, and practical application fuel the faith that strengthens inner security and peace. 

“There is so much I love about this little book, and I give it a hearty double-thumbs-up!”

—Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder/CEO, Joni and Friends International Disability Center

“Paul Tautges, a respected pastor and counselor, has the experience and gospel focus to help the anxiety sufferer.”

—Tedd Tripp, Pastor; Author; Conference Speaker

5. Assurance: Resting in God’s Salvation by William P. Smith

$9.99 | 96 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER 

Does God truly love you? Are you really saved? These daily devotionals draw on the promises of God’s Word that assure you of his gracious love and care.

“If you’re holding this book because you struggle with whether you are right with God . . . you will find solid, biblical help in these pages.”

—Donald S. Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Associate Dean of the School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Author, How Can I Be Sure I’m a Christian?

“Each daily reading offers fresh perspective, unshackling insights, and biblical wisdom that focuses the mind and fortifies the soul. . . . Take a month and allow Assurance to enrich your faith in God.”

—Dave Harvey, Teaching Pastor, Summit Church, Naples, Florida; Author, When Sinners Say “I Do”: Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage

6. Contentment: Seeing God’s Goodness by Megan Hill

$9.99 | 96 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER 

The world pressures us to fulfill our desires—but God tells us to master them through contentment. This practical daily devotional helps us cultivate thankfulness in situations that fuel discontent.

“Contentment is a cultivated fruit, learned through study and practice. These daily readings refocus our attention off of ourselves . . . and onto the goodness and faithfulness of our God. It’s a needed and helpful book, and I highly recommend it.”

—Melissa Kruger

“Megan Hill comes to the rescue with a practical daily devotional full of how-to’s and why-to’s [and], more importantly . . . the ‘who’ of a daily relationship with Jesus Christ.”

—David Murray

7. Doubt: Trusting God’s Promises by Elyse Fitzpatrick

$9.99 | 96 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER

Are you discouraged by doubt? Elyse Fitzpatrick submits evidences for belief and God’s promises to those with little faith. Gain encouragement through her takeaway truths and invitations for personal reflection.

 “Whether you consider yourself to be strong in faith or are floundering in your doubts, please read this book and gaze at the face of Christ as he is revealed in God’s Word. Elyse’s counsel is clear and compassionate, because God’s Word is clear and compassionate.”

—Gloria Furman

“Nobody who I know writes with more gospel sanity, spunk, and savvy than my friend Elyse Fitzpatrick. This little gem on doubt only confirms that conviction.”

—Scotty Smith

8. Fearing Others: Putting God First by Zach Schlegel

$9.99 | 96 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER

Does the approval of others have too much power over your life? Freedom is possible! Pastor Schlegel’s scriptural meditations, reflection questions, and action steps gradually unfold the biblical solution.

“If you fear others, this book can serve as a GPS that God will use to get you out of that person-fearing country, with Zach as a wonderful guide . . . a man who seems to know the Bible as well as he knows his own heart. Profit your soul with this book.”

—Mark Dever, Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC; President, 9Marks

“Pastor Zach Schlegel has done us all a great favor by writing this book about fear and how to deal with it. His insights are biblical, and his counsel is practical. . . . A book like this . . . would have made me much more effective in my home and in the church.”

—Warren W. Wiersbe, Author, Be Series Bible Commentaries; Former Pastor, Moody Church, Chicago

9. Grief: Walking with Jesus by Robert W. Kellemen

$9.99 | 88 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER

The Bible assures us it is normal to hurt—but possible to hope. This devotional helps you be honest with your grief, find comfort, and even bring comfort to others.

“Grief can become suffocating. You long for a friend to help you connect God’s Word with your overwhelming feelings of loss. Bob Kellemen is that friend, skillfully helping readers to rise above their anguish in his remarkable new book. . . . As one who understands loss, I highly recommend it!”

—Joni Eareckson Tada

“This warm devotional is helpful and encouraging. . . . Take a walk through the earthly journey of Jesus and listen to his gracious, redirecting words of hope and comfort.”

—Paul Tautges

10. Money: Seeking God’s Wisdom by Jim Newheiser

$9.99 | 96 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER

Do you have money trouble? Biblical counselor Jim Newheiser reorients your heart to worship God rather than wealth and presents the wisdom of Scripture on financial and work-related topics.

“A timely gift for those who seek to live biblically in a culture that is saturated with the pitfalls of materialism.”

—T. Dale Johnson, Executive Director, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors; Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“This devotional points to solid biblical wisdom that will ground readers who feel tossed about by waves of financial woe.”

—Curtis Solomon, Director, The Biblical Counseling Coalition

11. Pornography: Fighting for Purity by Deepak Reju

$9.99 | 96 pages | SAMPLE CHAPTER

Are you caught in the “voluntary slavery” of pornography addiction? While books and monitoring software may have failed you, Deepak offers a more effective weapon: a greater love for Christ.

“Deepak Reju . . . walks alongside you throughout the month . . . [and] provides you with the necessary insight and practical application to break pornography’s hold, helping you to better glorify God in your daily living.”

—Kevin Carson

“Plainspoken, searching, practical, humble, and hopeful—this could be just what you’ve been looking for in your struggle for something better than fantasy.

—Mark Dever

Coming in May 2020

— Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith by Esther Smith

Biblical counselor Esther Smith shows how the gospel enables people with illness to release guilt and shame, balance work and rest, and get through difficult days, drawing closer to God.

— Engagement: Preparing for Marriage by Mike McKinley

How will God’s gospel love be displayed as you get ready for marriage? Take a month to prepare your heart using thoughtful devotional readings, reflection questions, and practical action points. 

— Marriage Conflict: Talking as Teammates by Steve Hoppe

In thirty-one daily readings, biblical counselor Steve Hoppe presents a whole new way of communicating with your spouse, starting with the heart before moving into the practical dos and don’ts.

 

The Story: The Bible’s Grand Narrative of Redemption, One Year Daily Devotional by Jon Nielson

Posted on by Kim

The Story: The Bible’s Grand Narrative of Redemption, One Year Daily Devotional by Jon Nielson

Have you ever tried reading through the entire Bible, only to bail partway through a huge list of names or a chapter on infectious skin diseases?

The sixty-six books of the Bible may seem pretty different from each other, but they actually tell one story—a story with one Author, one Hero, and one key plotline. (And yes, sometimes skin diseases do play an important part!)

This yearlong, daily study of God’s Word, written for teens and young adults guides you through five acts of his grand story of redemption. Although you won’t read every chapter in the Bible, daily Scripture and devotional readings will equip you to understand the unity and development of God’s story and to grow in your personal discipline of Bible study and prayer.

Read a daily excerpt below:

DAY 365

1 Corinthians 15:1–4

Yesterday, we remembered the first gospel promise of the Bible—the one spoken by God to Adam and Eve after their sinful rebellion against his Word. Today, you read a passage that summarizes the substance of the gospel, which was promised long before. It is, really, the gospel explained. So if someone asks you at some point, “What is the gospel?” you can take him or her to this passage. How does this passage explain the gospel to us?

First, it tells us that the gospel is about Jesus’ sacrificial death. As Paul begins reminding the Corinthians about the gospel—the things “of first importance”— he begins with this: “that Christ died for our sins” (15:3). We need to remember this! Any description of the gospel that does not include Jesus’ death for our sins hasn’t done the job. The gospel tells us how Jesus’ death dealt finally with the sin of God’s people—a sacrificial death for sin. Above all, this is what the cross of Jesus accomplishes; Jesus makes atonement for the sins of all God’s true people, who will repent of sin and trust in him as Savior and Lord.

Second, this passage tells us that the gospel is about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. His death on the cross paid the price for our sins, but it was his resurrection that conquered death forever for all his people. The gospel is about Jesus’ death and his resurrection from the dead. Jesus doesn’t stay dead; his resurrection is God’s proof that his work on the cross was acceptable and effective for lost sinners. Christians serve and follow a risen Savior and Lord; their hope for eternal life is anchored in his resurrection!

Finally, this passage tells us that the gospel is also anchored in God’s Word. Did you notice the phrase that is repeated after each part of Paul’s gospel summary? It’s the phrase “in accordance with the Scriptures.” Paul wants to be clear—everything about the gospel is in line with God’s Word and all his promises to his people. Christ’s death for sin and his resurrection from the dead fulfill God’s Word—including that first gospel promise in the garden of Eden!

Today, thank God for this gospel! Thank him for the good news that Jesus died for your sin and rose from the dead to secure your resurrection and eternal life. Ask God to help you hold on to this gospel with all your strength. It is of first importance!