“The Book of Enoch” is one of the most notable extant apocryphal works of the Bible. Estimated to have been written around 300 BC, this ancient Jewish religious work is ascribed by tradition to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah. Consisting of five distinct sections, the book begins with the fall of the Watchers, angels who fathered the Nephilim, the offspring of “sons of god” and the “daughters of men.” The book follows Enoch as he travels through Heaven and expands more thoroughly, than the...
First published in 1885 by South African religious leader and writer Andrew Murray, “With Christ in the School of Prayer” contains 31 powerful and inspiring lessons on prayer in daily life. While born in South Africa in 1828, as Murray’s father was a Dutch Reformed Church missionary sent from Scotland, Murray grew up educated in Scotland and later the Netherlands. He returned to South Africa in 1848 after his ordination, pastored several churches all over South Africa, and was an important...
First published in 1609 “An Introduction to the Devout Life” is Saint Francis de Sales work which belongs to the Christian tradition of “Lectio Divina” or “Divine Reading”. Like Thomas à Kempis’ “The Imitation of Christ” it is a work intended to provide guidance to the individual desiring spiritual direction in order to lead a more devout life. Based on a series of letters between Francis and his cousin, Madame Marie de Charmoisy, who as the wife of an ambassador of the Duke of Savoy was...
The authenticity of «The Book of Jasher» is debated by religious scholars. The book is referenced in Second Samuel, which some scholars point to as validation of its authentic origin. The author, Jasher, is supposedly the son of Caleb, a lieutenant of Moses and the book is believed by some to be one of the first books of the bible. «The Book of Jasher» recounts the biblical history from creation up to the time of Jasher. Regardless of its true origin, «The Book of Jasher» makes for interesting...
First published in 1947, Agnes Sanford’s “The Healing Light” is a classic of Christian literature and has been widely influential in the movement to recognize the healing power of prayer. A renowned religious writer and the founder of the Inner Healing Movement, which seeks to heal people’s emotions and memories through prayer and spirituality, Sanford and her work have had a profound impact on the way prayer is viewed by the faithful. In her groundbreaking work “The Healing Light,” Sanford...
It is estimated that the origins of the “Bhagavad Gita”, a 700 verse Hindu scripture which is part of the larger “Mahabharata” was originally composed as early as the 9th century BC. Ascribed to the Sage Vyasa, the “Bhagavad Gita” is a classic work of Hindu scripture which relates the story of Prince Arjuna who is faced with a decision with serious moral consequence, whether or not to go to war. With the armies arrayed on the battlefield, Arjuna in a moment of hesitation is counseled by Vishnu,...
Saint Anselm of Canterbury was a Benedictine monk and philosopher, known as the father of scholasticism, whose works are impressive testaments to the historic and social significance of the Christian religion. In the “Proslogium”, or “Discourse on the Existence of God” we find the origination of the ontological argument for the existence of God. Saint Anselm’s rationalizations for Christian beliefs are continued in his “Monologium” or “Monologue” in which he argues that anyone of reasonable...
Blaise Pascal was a 17th century French scientist, author, and Christian philosopher who is best known for his work, “Pensées” or “Thoughts.” First published posthumously in 1670, “Thoughts” is an edited compilation of the notes that Pascal had prepared for a planned work that scholars refer to as an “Apology for the Christian Religion.” Given its incompleteness when Pascal died, the order and composition of the work has been debated and as a result has produced many variant publications. In...
Written by Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade, a French Jesuit priest and author, “Abandonment to Divine Providence” contained in this volume is a treatise on the practice of total abandonment to Divine Providence, or in other words, completely giving yourself over to God’s will. Father De Caussade, born in 1675 in Cahors, France, became the spiritual director to the Nuns of the Visitation in Nancy, France from 1733-1740. During his time at the convent and immediately after, he wrote letters of...
Philo, known also as Philo of Alexandria, Philo Judaeus, and Philo the Jew, among other names, was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria from 20 BC to 50 CE. Philo's works are most known for being allegorical interpretations of the Scriptures, fusing Jewish thought to Stoic philosophy. Although not widely accepted in his time, his vast collection of works had a powerful influence on early Christian theology and especially on later Christian writers like Clement of...
Philo, known also as Philo of Alexandria, Philo Judaeus, and Philo the Jew, among other names, was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria from 20 BC to 50 CE. Philo's works are most known for being allegorical interpretations of the Scriptures, fusing Jewish thought to Stoic philosophy. Although not widely accepted in his time, his vast collection of works had a powerful influence on early Christian theology and especially on later Christian writers like Clement of...
Philo, known also as Philo of Alexandria, Philo Judaeus, and Philo the Jew, among other names, was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria from 20 BC to 50 CE. Philo's works are most known for being allegorical interpretations of the Scriptures, fusing Jewish thought to Stoic philosophy. Although not widely accepted in his time, his vast collection of works had a powerful influence on early Christian theology and especially on later Christian writers like Clement of...
This handy book contains a guide to constructing a sermon. With many priceless tips on the development, relevance and structuring of a message, this book will be an invaluable addition to the bookshelf of any preacher. Everything about sermon construction is examined with perception and insight: the beginning the conclusion, and how to prepare for preaching. No one can preach without preparing their own inner life. Sangter preached his most moving sermon as he lay dying slowly fir a few years...