Biblical Studies Audiobooks | Religion & Spirituality

From an award-winning biblical scholar, the untold story of how enslaved people created, gave meaning to, and spread the word of the New Testament, shaping the very foundations of Christianity in ways both subtle and profound. For the past two thousand years, Christian tradition, scholarship, and pop culture has credited the authorship of the New Testament to a select group of men: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul. But the truth is that these individuals, who have been rewarded with sainthood for their work, did not write alone. In some meaningful ways they did not write at all. Hidden behind these named and sainted individuals are a cluster of enslaved coauthors and collaborators, almost all of whom go unnamed and uncredited. They were responsible for producing the earliest manuscripts of the New Testament. In fact, there was no aspect of textual production and circulation in which they did not play a part: they made the parchment and papyri on which Christian texts were written. They took dictation, removed grammatical infelicities, and polished and refined the final manuscripts. Those manuscripts were then duplicated and bound by bookmakers and booksellers who, recent research has shown, were also enslaved or formerly enslaved. When the Christian message began to move independently from the first apostles it was enslaved missionaries who undertook the dangerous and arduous journeys across the Mediterranean and along dusty Roman roads to move Christianity from Jerusalem and the Levant to Rome, Spain, North Africa, and Egypt. Finally, when these texts were read aloud to new audiences of curious potential converts, it was educated and trained enslaved workers who performed them—deciding whether a statement was sincere or sarcastic; a throwaway remark or something central to be emphasized. Their influence in the spread of Christianity and making of the Bible was enormous, yet their role has been almost entirely overlooked until now. Filled with profound ramifications revelations both for what it means to be a Christian and for how we read individual texts themselves, God’s Ghostwriters is a groundbreaking and rigorously researched book about how enslaved people shaped the Bible, and with it all of Christianity.

Candida Moss (Author), Elliot Chapman, TBD (Narrator)

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Hear Ye the Word of the Lord: What We Miss If We Only Read the Bible

Long before the words of the Bible were written, God's communication through the spoken word rang out loud and clear. Jesus in particular commissioned representatives to speak on his behalf even during the time of his earthly ministry. And yet today we are a reading culture. It is easy for modern Christians to take for granted that the Bible was handed down in written form, but the way we receive God's message is far different from how the original hearers would have heard it. These differences not only shape the way that we hear God's message to his people, but they put us at risk of misunderstanding his revelation. In Hear Ye the Word of the Lord, biblical scholar D. Brent Sandy explores how oral communication shaped the ways that biblical writers received God's message-and even more importantly, how the ancient and modern faithful receive it through hearing. Filled with helpful biblical insights related to oral communication and constructive ways for modern audiences to become better hearers and performers of Scripture, Hear Ye the Word of the Lord provides a constructive way forward for listeners interested in exploring how we can better hear God's Word.

D. Brent Sandy (Author), Brandon Pollock (Narrator)

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St. Paul's Eight Steps to Happiness

Here is the book that will help you climb St. Paul's 'eight steps,' to attain happiness, holiness, and Heaven. Bestselling author Kevin Vost breaks open St. Paul's life and spirituality through the lens of St. Thomas Aquinas as well as other saintly and noble men and women. Dr. Kevin Vost reveals hidden treasures such as: why St. Paul is a 'four-in-one special'; three intellectual virtues that help us discover important truths; two fundamental senses of truth, and three vices opposed to truth; eight aspects of the nature of truth according to Aquinas; eight types of justice and how you can exercise them in your life; the link between modesty and latria, dulia, and hyperdulia. Each chapter unpacks one of these outstanding virtues and contains an invaluable 'Summing Up' section. Further highlighted are exemplary individuals to imitate in their exercise of the heroic virtue, from St. Dominic to Our Lady and St. Joseph to St. Agnes of Rome and St. Brigid to Aristotle and Cicero. You will find the six types of grace and their effects that God is waiting to pour into your life. You will find our practical ways to develop each virtue, the fruits that result, and how to reap them in your life.

Kevin Vost (Author), Daniel Thomas May (Narrator)

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It Is Finished: A 40-Day Pilgrimage Back to the Cross

Across forty days of vivid storytelling, It Is Finished offers you a unique and vital roadmap to trace the power and necessity of the cross throughout the Bible, from the book of Genesis all the way to your present-day reality. Through forty slices of the story of Calvary, master storyteller and vivid Bible teacher Charles Martin, will walk you back to the cross to look up at it from a different angle each day and ask the Father to reveal to you: - What exactly did he mean when the dying Jesus said, 'It is finished'-what was finished at the cross? - When did what Jesus finish at the cross even begin? - What does this man's death 2,000 years ago have to do with me today? - What is God offering at the cross that I so easily forget and take for granted? - What do I not realize about myself that the Father God has never forgotten? Whether it is your first, tenth, or ten thousandth time looking up at the cross of Christ, you can trust New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin, to wrap an arm around your shoulder, come alongside and walk with you as a fellow pilgrim headed in the same direction and answering the same question: 'What will I do with this man, Jesus?' Because before we can celebrate the resurrection, we need to backtrack to where Jesus has been, how He got there, and what His presence there accomplished. And while Satan can't change what happened on that Friday, he has been working ever since to hide what happened there. To obscure the work of the Cross. To avert our eyes. But on this 40-day pilgrimage your eyes will open wide and your heart will race as you discover the answer to the question that can change your life, Lord, why me? Why would you endure the cross and despise the shame, for me?

Charles Martin (Author), Charles Martin (Narrator)

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Untangle Your Emotions: Audio Bible Studies: Naming What You Feel and Knowing What to Do with It

What do we do when we can't interrupt a feeling? When we are sad day after day with no real reason why? When we are consumed with anger toward someone who wronged us as a child? When we are anxious about what will happen as our career hangs in the balance? When we are withdrawn after an argument with our spouse? As I tackle the huge topic of our emotional life, the rules have changed. Do we have control over feeling sad? Feeling angry? Feeling happy? If we can just stop thinking a thought, can we just stop feeling a feeling? In this Bible study, I would like to take a closer look at individual moments when Jesus and Father God and the Spirit all feel emotions. Because we were created by a God who feels, let's learn from Him … what is His response to sadness, anger, fear, or joy? Seeing God emote throughout Scripture will give us a new path forward. In each of these moments, I will cast a theological vision for our emotions and present scientific research that confirms what Scripture says is true. I believe there are steps we can take to experience our emotions more clearly and walk in greater awareness of our need for God. Together, we will learn to take these five steps in the face of overwhelming emotions: Notice them. Name them. Feel them. Share them. Resource them. The Audio Bible Studies series provides a unique audio learning experience. Unlike a traditional audiobook's direct narration of a book's text, this audio Bible study includes high-quality, live audio sessions from the author that cover important Bible-based topics. These sessions will reflect the ambiance of the unique recording locations, immersing the listener into the teaching. While not required for the audio experience, these studies are designed to partner with the coordinating study guide, sold separately.

Jennie Allen (Author), TBD (Narrator)

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Everyday Courage: 50 Devotions to Build a Bold Faith

Read by the author. It takes courage to live out your faith boldly, especially in the face of hostility or suffering. What gave Joshua and Caleb the courage to follow God's commands despite fear? What gave Esther the courage to risk her life and trust God's plan for His people? What gave the disciples the courage to live out their faith, even to the point of being martyred? They leaned into a greater fear, one that conquers all others-the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord gives believers the power to live with uncompromising faith-a powerful reality we see played out in the pages of the Bible as well as in our lives today. In Everyday Courage, respected Bible teacher, speaker, and bestselling author John Bevere reminds us through Scripture, devotions, and examples from the fathers and mothers of the faith that we, too can live with courage because the fear of the Lord swallows up every other fear in our lives. Each entry offers: - A Bible passage to help you discover how to fear God-and why the fear of the Lord is your ultimate source of strength - A thoughtful reflection on the day's Scripture - Stories of biblical figures and other heroes of the faith who lived courageously - A powerful prayer to seek courage every day As you rediscover the power of holy fear in your life, you will step bravely into courageous living and bolder faith-every single day.

John Bevere (Author), John Bevere (Narrator)

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The God of the Other Side: Audio Bible Studies

"They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him" (Mark 5:1-2). In Jesus' day, a great divide existed between the Jews and the Gentiles. The Jews considered themselves to be on one side-on God's side-and the Gentiles to be on the other. But time and again in Scripture, we find Yeshua Jesus traveling to the "other side" to meet with broken, lost, and desperate souls who needed God's grace. He crossed to other side when Peter, the disciple who promised to never forsake Him, did just that on the night that He was arrested. He literally crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee to find a man in the region of the Gerasenes, casting out a legion of demons from him and into a horde of pigs. Jesus went out of His way to meet with a woman from Samaria and told a parable of a Prodigal Son to demonstrate that no one is ever too far from God. Jesus then encouraged His faithful followers to take up the call to journey to the other side-as evidenced by Peter's willingness to meet with a Gentile named Cornelius and even stay in his home. In this six-session video Bible study, bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford explores the stories of these important figures in Scripture who were willing to take the gospel to "the other side" so that all might learn of God's plan of salvation. Participants will discover that they are never too far gone or too far out of reach for God to find them, minister to them, and heal them. They will also be encouraged to follow the example of Yeshua Jesus and meet with those who are hurting . . . right where they are. The Audio Bible Studies series provides a unique audio learning experience. Unlike a traditional audiobook's direct narration of a book's text, this audio Bible study includes high-quality, live audio sessions from the author that cover important Bible-based topics. These sessions will reflect the ambiance of the unique recording locations, immersing the listener into the teaching. While not required for the audio experience, these studies are designed to partner with the coordinating study guide, sold separately.

Kathie Lee Gifford (Author), Joanne Moody, Kathie Gifford (Narrator)

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The Lost World of the Prophets: Old Testament Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature in Ancient Context

Being responsive to God is at the heart of prophecy. But readers of ancient prophecies and apocalyptic literature-including those in the Old Testament-can come away thoroughly perplexed. Are the prophets speaking about their own times, about our present, or about some still-unrealized future? It's common to study prophecy with a focus on the sole question of prediction and fulfillment, either for the sake of apologetics or for understanding the end times, but such an approach can fail to track with the original intent of the authors. John Walton applies his signature method to help us recover the lost world of the prophets. To read these biblical books well, we must understand: the role of the prophet, the nature of prophetic literature, the theological significance of prophecy, and how apocalyptic differs from prophecy. A fresh reading of the Old Testament text in light of the ancient Near Eastern context can open new avenues of awareness. Walton provides a clear, helpful guide to the nature of biblical prophecy and apocalyptic literature that will help readers avoid potential misuse and reclaim the message of the prophets for their lives.

John H. Walton (Author), Tyler Boss (Narrator)

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Bible Prophecy Under Siege: Responding Biblically to Confusion About the End Times

As Christians awaiting Christ’s coming for us at the rapture, we are surrounded by increased hostility and opinions about various views on the end times. In Bible Prophecy Under Siege, we are equipped to discern incorrect views on prophecy, rest secure in immovable truth, and grow in anticipation of the rapture and our eternity in heaven. Many people today cast doubt on the promises God gives his church in Bible prophecy, as predicted by Scripture itself: “Scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming?’” (2 Peter 3:3-4). Bible Prophecy Under Siege provides a thorough survey of the misunderstandings and misguided thinking people sometimes have about the last days. Prophecy expert Ron Rhodes offers you careful guidance through these differing viewpoints. You will learn the ways Bible prophecy is under siege and how to respond to false claims biblically; gain helpful historical insights about the rapture and other prophetic issues; be emboldened to hold firmly to prophetic biblical truth during trying times; be encouraged to live with conviction rooted in God’s Word. With a perspective grounded in the Bible, you will be equipped to discern flawed views on prophecy, rest secure in immovable truth, and grow in anticipation of the day when Christ will make all things new.

Ron Rhodes (Author), Jim Seybert (Narrator)

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Why Did God Do That?: Discovering God's Goodness in the Hard Passages of Scripture

If God is good, then why did he do that? Violent wars, harsh laws, pronounced judgments. Christianity proclaims God's goodness, yet the Bible is filled with passages that seem to paint a different picture. On the surface, such depictions can hinder our confidence in God's goodness. But when we're willing to look deeper, we discover a consistent purpose behind everything God does-and that he is greater than we could ever imagine. Alongside bestselling author Josh McDowell, Matthew Tingblad invites you to discover how a good God has good reasons for his challenging actions in the Bible. Throughout, you will uncover the reality of God's consistent motives and purposes: holiness, justice, and radical mercy. Whether you have your own questions about God or are ministering to those who do, Matthew and Josh will guide you through these difficult passages and ideas, all the while pointing to God's power and redeeming love. Find confidence and joy in discovering that God is good-always good-even in the passages of Scripture that appear to convey otherwise.

Matthew Tingblad (Author), Matthew Tingblad (Narrator)

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Daniel: A Strong Man Is Faithful: A 30-Day Devotional

Daniel was only a teenager when he was taken captive in Babylon. For the next 70 years, he lived far from home in an unfamiliar culture, suffering under an enemy king who worshipped false gods. Yet Daniel was faithful to God. In this 30-day men's devotional, author Vince Miller asks: Do you want to be a man who is faithful all the years of your life, no matter what persecution or circumstances you face? Every devotion in Daniel: A Strong Man Is Faithful includes a verse from the book of Daniel and a thoughtful reflection that motivates you to stay strong in difficult times. This in-depth book also includes: - Insights from the New Testament about living as a man of God - Challenging application questions and action steps - Prayer prompts focused on turning to God for guidance and strength For any man who wants to learn from someone who was faithful even when society pushed him not to be, Daniel: A Strong Man Is Faithful is an accessible yet hard-hitting devotional that reminds us that faithfulness to God is possible even in a faithless world.

Vince Miller (Author), Vince Miller (Narrator)

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Are We Living in the Last Days?: Four Views of the Hope We Share about Revelation and Christ's Retur

Will Jesus's return be preceded by a single world government? Will every person have a government-issued ID or mark? Does Christ return once or twice? Will believers go through a Great Tribulation? Will there be a literal battle of Armageddon? Does it even matter what we believe about future events? Biblical prophecies about the end times have confused, confounded, and even divided God's people for centuries. But the reason Scripture gives us hints about the future is to provide the encouragement we need to endure the present, confident that God keeps his promises. In this balanced look at four major views of the end times, bestselling author Bryan Chapell explains the primary ways Christians have interpreted biblical prophecy about the last days, not so that we might pick a hill to die on but so that we can cling to what unites us in Christ. No matter what end times view we find most compelling, in God's plans we can find strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

Bryan Chapell (Author), James R. Cheatham (Narrator)

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Biblical Studies Audiobooks in Religion & Spirituality