You may have heard a lot about the Holy Spirit? or very little. Christians and churches seem divided over this issue. Some are always talking about gifts of the Spirit, baptism of the Spirit, Spirit-filled people and so on. In other circles, the Spirit seems to be rarely mentioned.

There are plenty of books around that will claim to offer insight into the work of the Spirit?but what does the Bible actually say on the subject?

This Good Book Guide has been put together from a survey of every single verse in the Bible that mentions the Holy Spirit and His activity. It will help you discover what God's Word means when it talks about being 'filled with' or 'led by' the Spirit. Or the differences between the Spirit's work in the Old and New Testaments. You may be in for some surprises!

But most of all, this Good Book Guide will show how your life can and should be changed and shaped by the Spirit of God, who gives us life, and brings glory to Jesus Christ.

Please note: These studies take slightly longer than a typical Good Book Guide study.

Nearly half of today's adult population is unmarried. Most churches, however, emphasise marriage and family in a way that leaves many Christian singles feeling like second-class citizens. Although Jesus himself was single, the single state is often regarded as a problem in itself (rather than as having problems, as marriage does).

By contrast, The Single Issue sets out a positive, biblical view that honours singleness as a status equal to marriage. Avoiding trite advice on how to suffer through the single life, it offers practical insights on key concerns such as sex, celibacy and the constructive use of solitude - and points the way to a Christian community in which all members are equally valued.

Al Hsu is a promotional writer for a publishing house, and helps to lead the singles group at his church.

Includes an interview with John Stott on singleness.

Sex- pure, unadulterated and free. Stripped of all the guilt and restrictions of a bygone age. Liberated from the boring claustrophobia of marriage. At last, the freedom to express your own sexuality in whatever way you choose. Such was the promise of the sexual revolution that swept the Western world in the 1960's and 70's. it didn't deliver. More than 30 years on , we find ourselves not in a sexual utopia, but in a sexual war zone, with broken relationships, hurt, guilt, and confusion on all sides. Could it be that there is another way, that actually makes sense of our sexuality, and allows us to express and enjoy it? This book suggests that there is, and that it can be found in the most surprising place- in the ancient teachings of the Christian Bible. "Pure Sex" is a book for all who are curious, confused, dissatisfied, hurt or struggling with sexuality, and who want some answers.

Women today are encouraged to think they can 'have it all': career success and family fulfilment at the same time. But these external measures of 'success' leave many feeling inadequate. Sharon James shows that every woman has dignity as she has been made in the image of God, and that every woman can find true fulfilment when she understands, enjoys and fulfils her creation design

Christians in the west have had an easy ride for the last couple of centuries, with freedom to practice their faith, meet together, read and teach the Bible and evangelise. This is unusual compared with the experience of most Bible-believing Christians throughout history and worldwide today. But things could be changing. For how much longer can these freedoms be guaranteed?

Wise Christians understand that opposition and suffering are normal for the church and are prepared for anything. That's why Christians today need the message of 1 Peter - a letter to first-century believers surrounded by trials and hostility.

Why does God let this happen? How can my faith survive? How should I treat those who cause me suffering? These questions and more are covered in five sessions, full of practical application. Whatever happens, let's be prepared, so that our faith 'may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.'

How can the sixty-six books of the Bible have a single message for us today? What unites the vastly different accounts of God's work in the world? How do the various genres of the Bible work together? Vaughan Roberts believes that the Bible tells a single story for all time. He draws out the Bible's message of Jesus Christ and God's redemption through Him, in six big questions.

Who rules the world?
What does it mean to be human?
How should we view money?
Is a perfect relationship possible?
How does the Holy Spirit work in the world and in our lives?
What is God's plan for the world?

Where to, Lord? is the first in an exciting new series of topical Bible studies. Using a mix of Bible investigation, group discussion and video input, Where to, Lord? will help your group interact with what God is saying about the thorny topic of guidance.

Guidance can be one of the most frustrating issues for Christians. We know that Jesus has died, and that heaven lies in the future, but still remain unsure about everything in between. We have many questions about guidance, such as:

- Am I missing out on God's personal guidance?
- How does God guide his people today?
- If God speaks, will I hear his voice?
- How do I know God's will for my life?

Perfect for a Bible study group looking for a refreshing change, the studies and DVD/video format are specifically designed to work together to enable any group to put together the pieces on this topic. This is an excellent new tool to help you tackle an age-old question.

The events of September 11 catapulted Islam back into Western Consciousness. Was this the opening shot in a new level of conflict between the 'Islamic' East and the 'Christian' West? How much were the attacks bound up with Islam itself? Just what does Islam teach, and how are we in the West to relate to it?

In this unique book - part novel, part essay -Tony Payne explores these questions via a series of conversations with his fictional neighbour, Michael. He goes behind the media stereotypes to examine the beliefs and teachings of Islam, in their essence and in their diversity, and explains the origins of Islamic radical groups like the Taliban.

More than that, he explores the religious challenge that Islam brings to Western society - not just in relation to terrorism, but in how we are going to deal with the big questions of 'God' and 'Truth' in a multicultural society.

Tony Payne lives in Randwick, in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, with his wife Alison and their five children. He holds degrees in Christian theology and communications and is a well-known author in Australia and the UK.

Do you feel like an ordinary Christian. Not especially gifted or knowledgeable. Does anyone really notice your faith? Does any of it matter? Time to take a look at the Thessalonians.

When this group of ordinary first-century pagans believed in Jesus Christ, they changed so dramatically that many others across the Roman world were imitating their faith, hope and love. The apostle Paul, thrilled to see their vibrant Christian lives, recorded his delight in this lovely warm letter, packed with advice and encouragement to keep going. This was a transformation that would change lives, cultures and destinies far beyond first century Macedonia.

Learn through this Good Book Guide how an unremarkable, pointless existence, can be transformed into lives marked by an unshakeable faith, overflowing love and sensational hope. It is this kind of life that ordinary Christians like you are called to. So that, in the our world of suffering, hostility and trials we will be blameless and holy when our Lord Jesus comes.

This ESV single issue of Mark's Gospel is suitable for both personal or group study. Retaining the literary beauty much-loved in classic Bible translations, the English Standard Version is an accurate yet readable word for word Bible translation.

A NEW STANDARD IN ENGLISH BIBLE VERSIONS

The English Standard Version is a new and highly accurate translation of the Bible from the original sources. It sits in the classic stream of word for word Bible translations, using the Revised Standard Version as a base but incorporating all the most recent advances in scholarship and changes in modern language use. It combines the utmost accuracy with readability and literary beauty, and as such it is ideal for personal devotional use or academic study, public reading or memorization.

Read, Mark, Learn is a series of small group Bible studies that aims to equip people both to study God's word for themselves and to be able to teach it to others. Its goal is that people should know God and His purposes better and in this way know His purpose for their lives.

Books of the Bible are studied in their entirety, in the belief that as God's word is taught in context, so His voice is heard. This particular course is made up of 30 studies from John's Gospel, and provides notes for group leaders to base their studies on.

Each study provides notes on:

- the context, structure and aim of the passage
- Old Testament background
- the meaning of each part of the text, with key themes highlighted
- practical applications
- suggested questions for leading a study

The all-in-one, take-anywhere package to help you feed regularly from God's word.

Time to get back into regular Bible reading? The Daily Reading Bible has everything you need to get started, and in one compact, portable package.

This first volume contains 60 readings from Matthew 5-6, Joshua, and 1 Corinthians 1-4. Each reading is designed to take around 15-20 minutes, and contains:

- the full text of the Bible passage for that reading;
- some questions to get you thinking;
- some 'points to ponder'; and
- some ideas to get you started in prayer.

It's all here in one booklet that you can take with you anywhere -- on the train, on the bus, to the park at lunchtime, or to your favourite armchair.

Discipleship Explored is for anyone who wants to make the most of their Christian lives, but especially for people who have recently completed an evangelistic course and decided to follow Christ.

Developed by the team behind Christianity Explored and based on the book of Philippians, the course lasts eight weeks, with each session lasting about 2 hours and has a group discussion, a study in Philippians, a short talk and further discussion.

Each participant requires a copy of the Study Guide and it includes a Bible reading plan for further study.

Hasn't Jesus been disproved by modern scholars?
Can Jesus have really risen from the dead?
Surely there must be some other explanation?

In the modern world, we are constantly told that Jesus is merely a myth, and the resurrection story wishful thinking. But what does the evidence say?

Taking the form of a court case, Jesus on Trial lays out the evidence and counter-evidence for Jesus. Author Kel Richards presents an intriguing and entertaining mock trial, with an empty tomb on the exhibits table, and you in the jury box.

What will your verdict be?

The Apostle Peter tells us that we must 'always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.'

Biblical Answers to Today's Tough Questions aims to equip modern Christians with the tools to answer the complex and challenging questions that our friends, colleagues and family raise about our faith in Christ.

This workbook contains articles, bible studies, discussion questions, and practical help on how to answer questions in a way that leads people to the Gospel. Use it yourself, or with others, to get to grips with how we can intelligently reach out to others.

This is a toolbox. Sorry if that conjures up painful memories of failed DIY projects, hours spent waiting for the emergency services on the hard shoulder of the motorway, or rusty, forgotten implements decked with cobwebs at the back of your garden shed.

But there are no spanners or trowels here. These tools are rather a means of getting to the bottom of any Bible passage and discovering its true meaning.

The passionate aim of this book is that it should help you to 'correctly handle the word of truth' (2 Timothy 2:15) so that you will experience God's clear guidance in your life, come to know him better and grow to love him more. Our prayer is that your Bible reading will never be the same again.

Are you having trouble getting into the Bible? Or have you been reading the Bible for some years, and find that you're not learning anything new? Or do you just want to see how the whole Bible holds together? Or maybe you're looking for suggestions on how to study the Bible more effectively.

This booklet can help! First, it will take you through the Bible as a whole. Then it will show you how various approaches to Bible study can help or hinder your spiritual growth.

How do I know what God wants me to do?

- How can I make decisions which are in line with His will?
- If God speaks to me, will I recognize his voice?

These are important questions, and many Christians grapple with them. GUIDANCE AND THE VOICE OF GOD charts a way through these often confusing issues, and shows how for those who have ears to hear, God is still speaking loudly through His Son.

"Be holy, for I am holy," commands God to His people. But holiness is something that is often missing in the Christian's daily life. Why does holiness often seem so unattainable? Is it because we're not exactly sure what holiness is?

In The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges helps us see clearly just what we should rely on God to do and what we should accept as responsibility for ourselves.

Discover how God has equipped you to lead a holy life, how reason and emotion influence your will, how habits and personal discipline play a part in holy living. Whether you are continuing your pursuit of holiness or just beginning, the principles and guidelines in this book will lead you to a real and tangible holiness that will change your walk with God forever.

The pursuit of pleasure is not optional. It is essential. Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him for ever. In this paradigm-shattering work, John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn't truly exist: delight is our duty. Join him as he stuns you again and again with life-impacting truths you saw in the Bible, but never dared to believe.

Finding fullness in our walk with God

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).

The Holy Spirit empowers us, guides us, and enables us to grow and endure in our relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ. Often the most misunderstood member of the Trinity, the person of the Spirit continues to attract attention today amidst church revivals and renewals.

In this new edition of his classic Keep in Step with the Spirit, J. I. Packer seeks to help Christians reaffirm the biblical call to holiness and the Spirit's role in keeping our covenant with God. Packer guides us through the riches and depth of the Spirit's work, assesses versions of holiness and the charismatic life, and shows how Christ must always be at the centre of true Spirit-led ministry. A new chapter explores Christian assurance.

With abiding relevance and significance, Keep in Step with the Spirit sets forth vital knowledge for healthy and joyous Christian living, through understanding and experience of God the Holy Spirit. Here is a book for every serious believer to read and re-read.

John Piper writes: "I will tell you what a tragedy is. I will show you how to waste your life. Consider this story from the February 1998 Reader's Digest: 'A couple took early retirement from their jobs in the northeast five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30-foot yacht, play softball and collect shells...' Picture them before Christ on the great day of judgement: ' Look, Lord. See my shells.' That is a tragedy.

"God created us to live with a single passion: to joyfully display his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life. The wasted life is the life without this passion. God calls us to pray and think and dream and plan and work not to be made much of, but to make much of him in every part of our lives."

Most people slip by in life without a passion for God, spending their lives on trivial diversions, living for comfort and pleasure, and perhaps trying to avoid sin. This book will warn you not to get caught up in a life that counts for nothing. It will challenge you to live and die boasting in the cross of Christ and making the glory of God your singular passion. If you believe that to live is Christ and to die is gain, read this book, learn to live for Christ, and don't waste your life!

"In the course of this book, I want to change your mind about fathering. I want to change the way you think about it, both consciously and instinctively. And if I succeed, it will change the way you act every day in a thousand ways. It will make you a better father."

In this very readable book, Tony Payne takes a fresh look at what the Bible says about dads. What does it really mean to be a father? What should fathers be trying to achieve? And how can they do a better job?

He answers these questions with insight, practical wisdom and good humour.

If you only ever read one book on fatherhood, make it this one. Click here to read the contents and first chapter.

Every Man's Guide to winning the war on sexual temptation, one victory at a time.

Men are constantly faced with the assault of sexual images. It is impossible to avoid such temptations, but not impossible to rise above them. This book presents a practical and detailed plan for any man who desires sexual purity.

Sharing the stories of dozens who've escaped the trap of sexual immorality this book is perfect for men who have fallen in the past, those who want to remain strong today, and all who want to overcome temptation in the future.

"What I liked about this book was the fact that it was both realistic about the world in which we live and committed to Biblical purity. It means that as you read it you feel understood and yet the call to live for Christ is clear and well applied. I have given this book to numerous men in the church family and it has been well received." Rico Tice, Associate Minister (Evangelism), All Souls, Langham

Sixty-six books written by forty people over nearly 2,000 years, in two languages and several different genres. A worldwide bestseller published in countless sizes and bindings, translations and languages. It has been sworn by in court, fought over by religious people, quoted in arguments. The Bible is clearly no ordinary book. How can we begin to read and understand it as a whole?

In his excellent overview, Vaughan Roberts gives the big picture - showing how the different parts of the Bible fit together under the theme of the kingdom of God. He gives us both the encouragement and the tools to read it with confidence and understanding. He points us to the Bible's supreme subject, Jesus Christ, and the salvation God offers through him.

Christopher Ash argues that our modern idolization of the sexual relationship contains within itself the seeds of its own destruction. To begin to rebuild a biblical confidence in marriage, we need to understand that the primary blessing and purpose of marriage is not sexual intimacy, but rather serving God in partnership. This in turn leads to the blessings of love, friendship, children, and order in society, and will help us to rediscover that faithfulness which is the heart of marriage.