Just two words: "But God..." Understand their use in Scripture and you'll never be the same. Whether from the pen of Moses, Paul, or other biblical authors, "But God" appears in various forms hundreds of times in the Bible. To understand these two words as they are used in Scripture is to understand the gospel. This book focuses on nine of the most important appearances of this key phrase, drawing in numerous other passages of Scripture and in the process unfolding the magnificent drama of God's sovereign grace--from his mercy on Noah to our security in a resurrected Savior. James Montgomery Boice wrote, "May I put it quite simply? If you understand those two words--'but God'--they will save your soul. If you recall them daily and live by them, they will transform your life completely." Boice was right. To the left of "But God" in Scripture appear some of the worst human atrocities, characterized by disobedience and rebellion. To the left of "But God" is hopelessness, darkness, and death. But to its right, following "But God," readers of Scripture will find hope, light, and life. Following God's intervention, the story of Scripture becomes one of grace, righteousness, and justice. In fact, this phrase is used to describe God's activity in nearly every great salvation story in the Bible. It is the perfect phrase for highlighting God's grace against the dark backdrop of human sin. "But God" marks God's relentless, merciful interventions in human history. It teaches us that God does not wait for us to bring ourselves to him, but that he acts first to bring about our good. It also teaches us of the potential consequences if God were not to act. Scripture shows over and over that without God's intervening grace, without the "But God" statements in the Bible, the world would be completely lost in sin and under judgment. May the reading of this book, and of the biblical "But God" statements it contains, cause you to understand these two words, recall them regularly, and allow them to transform your understanding of God's grace and thus transform your very life.

Herbert Cooper was headed down a very different road, living a reckless lifestyle that would have destroyed him in the end, but God had a different plan. He heard the gospel at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting, at which he wasn’t even supposed to be, and he gave his life to Christ. Two words changed Cooper’s life: But God. These two words can change every single person’s life— But God. Each word is only three letters long. The phrase is short, but the implications are huge. The path may look bleak, dim, and hopeless...but GOD changes everything... We’ve all sinned - whether it is sex outside of marriage, a bitter heart, alcohol or drug abuse, cheating, or lying. Maybe you’re at a place in your life where it just feels like things are falling apart. Perhaps you’re portraying one thing on the outside and living something else on the inside. Maybe you are simply going through the motions of a life that’s not quite what you hoped it would be. These moments drag us down - leaving us feeling hopeless and lost. You need something to happen in your life to change. You need a But God... moment. The But God moments are when God comes in and offers a new path and hope for our lives. These moments occur when we are at are lowest, and turn our down-trodden worlds around for the better. It is up to us to recognize and seize these moments when they occur and follow the renewed path God offers.

Engaging, accessible, and thought-provoking, No god but God is a persuasive, elegantly written, and accessible introduction for young readers to a faith that for much of the West remains shrouded in ignorance and fear. Adapted for young readers from No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, this exploration of Islam by Reza Aslan, internationally acclaimed scholar of comparative religion, delves into the rituals and traditions of a religion that is largely misunderstood by the West. It covers the religion’s origins—the revelation of Muhammad as Prophet and the subsequent uprising against him, and the emergence of his successors—as well as Islam’s complex history. No god but God is sure to stimulate discussion and encourage understanding of the Islamic faith and the people who follow it. Praise for No god But God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam of Islam “This welcome addition to Islamic studies provides a valuable context for reflection about the origins of issues facing Muslims and their neighbors today.”—Publishers Weekly “An introduction to Islam as evocative as it is provocative.”—Kirkus Reviews “Wise and passionate book.”—New York Times Financial Times Best Book of the Year

Overly concerned about what people think of you? Edward T. Welch uncovers the spiritual dimension of people-pleasing—what the Bible calls fear of man—and points the way through a true knowledge of God, ourselves, and others.

Life is filled with difficulties, challenges, obstacles and unwanted interruptions. Some we can see in front of us while others will come upon us suddenly and unannounced, rarely giving us time to prepare for the impact. Some challenges we cause on ourselves due to poor decisions that we've made. But some of life's challenges are simply beyond our control, which can seem unfair and unjust. So what do we do in these moments? Do we cower in defeat and blame our problems on the world and those around us? Do we lay down and become our circumstance? Or do we square shoulders with life's injustices, obstacles and, challenges and say, "you will not become my identity." Do we give up? Or do we arise with the audacious pursuit to live out our best lives with purpose and intentionality despite the setbacks we've experienced? This book depicts the story of one girl's challenges through life from abuse, to kidnappings, to being handed a harsh prison sentence all before the age of 21. And yet, the constant message that we see unfolding through the pages of this book is, "sometimes purpose is found in your darkest hour." "But God" is a captivating reminder that even in the dark we can discover our purpose! Because destiny is often disguised in life's most unwanted and painful interruptions.

True faith is hard. More than mere sentimentalism, faith often calls for a deep and resilient trust in God—especially when the going gets tough and the road is dark. In Things Not Seen, author Jon Bloom encourages readers with 35 imaginative retellings of stories from the Bible that illustrate the importance of living by faith. A follow-up to the author's previous book, Not by Sight: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Walking by Faith, this inspiring volume explores the lives of Abraham, Moses, Saul, John the Baptist, and more—helping readers remember God's promises, rely on his grace, and follow his leading regardless of the circumstances. The book includes a foreword by popular author and blogger Ann Voskamp.

Each day brings pleasures, possibilities, and problems. That is just a simple fact of life, and most people realize that. What many fail to realize, however, is that others have faced what they have ― and these veterans of triumphs, trials, and tribulations have much wisdom to share. Author Wilbert Donald Gough shares how the experiences of those in the Bible can help anyone handle everyday life. He focuses on God and how He dealt with His followers; on Jesus, who showed people what God is like and to instill the love of God in followers; and on people the author has known and who have inspired him throughout his life. Gough considers select biblical passages to help anyone find inspiration and strength to manage their daily life with a "common sense" understanding of God's Word. Let Gough help you discover what God has in store for you. Life Isn't Fair - But God Is can show you how God can make you the best somebody possible!