Christian Living Beyond Belief: Biblical Principles for the Life of Faith
Pastor McManis offers keen and credible biblical teaching on the character of true spiritual growth and Christian discipleship.
Biblical Apologetics: Advancing and Defending the Christian Faith
Is the practice of apologetics reserved for academic philosophers, or can the everyday Christian successfully and accurately defend the faith? With detailed attention to contemporary approaches to Christian apologetics and a close study of Scripture, McManis demonstrates that the task of defending the faith is for all Christians, not just scholars.
For years Christian apologetics has suffered from an identity problem. What constitutes the practice of apologetics? How should engage unbelieving arguments? Should we separate apologetics and evangelism? Examine the latest books on the topic of apologetics and you will find a vast and irreconcilable array of answers to these questions. By rooting his discussion first and foremost in Scripture while examining the most popular apologetic approaches and arguments, Cliff McManis demonstrates that the practice of apologetics are not the prerogative of a few scholars, but the privilege of every Christian.
Rescued by Grace: Current Evidence that Jesus Still Saves Sinners
The Bible says Jesus came into the world to “seek and save the lost.” Rescued By Grace is a compendium of modern day testimonies told by those who were lost but have now been found, saved and changed forever by Jesus and His gospel. This book also explains from Scripture who Jesus is using His very own words.
The Biblically-Driven Church: How Jesus Builds His Body
How does a church grow? Who builds the church? What is real, honorable church growth anyway? These questions hound local pastors, motivate church consultants and typically confuse the average church goer. But they are essential questions that deserve a hearing, and they matter. The good news is that Jesus answered those questions 2,000 years ago, and the apostles implemented Jesus’ teachings on this topic in the early church. And God has graciously preserved it all for us today in the Bible. As such, Scripture is sufficient for us today. This book will show why.
We live in a fallen world, and our lives are often beset with physical suffering, emotional difficulty, relational problems, and financial uncertainty. As Christians, our trouble in this world may even increase because of our relationship with Jesus Christ. But the question we must ask is this: How do I deal with the trials in my life in a way that pleases God and is best for me? In this short yet insightful volume, Cliff McManis applies over 20 years of pastoral experience and careful study of Scripture to this vital question.
What does an unbeliever need to be saved? Where does faith come from? Do Christians need to use complex philosophical arguments when sharing the gospel with their friends, neighbors, and co-workers? In this concise volume, Cliff McManis argues cogently and persuasively that, contrary to what many popular Christian apologists allege, Christians should focus their energy on explaining and proclaiming the gospel, for it is the word about Christ that produces faith in the heart—and faith is what unbelievers need to be brought into a right relationship with God. This little book will help free Christians to confidently share the gospel with those around them.
What the Bible Says About Gray Areas
How do we make godly decisions on issues that are not specifically addressed in the Bible? Questions about holidays, movies, entertainment, even the specifics of church life can often burden Christians because they seem to preclude clear, straightforward answers. And because these questions usually include elements of personal preference, believers can find themselves looking down on Christian brothers and sisters who hold different opinions. In this book, Cliff McManis helps us navigate these tough questions. Drawing from Romans 14, McManis provides us with the principles necessary to make decisions on the “gray areas” of life and maintain unity among our church family.
How can we reconcile the goodness and power of God with the existence of moral and natural evil? For centuries the problem of evil has posed a significant challenge to Christian apologists, and unbelievers often make the problem of evil one of the main reasons for why they reject the Christian faith. So how does the ordinary, everyday Christian approach this issue? Do we justify the existence of evil with rigorous logical and philosophical argument? Or does the Bible give us sufficient resources with which to solve the problem of evil? With sharp exegesis and a careful examination of several popular approaches to this issue, Dr. McManis takes us deep into Scripture where we find clear answers for why evil exists and what God has done to solve the problem of evil once and for all.
What the Bible Says About Government
Ever since the Church’s inception 2000 years ago, Christians have wrestled with how to think about, relate to, and submit to the government. Answers to these important questions have ranged across a broad spectrum, with Christians often disagreeing with each other in significant ways. In this book, Cliff McManis looks to Scripture to help us think clearly about issues related to government, politics, and the Christian’s involvement in both. By establishing his discussion first and foremost in the Bible, McManis provides common theological ground for all Christians to discuss and reflect upon these vital issues.
God Defines and Defends Marriage
In June 2015 in case of Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in a 5-4 decision that marriage between same-sex couples is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. In this unprecedented legal decision, five Supreme Court justices effectively redefined the time-honored institution of marriage for all Americans. But how should the Church respond to this recent earth-shaking event? By placing this recent judicial ruling in its historical-political context and examining it light of Scripture, Dr. Cliff McManis helps Christians respond to their nation and their neighbor with Christlike conviction and compassion.
Protecting the Flock: The Priority of Church Membership
Is church membership a biblical concept? If so, what are the benefits of church membership? Should I become a member of a local congregation? In his latest installment in the Big Truth little book® series, Cliff McManis applies over twenty-five years of study and pastoral ministry experience to answering these important questions. You will be encouraged to consider membership for the first time or to renew your appreciation for the essential role the local church plays in your walk with Christ.
Educating Your Child: Public, Private, or Homeschool? A Biblical Perspective
Education has become a controversial topic among Christian parents. What many of us don’t know, however, is that it doesn’t have to be. In this book, Cliff McManis draws from a careful study of Scripture and his experience as an educator, parent, and pastor to help Christian parents navigate this difficult yet highly important topic. McManis not only discusses the biblical foundations for childhood education, he also examines the pros and cons of each schooling option (public, private, or homeschool) so that you can make a wise, biblically-informed decision about how to educate your child.
What the Bible Says About Depression
How should we define depression? Do Christians struggle with depression? Is depression in the Bible? Is there a cure for depression? How do I minister to those who are struggling with depression? These are crucial questions, but the current debate among evangelicals over the topic of depression has left many wondering if there are any clear answers. In this book, Pastor Cliff McManis surveys the contemporary discussion on this difficult subject, exposes several common myths about depression, and provides readers with much encouraging counsel from Scripture. Whether you are currently wrestling with depression or ministering to those who are, you will find much help in this book.
What the Bible Says About Confrontation
Conflict. It’s unavoidable. So, how do we deal with it? For Christians, the Bible offers a wealth of wisdom to help us navigate the often difficult terrain of interpersonal conflict. While avoidance may seem like an easier route at times, the answer to our relational problems not fearful evasion but courageous confrontation. In this book, Cliff McManis draws from Scripture and over three decades of pastoral experience in order to encourage Christians to practice the spiritual discipline of holy confrontation. Conducted patiently, honestly, and lovingly, biblical confrontation will often be the primary means to mending broken relationships in the home and promoting genuine unity in the local church.
What the Bible Says About Hospitality
What is hospitality? Are all Christians called to be hospitable, or is this a spiritual gift that only a few possess? What are some practical ways that Christians can grow in their ministry of hospitality? Pastor Cliff McManis answers these and many other questions related to this important yet often overlooked aspect of Christian living. With careful attention to Scripture as well as relevant practical concerns, McManis develops a well-grounded theology of Christian hospitality.
Cliff McManis 