Crossing the Sacred and Secular Divide

Christians often fall prey to the notion that the sacred and secular should be separated. While it’s true that Jesus has called us into his Kingdom, he has also called us back into the world from which we were rescued. Our faith must be grounded in the here-and-now; Jesus’ example was one of engagement with, not detachment from, the physical realm.

Last year, in collaboration with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, we published Every Square Inch by Bruce Ashford, the first of three volumes in a partnership with SEBTS. In this book, Dr. Ashford draws on Abraham Kuyper, Francis Schaeffer, and C.S. Lewis to argue that our faith is relevant to every dimension of culture.

The next two books in the series are now available for pre-order:

• Every Waking Hour: An Introduction to Work and Vocation for Christians by Benjamin Quinn and Walter R. Strickland II
• Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians by David W. Jones

Every Waking Hour is scheduled to ship on April 15 and Every Good Thing should follow in mid-May—get them both on Pre-Pub while you can!

Glorifying God through our work

In Every Waking Hour, Benjamin Quinn and Walter R. Strickland II offer a theological framework for understanding the intersection between the Christian life and the various ways we spend our time. “Work” isn’t simply our careers, it’s any way we engage with God’s creation. Doing so helps us develop a more robust understanding, based in Scripture, of how Monday through Friday intersect with Sunday morning.

The work of bringing God’s kingdom to the here-and-now isn’t limited to vocational ministers. Every follower of Christ is a minister, no matter what their vocation or where they work. This practical framework for a biblical understanding of work comes at a critical time for modern Christians. As Russell Moore puts it:

Many Christians struggle to make sense of their work lives. Some of us are tempted to find our identities in our careers. Others of us are tempted to see our work as drudgery. This book shows us how to see our work through the prism of the kingdom of God. This book is biblical, practical, and wise.

Glorifying God in the material realm

In Every Good Thing, David W. Jones explains why we should be concerned with the material world—for our own good, for the good of our neighbors, and for the glory of God. Scripture frequently speaks about issues such as wealth and poverty, work and rest, and creation and stewardship. Jones argues that the material here-and-now is just as important as the sweet by-and-by. God cares deeply about the material realm, and this book helps us better understand how to live in the material world for the common good.

David W. Jones has done a great service for Christians. This book explores how the gospel should infiltrate every area of our material lives and challenges us all to live out our faith no matter our vocational calling. You will be challenged to live a life that exalts Christ and furthers the gospel—a life that impacts the eternal because you live out your faith in the material. This is a must-read for every follower of Jesus Christ.

—Thomas White, president and professor of theology, Cedarville University

* * *

How does our faith impact our everyday lives? Every Square Inch, Every Waking Hour, and Every Good Thing give us a deep, biblical understanding of our place in the world—get all three today!