Most Popular Books by R. C. Sproul

Until we understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we will not understand the Christian faith. God is holy, so He cannot simply overlook our sin. That means we all stand condemned before His righteous judgment. In order to find deliverance from the wrath we deserve, we must look to the Savior who has paid the penalty of sin for those who trust in Him. In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul surveys the Bible''s teaching about the cross of Christ and the grace of God in redeeming His people.

Suffering often seems to catch us by surprise. One day we are healthy, comfortable, and happy. The next we find ourselves ill or injured, struggling, and distraught. The pain that invades our lives may come from our own suffering or that of a loved one. But no matter the source, we didn''t see it coming. All too often, our perplexity prompts us to suspect God of wrongdoing. In this classic book, republished in a revised and expanded edition, Dr. R.C. Sproul argues that we should not be surprised by suffering; instead, we should expect pain and sorrow in this life. Some are actually called to a "vocation" of suffering, and all of us are called to undergo the ultimate suffering of death. God promises in His Word that difficult times will come upon us, but He also promises that He allows suffering for our good and His glory, and He will never give us more than we can bear with His help. Dr. Sproul offers solid biblical counsel and comfort for those undergoing suffering and for those who minister to the suffering, counsel that helps believers stand in times of trial with faith in a God who is both loving and good.

When the word church is mentioned, many people think of a building. Others think of a denomination. But the church is so much more. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains that the church is a group of people, not a building. These Christians make up the universal family of God and are called to live lives that glorify Him. Beginning with one of the church''s earliest statements of faith, Dr. Sproul takes an in-depth look at the "one, holy, catholic, and Apostolic" church. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

One night after family devotions, Delaney asks her father to teach her to do better at prayer and he relates the story of Master Peter, a sixteenth-century barber who made the same request of Martin Luther.

Dr. R.C. Sproul cuts through the confusion and carefully explains what it means, biblically and theologically, to be born again. He affirms that new birth is essential, then goes on to show what the new birth is and how it occurs. --from publisher description

"What is the Bible? Can we really trust it? Many people today assume that the Bible is full of errors and contradictions. At best, it is a mildly interesting look at the lives and beliefs of people who lived centuries ago. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul shows that these common assumptions are wrong. The Bible is the Word of God, and therefore it is trustworthy, authoritative, and without error. What it says is of life-changing importance and should not be neglected by anyone. We can always trust what God reveals about Himself in His Word. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers."

Does your marriage fulfill your dreams? Are you not yet married but eager to wed? Are you afraid to marry because you''ve seen so few happy marriages? R. C. Sproul offers this practical guide to help married couples -- or those seeking to get married -- develop the skills of marriage. Diligently scriptural, The Intimate Marriage shows how marriages can have an abundance of joy when grounded in the wisdom of God. Sproul walks through some of the toughest things couples struggle with today: communication, sex, roles, divorce, anger, and more. He shares what the Bible says about each, as well as lessons he has learned from his own marriage of forty years. "My hope is that your marriage will be an adventure, exciting and fulfilling," says Sproul. Questions at the end of each chapter will help couples apply these biblical principles to their marriages. Book jacket.

Bestselling Bible teacher R.C. Sproul explores the way God governs the universe while neither creating human wickedness nor destroying human freedom. The hardcover version of "The Invisible Hand" sold more than 20,000 copies.

Surveys routinely show that a majority of men and women believe that people are basically good. In fact, the Bible reveals that mankind was indeed created good. And yet, we all know people who have hurt us or others. And we have likewise done what is wrong. So what changed? Why do people lie, cheat, and steal? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains how we became morally corrupt and just how deep our corruption is. We don''t merely make mistakes; we sin against a holy God. But although this is bad news, it''s not the end of the story. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

When a Christian prays, does it make any difference? Does it change anything? Though our prayers do not change God''s mind, He ordains prayer as a means to accomplish His will. We can be confident that prayer does change things--including our own hearts. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul argues that prayer has a vital place in the life of the Christian and calls us to come before God''s presence with joy and hope. Dr. Sproul shares practical wisdom and helps us understand the purpose, pattern, practice, prohibitions, and power of prayer. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

On the night He was betrayed, Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples. What was so significant about this meal, and what is its ongoing importance in the life of the church? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains the origins of what we now call the Lord''s Supper and the meaning behind the bread and wine. Dr. Sproul reminds Christians not to take this meal lightly but to prepare their hearts before receiving the Lord''s Supper. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Many people in the church today are plagued by doubts about their salvation. However, it''s not only possible for Christians to be sure that they are saved; it''s their duty to make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul seeks to help believers reach this goal. In short, accessible chapters, Dr. Sproul defines assurance, shows how we can gain it, reveals the blessings it brings, and warns of the dangers of false assurance. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

No person in history has provoked more difference of opinion than Jesus of Nazareth. Some say He was a cunning fraud, while others say He must have been out of His mind. In many cases, His story is altered to suit people''s agendas. While there are many ideas about Jesus, to truly understand Him, we must go to the Bible. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul presents a compelling portrait of Christ as the Son of God as he examines the biblical account. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Western society prizes the pursuit of happiness and pleasure. But Christians are called not to happiness but to joy, even in difficult circumstances. How is this possible? Can we really rejoice in times of sorrow? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains the difference between happiness and joy. People look for happiness in many places, but there is only one sure path to deep, lasting joy: a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Sproul covers Bible study, worship, prayer, service, and stewardship.

All people have sinned and broken God''s law. None of us are good (Rom. 3:10). And as a result of our sin, God commands us to repent. But what does repentance look like? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks at several people in the Bible and how they give us a model of repentance. Dr. Sproul explains that true repentance is not simply a religious ritual or the resolve to do better next time. Rather, it''s a spiritual conversion in which we turn from our sin and to God in faith. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Christians agree that baptism is an essential practice in the church, and they also agree that it does not in itself save people from their sins. But why is there disagreement when it comes to whom should be baptized and how? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul introduces us to the sacrament of baptism and explains why well-meaning Christians come to different conclusions about it. As he unpacks its meaning, we see that baptism is a sign and seal of God''s promise of redemption, of cleansing from sin, and of new life in Christ. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

The Bible teaches us to pray without ceasing, but many Christians struggle with prayer. Is there a right way to pray? How should we address a holy God? Does prayer really change things? Even Jesus'' disciples understood there was something lacking in their prayer life after they observed Jesus in prayer. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He gave them a model of prayer as an example to follow in communing with God. In The Prayer of the Lord, Dr. R.C. Sproul helps us understand how to pray according to the pattern Jesus set for us. Each chapter focuses on a single line of the Lord''s Prayer, shedding light on God''s holiness and our need to humbly depend on Him. Dr. Sproul reminds us that as adopted children of God, we have an unspeakable privilege in prayer--to call upon our heavenly Father.

Sproul shows how reason and scientific inquiry can be allies in defending the existence of God and the historical truth of Christ. Those who seek a logical, biblical defense of the faith will find this an indispensable tool.

Jesus said that knowing God is essential. The fact that God exists is obvious from creation, but in order to know who God is, we must learn what He has revealed about Himself in the Bible. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains what Scripture teaches about God''s nature, will, and attributes, presenting a glorious picture of the one true God--the God we are called to know, trust, and obey. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

The Good Samaritan. The Prodigal Son. The Pearl of Great Price. Jesus was well known for using parables to illustrate a point. These short stories can be simple enough for a child to understand, yet they are also profound and have left many puzzled about their meaning. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul walks through eleven of Jesus'' parables and the rich lessons they carry for us today. Dr. Sproul also explains how parables worked to clarify Jesus'' message for some--and to conceal it from others. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

A combination of four power-packed books by noted theologian R. C. Sproul, this book offers theologically sound advice. It challenges readers to a deeper understanding of what it means to be mature followers of Jesus.

God is holy, and we are sinful. God cannot stand to look upon sin. But the gospel of Jesus Christ reveals how sinful people can be right with God. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul delves into Scripture and church history to explore the doctrine of justification by faith alone. In so doing, he explains that by faith alone in Christ alone, sinful men and women can be justified and stand forgiven before a holy God. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Jesus taught more often on money than He did on love or on heaven and hell combined. Why? It''s because money is one of the chief competitors for our affections. He warned, "You cannot serve God and money." How, then, should we view anu003ed use money? How should we understand and participate in the economy? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul offers much-needed biblical answers to these questions, and in so doing, he provides clarity as to how being good stewards of our money honors God. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul employs his unique perspective as a highly experienced pastor-theologian and a trained philosopher to provide well-considered and compassionate answers to the difficult questions that attend termination of pregnancy. Dr. Sproul strives for a factual, well-reasoned approach informed by careful biblical scholarship. He considers both sides of this issue in terms of biblical teaching, civil law, and natural law. This edition includes a new foreword by Dr. George Grant and has been updated to reflect developments in the issue. Appendixes provide further background on the issue of when life begins and list sources for pro-life resources.

Many people today believe that, even if there is a God, He is not actively involved in this world. Biblical Christianity has taken a very different view, teaching that God, not fate or free will, is the primary cause of what is and what happens. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explores the Christian doctrine of providence, the teaching that God is the sovereign Ruler of the universe. Dr. Sproul then answers some common questions: What is chance? Is God responsible for human wickedness? What about human freedom? The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Heaven, Hell, Angels and Demons All four are true realities that impact upon our everyday lives Gain an understanding of these things

After His resurrection, Jesus gave His followers a mission: to go to all the nations and make disciples. What does this Great Commission mean? How are disciples made? And does every Christian have a role to play? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explores the Great Commission by defining key terms such as the gospel, evangelism, missions, and discipleship. Dr. Sproul explains that disciple-making requires much more than just sharing the gospel, and two thousand years after Jesus'' commission, this mission continues. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, international upheaval--Jesus said all of these things would be signs of His return. It sounds like Jesus was describing our own time, but was He really predicting the events that we see in the news every day? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks at Jesus'' prophecies to consider a controversial question: Are we living in the last days? The answer may surprise you. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

In Walt Disney''s classic animated movie Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket sings, "Always let your conscience be your guide." The Bible confirms that the human conscience is real and important, but it also shows that our conscience can lead us astray. It has been twisted by sin and may tell us that right is wrong and wrong is right. So, when can we trust our conscience? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains that we must calibrate our conscience according to the Bible. With practical application, he shows how studying Scripture helps us, by God''s grace, to build a mature Christian conscience. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Challenges readers to rethink the nature of salvation. From what are we really saved? Sproul demonstrates that the Bible teaches we are saved from God''s righteous wrath by the redeeming work of Jesus Christ.

Explore the most monumental story ever recorded. Theologian Sproul and bestselling author Wolgemuth have collaborated to highlight the essence of God''s voice, activity, and purpose throughout the Old and New Testaments in an understandable and thoroughly readable form.

Explores the human cry for dignity, significance, love, and respect. Touches the aching void in the home, school, church, workplace, hospital, and prison. Foreword by Charles Colson.

R. C. Sproul refutes the view of many contemporary scientists that chance can cause something to come into being or cause an event to occur.