Christopher Ash - Böcker

The 'way of a man with a maiden' was too wonderful for the writer of Proverbs to understand. Preoccupying so many thoughts and dreams, the subject of countless songs, films and fairytales, the love between a man and a woman has always been a profound and perplexing mystery.And yet we do not live happily ever after. Four out of ten marriages will end in divorce. Couples now choose to live together rather than marry, and those relationships are even less likely to last. People are having fewer children, later, and with a succession of partners. Ironically, just when so much is expected of love, Western societies are witnessing lower levels of public commitment in sexual relationships than ever before. The scale of this change amounts to a revolution, a major historical paradigm shift.The statistics mask a depth of pain that every pastor and counsellor knows only too well.We must face the inevitable questions: if faithfulness is no longer esteemed, why get married at all? What is marriage? What did God intend when he gave us marriage?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.

Life can be hard, and sometimes it seems like God doesn’t even care. When faced with difficult trials, many people have resonated with the book of Job—the story of a man who lost nearly everything, seemingly abandoned by God.In this thorough and accessible commentary, Christopher Ash helps us glean encouragement from God’s Word by directing our attention to the final explanation and ultimate resolution of Job’s story: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Intended to equip pastors to preach Job’s important message, this commentary highlights God’s grace and wisdom in the midst of redemptive suffering.Taking a staggeringly honest look at our broken world and the trials that we often face, Ash helps us see God’s sovereign purposes for adversity and the wonderful hope that Christians have in Christ.Luke’s carefully researched and orderly account of the life of Christ is one of the finest pieces of historical writing from the ancient world. More importantly, it boldly proclaims the story and significance of Jesus, emphasizing his “gospel” as good news for the whole world.In this illuminating commentary, respected pastor R. Kent Hughes explores Luke’s historical claims about the life of Christ and his overarching message, offering helpful insights into the biblical text and pastoral reflections on how it applies to everyday life.Written to help preachers and Bible teachers communicate God’s Word more effectively, this commentary explores how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus constitute the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and guarantee salvation to all who believe on his name.Part of the Preaching the Word series.

Commentary Set from Christopher Ash Sets Out a Deeply Christian Study of the PsalmsWhile reading Psalms, it is common for commentaries to focus on Old Testament meaning, without connecting it deeply to Christ’s fulfillment in the New Testament. By studying Scripture this way, believers miss out on the fullness of God’s word. The key to experiencing authentically Christian worship is learning a Christ-focused approach to praying and singing the Psalms.In this comprehensive, 4-volume commentary, Christopher Ash provides a thorough treatment of all 150 Psalms, examining each psalm’s significance to David and the other psalmists, to Jesus during his earthly ministry, and to the church of Christ in every age. The first volume in the set is a detailed handbook that explains how to interpret the Psalms with Christ at the center. The remaining 3 volumes cover each psalm in depth, with introductory quotations, a deep analysis of the text’s structure and vocabulary, and a closing reflection and response. Ash also includes selected quotations from older readings of the Psalms, including patristic, medieval, Reformation, and post-Reformation scholars. Perfect for pastors, Bible teachers, and students, this commentary set helps readers sing and pray the Psalms with Christ in view. Standalone Commentary: Christopher Ash’s research also builds on other commentaries for a comprehensive, thorough resource on the PsalmsExhaustive: Ash’s exegesis includes all 150 Psalms and their superscriptions, and explores how the Psalms are quoted and echoed throughout the New TestamentApplicable and Heartfelt: Explains how a Christ-centered approach to reading the Psalms influences doctrines of prayer, prophecy, the Trinity, ecclesiology, and moreIdeal for Pastors and Serious Students of Scripture: Written for Bible teachers, Sunday school and youth leaders, and small-group leaders

Commentary from Christopher Ash Sets Out a Deeply Christian Study of Psalms 1–50While reading Psalms, it is common for commentaries to focus on Old Testament meaning, without connecting it deeply to Christ’s fulfillment in the New Testament. By studying Scripture this way, believers miss out on the fullness of God’s word. The key to experiencing authentically Christian worship is learning a Christ-focused approach to praying and singing the Psalms.In this thorough commentary, Christopher Ash provides a careful treatment of Psalms 1–50, examining each psalm’s significance to David and the other psalmists, to Jesus during his earthly ministry, and to the church of Christ in every age. Ash includes introductory quotations, a deep analysis of the text’s structure and vocabulary, and a closing reflection and response, along with selected quotations from older readings of the Psalms. Perfect for pastors, Bible teachers, and students, this commentary helps readers sing and pray the Psalms with Christ in view. Exhaustive: Christopher Ash’s exegesis explores how the Psalms are quoted and echoed throughout the New TestamentApplicable and Heartfelt: Explains how a Christ-centered approach to reading the Psalms influences doctrines of prayer, prophecy, the Trinity, ecclesiology, and moreIdeal for Pastors and Serious Students of Scripture: Written for Bible teachers, Sunday school and youth leaders, and small-group leaders

Commentary from Christopher Ash Sets Out a Deeply Christian Study of Psalms 51–100While reading Psalms, it is common for commentaries to focus on Old Testament meaning, without connecting it deeply to Christ’s fulfillment in the New Testament. By studying Scripture this way, believers miss out on the fullness of God’s word. The key to experiencing authentically Christian worship is learning a Christ-focused approach to praying and singing the Psalms.In this thorough commentary, Christopher Ash provides a careful treatment of Psalms 51–100, examining each psalm’s significance to David and the other psalmists, to Jesus during his earthly ministry, and to the church of Christ in every age. Ash includes introductory quotations, a deep analysis of the text’s structure and vocabulary, and a closing reflection and response, along with selected quotations from older readings of the Psalms. Perfect for pastors, Bible teachers, and students, this commentary helps readers sing and pray the Psalms with Christ in view. Exhaustive: Christopher Ash’s exegesis explores how the Psalms are quoted and echoed throughout the New TestamentApplicable and Heartfelt: Explains how a Christ-centered approach to reading the Psalms influences doctrines of prayer, prophecy, the Trinity, ecclesiology, and moreIdeal for Pastors and Serious Students of Scripture: Written for Bible teachers, Sunday school and youth leaders, and small-group leaders

Commentary from Christopher Ash Sets Out a Deeply Christian Study of Psalms 101–150While reading Psalms, it is common for commentaries to focus on Old Testament meaning, without connecting it deeply to Christ’s fulfillment in the New Testament. By studying Scripture this way, believers miss out on the fullness of God’s word. The key to experiencing authentically Christian worship is learning a Christ-focused approach to praying and singing the Psalms.In this thorough commentary, Christopher Ash provides a careful treatment of Psalms 101–150, examining each psalm’s significance to David and the other psalmists, to Jesus during his earthly ministry, and to the church of Christ in every age. Ash includes introductory quotations, a deep analysis of the text’s structure and vocabulary, and a closing reflection and response, along with selected quotations from older readings of the Psalms. Perfect for pastors, Bible teachers, and students, this commentary helps readers sing and pray the Psalms with Christ in view. Exhaustive: Christopher Ash’s exegesis explores how the Psalms are quoted and echoed throughout the New TestamentApplicable and Heartfelt: Explains how a Christ-centered approach to reading the Psalms influences doctrines of prayer, prophecy, the Trinity, ecclesiology, and moreIdeal for Pastors and Serious Students of Scripture: Written for Bible teachers, Sunday school and youth leaders, and small-group leaders

How should Christians understand anger, evaluate it, and respond for good?We all struggle with anger at times: Our plans suddenly fall through, we lose a prized possession, or our reputation is called into question. More often than not, when anger knocks at the doors of our hearts we easily allow it to take over. But what if getting to the heart of our anger also reveals the way to transform it?Christopher Ash and Steve Midgley address this question by bringing to bear what the whole Bible has to say about sinful anger—revealing that anger is the sinful response when something we value more than God is taken away or threatened. They reflect on biblical portraits of human anger, God’s righteous anger, and how only the gospel of Jesus Christ brings true freedom—transforming a heart of anger into a heart filled with the love of God. A survey of anger, looking at biblical examples from the Old and New TestamentsExplains how a proper understanding of God’s wrath through the gospel of Jesus Christ can transform human angerConsiders the role of the local church in the healing of anger

It’s easy for us to trust God when life is going well.But when suffering comes, trusting God’s goodness, his attentiveness to what’s going on in the world, and his justice becomes far more difficult. In times of intense suffering, many of us ask, Why does God allow these things to happen? In the Bible, Job is known for facing intense personal suffering. Yet, upon closer examination, we find the book of Job is about more than just Job’s calamities; it’s a story about God and his relationship to Christ and his people in their suffering. In this helpful guide, Christopher Ash helps us explore the question, Where is God in the midst of suffering? As we read, meditate, and pray through the book of Job, we will find assurance that God will be with us in Christ through every season and trial.

Standalone Commentary from Christopher Ash Sets Out a Deeply Christian Study of the PsalmsWhile reading Psalms, it is common for commentaries to focus on Old Testament meaning, without connecting it deeply to Christ’s fulfillment in the New Testament. By studying Scripture this way, believers miss out on the fullness of God’s word. The key to experiencing authentically Christian worship is learning a Christ-focused approach to praying and singing the Psalms.In this in-depth, 4-volume commentary, Christopher Ash provides a thorough treatment of all 150 Psalms, examining each psalm’s significance to David and the other psalmists, to Jesus during his earthly ministry, and to the church of Christ in every age. The first volume in the set is a detailed handbook that explains how to interpret the Psalms with Christ at the center. Perfect for pastors, Bible teachers, and students, this commentary helps readers sing and pray the Psalms with Christ in view. Standalone Commentary: Ash’s research also builds on other commentaries for a comprehensive, thorough resource on the PsalmsApplicable and Heartfelt: Explains how a Christ-centered approach to reading the Psalms influences doctrines of prayer, prophecy, the Trinity, ecclesiology, and moreIdeal for Pastors and Serious Students of Scripture: Written for Bible teachers, Sunday school and youth leaders, and small-group leaders

The Psalms can be sung, spoken or read – but they were written to be prayed. Until we pray them from the heart we miss their purpose. If you love, or want to love, or think perhaps you ought to love, the Psalms, this first instalment of a two–volume set on the Psalter is for you. Christopher Ash gives us a practical and theological handbook to equip us to pray and to teach the Psalms. He faces the difficulties and shows how praying them in Christ does justice to their original meaning and context as well as their place in the whole bible.

The Psalms can be sung, spoken or read –but they were written to be prayed. Until we pray them from the heart we miss their purpose. The two volumes of Teaching Psalms aim to get the reader’s heart engaging with this beautiful book of the Bible. If you love, or want to love, or think perhaps you ought to love the Psalms, these volumes are for you. Volume 1 acts as a handbook: –         How to pray the Psalms–         How to teach the Psalms–         The difficulties we face in the Psalms –         Integrating the Psalms into the Bible story Volume 2 picks up on the groundwork laid and begins with an overview of the structure of the Psalter. It then goes through the book of Psalms, giving an introduction to each one. It does not seek to compete with a commentary in that it does not approach each verse individually; however it offers what few commentaries attempt – a careful look at the message behind the book as a whole.

Ruth and Esther are two prophetic pictures of the same gospel. One speaks of a last–minute rescue from death, the other of a long–awaited filling of a terrible emptiness. One ends with a baby; the other concludes with an annual remembrance of an amazing escape. But neither really ends, until they find their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Part of the Teaching series, this book is designed to help the pastor/preacher, small group leader, or youth worker in preparing and presenting studies.

How a Little-Known Prophet Shines Light on Christian Faithfulness in a Troubled WorldDiscover the inspiring story of Micaiah, the little-known prophet whose brief appearance in the Old Testament offers a powerful model of unwavering faithfulness. In A Forgotten Prophet, readers are invited to journey through the dramatic events of 2 Chronicles 18 and 1 Kings 22, where Micaiah stands alone against kings, false prophets, and overwhelming opposition. His courage to speak God’s truth—regardless of popularity, pressure, or personal cost—foreshadows the ultimate faithfulness of Jesus Christ and challenges today’s believers, especially pastors, to remain steadfast in a culture that often values affirmation over truth.This book is a timely encouragement for anyone feeling discouraged or isolated in their Christian walk. Through vivid storytelling and deep biblical insight, A Forgotten Prophet reminds us that true success is not measured by acclaim or numbers, but by hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Whether you are a church leader or a follower of Christ seeking hope in difficult times, Micaiah’s story will inspire you to embrace your calling with courage, humility, and trust in God’s sovereign purposes.

"In How Should Christians Think about Sex?, Christopher Ash turns to the Bible to find the wisdom and beauty in God's good design. What is marriage? What is sexuality for? Only God's word makes sense of it all. Jesus' way is better, more liberating, and more affirming. Experience the freedom that comes through living not for your own gratification, but for God's glory"--

The 2018 Year Book from Keswick contains a selection of talks from this year's convention The contributors include Christopher AshRichard DannattLouise MorseChris ChiaAlasdair PaineRodgers AtwebenbeireJonty Allcock

Why does a good God allow innocent suffering? Why does a just God act unfairly? Why does a sovereign God let disease and evil run rampant? These are not questions asked from the onlooker's armchair, nor from the academic's desk, but from the anguish of the sickbed and the frustration of the wheelchair. The problem of pain is considered with the heart as well as the head. Christopher Ash leads us through the biblical story of Job as we wrestle with these questions today. He honestly explores the lonely and cruel nature of suffering and whether God can be found in the midst of it. He exposes the shortcomings of Job's friends who deny the possibility of innocent suffering, and are unaware of the roles that Satan, the fall and the cross have to play. With compassion and clarity he takes the reader through Job's long debate with God - towards a humbling and hopeful resolution.

God invented marriage. So it seems rather obvious to look to our Maker for marriage instructions. Yet by nature we prefer to work it out for ourselves, starting with our own needs, hopes and desires.This book turns our thinking upside down. The author examines the Bible's teaching on marriage, while remaining firmly earthed in the twenty-first-century world where messing up, heartbreak, divorce and sexual chaos are distressingly common. Starting with God's grace applied to our pain and failure, the author centres on God's plan for sex and marriage, one of service.Whether you are an engaged couple preparing for marriage, or have been married for many years, this Biblical wisdom will help you grow your love and commitment both to one another and to God.

Conscience is the Cinderella of the contemporary world. We hardly speak or think about our conscience. She is left behind while we get on with the party of life, untroubled by any serious self-examination. And yet conscience is a God-given part of being human, with tremendous potential for good - if it is cleansed and kept clean - or for harm - if it becomes hardened or calloused.'This book is about the joy of a clear conscience in every day of living and in the day of death,' enthuses Christopher Ash.'With a clear conscience, we can enjoy not just the stuff we think of as 'spiritual', but all sorts of things like sleep, sport, friendship and holidays. With a good conscience none of these things ever leaves a sour taste in our mouths.'Christopher is eager to get all of us thinking about conscience again: 'I want you to take your conscience out of the cupboard, dust it down, bring it back into daily life and discover its power to do you good.'

There are commentaries and there are books on preaching – but very few books that combine elements of both to enable the preacher or Bible teacher to prepare a series on specific sections of Scripture. This series gives the Bible teacher suitable tools to understand the context of Biblical books; doctrinal themes; the methods of interpretation; the key interpretation points and how to communicate that message for the hearer.Whilst very useful for preachers, this book is also aimed at equipping small group study leaders, youth workers and other Bible teachers. The books are purposefully practical. Section One contains ‘navigation’ material to enable you to access the text of Romans. Section 2 works systematically through a suggested preaching or Bible study series. Preaching outlines and Bible study questions are included for each passage.