Bryan M. Litfin

Christians believe in the Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Yet many would be hard-pressed to explain why they believe this, or even where it might be found in Scripture. But that doesn't mean we're blindly following a merely human tradition. It just means we don't know the story of how the early church came to understand the triune nature of our God--or why it matters to believers today.In engaging, accessible prose, The Story of the Trinity relates the settings, characters, and conflicts that led to the creation of the Nicene Creed, a simple yet beautiful statement of faith that helped early Christians express their beliefs. Rather than getting bogged down in dry semantics, this book recounts the dynamic story of how the one God revealed himself as trifold in both biblical testaments. The Trinity emerges from the pages of Scripture itself. Litfin unfolds this core doctrine of the church so that it not only makes sense, but it brings glory to God and expresses the true nature of the gospel.If you've struggled to understand this essential yet often overlooked doctrine, The Story of the Trinity invites you to discover one of the most beautiful expressions of God's love for us, laid out in one of the church's most elegant and edifying creeds.

A Trusted Introduction to the Church FathersThis concise introduction to the church fathers connects evangelical students and readers to twelve key figures from the early church. Bryan Litfin engages readers with actual people, not just abstract doctrines or impersonal events, to help them understand the fathers as spiritual ancestors in the faith. The first edition has been well received and widely used. This updated and revised edition adds chapters on Ephrem of Syria and Patrick of Ireland. The book requires no previous knowledge of the patristic period and includes original, easy-to-read translations that give a brief taste of each writer's thought.

What really happened after Acts?If you've ever wondered what happened to the biblical characters after Acts--from the well-known Matthew to the lesser-known Bartholomew--then this book is for you. Join Dr. Bryan Litfin as he guides you through Scripture and other ancient literature to sift fact from fiction, real-life from legend. Skillfully researched and clearly written, After Acts is as accurate as it is engaging. Gain a window into the religious milieu of the ancient and medieval church. Unearth artifacts and burial sites. Learn what really happened to your favorite characters and what you should truly remember them for.Did Paul ever make it to Spain? Was he beheaded in Rome?Is it true that Peter was crucified upside down?Was the Virgin Mary really bodily assumed into heaven?The book of Acts ends at chapter 28. But its characters lived on.

Personal narratives are powerful instruments for teaching, both for conveying information and for forming character. The martyrdom accounts preserved in the literature of early Christianity are especially intense and dramatic. However, these narratives are not readily available and are often written in intimidating prose, making them largely inaccessible for the average reader. This introductory text brings together key early Christian martyrdom stories in a single volume, offering new, easy-to-read translations and expert commentary. An introduction and explanatory notes accompany each translation. The book not only provides a vivid window into the world of early Christianity but also offers spiritual encouragement and inspiration for Christian life today.

Newly redesigned, The Sword explores a world where society has no knowledge of Christianity, and a Bible is discovered after being lost for centuries.Four hundred years after a deadly virus and nuclear war destroyed the modern world, a new and noble civilization emerges. In this kingdom, called Chiveis, the people live medieval-style lives, with almost no knowledge of the "ancient" world. Safe in their natural stronghold, the Chiveisi have everything they need, even their own religion. Christianity has been forgotten--until a young army scout named Teo comes across a strange book.With that discovery, Teo is launched into a journey that encompasses adventure, romance, and the revelation of the one true God. As the lies of his kingdom's pagan religion begin to be exposed, will he find new faith before evil forces destroy the newly found Word of God?Through compelling narrative and page-turning action, The Sword sweeps readers into a new world of danger and discovery. Fantasy and adventure readers will be hooked by this first book in the Chiveis trilogy, now newly redesigned.

Book two in the Chiveis TrilogyHundreds of years in the future, war and disease have destroyed civilization as we know it. Modern technology has vanished and history is largely forgotten. A struggling society of survivors has just begun to rebuild, creating kingdoms of a feudal order.Exiled from their beloved home of Chiveis, Teo and Ana journey into foreign lands in search of the second half of Deu's sacred writings. But finding an ancient manuscript is far from easy, especially when the pair is tempted, tried, and separated along the way.On a quest fraught with unforeseen perils, murderous villains, and the prejudices of elite societies, the bond between Teo and Ana is put to the ultimate test. Though the New Testament might be found in distant Roma, will the price of its discovery be too high to pay?