College and Clayton Press

11/05/2025

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." — Matthew 28:20

As we prepare for Ascension Day, we recall that Jesus’ physical departure ushered in a new intimacy with God. Far from leaving us alone, Christ ascends to reign and to send the Spirit to live within us. The Ascension is a celebration of His kingship and our mission!

This season invites us to lift our eyes — to trust that Jesus is actively ruling and working for our good, even when we cannot see it.

Where do you need to trust His unseen hand today?

("Christ appears on the shores of the shore of Lake Tiberias" - James Tissot)

04/05/2025

Book Spotlight: Worship of the Triune God by Nathan Skipper

What does it mean to truly worship? In Worship of the Triune God, Nathan Skipper guides readers into a deeper understanding of worship—not as a Sunday task, but as a vibrant, daily encounter with Father, Son, and Spirit.

Drawing on Scripture and historic Christian thought, Skipper reminds us that true worship reshapes our lives from the inside out. Especially as we approach Pentecost, it’s a great time to refocus our hearts on the God who invites us into His life.

Worship of the Triune God: Finding Delight in a Life of Worship

26/04/2025

"But someone will ask, 'How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?'" — 1 Corinthians 15:35

Paul's discussion of the resurrection body fills us with hope. Christ’s resurrection wasn't a mere symbol; it was the first fruit of what we ourselves will experience. Our future bodies will be imperishable, glorious, and spiritual — not less real, but more!

In a culture obsessed with youth and appearance, Christianity promises something better: not the fading beauty of this life, but a transformation into eternal wholeness. The resurrection body is a profound gift of God's love, restoring and perfecting what was broken.

How does knowing your future with Christ change the way you live now?

(Resurrection of Jesus by Piero della Francesca)

19/04/2025

On Holy Saturday, Christ’s body lay lifeless in the tomb, but His work was not finished. As the Church has long confessed, He descended to the realm of the dead—not in defeat, but in divine authority. “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption” (Psalm 16:10). Christ entered death to shatter its gates from within.

Holy Saturday is a day of silence—but not absence. It is the quiet pause between agony and glory. Christ's body rested in the tomb, fulfilling the Scriptures: “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption” (Psalm 16:10). Yet even in death, He was at work. While the body lay still, the Word was storming the gates of Hades, releasing captives from the shadow of death.

The descent into Hades was not a retreat but an invasion—the Light breaking into the deepest night.

The world waited, hushed. Heaven held its breath. But this was not the silence of defeat. This was the deep breath before resurrection. A holy hush before the shout of victory.

As we sit in this solemn in-between, may we learn to trust the unseen work of God. For though we do not yet see the dawn, we know the tomb cannot hold Him.

05/04/2025

As we enter the sacred season of Lent, Journey of the Cross offers a transformative path to deepen our faith and reflection. This prayer guide, through the powerful lens of the Gospel of John, invites you to journey closer to Christ’s sacrifice and love.

“Lent is not merely a season of self-denial, but an invitation to become more fully who God created us to be.” (Journey of the Cross, p. 22)

Each day’s reflection leads you into a deeper understanding of Christ’s journey, helping you to embrace His love and sacrifice. "In the Gospel of John, we find not just a story, but an invitation to walk with Jesus, to witness His ultimate act of love" (Journey of the Cross, p. 45).

Prepare your heart this Lent—order your copy of Journey of the Cross today! 🙏

Journey of the Cross: A Prayer Guide for the Season of Lent Through the Gospel of John

25/03/2025

Lent is a season deeply rooted in Christian tradition, inviting believers into a period of reflection, penitence, and renewal. Originating from the Old English word 'lencten,' meaning spring, Lent signifies a time of growth and transformation. Spanning 40 days (excluding Sundays), it commemorates Jesus Christ's 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, as detailed in Matthew 4:1-11. This period serves as a model for believers to engage in self-examination and spiritual discipline.

The Gospel of Matthew recounts Jesus's temptation in the wilderness, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to God's will. Jesus's response to Satan's temptations highlights the importance of spiritual nourishment and trust in God's provision. He replies, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4, ESV). This passage underscores the essence of Lent: prioritizing spiritual growth over worldly distractions.

N.T. Wright, in his reflections on Lent, notes that this season is "a time to let God search our hearts and renew our commitment to follow Jesus" (Wright, Lent for Everyone: Matthew Year A, p. 3). This perspective invites believers to approach Lent not merely as a ritualistic observance but as an opportunity for genuine transformation.

Lent's significance is further illuminated through its typological connections to the Old Testament. The 40 days of Jesus's temptation mirror the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert, a period of testing and preparation (Exodus 16:35). This parallel draws attention to God's faithfulness during times of trial and the importance of trusting in His guidance.

In Romans 5:3-5, Paul states that "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." This progression from suffering to hope encapsulates the Lenten journey, where believers confront personal shortcomings and emerge with renewed hope and strength.

Incorporating these reflections, Lent becomes a sacred rhythm in the Church calendar, inviting believers to align their lives more closely with Christ's example. It's a call to move beyond superficial observances, delving into a transformative process that shapes character and deepens faith.

10/12/2024

We are excited to announce the release of Blood, Sweat, and Casseroles by Jesse Kennedy Colbert.

Blood, Sweat, and Casseroles is an inside look at the whacky, humorous, heartwarming, and heartbreaking roller-coaster ride that is parish church ministry. It is the true stories and honest experiences of pastor Jesse Colbert. In this book, you will indeed find blood, hard work, joy, death, anger, and some extremely uncomfortable moments involving underwear and the lack thereof.

Available now!

Blood, Sweat, and Casseroles is an inside look at the whacky, humorous, heartwarming, and heartbreaking roller-coaster ride that is parish church ministry. It is the true stories and honest experiences of pastor Jesse Colbert. In this book, you will indeed find blood, hard work, joy, death, anger...

26/11/2024

We are excited to announce Ethan Smith's new book, Building Up: Six Simple Spiritual Disciplines for Students. Building Up encourages tweens, teens, parents, youth ministry volunteers, and youth pastors to grow in Godliness through Bible reading, evangelism, prayer, worship, service, and giving.

Available now!

Building Up: Six Spiritual Disciplines for Students

30/10/2024

We are proud to announce Contextualizing Preaching: Conversations with Diverse Church Leaders. This work is the first volume in the Contextualizing Series, edited by Dr. Mario Melendez. Join Mario and his ensemble of pastors and theologians who discuss the role of preaching within different contexts in American Christianity.

Available now!

Contextualizing Preaching: Conversations with Diverse Church Leaders

24/07/2024

We are excited to announce Dr. Robert Yost's new title 100 Christian Classics: A Literary Bucket List for the Thoughtful Christ-Follower is now available.

Discover the treasures among 100 Christian Classics handpicked by author and scholar Robert A. Yost. Benefit from his insightful introductions and explanations of why each work is essential for those sitting in a pew.

Purchase your copy today!

100 Christian Classics: A Literary Bucket List for the Thoughtful Christ-Follower

12/02/2024

JOURNEY OF THE CROSS: A PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE SEASON OF LENT THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

Graham and Susan Michael

The season of Lent is a season of prayer. As such, this guide is not a devotional. It is a guide designed to structure the reader’s prayer life during Lent. Each week begins with a meditation on the week’s theme from the Gospel of John. Each day is structured with an invitation to meet with God with verses from a Psalm followed by a suggested prayer of confession. Then, verses from Scripture are provided for reflection followed by a prayer of adoration. Finally, there is a commission to serve the Lord and an opportunity to reflect on the day. This guide can be used by individuals, small groups, or churches as they prepare over the course of Lent to celebrate our glorious risen Lord, Jesus Christ. He is risen indeed!

Available Now!

Journey of the Cross: A Prayer Guide for the Season of Lent Through the Gospel of John