Back in 1517, Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. In so doing, he questioned some of the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, and sparked the movement known as the Reformation.

Nearly half a millennium later, another Roman Catholic also came to understand justification by faith, and then gave his life to Christ. His name is Ray Galea. Like Luther, Ray was faced with the decision about whether he could, in good conscience, remain within the Roman Catholic Church of his family, his upbringing and his culture. Ray's quest to understand the respective teachings of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, and to weigh up what the Bible said, helped him to clarify the differences and set a path for his Christian life.

In this new book, Ray Galea charts that quest and helpfully spells out what he learnt about the differences. Today, the need for such teaching remains as strong as it was in 1517. Many want to gloss over the differences, and many wonder why we can't just all be united together as ‘Christians’. Ray Galea's book provides the answer in a gentle and clear way. It is suitable for both Protestant and Catholic readers.

This is a timely book—particularly as Australians prepare to host a visit by the Pope in 2008 for World Roman Catholic Youth Day.

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The Daily Reading Bible (Volume 11)

The popular Daily Reading Bible series is fast becoming the staple diet for many Christians who use it during their time with God. Each DRB book is an all-in-one resource. They're a good way to get started or to keep going in your daily reading of the Bible.

This eleventh volume contains 60 undated readings looking at 2 Peter, Genesis 36-50, Ecclesiastes and the theme of God's image. Each reading is designed to take around 15-20 minutes, and contains:

• the full text of the Bible passage for that reading;
• some questions to get you thinking;
• some ‘points to ponder’; and
• some ideas to get you started in prayer.

It's all here in one booklet that you can take with you anywhere—on the train, on the bus, to the park at lunchtime, or to your favourite armchair.

Download a PDF sample of the first five readings from Volume 11 (350kb).

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From Sinner to Saint

From Sinner to Saint is the second in an exciting new series of topical Bible studies. Using a mix of Bible investigation, group discussion and video input from John (‘Chappo’) Chapman, From Sinner to Saint will help your group interact with what God is saying about holiness.

Over the course of five studies you will explore what holiness is, how it is possible and how God is going to bring it about in your life. You will be challenged to persevere on the path to holiness, and warned of the distractions you may encounter along the way. Finally, you'll be encouraged by the grandeur of God's plan for you in his new creation.

View a short Quicktime presentation about this new resource (4.5mb).

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We hope these resources will prove useful to you in your Christian growth and ministry to others.

Yours in Christ,

Ian Carmichael
for the Matthias Media team