Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts Books

Book SynopsisThe bestselling cult classicgod Is Not Great is the ultimate case against religion. In a series of acute readings of the major religious texts, Christopher Hitchens demonstrates the ways in which religion is man-made, dangerously sexually repressive and distorts the very origins of the cosmos. Above all, Hitchens argues that the concept of an omniscient God has profoundly damaged humanity, and proposes that the world might be a great deal better off without 'him'. In god is Not Great Hitchens turned his formidable eloquence and rhetorical energy to the most controversial issue in the world: God and religion. The result is a devastating critique of religious faithTrade ReviewDo yourself a favor and skip the Dawkins and Harris; they're smug, turgid, and boring, with all the human feeling of a tax return. Read Hitchens instead... A tendentious delight, a caustic and even brilliant book... Thank God for Christopher Hitchens. -- Mark Warren * Esquire *Dazzling... A campaign to put this glittering anti-theist tract on the national curriculum for "religious education" should begin here. -- Johann Hari * Independent *Hitchens is a grand rhetorician, and his double-barrelled shotgun of a book is high entertainment... As with Voltaire, his scornful laughter is a powerful weapon. -- Christopher Hart * Sunday Times *The anti-religion case has never been put so well, so comprehensively or so definitively as in this razor-sharp book... Hitchens accumulates a devastating case... Outstanding. -- A.C. Grayling * Independent on Sunday *Christopher Hitchens is a master craftsman of argument... God is not Great is undoubtedly the most boisterously entertaining contribution to the [atheism] debate. -- Siobhan Murphy * Metro *God is not Great is easily the most brilliant and fascinating contemplation upon the role of religion in human society in recent times, the Das Kapital of a tolerant, if exasperated, atheism. -- Kevin Myers * Irish Independent *Table of Contents1: Putting It Mildly 2: Religion Kills 3: A Short Digression on the Pig; or, Why Heaven Hates Ham 4: A Note on Health, to Which Religion Can Be Hazardous 5: The Metaphysical Claims of Religion Are False 6: Arguments from Design 7: Revelation: The Nightmare of the "Old" Testament 8: The "New" Testament Exceeds the Evil of the "Old" One 9: The Koran Is Borrowed from Both Jewish and Christian Myths 10: The Tawdriness of the Miraculous and the Decline of Hell 11: "The Lowly Stamp of Their Origin": Religion's Corrupt Beginnings 12: A Coda: How Religions End 13: Does Religion Make People Behave Better? 14: There Is No "Eastern" Solution 15: Religion as an Original Sin 16: Is Religion Child Abuse? 17: An Objection Anticipated: The Last-Ditch "Case" Against Secularism 18: A Finer Tradition: The Resistance of the Rational 19: In Conclusion: The Need for a New Enlightenment

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Book SynopsisCombining the best and most recent evangelical Christian scholarship with the highly regarded ESV text, the ESV Study Bible is the most comprehensive study Bible ever published.

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Book SynopsisA newly updated edition of the landmark translation by one of our greatest religious scholarsSince its publication in 1962, esteemed biblical expert Géza Vermes's translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls has established itself as the authoritative standard. The original manuscripts, discovered in the Judean Desert between 1947 and 1956, completely transformed our understanding of the Hebrew Bible, early Judaism, and the origin of Christianity. Now in its seventh edition, The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English has been updated with a number of previously unpublished texts, as well as extensive new introductory material and notes. Some sixty years after the Scrolls' discovery, this revised and expanded volume crowns a lifetime of research by Vermes.For more than sixty-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,500 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookTrade ReviewNo translation of the Scrolls is either more readable or more authoritative than that of Vermes -- John J. Collins * The Times Higher Education Supplement *Fascinating, not least because of Geza Vermes' wonderful introduction and translation -- Justin Cartwright * Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year *

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Book SynopsisFor decades students, professors, clergy, and general readers have relied on The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha as an unparalleled authority on the Apocrypha. This fifth edition remains the best way to study and understand the material at home or in the classroom. This thoroughly revised and substantially updated edition contains the best scholarship informed by recent discoveries and anchored in the solid Study Bible tradition. Introductions and extensive annotations for each book by acknowledged experts in the field provide context and guidance. Introductory essay on the Apocrypha gives readers an overview that guides more intensive study. Maps and diagrams within the text contextualize where events took place and how to understand them. A timeline, calendar, and essay on the Persian and Hellenistic Periods help to contextualize the books.A volume that users will want to keep for continued reference, The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha continues the Oxford University Press tradition of providing excellence in scholarship for the general reader. Generations of users attest to its status as the best one-volume Bible reference tool for any home, library, or classroom.Table of ContentsIntroduction to the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books: Carol A. Newsom Introductions and Annotations Tobit: Amy-Jill Levine Judith: Lawrence M. Wills Esther (Greek): Mary Joan Winn Leith Wisdom of Solomon: Michael Kolarcik Sirach: Benjamin G. Wright Baruch, Letter of Jeremiah: Matthew Goff Add Daniel (Azariah, Song of Three, Susanna, Bel): Amy C. Merrill Willis 1 Maccabees: John R. Bartlett 2 Maccabees: Daniel R. Schwartz 1 Esdras: Tamara Cohn Eskenazi Prayer of Manasseh: David Lambert Psalm 151: Judith H. Newman 3 Maccabees: John J. Collins 2 Esdras: Theodore A. Bergren 4 Maccabees: David A. de Silva

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Book SynopsisThe Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the word of God, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago. It is the supreme authority in Islam and the living source of all Islamic teaching. Recognized as the greatest literary masterpiece in Arabic, it has nevertheless remained difficult to understand in its English translations.Trade ReviewHaleem knows the text by heart. His intimacy with it shows in the brevity and intuitive intelligence of his solutions. * Tim Winter, Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisNamed one of Church Times's Best Christian BooksThis volume provides a much-needed English translation of the sixth edition of what is considered the fundamental text for fully understanding Barthianism. Barth--who remains a powerful influence on European and American theology--argues that the modern Christian preacher and theologian face the same basic problems that confronted Paul. Assessing the whole Protestant argument in relation to modern attitudes and problems, he focuses on topics such as Biblical exegesis; the interrelationship between theology, the Church, and religious experience; the relevance of the truth of the Bible toculture; and what preachers should preach.

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Book SynopsisIn local parishes, upper levels of secondary schools, and introductory college classes, the Personal Study Edition provides superb study resources for readers that will open the text of the Bible to new understanding and greater appreciation for all.Table of ContentsGeneral and Introductory Articles General Introduction How to Use The Catholic Bible: Personal Study Edition The Bible in Catholic Life Catholics and Fundamentalism How to Read the Bible Understanding the Historical Background to the Biblical Texts Old Testament Reading Guides The Pentateuch Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy The Historical Books Joshua Judges Ruth 1 and 2 Samuel 1 and 2 Kings The Chronicler's History and the Later Histories 1 and 2 Chronicles Ezra and Nehemiah Tobit Judith Esther 1 Maccabees 2 Maccabees The Wisdom Books Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes The Song of Songs The Book of Wisdom Ben Sira (Ecclesiasticus) The Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Baruch Ezekiel Daniel The Twelve Minor Prophets Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi New Testament Reading Guides The Gospels [and Acts] Matthew Mark Luke John The Acts of the Apostles The Writings of Paul Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians The Pastoral Letters 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews The Catholic Letters and Revelation James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation The New American Bible [The full text of the Bible] [Back Matter Essays and Reference Materials] The Catechism of the Catholic Church [extract dealing with Scripture] Catholic Beliefs in Scripture The Bible in the Lectionary The Lectionary Chart of Old Testament Canons Timeline of Biblical Times Measures and Weights Glossary Index to Reading Guides

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Book SynopsisNew and substantially expanded edition of Tom Wright's popular book on the role of the Bible in Christian life and thought. Exposes the weaknesses of both 'liberal' and 'conservative' assumptions about how God communicates through scripture.

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Book SynopsisTom Wright takes the reader on an Advent journey through the Gospel of Luke, linking his reflections to the Sunday readings for Year B in the Revised Common Lectionary.Trade Review'Brilliant devotional theology for the everyday Christian.' Christianity;'A wonderful devotional study or possible group stuudy for the Advent season.', Together Magazine;'Tom Wright is one of the great biblical commentators of our day, whose writing on the Bible will stand the test of time.', Amy Boucher Pye, in Woman Alive

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Book SynopsisIn The New Testament In Its World acclaimed biblical scholar N. T. Wright draws on a lifetime of distinguished scholarship to provide a thorough overview of the New Testament for students, church leaders, and everyday Christians.Trade ReviewThis is a distillation of Wright’s quarter-century, multi-volume project exploring Christian Origins and the Question of God. . . . If you want to introduce time-starved seminary students to the New Testament through the eyes of N. T. Wright but can’t assign a thousand pages of reading, this is the book you need. * Dr J. P. Davies, Tutor of New Testament and MA Course Leader, Trinity College, Bristol, England *Tom Wright and Mike Bird give us the opportunity to appreciate the breadth and detail of Wright’s vision of the New Testament – one of the most far-reaching of recent times. The format of a New Testament introduction means that we also get to fill in the gaps on New Testament books that have not featured extensively in Wright’s major books. We also get to find the answers to many "So, what would he say about . . .?" questions. This book will be highly valued by students, scholars, and churches. * Professor Peter Oakes, Greenwood Senior Lecturer in Theology, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, University of Manchester, England *Interpreting the New Testament is a complex task and Wright and Bird work at it with customary passion and a commitment to clarity and coherence. These qualities make it an ideal starting-point for anyone who wants to understand early Christianity and its canonical texts. * Dr Sean Winter, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia *This is the New Testament introduction of all New Testament introductions! Not only is this a superb New Testament introduction from the keyboards of two of today’s most prolific and balanced NT scholars, but more advanced students will find here an accessible and mature synthesis of and primer for N. T. Wright’s voluminous work. * Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary *

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Book SynopsisThis student-friendly work book will be welcomed by all who want to get the most out of Wright and Bird's exciting new textbookTrade Review‘Tom Wright is, as always, brilliant at distilling immense scholarship into vivid, clear and accessible form.’ * Dr Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalen College, Cambridge *‘Tom Wright and Mike Bird give us the opportunity to appreciate the breadth and detail of Wright’s vision of the New Testament. . . This book will be highly valued by students, scholars, and churches.’ * Professor Peter Oakes, Greenwood Senior Lecturer in Theology, University of Manchester *‘An ideal starting-point for anyone who wants to understand early Christianity and its canonical texts.’ * Dr Sean Winter, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia *

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Book SynopsisIn Simply Jesus, Tom Wright sets out to answer three simple but vital questions about Jesus: who was he, what did he do and why does it matter? Perfect for those wanting a popular level entry point into Tom Wright's views on Scripture

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Book SynopsisPaul's letters, the earliest writings in the New Testament, are filled with allusions, images and quotations from the Old Testament. This book investigates Paul's appropriation of Scripture from a perspective based on recent literary-critical studies of intertextuality.Trade Review"Hays has without doubt posed the right question at the right time within the horizon of a particularly important problematic. . . . A new beginning for the question concerning the reception of the Old Testament in the New."—Hans Hübner, Theologische Literaturzeitung"A powerful reading. . . . [Hays’s] careful and fresh exegesis . . . challenges not a few traditional or highly regarded readings. . . . A major contribution both to Pauline studies and to our understanding of earliest Christian theology as a living dialogue with the scriptures of Israel."—James D. G. Dunn, forthcoming in Literature and Theology"This lively excellent book is a fine effort to link the two worlds of modern critical New Testament scholarship and literary criticism. The book is clear and accessible to the nonspecialist as well as the New Testament scholar. It is up-to-date in the two worlds it seeks to bring closer together and discriminating in its use of secondary literature from each."—John H. Schütz, Bowman and Gordon Gray Professor Emeritus, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill"Written in a direct, engaging, lively manner, this is a study of great interest to literary students, whether of methods of allusiveness or of biblical literature."—Eleanor Cook, professor of English, University of Toronto"In the letters of Paul, the serious reader is faced with the fascinating challenge of developing a sensitivity to the resonances of intertextuality, and it is here that Hays makes his weighty and exciting contribution, helping us to sense the remarkable ways in which Paul heard the voice of scripture far beyond the confines of formal citation."—J. Louis Martyn, Edward Robinson Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology, Union Theological Seminary

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Book SynopsisWritten by the author who is internationally regarded as a dean of "New Testament" scholars.Trade Review"A line-by-line exegesis . . . that not only synthesizes a generation of modern scholarship but also provides a coherent and compelling explanation of what the stories of Christ's birth were meant to convey. . . . Brown manages to rescue the Christmas story from both the contempt of experts and the sentimentality of naive laymen. . . . Ordinary Christians can thank this priestly scholar for helping them to put the adult Christ back into Christmas."—Newsweek

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Captivating and clearly written book about, among other things, ancient manuscript production with focus on the Chester Beatty and Bodmer Papyri, but also discussing the Nag Hammadi and Medinet Madi codices and a recent find such as Codex Tchacos. With many illustrations and excellent indices.”—Johannes van Oort, Brill journal Vigiliae Christianae“A stimulating introduction to working with early Christian manuscripts.”—Thomas Johann Bauer, Zeitschrift für Antikes Christentum“Nongbri is to be congratulated for his ability to synthensize large amounts of data and present a clear and cogent picture of the issues in manuscript study.”—Sean A. Adams, Journal for the Study of the New Testament“There is much to commend in this wonderful rich and informative book about books. Nongbri’s discussion should be of interest for all scholars of the New Testament writings.”—Paul Foster, Expository TimesFinalist for the 2019 PROSE awards, Theology and Religious Studies categoryWinner of the 2019 Ramirez Family Award for Most Significant Scholarly Book, presented by the Texas Institute of LettersWinner of the 2019 George A. and Jean S. DeLong History Book Prize sponsored by the Society for the History of Authorship, Reading and Publishing (SHARP)Winner of the 2019 Best Book Relating to the New Testament Award, sponsored by the Biblical Archaeology Society“With a skeptical eye, a large amount of original archival research, a comprehensive command of the bibliography, and fine critical judgment, this essential book takes apart most of what has been claimed for generations about early Christian manuscripts. This is the best available broad treatment of its subject and is certain to have a wide audience.”—Roger S. Bagnall, New York University;“Breath-taking. . . . With its spectacular archival research and clear, level-headed thinking, this book is a model of scholarship. As a result of Nongbri’s research, we know both more and less about these important early Christian books.”—AnneMarie Luijendijk, Princeton University“Nongbri offers an engaging account of early Christian manuscripts and their modern discoverers, interpreters, and publicists. His lucid narrative offers useful guidance about what can and cannot be known about these important relics.”—Harold W. Attridge, Yale University“In a study that is erudite, persuasive, and massively documented, Brent Nongbri explodes many of the dominant assumptions of early Christian textual scholars. This is a must read for anyone interested in the ‘archaeology’ of Christian manuscripts.”—Bart D. Ehrman, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Book SynopsisA chapter-by-chapter explanation of the Book of Exodus, revealing its wisdom about nation building and people formationTrade Review“A wondrous achievement of humanistic scholarship at its very best, making Exodus’s ancient words live again as a source of political wisdom and spiritual inspiration for our time.”—Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks"What Leon Kass describes as living with the book over two decades enabled him to glean from it insights into the deepest existential questions, what Kass himself calls 'longings of the soul.' His greatest achievement is to give readers a glimpse of these insights and suggest to us the possibility—and profound value—of exploring them ourselves."— Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University"Leon Kass maps the Book of Exodus with unmatched intelligence. We have known the book through the interpretations of generations of sages, but here he reads it as though for the first time to see the Jewish nation emerging from slavery and taking its civilizing shape. This is the most exciting book I’ve read in years"—Ruth Wisse, professor emerita of Yiddish Literature, Harvard University"Building on his earlier insightful study of the family in Genesis, Leon Kass turns to the formation of the Israelite nation in Exodus, with an openness to discovery sparked by perceptive observations and guided by fundamental questions."—Ronna Burger, Catherine & Henry J. Gaisman Professor of Philosophy, Tulane University“To be guided through Exodus by Leon Kass is to discover in those familiar stories a font of political wisdom and a provocation to reflection on the meaning of human flourishing.”—Mary Ann Glendon, author of A World Made New: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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Book Synopsis* A reissue of the vivid, compellingly researched biography of one of history's most celebrated martyrs - translator of the Bible William Tyndale, published to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible

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Book SynopsisLeading evangelical scholars provide comprehensive commentary on every quotation, allusion, and echo of the Old Testament that appears in Matthew through Revelation.Table of ContentsContributorsCraig L. Blomberg (Denver Seminary) on MatthewRikk E. Watts (Regent College) on MarkDavid W. Pao (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) and Eckhard J. Schnabel (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) on LukeAndreas J. Köstenberger (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) on John I. Howard Marshall (University of Aberdeen) on ActsMark A. Seifrid (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) on Romans Roy E. Ciampa (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) and Brian S. Rosner (Moore Theological College) on 1 CorinthiansPeter Balla (Károli Gáspár Reformed University, Budapest) on 2 Corinthians Moisés Silva (author of Philippians in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) on Galatians and Philippians Frank S. Thielman (Beeson Divinity School) on Ephesians G. K. Beale (Wheaton College Graduate School) on ColossiansJeffrey A. D. Weima (Calvin Theological Seminary) on 1 and 2 Thessalonians Philip H. Towner (United Bible Societies) on 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus George H. Guthrie (Union University) on Hebrews D. A. Carson (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) on the General Epistles G. K. Beale (Wheaton College Graduate School) and Sean M. McDonough (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) on Revelation

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Book SynopsisKeener's commentary thoroughly explores the Jewish and Greco-Roman settings of John, paying special attention to social-historical and rhetorical features of the Gospel.

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsAbout the Straight to the Heart Series 9Introduction: Why Does God Allow Suffering? 11 PROLOGUE: JOB’S SUFFERINGThe Perfect Man (Job 1:1–5) 16Real (Job 1:6–12) 21No Excuses (Job 1:12) 25The Naked Worshipper (Job 1:13–22) 29Close to Home (Job 2:1–10) 34Job’s Three Friends (Job 2:11–13) 38 ACT ONE: THE SAME OLD ANSWERSIn the Dark (Job 3:1–26) 44The Best Answers in the World (Job 4:1–11) 48The Limits of Experience (Job 4:12–5:27) 52The Glory of Kings (Job 4:12–5:27) 56When the Sparks Start to Fly (Job 6:1–30) 60Get Real (Job 7:1–21) 64Tradition (Job 8:1–22) 68Lift Your Eyes (Job 9:1–35) 72Courtroom Drama (Job 9:32–35) 76Prayer in a Minor Key (Job 10:1–22) 80Unreasonable (Job 11:1–20) 85Better Friend (Job 12:1–13:19) 89Glimpses of Glory (Job 13:20–14:22) 93Here We Go Again (Job 15:1–35) 97What Suffering Achieves (Job 16:1–17:16) 101Slot-Machine God (Job 18:1–21) 106Price Tag (Job 19:1–29) 110 Afterlife (Job 19:25–27) 115Beyond Reason (Job 20:1–29) 119True Love (Job 21:1–34) 123How Not to Pastor People (Job 22:1–30) 127No Way (Job 23:1–17) 131The School of Suffering (Job 23:10) 135You’re Fired! (Job 24:1–25) 139Half-Truth (Job 25:1–6) 143Don’t Miss the Obvious (Job 26:1–4) 147Natural Conclusions (Job 26:5–14) 151Enough! (Job 27:1–23) 156 ACT TWO: SOME NEW ANSWERSInterval (Job 28:1–28) 162The Righteous One (Job 29:1–25) 167Looking for Trouble (Job 29:16) 171The Suffering Servant (Job 30:1–31) 175The Curse-Bearer (Job 31:1–40) 179Eyes Right (Job 31:1–12) 184Am I Not a Man and a Brother? (Job 31:15) 188God Knows What He is Doing… (Job 32:1–33:33) 192… and What You are Doing (Job 34:1–37) 197God Doesn’t Need You… (Job 35:1–16) 201 … but You Need God (Job 36:1–37:24) 205 ACT THREE: GOD’S OWN ANSWERSWords, Words, Words (Job 38:1–3) 210The Joy of Being God (Job 38:4–7) 214Order, Order! (Job 38:8–15) 218H2O (Job 38:16–30) 223Stargazing (Job 38:31–33) 227Where the Wild Things are (Job 38:34–39:30) 231The Thief of Joy (Job 39:13–18) 235Mid-Course Correction (Job 40:1–5) 239Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Job 40:6–41:34) 243 EPILOGUE: JOB’S COMFORTWhat Job Discovered About God (Job 42:1–6) 248What Job Discovered About Prayer (Job 42:7–9) 252What Job Discovered About the Devil (Job 42:10–11) 256What Job Discovered About Prosperity (Job 42:10–17) 260Conclusion: Why Does God Allow Suffering? 265Acknowledgments 267

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Book SynopsisOften we read the book of Daniel in one of two ways--either as a book about a heroic man whose righteousness should inspire us to keep the faith no matter what our circumstances, or as a roadmap to the end times that can, through careful study, perhaps tell us the day and hour (or nearly so) of Christ''s return. Both, says Bryan Chapell, are sadly missing the bigger picture, that God is the hero of this story and he is in the midst of his unrelenting plan to rescue his people from their sin and its consequences. We mustn''t simply make the man Daniel the object of our worship nor the subject of our debates. We may differ about prophetic details, Chapell says, but we should never miss the point that the book of Daniel is, like all of Old Testament Scripture, pointing us toward the grace of God, ultimately revealed in Christ.Pastors, teachers, and individual Christians studying the book of Daniel will find this volume a welcome addition to their library.

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Book SynopsisThis revised edition of a proven textbook offers an up-to-date articulation of a conservative evangelical position on Old Testament history.Table of ContentsPrefacePreface to the Second Edition1. Recalling Israel's Past: Issues and StrategiesPreliminary ConsiderationsThe History of Israel and HistoriographyThe Old Testament as Historiography2. OriginsIsrael at MoabThe Purpose of TorahThe Story of the Patriarchs3. The Exodus: Birth of a NationThe Meaning of the ExodusThe Historical Setting of the ExodusThe Date of the ExodusThe Dates and Length of the Egyptian SojournPatriarchal ChronologyThe Wilderness Wandering4. The Conquest and Occupation of CanaanThe Land as Promise FulfillmentThe Ancient Near Eastern WorldThe 'apiru and the ConquestThe Strategy of JoshuaThe Date of Joshua's ConquestThe Campaign against the AnakimAlternative Models of the Conquest and OccupationThe Tribal AllotmentsThe Second Covenant Renewal at Shechem5. The Era of the Judges: Covenant Violation, Anarchy, and Human AuthorityThe Literary-Critical Problem in JudgesThe Chronology of JudgesThe Ancient Near Eastern WorldThe Judges of IsraelThe Bethlehem Trilogy6. Saul: Covenant MisunderstandingThe Demand for KingshipThe Chronology of the Eleventh CenturyThe Selection of SaulThe First Challenge to SaulThe Decline of SaulTheological ConsiderationsThe Rise of David7. David: Covenant KingshipThe Lack of Nationhood before DavidDavid at HebronChronicles and Theological HistoryJerusalem the CapitalThe Establishment of David's PowerAn Introduction to a Davidic Chronology8. David: The Years of StruggleEgypt and Israelite IndependenceThe Ammonite WarsThe Beginning of David's Domestic TroublesJerusalem as Cult CenterThe Rebellion of AbsalomDavid's Efforts at ReconciliationAdditional TroublesDavid's Plan for a TempleThe Solomonic SuccessionThe Davidic Bureaucracy9. Solomon: From Pinnacle to PerilProblems of TransitionThe Failure of the Opposition to SolomonThe Conclave at GibeonInternational RelationsThe Building Projects of SolomonCracks in the Solomonic EmpireSolomonic StatecraftSpiritual and Moral ApostasySolomon and the Nature of Wisdom10. The Divided MonarchyThe Roots of National DivisionThe Immediate Occasion of National DivisionThe Reign of RehoboamThe Reign of JeroboamThe Pressure of Surrounding NationsAbijah of JudahAsa of JudahThe Reemergence of AssyriaNadab of IsraelThe Dynasty of Baasha of IsraelOmri of IsraelJehoshaphat of JudahAhab of IsraelThe Threat of AssyriaAhab's SuccessorsThe Anointing of Hazael of DamascusJehoram of JudahThe Anointing of Jehu11. The Dynasty of Jehu and Contemporary JudahThe Reign of Jehu of IsraelAthaliah of JudahThe Role of Other NationsJoash of JudahJehoahaz of IsraelThe International SceneJehoash of IsraelAmaziah of JudahJeroboam II of IsraelUzziah of JudahThe Ministry of the Prophets12. The Rod of Yahweh: Assyria and Divine WrathFactors Leading to Israel's FallThe End of the Dynasty of JehuAssyria and Tiglath-pileser IIIMenahem of IsraelThe Last Days of IsraelThe Impact of Samaria's FallJudah and the Fall of SamariaHezekiah of JudahThe Viewpoint of the Prophets13. Fading Hope: The Disintegration of JudahThe Legacy of HezekiahManasseh of JudahAmon of JudahThe International Scene: Assyria and EgyptJosiah of JudahThe Fall of JerusalemThe Prophetic Witness14. The Exile and the First ReturnAn Introductory OverviewThe World Situation during the ExileThe Jewish People during the ExileThe World Situation during the Period of RestorationThe First ReturnProblems Following the ReturnEncouragement from the Prophets15. Restoration and New HopeThe Persian InfluenceSubsequent Returns: Ezra and NehemiahMalachi the Prophet

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Book SynopsisWritten by a creationist scientist as a narrative exposition rather than a critical verse-by-verse analysis, this unique commentary on the whole book of Genesis is equally useful to both the theologically trained and the layperson.

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Book SynopsisA study Bible with thousands of verse commentary notes designed by women specifically for women to receive God’s truth for balance, hope, and transformation.The Woman’s Study Bible poignantly reveals the Word of God to women, inviting them to receive God’s truth for balance, hope, and transformation. Special features designed to speak to a woman’s heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman’s identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the kingdom.Now with a beautiful full-color redesign, The Woman’s Study Bible reflects the contributions of over 80 women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds.Trusted by women worldwide, The Woman’s Study Bible has been recognized with the ECPA Platinum Award for selling over 4

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Book SynopsisThe ESV Study Bible, Personal Size compresses the features of the award-winning ESV Study Bible into a smaller size for easier carrying.

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Book SynopsisThis book invites readers to explore the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ by looking at 6 key truths presented in the Scriptures and later developed in the ecumenical creeds.

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Book SynopsisNamed a Sejong Book of 2021, Publication Industry Promotion Agency of Korea (KPIPA) 2020 Center for Biblical Studies Book Award (New Testament Runner-Up) "Utterly fresh and innovative, important both exegetically and ethically."--Paula Fredriksen, Review of Biblical Literature Although most people acknowledge that Jesus was a first-century Jew, interpreters of the Gospels often present him as opposed to Jewish law and customs--especially when considering his numerous encounters with the ritually impure. Matthew Thiessen corrects this popular misconception by placing Jesus within the Judaism of his day. Thiessen demonstrates that the Gospel writers depict Jesus opposing ritual impurity itself, not the Jewish ritual purity system or the Jewish law. This fresh interpretation of significant passages from the Gospels shows that throughout his life, Jesus destroys forces of death and impurity while upholding the Jewish law.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction1. Mapping Jesus's World2. Jesus in a World of Ritual Impurity3. Jesus and the Walking Dead4. Jesus and the Dead Womb5. Jesus and the Dead6. Jesus and Demonic Impurity7. Jesus, Healing, and the Sabbath LifeConclusionAppendix: Jesus and the Dietary LawsIndexes

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Book SynopsisJoin D. A. Carson in a year of studying the Bible, developing your theology, and growing in prayerfulness.

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Book Synopsis‘This is an exceptional piece of biblical theology ... Preachers will find this work a rich source of sermon material and all who are interested in the Bible will be amazed at its unity.’ Evangelical Times Who shall ascend the mountain of the LORD?' (Psalm 24:3). This stimulating study explores the narrative context, literary structure and theology of Leviticus. Morales follows its dramatic movement, examines the tabernacle cult and the Day of Atonement, and tracks the development from Sinai's tabernacle to Zion's temple - and from the earthly to the heavenly Mount Zion in the New Testament. He shows how life with God in the house of God was the original goal of the creation of the cosmos, and became the goal of redemption and the new creation.Trade ReviewOnce in a while I will run into a book that feels like a revelation. Beale’s The Temple and the Church’s Mission (also in the NSBT series) was such a book; Who Shall Ascend is without a doubt another ... Every page is filled with multiple insights, some of them profoundly impacting ... Who Shall Ascend has the potential to revolutionise one’s reading of the Bible, and cause a hereto obscure book become understandable, even treasured. One can forgive Morales for pursuing a few (most interesting, some fascinating!) side-trails loosely related to his main points, as an excited tour guide is wont to do. At the risk of overstatement, Who Shall Ascend was so impacting that my reading of the Bible has been forever changed. -- Lindsay Kennedy * My Digital Seminary *This is an exceptional piece of biblical theology ... Preachers will find this work a rich source of sermon material and all who are interested in the Bible will be amazed at its unity. -- Philip H. Eveson * Evangelical Times *

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Book SynopsisThis volume surveys recent developments in the study of Old Testament wisdom; discusses issues that have arisen in Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes; examines the Song of Songs, Ruth and some Psalms as wisdom texts; and explores wisdom and biblical theology, the concept of retribution, and the issue of divine absence.Trade Reviewan illuminating and, in places, inspiring read * Evangelicals Now *

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Book SynopsisThis revised Lifebuilder Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and an extra "Now or Later" section in each study.

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Book SynopsisThe Book of Ezra recounts the return of the Judeans to Israel after the Babylonian exile, and the rebuilding of the Temple. The Book of Haggai speaks about the rebuilding, where work ceased because of external opposition and internal failure of nerve. In this valuable study, Robert Fyall guides us through The Message of Ezra and Haggai, exploring how it is enhanced by reading these two books together rather than separately. With clear, compelling and accessible scholarship, he shows the continuing relevance of how Ezra and Haggai emphasise building for God, as well as the need for obedience to his Word and openness to his Spirt. Ezra is a vital and stimulating book in its revelation of God's purposes, and together with Haggai's brief prophecy offers encouragement to God's people in dispiriting times – encouragement that still speaks to the Christian life today. A revised volume in the trusted Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of Ezra and Haggai offers a thoughtful exposition of these two books, unpacking their meaning for both the original audience and for Christians in the twenty-first century. Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for students and preachers who want to deepen their understanding of Scripture as it was first written as well how it can be applied to modern life. This beautifully redesigned edition has been sensitively updated to include modern references and use the NIV Bible text. The Message of Ezra and Haggai is perfect for anyone looking for commentaries on Ezra and Haggai that will help delve more deeply into the riches of these two books of the Old Testament.

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Book Synopsis`Human evolution has now arrived at a decisive crossroads. The future of humankind on Earth depends on whether people recognize their determining role in the evolution of the consciousness of Earth.' - Marko Pogacnik; Humanity today faces a unique task: to overcome the thousand-year-old division between heaven and earth, spirit and matter. This, says Marko Pogacnik, is our present-day challenge. But we have an important ally in this work in the being of Jesus, also known as Christ, whose teachings are intended to help us at this critical time of human development. Historically, however, Jesus' words of wisdom were harnessed to the construction of an earthly religion, and much of their deeper meaning was lost in the process. Christ Power and Earth Wisdom is the story of the author's discovery of a `Fifth Gospel', woven invisibly into the four canonical Gospels. It teaches humanity how to live positively in the third millennium. Bringing together knowledge of elemental beings, Earth science and Christ, the author has translated over one hundred of Jesus' sayings into a language that the modern mind can understand. He identifies blockages in the Biblical gospels that have prevented the Spirit of Christ from manifesting in the past era. But the time is now ripe for understanding the multilayered reality of these teachings. Based on methods of investigation and perception that Pogacnik has developed over many decades of work in healing the various dimensions of Earth's landscape and nature, he deciphers the hidden, holistic messages in Christ's teachings, dismantling the obstacles that have arisen through outdated interpretations. The text is complemented with Pogacnik's energetically-charged drawings, forming a feeling counterpart to the thought flow of the book. A new Postscript offers an important update relating to methods of gaining a broader, spiritual perception of reality in the present.Table of ContentsForeword - Preface - 1 On the Quest of a Fifth Gospel - 2 Testing the Etheric Layers of the Gospel Texts - 3 The Invisible Archetypal Pattern of the Gospels - 4 The Realization of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth - 5 Traces of the Feminine and the Voice of Nature in the Gospels - 6 Conversations with the `Old Wise One' - 7 An Essential Step Forward - 8 Obstructive Patterns of Power - 9 The Several Layers of Jesus' Teaching - 10 Who Jesus Was and Who Christ Is - 11 The Christ Archetype Across Cultures - 12 Sacred Geomancy: Expression of Christ Power on Earth - 13 Cinderella: a Folk Tale of Human Evolution - 14 Humanity in the Mirror of the Present Earth Changes - 15 Contemplating Some of the Sayings of Jesus - Bibliography - List of the Sayings of Jesus Quoted in the Book

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Book SynopsisC.S. Lewis' moving theological work in which he considers the most poetic portions from Scripture and what they tell us about God, the Bible, and faith.We delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation'In this wise and enlightening book, C. S. Lewis examines the Psalms. As Lewis divines the meaning behind these timeless poetic verses, he makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace.Trade Review‘He has quite a unique power for making theology an attractive, exciting and fascinating quest.’— Times Literary Supplement ‘I know of no book on the Psalms that can compare with this for interest and stimulating helpfulness’— The Tablet “I read Lewis for comfort and pleasure many years ago, and a glance into the books revives my old admiration.”—John Updike “C. S. Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half-convinced, for the good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way.”—New York Times “Lewis, perhaps more than any other twentieth-century writer, forced those who listened to him and read his works to come to terms with their own philosophical presuppositions.”—Los Angeles Times

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Book SynopsisAn in-depth study of Romans from today's leading interpreter of Paul.Trade Review‘A master class in close reading of Scripture. . . A stimulus to a richer understanding of the gospel that Paul proclaimed.’ -- Richard B. Hays, Professor Emeritus of New Testaments, Duke divinity School, North Carolina‘An exemplar of a pastorally and exegetically rich analysis.’ -- Esau McCaulley, Associate Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College, Illinois‘Tom Wright is one of the great biblical commentators of our day, whose writing on the Bible will stand the test of time.’ -- Amy Boucher Pye'One of the world's leading New Testament scholars' -- Craig S. Keener'Paul's greatest living interpreter' -- Tom Holland

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