Zondervan

Book SynopsisA Guide to Biblical Commentaries and Reference Works, by John F. Evans, summarizes and briefly analyzes all recent and many older commentaries on each book of the Bible, giving insightful comments on the approach of each commentary and its interpretive usefulness especially for evangelical interpreters of the Bible.A Guide to Biblical Commentaries and Reference Works is essentially an annotated bibliography of hundreds of commentators. More scholarly books receive a longer, more detailed treatment than do lay commentaries, and highly recommended commentaries have their author’s names in bold. The author keeps up on the publication of commentaries and intends to update this book every three to four years.Table of ContentsIntroduction Commentary Series Old Testament Commentaries New Testament Commentaries Recommendations for a Pastor’s Library

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Close Look at Atonement''s Place in Contemporary Systematic Theology.In light of renewed interest in the doctrine of atonement—during which a range of atonement models have gained momentum among different traditions—it''s important to map these models to the broader context of theological thought on this aspect of Christ''s work and to show how no single approach has the complete picture.The proceedings of the third annual Los Angeles Theology Conference seek to identify the place of the doctrine of atonement in systematic theology. Locating Atonement stays away from discussion of theories of atonement, typologies of those theories, and contests among various theories. Instead, its focus is on the question: What else is there to do in atonement theology besides rehashing types and theories?The twelve diverse essays in this collection include discussions on: Atonement and the concept of punishment. AtonemTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction (the Editors) List of Contributors 1. Bruce McCormack, Princeton Theological Seminary 2. Michael Horton, Westminster Theological Seminary, CA 3. Matthew Levering, Mundelein Seminary 4. Eleonore Stump, St Louis University 5. Benjamin Myers, United Theological College, Charles Stuart University, Australia 4-6 more essays TBD

Read more less

Book SynopsisIntroducing Christian Ethics, an abridgement of the bestselling textbook Moral Choices, presents Christians with basic processes of ethical decision-making. Raising 14 key ethical questions on today’s most pressing issues, including abortion, war, sexual ethics, capital punishment, and more, Scott Rae guides readers in making moral choices wisely.Table of ContentsTentative Table of Contents (questions need work) Chapter 1: What is the big deal about being moral? Starting at the Beginning Chapter 2: Are God’s commands the ultimate source for morality? Theological Ethics Chapter 3: Why can’t we make up our own moral rules for ourselves? Cultural Views of Morality Chapter 4: What do I do when I am in a moral dilemma what do I do? Moral Decision Making Chapter 5: What’s wrong by having an abortion? Abortion Chapter 6: How on earth can you say that an embryo is a person? Embryo and Stem Cell Research Chapter 7: What do you say about all the technological options to a couple who is wrestling with infertility? Reproductive Technologies Chapter 8: What’s wrong with using biotechnology in gender selection? Genetics and Biotechnology Chapter 9: Don’t you think capital punishment is barbaric? The Death Penalty Chapter 10: Isn’t denying same-sex marriage unfair? Sexual Ethics Chapter 11: How come every Christian is not a pacifist? War and Morality Chapter 12: Isn’t the pastorate or the mission field a higher calling? Vocation and Calling Chapter 13: Does the Bible mandate either socialism or capitalism? Ethics and Economics Chapter 14: Do good ethics make for good business? Ethics in the Workplace

Read more less

Book SynopsisWBC series delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. It emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship. Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource conta

Read more less

Book SynopsisWBC series delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. It emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

Read more less

Book SynopsisWBC series delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. It emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWBC series delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. It emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

Read more less

Book SynopsisWBC series delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. It emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

Read more less

Book SynopsisThough churches are filled with good ministry programming—activities, outreach events, and an endless selection of options—many churches neglect their fundamental mission: to make disciples and equip them for service. All humans are asking the same fundamental question: “What is my life’s purpose?” Through the pursuit of Christ and with a focus on his kingdom work, we find the answer to that question. Mentoring for God’s kingdom helps us find our purpose and prepares us to lead well. In Mentor for Life, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson lays a solid foundation for mentoring as intentional discipleship, within the context of a small community. It is based on God’s kingdom vision, and challenge followers of Christ to consider the cost of discipleship. Leaders in the American church is facing various challenges regarding the changing demographics and cultural climate in the world, and the discipleshTable of ContentsPART I: THE TIME IS NOW CHAPTER 1: MENTORING: MISSION CRITICAL This chapter gives a general overview of mentoring and clearly defines mentoring for the Christian as intentional discipleship. CHAPTER 2: MENTORING: CONNECTING EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP This chapter shares how our Western approach to evangelism is incomplete without discipleship. The commitment to mentoring intentionally bridges this gap by making the connection between evangelism and discipleship. CHAPTER 3: INFLUENCES AND INDULGENCES: CULTURE AND THE CHURCH This chapter addresses how culture shapes our character, and how we, as believers in the Church, can glorify God and change the culture by mentoring or making disciples. CHAPTER 4: MENTORING AND MULTIPLYING: THE KINGDOM AND THE PRIESTHOOD This chapter contrasts the kingdom of this world with the kingdom of God. It acknowledges that Christians have responsibilities to both kingdoms and that as the priesthood of all believers we impact the kingdom of this world by making disciples who mentor and multiply. PART II: THE TEACHING AND TRAINING THAT WE NEED MENTORING: IT'S ABOUT PRESENCE CHAPTER 5: PRESENCE WITH GOD Knowing and loving God is the foundational mentoring pillar. Mentors/mentees are encouraged to draw near to God through reflection, solid, and silence. CHAPTER 6: PRESENCE WITH OTHERS Knowing our identity in Christ and loving our neighbors. It includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary of this mentoring principle. MENTORING: IT'S A CALL TO A DISCIPLINED LIFE CHAPTER 7: DISCIPLESHIP OF THE MIND Theological reflection and developing a Christian worldview must be taught to mentees. This teaching includes Bible reading and study. CHAPTER 8: DISCIPLESHIP OF THE SOUL The disciplines of prayer, fasting, journaling, and spiritual retreat are important components of mentoring. Chapter includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary. MENTORING: IT'S ABOUT GOD'S MISSION CHAPTER 9: MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT AND TROOP WELFARE and the Apostle Paul teaches that disciples of Christ are indeed called to a disciplined life, and must therefore train themselves to live godly lives. CHAPTER 10: RALLYING THE TROOPS Mentors are intentional about drawing women into mentoring relationships. Chapter includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary. MENTORING: IT'S A CALL INTO COMMUNITY CHAPTER 11: BECOMING OUR SISTER'S KEEPER We have the Christian duty to look out for each of our sisters. CHAPTER 12: THE DISTINCT VOICE AND OUR TRUST Mentoring relationships require mutual trust. Chapter includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary. MENTORING: IT'S RELATIONAL CHAPTER 13: UNITY IN DIVERSITY Mentoring from the kingdom perspective of making disciples of all people groups means that we value unity in diversity and across generations. CHAPTER 14: EMBRACING ALL OF GOD'S WOMEN There are many issues that divide women in the church. It is important that we enter mentoring relationships with women who are different. It includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary. MENTORING: IT'S A COMMITMENT TO LOVE CHAPTER 15: THE MISSION IS SACRIFICIAL Mentors must remember their kingdom purpose for mentoring which is to equip disciples to live life on purpose for God and to equip others for His kingdom work. CHAPTER 16: SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND CHRISTIAN CHARACTER Mentoring actually develops character and prepares mentors/menteess for leadership anywhere. It includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary of this mentoring principle. EPILOGUE AND APPENDICES

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat is the Church''s mission? What does it mean to participate in God''s mission personally? How do mission and culture interact and conflict? This book articulates various evangelical views regarding the church''s mission and provides a healthy, vigorous, and gracious debate on this controversial topic. In a helpful Counterpoints format, this volume demonstrates the unique theological frameworks, doctrinal convictions, and missiological conclusions that inform and distinguish the views: Soteriological Mission: Jonathan Leeman Participatory Mission: Christopher Wright Contextual Mission: John Franke Ecumenical-Political Mission: Peter Leithart Each contributor answers the same key questions based on their biblical interpretations and theological convictions: What is your biblical-theological framework for mission? How does your definition of mission inform your understanding of the church''s m

Read more less

Book SynopsisBrimming with photos and graphics, the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary walks you verse by verse through all the books of the New Testament. It’s like slipping on a set of glasses that lets you read the Bible through the eyes of a first-century reader! Discoveries await you that will snap the world of the New Testament into gripping immediacy. Things that seem mystifying, puzzling, or obscure will take on tremendous meaning when you view them in their ancient context. You''ll deepen your understanding of the teachings of Jesus. You''ll discover the close, sometimes startling interplay between God''s kingdom and the practical affairs of the church. Best of all, you''ll gain a deepened awareness of the Bible’s relevance for your life. Written in a clear, engaging style, this beautiful set provides a new and accessible approach that more technical expository and exegetical commentaries don''t offer.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBrimming with photos and graphics, the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary walks you verse by verse through all the books of the New Testament. It’s like slipping on a set of glasses that lets you read the Bible through the eyes of a first-century reader! Discoveries await you that will snap the world of the New Testament into gripping immediacy. Things that seem mystifying, puzzling, or obscure will take on tremendous meaning when you view them in their ancient context. You''ll deepen your understanding of the teachings of Jesus. You''ll discover the close, sometimes startling interplay between God''s kingdom and the practical affairs of the church. Best of all, you''ll gain a deepened awareness of the Bible’s relevance for your life. Written in a clear, engaging style, this beautiful set provides a new and accessible approach that more technical expository and exegetical commentaries don''t offer.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBrimming with photos and graphics, the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary walks you verse by verse through all the books of the New Testament. It’s like slipping on a set of glasses that lets you read the Bible through the eyes of a first-century reader! Discoveries await you that will snap the world of the New Testament into gripping immediacy. Things that seem mystifying, puzzling, or obscure will take on tremendous meaning when you view them in their ancient context. You''ll deepen your understanding of the teachings of Jesus. You''ll discover the close, sometimes startling interplay between God''s kingdom and the practical affairs of the church. Best of all, you''ll gain a deepened awareness of the Bible’s relevance for your life. Written in a clear, engaging style, this beautiful set provides a new and accessible approach that more technical expository and exegetical commentaries don''t offer.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBrimming with photos and graphics, the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary walks you verse by verse through all the books of the New Testament. It’s like slipping on a set of glasses that lets you read the Bible through the eyes of a first-century reader! Discoveries await you that will snap the world of the New Testament into gripping immediacy. Things that seem mystifying, puzzling, or obscure will take on tremendous meaning when you view them in their ancient context. You''ll deepen your understanding of the teachings of Jesus. You''ll discover the close, sometimes startling interplay between God''s kingdom and the practical affairs of the church. Best of all, you''ll gain a deepened awareness of the Bible’s relevance for your life. Written in a clear, engaging style, this beautiful set provides a new and accessible approach that more technical expository and exegetical commentaries don''t offer.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBrimming with photos and graphics, the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary walks you verse by verse through all the books of the New Testament. It’s like slipping on a set of glasses that lets you read the Bible through the eyes of a first-century reader! Discoveries await you that will snap the world of the New Testament into gripping immediacy. Things that seem mystifying, puzzling, or obscure will take on tremendous meaning when you view them in their ancient context. You''ll deepen your understanding of the teachings of Jesus. You''ll discover the close, sometimes startling interplay between God''s kingdom and the practical affairs of the church. Best of all, you''ll gain a deepened awareness of the Bible’s relevance for your life. Written in a clear, engaging style, this beautiful set provides a new and accessible approach that more technical expository and exegetical commentaries don''t offer.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMany preachers ignore preaching from the Old Testament because they feel it is outdated in light of the New Testament and difficult to expound. On the other hand, some preachers will preach from the Old Testament frequently but fail to handle it correctly, turning it into moralistic rules or symbolic lessons for our spiritual life. In How to Preach and Teach the Old Testament for All Its Worth, Christopher J. H. Wright proclaims that preachers must not ignore the Old Testament. It is the Word of God! The Old Testament lays the foundation for our faith and it was the Bible that Jesus read and used.Looking first at why we should preach from the Old Testament, the author moves on to show the reader how they can preach from it. Covering the History, Law, Prophets, Psalms, and Wisdom Literature, interspersed with practical checklists, exercises, and sermons, Wright provides an essential guide on how to handle the Old Testament responsibly.XTable of ContentsPart 1: Why Should We Preach from the Old Testament? 1. God has spoken 2. The story and the promise 3. Understanding Jesus through the Old Testament 4. Don’t just give me Jesus 5. Connecting with Christ Part 2: How Can We Preach from the Old Testament? 6. God’s Story and our stories 7. Five questions to ask when preaching Old Testament stories 8. Seven dangers to avoid when preaching Old Testament stories 9. Understanding Old Testament law 10. Preaching from Old Testament law 11. Meet the prophets 12. Preaching from the prophets 13. Getting to know the Psalms 14. Preaching from the Psalms 15. Preaching from the Wisdom Literature Appendix 1 Appendix 2

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat beliefs are core to the Christian faith? This book is here to help you understand the reason for your hope as a Christian so that you can see it with fresh sight and invite others into the conversation.A lot of Christians take their story—the narratives that give rise to their beliefs—for granted. They pray, go to church, perhaps even read their Bible. But they might be stuck if a stranger asked them to explain what they believe and why they believe it.Author, pastor, and theologian Mike Horton unpacks the essential and basic beliefs that all Christians share in a way that is easy to understand and applicable to our lives today. And in a way that will make you excited to be a Christian!Core Christianity covers topics like: Jesus as both fully God and fully man. The doctrine of the Trinity. The goodness of God despite a broken world. The ways God speaks. The meaTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1 Jesus is God This chapter moves from Jesus' claims to his resurrection as the proof of the Christian faith. Chapter 2 God is Three Persons This chapter covers the Trinity and introduces the Spirit. Now that we know Jesus is God, what about the Spirit. Chapter 3 God is Great and Good This chapter covers the divine attributes. Chapter 4 God Speaks to Us This chapter will cover the concept of God's revelation to us. Chapter 5 God Made the World, But We've Made a Mess of It This chapter covers the doctrines of Creation and the Fall. Chapter 6 God Made a Promise---and Kept It This chapter covers the covenant of grace from Gen 3:15 to John the Baptist. Chapter 7 Joy to the World! This chapter covers the Incarnation, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Chapter 8 Jesus is Lord This chapter covers the Ascension, Pentecost, and the Church/Kingdom. Chapter 9 What Are We Waiting For? This chapter covers the doctrines of Last Things and the end times. Chapter 10 What Should We Be Doing in the Meantime? This chapter covers what the Bible teaches about vocation and our calling as Christians. Until Christ returns, what should we be doing?

Read more less

Book SynopsisPart storybook, part textbook, part historical overview, Parade of Faith presents the history of Christianity in riveting fashion. Ruth Tucker adopts the metaphor of a parade, journey, or pilgrimage to explore the history of Christianity, which began as the Messiah marched out of the pages of the Old Testament and will end one day when “the saints go marching in” to the New Jerusalem. The book is divided into two chronological groupings: first, the advent of Christianity until the German and Swiss Reformations; second, the Anabaptist movement and Catholic Reformation until the present-day worldwide expansion of the church. Yet, ultimately the topic matter is not movements, dates, or a stream of facts, but instead people—people who still have stories to tell other Christians. And with a little help from clues to their own contexts, they can still speak clearly today. This book is laid out systematically to showcase the biographies of such prominent figures within th

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom bestselling author Bill Hull is a fresh take on leading like Jesus in every area of life. Whether you are leading a business, a church, or your family, the principles Bill Hull shares will draw you closer to Jesus and show you how to lead as a disciple of the one who transforms everything we know and believe about leadership.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: The Rehabilitation of Christian Leaders: Rehabilitate Your Thinking About Jesus Rehabilitation for Christian leaders begins with a commitment to do more than acknowledge Jesus’ uniqueness; it is when they rearrange their lives around his practices. Chapter 2: What Makes a Leader Happy?: Rehabilitate Your Motivation Jesus was happy when his followers experienced joy and meaning. Chapter 3: Making a Dent in the World: Rehabilitate Your Idea of How You Make Your Mark Jesus was most effective when he was himself in the ordinary circumstances of life. Chapter 4: The Leader’s Worldview: Rehabilitate Your Interpretation of the World Jesus was effective in this world because he was guided by the reality of another world. Chapter 5: The Leader and Humility: Rehabilitate What You Think of Yourself Jesus was able to serve because he had a clear understanding of who he was dependent on and gladly acknowledged it. Chapter 6: Becoming Something Else: Rehabilitate How Far You Are Willing to Go Jesus withheld nothing; he taught us to lay aside privilege and that we have great capacity to change. Chapter 7: Leadership in Hard Times: Rehabilitate How Much You Can Take Jesus taught us how to suffer under pressure, thrive in it, and teach others in the middle of it. Chapter 8: The Rewards of Leadership: Rehabilitate What You Want Out of It Jesus was satisfied with the knowledge that he had faithfully completed his Father’s work and that he had not squandered anything that his Father entrusted to him. Chapter 9: Leaders Are a Work in Progress: Rehabilitate Your Heart for Staying in the Struggle Jesus modeled for us that leadership is as much following, listening, and submitting as it is leading others. It will involve pain and pleasure, and it will continue until we are finished with God’s work. Notes About the Author

Read more less

Book SynopsisBasics of Classical Syriac by Steven C. Hallam is a beginning Syriac grammar, workbook, and lexicon all in one and can be used by independent learners or a classroom setting.Of the early translational languages of the New Testament, none is more important than Syriac. A working knowledge of Syriac provides a lens from which to study the early texts of the Greek New Testament, the Peshitta (the Syriac translation of the Bible), and various early church history texts and commentary, thus Basics of Classical Syriac is useful for students across a range of disciplines. Workbook exercises for each chapter enable students to know whether they are grasping the fundamentals of the language.Basics of Classical Syriac provides an ideal first step into this ancient language and focuses on getting the student into text translation as quickly as possible.Table of ContentsSection 1: Nouns and Simple Sentences Chapter 1: The Alphabet and Pronunciation Chapter 2: Nouns Chapter 3: Peal Perfect Chapter 4: Pronouns Chapter 5: Pronominal/Objective Suffixes Section 2: Verbs Chapter 6: Participles Chapter 7: Imperfect Tense Chapter 8: Imperative and Infinitive Chapter 9: Ethpeel Chapter 10: Pael Chapter 11: Ethpaal Chapter 12: Aphel Chapter 13: Ettaphel Section 3: Weak Verbs Chapter 14: III-Alaph Verbs Chapter 15: Hollow Verbs Chapter 16: Geminate Verbs Chapter 17: I-Yod Verbs Chapter 18: II-Alaph Verbs Chapter 19: I-Nun Verbs Chapter 20: Text with No Vowel Pointing and Numbers

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Reading Biblical Greek Workbook is a companion resource to Reading Biblical Greek: A Grammar for Students. The workbook breaks up the Greek text of Mark 1-4 into manageable portions and provides the vocabulary and grammatical assistance required for beginning students. The Reading Biblical Greek Workbook is an integral part of the learning experience for students, it helps them to read and translate the Greek of the New Testament, and ultimately equips them to read the Greek New Testament itself. The student will have read and translated the whole of Mark 1-4 by the time they complete the workbook

Read more less

Book SynopsisWestern culture is disenchanted, it no longer sees the world as it truly is. Instead of seeing reality as sacred and beautiful, it is often viewed as mundane, ordinary, and familiar. Cultural Apologetics develops a comprehensive model for cultural engagement and details practical steps for making the Christian faith both plausible and desirable.Trade Review'Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, said the apostle Peter. Paul Gould in this fine book gives reasons for hope that are not just argumentative or propositional but narrative and personal, reasons that resonate with those hard-to- articulate but utterly essential components of life: mystery, beauty, holiness, and wholeness. Here is a clear, personable, heartening work, which I warmly recommend.' * Michael Ward, fellow of Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford, professor of apologetics, Houston Baptist University *'Cultural Apologetics is a timely and balanced book. Although Gould addresses some big apologetics issues today, Cultural Apologetics is more of a practical roadmap for advancing the Christian message through reason, imagination, and conscience. I highly recommend this book not only for those interested in apologetics but for Christians interested in learning how to creatively bring the Christian voice into cultural conversations today.' * Sean McDowell, associate professor of Christian apologetics, Talbot School of Theology, a popular speaker, and author or coauthor of over eighteen books, including A New Kind of Apologist *'I have long known that culture is a powerful means of spiritual formation. It is also a tacit means of shaping what people consider plausible, and what they feel to be true, good, and beautiful. Paul Gould's Cultural Apologetics works not a paradigm change so much as a paradigm expansion on our concept of what apologetics is and does, but it is nonetheless revolutionary for that. This is the book on apologetics for which I have long been waiting.' * Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School *'I often find myself distressed when I consider the current state of the church's witness to the world. How has the greatest story the world has ever known lost its credibility, its beauty, and its persuasive power? Not only does this book answer these questions with penetrating insight, but it also shows us a hopeful way forward. By giving us a holistic apologetic that brings together the mind, the conscience, and the imagination, Paul charts a thoroughly biblical course for the church's cultural engagement. Every Christian should read this book carefully, as it will effectively prepare us to bear witness to the truth, goodness, and beauty of the gospel of Jesus to a disenchanted culture.' * Brett Kunkle, founder and president of MAVEN, coauthor of A Practical Guide to Culture *'Reading this book is a pure joy. A breath of fresh air, Cultural Apologetics is one of the best books I've read in years. Paul Gould was meant to write it. His ideas having marinated, his prodigious teaching skills honed, his reading wide and deep, he was able to write with the fertile mind of a philosopher, capacious heart of a poet, vivid imagination of an artist, and the nimble hands of a passionate practitioner. This is essential reading for every actual or budding apologist; in fact, the book deserves a very wide readership among believers and skeptics alike. It is not a book to be read quickly but digested and savored. Read, relish, and reread it; use it in class; give it away as a gift. Culturally informed and sensitive, embodying what it extolls, eclectic in numerous respects, and punctuated with clever and telling illustrations--both verbal and visual--this remarkable book makes a powerful case for an expansive apologetic faithful to a true anthropology. It's just the corrective to reawaken the imagination of a disenchanted age. Every page crackles with insight and erudition. At moments it's veritably sublime and enchanting and as inspiring, persuasive, and moving as it is eminently practical. I simply can't recommend it enough.' * David Baggett, professor of philosophy and apologetics, Rawlings School of Divinity, Liberty University, coauthor of God and Cosmos and The Morals of the Story *'The world is flat. This claim is not about the shape of the earth. Rather, the world is flat in the experience of most secular people. They live an impoverished, empty existence. Their world has been thoroughly disenchanted. What they need is a fresh breeze of hope. What they need is for their world to be reenchanted with the reality of the living Christ. They need their vision cleared so they are able to see the good and the true and the beautiful. Paul Gould's Cultural Apologetics tackles this disenchantment and calls believers to hold forth the gospel as a greater vision of life. This book is not simply another rehashing of apologetics. As the subtitle says, it develops a strategy for Renewing the Christian Voice, Conscience, and Imagination in a Disenchanted World. With wisdom and insight, Gould traces our human longings through literature, philosophy, film, and human relationships. He equips the reader to better move from these shared human experiences into conversations about the most important things. This is a truly important book.' * Gregory E. Ganssle, professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, author of Our Deepest Desires *'We live in a post-Enlightenment, disenchanted culture emptied of transcendence. For many, belief in God is unwelcome, unnecessary, and unimaginable. Paul Gould's Cultural Apologetics is as enjoyable to read as it is important in considering culturally relevant means of engaging our post-Enlightenment (i.e., postmodern) culture with the gospel of Christ. His broad reading in philosophy and Christian apologetics, as well as his background in campus ministry, helps him diagnose the problem to effectively reach toward a solvent model of cultural engagement in what he calls a 'new lane' in Christian apologetics. Some may see Christianity as plausible but not desirable. Others see it as desirable but not plausible. The cultural apologist, Gould claims, seeks to show that Christianity is both plausibly true and satisfyingly desirable. This important book provides tools leading toward the pathway of reenchantment.' * Corey Miller, president and CEO, Ratio Christi *'Paul Gould nails it. Cultural Apologetics is, more than any book I've read, a strategic missionary map, defining and clarifying what the church must do to reach Western culture with the gospel in these strange, foreign days in which we live.' * Tom Gilson, senior editor and ministry coordinator, The Stream *Table of ContentsChapter 1. What Is Cultural Apologetics? The cultural apologist seeks to have missionary encounters by having a holistic understanding of the way nonbelievers perceive, think, and live in modern Western culture. This requires paying attention to the collective mind, conscience, and imagination of the culture, building bridges from culture to the gospel, and addressing barriers to the gospel along the way. In this chapter the what, why, and how of cultural apologetics will be explored. A model of cultural engagement, patterned after the apostle Paul’s speech in Athens, will be described. This model will be further unpacked in the remaining chapters. Chapter 2. Disenchantment The first task of the cultural apologist is to understand the surrounding culture. In this chapter I will explore the collective mindset, conscience, and imagination of Western culture and argue that it is best described as disenchanted. The world is no longer seen in its proper light. Instead of seeing reality as sacred and beautiful, it is often viewed as mundane, ordinary, and familiar. As a culture, we are “under a spell,” taking for granted life, beauty, goodness, and the holy instead of seeing them as gifts from their Creator. In this chapter I shall describe culture as primarily disenchanted, and within that understanding, I will describe its sensate and hedonistic characteristics as well. Chapter 3. Re-enchantment The world deadens desires by channeling them in a very limited direction, primarily the stream of sensual experience and (momentary) personal fulfillment. Many people don’t know they are missing anything. The second task of the cultural apologist, then, is to awaken desire. The world needs re-enchantment. The “otherness” and “giftedness” of reality needs to be seen afresh so that creation may be seen in relation to its divine source. An important starting point in this process of re-enchantment is to pay attention to universal human longings for truth, goodness, and beauty. We’ll explore how our longings point to something that we’ve lost, awaken our soul, and, if properly followed, lead us to God. Chapter 4. Imagination Human imagination will be our first guide to be explored, the first plank in the bridge from the culture---our “Athens”---to the gospel and Jesus. It is, as C. S. Lewis puts it, “the organ of meaning.” Imagination provides, along with physical sensation, the raw materials for reason to judge as true or false. Imagination longs for a beauty that captivates. It seeks---in literature, music, art, and nature---tantalizing glimpses of Heaven, of a world made right, where everything is seen in its proper light, charged with grandeur, and imbued with a childlike, fresh wonder. In this chapter we’ll look at the role of imagination in the process of awakening desire, reenchanting the world, and pointing others to Christ. Chapter 5. Reason Human reason is our next guide or plank in the bridge between culture and the gospel. Christianity is true, and it can be shown as such. In this chapter I shall look at reason by examining and defending the so-called Argument from Reason (defended recently by C. S. Lewis, Victor Reppert, and Alvin Plantinga), and then look along reason by showing how the deliverances of philosophy, science, and history support the truth of Christianity. The look at/look along distinction is from C. S. Lewis’s essay “Meditation in a Tool Shed,” found in Walter Hooper ed., God in the Dock (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1970). Chapter 6. Conscience The human conscience is our final guide or plank in our model of cultural engagement. As C. S. Lewis famously noted, all human beings acknowledge some kind of morality. We realize there is a moral law and that we stand condemned under it. In this chapter I shall explore the Argument from Morality and trace our longing for justice and wholeness to its fount in Christ. Chapter 7. Home In this final chapter I shall consider barriers to the gospel and then the gos

Read more less

Book SynopsisIs it time for your church to go multisite? How do you know if it''s the right solution for your congregation?MultiChurch brings clarity to the multisite movement and assembles the lessons it has learned over the past 15 years. Combining insights from multisite church pastor Brad House and Christian theology professor Gregg Allison, this book will help anyone interested in multiplying gospel-centered churches to effectively evaluate and develop the best multisite model for their own church context.In MultiChurch, you will: Explore the opportunities presented by the various forms of multi-site church. Identify areas of concern while addressing criticisms against multisite models. Understand how multisite is not only a biblically sound ecclesiological model, but also a model that provides a compelling solution to contemporary reductionism in the church.  This theologiTrade ReviewDr. Gregg Allison and Brad House have both helped shape my approach to ministry in unique ways. As the supervisor for my doctoral degree, Gregg pressed my theology of the church into consistent practice, and Brad taught me how to lead smaller communities in the context of a large, rapidly growing church. In MultiChurch, you will see the authors' respective complementary perspectives, as well as their distinctive theological and pastoral gifts on display. MultiChurch provides an excellent framework for continued discussion around the multisite church model, while maintaining a consistent doctrinal grounding in the discipline of ecclesiology. Finally, the book strikes a sound balance between helpful encouragement and honest critique of the ever-growing and changing landscape of church practice. I am convinced any leader in a multisite church will benefit from this book! * DR. TODD ENGSTROM, executive pastor of ministry strategies, The Austin Stone Community Church *Frankly, I’ve been chilling on multi-site models. But Allison and House have reignited the topic in ways that are prescient and defrosting to one’s iced-over imagination. MultiChurch bears weight too, knowing that the audience must find simplicity in the theological and ecclesiological complexities. Yet, Allison and House are at their best navigating between ambiguity and clarity, polity and missiology; and then gently escorting us to a perch from which we can glimpse “multichurch.” If you are struggling with multisite models, polity perplexities, or how to take practical steps forward, get this book! * DAVE HARVEY, executive director of Sojourn Network, teaching pastor at Summit Church in Naples, founder AmICalled.com, and author of When Sinners Say I Do; & Letting Go: Rugged Love for Wayward Souls (@RevDaveHarvey) *Gregg Allison and Brad House add valuable data and insight to the nascent research and critique of item multisite movement. It's an increasingly significant part of the local church landscape, and it's not going away anytime soon. Whether you are currently leading a multisite church, considering launching one, or attending one, this book will help you better understand the opportunities and challenges that come with a multisite ministry. * LARRY OSBORNE, pastor and author, North Coast Church, Vista, CA *Gregg Allison and Brad House have written a thoughtful and helpful book for those who are seriously considering the future of multisite, which they call MultiChurch. As a pastor of a multisite church that has transitioned into a family of churches, I can say that what they have written here will be extremely helpful for those interested in wrestling with the theological and practical considerations involved in leading multiple congregations toward church health. * HARVEY TURNER, founding pastor of Living Stones Churches, lead pastor of Living Stones Reno, Acts 29 US West Leadership Team *If you're doing multisite or plan to in the future---stop now and read MultiChurch! Allison and House will save you thousands of dollars, and hours in multisite pain and dumb tax. In the process, they give a remedy to the multisite movement's greatest need---a theologically grounded and implication-rich response to multisite's most challenging questions. If you want to move past adding sites and venues to multiplying disciples, leaders, and churches, read MultiChurch and apply. * BRIAN FRYE, national collegiate strategist, North American Mission Board *Now in its third decade, the multisite movement began as a radical idea to solve church facility restrictions and has now become a mainstream strategy for all kinds of churches. The authors of MultiChurch: Exploring the Future of Multisite have served this movement well by describing its evolution, naming its distinct expressions, addressing its criticisms, and charting a course forward for a movement that is not slowing down and is continually morphing. Written by a seasoned multisite practitioner and a hands-on theologian, House and Allison address the multiple challenges of a multisite church and provide an invaluable roadmap for church leaders wherever they are on their multisite journey. This is a must-read book for multisite church leaders! * JIM TOMBERLIN, pastor, author, multisite pioneer, and consultant; founder, MultiSite Solutions *This is the book every pastor and elder team should read---whether they are currently leading or thinking about starting a multisite church. It’s grounded in Scripture and highly practical. I am thrilled Brad and Gregg wrote this book. It’s a gift to Jesus’s Church. * ELLIOT GRUDEM, founder and president, Leaders Collective *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Multichurch Section 1: Understanding MultiChurch Chapter 1: History of Multichurch Chapter 2: Multichurch under Investigation Chapter 3: Foundations of Multichurch Chapter 4: Models of Multichurch Section 2: Vision for MultiChurch Chapter 5: Multichurch as a New Wine Skin Chapter 6: Multimember Section 3: Practice of MultiChurch Chapter 7: Multichurch Organization Chapter 8: Multichurch Ministry Chapter 9: Multichurch Leadership Development Chapter 10: Multichurch Polity Chapter 11: Multichurch Finances Section 4: Transition to MultiChurch Chapter 12: Conclusions and Next Steps: Implementing Multichurch

Read more less

Book SynopsisBiblical Hebrew Vocabulary by Conceptual Categories by J. David Pleins with Jonathan Homrighausen is an innovative study reference intended for both introductory and advanced students of the Hebrew language to help them understand and remember vocabulary based on logical categories of related words. Since our minds acquire and recall language by making associations between related words it is only natural that we would study language in this way. By organizing Hebrew vocabulary into logical categories, as opposed to frequency, students can quickly begin to familiarize themselves with entire groups of terms and more readily acquaint themselves with the ranges of meaning of particular Hebrew words.This reference tool focuses on nouns in the Old Testament, and includes over 175 word grouping categories including pottery, ships, birds, jewelry, seasons, and many more. For each Hebrew term a definition is given and a reference in the Hebrew Bible appears so readers can se

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhy is the city a battleground of hostile principalities and powers? What is the mission of the church in the city? How can the church be supported in accomplishing that mission? These are the questions that Robert Linthicum treats in his comprehensive and probing biblical theology of the city. In the Bible the city is depicted both as a dwelling place of God and his people and as a center of power for Satan and his minions. The city is one primary stage on which the drama of salvation is played out. And that is no less the case at the end of this pivotal century as megacities become the focal point of most human activity and aspirations around the world. This is a timely theology of the city that weaves the theological images of the Bible and the social realities of the contemporary world into a revealing tapestry of truths about the urban experience. Its purpose is to define clearly the mission of the church in the midst of the urban realities and to support well the work of the c

Read more less

Book SynopsisOver the last several decades, the Jewishness of Jesus has been at the forefront of scholarship and students of the New Testament are more than ever aware of the importance of understanding Jesus and the Gospels in their Jewish context. Reading Mark in Context helps students see the contour and texture of Jesus'' engagement with his Jewish environment. It brings together a series of accessible essays that compare and contrast viewpoints, theologies, and hermeneutical practices of Mark and his various Jewish contemporaries.Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, this textbook examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the context of Mark''s theology and the nuances of his thinking. Following the narrative progression of Mark''s Gospel, each chapter in this textbook (1) pairs a major unit of the Gospel with one or more sections of a thematically-related Jewish text, (2) introTrade Review'How does one best learn relevant historical background material to the Gospels? Traditionally, one reads a brief introduction to overall trends and then looks for where they might illuminate individual passages. More interesting, if done well, is to begin with the biblical text and then read portions of the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Dead Sea Scrolls, Josephus, or even the oldest of the rabbinic literature that allows close comparisons and contrasts with the biblical subject matter. This anthology takes the latter approach, makes excellent and relevant selections from the noncanonical material, and uses a broad range of good scholars who briefly make the relevant comparisons with selections from most all the major passages in the Gospel of Mark. The task is done well so that this volume has excellent textbook potential as well as satisfying the curiosity of many other readers.' * Craig L. Blomberg, distinguished professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary *'Reading Mark in Context is consistently informative, respectful towards the primary texts, and eminently readable, written by scholars who have published on the Gospel of Mark, and thus a helpful guide for students and pastors who seek a better understanding of the most concise of the canonical Gospels.' * Eckhard J. Schnabel, Mary F. Rockefeller Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary *'The idea behind this volume---slice Mark into sections and introduce each via extracanonical Jewish materials---is splendid. Happily, so too is the execution. Reading Mark in Context will expand students’ horizons and motivate them to go looking for more of the same.' * Dale C. Allison Jr., Princeton Theological Seminary *'This work is brilliantly designed to provide a maximum benefit in a relatively concise space, with contributors highlighting various sample passages relevant to Mark’s Gospel. Readers familiar with the New Testament are far more likely to remember elements of the New Testament’s ancient milieu when they are pegged to New Testament material. This offers a brilliant introduction of the relevance of early Jewish context for readers of the New Testament, as well as windows into Mark.' * Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary *'While the Judaic context of the Gospel of Mark has given rise to interminable speculations regarding sources, the fruitful task of comparative analysis is a rarity in scholarly discourse. Now, in Reading Mark in Context the novice reader is presented with the fruit of a comparative inquiry at its finest. The Jewish writings function like a light upon the narrative, making visible to the attentive reader the profundity of the Markan account of Jesus of Nazareth and illustrating the riches therein with contextual clarity. This is a unique and valuable collection that balances competent usage of the Jewish texts with judicious insights into the Gospel of Mark.' * Daniel M. Gurtner, Ernest and Mildred Hogan Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *Table of ContentsForeword Introduction; History of the Second Temple Period 1 Preparing the Way in the Wilderness in Mark 1:1-15 2 The Messiah’s Authority in Mark 1:16-45 3 Controversies with the Scribes and Pharisees in Mark 2:1-3:6 4* Apocalyptic and the Kingdom in Mark 3:7-35 5 Teaching in Parables in Mark 4:1-34 6 Exorcism in Mark 4:35-5:20 7 Healing/Miracles in Mark 5:21-6:6a 8 Herod Antipas in Mark 6:6b-29 9 New Exodus in Mark 6:30-56 10* Redrawing Cultural/Religious and Ethnic Boundaries in Mark 7:1-37 11 (Apocalyptic) Epistemology in Mark 8:1-26 12 The New Elijah in Mark 8:27-9:13 13 Faith in Mark 9:14-29 14 Cruciform Discipleship in Mark 9:30-50 15 The Law and Divorce in Mark 10:1-31 16 Spiritual Leadership in Mark 10:32-52 17 The Triumphal Entry in Mark 11:1-11 18 The Temple in Mark 11:12-26 19 The Chief Priests and Elders in the Temple/Parable of the Tenants in Mark 11:27-12:12 20* The Sadducees (and Other Jewish Authorities) in Mark 12:13-44 21 The Tribulation in Mark 13:1-23 22 The Return of the Son of Man in Mark 13:24-37 23 The Passover in Mark 14:1-25 24 Lament in Mark 14:26-52 25 Blasphemy in Mark 14:53-72 26 Pontius Pilate in Mark 15:1-20 27 Crucifixion and Burial in Mark 15:21-47 28 Resurrection in Mark 16:1-8 xx Glossary

Read more less

Book SynopsisOne of the very few books to present a strong proposal on the issue of religious pluralism while maintaining a rock-solid evangelical stance, Wideness in God's Mercy will no doubt launch a decade of discussion on a higher level among many Christians.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt is hard to think of an area of Christian theology that provides more scope for interdisciplinary conversation than the doctrine of creation. This doctrine not only invites reflection on an intellectual concept: it calls for contemplation of the endlessly complex, dynamic, and fascinating world that human being inhabit. But the possibilities for wide-ranging discussion are such that scholars sometimes end up talking past one another. Productive conversation requires mutual understanding of insights across disciplinary boundaries. Knowing Creation offers an essential resource for helping scholars from a range of fields to appreciate one another''s concerns and perspectives. In so doing, it offers an important step forward in establishing a mutually-enriching dialogue that addresses, amongst others, the following key questions: Who is the God who creates? Why does God create? What is creation? What does it mean to rTrade Review'Andrew Torrance and Thomas McCall have brought together an outstanding group of philosophers, theologians, biblical scholars, and scientists to reflect on the notion of creation. The result is a deep examination from diverse points of view on the relation of religion and science that ought to be required reading for anyone interested in this important topic.' * ELEONORE STUMP, Robert J. Henle SJ Professor of Philosophy, Saint Louis University *'Editors Torrance and McCall have assembled a first-rate cast of authors writing with unusually sharp insight about God, science, and the created realm. The great achievement of their book is to demonstrate how productive--rather than how contentious--classical Christianity and contemporary scientific investigation can be. The book is accessible, but deeply considered chapters make a stellar contribution.' * MARK NOLL, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History Emeritus, the University of Notre Dame *'Knowing Creation brings together leading Christian thinkers to enrich our understanding of the relationship between Christianity and science. I found myself enlightened and encouraged in my faith and my thinking. I recommend this book with great enthusiasm to a broad readership.' * TREMPER LONGMAN III, distinguished scholar and professor emeritus of biblical studies, Westmont College *'Knowing Creation is a rich collection of theologically informed essays. The authors engage an impressive array of conversations partners from Job and Moses, to Plato and Aristotle, from Luther and Calvin, to Derrida and Dawkins. This is a valuable contribution to the science and religion dialogue.' * KARL GIBERSON, professor of science and religion, Stonehill College *'Knowing Creation is a wide-ranging resource for those who want to think more deeply about the complexity and wonder of the created world. We are indebted to the authors of these essays for their stimulating--and often challenging--reflections about our knowledge of God's creation.' * J. RICHARD MIDDLETON, professor of biblical worldview and exegesis, Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College *'Knowing Creation moves beyond jaded conflict narratives to innovative, substantive dialogue about creation. By assembling a team of scientifically savvy theologians, philosophers, and biblical scholars in conversation with theologically informed scientists, Knowing Creation breaks new ground in thinking deeply about the astonishing richness of God's creation.' * JEFF HARDIN, Raymond E. Keller Professor of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison *'This volume includes chapters that exemplify awareness of relevant areas of contemporary science and biblical scholarship. Other contributors set the topic firmly within an historical context. The uses of the concept of creation are carefully scrutinised by philosophers determined to identify and expose muddled thinking wherever it occurs. The result is a challenging book which will fully reward careful and critical reading.' * MALCOLM JEEVES, emeritus professor, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, St. Andrews University, and past president, the Royal Society of Edinburgh *“Andrew Torrance and Thomas McCall have brought together an outstanding group of philosophers, theologians, biblical scholars, and scientists to reflect on the notion of creation. The result is a deep examination from diverse points of view on the relation of religion and science that ought to be required reading for anyone interested in this important topic.” * ELEONORE STUMP, Robert J. Henle SJ Professor of Philosophy, Saint Louis University *“Editors Torrance and McCall have assembled a first-rate cast of authors writing with unusually sharp insight about God, science, and the created realm. The great achievement of their book is to demonstrate how productive---rather than how contentious---classical Christianity and contemporary scientific investigation can be. The book is accessible, but deeply considered chapters make a stellar contribution.” * MARK NOLL, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History Emeritus, the University of Notre Dame *“Knowing Creation brings together leading Christian thinkers to enrich our understanding of the relationship between Christianity and science. I found myself enlightened and encouraged in my faith and my thinking. I recommend this book with great enthusiasm to a broad readership.” * TREMPER LONGMAN III, distinguished scholar and professor emeritus of biblical studies, Westmont College *“Knowing Creation is a rich collection of theologically informed essays. The authors engage an impressive array of conversations partners from Job and Moses, to Plato and Aristotle, from Luther and Calvin, to Derrida and Dawkins. This is a valuable contribution to the science and religion dialogue.” * KARL GIBERSON, professor of science and religion, Stonehill College *“Knowing Creation is a wide-ranging resource for those who want to think more deeply about the complexity and wonder of the created world. We are indebted to the authors of these essays for their stimulating---and often challenging---reflections about our knowledge of God’s creation.” * J. RICHARD MIDDLETON, professor of biblical worldview and exegesis, Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College *“Knowing Creation moves beyond jaded conflict narratives to innovative, substantive dialogue about creation. By assembling a team of scientifically savvy theologians, philosophers, and biblical scholars in conversation with theologically informed scientists, Knowing Creation breaks new ground in thinking deeply about the astonishing richness of God’s creation.” * JEFF HARDIN, Raymond E. Keller Professor of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison *“This volume includes chapters that exemplify awareness of relevant areas of contemporary science and biblical scholarship. Other contributors set the topic firmly within an historical context. The uses of the concept of creation are carefully scrutinised by philosophers determined to identify and expose muddled thinking wherever it occurs. The result is a challenging book which will fully reward careful and critical reading.” * MALCOLM JEEVES, emeritus professor, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, St. Andrews University, and past president, the Royal Society of Edinburgh *“Torrance and McCall bring together leading scholars in theology, biblical studies, philosophy, and the sciences to offer intelligent and immensely accessible perspectives on creation. Anyone who cares about the future of Christian theology and its potential to reinvigorate the meaning and purpose of the sciences should read this volume.” * ELAINE HOWARD ECKLUND, Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences, Rice University *Table of ContentsI. Introduction: Knowing Creation (editors) II. Theological Perspectives 1. Christoph Schwöbel (Tubingen), Reading Creation: Creation as God’s Text and the Gift of Human Literacy 2. John Webster (St Andrews), “The Introduction of Being Entirely”: Creation Out of Nothing 3. Simon Oliver (Durham): Creation, Nature and Humanity 4. Randall Zachman (Notre Dame), Why Should Free Scientific Inquiry Matter to Faith? III. Biblical and Historical Perspectives 5. Francis Watson (Durham), How did Genesis become a Problem? On the Hermeneutics of Natural Science 6. John Walton (Wheaton), Origins in Genesis? An Ancient Text in a Modern Scientific World 7. William Brown (Columbia Theological Seminary), 'Knowing Creation in the light of Job and Astrobiology' 8. Susan Eastman (Duke), Knowing and Being Known: Personal Knowledge and the Apostle Paul IV. Philosophical Perspectives 9. C. Stephen Evans (Baylor), Natural Knowledge of God, Darwinian Evolution, and the Sensus Divinitatis 10. John Haldane (St Andrews), Christian Thought and Natural Science: Two Perspectives or Two Worlds? 11. Robert Koons (Texas), Ontological Escalation: A Neo-Aristotelian Alternative to ‘Emergence’ and Non-reductive Materialism 12. Marilyn McCord Adams (Rutgers), Sanctifying Material Creation V. Scientific Perspectives 13. Denis Alexander (Cambridge), Creation, Providence and Evolution 14. Tom McLeish (Durham), The Science-and-Religion Delusion: Towards a Theology of Science 15. William Simpson (St Andrews), Knowing Nature: Beyond the False Dilemma of Dualism and Physicalism 16. Mark Harris (Edinburgh), “The Trees of the Field shall Clap their Hands” (Is. 55:12): Exploring Creation’s Praise of the Creator

Read more less

Book SynopsisDuring a time of global conflict, the theological question of whether Muslims, Jews, and Christians worship the same God carries political baggage. Is the God of ISIS the same as the God of Israel? Do Sunni Muslims and Protestant Christians pray to the same Creator and Sustainer of the universe?In this Counterpoints volume, five leading scholars present the main religious perspectives on this question, demonstrating how to think carefully about an issue where opinions differ and confusion abounds. All Worship the Same God: Religious Pluralist View (Wm. Andrew Schwartz and John B. Cobb, Jr.) All Worship the Same God: Referring to the Same God View (Francis J. Beckwith) Jews and Christians Worship the Same God: Shared Revelation View (Gerald R. McDermott) None Worship the Same God: Different Conceptions View (Jerry L. Walls) Contributors examine related subtopics such as:The difference between God beingTable of ContentsIntroduction (General Editors) - 5,000 words 1. All Worship the Same God: Religious Pluralist View (Philip Clayton) - 3 responses from other contributors - 1 rejoinder 2. All Worship the Same God: Referring to the Same God View (Francis Beckwith) - 3 responses from other contributors - 1 rejoinder 3. Jews and Christians Worship the Same God: Shared Revelation View (Gerald McDermott) - 3 responses - 1 rejoinder 4. None Worship the Same God: Different Conceptions View (Douglas Groothuis) - 3 responses - 1 rejoinder Ministry Reflection--Focus on common Ground in Christian-Muslims Relationships (Joseph Cummings) Ministry Reflection--Focus on Respectfully Held Differences in Christian-Muslim Relationships (David W. Shenk)

Read more less

Book SynopsisReligious Freedom in a Secular Age describes today’s complicated debates about religious freedom, suggesting a way forward that neither privileges nor punishes religion. Tackling many complicated topics, this practical book encourages Christians to stand up for their faith in a way that is humble and gentle, yet also courageous.Trade Review'Michael Bird is an astute and measured voice in today's discourse on religion and politics. This book's global perspective will challenge readers of all backgrounds and beliefs toward better arguments and better understanding.' * John D. Inazu, Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion, Washington University in St. Louis *'Rev. Dr. Michael Bird's Religious Freedom in a Secular Age is a book long overdue--religious freedom has been eroding rapidly in Australia since 2017, after the legalisation of same-sex marriage. But this book is also very timely, arriving just as the Victorian state government determines to enact antireligion laws one after another to silence faith communities and just as the Australian federal government seeks to pass new laws to better protect religious freedom. This book will bring the much-needed debate over religious freedom--a challenging topic--to our discussion tables. Bird offers us a comprehensive, unapologetic, honest, and unbiased analysis from a historical, philosophical, biblical, and sociopolitical perspective. It's a must-read book for all Christians, pastors, church leaders, theologians, and seminary students living in this hostile and secular age--because it's not too late to turn the world upside down again, just like the early church did!' * Jasmine Yuen, Victorian State Coordinator, Australian Christian Lobby *'With his characteristic wit, Michael Bird demonstrates that religious liberty is of interest not only to Christians but also to the marketplace of ideas that helped deepen faith while simultaneously making room for peaceable difference. With a keen assessment of cultural events and theological dexterity, Bird is now among those doing needed work to retrieve the forgotten ideal that is religious liberty.' * ­Andrew T. Walker, associate professor of Christian ethics, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, author of Liberty for All *

Read more less

Book Synopsis365 daily devotions are written to guide the reader through the entire New Testament.

Read more less

Book Synopsis52 weekly devotions that focus on what the Bible says about vital family issues.Table of ContentsCONTENTS New Starts Worship Holiness Leisure Success Angels Love Listening Proverbs Peace Serving Growth Mankind Easter New Life Prayer Joy Gentleness God Creativity Courage James Sin Meditation Humility Money Reading Faithfulness Heaven Good News Patience Memory Forgiveness Church Commandments Learning Peer Pressure Honesty Holy Spirit Suffering Anger Youth Endurance God’s Names Contentment Values Thanksgiving Goals Christmas Music Fear of the Lord Giving Christmas

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn Wesley's Teachings is the first systematic exposition of John Wesley''s theology that is also faithful to Wesley''s own writings. Wesley was a prolific writer and commentator on Scripturehis collected works fill eighteen volumesand yet it is commonly held that he was not systematic or consistent in his theology and teachings. On the contrary, Thomas C. Oden demonstrates that Wesley displayed a remarkable degree of internal consistency over sixty years of preaching and ministry. This series of 4 volumes is a text-by-text guide to John Wesley's teaching. It introduces Wesley's thought on the basic tenets of Christian teaching: God, providence, and man (volume 1), Christ and salvation (volume 2), the practice of pastoral care (volume 3), and issues of ethics and society (volume 4). In everyday modern English, Oden clarifies Wesley's explicit intent and communicates his meaning clearly to a contemporary audience. Both lay and professio

Read more less

Book SynopsisTimeless Teachings of John Wesleyfor the Modern-Day Christian John Wesley's Teachings is the first systematic exposition of John Wesley''s theology that encompasses all of his writings. Wesley was a prolific writer and commentator on Scripturehis collected works fill twenty-four volumesand yet it is commonly held that he was not systematic or consistent in his theology and teachings.On the contrary, Thomas C. Oden demonstrates that Wesley displayed a remarkable degree of internal consistency over sixty years of preaching and ministry. This series of four volumes is a text-by-text guide to John Wesley's teaching. It introduces Wesley's thought on the basic tenets of Christian teaching: God and providence (volume 1), Christ and salvation (volume 2), the practice of pastoral care (volume 3), and issues of ethics and society (volume 4).In everyday modern English, Oden clarifies Wesley's explicit intent and communicates his meaning clear

Read more less

Book SynopsisAdvances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic by Benjamin J. Noonan is an introduction to issues of interest in the current world of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic scholarship. A growing knowledge of the Semitic languages and the field of linguistics continues to enhance understanding of biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. Comprehension of these items directly affects the way we read the Hebrew Bible and is therefore invaluable for those interested in the Old Testament. This book fills a gap in the field of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic linguistics and provides an accessible, comprehensive, up-to-date, and linguistically-informed investigation of the language.Topics addressed include: Linguistic theories Lexical semantics and lexicography Verbal stems Tense, mood, and aspect in the verbal system Register, dialect, and code-switching Dating of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic texts Discourse analysis TeachiTrade Review'Advances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic is a helpful and succinct guide to the complex landscape of recent study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic grammar. Noonan provides a brief orientation to the linguistic theories that have animated many of these recent studies but also hinder easy access to them. Noonan's surveys of key advances and debates in the fields provides the 'lay of the land' and key resources for further study. This book is a useful initiation to the recent study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic grammar for students and biblical scholars alike.' * JOHN A. COOK, Professor of Old Testament and Director of Hebrew Language Instruction, Asbury Theological Seminary *'Advances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic is just that, another advance! The author is to be commended for his collation and analysis of modern scholarship in a single, accessible volume. From philology to pedagogy, readers will encounter the origins, major contributors, and analyses of some of the more significant topics in Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic research. We are guided through the controversies and debates, shown how far we have come, and pointed in the right direction for further study. Readers may not agree at every point, but that is half the fun. Anyone interested in the academic study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic will certainly appreciate and even enjoy this work.' * MILES V. VAN PELT, Alan Hayes Belcher, Jr. Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages and Director of the Summer Institute for Biblical Languages, Reformed Theological Seminary *'Anyone interested in delving into the riches of the Old Testament in the original languages will welcome this impressive volume. The author succeeds admirably in his attempt to introduce the sometimes dizzying world of Hebrew and Aramaic scholarship to the intermediate student. In light of advances being made in current investigations of these ancient languages, this volume will find a wide readership among students and teachers alike for many years to come.' * BILL T. ARNOLD, Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary *'Ben Noonan has provided a remarkable service in providing a survey of not only the theoretical discussions in Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic but most especially elucidating the relationships between theories, scholars, and publications. For a field that has become so fragmented and specialised in which no scholar can master all the literature, this book provides an outstanding resource. The student will acquire an awareness of the field and find a well curated yet manageable bibliography. The scholar will find an overarching network of relationships that bring both coherence and cohesion where they have been much needed.' * ELIZABETH ROBAR, Tyndale House, Cambridge, UK *'The last century and a half witnessed numerous seismic shifts in the study of language. Most students find understanding these changes challenging, others fail to understand the importance of different linguistic theories, and even biblical scholars have a difficult time keeping up with the everchanging nuances of the various discussions. Noonan provides an indispensable resource to help navigate the current state of linguistics for biblical studies. Advances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic balances accessible, informed descriptions of the major linguistic movements with helpful evaluations of recent language-specific developments in Hebrew and Aramaic. Students at every level will find this work both enlightening and valuable.' * H. H. HARDY II, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina *'Trying to keep up with the volume and pace of new developments in the linguistic study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic can be overwhelming. Thanks to Benjamin Noonan, we now have an up-to-date volume that orients students to these advances. Noonan concisely describes the methods and terminology being used and insight- fully assesses the bewildering array of conclusions being proposed. In addition to his helpful summaries and evaluations, Noonan provides ample, up-to-date bibliographies for those who want to pursue specific subjects. The book is an ideal supplemental text for advanced master's level courses.' * ROBERT B. CHISHOLM, JR., Chair and Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary *'This book will help intermediate students, pastors, and even scholars to keep abreast of current linguistic research. Noonan makes the material easy to grasp and provides helpful summaries. I heartily recommend this work.' * PETER J. GENTRY, Donald L. Williams Professor of Old Testament, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: A Short History of Biblical Hebrew Studies The first chapter will summarize the history of Biblical Hebrew scholarship, beginning with the ancient period but focusing primarily on the nineteenth century to the present day. Attention will be given to important key figures (e.g., Wilhelm Gesenius) and publications (e.g., Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hebrew Language and Linguistics) from the modern period. Chapter 2: Linguistic Theories The second chapter will overview the field of linguistics, presenting its different branches (e.g., historical linguistics, theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics), as well as the different linguistic schools of thought (e.g., functional vs. generative, synchronic vs. diachronic). The relevance of these categories for understanding the different approaches to Biblical Hebrew will be noted throughout. Chapter 3: Lexical Semantics and Lexicography This chapter will introduce the basic theory of lexical semantics (lexicology) and its relevance for Biblical Hebrew scholarship. Attention will be given to important issues such as lexical choice and the difference between diachronic and synchronic approaches to lexicology. The contributions of major scholars (e.g., James Barr) and published lexica (e.g., Ludwig Köhler and Walter Baumgartner’s The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament and David Clines’ Dictionary of Classical Hebrew) will be presented and assessed. Chapter 4: The Verbal Stems in Biblical Hebrew This chapter will survey scholarship on the verbal stems (binyanim) of Biblical Hebrew, particularly as they relate to modern advances in our understanding of voice and lexical aspect. Special discussion will be devoted to scholarship on the Niphal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hithpael (e.g., the works of Ernst Jenni and N.J.C. Kouwenberg) because these stems exhibit complexities and have received unique attention in the secondary literature. Chapter 5: Tense, Mood, and Aspect in the Biblical Hebrew Verbal System The fifth chapter will begin with an analysis of tense, mood, and aspect within the context of modern linguistics. Discussion will then present and analyze the work of significant scholars in this area (e.g., John A. Cook, Jan Joosten, Elizabeth Robar, and Alexander Andrason), providing practical examples of how one’s understanding of tense, mood, and aspect affects our understanding of Biblical Hebrew. Chapter 6: Register, Dialect, and Code-Switching The sixth chapter will investigate the application of sociolinguistics to Biblical Hebrew, a relatively recent development in scholarship. Attention will be given to the role that register, dialect, and code-switching play in the Hebrew Bible. Key contributions of scholars to this topic (e.g., the work of Gary Rendsburg) will be assessed along the way. Chapter 7: Dating of Biblical Hebrew Texts The seventh chapter will overview the present debate over diachrony in Biblical Hebrew. The traditional approach, which views the Hebrew Bible’s linguistic heterogeneity in chronological terms (e.g., the work of Avi Hurvitz), will be presented alongside of the more recent approach that understands this heterogeneity in terms of scribal stylistics (e.g., the work of Ian Young, Robert Rezetko, and Martin Ehrensvärd). Both views will be assessed, and their relevance for understanding Biblical Hebrew will be discussed. Chapter 8: Discourse Analysis This chapter will survey scholarship on discourse analysis as it relates to the Hebrew Bible. Within the context of broader approaches to discourse analysis (e.g., the work of the Summer Institute of Linguistics), attention will be given to the Hebrew Bible’s different types of discourse and the unique challenges of conducting discourse analysis on the Hebrew Bible. The contributions of key scholars in the field (e.g., Robert E. Longacre and Roy L. Heller) and related publications (e.g., Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series) will be presented and

Read more less

Book SynopsisFeaturing top scholars and edited by Paul Copan and Christopher L. Reese, Three Views on Christianity and Science presents the current main options for Christians seeking to relate Christianity and science responsibly.Table of ContentsIntroduction – Copan and Reese 1. Independence View – Michael Ruse Responses – McGrath and Meyer Rejoinder – Ruse 2. Dialogue View – Alister McGrath Responses – Ruse and Meyer Rejoinder – McGrath 3. Qualified Agreement View – Stephen Meyer Responses – Ruse and McGrath Rejoinder – Meyer Conclusion – Copan and Reese

Read more less