Month: May 2016

Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings (IVP)

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dictionary

This volume is another of the massive volumes in IVP’s “Black Dictionary” series. It upholds the quality this series is known for. Edited by Tremper Longman and Peter Enns, with Longman particularly known for his work in Wisdom Literature, and hosting a long list of competent authors, this dictionary  is one of the most important works on the Wisdom books available today.

Beyond the usual suspects of Job through Song of Solomon, this dictionary covers the Megillot, which adds Ruth, Lamentations, and Esther to the information covered. The audience written to is clearly a scholarly one, but pastors and teachers can glean much even if they feel the need to skip a few paragraphs in some articles.

Each of the books are covered in as in-depth fashion as a major commentary. Actually, more information than is covered in many of them will be found. The one on Psalms covered most every issue on the Book of Psalms that could be imagined. Some of the history of interpretation including the wave of form criticism that Psalms has faced is covered even if it beyond what many of us thinks is important. On the other hand, the ways certain psalms are categorized was very enlightening.

I read other articles on a variety of subjects and found them helpful. For example, I read the article on Ahasuerus from the Book of Esther and found it fascinating. There are many other such articles.

This is a fine reference volume to have on hand and I recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

J.C. Ryle: Prepared to Stand Alone–A Great New Biography

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biography

This book is the kind of biography that warms your heart. If you happen to be in the ministry, you will get a double blessing. Iain Murray scores again with yet another quality biography in his repertoire. In this case, he has brought to life a man so worth knowing.

Ryle’s story is compelling. Though Ryle had a godly grandfather, his father became enormously wealthy and did not raise his children to follow the Lord. At one point, Ryle seemed like a person who could never become what he finally did. He is a testament of God’s grace.

His father went bankrupt and Ryle, then in his mid-twenties,  hardly knew which way to go in life. He quickly lost two wives though he was blessed with children. Even in later life with much success in the ministry, he lost his third wife! Trials played a part, as with many such men, in the men they became.

He was a man of the Book. He studied intensely and grew to publish many impressive titles. Though he was deeply involved in the Church of England, his first allegiance was to the Lord and His Word. When his beloved son Herbert became infected with higher critical methods, he never wavered though he managed to keep a relationship with his son. The subtitle “Prepared To Stand Alone” was a worthy description of him.

You may find some of his church battles uninteresting, but you will love the man. I was greatly challenged by his life. Murray has done us a service by giving us this attractive volume. I warmly recommend it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Letters and Homilies for Hellenized Christians: Vol. 1 by Ben Witherington III

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commentaryben

This volume covers Titus, I and II Timothy and the Epistles of John in the socio-rhetorical commentary style that Witherington has become famous for. In fact, it is almost beyond belief that Witherington has had such an enormous output of commentaries on New Testament books. If you suspect he may have written too quickly to have covered such ground, you will see in this volume that he hasn’t cut any corners in the subjects he addresses.

He makes quite a distinction about some of these epistles being homilies, but I couldn’t help but think as I read, what real difference does it make for we who study God’s Word? In the Pastoral Epistles he had a lengthy and quite good Introduction on them as a whole. Then there was an Introduction for each individual book before the commentary. I felt it covered the same sort of issues a regular commentary would. I did not agree with some of his conclusions, and feel perhaps his socio-rhetorical method can be overdone, but I still felt it a solid contribution.

I was even less in agreement with his conclusions on the Epistles of John, especially about who the writer is, and wonder if his thoughts about a theme of “wisdom” are beyond what the text can bear. Still, I found it easier to read than many commentaries.

At times he can be a little dogmatic, but the fact that he is a superb writer makes that a small price to pay. He will force you to think about his viewpoint, and even if you disagree, you will be far richer for having done so. In short, though I disagree in places, I give this volume a high ranking as a volume that succeeds in its mission–helping the reader to formulate his or her own positions.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Eternal Salvation–A Christian Movie Review

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eternal

Eternal Salvation is an excellent Christian movie. The wooden acting that has plagued some Christian films is no where to be found in this movie. The plot will grab your attention throughout. My wife and children watched this film with me and we give it a family thumbs up. You will love this Dove-approved Eternal Salvation DVD.

The story is of an unsaved family man who is a high-profile investment banker. He survives a brain aneurysm, but faces struggles in recovery and with his job and protege. Through that difficult time and the help of a Christian friend he finds Christ. There are more issues after his salvation that help him deepen his faith. His wife and daughter find the Lord as well. There is fine drama in telling this story that makes for a fine viewing experience.

I might quibble over the portrayal of his daughter’s conversion. It was not made clear that she had to have  a personal faith herself. Plus my children all noticed that she was an older girl than the part she was playing. Still, this is a film I recommend for your family.

You can check out a variety of similar Christian DVDs here. Fishflix is allowing me to offer you a $5 coupon to their site if you join their email list. You can join by visiting www.fishflix.com/5gift or texting 5-GIFT to 44222. I get no kickback on this coupon, but am happy for other families to have this resource.

I received this DVD free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Blessing of Humility by Jerry Bridges

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bridges

I hadn’t read a Jerry Bridges title in several years, though I have no idea why. Years ago I was incredibly blessed by his book on holiness. Reading this re-released title makes me regret not having read more by this beloved, recently deceased writer. Navpress is re-releasing his titles in far more attractive paperbacks that those we saw years ago.

This title had that same heart-piercing quality I remembered from years back. The ten chapters are based the Beatitudes. In them he sees the theme of humility. I had never really thought of that, but after reading him  I am thoroughly convinced he is right. I was hooked by the time I finished the first Beatitude of “poor in spirit.”

Every chapter was superb, but I was most moved by the ones on mourning, pure in heart, and peacemaker. That will probably vary among readers based on where they are, but I would be shocked if some of these chapters didn’t move you.

The main value in this volume is its devotional or Christian growth element, but I plan to keep it on hand when I am studying the Beatitudes too. It holds up quite well as a Bible study resource as well.

I highly recommend this volume and have decided I need more Jerry Bridges reading for myself.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

New Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition (IVP)

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dictionary

IVP continues to uphold its well-earned reputation in quality reference works with this revised work. It is essentially a new work in that so many articles were enlarged. The material covered also differs from the first edition because another volume, IVP’s New Dictionary of Biblical Theology had already pulled out that material. This volume focuses exclusively on historical and systematic theology in its massive 1000 pages.

The list of contributors is impressive. The scholarship is of the highest quality and none of the articles I read seemed to be done in haste. You might make the mistake of forgetting a subject would actually be categorized as biblical theology and search in vain, but if you are looking for historical or systematic theology subjects you likely won’t fail to find an entry here. At least I couldn’t.

Besides the great entries on all the theological concepts, I really enjoyed the biographical entries on the great theologians. They even had an entry for Charles Spurgeon! They purposely included articles on global theology and theological trends of our day.

The book is attractive and a joy to peruse. It will serve as an outstanding reference for many years. I loved it!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Charts On Systematic Theology, Volume 1 by House and Roberts

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charts

This volume of charts is part of the Kregel Charts of the Bible and Theology series. Though it covers Prolegomena, or introductory issues, this material is not for the beginning Christian like several books of charts are. Written by H. Wayne House with Kyle A. Roberts, it aims at an audience that has wrestled some with systematic theology.

It begins with helping readers see the difference between objective and subjective theologies. As is done throughout the book, it uses the explanations of the most famous corresponding theologian. That will range from the rather orthodox to the rather unorthodox theologians and theological positions.

At times, like in sharing different perspectives on possibility, the different position positions have a few that seem really close. Some charts, like the one comparing systematic, biblical, historical, and philosophical theologies, rose above the others in value. Still, they are all worthwhile.

I believe the greatest value in this book will be for those doing a deeper study on theology. From that perspective, complex things are well compiled and condensed without sacrificing understanding. It would likely be a boon to one teaching or needing a refresher in systematic theology.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by Beale

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beale

G. K. Beale’s Commentary on Revelation in the New International Greek Commentary  series has been highly esteemed since it was written. Unfortunately, most pastors because of the technical format and untranslated Greek found it too difficult to use. Assisted by David H. Campbell, Beale has responded to requests to make his contribution more accessible. This volume has succeeded on that score and becomes a lively read.

I should disclose that I subscribe to a premillennial interpretation rather than his “eclectic, redemptive-historical idealist view”. Though he is a brilliant author, and knows something about arguing well for his position, he in my opinion too casually addressed those of my persuasion by quoting the most radical he could find in our world. On page 22, he beautifully listed the reasons futurists hold the positions they do, but does not do as well countering them. In fairness to him, my bias may have been at work.

Whether I agreed or not on his overall prophetic approach, I must confess I learned much as I read. He is adept at seeing what is there–words, repetitions, and parallels. His Introduction was given in 34 pages and was outstanding.

I’m glad to have this volume for my studies as he has insights on every page. Like me, you might not agree with everything he says, but you will be enriched for having read it. I’m a pastor who doesn’t want all my commentaries on Revelation to agree with me.

This volume will be a go-to commentary on technical issues, but is far easier to read than the others I have used. This commentary is a solid effort.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Pictures At A Theological Exhibition by Vanhoozer

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exh

Kevin Vanhoozer is an excellent writer. He has a knack for making very complex concepts understandable. He has written many fine essays and sermons and this book collects several of them. What makes the book worthwhile is how well these essays work together to say something to us.

You probably picked up on his using Mussorgsky’s Pictures In An Exhibition. He effectively explains the parallel for what he is doing with Mussorgsky. It made good sense. He also looks at how we have lost our imagination (he explains its good meaning) and how we must work to get it back. He describes his book as “scenes of the church’s worship, witness, and wisdom.”

Like me, some of these essays will speak to you more than others, but they are all well thought out. Not a one of them seemed hasty to me. I loved how he picked up on a concept he came across called the “McDonaldization” of our society. How that exposed our day! He gave some great thoughts about Scripture that gave much to chew on.

There is so much more here. I loved how he could could even tackle a narrow subject like he did in “Enhancement in the Cathedral: Power, Knowledge, and Smart Pills.” Don’t miss that one.

If like theology, you will enjoy this volume.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Emperor Has Spoken

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emperor

The edict has just come down from the Imperial Palace, formally known as the White House, directing all public schools in our nation to allow so-called “transgender” students to use the bathroom they self-identify with. I guess in a country where a President can self-identify as a king and can get away with it, even to the degree that other members of our republican government join the facade and put on the costumes of court subjects with most fighting over the one of the court jester, it was inevitable a high school boy could “self-identify” (wink, wink) and get into the girl’s bathroom or gym showers.

We were already forced a few weeks ago to think through this issue (as I did here for myself), and many of us decided that this wasn’t going to work for our families. Now in a move shocking both in its suddenness and brashness, we have a nationwide proclamation that hits in a place that should definitely be protected from such shenanigans: our schools.

I’m heartbroken for our country. I’m heartbroken for the family that has no other option besides public schools. I’m heartbroken for the good public school teachers who will now be put in a hopeless situation. I’m sorry for the accredited Christian schools or colleges who will have trouble avoiding this ruling. Most of all, I am sorrowful for the helpless children who will suffer.

The children of our country deserve better. Many children who abuse another child are ones who have been abused themselves. The adults need to protect them all. A safe bathroom is a minimum requirement, wouldn’t you say?

I do want to thank God that homeschooling is still a legal option.  I applaud all homeschooling mothers, who even though you may want to pull your hair out at times, you are one of the true heroes of our generation. I want to thank those involved in providing Christian schools too. With what is going on in public schools, homeschoolers and Christian school families need not split hairs.

There’s another thing that needs admitting at this time. Perhaps the drama of the 2016 presidential election with Trump and Hillary and the others made us forget for a moment. Obama is the most perversely effective president in our nation’s history. He has gotten through so much of his grotesque agenda, an agenda far beyond what we thought in 2008. He has used methods not mentioned in our Constitution, methods never heard of before, and they have worked with apparent ease. Every few months now we are getting the shock of our lives. And that’s exactly what this nationwide “transgender” bathroom edict really is. May God help us.