Bible Study

Unchanging Witness–A Book For Our Day

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This issue of homosexuality is the roaring issue on the doorstep of Christianity. That the world is embroiled in it is no surprise, but that some corners of Christendom are bowled over by it is.  The biggest shock of all is what is proclaimed to be biblical and historic in Christianity on the subject. That is why this new book by S. Donald Fortson III and Rollin G. Grams is so timely, helpful, and important.

The task these scholars tackle with such aplomb is showing that homosexuality has always been biblically and historically wrong  in our Christian faith. They show in one succinct chapter how the gay movement has proceeded since it embarked upon a political path in the 1960s. Then the next 6 chapters show what all parts of Christianity has believed on the subject since the beginning with plenty of direct historical quotation and analysis. They may provide more than you will feel you need, but you will appreciate their careful labor.

The balance of the book examines the biblical passages mentioning homosexuality. They spend time mentioning every argument presented by pro-homosexual scholars. You see these other scholars have been incredibly unscholarly, careless, and even dishonest. Some may not like all that scholarly interaction, but this is a case where it’s needed appreciated.

A person can say they think homosexuality is acceptable because they choose not to accept the truthfulness of Scripture, but one cannot logically or honestly say the Bible supports homosexuality. These authors have put any Christians who study this subject in a great debt by so ably providing that proof.

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.

Introduction to World Christian History by Derek Cooper

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This book serves as a short introduction to Christian history and actually covers that territory in 250 pages. It’s other unique feature is the extent it goes to prove that Christianity has a global rather than a western history.

The volume was successful in proving what we often forget–Christianity has had peak periods all over the world. I personally wasn’t aware how some areas, like, for example, the Far East, had periods of flourishing in Christianity. The history is presented in broad sweeps, but you could easily get the big picture and know where to pursue other studies.

Reading a broad introduction also made it easy to notice trends. I was amazed how getting close to any government often spelled a sudden destruction of Christianity. There was proof given too of how European countries that once were highly Christian are now  mostly secular.

The downside of the book is that it makes no distinction of anything ever called Christian. It passes no judgment except where western excesses were presented, or so it seemed to me. In an effort to make a global case, it was too threadbare in presenting American Christianity.

Still, it is a great book for a broad perspective and a global emphasis.

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.

God Has Spoken In His Son–A Great Theology on Hebrews

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book God spoken

Peter O’Brien is one of the most respected scholars of our day contributing some of the most trusted commentaries we have including an outstanding one on Hebrews in the Pillar Commentary series.  Here he has expanded those studies that would have made the Introduction of his Hebrews commentary too long and especially delved into the theology of Hebrews. Unlike some such volumes that I have seen, he discusses what can actually be found in the text and mines its significance to grasping the unique and powerful Book of Hebrews.

Chapter One addresses God revealing His Son. He sees the clear tie to the Scriptures and even explains how Hebrews uniquely presents scriptural quotations. His reflections were powerful in this study. In chapter two he traces how Hebrews presents Jesus as the perfect High Priest. Jesus is not only superior, but His sacrifice is as well. The next chapter continues that thought to the salvation Jesus provided. He then discussed the people of God receiving this salvation.

He gave a huge chapter on the warning passages that make for fascinating reading no matter if you fully agree or not. Those passages are both unique and central to what Hebrews is giving us and I appreciated him drawing it out so well.

O’Brien continues his outstanding work here and I highly recommend 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 Enduring Authority of the Christian Scriptures–An Important New Book

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Likely the most important book of its kind for this generation, this massive volume covers the doctrine of Scripture from every conceivable vantage point. Edited by the redoubtable D. A. Carson, this book maintains a consistently high level of scholarship. Though I did not read every page (I wanted to provide somewhat of a timely review),  I read much and was impressed throughout.

The volume begins with a spectacular introductory essay by Carson that was fascinating. He at once laid bare the lines of debate and an outline of the history. Starting a trend that carried through the book, he named names. He was never ugly, but he put people with positions and then evaluated positions in this successful romp through the issues.

Next comes nine chapters on historical topics. There might be more information than you feel the need to know, but in any future historical questions you will likely find your answers here.

The heart of the book was chapters 11-24 on biblical and theological topics. These articles were excellent even if certain parts were somewhat esoteric. Still, the great subjects were fully addressed. The next section on philosophical and epistemological topics carried the theological discussion forward. The section on comparative religion topics was much less interesting to me, but that is likely a matter of taste. The book ends with Daniel Doriani encouraging us to think holistically and then some FAQ by Carson.

This book is a major publishing event. Pastors will find some that is helpful clarification, but some that is needless complication. We must remember, though, that the book is dedicated to scholarly concerns in addition to what is helpful to us. There were statements that I could not agree with in these pages, but this book is a presentation of the conservative position. To that end, it was just what was needed in our complicated days.

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 World and the Word–An Introduction to OT

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This volume is a substantial, in-depth introduction to the Old Testament by respected scholars Eugene Merrill, Mark Rooker, and Michael Grisanti. You can tell it aims beyond basic, beginning study as it has a less flashy look (there’s a place for those too) and much text to digest.

Three chapters lay out in a helpful fashion the world of the Old Testament. Historical and cultural aspects presented here moor the Old Testament days for us.

Chapters 5-9 cover the text of the OT and how it has been studied. In the process, you get quite a history of trends and the various critical methods that the OT has been subjected to. While some of us would find little value in that subject, it was written with purpose–to show how much OT study has run off the track with dubious critical approaches. So many available OT Introductions are infected with those methods and this serves as a powerful corrective.

Chapters 10-44 cover the books of the Old Testament. Some of the issues addressed above are discussed again in regards the individual book. Further the contents and theology are effectively presented. Though charts and maps are few, those presented are excellent.

To my mind, this is a fine asset to have and I plan to consult it in individual book study in the days to come.

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.

Josephus–Carta’s Illustrated The Jewish War

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Carta Jerusalem keeps finding ways to put their treasured maps into the hands of Bible students. This book is especially creative in that regard. Most of us are very familiar with Josephus and here we have the popular translation by William Whiston of Josephus’ The Jewish War.  What makes this classic new and vibrant is the Carta maps profusely interspersed at appropriate places in the text. 

An added jewel in an introduction by noted New Testament scholar R. Steven Notley that really helps us get hold of the life, writings, and importance of Josephus.

Pictures of places add even more as does a users’ guide for The Carta Bible Atlas and The Sacred Bridge, which are the best in the field and are loved by many of us.

This is a publishing event and a real asset to have!

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.

Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets

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book prophets

Here is a highly-respected reprint in paperback of a title by Gordon McConville on the Old Testament prophets. Covering both the Major and Minor Prophets, this book gives the extra coverage needed for an in-depth study of these special books of the Old Testament.

His brief Introduction establishes the issues involved in beginning study of the prophets and their place in the Bible. Then he launches into a chapter for each prophetic book of the Old Testament. Chapter length corresponds well to length of book.

He begins each study with a discussion of date and destination. Then he will delve into a critical interpretation of the book that will discuss several topics of the book at hand and provide something of a history of interpretation. Next he jumps into structure and outline and covers the contents of the book. He works around to theological themes and concluding topics. He gives a handy list for further reading too.

The book is helpful. He seems to have a little too much fascination with things like form criticism that many Bible students find of little value, but otherwise you will find help. It’s not one the flashy introductions aimed more at beginning students as it aims at someone with some theological training under his or her belt. I consider it a handy volume to add to my shelves.

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.

Knowing God by Packer–A Timeless Classic

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Using the idea of knowing God, Packer has struck the perfect balance between theology and Christian living. That has worked well because doctrine in its purest form intersects best at the point of real life. Add to that timely material a simple yet profound writing style, and you have the substance of a masterpiece. It can be cliché to throw around words like “classic”, but if you read this book, you will discover that it is true.

Here IVP gives us the classic in a deluxe edition worthy of its value and a new study guide. Both will serve to extend the value of a book that has lost nothing in the passage of time. It’s found on almost every list of greatest Christian books that I have ever seen. I read it slowly and found it impacting.

Of course you may find a sentence or a paragraph that you disagree with, as I did, but you will be challenged and feel you “know” God a little better as you read. I first thought that I would tell about my favorite chapter(s) in this review, but I underlined too much in every chapter to narrow them to favorites.

I would recommend that every Christian interact at some point with this extraordinary 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.

A Matter of Life and Death by Bill Goldsborough

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daeth life

Written primarily for Fundamental Baptists, this volume seeks to address a glaring misunderstanding among many. The subtitle “thoughts for thinking fundamentalists” makes me think that Bill Goldsborough would like to move more fundamentalists over to the “thinking” category.

In chapter one we are told that “identity is determined by birth, not by behavior,” and from that basis he seeks to get us thinking. That basis for identity should give peace and an entirely different approach to the Christian life than the one so many are living. Many Christians have something far short of peace and strive for what could never be earned, though it is freely given. It’s a tragedy he hopes to Scripturally help us get past.

He focuses much on old man verses new man and what he believes the Bible teaches on that subject. He also explains carefully what it means to “reckon” Christ in your life. That can be quite revolutionary for a believer.

He marshals an incredible amount of Scripture to make his case, and unlike some works I’ve seen, those references actually discuss his subject. It also kind of had the feel of old Keswick writings as you go through this book.

He writes with an encouraging and helpful spirit. You might disagree on the interpretation of a particular passage he references, but you will appreciate the warmth of this book. If we see our relationship with Christ more along the lines he describes, we will definitely be blessed.

 

 

 

 

From Pentecost To Patmos by Craig Blomberg

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Blomberg 2

Craig Blomberg followed up his highly successful volume on the Gospels with this title that covers the rest of the New Testament. While it might not be as good as his earlier volume as the Gospels are clearly his specialty, this Introduction is still one I found to be quite an asset.

He presents his material in the typical style taking one NT book at a time. The length of his chapters varies in a fashion corresponding to the length and importance of the NT book discussed. He used good judgment and covered what should be there for us. In fact, pastors and Bible students will love it despite some occasional sidewalks into critical study that some of us put little stock into.

He gave some of his most helpful information when he discussed the structure of the book. I also felt the overview commentary on each book was quite effective in one getting his or her bearings straight. There were more maps than in his earlier volume and some of the charts provided were eye opening for the study of the NT books.

I highly recommend this as a worthy study tool!

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.

Related Post:

Jesus and the Gospels (2nd ed.)