New Book Reviews

The Quick-Start Guide To The Whole Bible by Marty and Seevers

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Have you ever looked for a book to give newer Christians, or those who are struggling with understanding in Bible reading, help with grasping the Bible? You might want to check out this volume by Drs. William H. Boyd and Boyd Seevers and published by Bethany House.

Their stated aim is illuminating the big picture in each of the 66 books of the Bible. Most of the books of the Bible get 3-6 pages to help you get oriented before you begin reading. Key books, like the Gospels, get a little extra coverage. The volume covers setting, summary, and significance for each book. Setting and summary are helpful while significance by necessity is selective.

Space constraints mean they are selective in what they share. Some aspect you feel should be discussed might be missing, but the most critical ones are mentioned usually.

I do not feel this is a volume pastors or experienced Bible students will consult as much as some others, but for its real audience–beginners in Bible study–it is quite valuable. As a pastor, I would gladly recommend this book to those who come for help in getting more out of personal Bible reading.

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.

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1 Samuel For You By Tim Chester (God’s Word For You Series)

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Can 221 pages give us real help on a book the size of 1 Samuel? You better believe it! This volume by Tim Chester packs a punch that will aid the Bible student or the pastor preparing messages.

After a brief introduction, he dives into the familiar, but divine drama. He insists we not see these stories as told “to illustrate ordinary life”, but the bigger picture of God at work among His people.

For example, he describes Hannah’s story as Israel’s story. He provokes thinking by analyzing Hannah’s song as not at all what you would expect from a mother rejoicing over baby. Watch how deftly he shows Samuel as the coming prophet and compares it to the rarity of God’s Word in that day with it now coming.

His tying in the transition from the time of the Judges to the the developing Kingdom was particularly effective. He makes sense of Saul’s life from beginning to end. The importance of David and his difficult rise in spite of Saul is given due weight.

Some parts are brilliant. His comparison of Saul’s early and later life and how he became a parody of himself (page 139) is incredible. His description of Saul’s encounter with a medium was equally helpful. There are many other nuggets along the way.

Personally, I think he even surpassed his volume on Titus. Perhaps the thrilling nature of 1 Samuel was part of it, but this is a truly impressive work. The God’s Word For You series maintains its high standard here as well. You will want 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.

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C. S. Lewis & Mere Christianity: The Crisis That Created A Classic by Paul McCusker

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Have you, as I have, been blessed by the classic Mere Christianity? Probably the greatest apologetic book I know of, and certainly grist for the mill for your deepest thoughts, the story of the series of events that precipitated this volume is fascinating.

Can you imagine what this book proposal must have looked like laying on the publisher’s desk? A book not about the whole of C. S. Lewis’s life, but just the the particular years when this classic was birthed, as well as the horrors of war in the blitz on London. The background of the BBC is heavily worked into the story too. Believe it or not, this improbable volume works.

In short, Lewis gave several sets of talks on the BBC during the worst of the war in England that captured the attention of listeners at a time when religious broadcasting as a whole fell on bad times. In no time at all, Lewis had more correspondence than he could handle. Here were writings (broadcasts) that went beyond the trivial or any of the hokum that was simply insufficient in the carnage of war. It resonated in a time of great need.

Beyond the confluence of factors that made Mere Christianity so influential, this volume works on the level of biography as well. There is the war, its agonies, and impact on lives that is well described. Then there is C.S. Lewis the man: his industrious output, his tenderness, his family issues, and his humility. You like him better, even if, as me, he has a few beliefs you could not follow.

This book is a pleasant, worthwhile read!

em>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.

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Fail by J. R. Briggs (Books on the Ministry #14)

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Do you have any idea how to handle failure in the ministry? Do you have a “theology of failure”? Or a real biblical approach to combat feelings of failure? Are you aware that most every one in ministry struggles with feelings of failure? The air needs cleared, so enter this fine volume by Mr. Briggs and published by IVP.

In light of the mass discouragement of pastors in the wreckage of success-driven ministry, he asks, “Is this what Jesus had in mind for pastors–a life absent of joy and peace, and with omnipresent stress and emotional hardship?”

In some cases we are set up to fail and travail over it. Conferences often parade “successful” pastors before us that serve to show how we haven’t arrived rather than offering real encouragement. We are always looking for the next great program as the messiah for our ministries.

Mr. Briggs wrote from brokenness. On the track to success, it all blew up in his face. In his own painful, ugly journey he finally reached the place where he wanted to help us in ours. He began the improbable Epic Fail Pastors Conference, and strangely enough, it was wildly successful. From those gatherings of many other broken pastors, he learned even more and shares it with us. We must learn, he says, to preach the same grace to ourselves that we preach to others.

We pastors live with a nagging fear of failure. Though it is often a cultural deviation, we all know it is true. Sometimes this fuels a desire for a larger ministry that only stunts our current one. He quotes another and reminds us that “true freedom in Christ is when we have nothing to hide, nothing to lose, and nothing to prove.” Wow!

There are many other wonderful parts of this book. Tracing the grieving process through pastoral failure was greatly enlightening. Explaining how ministry is a process and not a product was spot on. His solutions for going past failure end the book on a hopeful note.

There were times I rolled my eyes on what he said, allowed, or did, but overall this is a keeper. Every pastor should make it a must-have in his library.

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.

Find other articles in the series here.

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Kregel Exegetical Commentary on the Psalms, Vol. 2, by Allen Ross

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Continuing the excellence we found in volume 1, this volume covers Psalms 42-89. Mr. Ross is a steady hand in the Psalms and provides a treasure trove for pastors and Bible students.

The format is ideal. First, you have the text with choice exegetical notes. Then you have a section entitled “Composition and Context.” This is especially helpful in the Psalms, and I notice Mr. Ross takes time to discuss the biblical background as well as how Christians used the Psalms in the past. He does a great job relating the New Testament as well.

He provides an exegetical analysis, which is really just a detailed outline, for those who think in terms of outlines. Finally, he gives a “Commentary In Expository Form” that is outstanding and contains copious footnotes. It is well done in a way that an expositor would have to love. He will bring out things you did not know.

This is a quality piece of work and we wish him well in delivering volume 3. I know I really want all the Psalms covered by this scholar who writes with a distinct warmth. This volume along with the few other released volumes bodes well for the Kregel Exegetical Commentary series as well.

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:
Psalms Volume 1

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Titus For You by Tim Chester (God’s Word For You Series)

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Do you need a vibrant guide to Titus in your studies? How about one that could actually span from the beginning Bible student to the seasoned pastor and offer real help? Look no further than Titus For You by Tim Chester.

Mr. Chester rescues this volume in the Pastorals from the bad rap of institutional rigidity. He challenges us not to write it off as boring, or inferior to the Book of Acts. Beyond his initial argument, he makes his best case by the lively exposition he provides. Nothing boring there!

In places he is simply outstanding. In discussing 1:5-9 he exposes the two great dangers for the pastor–Over-pastoring with its excessive control and under-pastoring with its denial of the core role of shepherding. Look up what he says drives us in either case. Spot on.

On 1:10-12 he shows how easily being godly can morph into being legalistic. Later he says, “And legalism is not a substitute fuel. Legalism does not work because it cannot work.” In the next several pages he dismantles legalism piece by piece.

His sections on the Christian home and pastoral qualifications are balanced and helpful. The church discipline passage (3:10-11) is well explained as corresponding to Matt. 18:15-17 as well.

It is a winner. This is my second volume in this series to review and I am impressed with its quality. Kind of special too that an upstart publishing group, The Good Book Company, could come out among the big boys with such a worthwhile series. I look forward to coming titles in the series!

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 review:
Romans 1-7 by Timothy Keller

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1 & 2 Kings– Apollos Old Testament Commentary

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Do you need a quality exegetical commentary on an area of Scripture that is, comparatively, poorly served? You might, then, want to check out this newest title in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series. Though this is my first title from the series, this volume on Kings by Lissa Wray Beal shows this series one to consider. On a technical level, it has some comparison to the World Biblical Commentary series in my view.

The commentary was actually more conservative than I expected. There wasn’t endless discussions about sources. The commentary focused on the text we have. The introduction was enlightening in many ways. I personally could not agree with the author’s chronological conclusions. Thiele is a truer guide in that area in my judgment.

Since I have especially studied the lives of Elijah and Elisha, I really focused on that area in this volume. The comments were helpful and at times spiritually insightful. The exegetical judgments were reasonable and the conclusions often sound. Of course there are points where I would disagree. For example, I don’t see the evidence in stating that the account of Elisha is compiled from all over his ministry and put in II Kings 4 rather than being true chronologically.

Pastors will find the “Comments” section superior to the “Form and Structure” one. Every verse is discussed, which is essential in a good exegetical commentary. As a pastor myself, if forced to have only two exegetical commentaries on Kings, I would choose the NAC volume by Paul House and this fine commentary. This commentary is worthy of your consideration.

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.

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How Jesus Became God– Answering Bart Ehrman

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It is hard to believe. That one rouge scholar could elicit such press is at least hard for me to believe. Still, that is the case and many are quoting Ehrman as if he actually spoke with authority. He speaks as if he has that unquestioning authority and some are at a loss at how to refute him, especially to someone who blindly accepts him. Enter this volume, subtitled “The Real Origins Of Belief In Jesus’ Divine Nature”, and published by Zondervan, that is written by five scholars. Michael Bird, Craig Evans, Simon J. Gathercole, Charles E. Hill, Chris Tilling contribute.

Ehrman’s positions are explained carefully and fairly before they are answered. The authors each hold the belief that Jesus is God in the full sense of the word.

They prove that Ehrman is guilty of “parallelomania” is describing what early Christians believed. That is, he finds something in one document and then demands it means the same in another. That is both arbitrary and illogical and alone refutes a big portion of Erhman’s work.

They also showed his interpretive categories were faulty. For example, he randomly picks Galatians 4:14 as his key, attaches a far fetched meaning, and then reads it into every Christological passage. That is reckless.

Ehrman wants us to believe that our current views on the deity of Christ developed slowly over time, but that is simply not the case. It sprang directly from Jesus’ personal followers.

The writers write as scholars and make a few concessions that I could not. Still, this is a real help at a time of need.

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.

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1 Corinthians by Mark Taylor (NAC)

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1 corinthians Mark Taylor

Are you looking for an excellent exegetical commentary on I Corinthians? Are you a pastor or teacher who wants help without the scholarly side paths that mar many modern commentaries? Look no farther than the latest entry the New American Commentary series published by B & H Publishing.

The brief introduction helps get your orientation before he delves into quality commentary. Don’t let the size fool you. Spend some time in the footnotes and you will see Mr. Taylor needs feel no inferiority to authors of larger works. He has sifted much before he comes to conclusions.

As a test of this volume’s quality, I really analyzed his commentary on oft-debated passages. As you know, I Corinthians has no shortage of them. Chapter 5 with its incest and church discipline was well covered. Whether you would agree with him or not, you : a) knew what the issues were, b) knew the main opinions held, c) knew what Mr. Taylor concluded. That is what makes a good commentary in my judgment. He was equally good on marriage and divorce in chapter 7 and following.

This series is, perhaps, the best for the pastor. I have them all and use them. I am glad just a handful remain to be published before the entire Bible will be covered. As an added bonus, it has the best price structure of any series. I give this volume the highest recommendation!

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 Carta Jerusalem Atlas

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What is the most important city in Bible history, or for that matter, all of human history? Jerusalem. You might say it is God’s own city. In every Bible student’s library there should be at least one volume that explains the city in terms of Biblical history, significant events, and geography. I suggest this volume by Dan Bahat and published by Carta as your first choice.

The author’s life has been dedicated to the history of Jerusalem and it shows on every page. In a responsible way, he has sifted all the reams of archaeological data and recreated a fine history. Though the author is Jewish, I feel he is fair to Christians in telling the story. I might squabble over a detail here and there, but overall it is the most thorough available.

He begins by sharing the topography of Jerusalem as it surely played a factor in many events. Then he reviews basic archaeological elements before launching into its historical beginning, at least in terms of importance, with the Time of David, or the First Temple Period.

He deftly takes time with especially important features like the city’s water supply. You would be surprised how prominently that fits into several Bible events. The discussion of Jerusalem in the times of Christ are particularly helpful.

In what I consider a bonus to the Bible study help, Jerusalem’s history on down to the present times is given. If you have a desire to know the events of the 1900s, which includes the history of the modern state of Israel, you will have all you need here.

The graphics are well done in the manner we expect from Carta. The overlapping over the map of the current city makes this an exceptional resource if you are planning a serious trip there. A fine map for a modern pilgrim as well as a good index concludes the volume. This book is a great resource!

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.

Find this volume and many other fine Bible study helps here.

Related Post:
Bible Atlas–Finding The Right One

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