Redemption


Donald Wells - 2014
    Someone has abducted television star Kelly Rogers, and the police and the FBI both believe that it was him. And Jake Stelton can't really blame them, after all, he's done it before, Ten months earlier, their meteoric love affair ended with Jake taking Kelly hostage and threatening to kill anyone who dared try to separate them. When the chaos of that day ended, there were five innocent people dead, and Jake Stelton was in jail awaiting trial for murder. His lawyer assured him that his record as a war hero would gain him little favor in the wake of five dead bodies, and that an emotionally shattered Kelly Rogers would gladly testify against him, and had in fact, already told the police about his increasingly bizarre behavior in the days leading up to the killings. Things looked dim for Jake, that is, until they discovered the tumor. A leading brain surgeon testified that the tumor found growing inside Jake's skull, was the culprit that propelled him to such violent and paranoid behavior, and it was this testimony that set him free. His freedom meant little, because Kelly wanted nothing to do with him, her love for him could not overcome her fear of him, and so Jake retired to his farm, to live out his life alone. But someone has taken Kelly Rogers, someone has taken the woman he loves and put her life on the line, and Jake Stelton has made a vow to find her, to save her, and possibly, to even find redemption.

A Theology of Luke and Acts: God's Promised Program, Realized for All Nations


Darrell L. Bock - 2012
    In his writing, Luke records the story of God working through Jesus to usher in a new era of promise and Spirit-enablement so that the people of God can be God s people even in the midst of a hostile world. It is a message the church still needs today. Bock both covers major Lukan themes and sets forth the distinctive contribution of Luke-Acts to the New Testament and the canon of Scripture, providing readers with an in-depth and holistic grasp of Lukan theology in the larger context of the Bible.I. Howard Marshall A remarkable achievement that should become the first port of call for students in this central area of New Testament Theology.Craig S. Keener Bock s excellent exploration of Luke s theological approach and themes meets an important need in Lukan theology. "

Judges for You


Timothy J. Keller - 2013
    As we read this as an account of how He works in history, it comes alive. The Book of Judges is not an easy read. But living in the times we do, it is an essential one." Join Dr Timothy Keller as he opens up the book ofJudges, helping you to get to grips with its meaning and showing how it transforms our hearts and lives today.Written for people of every age and stage, from enquirers to new believers to pastors and teachers, this exible resource is the 2nd installment in the curriculum series, "God's Word For You."Judges For You is for you to:Read: As a guide to this historical narrative, pointing you forward to God's greatest rescue of all.Feed: As a daily devotional to help you grow in Christ as you read and meditate on this portion of God's word.Lead: As notes to aid you in explaining, illustrating and applying Judges as you preach or lead a Bible study.Whoever you are, and however you use it, this is JUDGES FOR YOU.

Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context


David Instone-Brewer - 2002
    The "plain" meaning of the texts allows for divorce only in cases of adultery or desertion, and it does not permit remarriage until the death of one's former spouse. But are these proscriptions the final word for Christians today? Are we correctly reading the scriptures that address these issues?By looking closely at the biblical texts on divorce and remarriage in light of the first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world, this book shows that the original audience of the New Testament heard these teachings differently. Through a careful exploration of the background literature of the Old Testament, the ancient Near East, and especially ancient Judaism, David Instone-Brewer constructs a biblical view of divorce and remarriage that is wider in scope than present-day readings.Among the important findings of the book are that both Jesus and Paul condemned divorce without valid grounds and discouraged divorce even for valid grounds; that both Jesus and Paul affirmed the Old Testament grounds for divorce; that the Old Testament allowed divorce for adultery and for neglect or abuse; and that both Jesus and Paul condemned remarriage after an invalid divorce but not after a valid divorce. Instone-Brewer shows that these principles are not only different from the traditional church interpretation of the New Testament but also directly relevant to modern relationships.Enhanced with pastoral advice on how to apply the biblical teaching in today's context, this volume will be a valuable resource for anyone seeking serious answers about married life.

The Unseen Realm


Michael S. Heiser - 2015
    Michael Heiser examines the ancient context of Scripture, explaining how its supernatural worldview can help us grow in our understanding of God. He illuminates intriguing and amazing passages of the Bible that have been hiding in plain sight. You'll find yourself engaged in an enthusiastic pursuit of the truth, resulting in a new appreciation for God's Word. Why wasn't Eve surprised when the serpent spoke to her? How did descendants of the Nephilim survive the flood? Why did Jacob fuse Yahweh and his Angel together in his prayer? Who are the assembly of divine beings that God presides over? In what way do those beings participate in God's decisions? Why do Peter and Jude promote belief in imprisoned spirits? Why does Paul describe evil spirits in terms of geographical rulership? Who are the glorious ones that even angels dare not rebuke? After reading this book, you may never read your Bible the same way again

The Message Remix (Bible in Contemporary Language)


Eugene H. Peterson - 1997
    Peterson. It features expanded introductions to each book of the Bible that explain the purpose of the book, who wrote it, and for whom it was written. The introductions help set the stage for the book and help you understand each book's unique message. A reading Bible in contemporary language, The Message//REMIX also has a unique verse-numbering system, charts and maps, and a topical guide for students. Trim size: 5 3/16 x 7 1/8

The Case for Easter: A Journalist Investigates the Evidence for the Resurrection


Lee Strobel - 2004
    How credible is the evidence for, and against, the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Focusing his award-winning skills as a legal journalist on history's most compelling enigma, Lee Strobel retraces the startling findings that led him from atheism to belief in the biblical New Testament story.

I Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly


Dale Ralph Davis - 1969
    As usual Ralph Davis uses pastoral application and laces it with his own sense of humour. He is noted for tackling scholarship head on.

Theology of the New Testament: A Canonical and Synthetic Approach


Frank Thielman - 2005
    Each of the twenty-seven books, written by various authors, has its own theological emphasis and nuances. How do we elicit a coherent message from such theological diversity, especially given that some of the theological statements in the New Testament seem to be at odds with one another? Is such an endeavor achievable or even valid?Theology of the New Testament takes a balanced approach in response to these challenges. Frank Thielman presents a theology of the New Testament that is careful to take into account the cultural and historical circumstances surrounding each book and the New Testament as a whole. He not only examines each book’s theological content individually, but also in relation to the rest of the New Testament, particularly within each of the three theological units that comprise the New Testament: the gospels and Acts, the Pauline epistles, and the general epistles and Revelation. This canonical and synthetic approach honors both the theological diversity of the various books and the theological connections between the books. In the end, Thielman finds a unified theological vision of the New Testament, anchored in the centrality of Jesus Christ.Frank Thielman’s Theology of the New Testament is an outstanding achievement. The book is marked by scholarly depth, exegetical rigor, and theological profundity. Both students and professors will profit immensely from this lucid treatment of the theology contained in the New Testament documents. Thomas R. Schreiner Professor of New Testament, The Southern Baptist Theological SeminaryAn accessible presentation of the key theological points of the New Testament books by an accomplished New Testament scholar and teacher. Its clear style, lucid organization, and sound theological insight make it a prime resource for serious students in both the academy and the church. Karen H. Jobes, PhD Associate Professor of New Testament, Westmont College

Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously but Not Literally


Marcus J. Borg - 2001
    In Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, Marcus Borg shows how instead we can freshly appreciate all the essential elements of the Old and New Testaments—from Genesis to Revelation—in a way that can open up a new world of intelligent faith.In Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, Borg reveals how it is possible to reconcile a scientific and critical way of thinking with our deepest spiritual needs, leading to an insightful experience of ancient text. This unique book invites every reader—whatever his or her religious background—to engage the Bible, to wrestle with its meaning, to explore its mysteries, and to understand its relevance. Reading the Bible Again for the First Time shows us how to encounter the Bible in a fresh, new way that rejects the limits of simple literalism and opens up the rich possibility of living a life of authentic faith.

The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ


Fleming Rutledge - 2015
    In this book Rutledge addresses the issues and controversies that have caused pastors to speak of the cross only in the most general, bland terms, precluding a full understanding and embrace of the gospel by their congregations.             Countering our contemporary tendency to bypass Jesus’ crucifixion, Rutledge in these pages examines in depth all the various themes and motifs used by the New Testament evangelists and apostolic writers to explain the meaning of the cross of Christ. She mines the classical writings of the Church Fathers, the medieval scholastics, and the Reformers as well as more recent scholarship, while bringing them all into contemporary context.             Widely known for her preaching, Rutledge seeks to encourage preachers, teachers, and anyone else interested in what Christians believe to be the central event of world history.

Interpreting the Prophetic Word: An Introduction to the Prophetic Literature of the Old Testament


Willem A. VanGemeren - 1990
    But the variety of the testimony can be lost by limiting one's interpretations or application of the prophetic word. Interpreting the Prophetic Word helps readers understand the harmony of the voices that reveal God's purposes in redemptive history. Dr. Willem VanGemeren explains clearly and fully the background of the prophetic tradition. He then interprets the message of the major and minor prophets, using historical context and literary form and structure as tools in his analysis. He concludes with an explanation of the relevance of the prophetic word today. Dr. VanGemeren's extensive research and scholarship is presented in a readable way to unlock the door of prophecy for readers. He helps them to interpret prophecy and invites them to listen to the prophets and to lives the prophetic word.

God's Big Picture: Tracing the Story-Line of the Bible


Vaughan Roberts - 2002
    A worldwide bestseller published in countless sizes and bindings, translations and languages. Sworn by in court, fought over by religious people, quoted in arguments. The Bible is clearly no ordinary book. How can you begin to read and understand it as a whole? In this excellent overview, Vaughan Roberts gives you the big picture—showing how the different parts of the Bible fit together under the theme of the kingdom of God. He provides both the encouragement and the tools to help you read the Bible with confidence and understanding. And he points you to the Bible's supreme subject, Jesus Christ, and the salvation God offers through him.

Learning to Love the Psalms


W. Robert Godfrey - 2017
    But as Dr. W. Robert Godfrey writes, there is more to this book than we usually see. In Learning to Love the Psalms, Dr. Godfrey explores the depths of this beloved book, unveiling its truths and helping readers gain new understanding, encouragement, and wonder for the Bible’s songbook.

The Ten Commandments: Life Application of the Ten Commandments With Additional Chapters on Sin, Salvation, Prayer, and More


Thomas Watson - 1692
    Some think of these commandments as the Law of Moses, now replaced by God's grace and mercy, but a closer look reveals that we can't willfully break a single one of the commandments and live. Every one of the commandments wholeheartedly obeyed will produce fruit of righteousness, peace, and spiritual prosperity. Society says "do whatever you want" but a careful study and application of this set of "life principles" will provide boundless fruit for the righteous. Originally written in the 1600's, Thomas Watson's commentary on the Ten Commandments is as relevant today as it was then, if not more so. The text was carefully updated for modern readers, with much care taken to convey the truth in Watson's writings in such a way that readers today can more easily understand his writing, and as such, more easily apply the truth to their own lives. May the LORD God of heaven and earth bless you richly as you read and obey! About the Author Thomas Watson (c. 1620-1686) was an English Nonconformist Puritan pastor and author. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Emmanuel College, Cambridge. In 1646 Watson was employed at St. Stephen Walbrook Church in London, where he remained for the next sixteen years. Thomas married Abigail Beadle in about 1647, and they had at least seven children, although four of the children died when young. During the English Civil War (1642-1649), Watson leaned toward Presbyterian views, and he sided with the Presbyterians in opposition to the death of King Charles I. Watson was imprisoned in 1651 for his part in a plot to bring back Charles II. In 1652 Watson was released from prison and returned to his duties at St. Stephen Walbrook Church. After the Act of Uniformity was passed in 1662, Watson, a Nonconformist, could no longer preach there, although he continued preaching in private when he was able. After the Declaration of Indulgence was passed in 1672, Thomas Watson was able to obtain a license to preach at Crosby Hall in London. He continued preaching there until his health began to decline. He then retired to Barnston in Essex, where he died in 1686 while praying.