Biblical Studies
Showing 301–350 of 1278 results
-
Old Testament Ethics
$30.00Add to cartWhat is ethics? Ethics is not merely about tricky situations or hot topics. Instead, ethics asks questions about what sort of people we are, how we think, what sort of things we do and don’t do, and how we ought to live our everyday lives. How might we learn ethics from the Old Testament? Instead of searching for support for our positions or pointing out problems with certain passages, trusted guide John Goldingay urges us to let the Old Testament itself set the agenda. In this volume, readers will encounter what the Old Testament teaches about relationships, work, Sabbath, character, and more. Featuring Goldingay’s own translation and discussion questions for group use, Old Testament Ethics: A Guided Tour is a resource for ethics like no other. Topically organized with short, stand-alone chapters, this book is one to keep close at hand.
-
God Of All Comfort
$24.99Add to cartHow does God respond to trauma in a world full of horrors?
Beyond their physical and emotional toll, the horrors of this world raise difficult theological and existential questions. Where is God in the darkest moments of the human experience? Is there any hope for recovery from the trauma generated by these horrors? There are no easy answers to these questions.
In God of All Comfort, Scott Harrower addresses these questions head on. Using the Gospel of Matthew as a backdrop, he argues for a Trinitarian approach to horrors, showing how God–in his triune nature–reveals himself to those who have experienced trauma. He explores the many ways God relates restoratively with humanity, showing how God’s light shines through the darkness of trauma.
-
How The Bible Is Written
$59.95Add to cart“A book focusing on the nexus between language and literature in the Bible, with specific attention to how the former is used to create the latter; topics include wordplay, wordplay with proper names, alliteration, repetition with variation, dialect representation, intentionally confused language, marking closure, and more”–
-
Visual Theology Guide To The Bible
$29.99Add to cartWe live in a visual culture. Today, people increasingly rely upon visuals to help them understand new and difficult concepts. The rise and stunning popularity of the Internet infographic has given us a new way in which to convey data, concepts, and ideas.
But the visual portrayal of truth is not a novel idea. Indeed, God himself used visuals to teach truth to his people. The tabernacle of the Old Testament was a visual representation of man’s distance from God and God’s condescension to his people. Each part of the tabernacle was meant to display something of man’s treason against God and God’s kind response. Likewise, the sacraments of the New Testament are visual representations of man’s sin and God’s response. Even the cross was both reality and a visual demonstration.
As teachers and lovers of sound theology, Challies and Byers have a deep desire to convey the concepts and principles of systematic theology in a fresh, beautiful, and informative way. In this book, they have made the deepest truths of the Bible accessible in a way that can be seen and understood by a visual generation.
Visual Theology Guide to the Bible is a multi-faceted introduction to the Bible, combining graphics and text to teach the nature and contents of the Bible in a fresh and interesting way. Intended for both new believers and long-time Christians, you will encounter familiar teachings from the Scriptures in a fresh format. Meet the Bible again for the first time.
-
House Of El Shaddai
$54.99Add to cartA Project 314 Title
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” – Exodus 25:8
How was God’s house created? At Mount Sinai, God gave Israel plans to build a special “Tabernacle” so that he might dwell among his people. Although the Exodus Tabernacle or “dwelling place” is thought of as a portable and temporary structure, the divine tent first erected in the Sinai wilderness remained in use for 480 years, outlasting both Solomon’s Temple and the second Temple built by Zerubabel in Jerusalem.
After God’s tent was lost to history, it seems that Moses’ plans for God’s house were similarly lost in translation. How so? Relying more upon on religious tradition than the original Exodus texts themselves, scholars imagine the beams, bars, curtains, and coverings to form a rectangular Tabernacle structure and courtyard barrier. However, in The House of El Shaddai, Tabernacle orthodoxy is seriously reconsidered in the light of recent discoveries made in the Hebrew Exodus texts. Contrary to tradition, Tabernacle construction begins with the understanding that the curtains are not joined on the long edges, but rather on the short and “outermost” edges. Trivial as this detail may seem, the resulting curtain arrangement and measurement ultimately reveals the Hebrews’ tent featured a circular Tabernacle perimeter (boasting a circumference of 314 and diameter of 100 cubits), conveying p (PI) more accurately than known to any other ancient culture. Instead of being part of a bizarre four layer roof–as tradition also assumes–the curtain assembly is used to create fabric walls, which encircle an enormous domed yurt-like structure, which is likewise the logical outworking of the Tabernacle hardware rearrangement per literal Exodus texts.
With the help of hundreds of annotated high definition images and colorful diagrams, The House of El Shaddai demonstrates the cunning and divine design of the Tabernacle that has been “hidden in plain sight” in Moses’ writings for scores of generations. Written for an English audience, The House of El Shaddai proves beyond a reasonable doubt how the long edges are the wrong edges, and why nearly every Bible translation made for thousands of years following the introduction of Septuagint has drifted off course based on the misinterpretation of a single verse.
See firsthand how plans for God’s original Tabernacle come alive after being lost for scores of generations, revealing a massive tent towering perhaps
-
21 Qualities Of Leaders In The Bible
$19.99Add to cartWhere do most people today turn for leadership? Some examine the world of politics. Some look for models in the entertainment industry. Many look to the world of business-to the successful stories of CEOs, management consultants, and theoreticians with PhDs. However, the truth is that the best source of leadership teaching today comes not from not any of these sources but from the one true source: the Word of God. The Bible is the greatest source on leadership that has ever been written.
John Maxwell has spent decades researching and equipping others for leadership, and his primary source of leadership principles has always been the Word of God. In this workbook, he draws on the stories of the men and women in Scripture to show how they modeled what he calls “the 21 indispensable qualities of a leader.” He also shows how many of the people in the Bible failed to embody these leadership qualities, and how that affected them and, in some cases, entire populations of people.
Sessions include in-depth studies on the leadership qualities of men and women such as Ruth, Boaz, Joshua, David, Abigail, Nathan, Elijah, Daniel, Stephen, John, Paul, James, and especially Jesus.
Each session contains the following sections:
*The quality: An overview of the quality and how it operates (includes quotes from the book and discussion questions based on the qualities covered)
*Biblical example: An overview of the primary character in the Bible who demonstrated that quality or wrote about that quality
*Another look: Bible study questions based on the highlighted passages
*Highlighting the lesson: questions that focus on the central teaching points
*Lasting implications: questions to help draw out personal conclusions
*Daily assignments: five sets of questions that guide readers on how to put the qualities into effect during their weekThis workbook has been designed to enhance readers’ experience of working through John Maxwell’s leadership materials and is intended both for individual use and for small groups.
-
Millenial Narrative : Sharing A Good Life With The Next Generation
$20.99Add to cartA good education will land you a good job, “Be an entrepreneur/Start something in a garage or dorm room” and even “Jesus saves” are narratives that collapsed for the millennial generation (born 1982-2002). These narratives, amongst many similar social and religious ones, have lost their meaning and power as millennials question all authorities and struggle to flourish in a world come of age. With their needs for community and success, a strong spirituality, and believing that their gifts should be recognized and can make a difference, millennials increasingly find meaning and purpose outside the church. As they face economic uncertainty, reduced career prospects, unceasing change, as well as civic, global, and ecological uncertainties, however, a large number of millennials are overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and depression. Caught between hope and fear, millennials leave the church with their values of personal transformation, purpose, community, spirituality, social transformation and ecological awareness. Ironically the church often holds the same values. Reaching the Millennial Generation is written for pastoral leaders who want to welcome millennials, both inside and outside their congregation. The book draws on the wisdom of the prophetic Book of Joel as a narrative worth living into. Drawing on Joel’s three chapters, Reaching the Millennial Generation empowers pastoral leaders to: – Facilitate the work of mourning Millennials are facing; – Envision a spiritual community that can welcome millennials; – Introduce a compassionate God that restores and indwells as the Spirit; – Reflect on God’s judgment through the lens of accountability; and, – Support and encourage millennials to be a blessing to others.
In addition, pastoral leaders will receive a sermon outline and material for adult education. -
Revealed : What The Bible Can Teach You About Yourself
$14.99Add to cartRevealed: What the Bible Can Teach You About Yourself presents a unique look at a familiar cast of biblical characters through the eyes of a psychologist. While weaving in her personal story of healing, Schaffner uses her professional background to expertly highlight themes of seeking simplicity, finding purpose, and navigating painful and emotional experiences. Comprised of compelling, relatable stories, Revealed makes the Bible come alive to readers in a personal and meaningful way. Through an in-depth look at the hearts of well-known biblical characters, Schaffner explores ways readers can relate to these cherished stories in their own spiritual lives, acknowledging that everyone shares the common experiences of being pulled toward external measures such as wealth, achievement, and affirmation from others. The author challenges readers to face the reality of their hearts and begin an inward journey of renewal, listening for God’s voice in unlikely places-and through unlikely people. Readers will see themselves more clearly through the lens of scripture and ultimately experience deeper self-awareness and spiritual growth.
-
Marks Of Scripture
$26.00Add to cartThis volume written by a theologian and a biblical scholar offers a fresh model for understanding Scripture as God’s Word. The authors work out the four Nicene marks of the church–one, holy, catholic, and apostolic–as marks of Scripture, offering a new way of thinking about the Bible that bridges theology and interpretation. Their ecclesial analogy invites us to think of Scripture in similar terms to how we think of the church, countering the incarnational model propagated by Peter Enns and others.
-
Lost World Of The Torah
$25.00Add to cartOur handling of what we call biblical law veers between controversy and neglect.
On the one hand, controversy arises when Old Testament laws seem either odd beyond comprehension (not eating lobster) or positively reprehensible (executing children). On the other, neglect results when we consider the law obsolete, no long carrying any normative power (tassels on clothing, making sacrifices). Even readers who do attempt to make use of the Old Testament “law” often find it either irrelevant, hopelessly laden with “thou shalt nots,” or simply so confusing that they throw up their hands in despair. Despite these extremes, people continue to propose moral principles from these laws as “the biblical view” and to garner proof texts to resolve issues that arise in society. The result is that both Christians and skeptics regularly abuse the Torah, and its true message often lies unheard.
Walton and Walton offer in The Lost World of the Torah a restorative vision of the ancient genre of instruction for wisdom that makes up a significant portion of the Old Testament. In the ancient Near East, order was achieved through the wisdom of those who governed society. The objective of torah was to teach the Israelites to be wise about the kind of order needed to receive the blessings of God’s favor and presence with the context of the covenant. Here readers will find fresh insight on this fundamental genre of the Old Testament canon.
-
New Testament You Never Knew Study Guide (Student/Study Guide)
$12.99Add to cartThe New Testament You Never Knew Study Guide by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird is the definitive introduction to the New Testament.
In this 8-session video-based study (DVD/digital downloads sold separately), leading New Testament scholars, N.T. Wright and Michael Bird, hope to take you on a tour of the New Testament Story, from Galilee to Golgotha, from Jerusalem to Rome. They will look at who Jesus is, the real meaning of his death and resurrection, the expansion of the church in the Greco-Roman world, examine the debates and setbacks that they had along the way, and show how Christians can live out the story of New Testament in their own lives today.
Sessions include:
*The Story of the New Testament
*The World of Jesus
*Life and Death of Jesus
*The Resurrection of Jesus
*The Apostle Paul
*The Early Christians
*The Mission of the Church
*How the NT Came to BeDesigned for use with The New Testament You Never Knew Video Study (sold separately).
-
Sunny Side Up
$12.99Add to cartIntro: The Most Important Meal Of The Day
Ch 1: Heart-Healthy Options
Ch 2: Finding Our Place At The Table
Ch 3: Service With A Smile
Ch 4: A Side Of Bacon
Ch 5: Cracked Eggs
ConclusionAdditional Info
What event could change your life? Winning the lottery? Getting a promotion? Getting a degree? Scoring a home run, or a winning goal?It might be hard to believe, but a breakfast conversation could be the most consequential event in your life!
Looking at the breakfast conversation between Jesus and Peter in John 21, we see how Peter’s life changed forever as he was challenged to step up and play his part in God’s big plan.
And Jesus has an exciting challenge for all of us today. As Jesus captures our hearts with his love and forgiveness, we’ll be motivated to be part of something truly extraordinary.
Perfect to read with men who you’d like to encourage to live all out for Christ or to give away at men’s breakfasts.
-
Alleged Errors Of The Bible Abridged
$19.99Add to cart“How many angels were at the empty tomb?”
“Did God or Satan cause King David to sin?”
“If the Bible is God’s Word, then why are there so many contradictions in it?”Questions like these have been heard many times by those seeking to share their faith. The average believer may not always know the answer for every accusation made about the reliability of Scripture. After seeing a pamphlet circulating at a local parish listing several supposed self-contradictions in Scripture, John Haley made it his life’s work to address every known discrepancy or alleged biblical contradiction he could find. In this abridged version of Alleged Discrepancies of the Bible, Haley directly addresses these questions and many other misunderstandings of Scripture. Haley directly addresses the origin of Bible discrepancies, disagreements in doctrine regarding the nature of the triune God and of mankind, and then takes on historical references of people, places, and dates. By shedding light on these disputed passages and convincingly disproving the claims of skeptics, Haley lifts the mystery surrounding the Bible and instills confidence in the believer’s reliance on God’s written Word.
-
Genesis Of Good And Evil
$30.00Add to cartFor centuries, the Garden of Eden story has been a cornerstone for the Christian doctrine of “the Fall” and “original sin.” In recent years, many scholars have disputed this understanding of Genesis 3 because it has no words for sin, transgression, disobedience, or punishment. Instead, it is about how the human condition came about. Yet the picture is not so simple. The Genesis of Good and Evil examines how the idea of “the Fall” developed in Jewish tradition on the eve of Christianity. In the end, the Garden of Eden is a rich study of humans in relation to God that leaves open many questions. One such question is, Does Genesis 3, 4, and 6, taken together, support the Christian doctrine of original sin? Smith’s well-informed, close reading of these chapters concludes that it does. In this book, he addresses the many mysterious matters of the Garden story and invites readers to explore questions of their own.
-
Encountering The Living God In Scripture
$30.00Add to cartThis work gives a philosophical and theological account of the belief that Scripture enables people to encounter the life-giving reality of God. The authors examine the biblical foundations for this belief as given in a variety of witnesses from both Testaments and explain the philosophical and theological underpinnings of Christian exegesis. What results is a contemporary statement of the traditional belief that Scripture can put its readers in transforming contact with the living God.
Encountering the Living God in Scripture sums up and makes accessible the teaching of revered senior scholar and teacher Francis Martin. Aimed squarely at students, the book assumes no advanced training in philosophy or theology and will work well in Bible, interpretation, and doctrine of Scripture courses.
-
Canon Of Scripture
$38.00Add to cartPreface
Abbreviations
Part One: Introduction
1. Holy ScripturePart Two: Old Testament
2. The Law And The Prophets
3. The Greek Old Testament
4. The Old Testament Becomes A New Book
5. The Christian Canon Of The Old Testament: A. In The East
6. The Christian Canon Of The Old Testament: B. In The Latin West
7. Before And After The ReformationPart Three: New Testament
8. Writings Of The New Era
9. Marcion
10. Valentinus And His School
11. The Catholic Response
12. The Muratorian Fragment
13. Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Novatian
14. Tertullian, Cyprian And Others
15. The Alexandrian Fathers
16. Eusebius Of Caesarea
17. Athanasius And After
18. The West In The Fourth Century To Jerome
19. Augustine To The End Of The Middle Ages
20. The New Testament Canon In The Age Of PrintingPart Four: Conclusion
21. Criteria Of Canonicity
22. A Canon Within The Canon?
23. Canon, Criticism And InterpretationAppendix 1: The ‘Secret’ Gospel Of Mark
Appendix 2: Primary Sense And Plenary Sense
Bibliography
Index
Additional Info
How did the books of the Bible come to be recognized as Holy Scripture?Who decided what shape the canon should take?
What criteria influenced these decisions?
After nearly nineteen centuries the canon of Scripture still remains an issue of debate. Protestants, Catholics and the Orthodox all have slightly differing collections of documents in their Bibles. Martin Luther, one of the early leaders of the Reformation, questioned the inclusion of the book of James in the canon. And many Christians today, while confessing the authority of all of Scripture, tend to rely on only a few books and particular themes while ignoring the rest.
Scholars have raised many other questions as well. Research into second-century Gnostic texts have led some to argue that politics played a significant role in the formation of the Christian canon. Assessing the influence of ancient communities and a variety of disputes on the final shaping of the canon call for ongoing study.
In this significant historical study, F. F. Bruce brings the wisdom of a lifetime of reflection and biblical interpretation to bear in answering the questions and clearing away the confusion surrounding the Christian canon of Scripture. Adept in both Old and New Testament studies, he brings a rare comprehensive perspective to his task.
Though some issues have shifted since the original publication of this book, it still remains a significant landmark and touchstone for further studies.
-
Inexpressible : Hesed And The Mystery Of Gods Loving Kindness
$18.00Add to cartPreface: The Untranslatable Defining The Inexpressible
Introduction: A Word On The Meaning Of WordsPart I. The God Of Hesed
1. Opening The Door
2. The Definitive Encounter
3. Slow To Anger
4. Like No Other God
5. An Everlasting Refrain
6. A Prayer Of Honest RagePart II. The Objects Of Hesed
7. When Dinah Held My Hand
8. The Heseds Of David
9. Ethan: “I Will Sing”
10. Moses: “In The Morning”
11. Jeremiah: “I Am Hesed”
12. Hosea: A Novel Of HesedPart III. Hesed Finally Defined
13. Hesed And Truth
14. On Jesus’ Lips
15. How To Amaze Jesus
16. The One Who Showed Hesed
17. Paul And The Path To RedemptionPart IV. An Instinct For Hesed
18. Here, Rabbi, Take My Seat
19. Hesed In Post-AD 70 Judaism
20. Gemilut Hesed And Tikkun OlamConclusion: Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly: The Monumental Nature Of Kindness
Afterword
Acknowledgments
Appendix A: Occurrences Of Hesed In Scripture
Appendix B: Comparison Of Translations
Appendix C: A Vocabulary Of Associated Words
Appendix D: For Further Study
Notes
Bibliography
Scripture IndexAdditional Info
God’s identity is beyond what we could ever fully express in human words. But Scripture uses one particular word to describe the distinctiveness of God’s character: the Hebrew word hesed.Hesed is a concept so rich in meaning that it doesn’t translate well into any single English word or phrase. Michael Card unpacks the many dimensions of hesed, often expressed as lovingkindness, covenant faithfulness, or steadfast love. He explores how hesed is used in the Old Testament to reveal God’s character and how he relates to his people. Ultimately, the fullness of hesed is embodied in the incarnation of Jesus.
As we follow our God of hesed, we ourselves are transformed to live out the way of hesed, marked by compassion, mercy, and faithfulness. Discover what it means to be people of an everlasting love beyond words.
-
Family Its Complicated
$12.99Add to cartThe health of our families is the health of our nation. From the first book of the Bible to the latest news headline, every household has its own generational story of how they interacted, reacted, and treated one another. While some of the biblical accounts are encouraging, some are filled with unexplainable dysfunction–and these troubles still plague modern-day families. Why are we angry? Why are there so many single-parent homes? Why do we suffer with addictions?
So much of our own brokenness is rooted in our childhoods. In a study on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), researchers found an alarming percentage of adults who had grown up abused and neglected in dysfunctional homes, which has resulted in a myriad of health, mental, and family issues. Although we can’t go back and mend our childhoods, we do have the ability to break the cycle of brokenness and encourage our own children and others that they indeed have the power to live better lives.
This small-group or individual Bible study offers reactive solutions and brings to light information about ACEs by discussing dysfunctional similarities between families found in Genesis and today’s families. The balance of anecdotes, statistics, and study questions will enable you to proactively dig to the roots of your struggles and empower you to rebuild and form healthier, stronger family relationships.
-
Testimony Of Christ
$17.95Add to cartIn a world with so many voices telling us how to find God and how to know him, how can we know what is the truth? How can we separate what is true from what is false? Jesus said that we can know the truth and that the truth will make us free.
Author Stephen W. Lange writes an enlightening book showing how we can know the truth about God and Christ. Jesus Christ said there were four witnesses that corroborate his testimony-John the Baptist, the miracles Jesus performed, the witness of God the Father, and the prophecy about the Messiah from the Old Testament. Stephen highlights the testimony of Christ and examines the four witnesses that corroborate it. Stephen then explores the doctrines of Christ and what they mean for people today.
We can know the truth of God. We only have to examine the evidence.
-
Basics For Believers
$13.99Add to cartChristians taking their first steps of faith, as well as experienced believers reexamining their spiritual foundations, will find wisdom in this study of Philippians and the disciplines of the Christian life. They’ll be encouraged to let the cross shape their outlook on suffering, emulate worthy Christian role models, persevere by developing seven virtues, and put the gospel first in all aspects of life.
-
Textual Criticism Of The Bible (Revised)
$24.99Add to cartTextual Criticism of the Bible provides a starting point for the study of both Old and New Testament textual criticism. In this book, you will be introduced to the world of biblical manuscripts and learn how scholars analyze and evaluate all of that textual data to bring us copies of the Bible in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that can be used for translating the Bible into modern languages. Textual Criticism of the Bible surveys the field, explains technical terminology, and demonstrates in numerous examples how various textual questions are evaluated. Complicated concepts are clearly explained and illustrated to prepare readers for further study with either more advanced texts on textual criticism or scholarly commentaries with detailed discussions of textual issues. You may not become a textual critic after reading this book, but you will be well prepared to make use of a wide variety of text-critical resources.
-
Believe The Unbelievable
$9.99Add to cartA Teleioteti Title
Believe the Unbelievable guides the reader in a study of the book of Habakkuk, considering its theology and application to the life of a Christian. It features an introduction to Habakkuk as part of the Old Testament, 10 chapters with study questions, and theological and exegetical excurses throughout. Ideal for group and individual study.
-
Upside Down Living Parenting
$9.99Add to cartRaising kids is hard enough. But raising kids to heed Jesus upside-down call away from status and power and toward service and sharing? It can seem almost impossible. So how can parents model countercultural choices? What habits can help families joyfully follow Christ instead of the latest trend? Gather with your faith community to search the Scriptures and discuss how to raise faithful kids in the twenty-first century.
Weary of Christian faith wrapped in a flag and trapped in your heart? Tired of faith as usual? Live out your Christian faith through the lens of Jesus. Follow values that seem so counter-cultural they appear to be upside down. Each compelling six-session Upside Down Living Bible study helps us encounter the teachings of Jesus and wrestle with living out the kingdom here and now. The Bible isn’t a cookbook with solutions for every ethical dilemma, but it helps us raise the right questions, encounter the teachings of Jesus, and discover new ways of faithful living in the world. Ideal for Sunday school or Bible study sessions, each topical study covers a specific theme or issue, and comes with thought-provoking discussion questions and activities. Be inspired and transformed in your faith. Live upside down. -
Bible Unwrapped : Making Sense Of Scripture Today
$30.99Add to cartMany people have questions about Scripture they are too afraid to ask. Drawing from the best of contemporary biblical scholarship and the ancient well of Christian tradition, scholar and preacher Meghan L. Good helps readers consider why the Bible matters. The Bible Unwrapped delves into issues like biblical authority, literary genre, and Christ-centered hermeneutics, and calls readers beyond either knee-jerk biblicism, on the one hand, or skeptical disregard on the other. Instead, Good invites readers to faithful reading, communal discernment, and deep and transformative wonder about Scripture. Join an honest conversation about the Bible that is spiritually alive and intellectually credible. Read the ancient story of God in the world. You may even learn to love it.
-
Discovering The New Testament Volume 1 The Gospels And Acts
$49.99Add to cartDiscovering the New Testament is a new and comprehensive introduction to the New Testament in three volumes, reflecting current research and scholarship in New Testament studies. Each volume provides a thorough discussion of background issues as well as treating theological themes and practical application.The first volume on the Gospels and Acts covers Jewish and Greco–Roman backgrounds, critical methodologies, the synoptic problem, and surveys each of the four gospels and Acts. It concludes with three chapters that explore the key theme of the kingdom of God, including its Old Testament background, the place of miracles, and an examination of Jesus’ parables. Ideal for college or seminary students, the volumes provide numerous maps and charts, as well as discussion questions for each chapter and a focus on real–life relevance and application. Forthcoming volumes will focus on Paul (Vol. 2) and the general epistles and Revelation (Vol. 3).
-
Finding Favour In The Sight Of God
$28.00Add to cartSeries Preface
Author’s Preface
List Of Abbreviations
1. The Problem Of Wisdom Literature In Old Testament Theology
2. The Message Of Proverbs 1-9
3. The Hermeneutics Of Proverbs
4. The Theology Of Proverbs
5. Theological Issues In Job 1-3
6. Divine Retribution, Suffering And God’s Justice (Job 4-26)
7. Where Is Wisdom To Be Found? (Job 27-42)
8. Key Questions Concerning The Book Of Ecclesiastes
9. The Message Of Qohelet
10. The Theology Of Ecclesiastes
11. Jesus And Wisdom
Bibliography
Index Of Names
Index Of Scripture ReferencesAdditional Info
There has been an explosion of interest in wisdom literature, and many studies are now available. There is every opportunity for people to “get wisdom, get insight” (Prov. 4:5). However, in today’s world it seems the practical sensibilities that come from wisdom are found in very few places. Wisdom literature is needed now more than ever. By walking in the way of wisdom, we will “find favour and good success in the sight of God and man” (Prov. 3:4).In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, Richard Belcher begins with a survey of the problem of wisdom literature in Old Testament theology. Subsequent chapters focus on the message and theology of the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. These point forward to the need for Christ and the gospel. Belcher concludes by exploring the relationship of Christ to wisdom in terms of his person, work, and teaching ministry.
Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.
-
Phoebe : A Story
$28.00Add to cartSometime around 56 AD, the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome. He entrusted this letter to Phoebe, whom he describes as the deacon of the church at Cenchreae and a patron of many. But who was this remarkable woman?
Biblical scholar and popular author and speaker Paula Gooder imagines Phoebe’s story?who she was, the life she lived, and her first-century faith?and in doing so opens up Paul’s world, giving a sense of the cultural and historical pressures that shaped his thinking and the faith of the early church. Rigorously researched, this is a book for anyone who wants to engage more deeply and imaginatively with Paul’s theology.
-
Old Testament Theology
$50.00Add to cartPreface
1. Old Testament Theology: History And Methodology
2. The God Who Creates – Genesis
3. The One God Who Delivers Instructs – Exodus
4. The One God Who Is Holy – Leviticus
5. The God Who Expects Faithfulness – Numbers
6. The God Who Renews The Covenant – Deuteronomy
7. The God Who Gives Rest In The Land – Joshua
8. The God Who Disciplines Delivers – Judges
9. The God Who Protects, Blesses And Assesses – Samuel
10. The God Whose Word Shapes History – 1-2 Kings
11. The God Who Saves – Isaiah
12. The God Who Enforces The Covenant – Jeremiah
13. The God Who Is Present – Ezekiel
14. The God Who Keeps Promises – The Book Of The Twelve
15. The God Who Rules – Psalms
16. The God Who Is Worth Serving – Job
17. The God Who Reveals Wisdom – Proverbs
18. The God Who Extends Mercy To The Faithful – Ruth
19. The God Who Oversees Male-Female Sexuality – Song Of Solomon
20. The God Who Defines Meaningful Living – Ecclesiastes
21. The God Who Is Righteous Faithful – Lamentations
22. The God Who Protects The Exiles – Esther
23. The God Who Protects, Discloses Rules – Daniel
24. The God Who Restores Remnants To The Land – Ezra-Nehemiah
25. The God Who Elects, Chastens Restores – 1-2 Chronicles
26. The God Of The Old Testament: A Summary
Appendix: Old Testament Theology Since 1993Notes
Bibliography
Subject Index
Author Index
Scripture IndexAdditional Info
The discipline of Old Testament theology continues to be in flux as diverse approaches vie for dominance. Paul House serves as our guide-without being partisan or uninformed-exploring each Old Testament book, summarizing its content and showing its theological significance within the whole of the Old Testament canon. Readers with little prior background will find House’s thematic surveys particularly helpful for coming to grips with basic biblical content as well as for probing the theological nuances of individual parts of the canon. The book concludes by forging a set of summary statements concerning God and his character, the people of God, and links between the Old and New Testaments that suggest avenues for the exploration of a full biblical theology.Old Testament Theology offers an overview of the discipline and a fair treatment of differing views while remaining unabashedly evangelical. Readers will welcome the obvious passion of its author for the subject matter. Student friendly and useful to a wide audience, this impressive work has proved a profitable read for many. -
Earths Last Empire
$24.99Add to cartBible prophecy clearly reveals that immediately prior to the rapture of the Church, four powerful kings will race onto the stage of world history. Pastor Hagee reveals who they are, where they come from, and what they signify. Learn why Hagee believes that we are in the beginning stages of World War III, and how this will eventually take us to the Battle of Armageddon. Pastor Hagee vividly describes the key players that signify the King is coming!
-
Angels : What The Bible Really Says About God’s Heavenly Host
$19.99Add to cartWhat does the Bible really tell us about the heavenly host?
Everyone knows that angels have wings, usually carry harps, and that each of us has our own personal guardian angel, right? We all have some preconceptions about angels from movies, television shows, and other media, but you might be surprised to know that a lot of those notions aren’t based on anything from the Bible. If you read Luke 1:26-38 and imagine the angel Gabriel standing before Mary with neatly folded white wings, you’re not getting that picture from anything the Bible itself says.
What the Bible really says about angels is overlooked or filtered through popular myths. This book was written to help change that. It’s a book about the loyal members of God’s heavenly host, and while most people associate them with the word “angel,” that’s just one of many terms the Bible uses for supernatural beings.
In The Unseen Realm Michael Heiser opened the eyes of thousands to seeing the Bible through the supernatural worldview of the ancient world it was written in. In his latest book, Angels, Dr. Heiser reveals what the Bible really says about God’s supernatural servants. Heiser focuses on loyal, holy heavenly beings because the Bible has a lot more to say about them than most people suspect. Most people presume all there is to know about angels is what has been passed on in Christian tradition, but in reality, that tradition is quite incomplete and often inaccurate.
Angels is not guided by traditions, stories, speculations, or myths about angels. Heiser’s study is grounded in the terms the Bible itself uses to describe members of God’s heavenly host; he examines the terms in their biblical context while drawing on insights from the wider context of the ancient Near Eastern world. The Bible’s view on heavenly beings begins with Old Testament terms but then moves into literature from the Second Temple period–Jewish writings from around the fifth century BC to the first century AD. This literature from the time between the Old Testament and the New Testament influenced the New Testament writers in significant ways. With that important background established, the book focuses on what the New Testament tells us about God’s holy ones. Finally, the book reflects on common misconceptions about angels and addresses why the topic is still important and relevant for Christians today.
-
Even Better Than Eden
$19.99Add to cartMost people-Christians and non-Christians alike-are familiar with the garden of Eden, the perfect paradise that God created for the first man and woman. However, many don’t realize the Bible teaches that God is preparing an even better world for his people in the future new creation. In this book, experienced Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie traces 9 themes-the tree of life, garden and wilderness, the image of God, clothing, Sabbath rest, marriage, the seed of the Serpent, the temple, and the city of Jerusalem-throughout the Bible, revealing how God’s plan for the new heaven and the new earth is far better than anything we can possibly imagine.
What’s more, she shows how this better world is already having an impact in the world today. Combining theological depth with warmth and accessibility aimed at addressing today’s needs, this book will help individuals or small groups understand the story of God’s plan for the future of his people.
-
Spiritual Transformation
$14.00Add to cartThis book will take you on a journey of spiritual transformation as St Paul wrote about it in his letters. This spiritual transformation is not only in the way we pray or behave in church but, as this book highlights, it involves all aspects of our daily life so that we may be able to do His good, pleasing and perfect will.
-
Less Than Perfect
$19.99Add to cartWhat can the Bible’s most flawed men and women reveal about who God is and how he reaches out to less-than-perfect people? In Less Than Perfect, bestselling author Ann Spangler takes us beyond cardboard cutouts of 38 biblical characters to show us how these were real individuals who had dreams, temptations, and weaknesses just like us.
Whether considering the murderous Herodias, the scheming Jacob, or the doubting Sarah, Spangler approaches both familiar and lesser known characters with fresh eyes. We meet each of these individuals again as if for the first time as Spangler offers a dramatic retelling of their lives, insight into the historical and cultural context of their time, and key takeaway points for our lives today. Each chapter includes questions for discussion or reflection, making Less Than Perfect ideal for individual or group Bible study.
Entertaining, informative, and inspirational, Less Than Perfect gives you a big picture view of the Bible even as it takes you into the hearts and minds of people with struggles just like yours. As you learn more about the individuals who are part of your spiritual family tree, you’ll discover why God loves to use imperfect people to tell his perfect story of redemption.
-
Wisdom Literature (Student/Study Guide)
$32.99Add to cartIf the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom formed in the life of faith, its end is nothing less than the shaping of a moral self and community attuned to the character of God. This pursuit of wisdom is an ongoing journey, never a simple arrival. For the wisdom writings of the Old Testament, the pursuit of wisdom calls for the ongoing attainment of instruction, insight, shrewdness, knowledge, prudence, learning, and skill. And persons who attain wisdom think more deeply, are more discerning, and have a keener insight into the complexities and nuances of decision making. For a world-perspective that assumes the power and reality of divinity, being wise means living ethically – and to live ethically, one must be in a constant intellectual pursuit of meaning. The book details the structure, themes, and contribution to both ancient and modern society of Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The chapters on Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon will discuss the consonance and dissonance with “canonical wisdom,” giving special attention to the development of their core ideas. The book will conclude with a chapter on Wisdom’s abiding legacy.
-
Born This Way
$19.99Add to cartLady Gaga’s song “Born This Way” has become an anthem for homosexual rights, asserting in a simplistic fashion that same-sex attraction is a trait much like hair or skin color. In Born This Way?, the author surveys the most common scientific arguments in favor of homosexuality and respond to pro-homosexual arguments. A review of the research will show that, while there are some genetic or biological factors that correlate with a higher incidence of same-sex attraction and homosexual behavior, as of yet there is no proof of genetic or biological causation for homosexuality.
-
Early Christian Readings Of Genesis One
$38.00Add to cartAcknowledgments
Abbreviations
IntroductionPart I: Understanding The Context
1. Who Are The Church Fathers, And Why Should I Care?
2. How Not To Read The Church Fathers
3. What Does “Literal” Mean? Patristic Exegesis In ContextPart II: Reading The Fathers
4. Basil The Literalist?
5. Creation Out Of Nothing
6. The Days Of Genesis
7. Augustine On “In The Beginning”
8. On Being Like MosesBibliography
Author Index
Subject Index
Scripture IndexAdditional Info
Do the writings of the church fathers support a literalist interpretation of Genesis 1? Young earth creationists have maintained that they do. And it is sensible to look to the Fathers as a check against our modern biases.But before enlisting the Fathers as ammunition in our contemporary Christian debates over creation and evolution, some cautions are in order. Are we correctly representing the Fathers and their concerns? Was Basil, for instance, advocating a literal interpretation in the modern sense? How can we avoid flattening the Fathers’ thinking into an indexed source book in our quest for establishing their significance for contemporary Christianity?Craig Allert notes the abuses of patristic texts and introduces the Fathers within their ancient context, since the patristic writings require careful interpretation in their own setting. What can we learn from a Basil or Theophilus, an Ephrem or Augustine, as they meditate and expound on themes in Genesis 1? How were they speaking to their own culture and the questions of their day? Might they actually have something to teach us about listening carefully to Scripture as we wrestle with the great axial questions of our own day?Allert’s study prods us to consider whether contemporary evangelicals, laudably seeking to be faithful to Scripture, may in fact be more bound to modernity in our reading of Genesis 1 than we realize. Here is a book that resets our understanding of early Christian interpretation and the contemporary conversation about Genesis 1. -
When In Romans
$20.00Add to cartWhen reading the book of Romans, we often focus on the quotable passages, making brief stopovers and not staying long enough to grasp some of the big ideas it contains. Instead of raiding Paul’s most famous letter for a passage here or a theme there, leading New Testament scholar Beverly Roberts Gaventa invites us to linger in Romans. She asks that we stay with the letter long enough to see how Romans reframes our tidy categories and dramatically enlarges our sense of the gospel.
Containing profound insights written in accessible prose and illuminating references to contemporary culture, this engaging book explores the cosmic dimensions of the gospel that we read about in Paul’s letter. Gaventa focuses on four key issues in Romans–salvation, identity, ethics, and community–that are crucial both for the first century and for our own. As she helps us navigate the book of Romans, she shows that the gospel is far larger, wilder, and more unsettling than we generally imagine it to be.
-
Bare Bible : Uncovering The Bible For The First Time Or The Hundredth
$15.99Add to cartThe Bible holds huge religious, historical and cultural weight, but it can be daunting to approach it with no idea of where to begin, or how to read it. Here enters The Bare Bible, the perfect introductory guide to the Bible. Written with humour and a friendly, accessible tone, author Peter Graystone assumes no prior knowledge from his readers and cheerily sets out on a lively discussion of all the Bible is and isn’t: the various genres found within its pages, the history of how these various books came to be known as the Bible and – most importantly – why, even after all these years, its words are still relevant to us today.
-
Conformed To The Image Of His Son
$38.00Add to cartForeword By N. T. Wright
Preface1. Introduction
1.1 Getting To This Point
1.2 A Few Notes On Methodology
1.3 Outline And Agenda For Each Section
AbbreviationsPart I: The Hope Of Glory In Romans 5-8
2. Glory And Glorification In Jewish Literature
2.1 A Discussion Of Semiotics
2.2 Glory And Glorification In The LXX
2.3 Glory And Glorification In Apocalyptic Literature
2.4 Conclusion3. Humanity’s Glory And Glorification In Romans
3.1 Humanity’s Glory And Glorification In Romans: Current Approaches
3.2 Humanity’s Glory And Glorification In Romans: Considerations
3.3 Paul’s Anthropological “Narrative Of Glory” In Romans
3.4 Conclusion4. Participation In Christ’s Glory
4.1 Participation As A Foundational Motif In Pauline Literature
4.2 Participation Elsewhere
4.3 ConclusionPart II: Romans 8:29
5. Image Of The Son
5.1 Son Of God Backgrounds
5.2 Christ As Messiah-A Presupposition
5.3 Son Of God As The Davidic Messiah
5.4 Son Of God As The New Adam
5.5 Conclusion6. Participation In The Firstborn Son’s Glory
6.1 Adoption Into God’s Eschatological Family: The Basis Of Conformity
6.2 Participation In The Son’s Inheritance And Glory In Romans 8:17
6.3 A Reglorified Humanity In Romans 8:30
6.4 Conclusion7. Purposed For Conformity
7.1 God’s Eternal Decree: Called With A Purpose: Romans 8:28-30
7.2 Called With A Present Purpose: Romans 8:17-30
7.3 Conclusion8. Conclusion
8.1 Alternative Proposals
8.2 Chapter Conclusions
8.3 Summary Of The ArgumentBibliography
Name Index
Subject Index
Scripture IndexAdditional Info
With its soaring affirmations and profound statements of salvation in Christ, Romans 8 is a high point in Pauline theology. But what does Paul mean when in 8:29 he speaks of being “conformed to the image of his Son”?Remarkably, there has been little scholarly attention awarded to this Pauline statement of the goal of salvation. And yet in Christian piety, preaching, and theology, this is a treasured phrase. Surprisingly, its meaning has been variously and ambiguously expressed. Is it a moral or spiritual or sanctifying conformity to Christ, or to his suffering, or does it point to an eschatological transformation into radiant glory?In Conformed to the Image of His Son, Haley Goranson Jacob probes and reopens a text perhaps too familiar and a meaning too often assumed. If conformity to the image of the Son is the goal of salvation, a proper understanding is paramount. Jacob points out that the key lies in the meaning of “glory” in Paul’s biblical-theological perspective and in how he uses the language of glory in Romans. For this investigation of glory alone, her study would be valuable for the fresh understanding she brings to Paul’s narrative of glory. But in introducing a new and compelling reading of Romans 8:29, this is a study that makes a strong bid to reorient our understanding of Paul’s classic statement of the goal of salvation. -
Good Samaritan : Discover The Scriptures Jesus And Luke Used In Luke 10:30-
$9.99Add to cartThe account of the Good Samaritan in Luke has been examined by many scholars. Yet, in examining over 100 commentaries on the passage, very few even mention the account in the Hebrew Scriptures that Jesus drew from to present his teaching. These few that mention the account in the Hebrew Scriptures mostly only mention a possible relationship between the two passages. Far fewer still, acknowledge and examine the passage in the Hebrew Scriptures that the account in Luke comments upon, which is from a different passage yet. This pastoral commentary on the Good Samaritan(s) examines the different passages and the interactions between the different accounts. This new approach yields exciting new avenues for Scriptural study and preaching. Jesus never mentions why the man in Luke was beaten and robbed or who the robbers were and why they attacked the man. However, these inferences can be made to better understand Jesus’ teaching and Luke’s writing.
-
Honoring The Son
$15.99Add to cartBefore the New Testament or the creeds of the church were written–the devotional practices of the earliest Christians indicate that they worshipped Jesus alongside the Father.
Larry W. Hurtado has been one of the leading scholars on early Christology for decades. In Honoring the Son: Jesus in Earliest Christian Devotional Practice, Hurtado helps readers understand early Christology by examining not just what early Christians believed or wrote about Jesus, but what their devotional practices tell us about the place of Jesus in early Christian worship.
Drawing on his extensive knowledge of early Christian origins and scholarship on New Testament Christology, Hurtado examines the distinctiveness of early Christian worship by comparing it to both Jewish worship patterns and worship practices within the broader Roman–era religious environment. He argues that the inclusion of the risen Jesus alongside the Father in early Christian devotional practices was a distinct and unique religious phenomenon within its ancient context. Additionally, Hurtado demonstrates that this remarkable development was not invented decades after the resurrection of Christ as some scholars once claimed. Instead, the New Testament suggests that Jesus–followers, very quickly after the resurrection of Christ, began to worship the Son alongside the Father. Honoring the Son offers a look into the worship habits of the earliest Christians to understand the place of Jesus in early Christian devotion.
-
House Of El Shaddai
$44.99Add to cartA Project 314 Title
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” – Exodus 25:8
How was God’s house created? At Mount Sinai, God gave Israel plans to build a special “Tabernacle” so that he might dwell among his people. Although the Exodus Tabernacle or “dwelling place” is thought of as a portable and temporary structure, the divine tent first erected in the Sinai wilderness remained in use for 480 years, outlasting both Solomon’s Temple and the second Temple built by Zerubabel in Jerusalem.
After God’s tent was lost to history, it seems that Moses’ plans for God’s house were similarly lost in translation. How so? Relying more upon on religious tradition than the original Exodus texts themselves, scholars imagine the beams, bars, curtains, and coverings to form a rectangular Tabernacle structure and courtyard barrier. However, in The House of El Shaddai, Tabernacle orthodoxy is seriously reconsidered in the light of recent discoveries made in the Hebrew Exodus texts. Contrary to tradition, Tabernacle construction begins with the understanding that the curtains are not joined on the long edges, but rather on the short and “outermost” edges. Trivial as this detail may seem, the resulting curtain arrangement and measurement ultimately reveals the Hebrews’ tent featured a circular Tabernacle perimeter (boasting a circumference of 314 and diameter of 100 cubits), conveying p (PI) more accurately than known to any other ancient culture. Instead of being part of a bizarre four layer roof–as tradition also assumes–the curtain assembly is used to create fabric walls, which encircle an enormous domed yurt-like structure, which is likewise the logical outworking of the Tabernacle hardware rearrangement per literal Exodus texts.
With the help of hundreds of annotated high definition images and colorful diagrams, The House of El Shaddai demonstrates the cunning and divine design of the Tabernacle that has been “hidden in plain sight” in Moses’ writings for scores of generations. Written for an English audience, The House of El Shaddai proves beyond a reasonable doubt how the long edges are the wrong edges, and why nearly every Bible translation made for thousands of years following the introduction of Septuagint has drifted off course based on the misinterpretation of a single verse.
See firsthand how plans for God’s original Tabernacle come alive after being lost for scores of generations, revealing a massive tent towering perhaps
-
Introduction To Israels Wisdom Traditions
$28.99Add to cartIt can be a challenge to understand wisdom’s place in Israel’s salvific history, but John L. McLaughlin makes this complicated genre straightforward and accessible.
This introductory-level textbook begins by explaining the meaning of wisdom to the Israelites and surrounding cultures before moving into the conventions of the genre and its poetic forms. The heart of the book explores the wisdom books themselves: Proverbs, Job, Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes), and the deuterocanonical Ben Sira and Wisdom of Solomon. McLaughlin also points to where wisdom is expressed in the historical books and in the New Testament.
Designed especially for beginning students, An Introduction to Israel’s Wisdom Traditions offers an informed, panoramic view of wisdom literature’s place in the biblical canon.
-
Old Testament Wisdom Literature
$38.00Add to cartPreface
Abbreviations
Introduction1. An Introduction To Old Testament Wisdom
2. The Ancient World Of Wisdom
3. The Poetry Of Wisdom And The Wisdom Of Poetry
4. Proverbs
5. Women, Wisdom And Valor
6. Job
7. Where Can Wisdom Be Found?
8. Ecclesiastes
9. For Everything There Is A Season
10. Jesus, The Wisdom Of God
11. The Theology Of Old Testament Wisdom
12. The Theology Of Wisdom TodayAuthor Index
Subject Index
Scripture IndexAdditional Info
The books of Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes are rooted in the order created by the one true God. Their steady gaze penetrates to the very nature of created reality and leads us toward peace and human flourishing. Craig Bartholomew and Ryan O’Dowd tune our ears to hear once again Lady Wisdom calling in the streets.Old Testament Wisdom Literature provides an informed introduction to the Old Testament wisdom books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job. Establishing the books in the context of ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions and literature, the authors move beyond the scope of typical introductions to discuss the theological and hermeneutical implications of this literature. -
Better Than Yesterday Workbook (Workbook)
$11.99Add to cartWe long to forget the daunting memories of failure, poor choices, hurt, and regrets. Can we escape our past of misery and heartbreak? This companion to “Better than Yesterday” will help you to answer that question in a simple, yet, practical, interactive, self-reflective format. Do the work to break free and stay free.
-
Mission Of God
$55.00Add to cartPreface
IntroductionPart I: The Bible And Mission
1. Searching For A Missional Hermeneutic
2. Shaping A Missional HermeneuticPart II: The God Of Mission
3. The Living God Makes Himself Known In Israel
4. The Living God Makes Himself Known In Jesus Christ
5. The Living God Confronts IdolatryPart III: The People Of Mission
6. God’s Elect People: Chosen For Blessing
7. God’s Particular People: Chosen For All
8. God’s Model Of Redemption: The Exodus
9. God’s Model Of Restoration: The Jubilee
10. The Span Of God’s Missional Covenant
11. The Life Of God’s Missional PeoplePart IV: The Arena Of Mission
12. Mission And God’s Earth
13. Mission And God’s Image
14. God And The Nations In Old Testament Vision
15. God And The Nations In New Testament MissionConclusion
Bibliography
IndexesAdditional Info
Most Christians would agree that the Bible provides a basis for mission. But Christopher Wright boldly maintains that there is a missional basis for the Bible! The entire Bible is generated by and all about God’s mission.In order to understand the Bible, we need a missional hermeneutic, an interpretive perspective in tune with this great missional theme. We need to see how the familiar bits and pieces fit into the grand narrative of Scripture.
Beginning with the Old Testament and its groundwork for understanding who God is, what he has called his people to be and do, and how the nations fit into God’s mission, Wright gives us a new hermeneutical perspective on Scripture. This perspective provides a solid and expansive basis for holistic mission. God’s mission is to reclaim the world-including the created order-and God’s people have a designated role to play.
-
Finding The Love Of Jesus From Genesis To Revelation (Reprinted)
$15.00Add to cartIn this sweeping overview of the Bible, Elyse Fitzpatrick reveals how each section–the Law, history, poetry, epistles–points to God’s eternal love for you and the good news of redemption through Christ. You’ll find yourself drawn to the Bible like never before as you begin to see Jesus on every page.
-
Lost World Of The Flood (Student/Study Guide)
$22.00Add to cart“The flood continued forty days on the earth; and the waters increased, and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth . . . and the ark floated on the face of the waters” (Gen 6:17-18 NRSV).
In our modern age the Genesis flood account has been probed and analyzed for answers to scientific, apologetic, and historical questions. It is a text that has called forth flood geology, fueled searches for remnants of the ark on Mount Ararat, and inspired a full-size replica of Noah’s ark in a biblical theme park. Some claim that the very veracity of Scripture hinges on a particular reading of the flood narrative. But do we understand what we are reading?
Longman and Walton urge us to hit the pause button and ask, what might the biblical author have been saying to his ancient audience? The answer to our quest to rediscover the biblical flood requires that we set aside our own cultural and interpretive assumptions and visit the distant world of the ancient Near East. Responsible interpretation calls for the patient examination of the text within its ancient context of language, literature, and thought structures. And as we return from that lost world to our own, we will need to ask whether geological science supports the notion of flood geology.
The story of Noah and the flood will continue to invite questions and explorations. But to read Longman and Walton is put our feet on firmer interpretive ground. Without attempting to answer all of our questions, they lift the fog of modernity and allow the sunlight to reveal the true contours of the text. As with other books in the Lost World series, The Lost World of the Flood is an informative and enlightening journey toward a more responsible reading of a timeless biblical narrative.
