A Reader's Hebrew Bible Reviewed in RBL

Hallvard Hagelia of Ansgar College and Theological Seminary (Kristiansand, Norway) has submitted a helpful review (PDF) of the major features fo RHB along with a simple explanation of the purpose and proper use of this tool. Hagelia found this tool to be "a very helpful first aid for the not so trained Hebrew reader." He congratulates the editors with the following words:

RHB is made and edited by two persons in cooperation: A. Philip Brown II at God’s Bible School and College, Cincinnati; and Bryan W. Smith at Bob Jones University Press, Greenville, South Carolina—pious people who have seen it as a service to God to work out what came out to be the RHB. Their meticulous work is, in short, admirable—congratulations!

If you haven't purchased a copy, I highly recommend it.

A Reader’s Hebrew Bible. Edited by A. Philip Brown II & Bryan W. Smith. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008. Italian Duo-Tone™, pp. xxiii + 1,652 pages.

Related Posts -

• Q&A with Philip Brown: A Reader's Hebrew Bible | Part One
• Q&A with Philip Brown: A Reader's Hebrew Bible | Part Two
• Q&A with Bryan Smith: A Reader's Hebrew Bible

A Reader's Hebrew Bible Reviewed in RBL

Thomas Smyth on "The Christian in the World"

It is the Christian who truly recognizes the paramount claims of Christ, and who lives in loving obedience to him in his own heart, that will also think and feel and pray and labor and give most for the city, the state, the country, and the world. ...

Christianity provides abundantly, by example, precept, motive, and command, for all the duties of friendship and good neighborhood; for all honor, honesty, and integrity in social life; for all generous liberality, enterprise, and devotions to the public good; for all patriotic services and sacrifices for our country's honor and prosperity.

(The Rev. Thomas Smyth, D. D., Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, Charleston, SC. Why Do I Live? New York: American Tract Society, nd, 126-27.)

Thomas Smyth on "The Christian in the World"

An Alternative to Dispensational Premillennialism

Okay, I have finished reading the free excerpt of A Case for Historic Premillennialism edited by Craig L. Blaising and Sung Wook Chung. I have avoided reading books on the rapture and the millennium ever since taking two back-to-back semesters of Eschatology. The first semester was at a dispensationalist school and the second semester was a class audited at a reformed school. The text book required at the dispensationalist school was not worth the time or money spent. It was out dated, over-simplistic, and full of broad generalizations and mis-characterizations. I won't even mention the title. The best feature of the class was a reading list of some of the major work from the various millennialist and rapturist camps. One of the major flaws of the reading list (and of the class) was the lack of discussion of historic premillennialism and progressive premillennialism (the later being a recent development at that time).

I spent most of my time reading the non-pretrib and non-premill positions because they were the most unfamiliar to me. Many of the authors were disappointing because they continued to resort to ranting against scholars and teachers who espoused opposing viewpoints. Many spent more time tearing down opposing positions than exegetically substantiating their own. Many authors engaged in so many "exegetical gymnastics" that it was next to impossible to reproduce their arguments with any confidence. Of all the books I read, George E. Ladd offered the most help. His books, The Blessed Hope and The Last Things where two that I read for the first semester. I found in Ladd a scholar interested more in careful study than in bombastic and irrational tirades against those who held to different positions. This is not to say that he does not engage in criticizing the other positions. He certainly does. But it was the tenor of his writing that went a long way with me. To that, he took the time to carefully deal with the various texts, consulting each texts immediate and Biblical context.

Ladd states in his little book, The Last Things, that his eschatological position was derived from a recognition of progressive revelation and a conviction that the Old Testament is to be interpreted by the New Testament. He explains further that,

Dispensationalists usually refer to this as covenantal theology because it emphasizes the element of unity between the Old and the New Covenants. However, the present writer who supports this method does not do so because he was raised in covenantal theology; in fact, in his earliest years he was a Dispensationalist. it has been through his own inductive study of the Bible that he has become convinced that the Old testament must be interpreted (and often reinterpreted) by the new revelation given in the person and mission of Jesus Christ. (p. 10)

This posture won me over. I was tired of the intricacies of the dispensational system. I had questions about many of the details that no one else answered convincingly. So much of the system depends upon major presuppositions. More so, a major factor in the system is an emotional appeal.

The second semester of eschatology launched me into Anthony Hoekema's The Bible and the Future and Herman Bavinck's The Last Things. These two books were challenging and helpful, and are among the few best textbooks I ever purchased for any class. Reading through these major works was very helpful and Morton H. Smith was a gracious and competent teacher. During this semester, I found myself going back and reevaluating the dispensationalist position I had been taught thus far. I had not fully cast it off, so I struggled to attempt to answer the difficult issues we discussed by re-reading the key Biblical texts and checking them with some of the major dispensationalist authors.

In the end, I must admit that I was exhausted. However, I'm glad that I went through this struggle. I was not convinced that either amillennialism or postmillennialism had better answers, and I did not fully drop my premillennial position. What I was most certain about is that good and sound people will always disagree on these issues, and that the real key is how we reflect the grace of God in our study and discussion of these matters. Morton Smith facetiously commented on a number of occasions that he was a pan-millennialist: he believed that it would all pan out in the end. His point in this is that Christians must be gracious with one another in the negotiable details of eschatology.

I've written all of this to say that I'm very glad for what I've seen so far in A Case for Historic Premillennialism edited by Craig L. Blaising and Sung Wook Chung. These men have provided for the church a helpful resource that I believe is more exegetically and theologically sound than the other premillennial alternatives. This book follows in the tradition of George E. Ladd both in scholarship and tone. Timothy Weber's essay "Dispensational and Historic Premillennialism as Popular Millennialist Movements" is thorough, critical at points and reserved at others, and compelling.

In this essay Weber surveys the millennarian landscape providing an overview of its major epochs. The most pertinent sections are the final two: "The New Premillennialism Comes to America" which chronicles the rise of Darbyism and the Niagra Conference; and "Comparing Dispensational and Historic Premillennial Movements" which shows how dispensationalists have been able to capture the imagination of the masses (from the commoner to top world politicians) by its "ability to link prophecy with current events" (p. 17). Weber continues,

With the Bible in one hand and the morning newspaper in the other, dispensationalist teachers have been able to make a case for their view of the world and what is going to happen next. No millennialist movement retains its audience for long unless it is able to do this consistently or else adjust its system when history takes an unexpected turn. Dispensationalism has always been able to do both. (pp. 17-18)

Once dispensationalism was wed to Fundamentalism, historic premillennialists found few options among them. I have seen this first hand.

Once fundamentalists put dispensationalism on their list of orthodox nonnegotiables, they in effect hung out a sign: “Nondispensationalists need not apply.” (p. 19)

However,

Dispensationalism maintained its hegemony as long as the fundamentalist movement stayed strong and united. But maintaining unity was not a fundamentalist strong suit. By the 1940s many second-generation fundamentalists began calling for reforms, and by the 1950s many openly advocated a new evangelicalism that toned down some of fundamentalism’s less appealing features, such as its separatism, legalism, anti-intellectualism, and general bad manners. The new evangelical adjustments frequently included the reconsideration of eschatology, which opened the door for people such as George Eldon Ladd, probably the greatest historical premillennialist of them all. (p. 19)

Two key works by Ladd gave rise to historic premillennialism's "comback":

1. Crucial Questions about the Kingdom of God (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1952)
   
2. The Blessed Hope (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1956)

Of course he and others, as Weber explains, paid a heavy price for their nonconformity. John A. D'Elia provides a glimpse into this fact in A Place at the Table: George Eldon Ladd and the Rehabilitation of Evangelical Scholarship in America (Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2008).

Weber concludes his essay but detailing the major differences between dispensational premillennialism and historic premillennialism. The following excerpts stood out to me:

They believe many of the same things about the future that dispensationalists do, but they do not spend their energy figuring out elaborate scenarios or creating prophetic charts or battle maps of future wars. They host not a single Post-tribulational Prophecy and the News program on cable television, nor do they sell board or video games based on their view of the future. In comparison to dispensationalists, they do not seem to be trying very hard. (p. 20)

Most writing on historic premillennialism is not intended for the masses; most of it is written by scholars for scholars. In contrast to most dispensationalist writing, it aims high and thus misses a more popular audience. Every successful millennialist movement has both highbrow and lowbrow elements. (p. 20)

It is very significant that the best-selling dispensationalist books of all time are fictionalized accounts of the end-times scenario: no careful exegesis there, no laborious comparisons with other alternatives, just a ripping good story told well. (p. 21)

As separatist fundamentalism has lost ground to a more inclusive evangelicalism, so has dispensationalism to historic premillennialism. When once fervent dispensationalists tire of their movement’s lowbrow excesses or can no longer accept its exegetical arguments, they move to historic premillennialism, which is the most logical fallback position for those who want an alternative. More and more evangelicals are coming to the conclusion that dispensationalism is not the only way of being premillennialist. (p. 22)

Some of these statements may seem a bit severe, but I believe that they are fair, and I'm glad to finally see a work like this made available.

An Alternative to Dispensational Premillennialism

Blomberg and Chung on Eschatological Positions and Fellowship

I'm reading through the free excerpt of A Case for Historic Premillennialism edited by Craig L. Blaising and Sung Wook Chung. I grew up and was educated in the situation described in the first three sentences. My heart beats in time with the final two!

Only a few decades ago it was commonplace for eschatology to be overemphasized in evangelical church and parachurch settings. Seminars, conferences, and preaching series regularly featured as-yet-unfulfilled biblical prophecy. Pretribulational premillennialism could be made a litmus test of correct doctrine and/or fellowship. Many younger Christians have recognized that these trends assigned these concerns to a much more central place in Christian theology than they deserved, and they have, understandably, swung the pendulum in the other direction, sometimes to the point of almost disregarding eschatology altogether. In other cases, a healthy balance has been struck by removing a requirement that a particular view on the millennium or the rapture form part of a church or parachurch ministry’s doctrinal statement that all of its members must affirm, even as teaching continues periodically on these topics and people are guided to see what is and is not at stake in the debates.

It is a shame that so many prominent and influential ministries are still persisting in the former schismatic tradition!

Blomberg and Chung on Eschatological Positions and Fellowship

James Resseguie's The Revelation of John

A couple of days ago I came across a fascinating new title from Baker Academic: James L. Resseguie's The Revelation of John: A Narrative Commentary (2009). An excerpt of the Preface and Introduction (45 pages) is available to be downloaded here. I would encourage you to read it. Resseguie offers a well-documented and fascinating analysis of the literary elements found in the book of Revelation. In doing so, he supplies a helpful primer on narrative analysis.



ISBNs: 080103213X / 9780801032134

Narrative criticism, as I understand, is a relatively new tool used by Biblical commentators. Of course secular literary critics have applied this tool to other forms of literature for years, but within the last 20 years narrative studies and commentaries on Biblical books have begun to appear in theological journals and commentary series. NT scholars first applied narrative criticism to the Gospels and Acts.

My first introduction to this approach was reviewing Bruce Waltke's commentary on Genesis (Zondervan, 2007). Waltke's efforts to pay close attention not only to the theological underpinnings of the book, but also to the literary techniques employed in crafting the book of Genesis make this commentary a valuable resource.

I printed off the excerpt of Resseguie's commentary and read through it with great interest. Most commentaries I have consulted on the book of Revelation are weighed down be presupposed theological paradigms and are often frustrating to use. Many who reject a literalistic reading of this book propose symbolic interpretations that at times seem to be stretched and subjective. Others who follow a strict literal reading of the book are often inconsistant in determining what is to be taken literally and what is clearly symbolic. They too often stretch and offer subjective interpretations of selected passages. On top of that, most commentaries are not written with the expectation that readers will actually sit down and read straight through them. Rather, they are reference tools like encyclopedias and dictionaries used to look up the meaning of selected passages only.

Contrary to this pattern, Resseguie has provided what he intends to be "a readable commentary" (p. 12). Like most academic books, he utilizes footnotes full of bibliographical references, Greek terms and short explanatory notes. However, Resseguie's stated audience is not the academician, but the student, pastor and lay person. Judging by this excerpt, Resseguie has succeeded in maintaining a level appropriate for this audience. This introduction to narrative analysis of the book of Revelation is very well organized, technical terms are defined, and bibliographical citations to documetn his evidence and to support his interpretations are available and current.

I must admit that this has been the most exciting work on the book of Revelation that I have used. Having been using the ESV Literary Study Bible for the past year-and-a-half (see my review) has helped me to be more attentive to literary elements as I read my Bible. This has helped to clarify many passages for me (particularly the Psalms and Prophets). I'm looking forward to seeing how Resseguie applies the principles discussed in this introduction to the details of the text.

A Little Bit About this Commentary -

James L. Resseguie (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is distinguished professor of New Testament at Winebrenner Theological Seminary and the author of several books: Narrative Criticism of the New Testament: An Introduction (Baker Academic, 2005), Spiritual Landscape: Images of the Spiritual Life in the Gospel of Luke (Hendrickson, 2004), The Strange Gospel: Narrative Design and Point of View in John, Biblical Interpretation Series (Brill Academic, 2001), and Revelation Unsealed: A Narrative Critical Approach to John's Apocalypse, Biblical Interpretation Series v. 32 (Brill Academic, 1998).

The Introduction is followed by a "chapter-by-chapter analysis of John's story [avoiding] the verse-by-verse annotations of traditional commentaries" (p. 12). Because I have not yet read the commentary section I can only comment on the Introduction. Resseguie's approach seeks to pay attention "to the how of the narrative--the way the narrative constructs its meaning" (p. 17). This, indeed, is a fresh approach for me to this hotly debated book of the Bible. I am accustomed to prefatory discussions of genre and theological paradigms, but I have not found these discussions here. (Frankly, this is a relief to me.)

A criticism that I am anticipating is that the discussion and assumptions of this volume are built around this text being "John's story" without mention of inspiration. Whereas I am used to assuming that the text is both from God and by the prophet, the emphasis on this being "John's story" deflates the glory of the divine intricacies of Scripture. This is so, because there are so many rich details in the book of Revelation and Resseguie does an excellent job of showing how the various literary elements are used throughout the book.

The introduction discusses the elements of rhetoric (metaphors, similes, two-step progressions, verbal threads, chiasm, inclusio, and numbers and numerical sequences), setting, characters, point of view, plot, narrator, and structure.

It is clear that Resseguie does not follow the literalistic approach of dispensationalists, but rather than concluding with a loosely symbolic interpretation, he builds a strong case from the entire context of the book and from other portions of Scripture to validate his interpretations. And, rather than following the recapitulation theory of the book (which I had assumed he would), he sees a stronger case for a linear development in the plot. I was surprised to find this, but also greatly encouraged since I have not been fully satisfied with the recapitulation theory.

The recapitulation theory is a promising one with a long history, but it is not entirely convincing.... Furthermore, the progressive pattern of the destruction suggests some sort of linear development in the plot. (p. 56)

A linear progression communicates the urgency and necessity of repentance in the strongest possible terms. It heightens the tension and angst of the reader/hearer until the climax is reached and the moment of decision can no longer be postponed. (p. 57)

However, he cautions against going to far with a linear view:

A linear view does not mean that the events of the Apocalypse follow in a neat chronological arrangement, as advocated in some popular approaches. Rather, the progression is a literary progression with one event folding into another until the end is reached and everything and everyone is in their proper place and the messianic repairs of the cosmos are complete. (p. 59)

For what it's worth, this looks like a promising commentary. I encourage you to consider it; at least, read the free excerpt.

James Resseguie's The Revelation of John

Update on Tracts and Letters of John Calvin - 7 Volume Set

UPDATE: Christian Book Distributors is offering this set at the same price.

Last week CBD discounted this set during their Fab Friday Sale. Maybe they'll do this again.

Book Title: Tracts and Letters of John Calvin - 7 Volume Set
Author : John Calvin
Price: $ 80.00
ISBN#: 9780851519876
Binding: Clothbound
Page Count : 3488
Description: SPECIALLY PRICED THROUGH 31 December 2009
List Price: $170(USD); Available this year: $80(USD) - No additional discount


For more details on this set, see my original post. Also, keep in mind the issue of freight. Currently, Banner of Truth will not charge shipping whereas you'll have to pay shipping via CBD (thanks for the reminder from Paul).

Hint: This set will make a great Father's Day present for the book-lover.

Update on Tracts and Letters of John Calvin - 7 Volume Set

Practical Theology Indeed: Wendy Alsup's Practical Theology for Women

I've already given away two copies, have bought two more copies, and am planning on giving away another copy to a friend tomorrow. This evening I finished reading the book and was not disappointed. On the contrary, I hope to give away more copies, or at the least, continue recommending it.

I'm referring to Wendy Horger Alsup's Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives (Crossway, 2008).



Why did I give away this book prior to reading it, you may ask. Well, this question is absolutely fair. First, I am acquainted with Wendy from working at the same Christian camp back in the early 90s. Although it has been many years since that summer, I remember her as being a leader among the lady counselors and as having maintained a fine Christian testimony. Second, I had, in fact, read through the book very quickly (more like reading selected portions and skimming the rest) in order to get a feel for the book. I noticed that the direction of the book was substantive without being overburdened with anecdotal material. Rather, the chapters followed a simple and orderly progression considering three major headings: 1) What is Theology? 2) Who is Our God? 3) Communicating with Our God.

Now that I've gone through the book at a normal pace, I have found that my expectations have been exceeded. I don't get the sense that Wendy is out to make a name for herself, nor do I expect her to give Beth Moore, Kay Arthur and the likes a run for their money producing books for women. That said, if she does write more, I think that she would fill a great void in Bible study material.

God has clearly gifted Wendy to teach. Whereas some are great comedians or storytellers, Wendy is a teacher and you will see this in the way she has crafted this book. Stories and illustrations are at a minimum; used sparingly and purposefully. Rather, Wendy sets before the reader one of the simplest and most fruitful methods of Bible study. First, she turns the readers attention to the Bible over and over again. This point is worth highlighting, especially if any publishers are reading. Too few "Christian" books force you to read the Bible. Rather, they are full of the author's interpretation of the Bible, while Scripture references are left in parenthesis, or demoted to the footnotes. On the contrary, Wendy puts the texts in front of the reader (many texts throughout the book) so that you have to read them to follow her lesson. I must say that this was refreshing, and it is the key to the message of her book.

Second, she utilizes basic tools found in nearly every American household: a dictionary, Strong's Concordance, and alternate translations of the Bible. Some people forget about the dictionary, but defining difficult words is part of Bible Study 101. If you find that you don't understand a verse, don't let it be because you didn't look up the definition of an unfamiliar word. Also, on a basic lever, using a Strong's Concordance of the Bible will give the reader a basic idea of the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. It may seem intimidating to some, but Strong's is very useful. It was one of my staple resources before I studied the Biblical languages and learned how to use other tools.

Finally, Wendy highlights the necessity of prayer. The third major division of this book, Communicating with Our God, is a superb treatise on prayer. I got a kick out of her take on persevering in prayer: "God is inviting us to nag him in prayer!" (131) I couldn't resist sharing that statement with my wife. All kidding aside, her exposition of the Lord's prayer is insightful, especially her comments on forgiveness.

In the beginning of this book, Wendy states her burden for women who will read this book. She writes,

No matter where our husbands, fathers, or pastors may be in their spiritual journey, when we ladies grow in our understanding of God's character and attributes, it can only be a blessing for our homes, or marriages, and our churches. (22)

The way that women (and men, of course) grow in their understanding of God is through prayerful study of the Scriptures! Wendy argues, "God forbid that women should avoid studying the deep things of the Word lest they surpass the understanding of the men in their lives!" (22) Amen, to that! What a privilege we all (male and female) have to dig deep into the Scriptures! Why settle for Dr. Phil or Oprah? Establish and grow your relationship with the God of the universe! Practical Theology for Women is a passionate plea for women to experience, enjoy, become enriched in, and edified through the study of God's living and active Word.

There are many highlights I would love to share (and, Yes, I learned a thing or two from this "woman's" book), but I'll share the following because it exposes Wendy's perspective--which is what we as readers are supposed to try to uncover as we read any book (right?). In chapter 14, What is the Word?, Wendy admits to a struggle that plagues me too. With regard to the treasure we have in the Scriptures, Wendy writes,

Personally, I have to fight the tendency to place the Word of God down in third place on my priority list, after wise counselors and good Christian books. I find it easier to seek wisdom from people or books rather than from God himself in his Word. However, this attitude works against me in the very areas I need help. No Christian book can claim to be the hammer that breaks the heart of stone. No wise counselor can claim the ability to judge the unspoken attitudes of our hearts. Only God's Word has this type of power, and we must avail ourselves of his revelation to us through his written Word. (135)

From the content of this book, to the organization of the material, to the manner in which this material is presented; this perspective is foundational. I am very glad to have read this book and it is one I will wholeheartedly recommend and give away to others.

Practical Theology Indeed: Wendy Alsup's Practical Theology for Women

Book Giveaway Winners: The Bookends of the Christian Life

It is time to announce the winners of our latest book giveaway. Thank you to all who commented and emailed me about this event.

We have plugged the names into Random.org's List Randomizer and have drawn the following two winners:

1. Joseph Wipff (entered via email and a two-time winner at TheoSource)
   
2. Terry Lange
   

Congratulations!!! If you two would send Tim an email with your current mailing address, he will drop your free book in the mail to you.

Thank you, also, to Crossway Books for supplying these free copies!

Jerry Bridges & Bob Bevington, The Bookends of the Christian Life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2009. Hardcover, 160 pages.

ISBNs: 1433503190 / 9781433503191

Excerpts (PDF): Introduction & Chapter 3 - Gospel Enemy #1: Self-Righteousness

Jerry Bridges is a longtime staff member of the Navigators and currently serves with their collegiate ministry. In addition to his international speaking ministry, he has authored ten books and three devotionals; among them The Pursuit of Holiness, which has sold well over a million copies, and the award-winning The Discipline of Grace and I Will Follow You, O God.

Bob Bevington has practiced optometry since 1980 and cofounded several companies. His passion, however, is the message of the cross.

Book Giveaway Winners: The Bookends of the Christian Life

Christian Spirituality Throughout the Centuries: 2 New Books

Reading Paul Miller's A Praying Life (see here) has whet my appetite for finding and reading other books aimed specifically at growing the spiritual life. I usually turn to the Puritans for devotional works of this nature, although I recognize that there are plenty of capable contemporary authors available. I suppose the reason for this tendency is my fascination with Church history.

IVP Books has published two books that have caught my attention because they both draw upon Church history and deal with matters of spiritual growth. The first was published in late December of 2007: Gerald L. Sittser's Water from a Deep Well: Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern Missionaries. In a sense it is eclectic, drawing from the vast spectrum of Christianity throughout the centuries. Sittser sets out "to explore the diversity of Christian spirituality" (23) from the first century to the 21st century.

From the apostolic age to the present, the vast majority of Christians have believed that God has revealed himself in Jesus Christ, that Jesus Christ is both divine and human, and that God is therefore one in community. My goal is to explore how these various spiritual traditions--ascetic, monastic, sacramental, evangelical and the like--reveal who God is, how we can know him intimately, and what we can become in and through him. (23-24)

In other words, this is an introduction to the variety of expressions of living the Christian life in light of the ebb and flow of historical circumstances. I've been enjoying this; check it out.

Book Excerpts
Introduction: There Is More! »
1. Witness: The Spirituality of the Early Christian Martyrs »

IVP Extra!
Download a short biography of Gerald Sittser.
Download questions and answers with the author.

Table of Contents »
Reviews & Endorsements »
Features & Benefits »

The second book is a brand new addition to IVP's FORMATIO line of spiritual formation books: Richard J. Foster & Gayle D. Beebe's Longing for God: Seven Paths of Christian Devotion (2009). This title goes a step further than the title above by introducing the reader to numerous individuals from Church history and there devotional reflections. In doing so the book is organized according to seven identifiable paths. The different paths are not exclusive from one anther, but rather, particular emphases to which Christians tend to drift: some more emotive, others more cognitive, etc. The paths are defined as such:

• Path One: The Right Ordering of Our Love for God (Origen, Augustine, Bernard of Clairvaux, Blaise Pascal)
  
• Path Two: The Spiritual Life as Journey (Evagrius of Ponticus, George Herbert, John Bunyan, Thomas Merton)
  
• Path Three: The Recovery of Knowledge of God Lost in the Fall (Aquinas, Luther, Calvin)
  
• Path Four: Intimacy with Jesus Christ (Francis of Assisi, Bonaventure, Thomas á Kempis, Ignatius of Loyola)
• Path Five: The Right Ordering of Our Experiences of God (Julian of Norwich, George Fox, John Wesley, Friedrich Schleiermacher)
  
• Path Six: Action and Contemplation (John Cassian, Benedict of Nursia, Gregory the Great)
  
• Path Seven: Divine Ascent (Pseudo-Dionysius, The Cloud of Unknowing, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross)
  

As you can see, the list here is also eclectic. Some may object to discussing one or more of the names, but as it stands, it is interesting to observe how distinctive these groups are. It makes me consider which path I lean toward the most, and what I could (or should) learn from the other groups.

So far, I am thoroughly enjoying this introduction to the spiritual struggles of each of these figures from Church history. It has been very informative. Here are some details about the book:

Book Excerpts

Preface »
Introduction »
Part One: The Right Ordering of Our Love for God »

IVP Extra!

Download an author bio sheet about Richard Foster and Gayle Beebe.
Download a book excerpt from Longing for God.
Download a Q & A with the authors of Longing for God.

Table of Contents »
Reviews & Endorsements »
Features & Benefits »

Christian Spirituality Throughout the Centuries: 2 New Books

Forthcoming and Highly Recommended: The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown

There is a brand new Introduction to the New Testament in the works to be released this coming August that I want you to be aware of. The title is The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles. It is being published by B&H Academic.



I first heard about this volume a couple of years ago during a visit to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. During my time on the campus I sat in on a New Testament Intro class being taught by Dr. Andreas Köstenberger. In an early conversation he made mention of his work on an NT introduction text, and through the class I was afforded a preview of his careful, meticulous, and pastoral approach to the details of the New Testament.

B&H Academic put together a short video interview with Dr. Köstenberger introducing the purpose and features of this new NTI text. One purpose that caught my attention was this:

In The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown, what we try to do is to show our students that we want them to fall in love with the New Testament.

What I like about this statement is that it expresses the fact that this text is more that an "academic" book. The publisher has posted a sample chapter online which I took time to read this past weekend. I found that the text is very thorough without being exhaustive (and exhausting), extremely well documented in the footnotes, and enormously practical. The prose is inviting and readable. The outline is clear and logical with smooth transitions. Charts are simple and useful. The Unit-By-Unit Discussion follows a detailed Outline of the book and provides a quick summary of the text which would be very useful for pastors and Sunday School teachers when preparing book studies. Finally, each chapter concludes with Study Questions and an up-to-date bibliography of some of the most helpful sources For Further Study.

Take time to read through the sample chapter (The Book of Acts). It will richly repay your time.

About the Authors:

Andreas J. Köstenberger is professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology and director of Ph.D. Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He also serves as editor for the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (JETS).
L. Scott Kellum is associate professor of New Testament and Greek at SEBTS.
Charles L. Quarles is vice president for Integration of Faith and Learning, professor of New Testament and Greek, and chairs the division of Christian Studies at Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana.

Endorsements:

"Simply an outstanding work. Its up-to-date research alone makes The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown an invaluable resource. Add to this its comprehensive survey of the crucial issues related to New Testament studies, and you have a textbook well suited for the college or seminary classroom."

--Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC

"Among the finest such studies of recent decades in classic matters of New Testament introduction. What sets it apart includes: (1) attention to theology and the history of interpretation; (2) extended presentation of the history of New Testament times and the rise of the canon; (3) appropriate rigor; (4) frequently creative layout features; and (5) conceptual clarity. Beyond an impressive digest of scholarship, it is an appeal to faithful appropriation of the New Testament's message."

--Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament and department chair, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL

"Clear, thorough, up to date, and engaging all the contemporary alternatives people are putting forward . . . discerning and judicious. Well done and highly recommended."

--Darrell L. Bock, research professor of New Testament, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX

"The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown sets a new standard for excellence among textbooks dealing with New Testament introduction (and) offers a veritable gold mine of information often found only in several texts. A distinctively unique textbook that displays not only careful and balanced scholarship, but is lucidly written and Òuser friendly."

--Richard D. Patterson, emeritus professor, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

Related Post: Early Arrival

Forthcoming and Highly Recommended: The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown

Book Giveaway: The Bookends of the Christian Life

It has been a while since we have offered a book giveaway at TheoSource and we are very glad to be able to do this once again. Crossway Books has kindly supplied us with two extra copies of of the book reviewed by Tim in the previous post.

Jerry Bridges & Bob Bevington, The Bookends of the Christian Life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2009. Hardcover, 160 pages.

ISBNs: 1433503190 / 9781433503191

Excerpts (PDF): Introduction & Chapter 3 - Gospel Enemy #1: Self-Righteousness

Jerry Bridges is a longtime staff member of the Navigators and currently serves with their collegiate ministry. In addition to his international speaking ministry, he has authored ten books and three devotionals; among them The Pursuit of Holiness, which has sold well over a million copies, and the award-winning The Discipline of Grace and I Will Follow You, O God.

Bob Bevington has practiced optometry since 1980 and cofounded several companies. His passion, however, is the message of the cross.

Publisher's Description

The authors use an extended metaphor to serve up a little book with a big message about two essentials of the Christian life.

What do bookends have to do with the Christian life? They are a metaphor that Jerry Bridges has developed over the years, and which he and coauthor Bob Bevington flesh out in this small volume. The two “bookends” explain not only how we as sinners can be made acceptable to a holy God but also we can find the power to change. They are thus essential for the Christian life.

In a unique book that should garner the attention of a wide range of readers, the authors use their extended metaphor to help readers answer questions like:

• How can I overcome persistent guilt?
• How can I deal with the pressure to measure up?
• Where can I find the motivation it takes to grow?
• How can I live the Christian life with both my head and my heart?
• How can I be sure God loves me?
• How can I change in an authentic and lasting way?

So what are the bookends of the Christian life? Christ’s righteousness as it is transferred to dependent believers, and the Holy Spirit’s power as it enables their transformation. In continuing their goal to re-center the church at large onto the historic gospel of Jesus Christ, Bridges and Bevington have served up this little book with a big message so that believers and seekers alike can understand these two keys to a genuine Christian life.

Endorsements

“Through his many books, Jerry Bridges has been shepherding my soul since I first became a Christian sixteen years ago. He has done it again. As I have come to expect, he has provided a sea of theological matter in a drop of devotional language. Here you will find God-centered doctrine that is delectably deep and down to earth at the same time. I promise that if you read this book carefully and prayerfully, you will gain both an informed mind and an enlarged heart.”
Tullian Tchividjian, Pastor, New City Church, Fort Lauderdale; author, Unfashionable: Making a Difference in this World by Being Different

“Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington have provided another marvelous instrument for guiding believers to the provisions of a gospel-blessed and gospel-driven life. In this volume the surpassing righteousness of Christ joined with the power of the Holy Spirit is clearly displayed from God’s Word. Thanks from all of us who desire to make disciples that will follow Christ purposefully and passionately.”
Harry L. Reeder III, Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham

“Forgiveness of sin and power to change—I can think of no more essential topics for a Christian to study than these twin blessings of the gospel. And I can think of no one better to write on these topics than Jerry Bridges. Jerry has provided for me over the years a constant diet of gospel-saturated writing, and here is a fresh feast. I trust you will enjoy it as much as I have.
C. J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries

“Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington look at the Christian life through a wide-angle lens, examining the framework that supports, stabilizes and secures the believer’s life in Christ. They teach elements of a distinctly biblical worldview, leaning upon the righteousness of Christ on one hand and upon the power of the Holy Spirit on the other. A wise and powerful book, one I heartily recommend.”
Tim Challies, author, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment

“Thinking you understand the gospel but applying it only to salvation is like barely releasing your sail and slogging through the waves. Bookends will equip you to release that sail, catch the mighty wind of God, and see every “book” in your life transformed.”
Dee Brestin, author, Falling in Love with Jesus

“With their latest publication, the authors display how sound theology is transformational and how understanding enhances true piety and produces profound worship.”
Robert M. Norris, Pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Bethesda

“Martin Luther said, ‘Man in his search for truth is like a drunken peasant. You help him up on one side of his horse and he falls over the other side.’ This book, perhaps more than any other, is designed to keep you on the horse living in the truth of the gospel. There are few books you will find more valuable on your shelf.”
Joe Coffey, Lead Pastor, Hudson Community Chapel, Hudson, Ohio

Giveaway Instructions

For a chance to receive a free copy of The Bookends of the Christian Life, please submit your name by leaving a comment to either this post or to the book review post indicating your interest in entering this drawing.

For an extra chance to win a copy, post a link to Tim's review from your own blog, Facebook or Twitter. Send me an email letting me know where to find your link.

As we have done in the past, two winners will be randomly drawn using Random.org's List Randomizer. The names will be announced on Friday evening, May 15.

Please leave a comment and pass the word around.

Book Giveaway: The Bookends of the Christian Life