Best Christian New Testament Criticism
This collection contains: Be Right (Romans), Be Wise (1 Corinthians), Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians), Be Free (Galatians), Be Rich (Ephesians), Be Joyful (Philippians), Be Complete (Colossians), Be Ready (1 & 2 Thessalonians), and Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon). Be Wise (1 Corinthians): Be Wise guides us through Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, where he encourages his fellow believers to embrace a life of wisdom and truth. Be Joyful (Philippians): Discover Paul's secret to finding joy in Christ as Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe leads you on a verse-by-verse tour through the book of Philippians.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Wiersbe is renowned, such a strong book."
"Great, easy to understand teaching."
"Quickly gave me the information I needed."
"Very good way of studying the Bible."
"Easy to understand with applicable commentaries."
Now, in The Prodigal God , Keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity and uses the parable of the prodigal son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation. "An amazing, thought-provoking, illuminating work." "Explain, explode, expose, explore—all of these Jesus did by telling the parable of the prodigal son. In this book, Timothy Keller shows us something of how this story actually reveals the heart of God, and, if we read it carefully, our own hearts. This brief exposition is unsettling and surprisingly satisfying. Today Redeemer has nearly six thousand regular attendees at five services, a host of daughter churches, and is planting churches in large cities throughout the world.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Great thought provoking book for individual or group study."
"In this book he talks about the lost sons."
"I loved this book."
"The way he shed new light on this parable makes it an enjoyable read for anyone, no matter where you are in your walk with God. I'm very left brained and a very linear thinking (this plus this equals this), so the way he broke everything down and showed the symbolism was very eye opening."
"The book focuses on the the character failings of the older brother which are self righteous and greed as well as the obvious sins of the younger brother."
"Though it is a short book, it took me a week to read it as each chapter was so thoughtfully writing and amazing."
"If you grew up in a legalistic rule-producing church you need to read this!!!"
"We have, no doubt, all heard in many sermons that the father represents God and the younger or "prodigal" son refers those whom rebel, are disobedient and lead sinful lives. After the younger son has run out of money and realizes his error, he seeks his father's forgiveness which he readily receives. He spent what he had to become human, and by temporarily separating from God, the Father, and by his death on the cross paid the ultimate sacrifice to save man-kind from our sins."
A master explainer of Christian history, texts, and traditions, Ehrman reveals how an apocalyptic prophet from the backwaters of rural Galilee crucified for crimes against the state came to be thought of as equal with the one God Almighty, Creator of all things. In a book that took eight years to research and write, Ehrman sketches Jesus’s transformation from a human prophet to the Son of God exalted to divine status at his resurrection. --Ilene Cooper HOW JESUS BECAME GOD makes the most astonishing and complex topic in the history of Christianity accessible to every reader, and offers a clear and balanced discussion of how various Christians–and non- Christians-see Jesus. ( Elaine Pagels, professor of religion at Princeton University and author of The Gnostic Gospels ). “ In this lively and provocative book, Ehrman gives a nuanced and wide-ranging discussion of early Christian Christology. How Jesus Became God provides a lively overview of Nicea’s prequel.” ( Paula Fredriksen , Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and author of Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews ). “Ehrman writes very personally, especially in the beginning, and this approach draws the reader into a subject that is littered with curves and contradictions...
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"One point that I find particularly persuasive, in terms of the question of whether Jesus himself claimed to be God or the Son of God and equal with God, is his comment, repeated a couple of times, about how different the Gospel of John is. Anyone with a more than passing knowledge of the 4 gospels sees this, and anyone with a study bible knows that the gospel of John was written last, probably at least 60 or 70 years after the death of Jesus. If I had a hero or leader who taught me a lot of things, and who also claimed frequently to be the son of John D. Rockefeller, it would be pretty strange for me to write a book about him and leave out that last key point, even though it would not technically be false to omit it--but something that would add to the credibility of what he said would be an odd thing to omit. If you read this book and then conclude that Jesus was eternally the Son of God who came down from heaven, then you are standing on firmer ground."
"I have read several books by Ehrman, and this one is not the best, but it is very informative."
"The author affirms my personal beliefs, and provides an enormous amount of historical basis for the varied beliefs of all Christians."
"It was well organized and very interesting."
"Anyone who has any interest in Christianity should read this book."
"My favorite author."
"Ehrman at his best."
"It shows how the movement morphed from a Jewish sect to a gentile religion following the crushing of the Jews following the rebellion in 70 AD."
Best New Testament Bible Study
This collection contains: Be Right (Romans), Be Wise (1 Corinthians), Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians), Be Free (Galatians), Be Rich (Ephesians), Be Joyful (Philippians), Be Complete (Colossians), Be Ready (1 & 2 Thessalonians), and Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon). Be Wise (1 Corinthians): Be Wise guides us through Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, where he encourages his fellow believers to embrace a life of wisdom and truth. Be Joyful (Philippians): Discover Paul's secret to finding joy in Christ as Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe leads you on a verse-by-verse tour through the book of Philippians.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Have always found WWW to be pretty much on track."
"Great book or set of books."
"Good source for reference."
"So easy to understand!"
"Product as described."
Best Christian Commentaries
From pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller comes the perfect gift for the Christmas holiday—a profoundly moving and intellectually provocative examination of the nativity story Even people who are not practicing Christians think they are familiar with the story of the nativity. Keller achieves his pastoral goal of teaching Christmas’ most important message—‘God alone has the life, truth, and joy that we lack and cannot generate ourselves’—and in doing so, provides solace for those who seek it.” —Publishers Weekly. Praise for Timothy Keller and his other books: “Tim Keller’s ministry in New York City is leading a generation of seekers and skeptics toward belief in God. “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”. — Christianity Today.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I’ve read a few, not all, of Keller’s books. Hidden Christmas is the gospel presentation you’ve been waiting for."
"Hidden Christmas has all the hallmarks we’ve come to expect from Keller."
"This amalgamation covers the breadth of the Christmas story beginning with its roots in the Old Testament, as the Israelites yearned for the freeing savior King promised to them. And I think that’s really the strength of this book: Keller covers so much that there’s bound to be something in it that will give you pause to consider what Jesus’ birth in a manager means. We take the ability to talk to, to pray to, to approach God ourselves for granted today and the Christmas story should remind us of how incredible this is. Key Quotes: “Such in outline, but even more purposeless, more void of meaning, is the world which science presents for our belief... That Man is the product of causes which had no prevision of the end they were achieving; that his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs, are but the outcome of accidental collocations of atoms; that no fire, no heroism, no intensity of thought and feeling, can preserve an individual life beyond the grave; that all the labours of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius, are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system, and that the whole temple of Man’s achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the débris of a universe in ruins—all these things, if not quite beyond dispute, are yet so nearly certain, that no philosophy which rejects them can hope to stand. “The [Bible’s] lesson is that the medium is not the message, that we must not ignore uncomfortable truths just because they come through an unimpressive messenger.” (104). “Thy word is like a deep, deep mine;//and jewels rich are rare//are hidden in its mighty depths//for every searcher there.” (107). “The manger at Christmas means that, if you live like Jesus, there won’t be room for you in a lot of inns.” (119)."
Best Christian Bible History & Culture
A master explainer of Christian history, texts, and traditions, Ehrman reveals how an apocalyptic prophet from the backwaters of rural Galilee crucified for crimes against the state came to be thought of as equal with the one God Almighty, Creator of all things. In a book that took eight years to research and write, Ehrman sketches Jesus’s transformation from a human prophet to the Son of God exalted to divine status at his resurrection. --Ilene Cooper HOW JESUS BECAME GOD makes the most astonishing and complex topic in the history of Christianity accessible to every reader, and offers a clear and balanced discussion of how various Christians–and non- Christians-see Jesus. ( Elaine Pagels, professor of religion at Princeton University and author of The Gnostic Gospels ). “ In this lively and provocative book, Ehrman gives a nuanced and wide-ranging discussion of early Christian Christology. How Jesus Became God provides a lively overview of Nicea’s prequel.” ( Paula Fredriksen , Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and author of Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews ). “Ehrman writes very personally, especially in the beginning, and this approach draws the reader into a subject that is littered with curves and contradictions...
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"One point that I find particularly persuasive, in terms of the question of whether Jesus himself claimed to be God or the Son of God and equal with God, is his comment, repeated a couple of times, about how different the Gospel of John is. Anyone with a more than passing knowledge of the 4 gospels sees this, and anyone with a study bible knows that the gospel of John was written last, probably at least 60 or 70 years after the death of Jesus. If I had a hero or leader who taught me a lot of things, and who also claimed frequently to be the son of John D. Rockefeller, it would be pretty strange for me to write a book about him and leave out that last key point, even though it would not technically be false to omit it--but something that would add to the credibility of what he said would be an odd thing to omit. If you read this book and then conclude that Jesus was eternally the Son of God who came down from heaven, then you are standing on firmer ground."
"I have read several books by Ehrman, and this one is not the best, but it is very informative."
"The author affirms my personal beliefs, and provides an enormous amount of historical basis for the varied beliefs of all Christians."
"It was well organized and very interesting."
"Anyone who has any interest in Christianity should read this book."
"My favorite author."
"Ehrman at his best."
"It shows how the movement morphed from a Jewish sect to a gentile religion following the crushing of the Jews following the rebellion in 70 AD."
Best Jesus, the Gospels & Acts
Now, in The Prodigal God , Keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity and uses the parable of the prodigal son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation. "An amazing, thought-provoking, illuminating work." "Explain, explode, expose, explore—all of these Jesus did by telling the parable of the prodigal son. In this book, Timothy Keller shows us something of how this story actually reveals the heart of God, and, if we read it carefully, our own hearts. This brief exposition is unsettling and surprisingly satisfying. Today Redeemer has nearly six thousand regular attendees at five services, a host of daughter churches, and is planting churches in large cities throughout the world.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"But in his book Tim shows that in the original context Jesus meant for the elder son to play a much bigger role than the church has historically recognized."
"I found this book very interesting and I recommend it to anybody who maybe curious why the oldest son, who stayed home, was wrong in his actions."
"Great thought provoking book for individual or group study."
"Yet Dr Keller's depiction of Jesus message in the parable, and in its larger context, is true to Jesus' message of grace and truth: who we are, and how amazing is God's love toward us."
"In "The Prodigal God," Timothy Keller gives the familiar parable of The Prodigal Son a closer examination."
"This is a terrific study that I've found can be uncomfortable for us "comfortable" Christians but is well worth the time you may spend in introspection and prayer."
"In this book he talks about the lost sons."
"I loved this book."
Best Christian Old Testament Criticism
In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day is inspired by one of the most obscure yet courageous acts recorded in Scripture, a blessed and audacious act that left no regrets: “Benaiah chased a lion down into a pit. What if the life you really want, and the future God wants for you, is hiding right now in your biggest problem, your worst failure…your greatest fear? Look in the rearview mirror long enough and you’ll see that God has purposely positioned you everywhere you’ve been—even when it seemed you’d taken a wrong turn.”. —Mark Batterson. Praise for In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: “A thoughtful and energetic leader, Mark Batterson presses us to consider how we live out our faith in the world around us. Mark’s genuine warmth and sincerity spill over into his communication, combining an intense love for his community with a passionate desire to see them living the life God dreams for them. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day helps us make sense of this beautiful mess we call life.” -Lindy Lowry, Editor, Outreach magazine “Mark Batterson is down-to-earth and humble—yet constantly pushes me to grow.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It challenges Christians to chase after their dreams and, with faith in God, to go out on a limb and live those dreams He has given us."
"I had read Batterson's second book first it was given to me."
"Mark Batterson said, "If your dream does not require divine intervention to accomplish, then it is too small.""
"A great book to encourage you to understand you potential to move forward, conquer and overcome!"
"I've read Bible many times and don't always remember certain passages."
"Have given this book to friends and family who are beginning new life chapters."
"This book was written in the joy of the Lord."
"But we need to consider God's power in order to shrink our problems."
Best Christian Hermeneutics
More than three quarters of a million people have turned to How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth to inform their reading of the Bible. Updated language for better readability Scripture references now appear only in brackets at the end of a sentence or paragraph, helping you read the Bible as you would read any book—without the numbers A new authors’ preface Redesigned and updated diagrams Updated list of recommended commentaries and resources. Gordon D. Fee (PhD, University of Southern California) is Professor Emeritus of New Testament Studies at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If teaching disciples to read the Bible for themselves is the most important task pastors, teachers, churches can perform then I believe most have failed. I grew up in a conservative Southern Baptist church context that taught the innerancy and importance of reading Scripture daily and studying it corporately, but never once had a lesson in exegesis, hermeneutics, biblical theology, etc. The importance and practical application of proper exegesis and hermeneutics are what Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart teach in this book. Reading this book, and others like it which they recommend, is extremely important. The authors have since written a companion book that I hope to read (How to Read the Bible Book by Book) but I'll read D.A. "Reading the Bible with an eye only to its meaning for us can lead to a great deal of nonsense as well as to every imaginable kind of error--because it lacks controls... we believe that God's Word for us today is first of all precisely what his Word was to them. Second, we must learn to hear that same meaning in the variety of new or different contexts of our own day; we call this second task hermeneutics...the original meaning of the text--as much as it is in our power to discern it--is the objective point of control...And this brings us back to our insistence that proper 'hermeneutics' begins with solid 'exegesis.'". "Even the two authors of this book have some disagreements as to what certain texts 'plainly' mean. Yet all of us are reading the same Bible, and we all are trying to be obedient to what the text 'plainly' means. "There are two basic kinds of questions one should ask of every biblical passage: those that relate to context and those that relate to content.The questions of context are also of two kinds: historical and literary...The most important contextual question you will ever ask--and it must be asked over and over of every sentence and every paragraph --is, 'What's the point? Or to put it in a positive way, the true meaning of the biblical text for us is what God originally intended it to mean when it was first spoken. Consulting a commentary should be "the last thing you do" in studying a text or a book. Christians believe that the New Testament authors were inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore able to write analogies between the Old Testament and the life of Jesus than we are able to today. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write about this analogical connection between the Israelites in the desert and life in Christ without following the usual rules about context, intent, style, and wording..." Similarly with Matthew noting Jesus' "fulfillment" of various prophecies, such as being the "son called out of Egypt." OT Narratives, their proper use: "In the biblical story God is the protagonist, Satan (or opposing people/powers) are the antagonists, and God’s people are the agonists. The basic “plot” of the biblical story is that the creator God has created a people for his name — in his own “image” — who as his image bearers were to be his stewards over the earth that he created for their benefit. The plot resolution is the long story of 'redemption,' how God rescues his people from the enemy’s clutches, restores them back into his image, and (finally) will restore them 'in a new heaven and new earth. '”. "As you read the various narratives, be constantly on the lookout for how the inspired narrator discloses the point of view from which you are to understand the story." Errors in interpretation of biblical narratives: Allegorizing - relegating the text to merely reflecting another meaning beyond the text. Redefinition - Example: 2 Chron 7:14-15. "so they tend to ignore the fact that God’s promise that he will “hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” was about the only earthly land God’s people could ever claim as “theirs,” the Old Testament land of Israel. In the new covenant, God’s people have no earthly country that is “their land” — despite the tendency of some American Christians to think otherwise about the world. "Unless Scripture explicitly tells us we must do something, what is only narrated or described does not function in a normative (i.e. obligatory) way — unless it can be demonstrated on other grounds that the author intended it to function in this way". Trying to look at Acts and the epistles for "how to do church" is problematic. The Gospels: "the major hermeneutical difficulty lies with understanding 'the kingdom of God,'". Authors shaped, and arranged his materials. "Think horizontally". "To think horizontally means that when studying a pericope in any one gospel, it is usually helpful to be aware of the parallels in the other gospels. To be sure, this point must not be overdrawn, since none of the evangelists intended his gospel to be read in parallel with the others. Nonetheless, the fact that God has provided four gospels in the canon means that they cannot be read totally in isolation from one another." The purpose of studying the Gospels in parallel is not to fill out the story in one gospel with details from the others. Usually such a reading of the Gospels tends to harmonize all the details and thus blur the very distinctives in each gospel that the Holy Spirit inspired. "Think vertically". To think vertically means that when reading or studying a narrative or teaching in the Gospels, one should try to be aware of both historical contexts — that of Jesus and that of the evangelist. OT is not our Testament. "unless an Old Testament law is somehow restated or reinforced in the New Testament, it is no longer directly binding on God’s people (cf. While a complete coverage of the categories of Old Testament law would take a book of its own, the portion of laws from the Pentateuch that no longer apply to Christians can be grouped conveniently into two categories: (1) the Israelite civil laws and (2) the Israelite ritual laws. All of the OT is still the word of God for us, even though it is not still God's command to us. Only that which is explicitly renewed from the Old Testament law can be considered part of the New Testament “law of Christ” (cf. Do see the Old Testament law as God’s fully inspired word for you. Don’t see the Old Testament law as God’s direct command to you. 373 – 546; Joachim Jeremias, Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus. read Robert H. Stein’s The Method and Message of Jesus’ Teaching. how to do hermeneutics in the Gospels: "highly recommend" George E. Ladd’s The Presence of the Future (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974). These. The very best introduction to Revelation — how it “works” as a book, its basic point of view, and its theological contribution to the Bible — is by Richard Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of Revelation (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993); for an “easy read” commentary intended for the lay reader, you may wish to look at Professor Fee’s Revelation in the New Covenant Commentary Series (2011), The Appendix contains information on how to choose a commentary while offering suggestions for each book and some introductions to OT and NT."
"Not an easy read, but lots of good information."
"This will change the way you read the Bible."
"Fee and Stuart, two of the world's foremost biblical scholars, guide the reader into understanding how to appropriately interpret scripture."
"It does not take a particular demoninational point of view but rather stays focused objectively on biblical interpretation from the text."
"Every teacher and serious student of the Bible should read this several times and apply its principles."
"This book is about Biblical exegesis and hermeneutics, in other words how we can understand texts and apply them to our own contexts."
"It is loaded with practical help, guided tours of the Scriptures, and skilled ease with boiling complicate concepts down to a simple and understandable form."