Archive
Charts on the Book of Hebrews by Herbert W. Bateman IV
Description:
The book of Hebrews presents interpretive challenges and theological comparisons unrivaled in the New Testament. Charts on the Book of Hebrews puts this demanding yet rewarding information in an accessible and useful format. The charts fall into four categories:
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Introductory matters (e.g., authorship of Hebrews)
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Influences in Hebrews (e.g. Second Temple messianic figures)
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Theological issues (e.g. words of exhortation)
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Exegetical concerns (e.g. figures of speech)
Students will find this an invaluable companion to classes on Hebrews. Pastors and teachers will benefit from these insightful charts to quickly clarify difficult concepts while teaching. And all visual learners will find that these charts make Hebrews more comprehensible.
(From the Publisher’s Website)
Excerpt:
Charts on the Book of Hebrews provides information about Hebrews succinctly in visual format for today’s student and congregant. It is very user-friendly so that the charts may be used as both a foundational tool for study as well as a visual pedagogical and preaching tool. Ultimately it will benefit pastors, teachers, students and anyone wanting to study as well as teach the Book of Hebrews. Naturally, I am greatly thankful for the “great cloud of scholars,” who went before me and presented most of this charted material in commentary format. People like David Allen, Harold W. Attridge, F. F. Bruce, Gareth L. Cockerill, Paul Ellingworth, George H. Guthrie, Donald A. Hagner, Luke Timothy Johnson, Simon K. Kistemaker, Craig R. Koester, William L. Lane, Peter T. O’Brien, and many others who published the books from which this set of charts has emerged. In essence, this work is built upon their faithful study of and publications on the book of Hebrews.
Review:
I love charts. They help organize thoughts and show us things we should pay attention to. I also love the book of Hebrews. It is so rich in Christology and foundational to our understanding of the new covenant. That is why I was glad to see Kregel publish Charts on the Book of Hebrews by Herbert Bateman.
This was my second exposure to Herbert Bateman’s work and I have to say that I am becoming of fan of his scholarship. In this book, he has organized material from many popular commentaries on the book of Hebrews. This is truly a one-stop destination for understanding ancient and modern thought on this extraordinary book in scripture.
I enjoyed Dr. Bateman’s presentation of possible authorship. Immediately I came to appreciate the structure that such an approach brings to studying this book. Perhaps one of the best sections is the section on textual variants. I also enjoyed the section on Greek words that are unique to Hebrews. In this section we are presented with the Greek word and it’s translation in various English versions.
I can safely say that anytime I study the book of Hebrews in the future, Charts on the Book of Hebrews will be on my desk for reference. If you are a pastor, preacher, teacher or student of the Bible, go out and buy this book right now. Or better yet, click on one of the links below. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Kregel and Dr. Bateman for this book. May God use it to further His kingdom.
Book Details:
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Author: Herbert W. Bateman IV
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Publisher: Kregel
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Format: Paperback
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Page Count: 272
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ISBN#: 9780825424663
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List Price: $26.99
About the Author:
Herbert W. Bateman IV has taught beginning and intermediate Greek for more than twenty years. He is the editor of Four Views on the Warning Passages in Hebrews, Three Central Issues in Contemporary Dispensationalism, and Authentic Worship.
Where to Buy:
Disclaimer: I received this book from Kregel in exchange for an unbiased review.
Jesus the Messiah: Tracing the Promises, Expectations, and Coming of Israel’s King
Description:
Few books have sought to exhaustively trace the theme of Messiah through all of Scripture, but this book does so with the expert analysis of three leading evangelical scholars. For the Bible student and pastor, Jesus the Messiah presents a comprehensive picture of both scriptural and cultural expectations surrounding the Messiah, from an examination of the Old Testament promises to their unique and perfect fulfillment in Jesus’ life.
Students of the life of Christ will benefit from the authors’ rich understanding of ancient biblical culture and pastors will find an indispensable help for understanding the unity and importance of the ancient promise of Messiah. This handsome volume will be a ready reference on Messiah for years to come. (from the publisher’s website)
Excerpt:
Without question, Jesus is an unsurpassed, certainly an unequaled figure in human history. Belief in his life, death, and resurrection has transformed and even redirected world empires, cultures, and people. No one person has ever affected the world and its history like Jesus. And though the principle sources of information regarding Jesus’ life and teachings are the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), Jesus has been the subject of personal and public letters, sermons and lectures, pamphlets and books, skits and plays, documentaries and movies. Identification with him can bring both positive and negative responses. Jesus can be both endearing and repelling. Thus Jesus has been and continues to be a worthy person to ponder. Jesus the Messiah: Tracing the Promises, Expectations, and Coming of Israel’s King is yet another presentation about Jesus, more specifically a consideration about his messiahship. Who is Jesus, the Messiah?
My Review:
Jesus the Messiah is a great tool for studying the underlying messianic theme throughout scripture. The contributors have done a masterful job of showing us how to read scripture through the lens of those who were looking and waiting for Messiah.
Gordon Johnston walks us through the Old Testament section by section helping us draw out messianic titles. He proves himself to be a gifted scholar with an attention to detail. I found him to be very helpful in pointing out what the Jews would be expecting in the coming Messiah.
Herbert Bateman takes on the task of interpreting Jewish thought during the Second Temple Period which includes the inter-testamental material. I found myself riveted to the book as he explored the historical implications of the various empires’ occupation and governance of the land of Israel. After setting the table, he serves us with what the Jewish expectations of the Messianic figure would be.
Darrell Bock takes us through the New Testament helping us see how the first century Jewish believers found fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Bock finishes up this section by showing us how Jesus fulfilled the Messianic expectation during His life and ministry.
If you are in any way interested in understanding the person and work of the Messiah and what that meant to the Jews and to us, run to the nearest bookstore or click on the links provided below and order this book. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. My thanks goes out to Kregel and Drs. Bateman, Bock, and Johnston for this excellent book.
What Others Have Said:
Review By: Richard Hess, Denver Seminary – December 1, 2012
“The authors provide a masterful synthesis of the teaching of the Messiah in the Old Testament, the context of Judaism, and in the New Testament. By intentionally addressing the contextual, canonical, messianic, and christological readings of all the key texts, and asserting how these grew and developed in their interpretation into the Christian era, these three scholars, each with expertise in expounding the message of the relevant texts, provide the reader with a clear path for understanding the fulfillment of the messianic expectation in Jesus Christ as more than just a collection of diverse prophecies. This is the most useful work to date on the subject.”
Review By: Daniel Block, Wheaton College – December 1, 2012
“Resisting the impulse to impose later visions of the Messiah upon earlier texts, they have offered a fair and balanced picture of a gradually revealed but vibrant and persistent thread of biblical belief. Thoroughly researched, logically organized, and lavishly illustrated, this volume represents the finest full length treatment of the subject available.”
Review By: Leslie Allen, Fuller Theological Seminary – December 1, 2012
“I like the authors’ distinction between a text’s original, contextual meaning and the canonical significance ultimately given to it, and their progression from Old Testament to New via second temple Jewish literature.”
Review By: Paul Wegner, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary – December 1, 2012
“Bateman, Bock, and Johnston have definitely filled a gaping hole in this crucial area with their new work and done so artfully while specializing in their respective fields—Old Testament, second temple literature, and New Testament. It is about time we have a detailed discussion on this important area from evangelical scholars bridging this whole time period. Their discussions are nuanced and carefully worded, avoiding many pitfalls of either extremes and yet providing a very readable and clear work. Especially helpful is their progressive development in which they have highlighted crucial themes related to the Messiah throughout the biblical and non-canonical works. Whether one agrees or disagrees with all of their conclusions, there is no doubt that they have provided a workable, clear foundation in this area that will spawn many lively discussions into the future.” (from the publisher’s website)
Book Details:
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Authors: Herbert W. Bateman IV,Gordon H. Johnston, Darrell L. Bock
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Publisher: Kregel
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Format: Hardcover
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Page Count: 528
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ISBN#: 978-0825421099
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List Price: $36.99
About the Authors:
Herbert W. Bateman IV has taught beginning and intermediate Greek for more than twenty years. He is the editor of Four Views on the Warning Passages in Hebrews, Three Central Issues in Contemporary Dispensationalism, and Authentic Worship.
Gordon H. Johnston (ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is associate professor of Old Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He has spent a number of years sifting through archaeological digs. In addition to his work in the field, Dr. Johnston has published numerous articles and essays in scholarly journals.
Darrell L. Bock is research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. A former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, he is the author of the best-seller Breaking the Da Vinci Code and numerous works in New Testament studies, including Jesus According to Scripture. (from the publisher’s website)
Where to Buy:
Disclaimer:
I received this book from Kregel in exchange for my unbiased review.
Devote Yourself to the Public Reading of Scripture by Jeffrey D. Arthurs
Description:
How would your church be transformed if reading Scripture was a highlight of your services? Increasing the quantity and quality of Scripture-reading in your communal worship is a powerful way to reach the hearts of your congregation.
Grounded in both solid theology and communication theory, Devote Yourself to the Public Reading of Scripture will teach readers how to present Scripture in a compelling way. The book’s comprehensive approach includes everything from simple delivery skills to the history of public reading, how to build a culture that values public reading, group reading, and how to prepare yourself spiritually, mentally, and emotionally for public reading.
The included DVD offers instruction, demonstration of the concepts and sample readings by Dr. Arthurs. (from the publisher’s website)
Excerpt:
“The Word of God is bread for our souls, and we are fed when we hear the Word well read. Unfortunately, when it is not read well, listeners do not ingest it.” (from the introduction)
“When the Bible is read well, it can minister as deeply as a Spirit-empowered sermon. Hearing the Word read without commentary reminds us that God inspired the Word and now illumines those who hear it.” (from chapter 1)
Review:
Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs has written a timely book on the importance of the public reading of the scriptures. I say, timely because many churches have chosen to neglect the public reading of God’s Word in favor of drama or gimmicks. In some churches, scripture is read but not read well. This book gives both reasons for public reading and methods for doing it well.
The book begins by giving a defense for this important ministry of the church. I found that this portion of the book deepened my understanding of the power and efficacy of such a God-honored tradition. Dr. Arthurs shows, in a gracious manner, the biblical mandate for such activity. He also shows the relevance of public reading to the church through historical references. The next section deals with preparing the reader for the task. Dr. Arthurs here gives practical and pastoral advice for those who would read God’s Word to the congregation. We then move to the tools the reader will need to read the scripture well. Here Dr. Arthurs gives a short but immensely helpful guide to delivering the Word. The last section shows ways of varying up the reading to enhance the listener’s experience. There are also some sample scripts at the end of the book. This book also features a 35 minute dvd to help instruct the reader on the finer points of presentation.
I was excited to see this book advertised. Now after having read it, I am even more excited to recommend it to those who minister to congregations. But let us not limit this book to the church. I would like to see this book in every Christian home so that family devotion time could bring glory to God through the lively reading of God’s precious words to us. May we have ears to hear and mouths to speak God’s Word.
What Others Have Said:
Review By: Greg Scharf, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School – December 1, 2012
“Jeffrey Arthurs builds a compelling case for a biblically mandated but embarrassingly neglected ministry–public Scripture reading. This book is not only biblical, reminding the reader of commonly overlooked texts that bear on the subject, but is is also up-to date, informative, well documented, clearly illustrated, unfailingly wise, and eminently helpful. I found excellence on every turn of the page. I can’t recommend it too highly.”
Review By: J. Edwards, Talbot School of Theology – December 1, 2012
“God created the universe with the power of his spoken word and continues to refashion lives where his Word is heard today. Jeffrey Arthurs serves the Church well by showing us why and how to read God’s powerful words.”
Review By: Tony Merida, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary – December 1, 2012
“I rejoice to see this new work. I pray that it will influence a new generation of leaders to restore the historic practice of public Scripture reading in corporate worship.”
(from the publisher’s website)
Book Details:
- Author: Jeffrey D. Arthurs
- Publisher: Kregel
- Format: Paperback
- Page Count: 144
- ISBN#: 978-0825442193
- List Price: $19.99
About the Author:
Jeffrey D. Arthurs (Ph.D., Purdue University) is associate professor of preaching and communication and dean of the chapel at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, S. Hamilton, Mass. He is an active scholar, regularly presenting papers at conferences and writing articles for several leading periodicals.
(from the publisher’s website)
Where to Buy:
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek by Douglas S. Huffman
Description:
Whether you’re learning biblical Greek or using it, this is the reference tool to keep on hand. In a quick visual layout, it supplements textbooks to gives you immediate access to:
- first-year Greek grammar
- second-year Greek syntax
- step-by-step phrase diagramming
Easy to carry and easy to use, The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek crystalizes the information you need to know for classes or enables you to develop a sermon or lesson outline from the Greek New Testament faster than you could from an English translation.
(From the Publisher’s Website)
Excerpt:
(From the Introduction)
In a book like this one, the answers to a few basic questions are important: for whom the book was written, what the book is (and is not), why the book was written, where it fits into the larger study of its discipline, how it might best be used, and when the reader would find it useful.
Who: This volume is intended for second-year Greek students (and beyond), pastors, teachers, and preachers. Constant NT Greek users (addicts!) might not need it, but would-be experts should find it useful.
What: When it comes to the study of NT Greek, this book is more of a collection of helpful tools than explanatory tales. It will not replace grammar and syntax textbooks, but it will supplement them nicely. In addition to reviewing grammar and syntax, this volume teaches phrase diagramming as a tool to discover sermon and lesson outlines quickly in the Greek text.
Why: This volume has been created because one year of Greek is dangerous; the language needs review and further study to become truly usable in the study of the Greek NT. The book is designed to be less cumbersome and more readily accessible than carrying around larger grammar and syntax textbooks.
Where: Since it presumes some of the basics of NT Greek, this book fits into the Greek learning sequence after a full year of elementary Greek has been mastered and then during and beyond the second year of NT Greek studies.
How: Intended as a useful tool and ready reference for the continued study of the Greek NT, even the physical dimensions of this volume are set at handbook size so as to fit with the Greek NT—either the United Bible Societies’ 4th edition (the burgundy UBS4) or the Nestle-Aland 28th edition (the blue NA28).
When: If kept on hand with the Greek NT, this volume could be in constant use, assisting in the preparation of NT lessons and sermons.
Review:
Studying Koine Greek helps us know the mind of God more clearly as that is the language He chose to communicate the New Testament to us in. But unless we use it every day, we tend to get rusty. The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek is the perfect antioxidant.
This little book is an excellent refresher and re-energizer for those who study Greek. Dr. Huffman has displayed the heart of a teacher by giving the student the tools he or she needs to reinforce what he or she has learned and also to dig deeper in his or her understanding of this rich and complex language.
The first section of the book deals with grammar and is replete with charts to help the student re-establish his or her footing. The second section deals with syntax. The explanations and definitions provided by Dr. Huffman are both succinct and clear. The third and final section deals with diagramming phrases. This may be the most helpful part of the book as it shows the student how to establish the flow of the author’s thoughts.
This book is the same size as the Greek NT (Nestle-Aland and UBS) which makes it a perfect companion. The pages are made from a sturdy and moisture resistant material to make this a durable resource for years to come.
In short this book has helped me realize what I have retained and reignited a passion to continue studying the Greek language. Thank you Dr. Huffman and Kregel Academic for this treasure.
What Others Have Said:
Review By: Scot McKnight, Northern Seminary – December 1, 2012
“In your hands is as succinct a summary of Greek grammar and syntax as you are likely to find. I enthusiastically endorse and recommend this altogether useful volume and will encourage all Greek students to buy it and keep it close.”
Review By: Mark Strauss, Bethel Seminary San Diego – December 1, 2012
“Douglas Huffman’s Handy Guide to New Testament Greek is an enormously helpful tool for reviewing Greek forms and grammar that are so easily forgotten by the busy pastor. Huffman writes like a seasoned teacher who has mastered his tricks and trade of his craft. The book is full of easy-to-remember “insider tips” for using and retaining the language.”
Review By: Thomas Schreiner, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – December 1, 2012
“Doug Huffman has written a wonderfully practical and accessible handbook for students who desire to take the next step beyond elementary Greek. I recommend it with enthusiasm.”
(From the Publisher’s Website)
Book Details:
- Author: Douglas S. Huffman
- Publisher: Kregel Academic
- Format: Paperback
- Page Count: 112
- ISBN#: 978-0-8254-2743-5
- List Price: $16.99
About the Author:
Douglas S. Huffman (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Professor and Associate Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University.
Where to Buy:
Disclaimer: Kregel graciously provided a copy of this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review.
