Talking about Ethics

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Carl Simmons

A tough set of subjects in a surprisingly conversational tone. . . .

Talking About Ethics

Michael S. Jones, Mark J. Farnham, and David L. Saxon. Talking about Ethics: A Conversational Approach to Moral Dilemmas. 384p., $29.99, Kregel Academic.

Talking about Ethics provides the reader with all of the tools necessary to develop a coherent approach to ethical decision-making. Using the tools of ethical theory, the authors show how these theories play out in relation to a wide variety of ethical questions using an accessible dialogue format. The chapters follow three college students as they discuss today’s most important ethical issues with their families and friends, including:

  • Immigration
  • Capital punishment
  • Legalization of narcotics
  • Abortion
  • Premarital sex
  • Reproductive technologies
  • Gender identity
  • The environment, and many more

The engaging dialogue format illustrates how these topics often take shape in the real world, and model critical thinking and Christian ethical decision-making. Study aids in each chapter include overviews, sidebars, reflection questions, glossaries, and recommended reading. Ideal as a textbook for undergraduate ethics courses, it is also accessible enough for high school classes and personal study.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Biblical Worship

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Carl Simmons

A survey of biblical worship, from the source itself to the present day. . . .

Biblical Worship

Benjamin K. Forrest, Walter C. Kaiser Jr., and Vernon M. Whaley, eds. Biblical Worship: Theology for God’s Glory. Biblical Theology for the Church. 544p., $42.99, Kregel Academic.

While many books on worship focus on contemporary trends, Biblical Worship plumbs every book of the Bible to uncover its teaching on worship and then applies these insights to our lives and churches today. A team of respected evangelical scholars unearths insights into a variety of issues surrounding worship, including:

  • The Old Testament concept of worship
  • Worship before the Exodus
  • Worship in the Old Testament feasts and celebrations
  • Worship in the Psalms of Lament and Thanksgiving
  • The New Testament concept of worship
  • Worship in the Gospels
  • Worship in Acts
  • Worship in the Pastoral Epistles, and much more.

Pastors, worship leaders, instructors, and anyone who wants to grow in their knowledge of the Bible’s full teaching on worship and how it applies today will benefit from this volume.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

An Invitation to Biblical Interpretation

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Carl Simmons

For those ready to wade into the theological deep end. . . .

Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, 2nd ed.

Andreas J. Köstenberger & Richard D. Patterson. An Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology. 2nd edition. 704p., $51.99, Kregel Academic.

In this second edition of Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, Andreas Kostenberger leads the reader step-by-step through the process of interpreting and applying God’s Word.

The primary principle is the hermeneutical triad, which consists of history, literature, and theology. Readers are equipped to explore the historical background of a biblical passage, analyze its literary genre and features, and derive its theological meaning in light of the biblical canon. Numerous examples are provided throughout to illustrate the concepts. A concluding chapter provides direction on practical application, preaching, and helpful tools for Bible study.

Additional features include key words and definitions at the end of each chapter, study questions, and practical exercises for applying the material. An appendix lists numerous resources for Bible study, including recommended commentaries for every book of the Bible.

The second edition updates these resources, as well as the sources cited throughout, and includes a revised chapter on the Old Testament canon. Instructors, students, pastors, and anyone who desires to interpret Scripture accurately will find this volume to be an indispensable addition to their library.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The First Stone

Posted on February 1, 2021 by Carl Simmons

A historical novel of redemption. . . .

Kim Pearson Weise. The First Stone. $15.99, Deep River Books.

Chava is still just a girl when she makes a life-changing decision; to escape from abuse that threatens to follow her, she enters an arranged marriage with a stranger in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, Jerusalem is not far enough away. When her abuser turns up in the city, Chava is again forced to seek safety wherever she can find it—but the results are disastrous. Caught and brought before a rabbi, Chava is faced with the consequence of being stoned to death. The rabbi refuses to condemn her, but in the midst of a culture that values honor above all, Chava’s life is stained with the public disgrace of what she has done. That shame weighs down her path, but her path is also interwoven with faith, as she struggles to live with the disgrace, and maybe even find a way out.

Chava’s story is inspirational in its exploration of abuse and dishonor, the damage done by both, and the challenges faced by a young woman striving to cope with that damage. It gives rise to an understanding of infidelity, still relevant today, two thousand years after Chava’s story takes place. Beginning with an arranged marriage in first-century Jerusalem, her journey is about so much more—the burden of abuse and shame, and the relevance of faith amidst it all.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Kerux Commentaries: Hebrews

Posted on January 25, 2021 by Carl Simmons

Hebrews

Herbert W. Bateman IV and Steven Smith. Hebrews: A Commentary for Biblical Preaching and Teaching. Kerux Commentaries. 342p., $36.99, Kregel Academic.

Kerux Commentaries enable pastors and teachers to understand and effectively present the main message in a biblical text.

Each volume uniquely combines the insights of an experienced Bible exegete (trained in interpretation) and a homiletician (trained in preaching). These two authors work together to explain the essential message for the original listeners or readers, unpack its timeless truth, and then provide a contemporary restatement and communication insights for the key biblical concept. Every book is a resource designed and written with the real needs of the pastor and teacher always in sight, providing many ways to creatively express the principal thought in a biblical passage.

Based on the Big Idea preaching model, Kerux enhances the reader’s ability to deliver a message that is biblical, cohesive, and dynamic.

For more information on the series, please visit KeruxCommentaries.com.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

40 Questions About Pastoral Ministry

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Carl Simmons

40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry

Phil A. Newton. 40 Questions About Pastoral Ministry. 320p., $23.99, Kregel Academic.

In 40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry, veteran pastor Phil Newton provides trustworthy answers to 40 of the most common and pressing questions relating to the life and work of the pastor. Covering five major categories–such as development, practices, and preaching–Newton equips pastors to successfully handle everyday duties and challenges, including:

  • Remaining spiritually healthy
  • Strengthening your marriage
  • Dealing with discouragement
  • Avoiding pitfalls
  • Leading elders’ meetings
  • Mentoring future leaders
  • Preaching through books of the Bible
  • Conducting marriages and funerals
  • Practicing church discipline
  • Leading change and revitalization, and much more

Basing his answers on Scripture, theological reflection, and personal experience, Newton serves as a mentor and guide for pastors at every stage of ministry. The questions and answers are self-contained, and topics of interest can be easily located. Pastors will want to consult this volume often for authoritative advice on all aspects of pastoral ministry.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Engaging Generation Z

Posted on January 11, 2021 by Carl Simmons

Youth ministry for the next generation . . . .

Engaging Generation Z

Tim Mc Knight. Engaging Generation Z: Raising the Bar for Youth Ministry. 192p., $17.99, Kregel Ministry.

To disciple the youth in our student ministries today, we have to understand the unique characteristics of Generation Z, and apply lessons learned from recent decades of youth ministry. In this thoroughly revised second edition of Raising the Bar: Student Ministry for a New Generation, pastor and professor Timothy McKnight brings a wealth of new insights, resources, and guidance for reaching today’s adolescents.

Following an overview of the beliefs, attitudes, and practices of Generation Z, McKnight provides youth pastors and volunteers with a complete plan for discipling adolescents through the local church. This includes practical advice on topics such as:

  • Engaging parents in youth ministry
  • Holistically guiding students in their beliefs, behavior, and affections
  • Equipping adult leaders who can serve as role models
  • Working with pastors, staff, and church leaders
  • Helping parents develop rites of passage for their children as they move into adulthood
  • Raising expectations for adolescents to encourage them to grow toward maturity

Based on years of personal experience and practice, Engaging Generation Z provides everything youth ministers need to equip, grow, and encourage today’s generation of young people to follow Christ, and to take their student ministry to the next level.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Not by Ignorance

Posted on January 4, 2021 by Carl Simmons

This book on the cessationist view (on spiritual gifts) may not change your mind, but unlike most books on the topic it won’t shut you down either. . . .

Front Cover

Frank W. R. Benoit. Not by Ignorance: An Explanation of Cessationism. 264p., $15.99, Deep River Books.

Most books out there come from a non-cessationist position and few from the cessationist position. Many of the cessationist ones are written at a very technical level only within the reach of scholars or seminary-trained persons, or they are focused on stirring up the debate instead of clarifying it. For that reason, this is not a study just for academicians, theologians, or scholars; those studies are already out there. This book serves to clearly help the average believer to understand the cessationist position.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

A Tale Divine in Rhythm and Rhyme: The Bible in Verse—Book One, Genesis

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Carl Simmons

A poetic account of Genesis for children . . .

A Tale Divine in Rhythm and Rhyme: The Bible in Verse-Book One, Genesis - By: Josh Wondra Illustrated By: Rob Polivka

Josh Wondra. A Tale Divine in Rhythm and Rhyme: The Bible in Verse—Book One, Genesis. 120p., $19.99, Deep River Books.

A Tale Divine in Rhythm and Rhyme—The Bible in Verse functions as both a wonderful read-aloud text to be read to children and a biblically accurate reader for children to read themselves.

Vividly illustrated and meticulously crafted in a poetic style, while appealing to young readers, this is the Bible as it has never been rendered before. This first volume covers the entire book of Genesis, from Adam and Eve and the fall of mankind to the eve of Israel’s dramatic Exodus from Egypt.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

1 and 2 Thessalonians on F.I.R.E.

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Carl Simmons

For those needing an easy-to-follow inductive study on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. . . .

Dr. Ken J. Burge, Sr. 1 and 2 Thessalonians on F.I.R.E. $15.99, Deep River Books.

Rather than telling you what the book of Thessalonians teaches, this edition of the New Testament book on F.I.R.E. imparts the skills to discover its life-changing messages for yourself. Students of the Bible will journey through Thessalonians one paragraph at a time, applying the four F.I.R.E. principles:

Familiarity. Learn to ask probing questions and become intimately acquainted with each passage.

Interpretation. Determine the intended meaning of the text.

Relationship. Consider the paragraph within its context of the book and beyond, to the whole of Scripture.

Employment. Consider how God can employ you to do His will through your new understanding of the text.

Through this creative approach to inductive Bible study, readers will gain lifelong skills to grow in maturity as a disciple of Jesus, applying the Living Word in powerful new ways.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment