Sacred Strands

Posted on May 25, 2020 by Carl Simmons

Turning mythology on its ear . . . .

Lois Clymer. Sacred Strands: The Story of a Redeemer Woven through History. 144p., $14.99, Deep River Books.

Christianity did not begin in Bethlehem. Likewise, the promise of a Redeemer was not written only in the book of Genesis but also in the early constellations and ancient myths, among artifacts and early worship practices. Christianity was not borrowed from these myths and mysteries; rather, they contained an imperfect knowledge of a perfect Redeemer from the earliest ages.

In her new book Sacred Strands: The Story of a Redeemer Woven through History, Lois Clymer explores these connections between mythology and faith, giving readers a deeper understanding of both history and mythology—and more importantly, a deeper understanding of their own faith. Sacred Strands examines the beliefs of early civilizations from Sumer and Akkad, to Greek and Roman mythology, to Norse and Aztec myths, and shows how they all these “sacred strands” tie into Jesus.

In the process, Clymer flips the script on today’s secular narrative: Christianity did not borrow from these ancient myths, many of which the early Christians could not have possibly had knowledge of. Rather, these myths and mysteries all pointed to the sacred promise that would be fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.

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A Commentary on James

Posted on May 11, 2020 by Carl Simmons

And the commentaries keep on coming. 🙂 It’s James’s turn this time. . . .

A Commentary on JamesAida Besancon Spencer. A Commentary on James. 352p., $26.99, Kregel Academic.

This commentary sheds exegetical and theological light on the book of James for contemporary preachers and students of Scripture. Listening closely to the text while interacting with the best of scholarship, Aida Besancon Spencer shows what this epistle meant for the early church and what it means for us today. In addition to its comments on the biblical text, this volume examines James’s four key themes: speaking wisely, using wealth, persevering in trials, and becoming doers of the Word.

Spencer offers guidance to preachers and teachers wanting to do a series on James, with homiletical trajectories for each passage to show how historical narrative can be presented from the pulpit and in the classroom.

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The Jesus of the Gospels

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Carl Simmons

A study/entwining of the Gospels that’s both academic and understandable. . . .

The Jesus of the GospelsAndreas J. Köstenberger. The Jesus of the Gospels: An Introduction. 432p., $34.99, Kregel Academic.

The Jesus of the Gospels brings together the best elements of a survey of the Gospels and a commentary on the Gospels to help readers know Jesus and understand the good news. Drawing on decades of experience teaching and writing on the Gospels, Andreas Köstenberger presents a holistic portrait of Jesus by leading readers through an in-depth study of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Each chapter explores one gospel account, beginning with a short introduction that highlights the gospel’s individual distinctives, followed by an outline of the book. Köstenberger breaks each gospel into short sections, explaining the meaning and how it sheds light on Jesus and His mission. Numerous sidebars, maps, and diagrams highlight supplemental information, and regular “Recap” sections summarize key points. For those interested in further study, footnotes point to useful resources. In addition to helping readers follow the storyline and theology of each gospel, Köstenberger also emphasizes practical application, showing readers how to apply what they’re learning to their lives.

Ideal for those who are new to the study of the Gospels, and for instructors looking for an accessible introduction based on solid scholarship, The Jesus of the Gospels offers readers and students to the riches of the Gospels and a deeper knowledge of Jesus and the good news.

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40 Questions About Islam

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Carl Simmons

For those seeking to understand and reach out to Muslims. . . .

40 Questions About IslamMatthew Bennett. 40 Questions About Islam. 304p., $21.99, Kregel Academic.

Islam is one of the most significant forces shaping the world today, but most Christians are confused about its key beliefs and practices. Many wonder about the apparent similarities and obvious differences between Christianity and Islam, and want to reach out to Muslim friends or neighbors with the gospel but don’t know where to begin. Having spent several years living in North Africa and the Middle East, missions professor Matthew Bennett guides readers through Islam’s key tenants and provides answers to critical questions, such as:

  • Who was Muhammad and what was his message?
  • Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?
  • What are the differences between the Qur’an and the Bible?
  • What is shariah law?
  • What is the Islamic view of salvation?
  • What happens in the mosque?
  • Is Islam inherently misogynistic?
  • How should a Christian share the gospel with Muslims?

Helpful summaries at the end of each chapter encapsulate important information, followed by discussion questions useful for personal or small-group study. Whether you want to understand Islam better or reach Muslims for Christ, 40 Questions on Islam is an indispensable primer and reference book.

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Ephesians: An Exegetical Guide for Preaching and Teaching

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Carl Simmons

Another one o’them commentaries for you to absorb, this one on Ephesians. . . .

EphesiansBenjamin I. Simpson. Ephesians: An Exegetical Guide for Preaching and Teaching. Big Greek Idea series. 448p., $36.99, Kregel Academic.

Big Greek Idea provides all the relevant information from the Greek text for preaching and teaching the New Testament. Each New Testament book is divided into units of thought, revealing a big Greek idea (the author’s main idea in the passage), and individual clauses are displayed visually to illustrate their relationships, portraying the biblical author’s logical flow. Greek clauses are accompanied by an original English translation.

Additional commentary explains how the syntax and vocabulary of each verse clarifies the biblical writer’s intended meaning. The authors of each volume have scoured major reference works and commentaries on each book, saving readers countless hours of research. The series is ideal for busy pastors consulting the Greek text for sermons, instructors preparing lectures, and students looking for supplementary study aids.

Each volume in this series contains many practical features:

  • Helpful charts, tables, and diagrams illustrate key points
  • Numerous callouts provide deeper insights into word meanings and theological issues
  • Visual cues highlight important information
  • An introduction to each biblical book summarizes the grammar, style, and vocabulary of the book as a whole, including reminders and explanations of key terms
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FracMan Conflicted

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Carl Simmons

And now, for something completely different: a Christian romance novel based around the fracking industry. And it’s decidedly more interesting than you might suspect. . . .

Book Cover Image for FracMan ConflictedIan Dexter Palmer. FracMan Conflicted. 360p., $15.99, Deep River Books.

Fracking for oil is both dangerous and controversial. Cautious and talented Kelly is a successful young petroleum engineer intent on climbing the corporate ladder. She suddenly finds herself on shaky ground when assigned to work with the FracMan, Jordan, a reckless older engineer whose risk-taking propelled him to the top of the field. Their unlikely attraction brings challenges to them both, as they wrestle with love, risk, and tragedy, while seeking God.

A love story that is both entertaining and informative, FracMan Conflicted takes readers on a journey around the world and into the everyday workings of the oil and gas industry.

Explore the science of fracking and earthquakes while contemplating love, loss, and the need for faith that goes deeper than it all.

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The Gift of One Day

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Carl Simmons

Learning to appreciate life in the midst of grief and pain . . . and the story of one life in a day . . .

Chris and Kerry Shook. The Gift of One Day: How to Find Hope When Life Gets Hard. 240p., $22.99 (hadcover), $11.99 (eBook), WaterBrook Multnomah.

Kerry and Chris Shook’s grandson, Jude, lived for only one day after he was born. That one day changed the way they now live every day. Now they share their lessons of faith and hope.

As they recount the compelling true story of Jude’s short but inspiring life, Kerry and Chris reveal the transformative insights they learned when tragedy struck their family. Told with humility and transparency, their story illustrates the goodness of God even in overwhelming circumstances as they share answers to the question: How do we live each day with attentive hope when life is often so crushingly hard?

Exploring the power of gratitude, the privilege of prayer, and the blessing of suffering, The Gift of One Day is a compelling and accessible Christian message of hope and encouragement for those wrestling with life’s difficult days and seasons.

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A Small Book for the Hurting Heart

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Carl Simmons

The title says it all. . . .

A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Mediations on Loss, Grief, and Healing by Paul TautgesPaul Tautges. A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing. 192p., $17.99, New Growth Press.

Grief may threaten to overtake us or destroy our joy. In this powerful devotional book, men and women will see Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, who is well-acquainted with grief and sadness.

Author and pastor Paul Tautges offers our comforting High Priest, sharing how the Holy Spirit ministers to our hurting heart through the healing balm of God’s Word graciously applied to life’s wounds.

By biblically and transparently addressing the heart and faith struggles in the midst of this grief, A Small Book for the Hurting Heart delves deeply, but gently, into the issues of the heart—presenting encouragement and comfort in the character of God revealed in his Word.

This small but transformative devotional cultivates anchors of hope, redirecting men and women to the trustworthiness of God who is always for us in Christ. Because all of God’s promises are Yes in Christ, Tautges walks with readers through their grief to see the one who nourishes our faith and heals our soul.

In fifty brief readings, your hurting heart will find spiritual help, encouragement, and healing as you experience the comfort of God.

 

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Two Books on Creation

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Carl Simmons

For those interested in aligning the often conflicting views of science and creation . . .

A Worldview Approach to Science and ScriptureCarol Hill. A Worldview Approach to Science and Scripture: Making Genesis Real. 240p., $29.99, Kregel Academic.

There are a number of well-known areas of disagreement when it comes to discussions of the relationship between Christianity and science–most relating to the early chapters of Genesis. Observing that the traditional Christian positions, such as Young Earth and Evolutionary Creation, fail to properly account for the relevant theology, science, and history, geologist Carol Hill instead proposes a Worldview Approach. This approach seeks to uphold fundamental Christian doctrines while also taking into account the findings of modern science, and recognizing the prescientific worldview of the biblical authors. Hill argues that numerous apparent conflicts between Scripture and science can be resolved by understanding the ancient worldview of the Scriptural authors and how it differs from our modern, scientific worldview. This framework opens the door to resolving longstanding points of contention including:

  • The six days of creation
  • The Garden of Eden
  • The numbers and chronologies of Genesis
  • Noah’s flood
  • Evolution
  • Adam and Eve

For each of these topics, Hill explains the meaning of the relevant biblical passages, the scientific data, and how the Worldview Approach resolves apparent conflicts. Anyone who has wrestled with these topics will find A Worldview Approach to Science and Scripture to be an invaluable resource for truly understanding the biblical texts and scientific findings, as well as discovering new solutions for these controversies.

Friend of Science, Friend of FaithGregg Davidson. Friend of Science, Friend of Faith: Listening to God in His Works and Word. 288p., $19.99, Kregel Academic.

Though some Christians and many skeptics see science and Christianity as locked in a never-ending battle, geologist Gregg Davidson contends that there is tremendous harmony between Scripture and modern science. Many apparent conflicts arise when the Bible is interpreted apart from its literary and historical contexts, but when these are taken into account, most alleged clashes dissolve.

Proceeding from a belief that Scripture is inspired and without error and that God’s creation should inform how we interpret the Bible, Davidson shows that Scripture and science need not disagree on issues like the age of the earth, Adam and Eve, Noah’s flood, the origin and development of life, and numerous related topics. Rather, Christians can rejoice at how God’s glory is revealed in both the Bible and the natural world.

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Following Jesus Christ

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Carl Simmons

A fresh look at discipleship, from a variety of angles . . .

Following Jesus ChristJohn K. Goodrich and Mark L. Strauss, eds. Following Jesus Christ: The New Testament Message of Discipleship for Today. 392p., $24.99, Kregel Academic.

Although the concept of discipleship is an integral part of New Testament teaching, it has largely faded from discussion in both the academy and the local church. To revive and reclaim this teaching for believers in the twenty-first century, editors John Goodrich and Mark Strauss have assembled an expert team of scholars to uncover what every New Testament book teaches about discipleship, providing a comprehensive, biblical picture. In addition, other contributors explore discipleship in the context of the local church, spiritual formation, and the life of the mind. Together, these essays point the way forward for becoming more like Jesus Christ, and helping others do the same, in our personal and corporate lives.

 

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