Word Studies Gone Wrong

  
Nicholas McDonald has a short but helpful list of seven ways to do a bad word study here.
 

Modern Day Samaritans

  
See this article on the ancient practices of modern day Samaritans.
 

Robert Alter Interview

  
Robert Alter is interviewed here about his study on and translation of the Hebrew Bible.
 

Latest Issue of Review of Biblical Literature

  
The latest issue of Review of Biblical Literature is out. Reviews can be accessed by clicking the links below. 

Richard B. Hays and Stefan Alkier, eds.
Revelation and the Politics of Apocalyptic Interpretation
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8618
Reviewed by Greg Carey

Matthias Konradt
Israel, Kirche und die Völker im Matthäusevangelium
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7938
Reviewed by Donald Senior

Daniel Marguerat
Lukas, der erste christliche Historiker: Eine Studie zur Apostelgeschichte
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8538
Reviewed by Thomas Bergholz

Victor H. Matthews
The Hebrew Prophets and Their Social World: An Introduction
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8661
Reviewed by Aren M. Maeir
Reviewed by Stewart Moore

Jonathan T. Pennington
Reading the Gospels Wisely: A Narrative and Theological Introduction
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8635
Reviewed by Joel B. Green

Iain Provan and Mark J. Boda, eds.
Let Us Go Up to Zion: Essays in Honour of H. G. M. Williamson on the Occasion of His Sixty-Fifth Birthday
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8648
Reviewed by Keith Bodner

Anthony B. Robinson and Robert W. Wall
Called to Lead: Paul’s Letters to Timothy for a New Day
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8597
Reviewed by James Howard

David T. Runia and Gregory E. Sterling, eds.
Studia Philonica Annual XXIV, 2012
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8658
Reviewed by Scott Mackie

Philippe Wajdenbaum
Argonauts of the Desert: Structural Analysis of the Hebrew Bible
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8575
Reviewed by Casper J. Labuschagne

Some Challenges Related to Preaching the Decalogue

  
I recently posted on some of the advantages of preaching on the Decalogue (see here). Now I want address some of the challenges. I see at least five challenges. 

First, there are differences of opinion concerning the issue of the Mosaic Law and the Christian. Some see a great deal of continuity and others see much discontinuity. 

Second, one has to determine which version of the Decalogue will be used since different traditions have somewhat different lists (see here) and which text will be foundational (Exodus or Deuteronomy).

Third, trying to maintain a balance between affirming the significance of the Decalogue and yet not overemphasizing it can be a challenge. Many Christians already view the Ten Commandments as more important than other Scriptures and a sermon series could exacerbate the problem.

Fourth, relating the individual commandments with the teaching of Jesus and the rest of the New Testament can require a bit of work. The most obvious example of this challenge is the Sabbath commandment.

Fifth, one has to resist the tendency to slip into purely ethical preaching and avoid reinforcing the popular misconception that salvation or the Christian life consists solely of a list of dos and don’ts.

Ultimately these challenges should not dissuade one from preaching through the Decalogue. These five challenges are just that, challenges.

Dave Black's Advice on Publishing

  
See Dave Black's helpful advice to new scholars concerning how to get published.
 

Interview with Craig Blomberg

  
Cliff Kvidahl has a nice interview with Craig Blomberg here.
 

How To Deal with Verses You Don't Like

  
Jeff Weddle has a funny but generally spot on top ten list of how many people deal with verses that they don't like. Read it here.
 

Top Ten Internet Words

  
I was recently asked why we needed new English translations when we already had the KJV. I responded that new translations were needed because languages are constantly evolving. I think that this article on the top ten internet words might help to support my point.