Christianaudio.com is offering Charles Spurgeon's well-known devotional, Evening and Morning, as their free audio download for the month
of January. This would be a great way to start off the year. To read more about this resource and to get your free audio
download in either MP3 or M4B formats go here.
Jan 1, 2015
Free Audio Book: Spurgeon's Morning and Evening
Christianaudio.com is offering Charles Spurgeon's well-known devotional, Evening and Morning, as their free audio download for the month
of January. This would be a great way to start off the year. To read more about this resource and to get your free audio
download in either MP3 or M4B formats go here.
Dec 31, 2014
The Richness of the Psalms
“This great diversity of emotion and perspective is the source of Psalter’s richness for believers. Because the Psalter is a collection of poetry, it does not have a plot in the same way that narrative books of the Bible do. Nor does it have a central argument in the same way that the epistles of the New Testament do. Nor does it have a unified vision or source as many of the prophetic books of the Old Testament do. Comprised of a 150 compositions from many authors, the Psalter more resembles a great choir of witnesses than it does a story, or letter, or collection of visions. The Psalter gives voice to the faith struggles, theological insights, and liturgical witnesses than it does a story, or letter, or collection of visions. For this reason and others, even though more than two thousand years separate us from days when they were first written, the psalms continue to be central to the life of faith for both Christians and Jews. Near the beginning of life, people of faith memorize them as children at their mother’s feet. They sing or chant them when they come together for weekly worship. In times of trouble they recall the psalms’ words of promise and hope. And to mark the end of life, they utter them solemnly when they bury their fathers.” Nancy deClaissé-Walford, Rolf A. Jacobsen, and Beth LaNeel Tanner, The Book of Psalms, New International Commentary on the Old Testament, ed. Robert L. Hubbard Jr. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2014), 1–2.
Dec 30, 2014
Dec 29, 2014
Traveling in the Holy Land: Then and Now
For fun, I have been reading Herbert Rix’s Tent and Testament: A Camping Tour in Palestine with Some Notes on Scripture Sites, a book published 1907. I came upon the following statement and was reminded of two points. First, traveling in the Holy Land, even with the hassles of security, lost luggage, etc., is still much easier and safer now. Second, some things have not changed that much. Nablus is still a somewhat difficult to visit and photography is not allowed, at least at Jacob’s well.
“I should have preferred to encamp at Nablûs, in that Vale of Shechem concerning whose beauties I had heard so much. But Hanna strongly dissuaded us from any such plan. The people, he said, were rude, and it was impossible to keep them from invading the tents; and they were fanatical to such a degree that they often became dangerous to Christians. He further took occasion to remind us that pictures were forbidden by the Mohammedan religion, so that when we entered Nablûs I must not attempt to photograph, otherwise we stood a fair chance of all being killed. It may be that for reasons of his own he exaggerated the dangers, but, of course, for the ignorant there was nothing to do but to follow his advice” (Herbert Rix, Tent and Testament: A Camping Tour in Palestine with Some Notes on Scripture Sites [New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1907], 22).
Here is a picture of Jacob's Well from the book. I am not sure how he secured the picture though.
By the way, can download Rix’s book for free at Google Books here.
“I should have preferred to encamp at Nablûs, in that Vale of Shechem concerning whose beauties I had heard so much. But Hanna strongly dissuaded us from any such plan. The people, he said, were rude, and it was impossible to keep them from invading the tents; and they were fanatical to such a degree that they often became dangerous to Christians. He further took occasion to remind us that pictures were forbidden by the Mohammedan religion, so that when we entered Nablûs I must not attempt to photograph, otherwise we stood a fair chance of all being killed. It may be that for reasons of his own he exaggerated the dangers, but, of course, for the ignorant there was nothing to do but to follow his advice” (Herbert Rix, Tent and Testament: A Camping Tour in Palestine with Some Notes on Scripture Sites [New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1907], 22).
Here is a picture of Jacob's Well from the book. I am not sure how he secured the picture though.
By the way, can download Rix’s book for free at Google Books here.
Dec 28, 2014
Some Thoughts on Baylor's Handbook on the Greek Text Series
Dec 27, 2014
Bible Reading Plans
One of my personal disciplines is to read through the Bible every year. Over the years, I have followed a number of different plans and utilized a number of different translations. So I am not devoted to any singular approach but I am committed to the value and importance of the practice. If you are planning to join me in 2015, you might want to check out this extensive list of Bible reading plans compiled by Nathan Bingham. By the way, it is said that George Mueller had read the Bible through almost two hundred times in his lifetime.
Dec 26, 2014
Learning Chinese, Hebrew, and Greek
This article is about translating and writing Chinese but some of the tips are probably applicable to Hebrew and Greek and for doctoral students, French and German.
Dec 25, 2014
Dec 24, 2014
Top Five Biblical Sites to Visit
This article identifies their suggested top five biblical sites to visit. I'm not sure that all of these would make my top five. For example, how could one choose the Mount of Beatitudes over Capernaum? In any case, here is their list.
1. The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
2. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
3. Sea of Galilee, Israel
4. The Mount of Beatitudes, Israel
5. Mount Sinai, Egypt
1. The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
2. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
3. Sea of Galilee, Israel
4. The Mount of Beatitudes, Israel
5. Mount Sinai, Egypt
Dec 23, 2014
Robert Alter on the New Exodus Movie
See this NPR interview with Robert Alter on the new Exodus movie.
Dec 22, 2014
The Star of Bethlehem
See the Air & Space Smithsonian article on the star of Bethlehem (Matt 2:2, 9) here. There is not much new here for those familiar with the various astrological theories but I was interested to learn that over 400 books have been written on the topic.
Dec 19, 2014
The Psalms as Christian Lament
Those interested in the Psalms might also be interested in The Psalms as Christian Lament: A Historical Commentary. This volume written by Bruce K. Waltke, James M. Houston, and Erika Moore offers “Informed historical-theological-pastoral insights into ten lament psalms ten lament psalms, including six of the seven traditional penitential psalms, covering Psalms 5, 6, 7, 32, 38, 39, 44, 102, 130, and 143.” The eleven chapters of the book are as follows.
1. The Psalms as Christian Lament
2. Psalm 5: A Royal Petition for Protection from Malicious Liars
3. Psalm 6: Pursuit of Royal Excellence
4. Psalm 7: A Royal Petition for Cosmic Justice
5. Psalm 32: Forgiveness for the Justified
6. Psalm 38: The Dance between Deserved and Undeserved Judgment
7. Psalm 39: The Lament of Silence in the Pastoral Theology of Erasmus
8. Psalm 44: Lament in National Catastrophe
9. Psalm 102: The Prayer of an Afflicted Person
10. Psalm 130: Lament of the Sinner before the Triune God of Grace
11. Psalm 143: The Lament of the Justified
Each section consists of four parts: (1) voice of the church, (2) voice of the psalmist:translation, (3) commentary, and (4) conclusion.
1. The Psalms as Christian Lament
3. Psalm 6: Pursuit of Royal Excellence
4. Psalm 7: A Royal Petition for Cosmic Justice
5. Psalm 32: Forgiveness for the Justified
6. Psalm 38: The Dance between Deserved and Undeserved Judgment
7. Psalm 39: The Lament of Silence in the Pastoral Theology of Erasmus
8. Psalm 44: Lament in National Catastrophe
9. Psalm 102: The Prayer of an Afflicted Person
10. Psalm 130: Lament of the Sinner before the Triune God of Grace
11. Psalm 143: The Lament of the Justified
Each section consists of four parts: (1) voice of the church, (2) voice of the psalmist:translation, (3) commentary, and (4) conclusion.
Dec 18, 2014
Why Books Make Great Christmas Gifts
Read this lighthearted reminder why books make great gifts. See the post for further explanation but here are the first ten reasons.
1. They’re easy to wrap.
2. They don’t need to be plugged in.
3. They don’t expire.
4. They don’t go out of date.
5. One size fits all.
6. They don’t make loud noises.
7. By God’s grace, a good Christian book will build the faith of your family and friends.
8. Books can be shared.
9. They are aesthetically pleasing.
10. They are sugar, gluten and dairy free.
1. They’re easy to wrap.
2. They don’t need to be plugged in.
3. They don’t expire.
4. They don’t go out of date.
5. One size fits all.
6. They don’t make loud noises.
7. By God’s grace, a good Christian book will build the faith of your family and friends.
8. Books can be shared.
9. They are aesthetically pleasing.
10. They are sugar, gluten and dairy free.
Dec 17, 2014
Hearing Babylonian Songs
This article provides an interesting explanation of how ancient Babylonian songs were recreated. The article also contains a link to allow you to hear one of the recreated songs as well.
HT: David Burnett
HT: David Burnett
Dec 16, 2014
Advice for Preaching Christmas
Peter Mead has some really good advice on what to do and not do in preaching about Christmas here.
Dec 15, 2014
Five Questions with Dr. Steven Anderson
I am excited that my friend Dr. Steven Anderson has agreed to be interviewed about his new Bible study resource. This resource, Dr. Anderson’s Interpretive Guide to the Bible, consists of eight volumes covering the entire Bible. The entire series is over 1,200 pages! All of the interpretive guides follow the same basic format and order: a brief introduction to the biblical book; a discussion of introductory issues (such as author, date, writing style, and addressees); a paragraph-level subject outline of the book; an “argument” which traces the flow of thought throughout the book but also deals with macrostructure, theology, and interpretive issues; and an annotated bibliography.
1. How are your interpretive guides different from a standard commentary?
These interpretive guides provide a synthetic overview of each book of the Bible, giving special attention to the development of a book’s argument. Although some interpretive issues are addressed, they are not addressed with the detail of a commentary. As the name “interpretive guide” implies, my books are meant to be a guide or a starting point for developing more detailed interpretations, rather than containing all the details in themselves. My books are also different from other published works because they are the product of my own study of the biblical text, and contain many original ideas and observations.
2. You devote a fair amount of space to addressing introductory issues. Why is it important to deal with issues such as authorship, dating, original audience, etc.?
Understanding the background of a biblical book is the key to understanding the book as a whole. A clear statement of background issues will allow for a consistent and uniform interpretation of individual passages within the book. For example, understanding 1 John as a test of life will result in one way of interpreting individual passages throughout the book, while understanding it as a test of love will result in another way of interpreting these passages. Someone who approaches 1 John without any understanding of its background or purpose would have more difficulty in understanding individual verses within the book, and also in finding a consistent argument made from start to finish.
I would also point out that people who say background issues don’t matter still are bringing many background assumptions to the table. For example, pastors who say that it doesn’t matter who wrote Hebrews are still assuming that Hebrews was written by some apostle or apostolic associate in the first century AD, which gives the book authority for the church. Critical scholars often attack traditional claims about the authorship of biblical books, which is dangerous because these attacks raise questions about the inspiration and authority of these books.
3. Your interpretive guides contain an argument. Can you explain what an argument is and how it helps one to better understand a book of the Bible?
An argument shows how a biblical author’s thesis and message is developed throughout his book. It shows how each section of the book is related to the book’s purpose, and how the different sections relate to each other. For example, in accordance with Matthew’s aim to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah, Matthew 1:1–4:11 describes Jesus’ entitlement to the messianic role. Within this section, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus had messianic genealogical qualifications (1:1-17), a messianic birth and infancy (1:18–2:23), a messianic forerunner (3:1-12), a messianic anointing (3:13-17), and a messianic test (4:1-11).
4. In writing these interpretive guides, what area of Scripture or which book did you find the most challenging and why?
Overall, the Old Testament prophetic books were the most challenging for me. Published outlines and interpretations of these books vary widely, and for some books (e.g., Jeremiah and Hosea) some commentators think there is no logical outline. I felt that I had to dig especially deep to come to a satisfactory understanding of these books.
5. Who are some of the biblical scholars that most influenced and shaped your approach to the Bible?
My major formative influence in Bible interpretation was the late Rev. Raymond Befus, Sr., who was pastor of the church that I grew up in (Bethany Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan). Pastor Befus was a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and an “old school” dispensationalist. We often had speakers from the seminary at the church, such as Charles Ryrie and John Walvoord. When I was working toward my M.Div. and Th.M. degrees at Capital Bible Seminary I formed a close relationship with Dr. Thomas Edgar, who was a major influence on my New Testament exegesis. Of the professors in my Ph.D. program at Dallas Theological Seminary I felt closest to Dr. Stanley Toussaint, who taught the doctoral seminar on Hebrews–Revelation. I also had the privilege of taking the last course that Dr. Harold Hoehner taught prior to his passing, in which he communicated to us his rigorous method of doing scholarly research.
Those interested in purchasing one or all of the interpretive guides can go here You can purchase the interpretive guides in PDF format for $39.99 for the complete series or individual volumes at $5.99 each. You can also purchase print copies for $12.99 to $15.99 per volume. Do check it out.
1. How are your interpretive guides different from a standard commentary?
These interpretive guides provide a synthetic overview of each book of the Bible, giving special attention to the development of a book’s argument. Although some interpretive issues are addressed, they are not addressed with the detail of a commentary. As the name “interpretive guide” implies, my books are meant to be a guide or a starting point for developing more detailed interpretations, rather than containing all the details in themselves. My books are also different from other published works because they are the product of my own study of the biblical text, and contain many original ideas and observations.
2. You devote a fair amount of space to addressing introductory issues. Why is it important to deal with issues such as authorship, dating, original audience, etc.?
Understanding the background of a biblical book is the key to understanding the book as a whole. A clear statement of background issues will allow for a consistent and uniform interpretation of individual passages within the book. For example, understanding 1 John as a test of life will result in one way of interpreting individual passages throughout the book, while understanding it as a test of love will result in another way of interpreting these passages. Someone who approaches 1 John without any understanding of its background or purpose would have more difficulty in understanding individual verses within the book, and also in finding a consistent argument made from start to finish.
I would also point out that people who say background issues don’t matter still are bringing many background assumptions to the table. For example, pastors who say that it doesn’t matter who wrote Hebrews are still assuming that Hebrews was written by some apostle or apostolic associate in the first century AD, which gives the book authority for the church. Critical scholars often attack traditional claims about the authorship of biblical books, which is dangerous because these attacks raise questions about the inspiration and authority of these books.
3. Your interpretive guides contain an argument. Can you explain what an argument is and how it helps one to better understand a book of the Bible?
An argument shows how a biblical author’s thesis and message is developed throughout his book. It shows how each section of the book is related to the book’s purpose, and how the different sections relate to each other. For example, in accordance with Matthew’s aim to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah, Matthew 1:1–4:11 describes Jesus’ entitlement to the messianic role. Within this section, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus had messianic genealogical qualifications (1:1-17), a messianic birth and infancy (1:18–2:23), a messianic forerunner (3:1-12), a messianic anointing (3:13-17), and a messianic test (4:1-11).
4. In writing these interpretive guides, what area of Scripture or which book did you find the most challenging and why?
Overall, the Old Testament prophetic books were the most challenging for me. Published outlines and interpretations of these books vary widely, and for some books (e.g., Jeremiah and Hosea) some commentators think there is no logical outline. I felt that I had to dig especially deep to come to a satisfactory understanding of these books.
5. Who are some of the biblical scholars that most influenced and shaped your approach to the Bible?
My major formative influence in Bible interpretation was the late Rev. Raymond Befus, Sr., who was pastor of the church that I grew up in (Bethany Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan). Pastor Befus was a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and an “old school” dispensationalist. We often had speakers from the seminary at the church, such as Charles Ryrie and John Walvoord. When I was working toward my M.Div. and Th.M. degrees at Capital Bible Seminary I formed a close relationship with Dr. Thomas Edgar, who was a major influence on my New Testament exegesis. Of the professors in my Ph.D. program at Dallas Theological Seminary I felt closest to Dr. Stanley Toussaint, who taught the doctoral seminar on Hebrews–Revelation. I also had the privilege of taking the last course that Dr. Harold Hoehner taught prior to his passing, in which he communicated to us his rigorous method of doing scholarly research.
Those interested in purchasing one or all of the interpretive guides can go here You can purchase the interpretive guides in PDF format for $39.99 for the complete series or individual volumes at $5.99 each. You can also purchase print copies for $12.99 to $15.99 per volume. Do check it out.
Dec 13, 2014
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis
Watch Rob Plummer's thoughts on the newly revised 5-volume New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis edited by Moisés Silva.
Plummer notes that Zondervan is offering this resource at a 50% discount Until December 31 with free shipping. You can
call 1-800-727-3480 and mention promo code NIDNTTE50 and ISBN 9780310276197, or go to ChurchSource.com. But for some an even better deal is being offered by Christian Book Distributors who is offering the same price with free shipping, but CBD does not charge state taxes. You can use this link.
Plummer notes that Zondervan is offering this resource at a 50% discount Until December 31 with free shipping. You can
call 1-800-727-3480 and mention promo code NIDNTTE50 and ISBN 9780310276197, or go to ChurchSource.com. But for some an even better deal is being offered by Christian Book Distributors who is offering the same price with free shipping, but CBD does not charge state taxes. You can use this link.
Dec 12, 2014
Why Preachers Struggle with Sermon Application
Earlier this week, I posted on ten ideas for sermon application (see here). If you found that interesting you might take a look at Shane Lems' post here summarizing Murray Capill's explanation why so many preachers struggle with application here.
Dec 11, 2014
NICOT Psalms Commentary by deClaisse-Walford, Jacobson, and Tanner on Sale
Eerdmans has put the new Psalms commentary by Nancy deClaisse-Walford, Rolf A. Jacobson, and Beth LaNeel Tanner, in the NICOT series on sale for $36 (40% off) for three days only (until Saturday, December 13. But please note that there is a charge for postage of about $3 and the sale is not available through the Eerdman's website. To access this offer, either email here (sales@eerdmans.com with with "3-Day NICOT Psalms (978-0-8028-2493-6) Sale" in the subject line) or call in your order at 800-253-7521 and use promotional code 739.
Köstenberger's Top Ten Books of 2014
Andreas Köstenberger has identified his top ten books of 2014 here. Make sure to read his annotations, but here is Köstenberger’s list.
1. New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis. 5 vols. Second edition. Edited by Moises Silva.
2. A Theology of James, Peter, and Jude. Biblical Theology of the New Testament. By Peter H. Davids.
3. How God Became Jesus: The Real Origins of Belief in Jesus’ Divine Nature: A Response to Bart D. Ehrman. By Michael Bird, Craig Evans, Simon Gathercole, Charles Hill, and Chris Tilling.
4. 1 Peter. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament. By Greg W. Forbes.
5. Galatians. By Douglas J. Moo. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.
6. 1–2 Thessalonians. By Jeffrey A. D. Weima. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.
7. Heaven. Theology in Community. Edited by Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson. Crossway.
8. Shepherding God’s Flock: Biblical Leadership in the New Testament and Beyond. Edited by Benjamin L. Merkle and Thomas R. Schreiner.
9. The Acts of the Apostles: A Newly Discovered Commentary. Lightfoot Legacy Set. By J. B. Lightfoot. Edited by Ben Witherington III and Todd D. Still.
10. Hidden But Now Revealed: A Biblical Theology of Mystery. By G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd.
1. New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis. 5 vols. Second edition. Edited by Moises Silva.
2. A Theology of James, Peter, and Jude. Biblical Theology of the New Testament. By Peter H. Davids.
3. How God Became Jesus: The Real Origins of Belief in Jesus’ Divine Nature: A Response to Bart D. Ehrman. By Michael Bird, Craig Evans, Simon Gathercole, Charles Hill, and Chris Tilling.
4. 1 Peter. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament. By Greg W. Forbes.
5. Galatians. By Douglas J. Moo. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.
6. 1–2 Thessalonians. By Jeffrey A. D. Weima. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.
7. Heaven. Theology in Community. Edited by Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson. Crossway.
8. Shepherding God’s Flock: Biblical Leadership in the New Testament and Beyond. Edited by Benjamin L. Merkle and Thomas R. Schreiner.
9. The Acts of the Apostles: A Newly Discovered Commentary. Lightfoot Legacy Set. By J. B. Lightfoot. Edited by Ben Witherington III and Todd D. Still.
10. Hidden But Now Revealed: A Biblical Theology of Mystery. By G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd.
Dec 10, 2014
Review of Early Explorers of Bible Lands
Jack P. Lewis, Early Explorers of Bible Lands (Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press, 2013). Early Explorers of Bible Lands is a fascinating, inspiring, and sometimes humorous glimpse into the lives of ten nineteenth-century men who made significant contributions to our understanding of the geography, and to some extent the archaeology, of the Bible lands. The highlighted explorers include John Lewis Burckhardt, Giovanni Battista Belzoni, Conrad Schick, William Francis Lynch, James T. Barclay, Charles William Wilson, Charles Clermont-Ganneau, Selah Merrill, Claude Conder, and Archibald Henry Sayce.
This book is fun to read. The individual stories are relatively short and focused primarily as one would expect, on their times in the Bible Lands. But there is sufficient personal detail to give the reader a sense of the person. Lewis also does a good job highlighting the personal sacrifices that were often made, and the dangers and interpersonal conflicts that each one seemed to encounter. There is even a bit of humor thrown in. For example, William Lynch’s affirmation while staying in Tiberias that the rumor, “the king of the fleas holds his court in Tiberias” was true (p. 78). The book also contains a fairly thorough bibliography although it does lack a subject index. Those who have traveled to, or are interested in, the Bible lands should consider reading this book.
Much thanks to Abilene Christian University Press for providing the copy used in this review.
Much thanks to Abilene Christian University Press for providing the copy used in this review.
Dec 9, 2014
Ten Ideas for Sermon Application
Craig Schill has some really good ideas and suggestions regarding sermon application here.
Dec 8, 2014
Catching My Own Typos
I struggle with catching typos in my own work although I am pretty good at spotting them in general. I continue to work at it but this article at least gives a bit of an explanation of why I struggle.
Dan Wallace on Lexical Fallacies by Linguists
See this post by Dan Wallace on lexical fallacies by linguists here.
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