Ten Memorable Quotes from John Stott

  
See this article.
 

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.

Scott A. Ellington
Risking Truth: Reshaping the World through Prayers of Lament
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=6778
Reviewed by Philip E. Satterthwaite
 
Andreas Hahn
Canon Hebraeorum-Canon Ecclesiae: Zur deuterokanonischen Frage im Rahmen der Begründung alttestamentlicher Schriftkanonizität in neuerer römisch-katholischer Dogmatik
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7473
Reviewed by Mark Elliott
 
K. L. Noll and Brooks Schramm, eds.
Raising Up a Faithful Exegete: Essays in Honor of Richard D. Nelson
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7849
Reviewed by Kent Harold Richards
 
B. J. Oropeza, C. K. Robertson, and Douglas C. Mohrmann, eds.
Jesus and Paul: Global Perspectives in Honor of James D. G. Dunn for His Seventieth Birthday
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7551
Reviewed by Bernard Ukwuegbu
 
Yoon-Man Park
Mark's Memory Resources and the Controversy Stories (Mark 2:1-3:6): An Application of the Frame Theory of Cognitive Science to the Markan Oral-Aural Narrative
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7793
Reviewed by James D. G. Dunn
 
Henning Graf Reventlow
History of Biblical Interpretation, Vol. 3: Renaissance, Reformation, Humanism
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7841
Reviewed by A. K. M. Adam
 
Henning Graf Reventlow
History of Biblical Interpretation, Vol. 3: Renaissance, Reformation, Humanism; and Vol. 4: From the Englightenment to the Twentieth Century
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7885
Reviewed by John F. A. Sawyer
 
Matthew Sleeman
Geography and the Ascension Narrative in Acts
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7430
Reviewed by Steve Walton
 
Michael G. Wechsler, ed.
The Arabic Translation and Commentary of Yefet ben 'Eli the Karaite on the Book of Esther: Edition, Translation, and Introduction
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7395
Reviewed by John Kaltner
 
Timothy M. Willis
Leviticus
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7141
Reviewed by Christophe Nihan 

  

J Gresham Machen's Birthday

J Gresham Machen was born in Baltimore, Maryland on this day in 1881.

John Stott (1921-2011)

  
It is being reported that John Stott has gone to be with the Lord. He was ninety years of age.

You can visit a memorial page here.
  

Interview with Dr. Steve Lemke on The Return of Christ

Recently I posted on a new book entitled The Return of Christ. One of the editors of this work, Dr. Steve Lemke, has graciously agreed to be interviewed for this blog. 

Steve Lemke is Provost, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics, and the McFarland Chair of Theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, a co-sponsor of the Acts 1:11 Conference.  He also serves as Director of the Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry, and as Editor of the Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry.  Dr. Lemke’s publications include co-editing Biblical Hermeneutics: A Comprehensive Introduction to Interpreting Scripture and Whosoever Will:  A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five Point Calvinism, as well as contributing articles to A Harmony of the Gospels, The Holman Bible Dictionary, The Baptist Faith and Message 2000:  Critical Issues in America’s Largest Protestant Denomination, and The Apologetics Study Bible.  He has taught at several theological institutions, and has served as a pastor, interim pastor, and staff member of a number of churches.

Question: How did you first become involved in this project? 
  

The Return of Christ is the second book that I have co-edited with Dr. David Allen, Dean of the School of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Both of these books originated with the desire to publish and expand the material presented at two conferences sponsored by Jerry Vines Ministries and co-sponsored by a number of theological institutions. The first book was Whosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five Point Calvinism, which arose from the John 3:16 Conference at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA in 2008.  Likewise, The Return of Christ: A Premillennial Perspective arose from the Acts 1:11 Conference at Metro First Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, GA in 2009.  Both books address key issues and offer perspectives that we feel are very important in the lives of contemporary Christians and in conservative evangelical churches.

Question: What do you see as the overall thesis of the book?

 

The Return of Christ attempts unapologetically to present a positive case for and defense of a pretribulational, premillennial perspective on eschatology – that is, that the rapture will occur before a seven year period of tribulation, followed by the return of Christ to the earth to reign for 1,000 years. Each contributor shares that theological perspective, and argues for it in his own particular area of expertise.  Our intent is to provide Christians a scholarly yet readable book on this crucial subject to use as a guide in their own study of the Bible.

Question: How did this book most impact your own life and ministry?

When I was a seminary student and a young pastor, eschatology was one of the most burning issues in discussions among both ministers and laypeople. The surest way to draw interest in a church Bible study was to announce that you were going to speak on end times. It seems to me that this interest has diminished in some ways, at least among many young seminarians, but I believe that the interest in the church remains strong, as indicated by the amazing popularity of the “Left Behind” series.  Even the public attention given to Harold Camping’s misguided predictions about the return of Christ this year, or President Obama’s use of the word “Armageddon” when speaking of our national budget crisis, underscores the fascination that believers and even unbelievers have with end times.  As humans, we can’t live without hope, and without the firm assurance in the return of Christ, there is no hope for our lives or for our world.

Question: Who do you think should read this book?

We wrote this book for the church. This is a book written at a level that is readable for both laypersons but also scholarly enough for pastors and other church staff members, as well as ministerial students. While the book deals with some challenging concepts, any serious Bible student can understand it.  The Return of Christ is going to be used as a text in some Christian colleges or seminaries, but we believe that its greatest market may be among lay believers.

Question: What do you hope to accomplish through this book?

We hope through The Return of Christ to reassert the case for a pretribulational, premillennial eschatology.  While a premillennial eschatology was held by the majority of evangelical scholars at one point, there is greater diversity today among evangelicals in their eschatological beliefs. While in no way would we break fellowship with believers who affirm other eschatological positions, we believe that the Bible most clearly affirms a premillennial perspective.

The first section of the book has printed versions of all the major presentations at the Acts 1:11 Conference, including sermons by well-known preachers Jerry Vines and Junior Hill, and presentations about different aspects of premillennial eschatology by Ergun Caner, Provost of Arlington Bible College; Danny Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Paige Patterson,  President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; David Allen, Dean of the School of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and Richard Land, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.  The second half of the book is made up of additional articles contributed by Stanton R. Norman, Provost of Oklahoma Baptist University; Craig Blaising, Provost of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Lamar Cooper, Provost of the Criswell College; Steven Cox, Research Professor of New Testament at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary; and Michael Vlach, Professor of Theology at the Master’s Seminary.

Our larger goal, of course, is not just to present and argue the case for a particular eschatological position, but to strengthen people’s faith and hope in the return of Christ.  We hope our readers feel a greater sense of assurance about the Lord’s return, and that through that affirmation that they experience greater hope in their own lives.

  

Using Poetry in Preaching

  
Calvin Miller has some helpful advice on using poetry in preaching in this article.
 

Baker Exegetical Commentary of the New Testament Titles on Sale

  

The Westminster Bookstore has a 50%-off clearance sale for many of their Baker Exegetical Commentary of the New Testament titles. Here are the titles, prices and links to the sale items.

Matthew – David L. Turner ­– $27.50 after discount

Luke 1:1–9:50 – Darrell L. Bock – $30.00 after discount

Luke 9:51–24:53 – Darrell L. Bock – $30.00 after discount

John – Andreas Köstenberger– $25.00 after discount

Acts – Darrell L. Bock – $27.50 after discount

Romans – Thomas R. Schreiner– $27.50 after discount

1 Corinthians – David E. Garland– $27.50 after discount

Ephesians – Frank Thielman – $22.50 after discount

James – Dan G. McCartney– $20.00 after discount

Jude and 2 Peter ­ – Gene L. Green– $20.00 after discount

Revelation – Grant R. Osborne – $27.50 after discount

  

Free Audio for the 2011 Expository Preaching Workshop

  
You can access free audio for the 2011 Expository Preaching Workshop held at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary February 28-March 1, 2011 here.
  

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.

Duane L. Christensen
Nahum: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7296
Reviewed by Donatella Scaiola

Pierre Gibert
L'invention critique de la Bible, XVe-XVIIIe Siècle: L'invention moderne de la critique du texte biblique
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7474
Reviewed by Jeffrey L. Morrow

Jo Ann Hackett
A Basic Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7571
Reviewed by George Athas

Ronald Hendel
Reading Genesis: Ten Methods
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7821
Reviewed by Matthias Millard

Dirk J. Human and Gert J. Steyn, eds.
Psalms and Hebrews: Studies in Reception
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7803
Reviewed by Steve Moyise

Walter C. Kaiser Jr.
Recovering the Unity of the Bible: One Continuous Story, Plan, and Purpose
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7300
Reviewed by Joel Stephen Williams

Ross Shepard Kraemer
Unreliable Witnesses: Religion, Gender, and History in the Greco-Roman Mediterranean
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7876
Reviewed by Gail Streete

Tremper Longman III
How to Read Exodus
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7455
Reviewed by Wolfgang Oswald

Maynard Paul Maidman
Nuzi Texts and Their Uses as Historical Evidence
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7749
Reviewed by Christopher Metcalf

Andreas Wagner
Gottes Körper: Zur alttestamentlichen Vorstellung der Menschengestaltigkeit Gottes
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7574
Reviewed by Mark W. Hamilton
 

DeYoung on Why Pastors Should Study Greek

   

From the Western Seminary Blog

   

World's First Question Mark?

  
See this Reuters article on the possible discovery of the first question mark in biblical manuscripts from the fifth century.
 

Latest Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

  

The June 2011 edition of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 54:2 is now out. The articles in this issue are as follows.

A Temple Framework of the Atonement . . . Adam Johnson

Hittites and Hethites: A Proposed Solution to an Etymological Conundrum . . . Bryant G. Wood

Fads and Common Sense: Reading Acts in the First Century and Reading Acts Today . . . Eckhard J. Schnabel

The Near Word of Christ and the Distant Visionof N. T. Wright . . . Mark Seifrid

What Is There between Minneapolis and St. Andrews? A Third Way in the Piper-Wright Debate . . . Michael F. Bird

Ethnocentric Legalism and the Justification of the Individual: Rethinking Some New Perspective Assumptions . . . Andrew Hassler

When a Christian sins: 1 Corinthians 10:13 and the Power of Contrary Choice in Relation to Compatibilist-Libertarian Debate . . . Paul A. Himes

John Calvin’s Movement from the Bible to Theology and Practice . . . Brian C. Dennert 

High Priest's Bell?

  
Leen Ritmeyer has a post on the possible discovery of one of the bells that may have been worn by the high priest during the Second Temple period. It is probably a bit early to be speculating too much, but it is interesting.
  

The Passages Exhibition

  

If you happen to be in or near the Oklahoma City area, you might be interested in the Passages exhibition hosted by the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.running from May 16 to October 16, 2011. Here is the website.

In conjunction with "the 14,000-square-foot exhibition featuring some of the most rare biblical manuscripts, printed Bibles and historical items in the world. Some of the highlights include a Dead Sea Scroll text, ancient biblical papyri, illuminated manuscripts, early printed materials, a portion of the Gutenberg Bible and many first editions of the English Bible through the King James Version. "There will also be weekly guest lecturers including, but not limited tothe following:

July 26: Dr. Peter Flint, Canada Research Chair in Dead Sea Scrolls Studies, “The Contents and Challenges of the Dead Sea Biblical Scrolls”

Aug. 9: Dr. Edwin Yamauchi, Miami University (OH), “The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries and the Old Testament”

Aug. 23: Dr. Alister McGrath, King’s College (UK), “What Do William Tyndale and C.S. Lewis Have in Common?”

Oct. 11:Dr. Robert Cooley, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, “The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries and the New Testament”

The Hermeneutics of George Ladd

  
Michael Vlach has an interesting post on the hermeneutics of George Ladd, especially as it relates to the use of the Old Testament in the New.
 

How Much Text Should Your Preach?

  
Steve Holmes has a good post on how much text one should tackle in a sermon.
 

Preaching Hosea

  
See this article on preaching from the prophetic books, namely Hosea.
 

Creation and Evolution

  
Tim Challies has a good post on the significant biblical and theological issues at stake in the debate between the creation and evolution views.
 

Goodacre on the Conflicting Criteria of Multiple Attestation and Embarrassment

  
Mark Goodacre makes an excellent observation "On the contradiction between "multiple attestation" and "embarrassment" in Historical Jesus Research." 
  

On Redemptive Blogging

  
Ed Cyzewski has some important reminders for Christian bloggers here.
 

The Promise in Hebrews 11:39-40

  
See Steven Coxhead's post on the promise not received in Hebrews 11:39-40.
  

The Significance of the 613 Commandments

  
Many Bible students know that there are supposedly 613 commandments in the Hebrew Scriptures. But less well known are the varied explanations (if any) for the number 613. See this article for some explanations. I am not sure I buy any of the explanations, but they were fun to read.
 

Biblical Illiteracy

  
Here is another article on the growing biblical illiteracy among Christians.
 

The Return of Christ

  

I just received a copy of The Return of Christ edited by David L. Allen and Steve W. Lemke  and published by B & H Academic. I will be doing a review in the near future, but for now here is the publisher's description.

In the study of end times (eschatology), evangelical Christians usually adhere to one of three positions. Premillennialism holds that Christ will return to earth before He reigns over an earthly kingdom for one thousand years. Postmillennialism says the kingdom of God will become realized on this earth through the church's influence, even before Christ's return. Amillennialism suggests the millennium is not a literal thousand-year reign, but that Christ's return will usher in eternity.

The Return of Christ gathers presentations from the Acts 1:11 Conference where church leaders spoke in support of the premillennial position and pre-tribulation rapture. Regardless of whether or not a reader holds this same position, the text emphasizes the deep importance of eschatology in Christ's teaching ministry and as the focus for our hope. Indeed, without the promise of Christ's return, Christianity has little to offer the unbeliever.

The book's dozen contributors include Jerry Vines, Ergun Caner, Danny Akin, Paige Patterson, David Allen, Richard Land, Junior Hill, Stanton R. Norman, Craig Blaising, Lamar Cooper, Steven Cox, and Michael Vlach.

  

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.

  

Alicia J. Batten
Friendship and Benefaction in James
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7811
Reviewed by Oda Wischmeyer
 
Michael W. Duggan
The Consuming Fire: A Christian Guide to the Old Testament
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7754
Reviewed by Wilhelm J. Wessels
 
Steven J. Friesen, Daniel N. Schowalter, and James C. Walters, eds.
Corinth in Context: Comparative Studies on Religion and Society
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7855
Reviewed by Dennis E. Smith
 
Marianne Bjelland Kartzow
Gossip and Gender: Othering of Speech in the Pastoral Epistles
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7637
Reviewed by Korinna Zamfir
 
Jerome Murphy-O'Connor
Keys to Second Corinthians: Revisiting the Major Issues
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7776
Reviewed by Victor Paul Furnish
Reviewed by vanThanh Nguyen
 
Christopher Rollston
Writing and Literacy in the World of Ancient Israel: Epigraphic Evidence from the Iron Age
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7813
Reviewed by Johannes Schnocks
Reviewed by Ian Young
 
Robert L. Webb and Duane F. Watson, eds.
Reading Second Peter with New Eyes: Methodological Reassessments of the Letter of Second Peter
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=7626
Reviewed by David K. Burge