Following the direction set by James Muilenberg and others, Franke argues that the most fruitful approach to these three chapters in Deutero-Isaiah is to read them with a literary dimension in mind. Franke finds a highly creative, unique hand in the creation of this section of Isaiah and believes that material in these chapters consists of unified literary works, using a number of criteria to test and validate this hypothesis. Along the way, she also examines the nature and character of Hebrew poetry in these chapters, considering it within the context of contemporary Hebrew Poetry studies.
Ezra-Nehemiah has been neglected in biblical studies, but it is important as one of the few windows into the Persian period of Israel's history, the setting for so much of the final shape of the Hebrew Bible. To know this period is to know what influenced these redactors. In Ezra and Nehemiah Gordon Davies provides that knowledge using rhetorical criticism, a methodology that reveals the full range and progress of the book's ideas without hiding its rough seams and untidy edges. The purpose of rhetorical criticism is to explain not the source but the power of the text as a unitary message. This approach does not look at plot development, characterization, or other elements whose roughness makes Ezra-Nehemiah frustrating to read. Instead, it examines the three parts of the relationship - the strategies, the situations, and the effects - between the speaker and the audience. Rhetorical criticism's scrutiny of the audience in context favors the search for the ideas and structures that are indigenous to the culture of the text. Rhetorical criticism is interested in figures of speech as means of persuasion. Therefore, to apply it to Ezra-Nehemiah, Davies concentrates on the public discourse - the orations, letters, and prayers - throughout its text. In each chapter he follows a procedure that: (1) where it is unclear, identifies the rhetorical unit in which the discourse is set; (2) identifies the audiences of the discourse and the rhetorical situation; (3) studies the arrangement of the material; (4) studies the effect on the various audiences; (5) reviews the passage as a whole and judges its success. In the conclusion, Davies explains that Ezra-Nehemiah makes theological sense on its own terms, by forming a single work in which a range of ideas is argued. Biblical scholars as well as those interested in literary criticism, communication studies, rhetorical studies, ecclesiology, and homiletics will find Ezra and Nehemiah enlightening. Chapters are Ezra 1:1-6," "Ezra 4:1-24," "Ezra 5:1-6: 15," "Ezra 7," "Ezra 9-10," "Nehemiah 1- 2," "Nehemiah 3-7," and "Nehemiah 8-10." Gordon F. Davies is associate professor of Old Testament and dean of students at St. Augustine's Seminary of Toronto.
In Ruth, Tod Linafelt offers an interpretation of the book which he calls "unsettling," in that he refuses to settle on a single meaning in a book so fraught with complexity and ambiguity. Ambiguity built into grammar, syntax, and vocabulary carrie over into the larger issues of characterization, theology, and the book's purpose. He also argues that Ruth is intended to read as an interlude between Judges and Samuel. Esther, by Timothy Beal, focuses on a story of anti-Judaism in an ancient world that raises contemporary questions about sexism, ethnocentrism, and natioinal identity. Beal questions the text without assuming that there will be univocal answers, allowing for complexity, perplexity, and the importance of accidents. Beal emphasizes the general and the tenative over the continuous. Using rhetorical criticism as a way into the text, Beal also focuses on its narrative structure.
This commentary views the Song of Songs as a collection of love poems that pays tribute to mutual love, and it carefully examines features of Hebrew poetry in order to uncover the delicacy of their expression. It is unique in the attention that it gives to the obvious feminine perspective of the poems and to their ecosensitive character. Whether it is the woman in awe of the strength and splendor of her lover or the man praising her physical charms, the descriptions all call on elements from the natural world to characterize the feature being described.
Opening with the prophet Elijah's ascent into heaven and closing with the people of Judah's descent to Babylonia, 2 Kings charts the story of the two Israelite kingdoms until their destruction. This commentary unfolds the literary dimensions of 2 Kings, analyzes the strategies through which its words create a world of meaning, and examines the book's tales of prophets, political intrigue, royal apostasy, and religious reform as components of larger patterns. 2 Kings pays attention to the writers' methods of representing human character and of twisting chronological time for literary purposes. It also shows how the contests between kings and prophets are mirrored in the competing structures of regnal synchronization and prophecy-fulfillment. Much more than a common chronicle of royal achievements and disasters, 2 Kings emerges as a powerful history that creates memories and forges identities for its Jewish readers. 2 Kings is divided into four parts including Part One The Story of Elisha: 2 Kings 1:1-8:6"; Part Two "Revolutions in Aram, Israel, and Judah: 2 Kings 8:7-13:25"; Part Three "Turmoil and Tragedy for Israel: 2 Kings 14-17"; and Part Four "Renewal and Catastrophe for Judah: 2 Kings 18-25." Robert L. Cohn is professor of religion and holds the Philip and Muriel Berman Chair in Jewish studies at Lafayette College. Under the auspices of the American Jewish Committee, he lectured on Jewish interpretations of the Bible as the first American Jewish-scholar-in-residence at four Roman Catholic seminaries in Poland.
Your mission to the world may start with simple things, such as a cup of cold water. But what are some of these simple things and how can you learn to recognize them and act? They may be: A “chance” meeting with a thirsty little girl on a back street in Haiti and God’s plan is received by the author, forever changing his life and that of his family. “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup and of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42 What “cup of water” is Jesus asking you to deliver? What is your mission in this world? Are you willing to obey? Will you spend your life fishing safely from the dock? Or will you step out of a boat with Jesus and walk across the water in His plan? This short Topical Line Drives volume will encourage you to recognize these opportunities and act, doing good one small thing at a time.
Since the early days of motion picture production, film scores have helped define our emotional and aesthetic perception of stories on screen--particularly with space movies and television. The music from The Day the Earth Stood Still, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica and others has helped define the public's awareness of space almost as much as the films themselves. In some cases, they have redefined the norms of film music. Star Wars not only revived the popularity of orchestral film scores but also helped stimulate an increased public interest in classical orchestral music around the world. This work explores the music and the composers who have helped define the sound of space for over a century, transforming how we perceive space and even inspiring greater interest in space exploration. This book also details how music has been performed and played in space since the early days of the "space race.
What if every choice you made led to positive, productive results? How would your days be different if you so clearly understood your purpose that the words you spoke and the actions you took always added value to the people around you? How would this influence your family? How would it affect your friends? Would your income change? Would your career path be different? What would your life be like if you weren't so busy just doing "stuff"? Can the tyranny of the urgent be overshadowed by the significant and substantive possibility of a life lived with purpose? "Welcome Home", is a 6-week journey for you and your family. Through personal interaction with scripture, you are invited to invest unhurried focus on timeless truths that influence every decision. Life is going to be busy. Let's be busy doing things that matter most.
With this collection of short stories, Howard has blended his passions for God and railroads. These tales are filled with thought-provoking insights and teachings, yet maintain a simplicity and clarity that all ages can enjoy. (Christian)
The authors share how, tired of just preaching the words of the Gospel, they tried to manifest the Gospel in their intentions and actions, and how this shift in focus from words to action changed their family, church, and relationship with God.
“This is the secret of the Saints: abiding in Christ, joined to him like branches to the vine, in order to bear much fruit.” Pope Francis We have an obligation as Christians to share the Gospel of Christ. But many are at a loss as to how to fulfill this commission. Good news – we have a clear path we can follow, trod by holy men and women who have successfully brought millions of souls to Christ, the saints! In his newest book, Casting Nets with the Saints, author and speaker Chris Stewart builds on The Seven Pillars of Effective Evangelization, using entertaining stories of the saints to demonstrate THE SEVEN CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE EVANGELIZER Modeled on the life and ministry of Jesus, a truly effective evangelist must be Joyful • Humble • Merciful • Peaceful • Faithful • Hopeful • Charitable As Casting Nets with the Saints powerfully demonstrates, the saints embody these characteristics, and their stories can inspire us to share the Faith. This book is perfect for individuals or parishes searching for an effective program for bringing the Faith to others and growing in it themselves.
Life is a series of lessons. For the Christian the goal of each is to guide and encourage the student to become a little more like Jesus. For some those lessons are taught in the office or classroom; for others, they arise in the home; for others still those lessons may be taught on the road while traveling from place to place. For me, many of those lessons have come on the hard and often unforgiving streets of Norfolk, Virginia. Some will bring a smile to your face, while others may bring tears. Some result in great victory, while others appear to end in tragedy and defeat. Some may provide answers, while others may raise questions, but all have a common purpose. Each one, when learned, will lead to a closer walk with Jesus Christ. This book is a collection of those lessons written in hopes that you too may be encouraged in your quest to become more like our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. God is still, as in times past, using the most unsuspecting people to teach some of His most profound lessons. Join with me now as together we let the lessons begin.
Opening with the prophet Elijah's ascent into heaven and closing with the people of Judah's descent to Babylonia, 2 Kings charts the story of the two Israelite kingdoms until their destruction. This commentary unfolds the literary dimensions of 2 Kings, analyzes the strategies through which its words create a world of meaning, and examines the book's tales of prophets, political intrigue, royal apostasy, and religious reform as components of larger patterns. 2 Kings pays attention to the writers' methods of representing human character and of twisting chronological time for literary purposes. It also shows how the contests between kings and prophets are mirrored in the competing structures of regnal synchronization and prophecy-fulfillment. Much more than a common chronicle of royal achievements and disasters, 2 Kings emerges as a powerful history that creates memories and forges identities for its Jewish readers. 2 Kings is divided into four parts including Part One The Story of Elisha: 2 Kings 1:1-8:6"; Part Two "Revolutions in Aram, Israel, and Judah: 2 Kings 8:7-13:25"; Part Three "Turmoil and Tragedy for Israel: 2 Kings 14-17"; and Part Four "Renewal and Catastrophe for Judah: 2 Kings 18-25." Robert L. Cohn is professor of religion and holds the Philip and Muriel Berman Chair in Jewish studies at Lafayette College. Under the auspices of the American Jewish Committee, he lectured on Jewish interpretations of the Bible as the first American Jewish-scholar-in-residence at four Roman Catholic seminaries in Poland.
Come and Ride with Me is a call for action. God is saying you can depend on me. In both the physical and invisible realm, well, before global navigational systems emerged, the word of God has been a guiding light. The Psalmist declared in Psalm 119:105, saying, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The word of God enlightens presently the path for the living in this world and has been since the beginning of time. The precious word of God is true, living, ageless, and relevant today and will be in years to come as it was in the past. It is holy, righteous, blessed, and priceless. Considering its origin, it will not fail. God who is faithful and true has blessed it. The full impact of its power is in the application. From joyous to sad times, from easy to challenging times, the word of God shines a bright light into the hearts and souls of the hearers. Whosoever receives and applies it to their lives will forever know the difference.Consistent with the call to serve, I have traveled to various countries of the world proclaiming the gospel. In each place, I beheld the working power of God through changed lives. In the beginning, I shared weekly messages online on many topics. Each message is inspirational, speaking to the hearts and minds of people. Over the years, I had desired to compile those messages in a book for the benefit of more readers. So to that end, with much prayer, we have incorporated in this book those messages with some images and testimonies that reflect the great commission. I encourage youto read by faith to discover how God has done extraordinary things in the lives of ordinary people.
When life circumstances made her run from the God she had known all her life, He continued to show Himself to her. Once Chris Scholl realized He was not going anywhere, she gave in and is now closer to Him than ever. God speaks today, just as He did in the Old Testament days. The only difference now is, we have so much more clatter around us that we just have to look harder and listen closer. In Well, Let Me Just Tell Y'all, Chris keeps it simple as she shares the lessons God has taught her. The book includes inspirations, devotionals, poems, and just a few of the many scriptures God has used to remind her that He has a purpose for all of us, that He loves us, and that He provides strength, hope, and forgiveness.
The Author of this book, Chris Briscoe, wrote this to help us all come closer to answering that great mystery, "Is there a God?" Chris invites us to approach this problem from a different angle. For example, when scientists discovered six billion chemical-codes written on our double-threads of DNA (the double-helix- "double- spiral staircase") - it forces us to ask the question, "How could nature have written all that code when nature does not have a mind - it does not have real intelligence but works according to commands, so how could nature have written all that code or even inspired itself to write the code; which our bodies need to build the trillions of molecular machinery our bodies need, let alone which the first supposed cell needed when it arrived here on the earth. Scientists, engineers and architects today acknowledge that those molecular machines are actually the epitome of perfectly design and function; therefore, they are the strongest evidence that there must be a most intelligent mind and molecular scientist behind nature to have been inspired and designed every organism. Chris' premise is that when we look into the world of the cell and even the most "rudimentary" organism, it reveals a level of design element and complexity which could not have possibily originated in nature, alone. In other words, there must be a mind behind nature, the most intelligent molecular mind, just as there has to be a programmer behind computer program made. (Book's Index: Christian Apologetics)
In 2003, over 160,000 fans watched professional baseball in downtown Fort Worth's near north side. Baseball, which had been played in this north side area since 1911, had returned after a near 40-year absence. Fort Worth's rich tradition of professional baseball dates back to the start of the Texas League of Professional Baseball Clubs in 1888 and includes many players who continued to impact our national pastime at the major league level. Presenting over 170 photographs, programs, and maps this volume documents not only the play on the field, but the fun and excitement off the field as well. The book contains a chapter on Fort Worth's black baseball history, which dates back to the turn of the 20th century, and includes the new discovery of a forgotten ballpark dedicated to the black players and leagues of the early 1900s. Though the details are difficult to trace, this chapter showcases the pride the players demonstrated at the local level and the force they became in the national Negro leagues.
An examination of the unique parallels between New York City's evolution and that of the New York Yankees, How the Yankees Explain New York illustrates how the storied history of the Bronx Bombers mirrors that of the Big Apple itself. The oldest professional sports franchise in the city, the Yankees have played in front of sold out crowds in the Bronx for nearly a century, and this work explores the relationship between Wall Street high-rollers and the Yankees' record-setting payroll, describes the “city that never sleeps” through the nighttime antics of Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin, revisits the healing effect of the Yankees' World Series run in the aftermath of 9/11, and much more. Entertaining and insightful, this book is sure to be popular amongst one of sports' most passionate fan bases.
Written by psychologists, this book focuses on the design of computer systems from the perspective of the user. The authors place human beings firmly at the centre of system design and so assess their cognitive and physical attributes as well as their social needs. The model used specifically takes into consideration the way in which computer technology needs to be designed in order to take account of all these human factors. The text comprises a careful mix of theory and applications and is spiced throughout with practical examples of do's and don'ts in designing systems.
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