The Ancient Hours […] packs a wallop" —New York Times Book Review "The Ancient Hours is brilliant.” —Bud Smith, author of Work "Bible is a fantastic writer." —Kevin Wilson, author of Nothing to See Here Harmony, North Carolina is a typical town—full of saints and sinners you can’t tell apart... Its history echoes with lynchings and shootings; mob violence and vigilante justice. But those are just whispers of a past lost to time. The summer of 2000 was different. Iggy in the Baptist church. Gasoline and a match. Twenty-five people dead. This, Harmony couldn’t forget. Told in a kaleidoscope of timelines and voices, Michael Bible examines every dimension of a tragic but all-too-American story in The Ancient Hours. The victims, witnesses, perpetrators, and condemned comingle and evolve as the passage of time works its way through their lives. What emerges is a fable of the American South in the highest tradition: soaring, tragic, and eternally striving for redemption.
If Nicholson Baker shaved his beard and moved south of the Mason-Dixon line, he'd look and sound a lot like Michael Bible. Uproariously funny, unabashedly sexy and with a nuanced sincerity that won't sneak up on you till the end, Michael Bible's novel is not only much-anticipated, but highly rewarding.
Dr. Michael S. Heiser presents fifteen years of research on what the Bible really says about the unseen world of the supernatural, unfiltered by tradition or by theological presuppositions. Who were the sons of God? Who were the Nephilim? Where do angels fit into the supernatural hierarchy? What relation does Jesus bear to the rest of the supernatural world? Heiser tackles these questions and many more as he shines a light on the ancient context of Scripture. After reading this book, you may never read your Bible the same way again. In Supernatural, Heiser takes the core message from his recent best-seller, The Unseen Realm, and presents it for the person in the pew. He offers the same approach to reading and understanding Scripture, but without all the extra footnotes and supporting information needed for the scholarly treatment. “We can’t believe what we don’t understand. In Supernatural, Michael Heiser helps us to do both. It may open your eyes to the scripture in a new way.” —John Ortberg, author of If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat
From an expert on Bible translation and interpretation comes a revealing look at the Minor Prophets. Michael Williams, PhD, takes readers on a journey from Hosea to Malachi, uncovering significant messages about Jesus and the gospel. Making these often overlooked books accessible, Williams gives insight into each of the minor prophets, exploring Little-known facts about the prophet The gospel according to the prophet Why the prophet should matter to readers Though the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament may seem obscure, readers will discover the significance that lies within these short books and how the relevance of these books will help grow their faith. Questions prompt readers to reflect on what each prophet’s message means for their own faith.
The Bible For Dummies (9781119293507) was previously published as The Bible For Dummies (9780764552960). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product. Discover the world’s all-time bestseller in an entirely new light Ninety percent of Americans own a copy of the Bible, and while it's the most widely read book, it's also the least understood. Regardless of your religion, understanding the Bible brings much of Western art, literature, and public discourse into greater focus—from Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" painting to the Wachowski brothers' The Matrix movies. People have historically turned to religion to deal with tragedy and change, and with the right insight, the Bible can be an accessible, helpful guide to life's big questions. The Bible For Dummies appeals to people of all faiths, as well as those who don't practice any particular religion, by providing interfaith coverage of the entire Bible and the often fascinating background information that makes the Bible come alive. You'll find answers to such questions as: Where did the Bible come from? Who wrote the Bible? How is the Bible put together? Follow the history of the Bible from its beginning thousands of years ago as tattered scrolls to its status as the bestseller of all time. The Bible For Dummies covers these topics and more: Ten people in the Bible you should know The Hebrew Bible The Apocrypha's hidden treasures What's new about the New Testament Israel's wisdom, literature, and love poetry The Bible's enduring influence The prophets: more than fortunetellers Whether you're interested in broadening your spiritual horizons, uncovering the symbolism of Western culture, or gaining a deeper understanding of the book you grew up reading, The Bible For Dummies has all the information you need to navigate this ancient and fascinating book.
“If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.” —MARTIN LUTHER A great deal of biblical scholarship is written for academics and fails to edify readers or strengthen their Christian ministry. Yet, Christians need to be nourished by the word of God so they can mature in faith and righteousness. Filling this gap, The Branch Exposition of the Bible is a resource for preachers, scholars, and everyday Christians alike, to help open God’s word and shed its light into life, ministry and teaching. Inspired by the words of the great reformer Martin Luther about shaking every branch of Scripture, and with experience in ministering across Africa, India and the West, Michael A. Eaton helps us understand the meaning of the Bible and taste its fruit. With an Old Testament volume to follow, this exposition of the New Testament accessibly engages with the biblical languages, gives application for our lives, and leads us through each book of the New Testament so that we can meet the resurrected Jesus Christ in the pages of Scripture.
The Bible is filled with passages that are so baffling we tend to ignore them. Yet the passages that seem weird might be the most important. This collection of essays from Bible Study Magazine will shock you, intrigue you, and completely change the way you view the Bible. Dr. Michael S. Heiser visits some of the Bible's most obscure passages, unveiling their ancient context to help you interpret them today. Read this book, and you'll never be bored by the Bible again. Part One: Old Testament The Ancient's Guide to the Galaxy Walk Like an Israelite Even the Bible Needed Upgrading Spellchecking the Bible Why Circumcision? The Abandoned Child and the Basket Case A Tale of Courage We Never Teach Counting the Ten Commandments Is There Really a Sin Offering? There's a Devil in the Details Love Potion: Numbers 5 Is My Bible Right? The Most Horrific Bible Story Righting a Wrong When Giants Walked the Earth The Divine Arrow Promise Undelivered? Sanctified Dirt 1003 BC Census: Who Authorized It-God or Satan? Cookin' the Books Slaying the Sea Monster Does God Need a Co-Signer? The Witness in the Clouds Who Wrote the Book of Proverbs? Immanuel's Mother: Virgin or Not? Standing in the Council Jeremiah: Double Vision? Why the Ark of the Covenant Will Never Be Found He, Him, Me, Myself, and I Bizarre Visions for the Worst of Times Do the Dead Sea Scrolls Answer the Canon Question? Part Two: New Testament Burying Hell My Guardian Angel The New Testament Misquotes the Old Testament? "I Saw Satan Fall like Lightning": When? The Healing Serpent Who Took Verse 4 out of My Bible? What Walking on Water Really Means Born Again ... and Again and Again? Dumbledore Meets Philip & Peter Paul's Lost Letters Destiny & Destination A Female Apostle Signed, Sealed, and Delivered-to Satan? Treason & Translation Charlton Heston Had Company When Abraham Met Jesus How Many Times Is Jesus Coming Back? What's Jesus Waiting For? God's Right-Hand Woman? Wisdom in Hebrews Baptism as Spiritual Warfare Jesus Is God: Jude and Peter Tell Me So When Angels Do Time Tough Love Jesus, God, a.k.a., The Name 666: What Theories Add Up? Perspective Changes Everything Constantine, Conspiracy, and the Canon
What does the Bible really tell us about the heavenly host? Everyone knows that angels have wings, usually carry harps, and that each of us has our own personal guardian angel, right? We all have some preconceptions about angels from movies, television shows, and other media, but you might be surprised to know that a lot of those notions aren’t based on anything from the Bible. If you read Luke 1:26–38 and imagine the angel Gabriel standing before Mary with neatly folded white wings, you’re not getting that picture from anything the Bible itself says. What the Bible really says about angels is overlooked or filtered through popular myths. This book was written to help change that. It’s a book about the loyal members of God’s heavenly host, and while most people associate them with the word “angel,” that’s just one of many terms the Bible uses for supernatural beings. In The Unseen Realm Michael Heiser opened the eyes of thousands to seeing the Bible through the supernatural worldview of the ancient world it was written in. In his latest book, Angels, Dr. Heiser reveals what the Bible really says about God’s supernatural servants. Heiser focuses on loyal, holy heavenly beings because the Bible has a lot more to say about them than most people suspect. Most people presume all there is to know about angels is what has been passed on in Christian tradition, but in reality, that tradition is quite incomplete and often inaccurate. Angels is not guided by traditions, stories, speculations, or myths about angels. Heiser’s study is grounded in the terms the Bible itself uses to describe members of God’s heavenly host; he examines the terms in their biblical context while drawing on insights from the wider context of the ancient Near Eastern world. The Bible’s view on heavenly beings begins with Old Testament terms but then moves into literature from the Second Temple period—Jewish writings from around the fifth century BC to the first century AD. This literature from the time between the Old Testament and the New Testament influenced the New Testament writers in significant ways. With that important background established, the book focuses on what the New Testament tells us about God’s holy ones. Finally, the book reflects on common misconceptions about angels and addresses why the topic is still important and relevant for Christians today.
A new commentary for today's world, The Story of God Bible Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in light of the Bible's grand story. The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and laypeople alike. Each volume employs three main, easy-to-use sections designed to help readers live out God's story: LISTEN to the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it within the Bible's grand story. EXPLAIN the Story: Explores and illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical setting. LIVE the Story: Reflects on how each text can be lived today and includes contemporary stories and illustrations to aid preachers, teachers, and students. —Romans— Romans is a letter that has had monumental impact in the history of Christian thought. Delving into Romans helps us see more clearly the biblical story of how God reveals his salvation to both Israel and the nations and compels us to read the Old Testament with a hermeneutical lens which identifies Jesus as the centerpiece of Israel's redemptive history. Edited by Scot McKnight and Tremper Longman III, and written by a number of top-notch theologians, The Story of God Bible Commentary series will bring relevant, balanced, and clear-minded theological insight to any biblical education or ministry.
The Bible is the sacred scripture of Judaism and Christianity. In its pages we encounter some of the most memorable characters in world literature: Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, Moses, Samson and Delilah, David and Bathsheba, Job, Jesus, and Paul; some of the most well-known religious texts: the Ten Commandments, the Shema, Psalm 23, and the Sermon on the Mount; and some of the most important concepts in theology: covenant, chosenness, sin, atonement, and salvation. Over the ages, the Bible has also had an enormous influence on politics, on literature and the arts, and even on medicine and science. The word "Bible" basically means "book." Although usually formatted as a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of shorter books written over the course of more than a thousand years, an anthology of texts that Jews and Christians have considered especially authoritative, even inspired-"holy writ." Put simply, for Jews the Bible is a collection of some twenty-four books that by the second century CE had a special status. For Christians, the Bible includes these books, and some other Jewish religious writings, which together were eventually called "the Old Testament"; to them were added another twenty-seven early Christian texts, known as "the New Testament." Behind these simple definitions, however, lie many complexities, both because of the Bible's long history of formation and because of the different faith communities that consider it canonical"--
With this Bible study, a companion book to A Sacred Sorrow (9781576836675, sold separately), you and your small group can fully grasp the importance of voicing your heart’s joys and pains to the Father. Job, David, Jeremiah, and Jesus Himself understood the necessity of lament.
In The Unseen Realm, Dr. Michael Heiser examines the ancient context of Scripture, explaining how its supernatural worldview can help us grow in our understanding of God. He illuminates intriguing and amazing passages of the Bible that have been hiding in plain sight. You'll find yourself engaged in an enthusiastic pursuit of the truth, resulting in a new appreciation for God's Word. Why wasn't Eve surprised when the serpent spoke to her? How did descendants of the Nephilim survive the flood? Why did Jacob fuse Yahweh and his Angel together in his prayer? Who are the assembly of divine beings that God presides over? In what way do those beings participate in God's decisions? Why do Peter and Jude promote belief in imprisoned spirits? Why does Paul describe evil spirits in terms of geographical rulership? Who are the "glorious ones" that even angels dare not rebuke? After reading this book, you may never read your Bible the same way again. Endorsements "There is a world referred to in the Scripture that is quite unseen, but also quite present and active. Michael Heiser's The Unseen Realm seeks to unmask this world. Heiser shows how important it is to understand this world and appreciate how its contribution helps to make sense of Scripture. The book is clear and well done, treating many ideas and themes that often go unseen themselves. With this book, such themes will no longer be neglected, so read it and discover a new realm for reflection about what Scripture teaches." --Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership and Cultural Engagement "'How was it possible that I had never seen that before?' Dr. Heiser's survey of the complex reality of the supernatural world as the Scriptures portray it covers a subject that is strangely sidestepped. No one is going to agree with everything in his book, but the subject deserves careful study, and so does this book." --John Goldingay, David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament, School of Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary "This is a 'big' book in the best sense of the term. It is big in its scope and in its depth of analysis. Michael Heiser is a scholar who knows Scripture intimately in its ancient cultural context. All--scholars, clergy, and laypeople--who read this profound and accessible book will grow in their understanding of both the Old and New Testaments, particularly as their eyes are opened to the Bible's 'unseen world.'" --Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College
This book was wrote in spirit. The miracles in it are for your use to figure out your life. 70 chapters of Mehe Vs. Antichrist is my Testimony of Revelations up on me. Prophecy within is greater then you know now. This book will leave you breathless and amazed and scared. Only the wise and in spirit will you understand. Unsaved people can not comprehend what is said. Gods Children only. To help you furthur your knowledge and to give you insight as to what and how Christ Works. Truths being re proven in different lights only a forthteller and seer can do.
Make a deeper connection to the world of the Psalms so that these well known scriptures can help you give voice to all aspects of our human experience–joy, faith, uncertainty and sorrow. During two weekly video segments, experience a varied presentation of individual Psalm texts, including dramatic reading, music, dance, and images. Listen to insights into specific Psalms presented by one of two biblical scholars through an informal, roundtable conversation format Ideal experience for adults who are interested in the practice of prayer and worship and would like to connect prayer practice with Scripture. The study is accessible for adults with little prior Bible experience. Participants for this Invitation to Psalms do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of Psalms a week, they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples. This ten-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts. Michael Jinkins is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He serves as Dean of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he is also Professor of Pastoral Theology. Michael is the author of eleven books, including In the House of the Lord: Inhabiting the Psalms of Lament, Invitation to Theology, and Letters to New Pastors. Sessions: Word of God, Words of Prayer The Prayer Book of God’s People Praying the Psalms The Language of the Heart A Geography of the Imagination A Theology of the Imagination Lament and Praise Grace and Repentance Love and Wrath Hallelujah and Amen
The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God’s Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) “Gospel Glimpses” highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) “Whole-Bible Connections” show how any given passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) “Theological Soundings” identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God’s grace on every page of the Bible. The book of Numbers follows two generations of God’s people: the first forced to wander in the desert for 40 years because of their lack of faith, and the second given the blessing of entering the Promised Land because of their obedience. Showing how the book of Numbers displays the steadfast faithfulness of God, Michael LeFebvre helps readers learn from the failures of past generations in order to pursue faithfulness today. Part of the Knowing the Bible series.
Whenever we today in this 21st Century read about heaven and earth in the Scriptures we need to be careful as to exactly what is being referred to. And here are some reasons as to why this must be. The original Bible was not written in our modern English, which is a far different language than Hebrew and Greek the original languages of the Holy Scriptures. Hence the reason for us to become avid students of the Word of God. We, living today are not the original recipients of Scripture and as such we need to understand what the original recipients understood when they first received that Word. We must be willing to let the Bible interpret itself and not hang on to our theories for the Scriptures. That the Bible speaks of at least four Heavens and three earths. And as such we need to dig deep into the Word of God and find them and apply this understanding in our study. Remember what the Scriptures say in Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal the word, and the glory of kings to search out the speech. With that said let us now take a deeper dive and journey into the Word of God with the intention of extracting much needed revelation concerning these Heavens and Earths.
This concise and accessible retelling of the Bible is a global phenomenon and modern classic of Christian literature. Who were the Twelve Tribes? What actually happened at the Last Supper? Many people are familiar with the Bible, but few have read it in depth—let alone in its entirety. Reverend Doctor Michael Hinton bridges the gap with this modern summary, distilling the essential elements from Creation to Revelation into an accessible page-turner for today’s time-pressed reader. A modern classic in Great Britain and translated into many languages, this 100-minute read covers all of the decisive moments and influential characters in short, straightforward chapters. In the 100-Minute Bible, Reverend Dr. Michael Hinton offers a new way of understanding the Bible and the story of Christianity.
Christianity is always untimely, always foreign to our beliefs and contrary to our desires. It was untimely in Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome when Jesus and his early followers were killed. It is just as untimely now. But we have become deaf to its otherness, to the disruptive strangeness of Christian faith. If we are to hear it again, we must traverse the distance between our comfortable and overly conceptual Christianity and the true Christianity that "turns the whole world upside down." In Untimely Christianity, acclaimed poet and literary scholar Michael Edwards calls for a countercultural Christianity that recovers the Bible's radical otherness and renews our habits of attention to its message--to its revelation of a God who is not merely a set of doctrines but a person, someone we can know. Edwards's work is an eloquent, prophetic effort to recapture the revolutionary power of the Bible to transform the way humans view the world and how they live in it. Rich in theology, philosophy, poetry, biblical interpretation, and cultural criticism, Untimely Christianity invites readers of all kinds to encounter the Bible anew, as "a continuous questioning of the reader and a prodigious expansion of reality.
The supernatural world is prominent in many of today's movies, television shows, novels, and the popular imagination. But some of what is presented as grounded in a Christian worldview is in fact far from that. In Angels and Demons, Michael Patella, OSB, offers an accessible and fascinating look at supernatural realities as they really are presented in the Bible and Christian tradition. Among the topics Patella explores with a valuable combination of pastoral wisdom and academic rigor are: the role of angels in the ministry of Jesus the apocalyptic battle in Revelation the occult, possession, and the work of Satan what angels are and what they're not the Last Judgment: how? when? Readers will appreciate Patella's level-headed appraisal of the views of the supernatural world in the various sections of the Bible. They will be engaged by his lucid account of "Who's Who in Hell." They will be both comforted and inspired by his foundational conviction that Christ has claimed creation for the forces of good, evil is on the run, and there is no chance of the tide ever turning the other way, evil actions and human suffering notwithstanding.
Commentators have long set the book of Daniel within the context of world history and the genre of apocalyptic literature. The present volume argues that the primary context for the book is the composition of the Hebrew Bible as a whole. Daniel in the Context of the Hebrew Bible has implications for every major hermeneutical issue in Daniel including the four kingdoms, the son of man, and the prophecy of seventy sevens. In the final analysis, the Hebrew Bible and the book of Daniel are decidedly messianic, eschatological, and faith-oriented."--pub. desc.
Stay far away from normal when it comes to matters of faith. Will you be remembered as a person who claimed to follow God but liked to play it safe? Or as a person who lived your life out on the limb and trusted God enough to act with crazy faith? In this five-session video Bible study (video streaming included), bestselling author and pastor Michael Todd reveals how to step out in faith and dive into the purposeful life of trusting God for the impossible. There are many things that seem normal today that at one point in time seemed crazy. History-making inventions that started out as crazy ideas. People who risked everything to stand up for what they believed. But our see-it-to-believe-it generation tends to have a hard time exercising true faith—one that steps out, takes action, and sees mountain-moving results. Many of us would rather play it safe and stand on the sidelines. But it's crazy faith that helps us see God move and reveals his promises. This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: An individual access code to stream all five video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!). The study guide itself—with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide. Video notes and a comprehensive structure for group discussion time. Sessions and run times include: Starting Out (Baby Faith and Maybe Faith) (18:00) Getting Stronger (Waiting Faith and Wavy Faith) (17:30) Obstacles to Avoid (Lazy Faith and Fugazi Faith) (16:00) Moving to the Next Level (Trading Faith and Stating Faith) (18:00) Finishing Strong (Fading Faith and Saving Faith) (18:30) Even if we have to start with baby faith or maybe faith, we can become empowered to let go of our lazy faith, trust God through our hazy faith, and learn to live a lifestyle of crazy faith. Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.
Do you know the real story behind the New Testament? We all share a fascination for discovering ‘the rest of the story.’ We enjoy learning the behind-the-scenes facts about seemingly familiar events. In The New Testament You Never Knew, well-known Bible scholars N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird team up to take you on a tour of the explosive story behind the story of the New Testament. You will discover things you never knew about... The political upheaval of the day that made the nature of Jesus' coming so unexpected The underlying meanings behind Jesus' parables and miracles The Kingdom of God and why everything about it was so shocking The resurrection and why, despite repeated predictions, no one saw it coming The mission of the church and how it is more complex than we realize The transforming power of Jesus and how it can still turn the world upside down today Through reading the New Testament we continually discover that God indeed keeps his promises, but those promises don’t always look like what people expected. Especially when it comes to Jesus. So, come join the journey to discover why N.T. Wright calls the New Testament "one of the most explosive books ever written." The study guide (DVD/video streaming sold separately) includes teaching notes, discussion questions, Bible exploration, personal study and reflection materials, as well as interesting facts about the New Testament. Sessions include: The Books of the New Testament The World of Jesus and the Apostles The Life and Death of Jesus The Resurrection of Jesus The Ministry of the Apostle Paul The Early Christians and the Church The Mission of the Church The Creation of the New Testament Designed for use with The New Testament You Never Knew Video Study (9780310085287), sold separately.
For several decades, Michael Coogan's introductory course on the Old Testament has been a perennial favorite among students at Harvard University. In God and Sex, Coogan examines one of the most controversial aspects of the Hebrew Scripture: What the Old Testament really says about sex, and how contemporary understanding of those writings is frequently misunderstood or misrepresented. In the engaging and witty voice generations of students have appreciated, Coogan explores the language and social world of the Bible, showing how much innuendo and euphemism is at play, and illuminating the sexuality of biblical figures as well as God. By doing so, Coogan reveals the immense gap between popular use of Scripture and its original context. God and Sex is certain to provoke, entertain, and enlighten readers.
Luke continues to challenge our lives. Focusing on Jesus and his earthly ministry among the early church, Michael, F. Patella, OSB, opens the Gospel of Luke to the 21st-century reader. Patella presents literary, textual, and historical criticism in a readable manner to give readers a solid background for the Lukan Gospel. A brief introduction informs reader of Luke's literary technique, Luke as an evangelist, and other historical data. Chapters are "The Prologue (1:1-4)," "The Infancy Narrative (1:5-2:52)," "Preparation for the Public Ministry (3:1-4:13)," "The Ministry in Galilee (4:!4-9:50)," "The Journey to Jerusalem (9:51019:27)," "The Teaching Ministry in Jerusalem (19:28-21:38)," "The Passion (22:1-23:56)," "The Resurrection (24:1-53)." Also includes questions for discussion.
Answers to the most common questions and misconceptions about the Bible Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew about the Bible is a short and readable introduction to the Bible—its origins, interpretation, truthfulness, and authority. Bible scholar, prolific author, and Anglican minister Michael Bird helps Christians understand seven important "things" about this unique book: how the Bible was put together; what "inspiration" means; how the Bible is true; why the Bible needs to be rooted in history; why literal interpretation is not always the best interpretation; how the Bible gives us knowledge, faith, love, and hope; and how Jesus Christ is the center of the Bible. Seven Things presents a clear and understandable evangelical account of the Bible's inspiration, canonization, significance, and relevance in a way that is irenic and compelling. It is a must read for any serious Bible reader who desires an informed and mature view of the Bible that will enrich their faith.
The story of the creation of The Saint Johns Biblethe first commissioned, handwritten Bible in five hundred years and the first Bible of this magnitude written in English using a contemporary translationhas been told elsewhere. In Word and Image, Fr. Michael Patella focuses not on how it was made but on how, now that it is finished, it can be read, viewed, and interpreted. Patella considers the centuries-long tradition of illuminated Bibles and also the fascinating ways this Bible reflects third-millennium concerns. He seeks to rekindle interest in sacred art by allowing The Saint John's Bible to teach its readers and viewers how to work with text and image. As an accomplished Scripture scholar, a monk of the abbey that commissioned the Bible, and the chair of the Committee on Illumination and Text that provided the vision to the artists who created it, Patella may be the only one who could write this book with such insight, expertise, and love.
Does science discredit the Bible, God, religious faith? Absolutely not, says Dr. Michael Guillen, former Harvard physics instructor and Emmy-winning ABC News Science Editor. In Amazing Truths, he uses his entertaining, down-to-earth storytelling skills to reveal ten astonishing truths affirmed by both ancient Scripture and modern science that answer some of our biggest questions: Can faith really move mountains? Does absolute truth exist? Are humans truly unique? Is it possible to communicate with God? How much about the universe do we actually know? How could Jesus have been fully man and fully God? In Amazing Truths, Dr. Guillen explains that faith is not some outdated way of thinking. Faith is a necessary part of science, Christianity, and any intelligent, comprehensive, coherent worldview--vastly more powerful than even logic. Amazing Truths will expand your mind and bolster your faith. You will see for yourself what Dr. Guillen, a theoretical physicist and devout Christian, has discovered in a lifetime of serious exploration--that science and faith are not at odds. In fact, they're the ultimate power couple.
How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens connects each of the sixty-six books of the Bible to the person and work of Jesus Christ. By explaining each book’s theme and raising pertinent questions about the contemporary importance of that message, author Michael Williams sets readers on a path toward purposeful, independent reading and application of the entire Bible.
The Romans Commentary is written by Dr. Michael Vanlaningham, the co-editor of The Moody Bible Commentary. This commentary on Romans opens with a description of its author, date, purpose, and themes. As well, an outline is provided depicting the overall structure of Romans. Drawing from his New Testament scholarship and deep understanding of the biblical language, the author provides insight into the verses and sections of Paul’s epistle. The scripture being commented on is shown in bold print for easy reference and a short bibliography at the end of the book allows for further study. This clear and reliable commentary on Romans is excellent for anyone who wants to explore and better understand this portion of scripture. It provides a concise explanation of the text for Sunday school teachers, Bible study leaders, missionaries, and pastors. The Romans Commentary will help you better understand and apply God’s word!
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all feature parallel accounts of the "end times," and all three accounts feature a messianic Savior, an apocalyptic final war between good and evil, and a central role for the city of Jerusalem. Do these three "end times" scenarios intersect in some way? In a world that cries out for peace, which will prevail-Jesus or jihad?
You’ve got Bible questions. We’ve got answers. The Bible is full of great truths for our lives . . . and also, if we’re being honest, a lot of mysteries that we don’t understand. You’ve probably wondered about these questions many times. You’d like good answers. Just keep it short and sweet. But where can you turn for reliable guidance? Dr. Michael Rydelink, beloved Moody professor and host of the radio call-in show Open Line, answers the questions that listeners often ask him. Michael addresses questions such as: Why does God allow bad things to happen? Did Noah really fit all the animals of the earth on a boat? Can I lose my salvation? What is the best Bible translation—King James or another? How can you explain the Trinity? Did Jesus really turn water into wine? And much more . . . Though the Bible is full of mysteries, it has no errors. There are good answers to all the perplexing questions. Don’t stay in the dark any longer. Get the answers from an expert and let your confusion turn to understanding.
Eminent biblical scholar Michael D. Coogan offers here a wide-ranging and stimulating exploration of the Old Testament, illuminating its importance as history, literature, and sacred text. Coogan explains the differences between the Bible of Jewish tradition (the "Hebrew Bible") and the Old Testament of Christianity, and also examines the different contents of the Bibles used by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, and Protestants. He looks at the rise of modern biblical scholarship as well as the recovery of ancient Near Eastern literatures and their significance for biblical interpretation. Coogan explores the use of invented dialogue and historical fiction in the Old Testament, the presence of mythic elements in apparently historical accounts, and the relationship of ancient Israelite myths to those of their neighbors. The book considers the Old Testament's idea of divine justice, especially in Ecclesiastes and Job, and looks at notions of the afterlife in the ancient Near East and in ancient Israel. Coogan highlights the significance of the history and literature of the Old Testament and describes how non-biblical evidence, such as archaeological data and texts, has placed the Old Testament in a larger and more illuminating context. The book also discusses law and ritual in the Bible as well as the biblical understandings of prophecy. Here then is a marvelous overview of one of the great pillars of Western religion and culture, a book whose significance has endured for thousands of years and which remains vitally important today for Jews, Christians, and Muslims worldwide. About the Series: Oxford's Very Short Introductions offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, and Literary Theory to History. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given topic. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how it has developed and influenced society. Whatever the area of study, whatever the topic that fascinates the reader, the series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.
My goal in this translation has been to bring some fresh turns of phrase to the Gospels, histories, letters, and revelatory texts already familiar to English readers and listeners, not least because they are the source of sayings and stories embedded in our language by virtue of the long dominance of the King James Version of the Bible. Although the Hebrew and Greek materials used for that version had their flaws, the quality of the English can hardly be improved upon. Some later translations relying on better materials have improved the accuracy of the text, but rarely the rhythm and force of the style. My aim is therefore not to supplant other translations so much as to shed light on obscure passages; capture aspects of the man Jesus' personality as presented distinctively in the Gospels; convey in relatively plain language Christian doctrine and experience as related in Acts and the Epistles; and reflect the atemporal nature of the Book of Revelation. I have generally aimed for fluid, contemporary language--avoiding the overly literal, freely adopting the colloquial, and taking grammatical license where the writer employed imagery not subject to standard linguistic limitations. My goal is a user-friendly translation at once enjoyable, novelistic, and at times poetic. ""Good translations take risks and let you read a familiar text as though for the first time. This irresistibly colloquial and energetic version of Christian Scripture keeps up a flow of linguistic vigor and sheds much fresh light: both the narratives of the Gospels and the arguments of the Epistles are presented with memorable vividness, and the rendering of the Book of Revelation is a genuine tour de force. There are definitely some high-risk decisions, but the overall impression is of a text that is wonderfully and confidently alive."" --Rowan Williams, Anglican bishop, former Archbishop of Canterbury ""Now more than ever, when sacred texts are too often used as weapons of terror, there is a need to make the gospel message of love and justice accessible. Michael Straus does this in his translation of the New Testament. Michael's scholarship and passion bring the New Testament alive for a skeptical world in need of a trusting word."" --Kelly Brown Douglas, Dean of Episcopal Divinity School, Union Theological Seminary ""This is a pearl of great price."" --James Diggle, Emeritus Professor of Greek and Latin, University of Cambridge ""There is no question that we live in an age when words matter. They have the power to inspire and to incite, to create and to destroy, to mobilize and to suppress. Straus has taken a text that has done all of this throughout its history and has given it fresh expression, nuanced meaning, and befitting urgency. At times he chooses literal accuracy, and at times he takes poetic license, all the while remaining faithful to original context and intent, even as he attempts to capture its relevance for this present age. This translation is not only elegantly innovative, but it also brims with the vigor and revolutionary spirit so present at the moments of its original composition. It is a gift apt for an age when words matter supremely."" --Javier A. Viera, Vice Provost, Dean of the Theological School, Drew University ""I have used this translation in my church and Bible studies and the response has been electric. The parishioners hear the Scripture being spoken to them in an entirely fresh way. In a world that hungers for authenticity, Michael Straus has blended a brilliant knowledge of Greek with a genius for the English language to produce a Holy Scripture as powerful as it is irresistible."" --Janet Broderick, All Saints Episcopal Church, Beverly Hills, California Michael Straus holds degrees in classical languages, law, and theology. He has previously published translations from Greek and Spanish. Anna Pipes is an artist based in New York.
In this sweeping narrative, Michael Satlow tells the fascinating story of how an ancient collection of obscure Israelite writings became the founding texts of both Judaism and Christianity, considered holy by followers of each faith. Drawing on cutting-edge historical and archeological research, he traces the story of how, when, and why Jews and Christians gradually granted authority to texts that had long lay dormant in a dusty temple archive. The Bible, Satlow maintains, was not the consecrated book it is now until quite late in its history. He describes how elite scribes in the eighth and seventh centuries B.C.E. began the process that led to the creation of several of our biblical texts. It was not until these were translated into Greek in Egypt in the second century B.C.E., however, that some Jews began to see them as culturally authoritative, comparable to Homer’s works in contemporary Greek society. Then, in the first century B.C.E. in Israel, political machinations resulted in the Sadducees assigning legal power to the writings. We see how the world Jesus was born into was largely biblically illiterate and how he knew very little about the texts upon which his apostles would base his spiritual leadership. Synthesizing an enormous body of scholarly work, Satlow’s groundbreaking study offers provocative new assertions about commonly accepted interpretations of biblical history as well as a unique window into how two of the world’s great faiths came into being.
There is a growing body of literature about the missional church, but the word missional is often defined in competing ways with little attempt to ground it deeply in Scripture. Michael Goheen, a dynamic speaker and the coauthor of two popular texts on the biblical narrative, unpacks the missional identity of the church by tracing the role God's people are called to play in the biblical story. Goheen shows that the church's identity can be understood only when its role is articulated in the context of the whole biblical story--not just the New Testament, but the Old Testament as well. He also explores practical outworkings and implications, offering field-tested suggestions for contemporary churches.
The Bible code-the ancient code encrypted in the Bible that may reveal our future-was made known to the world by investigative reporter Michael Drosnin. Now he reveals startling new predictions warning that we may have only three years to stop the countdown to Armageddon. This dramatic account opens on the morning of September 11, 2001, when Drosnin witnessed the attack on the World Trade Center-and then found the terrible event predicted in detail in the 3,000-year-old Bible code. But according to the code, September 11 was only the beginning. The Bible code says we are already in the "End of Days," the Apocalypse foretold by all three major religions of the West. Drosnin has traveled the globe to meet with world leaders to prevent the impending danger-and to search for the "Code Key," a long-buried ancient object that may completely unlock the Bible code, just in time to save our world.
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