Bøger udgivet af Baker Publishing Group

Treasured Glimpses of Our True Home Miraculous stories of people visiting heaven abound--but what do those stories mean for "you"? And what do they tell us about this bright and glorious place? With warmth and insight, beloved author Betty Malz explores the wonders we will encounter in our final destination. Using Scripture and drawing from personal, firsthand experiences, she helps you answer questions such as: - Will I recognize and reunite with my loved ones?- Where is heaven located?- What kind of body will I have?- Will I be free from grief, pain and loneliness?- What will we "do" up there all that time? When the things of this world get you down, let these pages turn your eyes to heaven and the Father who is waiting for you there. Experience a taste of the sweet joy you will encounter when you, too, walk through those glorious gates.

Who Said Following Jesus Was Supposed to Be Safe? In 2005 Caleb Bislow decided safety was overrated. Realizing there is nowhere on earth beyond the reach of God's love, he became what might be called an "extreme missionary," traveling to some of the world's most dangerous and despised places. From warring tribal villages in Africa to red-light districts in Asia to Guatemalan prisons, Caleb witnessed God's light break through the darkness again and again. Are you tired of playing it safe? Filled with unforgettable stories of what can happen when men and women completely surrender to God's lead, "Dangerous "will help you see how He can use each of us no matter where in the world we are. Includes resources to help you get started on your own adventures. "A book for aspiring heroes, about real heroes, by a quiet hero." Bear Grylls, British Adventurer and TV Star "If it was not for Caleb living out the principles of this book, I probably would not be alive today. May God bless every person who reads this book."--Ruth, refugee and sole survivor of a rebel attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo "What would it take to persuade you to abandon the security of your family and home and venture into unknown, perilous corners of the world? For Bislow, there was one answer: a burning desire to spread the gospel message where no one else would go. "Dangerous" is both a call to fearless evangelism and Bislow's personal testimony of God's provision on the mission field. This book aims specifically toward mobilizing and empowering youth. Bislow advocates a brand of extreme but biblical Christianity that encourages sacrificing everything for the sake of Christ. His international emphasis risks minimizing evangelistic opportunities within one's local community, but it is also an inspiring reminder to brave the world outside your comfort zone. The appendix connects readers with existing resources and ministries for individuals interested in pursuing international ministry, especially one in dark, dangerous, and despised places of the world."--"Church Libraries"

Can love heal the rift between two souls?When her beloved father dies and she is left in the care of her conniving brother Laban, Rebekah knows her life has changed forever. Though she should be married by now, it's clear that Laban is dragging his feet, waiting for a higher bride-price to line his pockets. But then Rebekah is given a chance to leave her home to marry Isaac, a cousin she has never even seen, and her hope for the future is restored. Little does she know what a wondrous and heart-wrenching journey she is beginning.As Rebekah experiences the joy of young love and the bitterness of misunderstanding and betrayal, her resolve is tested. When the rift between Isaac and her grows so wide it is surely too great to be mended, can she trust the God of Isaac's father Abraham to bridge the gap?Join bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith as she fills in the blanks around the life of the enigmatic Rebekah.

What Is the Key to Living without Fear? As you look ahead to tomorrow, it is hard not to worry--about financial pressures, family issues, problems at work and so much more. You may even feel helpless as worry threatens to drain your life of joy. But there is good news. "We must keep trusting God, even when the world looks out of control, knowing that He is in charge and will take care of every situation that worries us." Bestselling author Kent Crockett explains how God can guide you, even now, along His chosen path, without your realizing it--from the circumstances you face to the people you meet--to accomplish His plan. Crockett reveals the two necessities that enable you to face the future without fear: believing that God is in control and learning to let Him guide you. "The Sure Cure for Worry" helps you to do both so you can live one day at a time, release your problems to God and live life to the fullest. "The book you are holding in your hands will show how you can trust God and how to keep from worrying."--George Foreman, former two-time world heavyweight boxing champion "If you want to get rid of your worry, you need to read this book. It is unlikely you will ever read the very important information in this book anywhere else."--Peter Lord, bestselling author, "Hearing God ""Kent is a man of great passion for God, a man who administers spiritual life support to those entrusted to him. He lives what he writes."--Jean Krisle Blasi, founder and president, Kingdom Craftsman Ministries; author, "Prophetic Fishing ""The book is straightforward, well written, and touches at the center of curing anxiety in a pastoral way.""--CBA Retailers+Resources"

What does LOVE look like? Love is food and comfort to a ten-year-old amputee, abandoned on the side of the roadLove is a new roof for an elderly widow installed before the rainy seasonLove is sharing hope with the homeless man on your street cornerLove is not just an ideal. Love is action. Love looks like something.For over thirty years, Rolland and Heidi Baker have been living examples of the love of Jesus to the people of Mozambique. Here they share incredible true stories of how--when they learned to stop for the one in front of them--God unleashed His miraculous power to change lives.Yet God isn't moving only in distant lands. He's moving right where you are. If you are willing, He can--and will--do amazing things when you learn that love is as simple as stopping for the one in front of you.Because if you don't stop, who will?

God used Elijah to accomplish great things--and He can use you, too.Elijah is marked as one of the greatest prophets of the Bible. More than a gifted seer, he spoke directly for God, and with His authority. Elijah is the only prophet to have called down fire from heaven, and one of only two individuals in Scripture taken to heaven before tasting death. Yet this remarkable agent of the Lord was also very human, afflicted with the very same failings and fears you have. With keen insight and practical application, beloved theologian and teacher R. T. Kendall explores the triumphs and contradictions of this powerful man of God. You will love seeing how Elijah was like you--righteous but proud, strong but cowardly, blessed but tested by trial and doubt.And you will take joy in realizing how God will use you, as He did Elijah, for His perfect glory."Very well written. Kendall examines the various episodes of Elijah's life in the Scriptures and draws out of them deeper truths that we can use today. He serves up to his reader skillful insights, practical applications of truth, helpful anecdotes, and wisdom from the Scriptures. People will understand God, Elijah, and themselves more fully. Recommend this book to everyone." --David Mundt, CBA Retailers + Resources"Kendall masterfully gives a 'double portion' of wisdom and insight into the powerful impact and great victories an ordinary person can achieve for God's kingdom if he will simply follow and obey him." --Worship Leader

There is hope after life falls apart. A single phone call can change your life. "There's been an accident.You have cancer.The company's downsizing.Your spouse wants out."All of a sudden everything spins out of control. At some point, we've all felt painful loss, bitter disappointment, embarrassing failure, unthinkable betrayal, and the seeming randomness of suffering. Some of us have faced death. Sometimes it all happens at once. And we have quietly wondered (or maybe even screamed), "Why is this happening to me? Where is God in all of this?" The answer may surprise you. With sincere sympathy and ready encouragement, Bruce W. Martin takes you through a grieving process that will help you reconcile your deep suffering with your beliefs about God. A unique and compassionate take on the age-old question of suffering, this book is for anyone who has experienced life-shattering pain. "This book plunged me into tough questions I often avoid and realities about God that are hard to hear. But I emerged with a sense of hope that could never have come the easy way. The directness and honesty of this book are refreshing."--Joseph Bentz, author of "Pieces of Heaven: Recognizing the Presence of God""A bright new voice sharing a solid, biblical response to suffering that could change your life. Brimming with hope and grace, this book is pure gold."--Austin Boyd, award-winning novelist and coauthor of "H2O"Bruce W. Martin is the pastor of a new church plant in Alabama. He has been a pastor and counselor for fifteen years and speaks and teaches in the United States and abroad. With the help of God he has survived his own soul-shattering pain and seeks to guide others through theirs.

This sourcebook of primary texts illustrates the history of Christianity from the first century to the death of Constantine. It covers all major persons and topics in early Christian life and thought and includes Gnostic texts and anti-Christian polemic."For half a century, A New Eusebius has been the means by which many of us first heard the voices of the early Christians in their own recording. Chronologically ordered and topically selected, this anthology still provides the most noteworthy witnesses to the church's formation in its sufferings, doctrinal disputes, and professions of faith."--D. H. Williams, professor of patristics and historical theology, Baylor University"Professors of early Christianity will enthusiastically welcome the reprinting of these two extremely well-selected and unsurpassed collections of documents [A New Eusebius and Creeds, Councils and Controversies]. These two textbooks have long set the standard for collections of original documents illustrating the practices and thought of early Christians. It is extremely useful for those who teach this period to have these texts back in print."--Kevin Madigan, Winn Professor of Ecclesiastical History, The Divinity School, Harvard University"This collection of documents from the world of early Christianity is not only handy but also enlightening. Here one has immediate access to ancient words on Gnosticism and Arianism, baptism and persecution, and canon and controversy. Here, in the antique, one may find something rare, something lovely, something new."--D. Jeffrey Bingham, associate dean of biblical and theological studies, Wheaton College"J. Stevenson's classic two-volume compilation, A New Eusebius and Creeds, Councils and Controversies, assembles snippets from a wide range of hard-to-find materials: acts of Christian martyrs, conciliar documents, fragments from heretics and persecutors, inscriptions on coins and catacombs, snatches of gossip in scattered letters. The final result is a brilliant mosaic of early Christianity."--William Harmless, author of Augustine in His Own Words

What Important Role Does a Dad Play in His Son's Life? He may be a little boy asking you to play catch today. But what about the years to come? Will you continue to be an important influence, helping him realize the potential God has given him? As a man, you know a lot of what your son will face, and no one is in a better position to prepare him for life. Michael O'Donnell's insights offer simple but powerful techniques to help you start your son on the road to maturity. You can build the father-son bond you want and lead him into a healthy, well-balanced manhood. "What a Son Needs From His Dad" will give you proven day-to-day strategies to: - instill character and strong spiritual values- develop responsible habits toward work and money- dialogue about sexuality and prepare him for marriage- encourage godly friendships with other boys and men Be the man you want your son to become and launch a relationship with him that will last a lifetime.

"An Introduction to Kierkegaard" is an accessible introduction to one of the most influential philosophers of the nineteenth century. Peter Vardy is an internationally known scholar with several bestselling titles. Soren Kierkegaard died in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the age of forty-two in 1855. His writings had little influence in his lifetime and after his death; even with the translation of some of his works into German, he was barely known. Yet today, he is internationally accepted as one of the world's greatest thinkers and is often considered the father of existentialism. The purposes of this book are very similar to Kierkegaard's own purposes, namely: - to help you think through the meaning and purpose of your life and what Christianity means today- to reintroduce Christianity into a world that has largely forgotten what the word means- to show the limitation of reason and modern philosophy Here, Peter Vardy makes Kierkegaard's often complex and difficult thinking accessible to a wide audience. He sketches a few of the central themes of Kierkegaard's thought and gives the reader a feeling for the way he approaches problems and some sense of the breadth of his work. This revised and expanded edition is an ideal introduction to Kierkegaard for both students and the general reader.

Expert help for understanding the BibleEach volume in the Understanding the Bible Commentary Series breaks down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. They present a careful section-by-section exposition of the biblical books with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Greek transliterated. Notes at the close of each chapter provide additional textual and technical comments for those who want to dig deeper. A bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes are also included. Pastors, students, and Bible teachers will find in this series a commitment to accessibility without sacrificing serious scholarship.John the apostle, the last of the original twelve, writes the final and most spiritual of the four Gospels. His intention is to clearly announce that Jesus is the eternal Son of God who has come in the flesh to redeem the world. This volume unpacks and explains the beautiful and rich signs and symbols that John used so that "you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." J. Ramsey Michaels is Professor of Religious Studies Emeritus at Missouri State University, Springfield. He has also taught New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts, Fuller Seminary in Pasadena and Seattle, and most recently Bangor Seminary in Portland, Maine. He has written commentaries on 1 Peter, Revelation, and Hebrews in addition to the Gospel of John.

"Fee's book is the most comprehensive treatment available of Paul's understanding of the Holy Spirit, a topic that has rarely received sufficient attention in studies of Pauline theology. Fee's method is exemplary: he first analyzes Paul's statements about the Spirit in each individual letter and then moves to a synthesis of Paul's general pneumatology. The result is a book that is deeply exegetical, doing justice both to the particularity of Paul's writings and to the fundamental unity of his vision for the Spirit's role in the life of the Christian community. Most importantly, Fee emphasizes insistently that the Holy Spirit must be experienced as a living presence within the church. That message is both faithful to Paul and urgent for the community of faith in our time."--Richard B. Hays, Duke Divinity School"With the energy and care that is a trademark of his work, Gordon Fee here fills a significant gap in Pauline studies. Both those who find talk about the Holy Spirit congenial and those who would happily marginalize it will be instructed by this book. Fee makes a genuine contribution as he examines Paul's letters in conversation with both the exegetical tradition of the academy and the pressing needs of the church."--Beverly R. Gaventa, Baylor University and Princeton Theological Seminary"Fee uniquely combines professional competence as a text critic, an exegete, an author and editor of major commentaries, and a foremost evangelical interpreter of Paul with a lifetime of formation and ministry among the Pentecostals--this century's providential witnesses to the work of the Spirit of God among us. Fee's work offers an enduring encyclopedia of Pauline pneumatological exegesis, easy to consult for next Sunday's sermon yet substantial enough to take its place near George Ladd's Theology of the New Testament as a must-have for serious interpreters of Paul's gospel. Fee's work is the theological crown of a distinguished exegetical career."--Russell P. Spittler, senior professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

"An unprecedented mix of pentecostal theology and mission practice. . . . The fullest and finest missiological treatise originating within classical Pentecostalism available."--Russell P. Spittler

Flame of Yahweh provides a thorough discussion and perceptive theological understanding of human sexuality and gender as revealed in the Old Testament. Davidson sets before his readers the original intent and continuing ideal of sexual and gender relations as provided in the Scriptures of the OT. The Edenic ideals of human sexuality, love, and relationship are plunged into discord and disharmony, a discord and disharmony as evident on the pages of the Bible as in the daily news. In response to this disarray, Davidson demonstrates how the OT provides a renewed vision of the true and the right. Recognizing the foundational aspects of his comprehensive study for New Testament studies, the author also outlines the implications for the NT understanding of human sexuality and gender that grew out of the OT literature.

Does a person's day to day work have any ultimate value from the perspective of Eternity? Should our work be seen as a discipline through which we connect spiritually with God and others? Is ordinary work the primary way that people can participate in God's mission to make all things new? What is the heavenly good of earthly work? In this book Darrell Cosden takes us on a spiritual and theological journey of discovery exploring these questions. Creatively, constructively, and sometimes provocatively, he shows us that the heavenly good of earthly work really makes the gospel good news for ordinary people by offering the possibility of a genuinely purpose-full Christian life.

You can live free from anxietyAre you always expecting bad things to happen? Are you constantly worrying about family members' health or safety? Ever feel weighed down by negativity from the 24-hour news cycle? In our world, it's a wonder anyone can escape anxiety. In fact, 40 million Americans suffer from some sort of anxiety disorder. Unchecked, anxiety can swiftly steal your sense of safety, well-being, and peace.But you don't have to let anxiety rule your life.Overcoming Anxiety, Worry, and Fear helps you cope with and eliminate anxiety. Its compassionate combination of common sense, biblical wisdom, and therapeutic advice will free you from constant worry. Trusted author Dr. Gregory L. Jantz will help you identify the causes of your anxiety, assess the severity of your symptoms, and start down avenues for positive change.Gregory L. Jantz, PhD, is a popular speaker and award-winning author of more than 25 books, including Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse and Every Woman's Guide to Managing Your Anger. He is the founder of The Center for Counseling & Health Resources, Inc. (www.aplaceofhope.com) in the state of Washington.Ann McMurray has coauthored several books with Dr. Jantz, including Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse and Every Woman's Guide to Managing Your Anger. She too lives in Washington and works at The Center for Counseling & Health Resources, Inc.

This instructor's manual includes the entire text of Cook and Holmstedt's Intermediate Biblical Hebrew accompanied by pedagogical notes and answers to exercises. Continuing the innovative approach found in their Beginning Biblical Hebrew, the authors' Intermediate Biblical Hebrew features integrated examples and lessons, pedagogical advancements that enhance student outcomes, and full-color illustrated readings from the Elijah narrative.Praise for Intermediate Biblical Hebrew"Cook and Holmstedt have produced a true intermediate teaching grammar that presents challenging concepts in a clear and engaging format. The authors are working on the cutting edge of linguistic approaches to Biblical Hebrew, but they have also given careful thought to the classroom experience, effective strategies for retention, and making learning enjoyable."--Eric J. Tully, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School"Instructors will welcome the breadth and inductive approach of Intermediate Biblical Hebrew; students will recognize their holistic comprehension after working through the grammar. It will prove an excellent tool for the twenty-first century."--David Vanderhooft, Boston College"The lively illustrated text of the Elijah narrative invites a focus on comprehension, and bonus full-color images of the Aleppo Codex add to the visual feast. Each lesson refreshes and expands understanding of grammatical issues arising from the text, with the option of using communicative pedagogy. A winner for an engaging intermediate class."--Jill Firth, Ridley College Melbourne"Intermediate Biblical Hebrew fills a real need. The authors delve into areas not frequently covered in grammar books, including syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Cook and Holmstedt pave new ground with this book, which will serve intermediate students--and, I hasten to add, advanced students as well--as they pursue the delight of reading the Bible in the original."--Gary A. Rendsburg, Rutgers University"Cook and Holmstedt deliver an exciting intermediate grammar that engages the senses and proves that learning a dead language does not have to be a lifeless prerequisite to further studies. Students will come away with a genuine love of the language and an ability to use it effectively."--Julie C. Möller, Grove City College"Cook and Holmstedt are two of the most linguistically sophisticated scholars working in Biblical Hebrew today. In this book, they show that they are also among the most pedagogically sophisticated. With the vibrant illustrations of Philip Williams, students will enjoy the process of working through the Elijah narrative so much they may not even realize how much they are learning."--Aaron J. Koller, Yeshiva University"Delightful and engaging, Intermediate Biblical Hebrew fills the need for a second-year or intermediate-level Hebrew textbook, a stage of Hebrew pedagogy that has been strangely neglected till now. A joy to read and use, it will be a favorite of instructors and students alike!"--John Bergsma, Franciscan University of Steubenville; coauthor of A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament"If offers a singular combination of textually immersive pedagogy, first-rate linguistic scholarship, and dynamic reading exercises that help make study fun. This intermediate textbook will find a welcome place in my cycle of teaching."--Daniel R. Driver, Atlantic School of Theology, Halifax, Nova Scotia

"This book needs to be in the hands of those seeking to love immigrants and of immigrant advocates"Many of us have good intentions, working hard to welcome immigrants with hospitality and solidarity. But how can we do that in a way that empowers our immigrant neighbors rather than pushing them to the fringes of white-dominant culture?Karen González draws from the Bible and her own experiences to examine why the traditional approach to immigration ministries and activism is at best incomplete and at worst harmful. She advocates putting immigrants in the center of the conversation and helps us recognize ourselves in our immigrant neighbors."González brings clarity to how white supremacy and American exceptionalism play a role in our desire to be heroes of good immigrants. This book needs to be in the hands of those seeking to love immigrants and of immigrant advocates."--Sandra Maria Van Opstal, pastor, author, activist"An important and compelling work; it provides a road map to help all of us fully live out what it means to love our neighbors as ourselves."--Rev. Adam Taylor, president of Sojourners; author of A More Perfect Union"This book is a sacred and necessary gift to the church."--Kat Armas, host of The Protagonistas podcast; author of Abuelita Faith"Whether you agree with González's conclusions or not--I usually did, occasionally did not, and in a few cases am still wrestling with what I think, long after reading this poignant book--you will find Beyond Welcome to be challenging, constructive, and helpful."--Matthew Soerens, US director of church mobilization and advocacy, World Relief; coauthor of Welcoming the Stranger"We all need to take the challenges in Beyond Welcome seriously, particularly those of us who care about Christian engagement in immigrant ministry."--Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, academic dean, Centro Latino, Fuller Theological Seminary

Why We Have More Information but Are Less InformedWhich media outlets will help me be a responsible news consumer? How do I know what is true? Whom can I trust? How can I combat misinformation and lessen its impact on the people I love?Many of us agonize over questions such as these, feeling unsure and overwhelmed in today's chaotic information environment. American life and politics are suffering from a knowledge crisis, and the church is no exception.In Untrustworthy, seasoned journalist Bonnie Kristian unpacks this crisis, showing how it strains our relationships, hurts our minds, pollutes our politics, and damages our Christian discipleship. She explains factors that contribute to our confusion and helps us pay attention to how we consume content and think about truth. She also provides specific ways to take action to combat the truth crisis in our lives, families, and church communities."Overcoming our current polarization will begin only when trust is built across fractured communities, and this book will help in that work."--Karen Swallow Prior, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; author of On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books"Read Bonnie's book to discern the causes of [America's knowledge] crisis. Read her book to understand its effects. And read it to understand the role you can play in solving one of the most pressing issues of our time."--David French (from the foreword)"This book will help restore knowledge to its rightful place in the lives of Christians and the church."--Michael Wear, author of Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House about the Future of Faith in America"Untrustworthy is an incisive, deeply researched, and personal analysis of our truth crisis. It should be widely read and discussed."--Alan Noble, Oklahoma Baptist University; author of You Are Not Your Own"Untrustworthy opens a window and lets in a breath of fresh air--and hope. Bonnie Kristian offers a way out of pointless debates and fearmongering conspiracy theories. This book is never condescending and always sympathetic; it is never partisan and always incisive."--Jeffrey Bilbro, author of Reading the Times

"A unique opportunity to wander into life's deepest questions"Philosopher Paul Gould guides us on a journey to discover the true story of the world and our own place in it, showing that Christianity holds the most satisfying answers to life's biggest questions."Very accessible, conversational, and full of stories and illustrations. This is now the best book to give to an unbelieving friend or relative."--J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; author of A Simple Guide to Miracles"In his wonderfully engaging style, Gould takes the reader on a grand expedition in search of the cosmic narrative that best explains the human experience of the world. He maps out a narrative that, unlike nontheistic alternatives, is intellectually and spiritually satisfying."--Melissa Cain Travis, distinguished fellow, Southeastern University; author of Science and the Mind of the Maker"Gould's well-crafted book points us to a God of love who appears in Jesus of Nazareth to rescue us, to unite us to our Creator, and to restore us to what we were meant to be."--Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University; author of Loving Wisdom: A Guide to Philosophy and Christian Faith"Gould's narrative-driven exploration provides a unique opportunity to wander into life's deepest questions. An accessible, relatable, and humorous quest to discover our personal story in and through the story of the world."--Mary Jo Sharp, assistant professor, Houston Baptist University"For many of us, Gould has been a primary voice pointing to a proper embrace of Christian faith as true, good, and beautiful. In this book, he walks with us as our guide--along with other guides, such as Ladies Nature and Philosophy, Lewis, Chesterton, Pascal, and a wonderful variety of movies, plays, and literature--leading us on the journey to see the Christian story as the greatest possible story."--Travis Dickinson, professor, Dallas Baptist University

In this popular introduction to church history, now in its third edition, Mark Noll isolates key events that provide a framework for understanding the history of Christianity. The book presents Christianity as a worldwide phenomenon rather than just a Western experience.Now organized around fourteen key moments in church history, this well-received text provides contemporary Christians with a fuller understanding of God as he has revealed his purpose through the centuries. This new edition includes a new preface; updates throughout the book; revised "further readings" for each chapter; and two new chapters, including one spotlighting Vatican II and Lausanne as turning points of the recent past.Students in academic settings and church adult education contexts will benefit from this one-semester survey of Christian history.

"This perceptive and engaging book is a godsend for leaders and pastors"The call for pastors and congregations to be innovative can have a dark side: an obsession with contemporary relevance and entrepreneurship that lacks theological depth and promises burnout and exhaustion. The Church after Innovation shines a light on the problem and offers a treatment."This book will help you to consider the possible costs of chasing innovation and entrepreneurship--for you and your church. It provides significant insights and questions regarding some of the most pressing challenges of our time."--Angela Williams Gorrell, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University"There's something satisfying about a story that is this big, bold, and revealing about how our cultural presumptions came to be--especially when so beautifully told. When Christians fall in love with ideas of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, we can be sure they have ignored for too long the secular economic context in which they live and breathe. A timely wake-up call."--Brian Brock, University of Aberdeen"This perceptive and engaging book is a godsend for leaders and pastors. In a market saturated with quick-fix, innovate-or-die polemics on church growth, this book offers a richer path to help realize a transcendent creativity of epiphany (over innovation) that values people, nurtures personhood, and promotes flourishing for the church in a secular age."--Nick Shepherd, FRSA, Archbishops' Council of the Church of England"With penetrating analysis and prophetic force, Root exposes how the false idols of capitalism are being smuggled into the church through the Trojan horses of innovation and entrepreneurialism. A bold, necessary, and urgent book."--Richard Beck, Abilene Christian University; author of Hunting Magic Eels: Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age"Seminaries need to assign this book. Ministers need to read this book. I'm grateful to Root for so powerfully articulating the biggest problem facing the church--namely, our supposed need to innovate."--Tripp Fuller, founder and host of the Homebrewed Christianity podcast"This important book is worthy of reading and rereading."--Rodney Clapp, author of Naming Neoliberalism: Exposing the Spirit of Our Age

"Shows us what a truly ecclesial interpretation of the Bible looks like"Arguing that Scripture is interpreted correctly only when read through the lens of creedal orthodoxy, R. R. Reno defends a classical model of interpretation."The End of Interpretation is both a bold claim about what it means to be biblical and a helpful illustration of the 'state of the art' of theological exegesis by one of its foremost proponents."--Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School"In this splendidly written and bracing text, Reno shows us what a truly ecclesial interpretation of the Bible looks like."--Most Reverend Robert Barron, Bishop of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota"An excellent treatment of the ever-present tension that all thoughtful Christians feel between biblical exegesis and theological statements, between the desire to maintain the uniqueness of biblical authority while also respecting the church's historic teaching. This book will be on the reading lists of my theology classes from now on."--Carl R. Trueman, Grove City College"With characteristic clarity, Reno dismantles the modern assumption that an intellectually responsible approach to the Bible requires setting theology aside and embracing some sort of mythical 'objectivity.' Instead, Reno here defends an approach to exegesis from within theology. A hopeful and encouraging read."--Laura A. Smit, Calvin University"In identifying the 'end' of interpretation, Reno plots the trajectory of something far greater than anything we've known in my lifetime: reading Scripture from the heart of the church--in the great tradition--and not surrendering it to the canons of the secular academy."--Scott Hahn, Franciscan University of Steubenville"This book may not have all the answers to the thorny questions of biblical hermeneutics after the demise of the historical-critical approach, but it at least points us in the right direction by advocating for the priority of ecclesial exegesis. Reno shows that true doctrine neither supersedes nor undermines the Bible but rather 'accords' with it. In premodern times, doctrine and exegesis informed each other, and they should do so again."--Craig A. Carter, Tyndale University

Beloved missionary and author shares a path through pain, grief, and loss, showing how God transforms tragedy into purpose, strength, and character.

This book shows students how to read beyond the New Testament and why it matters. It covers the Septuagint, the Apostolic Fathers, the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, Philo, Josephus, and Greek historians and biographers, philosophers and rhetoricians, and poets and playwrights."This is the book I wish I'd had when I was teaching Greek to university and seminary students. It beckons the new generation into a kind of intellectual maturity: understanding not only the New Testament but also the world in which it was birthed. A gift that will keep on giving."--N. T. Wright, former Bishop of Durham; University of St. Andrews (emeritus); Wycliffe Hall, Oxford"Makes a compelling case that going beyond the Greek New Testament is one of the best ways to gain proficiency and the motivation to continue one's Greek journey well beyond seminary studies. As I read this book, I felt the excitement that I had when I first started reading Greek texts. I wish that this book had been available then! It will certainly be a valuable resource now."--Dana M. Harris, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School"Anyone who picks up this book will have an exceptional resource for improving their Greek. It should be a standard textbook for any advanced Greek class."--Elizabeth E. Shively, St. Mary's College, University of St. Andrews"A phenomenal way to introduce students both to more advanced Greek readings and to significant ancient texts that are outside the Greek New Testament. Serious students will come away with an increased ability to read Greek and with a wealth of insight about the ancient world."--Joshua W. Jipp, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School"Fills an important niche in Greek studies. Botner eases the way into secular Greek for those previously exposed primarily to New Testament Greek. He skillfully opens up the broader Greek world for an audience that will surely profit from learning about the social and linguistic environment in which the New Testament was composed."--J. S. Rundin, University of California, Davis

"Essential reading for all scholars and serious students alike"In The Old Testament and God, Craig Bartholomew examines what we should do with the Old Testament, argues for a critical realist approach, situates the Old Testament against the worldviews of the ancient Near East, and explores Yahweh as he comes to us in the Old Testament. This volume is the first in a four-volume project that explores the question of God and what happens to Old Testament studies if we take God and his action in the world seriously."Within the sometimes-bewildering world of Old Testament scholarship, with its modern and postmodern presuppositions, Bartholomew charts a new way forward, one that takes fully seriously the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of the Old Testament--and above all takes the God of the Old Testament fully seriously as one who acts and reveals. For anyone who finds the Old Testament irrepressibly fascinating, this will be an exciting, learned, and coherently argued book."--Richard Bauckham, University of St. Andrews (emeritus)"Bartholomew brings his wide knowledge and insight to the question of God in the Old Testament. This book, the first of four, is a big book in the best sense of the term. He considers the most important questions and utilizes the best approaches to our study of the Old Testament. In my opinion, Bartholomew sets the study of God in the Old Testament on its proper foundation, which makes this essential reading for all scholars and serious students alike."--Tremper Longman III, Westmont College (emeritus)"Only Bartholomew could have written this book! The range of interlocutors is vast; Old Testament scholars mingle with philosophers, literary critics, and historians of the ancient Near East, and Bartholomew's immensely creative and constructive mind orchestrates a powerful symphony by means of a running commentary on the scholarship. At the heart of the matter is the possibility--indeed the firm conviction--that the living God has revealed himself to Israel. This book should fund a new and multifaceted conversation grounded in the question of God."--Matthew Levering, Mundelein Seminary"Many of us were apprenticed into the guild of Old Testament scholarship under the paradigm of alleged academic 'objectivity' in which 'God' could not be the subject of a sentence that presumed his living reality and power, other than as a fictive character in the narrative. Bartholomew challenges that paradigm in a way that enables an encounter with the living Scriptures to be an authentic encounter with the voice of the living God."--Christopher J. H. Wright, Langham Partnership

"With superb clarity and concision, Hess's commentary makes a world of scholarship about the Song of Songs available to a broad audience. Readers will enjoy Hess's close attention to the lyrical beauty of the Song of Songs and his discussions of the book's theological insights."--Mark S. Smith, Princeton Theological Seminary"This is not just another commentary on the Song of Songs. While it interacts with other commentaries, it makes a unique contribution by reason of the technical skills and theological perspective of the author. A master of comparative Semitics, Hess is also well versed in historical and literary criticism as well as in the geography and archaeology of ancient Israel. He treats with great sensitivity the sexually explicit nature of this sensuous love poem that ultimately affirms the Bible's teaching that God is love. Hess skillfully demonstrates how the Song of Songs has an important role to play in the canon of Scripture."--Philip J. King+, Boston College"To comment on the book described by Jewish rabbis as 'the holy of holies' is risky: it is too easy to reduce its sublime poetry to banal prose. But Hess's daring has paid off. Here is a commentary on the Song of Songs that is sensitive, wise, and beautiful. Hess's thorough scholarship is worn lightly and is used to illuminate the text helpfully. Students, pastors, and scholars will find this commentary a rich resource."--Gordon Wenham, University of Gloucestershire (emeritus)"Hess's enthusiastic presentation and obvious labors furnish an undeniable contribution."--Jennifer Pfenniger, Journal of Hebrew Scriptures"I can only affirm my appreciation for this balanced, practical, and sensitive contribution to scholarship and the church. Hess's commentary will be my 'first stop' when seeking either detailed exegetical discussion or homiletical help for study and application of the 'best of songs.'"--John W. Hilber, Bulletin for Biblical Research"A helpful resource for students and teachers alike."--Dianne Bergant, CSA, Bible Today