In February 1994 a quite remarkable document appeared from the Pontifical Biblical Commission with a preface by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, on The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church. It is remarkable, because at a time when official Roman Catholic teachings like Veritatis Splendor and the new World Catechism have displayed marked conservatism, it represents an endorsement of all the main types of modern biblical interpretation, and firmly rejects conservative literalism and fundamentalist ways of using the Bible. There was one snag: the document was published in instalments in a journal with limited circulation, and not at all easy to obtain. Certainly there was no active promotion of it. Hence its present publication in book form. The document itself, which forms the bulk of the book, is a succinct but exhaustive and 'lucid account of the various methods that are now used in the analysis and interpretation of scripture with a judicious evaluation and discussion of applications. It would make an admirable introductory textbook. To this have been added some previously published reviews and discussions from Britain, the Netherlands and the United States, and three specially commissioned articles commenting on the document from different perspectives, by Robert Carroll, John Muddiman and Kenneth Stevenson. Leslie Houlden contributes the article in which he introduces the document, and a preface.

The essays in this collection arose out of a conference held at King's College, London in the spring of 1992. While the contributions do not deny the need for historical criticism and its lasting significance, they believe that it is no longer plausible to identify the results of such criticism with the full reality of the biblical texts. Other approaches are equally legitimate and the new theoretical perspective must be pluralistic. Factors determining the new situation are an acceptance of what is widely called a 'postmodern' condition, the recognition that the Bible is an 'open text' capable of many meanings, the development of a literary approach to the Bible and an emphasis on the importance of the role of the reader. All these issues are reflected in individual essays, by Mark Brett, Phyllis Trible, Werner Jeanrond, Frances Young, Stephen Moore, Stephen Barton, Richard Coggins and the editor. The common threads which emerge from their contributions will prove of the utmost importance for biblical studies in the future, and may well provide a chart of the new courses that it will have to take.

What will happen when Jesus comes again? What happens when people die? Are these the "end times"? The apostle Paul wrote two letters to the Thessalonians to settle their hearts and minds, and to guide them in confusing times. In this six-lesson study you will learn how to walk in a manner worthy of Christ that will give you confidence when He returns. Engage Bible Studies connect you with the enduring truth of God's Word. Come out of the clutter and clanging of our culture and discover the peace of meeting the God of the Bible in the pages of His Word. Engage Bible Studies take you verse by verse into the richness of the Scriptures in ways that impact your heart and illumine your mind. You won't find dry doctrinal debates. You will find simple tools that cultivate your understanding and engage your heart. Tools for transformation. You also will learn how to apply God's Word in your everyday life. You are beginning an incredible journey

The book of Joshua reads like an exciting novel -- from the miraculous crossing of the Jordan to the crash of the wails of Jericho and the sun stopping in the sky. Through it all, God displays his faithfulness and power. Studying Joshua encourages us to persevere in our own daily battles, arming us with the powerful weapons we need -- God's promises.

Masterfully written, the apostle Paul's letter to the Romans clearly presents the many facets of God's grace available to all, because all have sinned. In this 30-lesson in-depth study, you will engage with transforming truths about who God is, what He has done, and why He loves us. You will discover the secret to living in the Holy Spirit's power. Engage Bible Studies connect you with the enduring truth of God's Word. Come out of the clutter and clanging of our culture and discover the peace of meeting the God of the Bible in the pages of His Word. Engage Bible Studies take you verse by verse into the richness of the Scriptures in ways that impact your heart and illumine your mind. You won't find dry doctrinal debates. You will find simple tools that cultivate your understanding and engage your heart. Tools for transformation. You also will learn how to apply God's Word in your everyday life. You are beginning an incredible journey

Most people live with a cacophony of voices demanding attention--from work and family to telemarketers and movie myths--voices inside and voices outside all saying, Do this! Hebrews invites each reader to listen to God. More specifically, everyone should listen to God s ultimate messenger, Jesus. Immersion: Hebrews invites readers to do just that and prepares them to hear with an open heart. Easy to follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided as well as questions to facilitate group discussion. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they ll be able to discover God s revelation through readings and reflections."

The books of Ruth and Esther show ordinary women in extraordinarily difficult situations. In spite of extreme hardship and probable disaster, they continue to trust God - even when He seems distant. This in-depth, six-lesson study shows God caring for His people, bringing good from hardship. Ruth and Esther's courage and faith will inspire you to hope-no matter what you're facing. Engage Bible Studies connect you with the enduring truth of God's Word. Come out of the clutter and clanging of our culture and discover the peace of meeting the God of the Bible in the pages of His Word. Engage Bible Studies take you verse by verse into the richness of the Scriptures in ways that impact your heart and illumine your mind. You won't find dry doctrinal debates. You will find simple tools that cultivate your understanding and engage your heart. Tools for transformation. You also will learn how to apply God's Word in your everyday life. You are beginning an incredible journey

In A Faith of Her Own: Women of the Old Testament, popular author J. Ellsworth Kalas focuses on women who were crucial some in obvious and some in less obvious ways to the story of the Old Testament. Kalas takes a look at several different women of the Old Testament. He examines the Scriptures to see what we can learn about them and from them, including their defining characteristics, how they fit into as well as shaped the Old Testament story, and how their stories of strength, courage, perseverance, and faith have shaped our lives as believers today. Chapters include: - The Ultimate First Lady (Eve) - A Woman Who Married Trouble (Cain's wife) - The Compleat Woman (Sarah) - A Mother Who Played Favorites (Rebecca) - They May Have Been Twins--But Not Identical (Leah & Rachel) - The Original Big Sister (Miriam) - Israel's First Female Prime Minister (Deborah) - The Perfect In-Laws (Ruth & Naomi) - The Ladies Chorus (The women of Bethlehem, Ruth 4:13-17) - The Woman Who Saved a King (Abigail) - Counselor to Kings and Clergy (Huldah) - Two Young Women of Courage (Esther & an anonymous slave girl) A discussion guide is included."

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Pastor, teacher, and mentor James Earl Massey helps us see the encouragement, wisdom, and practical direction the Epistles offer to our generation. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided, as well as questions to facilitate group discussion. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided, as well as questions to facilitate group discussion. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they ll be able to discover God s revelation through readings and reflections."

What can we say to God when He allows bad things to happen to good people? Is it okay to ask why? Will He forgive us if we are angry with Him? Is He still the same good God, regardless of our circumstances? In this 6-lesson study of the Book of Job, you will see how losing everything precious affected Job's relationship with God, and how God responded to his questions. Engage Bible Studies connect you with the enduring truth of God's Word. Come out of the clutter and clanging of our culture and discover the peace of meeting the God of the Bible in the pages of His Word. Engage Bible Studies take you verse by verse into the richness of the Scriptures in ways that impact your heart and illumine your mind. You won't find dry doctrinal debates. You will find simple tools that cultivate your understanding and engage your heart. Tools for transformation. You also will learn how to apply God's Word in your everyday life. You are beginning an incredible journey

In this collection of articles written over forty years, Packer sets out his beliefs about the authority of Scripture and the principles that should be applied when interpreting it. Important topics such as the adequacy of human language, upholding the unity of Scripture, and challenges in Biblical interpretation are considered in the first two sections: "God's Inerrant Word" and "Interpreting the Word." In the final section, "Preaching the Word," Packer turns his attention to pastoral leaders and the importance of correct and responsible expository preaching.

How does someone obtain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding? How do they apply them to their lives? This volume of Immersion Bible Studies focuses on touchstone Scriptures that reveal the essence of wisdom as found in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Written in a conversational tone, this study engages readers in the virtues shared while deepening their love of the Bible. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided, as well as questions to facilitate class discussion. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they ll be able to discover God s revelation through readings and reflections."

In this eight-week study, Michael E. Williams explores James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, and Jude not only with a keen theological eye and a pastor's heart, but also with the imagination of a poet and master storyteller. The Bible stories come alive and are connected to everyday life in a ways that help us see the workings of God in our lives. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided, as well as questions to facilitate class discussion. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they ll be able to discover God s revelation through readings and reflections."

In this follow-up to his book "The Thirteen Apostles, " popular author J. Ellsworth Kalas focuses on several women of great faith who were crucial, in ways both obvious and understated, to the story of the New Testament. Kalas looks into the life and times of eleven different women.Withhis signature style, Kalas examines the Scriptures to see what we can learn about these women and what we can learn "from" them, and how each woman fit into as well as shaped the New Testament story.

Chapters include: Elizabeth: A Friend in Need Anna: She Knew How to Wait Martha, the Disciplined Mary, the Extravagant The Mighty Widow The Anonymous Evangelist Mary Magdalene: When Love Is Greater than Faith Mary, the Mother of Mark Dorcas: Worth a Miracle Lydia, the Businesswoman Mary in Life and Legend Why Mary?

This book also includes adiscussion guide. "

The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians is often called the "Joy Book." It is his most personal and most passionate epistle. In this 6-lesson in-depth Bible study, you will learn how to experience God's joy, peace and contentment. You will discover that any gain in this life is worthless compared to knowing and becoming like Christ. Engage Bible Studies connect you with the enduring truth of God's Word. Come out of the clutter and clanging of our culture and discover the peace of meeting the God of the Bible in the pages of His Word. Engage Bible Studies take you verse by verse into the richness of the Scriptures in ways that impact your heart and illumine your mind. You won't find dry doctrinal debates. You will find simple tools that cultivate your understanding and engage your heart. Tools for transformation. You also will learn how to apply God's Word in your everyday life. You are beginning an incredible journey

Are we in a Biblical End-Times scenario? What does Jesus teach about current events and what takes place during the End-Times? Rev. Edward G. Palmer provides answers in seven messages he received from God. "Seven End-Times Messages From God" will shock Christians as they learn most of what is preached today runs counter to what is found in the Holy Bible. The seven messages is prefixed by a chapter titled "The End-Times." The seven messages are "The Invitation"; "The Messenger"; "The Message"; "Law of Christ"; "The Seven Spirits"; "The Tithe Lie"; and, "The Unfaithful." Those who desire to understand what is going on in the world today from a spiritual and scriptural perspective will find the SEVEN MESSAGES an indispensable resource. Every Christian who wants to understand the End-Times and what God has planned will want to get their own personal copy. The End-Times? Yes!

Ephesians is one of the most encouraging books in the Bible. In this 12-lesson in-depth study you will engage with what it means to be reconciled to God, how that is possible, and the amazing benefits available to you as a result. Discover the very practical ways you can apply these eternal truths in your everyday life. Engage Bible Studies connect you with the enduring truth of God's Word. Come out of the clutter and clanging of our culture and discover the peace of meeting the God of the Bible in the pages of His Word. Engage Bible Studies take you verse by verse into the richness of the Scriptures in ways that impact your heart and illumine your mind. You won't find dry doctrinal debates. You will find simple tools that cultivate your understanding and engage your heart. Tools for transformation. You also will learn how to apply God's Word in your everyday life. You are beginning an incredible journey

The apostle Peter is a prime example of a transformed life: the simple fisherman who denied Christ three times became a bold preacher and a great leader of the church. In this 12-lesson in-depth study of 1 and 2 Peter, you will engage with the wisdom of a man who knew Jesus and truly learned to trust and obey God. Engage Bible Studies connect you with the enduring truth of God's Word. Come out of the clutter and clanging of our culture and discover the peace of meeting the God of the Bible in the pages of His Word. Engage Bible Studies take you verse by verse into the richness of the Scriptures in ways that impact your heart and illumine your mind. You won't find dry doctrinal debates. You will find simple tools that cultivate your understanding and engage your heart. Tools for transformation. You also will learn how to apply God's Word in your everyday life. You are beginning an incredible journey

Genesis is the book of beginnings, the foundation of the entire Bible. In this 30-lesson in-depth study, you will find profound, life-changing truths simply stated. You will engage with the creation narratives, the consequences of mankind's disobedience, and the first signs of God's loving plan to bring eternal reconciliation. Engage Bible Studies connect you with the enduring truth of God's Word. Come out of the clutter and clanging of our culture and discover the peace of meeting the God of the Bible in the pages of His Word. Engage Bible Studies take you verse by verse into the richness of the Scriptures in ways that impact your heart and illumine your mind. You won't find dry doctrinal debates. You will find simple tools that cultivate your understanding and engage your heart. Tools for transformation. You also will learn how to apply God's Word in your everyday life. You are beginning an incredible journey