This book is invigorating to read, for it is how biblical theology should be written. Professor Cullmann has set a high standard of biblical scholarship in this book, and it will be a great resource for students of sacred Scripture.

This book provides a broad, popular look at the relationship between Paul and Jesus. Considering the recurrent question of how much Paul knew and was dependent on the teachings of Jesus, Wenham studies the Gospels and Paul's letters, systematically compares the teachings of Jesus and Paul, and reveals the intriguing connections and differences between the two. His conclusions make this volume a ground-breaking work with exciting implications for the study of Jesus and the Gospels of Paul and early Christianity.

A theological guide to biblical preaching from prophetic texts, Preaching from the Prophets invites preachers to look with imagination at the possibilities of prophetic preaching today. With prophetic and assertive style, James and Christine Ward bridge the chasm between ancient Israel and our modern culture. They show how to choose text and develop sermons that address racism, ecology, and other major ethical issues of our time. Many pastors will refer to this volume again and again for its outstanding exegesis of crucial prophetic texts.

This provocative critique of the uses and abuses of Scripture in the American church shows how liberal (historical-critical) and fundamentalist (literal) approaches to biblical scholarship have corrupted our use of the Bible. Hauerwas argues that the Bible can only be understood in the midst of a disciplined community of people, where the story is actually lived out by dedicated practitioners.

We all want a faith that won't let us down in times of trouble or loss, uncertainty or fear. A faith that can pull us through the worst--and best--times in our lives. This is the kind of faith that James writes about. It is a faith that we must practice day by day. These studies by Andrew and Phyllis Le Peau on the teaching of James will help us grow a steadfast faith that can carry us through all the ups and downs of life.

Good news It was good news not only of Jesus' birth but of what he offered to men, women and children throughout his ministry. To the sick he offered healing. To the hurting, comfort. To the outcast, acceptance. In this study guide Ada Lum leads you to discover that this message of hope and joy is for you as well This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

You can't change the fact that you are getting older. And, indeed, you may not want to Age brings many gifts and opportunities for continued growth. In nine study sessions, Dale and Sandy Larsen help you discover the Bible's perspective on aging. You'll discover how God can effectively and powerfully use those who have grown wiser with the passing years. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.

Of the many Bible translations available today, are some better than others? If so, what criteria can we use to determine what makes a good translation? Leland Ryken introduces readers to the central issues in this debate and presents several reasons why essentially literal--word-for-word--translations are superior to dynamic equivalent--thought-for-thought--translations.

You don't have to be a Bible scholar to recognize the need for a quality Bible translation. We all want to know that the Bible we read, study, and memorize is faithful to the original. Dr. Ryken tackles this issue and breaks it down in this concise, logical, and straightforward book, giving readers a valuable tool for selecting a Bible translation.

"Professor Ryken draws on decades of experience... to show that many modern English translations fail to meet accepted standards of excellence in accuracy, faithfulness to the words of the author, clarity, vividness, correctness...." --Dr. Wayne Grudem, Professor of Bible and Theology, Phoenix Seminary

"The persistent, detonating logic of Lee Ryken's pen will educate and convince any fair-minded person that the primary Bible for study and preaching must be an essentially literal translation." --Dr. R. Kent Hughes, Pastor, College Church, Wheaton, IL

"A masterful and convincing argument for literal, that is to say, transparent translation of the Holy Scriptures." --Dr. J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.

"An ideal guide to choosing a translation of the Word that transcends trendy words. In the process, he implicitly indicts those who settle for less." --Marvin Olasky, Editor-in-Chief, World Magazine

First impressions stick with us. Paul's first impression of the Thessalonian Christians was an especially powerful one: The gospel message he preached grasped their hearts and minds, and transformed their lives. That memory moves Paul to write to the young church that's bubbling with a sense of the power of the living God. These studies seek to open our lives to that God who leaves a lasting impression also on us. This guide by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you or a group more deeply into God's Word. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom.

When you need to know how to do something, a manual is the best place to start. 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus might be called "the Teacher's Manual," because so much of what they contain is about the kind of teaching that Christian leaders should--and shouldn't--be giving. Just as Timothy and Titus needed help to lead their young churches well in the midst of powerful cultural forces, we need guidance for correct leading and living in our own context. These studies on Paul's letters point us in the right direction. This guide by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you or a group more deeply into God's Word. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom.

Many Christians who know and love the Bible think they know the apostle Paul. He's a theological master, a pastoral mentor, a spiritual adviser and a missionary hero. Yet just when we think we have him in our grasp, he slips through our fingers. At the point where we suppose we have finally understood him, Paul again confounds us. But he also beckons us to explore God's ways more deeply. Michael Bird suggests that if the Paul we claim to know looks and sounds a lot like us, it's probably a warning light that we don't know him as well as we think we do. But if we let Paul be Paul, allowing him to speak for himself in his language, on his terms and for his purposes, then we stand a chance of meeting him anew. Introducing Paul is an animated and penetrating survey of Paul's life and teaching. It covers all the basics students need, while offering new insights with a light touch. Blending life and study, Bird aims to get us excited about reading Paul's letters, sharing his gospel and living the Christian life the way he thought it should be lived. For beginning students and laypeople, Introducing Paul is a valuable entrance into the contemporary study of Paul.

About LifeGuide Bible Studies We're updating and revising our bestselling LifeGuides to make them even more effective for small group Bible study! New features of the revised LifeGuides include special options for group activities, additional questions for personal reflection, a "Now or Later" section with practical follow-up activities for use after the study or between sessions, expanded and improved leaders' notes and an attractive, redesigned format for easier reading. This guide tells the story of Israel as told in the book of Judges. As Donald Baker leads you to examine it for yourself, you may discover that it is your story as well.

They were ordinary people. Most would not make headlines in any other history book but God's. Yet the women of the Old Testament made critical choices that led to extraordinary outcomes. Through faith and strong character, they rescued their families, led people out of bondage, gave birth to kings and even saved a nation. As you explore with Gladys Hunt the stories of twelve Old Testament women, you will come to understand the far-reaching consequences of your own everyday choices and actions. Now available in IVP's revised LifeGuide Bible Study format, Women of the Old Testament features questions for starting group discussions and for personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session.

Contributors Gary L. Almy, W. Wilson Benton Jr, Edward G. Dobson, Howard Eyrich, Ronald E. Hawkins, Ed Hindson, Arnold Hyndman, Wayne A. Mack, Paul Madtes Jr, David Powlison, C. Dwayne Shafer, Chris Thurman, Edward T. Welch. Christian counselors agree that the Bible's message of salvation can radically change lives. Scripture can lead even the most unlikely people to faith but when it comes to everyday problems is the Bible really enough? Here we have more than a dozen highly trained counselors, medical experts and pastors who are highly respected in their fields. Every one has at least one doctorate relevant to the area they examine in this book. Their answers to the question stated above are enlightening, thought provoking and surprising.

Nehemiah was a leader of Israel. He faced opposition and difficulty from every side--even from his own people. Yet he stood against all his enemies, trusting only in God. As Don Fields leads you through twelve sessions to dig into the Old Testament story of Nehemiah, you will discover how this leader's courage and faith can inspire you as you struggle to live a life pleasing to God. This revised LifeGuide Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and a "Now or Later" section in each study

These five Old Testament books, traditionally known simply as "the Scrolls," are among the most neglected parts of the Christian Bible. In Judaism, the Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther were eventually adopted as lectionary readings for five of the major festivals. In Christian tradition, however, no consensus has emerged about their proper use. Each book presents particular difficulties with regard to how it relates to the rest of Scripture and how it should be understood as the Word of God for us today. InFive Festal Garments Barry Webb offers a Christian interpretation of these problematic writings. He allows each book to set its own agenda, and then examines each in relation to the wider Old Testament and to the New Testament gospel with its basic structure of promise and fulfillment. In this way, Webb presents fresh and illuminating perspectives on these five "festal garments" of love, kindness, suffering, vexation and deliverance.

Depth. Strength. Wisdom. Maturity. We long to be people who exhibit such qualities. We want to strengthen our character and deepen our relationship with Christ. But spiritual depth requires spiritual discipline. These Bible studies by Andrea Sterk and Peter Scazzero are designed to help us learn how God intends for us to live and show us how God helps us grow to maturity. Now available in IVP's revised LifeGuide Bible Study format, Christian Disciplines features questions for starting group discussions and for personal reflection, as well as a new "Now or Later" section following each session.

The life of Nehemiah is an inspiring testament to the power of determination. Years after Jerusalem's defeat by Babylon, the Jewish people returned to their land, only to discover a city left in ruins. Surrounded by enemies, Nehemiah finds himself tasked with an overwhelming charge: To rebuild the walls of his beloved city. This Bible study examines Nehemiah's remarkable journey from the everyday to the extraordinary, and explores the unique power found in perseverance. The Wiersbe Bible Studies Series explores timeless wisdom found in God's word. Based on Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's popular "BE" series, each study provides topical, relevant insights from selected books of the Bible. Designed for small groups, this eight-week study features selected commentaries from "BE Determined," engaging questions, and practical applications, all designed to help you connect God's word with your life.

Life is about choices. How should we lead our families? How should we manage our finances? How should we handle relationships? God's Word provides the answers. The book of Proverbs contains the greatest collection of wisdom ever recorded, written by one of the wisest men who ever lived. This study takes a fresh look at Proverbs and offers practical insights for making sound choices in every area of life.

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series explores timeless wisdom found in God's Word. Based on Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's popular "BE" series, each study provides topical, relevant insights from selected books of the Bible. Designed for small groups, this ten-week study features excerpted commentary from "Be Skillful," engaging questions, and practical applications, all designed to help you connect God's Word with your life.

From the author of the ever popular author of A Scots Gospel comes a gospel written in Glasgow's distinctive vernacular. With the author's characteristic enthusiasm and sense of the dignity of this most beautiful of all stories, the drama unfolds-from the joy of the birth of Jesus, to the tragedy of his betrayal, and the joy of the resurrection. This is a book to be read out loud and quite simply enjoyed

Acclaimed author Percival Everett will take an atheist's-eye-view of the little-known "Jefferson Bible," the third president's response to the King James Bible.

Percival Everett's novel Erasure won the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, and his most recent, "A History of the African-American People Proposed] by Strom Thurmond, as told to Percival Everett and James Kincaid A Novel]" ruffled many Confederate feathers.