It is imperative for every growing Christian to study the Bible. Volume one of this new series will enrich both the believer’s knowledge and life with its survey of the Old Testament.

Chapters conclude with projects, questions and exploration activities that not only test readers’ grasp of the materials but also provide opportunity for more detailed and intensive study.

This well-executed work does much to acquaint people with the Old Testament’s major divisions and its amazing unity as a whole–all of which can lead to a deeper faith.

Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, this indispensable commentary provides pastors, professional scholars, teachers, and Bible students with a critical, relevant, and inspiring interpretation of the Word of God in the 21st century.

EACH VOLUME FEATURES:

CONTEMPORARY SCHOLARSHIP

CONVENIENT INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL

CLEAR VERSE-BY-VERSE EXPLANATIONS

COMPREHENSIVE ANNOTATION

HELPFUL SIDEBARS

AN EXPANDED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, this indispensable commentary provides pastors, professional scholars, teachers, and Bible students with a critical, relevant, and inspiring interpretation of the Word of God in the 21st century.

EACH VOLUME FEATURES:

Contemporary scholarship from notable experts

Convenient introductory material, including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, and hermeneutical issues

Clear verse-by-verse explanations, derived from the biblical text in its original language

Comprehensive annotation which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text; and significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the text

Helpful sidebars, which provide insight into theological issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, and cultural connections.

’n Indiepte-studie oor die boek Ester in 10 weke om jou bewus te maak dat God se hand in alles in jou lewe is. God onderhou en regeer oor alles wat Hy gemaak het. Alles wat gebeur, vind plaas omdat dit God se wil is volgens sy plan, manier en tydsberekening. Soms roep Hy gewone mense om buitengewone take uit te voer. Hierdie 10 weke lange studie oor die boek Ester bied ’n fassinerende historiese vertelling van God se voorsiening onder ’n aanslag om die Jode in ballingskap in die Persiese Ryk uit te roei. Jane Roach gebruik insigryke kommentaar, besprekingsvrae, getuienisse en lofsange terwyl sy lesers deur hierdie boeiende verhaal neem, karakters bekendstel en God se voorsiening uitwys. Soos jy deur Ester werk, sal jy leer om God se hand in jou eie omstandighede raak te sien, om op Hom te steun met onverdeelde vertroue en aanbidding, en om ’n nuwe lewe van dankbaarheid, vrede en vreugde te ervaar.

The New Beacon Bible Commentary is an engaging, indispensable reference tool to aid individuals in every walk of life in the study and meditation of God's Word. Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, it offers insight and perceptive scholarship to help you unlock the deeper truths of Scripture and garner an awareness of the history, culture, and context attributed to each book of study. Readable, relevant, and academically thorough, it offers scholars, pastors, and laity a new standard for understanding and interpreting the Bible in the 21st century.Each volume features: Completely New Scholarship from notable experts in the Wesleyan traditionConvenient Introductory Material for each book of the Bible including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and moreClear Verse-by-Verse Explanations, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the passage's original languageComprehensive Annotation divided into three sections, which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text; and significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the textHelpful Sidebars which provide deeper insight into theological issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, cultural customs, and moreExpanded Bibliography for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themesThe aim of this volume is to offer a distinctive engagement with the theological dynamics of the book for readers from the Wesleyan theological tradition, with a special eye to Ezekiel's use of Old Testament priestly theology to respond to the trauma associated with the Babylonian Exile.

The biblical psalms are perhaps the most commented-upon texts in human history. They are at once deeply alluring and deeply troubling. In this addition to the acclaimed Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible, a highly respected scholar offers a theological reading of Psalms 1-50, exploring the various voices in the poems to discern the conversation they engage about God, suffering, and hope as well as ways of community belonging. The commentary examines the context of the psalms as worship--tending to both their original setting and their subsequent Jewish and Christian appropriation--and explores the psychological dynamics facing the speaker. Foreword by William P. Brown.

The uniqueness of this commentary is its detailed, first-time uncovering of evidence that there were two editions of Proverbs, the first in the time of Solomon and the second created by "the men of Hezekiah" in support of King Hezekiah's historic religious reforms. Up to this time the puzzling features of the book's design, purpose, and message are clarified in this light and the book's relevance for its time and ours greatly enhanced.

Some chose to follow God. Others followed only fame and fortune. They lived through times of difficulty and times of triumph, through political and emotional turmoil, through popularity and through discontent. This ten-session LifeBuilder Bible Study focuses on the character of the Kings of the Old Testament and what we can learn from them. For over three decades LifeBuilder Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions-making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 120 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

A breakdown of the major elements of the Old Testament with references to books and verses are contained in this 6-page laminated guide. Each book is broken down by: author, major characters, date written, setting, main themes, and a listing of major events with book and verse references.

How can someone be perfectly imperfect? Isn't

that a contradiction? The Bible is filled with stories

of people with all kinds of flaws and imperfections.

The astounding thing is what happens

when God changes their lives.

Perfectly Imperfect is about people whose true-to-life

stories are found in the New Testament. They

are like us in many ways confused, tempted,

and often afraid, but then they meet Jesus, and

their lives are wonderfully transformed.

Through the character sketches in this book, we

learn how God works with us. We discover something

about the way God transforms us from what

we are into what we can be. In these sometimes

tragic and broken lives, we get a glimpse of how

God renews us and remakes us into people who

are perfectly imperfect.

Nehemiah's life continues to serve as a significant model for leaders in the 21st century, even though he lived and served over 2500 years ago. From his beginnings as a cupbearer to the king to taking charge of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, he teaches us a remarkably uncommon thing--how to lead as a servant. In Becoming Nehemiah, David McKenna invites the reader to join this remarkable man of God on a journey of leadership that matches the trials and challenges leaders face today. Through Nehemiah's story, one recognizes the difficult task of balancing the promises of biblical leadership with the premises of secular leadership and learns how Nehemiah was able to serve with full integrity in both of these settings. Becoming Nehemiah will give pastors, church leaders, teachers, business professionals, or leaders of any kind compelling insights and practical advice as they begin their own journey to become servants who lead with significance. Becoming Nehemiah offers: Information and insight into the life of Nehemiah Practical exercises at the end of each chapter to assist in developing one's own journey regardless of the level of position he or she holds Scripture references, illustrations, and relevant examples that help to bring Nehemiah's story into the 21st century

The ancient Israelites lived among many nations, and knowing about the people and culture of these nations can enhance understanding of the Old Testament. Peoples of the Old Testament World provides up-to-date descriptions of the people groups who interacted with and influenced ancient Israel.
Detailed accounts by specialists cover each group's origin, history, rulers, architecture, art, religion, and contacts with biblical Israel.

The New Beacon Bible Commentary provides 21st-century scholars, pastors, theological students, and laity an academically competent, readable commentary in the Wesleyan theological tradition.Each volume features: Contemporary Scholarship from notable experts in the Wesleyan theological traditionConvenient introductory material for each book of the Bible, which includes information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermaneutical issues, and moreClear verse-by-verse explanations, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the original languageComprehensive Annotation divided into three sections, which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the text; and moreHelpful sidebars, which provide deeper insight into theolocial issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, cultural customs, and moreExpanded bibliogoraphy for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themes

Few ancient Christian authors attempted anything like a complete commentary on the "Gospel of John", among them Origen, John Chrysostom and Augustine. Of these, Augustine's must count as the greatest. Unlike Origen's, it has come down to us in its entirety, and of the others that remain it is certainly the most theologically profound. John's gospel allows Augustine to range broadly over themes that were his life's work - the Trinity, the person of Christ, the nature of the Church and its sacraments, the fulfillment of the divine plan. The 124 homilies that constitute Augustine's commentary, however, are masterpieces not only of theological profundity but also of pastoral engagement. In the question-and-answer style that he frequently employs, for example, one can sense Augustine's real awareness of his congregation's struggles with the gospel text. And the congregation's response to Augustine, which he frequently alludes to, is an indication of the success of his dialogical preaching style. The Johannine literature drew out the best in Augustine." The Homilies on the "Gospel of John" are the indispensible complement to "The Homilies on "The First Epistle of John", recently published in this series, and they should be a part of any serious theological library.

Do you find the violence in the Old Testament a problem? Does it get in the way of reading the Bible - and of faith itself? While acknowledging that there are no easy answers, in God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?, Helen Paynter faces the questions head-on and offers a fresh, accessible approach to a significant issue. For all those seeking to engage with the Bible and gain confidence in the God it portrays, she provides tools for reading and interpreting biblical texts, and points to ways of dealing with the overall trajectories of violence. 'In lucid prose Helen Paynter argues that violence featured in the biblical canon should not be ignored or denied but acknowledged and faced honestly. While history is played out in a broken and often violent world the author shows how the movement of scripture is toward God's creative intention for healing and wholeness. Without providing final answers Paynter offers ways of interpreting even the most violent passages so that we may hear God's word for today.' John Meredith, Editor of Word & Worship 'A rigorous yet accessible exploration of Old Testament violence ideal for individuals or groups wishing to engage with these troubling texts and the issues they raise. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the questions it explores. If you are new to the subject, it offers a comprehensive introduction and the reassurance that you are being guided by a capable and safe pair of hands as you begin to engage with challenging and important issues.' Peter King, Diocese of Chichester

The interpretation of certain key texts in the Bible by two Dominican Friars: the celebrated preacher and author Timothy Radcliffe and the Director of the Biblical Institute in Jerusalem Lukasz Popko. When the Lord first spoke to Samuel in the Old Testament, he did not understand. So it is in the modern secular world that we too have muffled our ears. How are we, like Samuel, to hear God speaking to us in the words of hope and joy in a way that will make our ears tingle? As the Psalmist says, we have 'ears and hear not'. Some people dismiss such sentiments in the Bible as products of long-dead cultures that have nothing to do with us. As with other religions, which have sacred texts, many hear them as celestial commandments demanding unthinking submission. But God does not address us through a celestial megaphone. Revelation is God's conversation with his people through which they may become the friends of God. The novelty of Biblical revelation consists in the fact that God becomes known to us through the dialogue which he desires to have with us. How can we learn to listen to our God and join Him in the conversation?

You have a giant in your life. An adversary that's diminishing your ability to live fully in Christ. Whatever it may be-rejection, fear, anger, comfort, or addiction-this giant stands between you and God's promise...and it must fall. Like with David and the Israelites, God has a better plan for you than to stand and be taunted day after day by a 9-foot Goliath. God's plan for you is to live in victory. In this six-session video Bible study (streaming code included), Pastor Louie Giglio reveals a twist in the story of David and Goliath that will help you and your study group see how God works victories in the lives of his people. This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself-with discussion and reflection questions, activities, video notes, and a leader's guide. An individual access code to stream all six video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!). Each session will equip you with practical, hands-on steps to take after engaging in passages from the Bible and Louie's video talks, which show how living free from our giants means putting our hope in Jesus. When we do, we get to watch Goliath fall. Sessions and video run times: Dead but Still Deadly (22:30) Fear Must Fall (23:00) Rejection Must Fall (20:00) Comfort Must Fall (20:00) Anger Must Fall (22:30) Addiction Must Fall (22:00) Watch on any device! 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.

When the Jews were carried off into exile in Babylon, most people assumed that it was the end of the story. In reality, God was just getting started. As senior figures in the Babylonian and Persian Empires, Daniel and Esther would discover that there is no foreign ground for God. Their faithful obedience would, in fact, lead their oppressive captors to faith in the God of Israel. God inspired the Bible for a reason. He wants you read it and let it change your life. If you are willing to take this challenge seriously, then you will love Phil Moore's devotional commentaries. Their bite-sized chapters are punchy and relevant, yet crammed with fascinating scholarship. Welcome to a new way of reading the Bible. Welcome to the Straight to the Heart series.

'This is an exceptional piece of biblical theology ... Preachers will find this work a rich source of sermon material and all who are interested in the Bible will be amazed at its unity.' Evangelical Times Who shall ascend the mountain of the LORD?' (Psalm 24:3). This stimulating study explores the narrative context, literary structure and theology of Leviticus. Morales follows its dramatic movement, examines the tabernacle cult and the Day of Atonement, and tracks the development from Sinai's tabernacle to Zion's temple - and from the earthly to the heavenly Mount Zion in the New Testament. He shows how life with God in the house of God was the original goal of the creation of the cosmos, and became the goal of redemption and the new creation.