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The Prophet Jeremiah addressed the people of Judah and Jerusalem
over a forty-year period leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem
in 587 BC. The book of Jeremiah addressed the exiles, especially
those in Babylon, in the years after the catastrophe. First of all
then, says Chris Wright, we must encounter Jeremiah the prophet
who, from his youth to old age, delivered the word of God to the
people of Israel at the most terrifying time in all their troubled
history. Understanding his times is essential to understanding his
life and message. Next, we must strive to grasp how this enormous
book (the second longest in the Bible, after Psalms) has been put
together. And finally, if Jeremiah spoke in his day, and if the
book still speaks today, in both cases it is because of the God who
called the man to speak and commanded the book to be written. So we
must encounter the God of Jeremiah, an encounter that should be
both profoundly disturbing and ultimately reassuring, as it was for
him. In the end, Jeremiah is a book of the victory of God's love
and grace. His redemptive, reconstructive work fills the book's
future horizon - a future that we see fulfilled in the New
Testament through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the
Messiah; and ultimately in God's dwelling with his redeemed people
forever in the new creation.
The destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 BC is the
likely setting for the book of Lamentations. This was the most
traumatic event in the whole of Old Testament history, with its
extreme human suffering, devastation of the ancient city, national
humiliation, and the undermining of all that was thought to be
theologically guaranteed - the Davidic monarchy, the city of Zion,
and the temple of the God of Israel. It is out of that unspeakable
pain that Lamentations speaks, in poetry of astonishing beauty and
intricacy, though soaked in tears. If we neglect this book, says
Chris Wright, we miss the challenge and reward of wrestling with
the massive theological issues that permeate it. How can suffering
be endured alongside faith in an all-loving, good God? Even if
these events are recognized and accepted as God's judgment, has not
the flood of brutality and evil gone beyond all bounds? If anarchy,
death and destruction stalk the land, can the centre of Israel's
faith hold? Wright shows that as Christian readers we must not, and
cannot, isolate Lamentations from the rest of the Bible; and
equally, that we should not read the rest of the Bible without
Lamentations. We must still let it speak for itself, as a book for
today.
The land was awash with false gods and groaning under all kinds of
social evil. The inevitable happened; God's horrific judgment on
his people started to unfold. A young Ezekiel, carried off to exile
in Babylon, was commissioned by the Lord to warn of a more
devastating and unthinkable judgment. When the most traumatic event
in Israel's whole biblical history did happen - the destruction of
Jerusalem and the Temple - Ezekiel's ministry took a new turn as
the bulk of the displaced population joined the existing exiles. He
struggled to bring some kind of meaning, comfort and hope to a
shattered, decimated and totally demoralised rump of God's people,
Israel. Chris Wright vividly explores Ezekiel's varied and dramatic
mission at several levels: his unwilting preparation for the task;
the social and political background to his work; the character of
his ministry as watchman, evangelist and pastor; and the wider
mission context of Ezekiel's vision - the knowledge of the Lord in
Israel and amongst the nations.
There is no easy answer to the meaning of life--even when you
believe in God. The book of Ecclesiastes seeks to answer the
question: "What do people gain from all their labors at which they
toil under the sun?" The book's central character is Qoheleth, who
wants to understand the meaning of life as far as he possibly can
with the tools of his own empirical observation and reason. He
struggles to reconcile the beautiful world that we love and enjoy
with the baffling world of injustice, suffering, and death.
Qoheleth circles around an abyss of nihilism and pessimism. He
lives with unanswered questions. Yet he remains a believer. Old
Testament scholar Christopher J. H. Wright invites you to join
Qoheleth on a journey through wisdom literature from centuries ago,
because the message of Ecclesiastes can be strangely reassuring as
we put our faith to the test in today's post-modern era. There will
be disorienting twists and turns and the occasional complete
impasse as complex topics are discussed, like: The meaning of life
Mysteries of time and injustice Ambiguities of work, politics,
worship, and wealth Hearing the Message of Ecclesiastes won't
answer your questions about the meaning of life, but it will
ultimately help you live in the tension of God's gifts in Genesis
1-2 and the fallen world of Genesis 3--and still go on trusting in
the sovereign goodness of God.
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The Joshua Delusion? (Hardcover)
Douglas S. Earl; Foreword by R. W. L. Moberly; Afterword by Christopher J.H. Wright
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R1,131
R913
Discovery Miles 9 130
Save R218 (19%)
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Ships in 10 - 15 working days
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Some Christians distinguish the moral laws in the Old Testament
(which must be obeyed) from the ceremonial and civil laws (which
may be disregarded). Others prefer a strictly New Testament ethic.
Neither option, argues Chris Wright, does justice to the Old
Testament as an essential part of our Bible. In this lively and
readable approach, he develops a comprehensive alternative. First,
he proposes a theological, social and economic framework for Old
Testament ethics. Then, in relation to contemporary issues, he
explores a variety of themes: economics, the land and the poor;
ecology and the earth; politics and the world of nations; law and
justice; society, culture and the family; the way of the
individual. Since its first appearance in 1983, Chris Wright's
'Living as the People of God' has been widely appreciated. Now
fully revised, updated and restructured, it incorporates material
from the author's 'Walking in the Ways of the Lord', together with
new surveys of historical and contemporary scholarly approaches to
Christian ethical use of the Old Testament. This fresh and
accessible study will appeal to non-specialists, while the greatly
expanded bibliographies will make it a useful resource for
students.
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Exodus (Hardcover)
Christopher J.H. Wright
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R1,010
Discovery Miles 10 100
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Ships in 12 - 17 working days
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A new commentary for today's world, The Story of God Bible
Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in
light of the Bible's grand story. The first commentary series to do
so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical
texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully
live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric
approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers,
and laypeople alike. Each volume employs three main, easy-to-use
sections designed to help readers live out God's story: LISTEN to
the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other
texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it
within the Bible's grand story. EXPLAIN the Story: Explores and
illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical
setting. LIVE the Story: Reflects on how each text can be lived
today and includes contemporary stories and illustrations to aid
preachers, teachers, and students. -Exodus- Exodus' place within
the story of God is defined by its record of God's greatest act of
redemption until the cross and resurrection of Christ. Its
concluding picture of God in all his blessing and glory dwelling in
the midst of his people will spark the faith and vision of the
concluding picture of the whole Bible. Edited by Scot McKnight and
Tremper Longman III, and written by a number of top-notch
theologians, The Story of God Bible Commentary series will bring
relevant, balanced, and clear-minded theological insight to any
biblical education or ministry.
If we are honest, we have to admit that there are many things we
don't understand about God. We do not have final answers to the
deep problems of life, and those who say they do are probably
living in some degree of delusion. There are areas of mystery in
our Christian faith that lie beyond the keenest scholarship or even
the most profound spiritual exercises. For many people, these
problems raise so many questions and uncertainties that faith
itself becomes a struggle, and the very person and character of God
are called into question. Chris Wright encourages us to face up to
the limitations of our understanding and to acknowledge the pain
and grief they can often cause. But at the same time, he wants us
to be able to say, like the psalmist in Psalm 73: "But that's all
right. God is ultimately in charge and I can trust him to put
things right. Meanwhile, I will stay near to my God, make him my
refuge, and go on telling of his deeds."
Many preachers ignore preaching from the Old Testament because they
feel it is outdated in light of the New Testament and difficult to
expound. On the other hand, some preachers will preach from the Old
Testament frequently but fail to handle it correctly, turning it
into moralistic rules or symbolic lessons for our spiritual life.
In How to Preach and Teach the Old Testament for All Its Worth,
Christopher J. H. Wright proclaims that preachers must not ignore
the Old Testament. It is the Word of God! The Old Testament lays
the foundation for our faith and it was the Bible that Jesus read
and used. Looking first at why we should preach from the Old
Testament, the author moves on to show the reader how they can
preach from it. Covering the History, Law, Prophets, Psalms, and
Wisdom Literature, interspersed with practical checklists,
exercises, and sermons, Wright provides an essential guide on how
to handle the Old Testament responsibly. X
Chris Wright's pioneering 2006 book, The Mission of God, revealed
that the typical Christian understanding of "missions" encompasses
only a small part of God's overarching mission for the world. God
is relentlessly reclaiming the entire world for himself. In The
Mission of God's People, Wright shows how God's big-picture plan
directs the purpose of God's people, the church. Wright emphasizes
what the Old Testament teaches Christians about being the people of
God. He addresses questions of both ecclesiology and missiology
with topics like "called to care for creation," "called to bless
the nations," "sending and being sent," and "rejecting false gods."
As part of the Biblical Theology for Life Series, this book
provides pastors, teachers, and lay learners with first-rate
biblical study while at the same time addressing the practical
concerns of contemporary ministry. The Mission of God's People
promises to enliven and refocus the study, teaching, and ministry
of those truly committed to joining God's work in the world.
In many corners of the world these days the climate of hostility
hangs over any overt Christian faith commitment. Any kind of
Christian commitment is now assumed to imply intolerance and often
prompts reactions that range from a low-grade hostility and
exclusion in the West to the vicious and murderous assaults on
Christian believers in Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Syria and
Iraq and elsewhere. Such issues are not new. Christians have faced
them ever since Nero's lions, and even before that. Jews also have
faced the same questions all through their history, most tragically
sometimes enduring horrendous persecution from states claiming to
be Christian. So it is not surprising that the Bible gives a lot of
attention to these questions. The book of Daniel tackles the
problem head on, both in the stories of Daniel and his friends, and
in the visions he received. A major theme of the book is how people
who worship the one, true, living God-the God of Israel-can live
and work and survive in the midst of a nation, a culture, and a
government that are hostile and sometimes life-threatening. What
does it mean to live as believers in the midst of a non-Christian
state and culture? How can we live "in the world" and yet not let
the world own us and squeeze us into the shape of its own fallen
values and assumptions? The book was written to encourage believers
to keep in mind that the future, no matter how terrifying it may
eventually become, rests in the hands of the sovereign Lord God-and
in that assurance to get on with the challenging task of living in
God's world for the sake of God's mission.
It's almost second nature for Christians to call God Father. Jesus
taught his followers as much, although for them it was apparently a
surprising practice. The worshiping community of the Old Testament
used fatherly images for understanding God's character and actions,
but "Father" was not a common way for believers to address God. In
Knowing God the Father Through the Old Testament, Christopher
Wright explores in depth the images that pervade the biblical
narratives, psalms and prophetic texts of the Old Testament. God is
acknowledged as tender yet terrifying, challenging to the nations
and yet intimately personal, offering loving care, provision,
discipline and forgiveness. This is the God whom Jesus knew, and
whom we can know, as Father. Such knowledge of God is far from
merely devotional or doctrinal, but governs our worldview, personal
and social ethics, and expectations of the future.
Learn to identify, evaluate, and refine your approach to forming
theological conclusions based on the biblical text. The Bible has
long served as the standard for Christian practice, yet believers
still disagree on how biblical passages should be interpreted and
applied. Only when readers fully understand the constructs that
inform their process of moving from Scripture to theology--and
those of others--can Christians fully evaluate teachings that claim
to be "biblical." In this book--part of the Counterpoints
series--scholars who affirm an inspired Bible, relevant and
authoritative for every era, present models they consider most
faithful to Scripture Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.: Principlizing Model
Daniel M. Doriani: Redemptive-Historical Model Kevin J. Vanhoozer:
Drama-of-Redemption Model William J. Webb: Redemptive-Movement
Model Each position receives critiques from the proponents of the
other views. Moreover, due to the far-reaching implications this
topic holds for biblical studies, theology, and church teaching,
this book includes three additional reflections by Christopher J.
H. Wright, Mark L. Strauss, and Al Wolters on the theological and
practical interpretation of biblical texts. The Counterpoints
series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on
topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and
respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop
reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions
on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.
Thirty-five of John Stott's friends open their hearts and share
significant memories of a unique man, mentor, speaker and author,
creating a vivid gallery of very personal portraits from around the
globe. From 'Wumby Dumby', the special uncle and godfather, to the
Revd Dr John Stott, international Christian statesman, this tribute
contains a rich bank of memories, representing a key period in
twentieth-century British evangelicalism. The human John Stott is
very much in evidence also, for example in stories from the
author's bird-watching exploits and relaxed holidays at his beloved
Welsh home. Many brush strokes, one portrait, this presents a
compelling and multi-faceted image of a fascinating Christian
leader. [Contains coloured art sections x 2 with a unique
collection of photos, both formal and informal.]
How should Christians be faithful disciples in the political
turbulence of Trump and Brexit? Christopher J H Wright unpacks the
Biblical theme of idolatry and connects it to discipleship in
today’s world. As Christians, we desperately need to name and
expose the false gods and idols that we are tempted to bow down to
– ‘Here are your gods!’ The Bible challenges the idols of
political power and nationalism. The Biblical story is filled with
hope that the kingdom of God will ultimately triumph over all human
empires. How then should we live as followers of Jesus, the
Messiah, Saviour, Lord and King? Part One is adapted from chapter 5
of Wright’s The Mission of God, ‘The Living God Confronts
Idolatry’. Parts Two and Three bring the Bible to bear on
contemporary politics in the UK and USA, and for all Christians
seeking to make sense of the changing world we live in.
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Four Views on the Church's Mission (Paperback)
Jonathan Leeman, Christopher J.H. Wright, John R Franke, Peter J Leithart; Edited by (general) Jason S. Sexton; Series edited by …
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R321
Discovery Miles 3 210
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Ships in 12 - 17 working days
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What is the Church's mission? What does it mean to participate in
God's mission personally? How do "mission" and culture interact and
conflict? This book articulates various evangelical views regarding
the church's mission and provides a healthy, vigorous, and gracious
debate on this controversial topic. In a helpful Counterpoints
format, this volume demonstrates the unique theological frameworks,
doctrinal convictions, and missiological conclusions that inform
and distinguish the views: Soteriological Mission: Jonathan Leeman
Participatory Mission: Christopher Wright Contextual Mission: John
Franke Ecumenical-Political Mission: Peter Leithart Each
contributor answers the same key questions based on their biblical
interpretations and theological convictions: What is your
biblical-theological framework for mission? How does your
definition of mission inform your understanding of the church's
mission? How does the Mission of God and Kingdom of God relate to
the mission of the church? What is the gospel? How does your view
on the gospel inform the mission of the church? How do verbal
proclamation of the gospel, discipleship, corporate worship, caring
for the poor, social justice, restoring shalom, developing culture,
and international missions fit into the church's mission? The
interactive format helps readers get a clearer picture of why
different conclusions are drawn and provide a fresh starting point
for discussion and debate of the church's mission. The
Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of
scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both
fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a
one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different
positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.
ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Award When the Israelites exclaimed,
"Here are your gods!" at the sight of the golden calf, they were
attempting to hold on to the God of their history while fashioning
idols for their own purposes. In today's Western world, plenty of
shiny false gods still hold power--idols of prosperity,
nationalism, and self-interest. Christians desperately need to name
and expose these idols. We must retrieve the biblical emphasis on
idolatry and apply it anew in our journey of following Jesus. In
"Here Are Your Gods," Old Testament scholar Christopher J. H.
Wright combines a biblical study of idolatry with practical
discipleship. He calls readers to consider connections between Old
Testament patterns and today's culture, especially recurring
temptations to trust in political power. Now as much as ever, we
need a biblically informed understanding of the many ways humans
make gods for themselves, the danger of idols, and how God calls us
to join him in the battle against idolatry as part of his ongoing
mission to be known and worshiped by all peoples.
Jesus sends us into the world just as God the Father sent him - and
yet Christians continue to disagree on what this involves. Some
believe that the focus of Christian mission is evangelizing and
'saving souls'. Others emphasize global justice issues or relief
and development work. Is either view correct on its own? John
Stott's classic volume, first published forty years ago, presents
an enduring view of Christian mission that is just as needed today.
Newly updated and expanded by Christopher J. H. Wright, Christian
Mission in the Modern World provides a biblically based approach to
mission that addresses both spiritual and physical needs. With his
trademark clarity and conviction, Stott illuminates how the Great
Commission itself not only assumes the proclamation that makes
disciples, but also teaches obedience to the Great Commandment of
love and service. Wright has expertly updated the original book and
demonstrates the continuing relevance of Stott's prescient
thinking. This balanced approach to mission encourages current and
future Christians to embrace an unconflicted and holistic model of
ministry.
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