2024年6月4日星期二

[Logos] Noteworthy books of the month (June)

  •  many good biblical stuff, not to be missed

The Historical Reliability of the Gospels

For over twenty years, Craig Blomberg’s The Historical Reliability of the Gospels has provided a useful antidote to many of the toxic effects of skeptical criticism of the Gospels. Offering a calm, balanced overview of the history of Gospel criticism, especially that of the late twentieth century, Blomberg introduces readers to the methods employed by New Testament scholars and shows both the values and limits of those methods. He then delves more deeply into the question of miracles, Synoptic d...

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The New Bible Commentary (NBC)

In recent years there have been many new developments in biblical scholarship, some challenging and some affirming scriptural accounts. This authoritative reference work brings together many of the finest scholars of our day to meet the needs of the church well into the twenty-first century. This re...

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New Dictionary of Biblical Theology: Exploring the Unity Diversity of Scripture (IVP Reference Collection)

The 'New Dictionary of Biblical Theology' will quickly establish itself as an essential building block of every library of basic biblical reference books. Building on its companion volumes, the 'New Bible Dictionary' and 'New Bible Commentary,' this work takes readers to a higher vantage point where they can view the thematic terrain of the Bible in its canonical wholeness.

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The Old Testament and God

In 'The Old Testament and God,' Craig G. Bartholomew offers an innovative, compelling new introduction that takes a critical realist approach to our understanding of the history, literature and theology of the Old Testament. Opening up a distinctly theological interpretation, he explores the key questions that arise from reading the Old Testament against its environment and pays close attention to intertextuality – both within the Old Testament itself and between the Old and New Testaments. Packed full of brilliant insight, this is a fresh, illuminating account of the question of God in the context of Old Testament interpretation today. The Old Testament and God is the first volume in a ground-breaking new series, Old Testament Origins and the Question of God, which acts as a companion series to N. T. Wright’s Christian Origins and the Question of God.

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Ecclesiastes & the Song of Songs (Apollos Old Testament Commentary | AOT)

The Bible is both the inspired word of God for his people, whether in biblical times or for the church today, and a fully human book, written in a variety of cultural settings. The Apollos Old Testament Commentary aims to take with equal seriousness the divine and human aspects of Scripture. This volume by Daniel J. Estes and Daniel J. Estes expounds the books of Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs in a scholarly manner, and it shows the relevance of these important books to today’s readers. Edited...

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The Message of the Holy Spirit: The Spirit of Encounter (The Bible Speaks Today Themes)

Despite the teaching of the Bible and church tradition, it seems that many Christians can still lack an appreciation of God the Holy Spirit. He has sometimes been valued more for the gifts he bestows than for who he is; or he has been viewed simply as the “third person of the Godhead.” However, Keith Warrington’s conviction is that the Holy Spirit is more important, more central, more immanently involved in his creation, the church, and individual believers, more often and more strategically, t...

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The Beauty of Holiness: Re-Reading Isaiah in the Light of the Psalms

Joseph Blenkinsopp presents an intertextual reading of Isaiah and the Psalms furthering his previous well-known work on the text of Isaiah. Blenkinsopp argues that, read together, these two biblical books can be shown to form a single religious vision, a way of experiencing and articulating a commitment to the fundamentals of the faith of Israel, with its own distinctive character. Blenkinsopp shows how the emphasis in Isaiah and the Psalms is on affect and emotion, the expression of joy and sorrow articulated in music, singing, and dancing; in praise, thanksgiving and lament. This represents a key difference from other parts of the Hebrew Bible where the focus is more on the Law and on the covenant at Sinai–in Isaiah and the Psalms these terms rarely occur, the focus is instead on Zion and on the Temple. Blenkinsopp shows how the temple singers, with their close connections with the circles which transmitted and eventually committed to writing the Book of Isaiah, demonstrate th...

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When We Say Father: Unlocking the Power of the Lord's Prayer

Adrian Roger's last written manuscript before his passing in 2005, has been edited and brought together by his son Steve, as a final joint work. When We Say Father takes the Lord's Prayer and breaks it down to its most basic components for readers to easily learn how to pray from the ultimate source, Jesus himself.

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2024年5月15日星期三

[Logos pre-order] 2nd edition of Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek by Constantine R. Campbell

  • a must for Greek course, now in 2nd ed.
  • You can order a Kindle copy at US$14.99, $1 cheaper, but without the Logos integrations. 

Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek, 2nd ed.

by Constantine R. Campbell
Publisher:Zondervan Academic, 2024

$15.99 USD (HK$124.82)

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Overview

An accessible introduction to verbal aspect in biblical Greek by a well-known and trusted New Testament scholar.

Verbal aspect in the Greek language has been a topic of significant debate in recent scholarship. The majority of scholars now believe that an understanding of verbal aspect is even more important than verb tense (past, present, etc.). Yet there still are no alternative accessible textbooks, both in terms of level and price. In the second edition, Constantine R. Campbell investigates the function of verbal aspect within the New Testament Greek narrative in light of the last fifteen years of the latest scholarship.

In Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek, Second Edition, Campbell has done a marvelous job in this book of simplifying the concept without getting caught up using terms of linguistics that only experts can understand. The book includes expanded and updated discussion, revised exercises, an answer key, a glossary of key concepts, an appendix covering space and time, and an index of Scriptures cited. Professors and students, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, will use this is as a supplemental text in both beginning and advanced Greek courses. Pastors that study the Greek text will also appreciate this resource as a supplement to their preaching and teaching.

  • Provides an accessible introduction to verbal aspect in biblical Greek
  • Simplifies the concept without getting caught up using terms of linguistics that only experts can understand
  • Includes expanded and updated discussion and revised exercises
 

2024年5月14日星期二

[Logos] US$19.99 Anchor Yale Commentary Flash Sale

 US$19.99 Anchor Yale Commentary Flash Sale

  • my only 2 recommendations for the series: 

Revelation (Anchor Yale Bible Commentary | AYBC) Craig Koester

Hebrews (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentary | AYBC) Craig Koester

 

[Logos] Noteworthy books of the month (May)

 

Logos

Warfare in the Old Testament: The Organization, Weapons, and Tactics of Ancient Near Eastern Armies

Warfare in the Old Testament helps bridge the gap between the modern reader and the world of the Old Testament by using textual and physical evidence to describe ancient military practices. Seevers paints a realistic picture of how Israel and the surrounding nations did battle, adding depth and impact to the relevant biblical accounts. Filled with illustrations, this volume explores the archaeological evidence and early writings that shed light on biblical warfare between Israel and its neighbors: Egypt, Philistia, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia. Of special interest are Seevers’ treatments of the role that religion played in these ancient warfare practices. In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible...

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Interpreting the Historical Books: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis | HOTE)

Interpreting the Historical Books explores the components of narrative—setting, characterization, and plot—and then develops the major theological themes in each of the Old Testament historical books. Old Testament scholar Robert B. Chisholm demonstrates how to interpret the narrative writings as they were intended to be understood. Practical and user-friendly, this handbook includes a glossary of technical terms and examples of how to move from exegesis to proclamation.

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40 Questions about Biblical Theology (40 Questions Series)

'40 Questions about Biblical Theology' provides resources to answer these key questions in order to guide readers in their own study and practice of biblical theology. Other vital topics the authors address include how to understand typology, key themes in biblical theology, and how Christians should relate to Old Testament promises.

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A Commentary on the Psalms, Volume 3

For thousands of years, the book of Psalms has been one of God’s people’s richest resources for worship and the spiritual life. It’s also one of the most complex and challenging sections of the Bible for expositors. Pastors, teachers, and all serious students of the Bible will find this commentary invaluable for developing their understanding of the Psalms and for improving their ability to expound it with precision and depth. Allen P. Ross guides the reader through a detailed exegesis, proposes a homiletical outline, and offers a summary expository idea of the message of each psalm.

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Logos Ebook Deal

Psalms for the Anxious Heart: A 30-Day Devotional for Uncertain Times

Find Daily Peace in a World of Chaos The unpredictable, unprecedented repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have upset nearly every facet of life. For many, the hope of returning to “normal” has slowly given way to fear of the unknown. To cling to what’s certain in a time of uncertainty, to find peace when anxiety abounds, look to the Psalms.

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Verbum

Justice and Loyalty: A Commentary on the Book of Micah (International Theological Commentary | ITC)

As the most forceful biblical proponent of the ideals of justice, loyalty, and kindness, Micah holds special appeal for those who are concerned about the powerlessness of the poor and humble. In this commentary Juan Alfaro examines the prophecies of Micah as they address both the internal and the external crises that faced Judah in the eighth century B.C. Throughout his exposition Alfaro stresses that Micah does not belong to a dead past; rather, Micah’s challenging message of judgment and hope calls for change and conversion in our world today. This resources is part of the popular International Theological Commentary series.

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2024年4月27日星期六

[Kindle] 50 World Changing Events in Christian History

  • For those who took Church History, this is a good one refreshing those memories...
Paperback
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9 pts Details



2024年4月4日星期四

5 Things a Pastor Should Consider When Using a Commentary

 re-posted here

5 Things a Pastor Should Consider When Using a Commentary

Pastors today have access to countless resources and commentaries to help aid in their preparation, but that raises the question how should a pastor use a commentary?

Faithfully preaching God’s word week in and week out is a weighty task for the pastor. Thankfully pastors today have access to countless resources and commentaries to help aid in their preparation, but that raises the question how should a pastor use a commentary? While so much of answering this question will depend on the specific circumstances of each pastor’s ministry, here are five things I believe all pastors should consider when using commentaries in their sermon preperation:

1) Do Your Work First

When using a commentary, it is important you make sure you do your own work first. I found it to be true both in my writing and sermon preparation, that if you go to a commentary right away or other sources, you can lose your own voice and you’re at the mercy of what other people have said. It is important that you think through the text yourself before turning to a commentary. I would recommend as a general rule you write out our put your sermon together, putting together the points of your sermon before you look at a commentary.

Of course, there may be times that you find it helpful to consult a commentary. Perhaps you are so confused that you have no idea what’s going on, and then maybe a commentary would help. But I think typically you should do your own work first. This goes for application as well. Pastors should first think of their own congregation and how the text applies to them and only after giving it some though consult a commentary. After completing writing my sermon I will often consult another commentary.

2) Read Commentaries to Consider Other Perspectives

I think the main benefit a commentary provides a pastor is that commentaries help pastors see other perspectives that they didn’t consider before. I’ve experienced this as I’ve been working on my commentary on the book of Ephesians. My process for writing a commentary is to first write the first draft using the Greek text alone. Then after writing it out, I read other commentaries and often find myself saying, “I didn’t think about that interpretation.” The benefit of commentaries is that we’re all limited and partial, and a good commentary will reflect the history of interpretation for 2000 years. So, you’re benefiting from all of those who have preceded us in interpreting the text.

3) Select Good Commentaries

My bias is that pastors would consult more scholarly commentaries. I think you can learn from commentaries written by pastors, but when think about using commentaries, scholarly works should be preferred. Not because they are necessarily better, but because they have read, processed, sifted, thought through the work of many scholars. At the same time, such commentators have also read monographs and scholarly articles. All of this provides a lot of depth for the pastor to consider. I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite commentaries here.

4) Give Yourself Enough Time

Pastors should try to give themselves enough time to consult several commentaries in order to gain from the different perspectives offered. As I mentioned, I’m working on writing a  commentary on Ephesians, and I’m on my 10th or 11th commentary and there are still things I am learning. So giving yourself time to consult multiple commentaries if possible (it isn’t always possible!!) can shed light on a passage or give a new argument or another angle on it that I always find helpful.

5) Commentaries Can’t Answer Everything

Sometimes I’ve had people complain to me, “the commentaries don't answer the questions I have.” I am sympathetic to that, but also know that everyone who writes a commentary can’t answer everything. You’re constrained. There’s always a lot more to say on everything and every commentary, including my own, has strengths and weaknesses. So pastors should read every commentary with discernment because no commentary is perfect or can answer every question. And one reason it’s good to read more than one because different commentaries have different strengths.

Thomas R. Schreiner
James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology

Thomas R. Schreiner is the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he also serves as associate dean of the School of Theology.

 |  Faculty Bio  |  Other posts

Recommended Commentaries by Schreiner and Rolfing Library staff

  • Rolfing’s recommended commentary lists – Old TestamentNew Testament. (Rolfing Library is the library of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, USA) 

[Kindle] two noteworthy good ones on sale

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