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Why do we have four gospels in the New Testament? How were they written, preserved, and chosen?
In Why Four Gospels? noted Greek and New Testament scholar David Alan Black concisely and clearly presents the case for the early development of the gospels, beginning with Matthew, rather than Mark. This is much more than a discussion of the order in which the gospels were written. Using both internal data from the gospels themselves and an exhaustive and careful examination of the statements of the early church fathers, Dr. Black places each gospel in the context of the early development of Christianity.
Though Markan priority is the dominant position still in Biblical scholarship, Dr. Black argues that this position is not based on the best evidence available, that the internal evidence is often given more weight than it deserves and alternative explanations are dismissed or ignored.
If you would like an outline of the basis for accepting both early authorship of the gospels and the priority of Matthew, this book is for you.
Some in the church find it very difficult to talk about money, but it's a subject that cannot be avoided.
The church needs money to continue to function. Missionaries need money to carry the gospel. As a result, however reluctant we are to talk about it, we have to do so. And when we do so, we often generate more confusion and resentment than cash.
Some churches require that members be tithers before they can take positions of leadership. This in turn can result in a sort of spying by one believer on another. How much do we each earn? Is our giving equal to 10% of our income?
On the other hand there are those who discount tithing, and consider themselves tithers because they give two or three percent of their income. They may say that they tithe 3% of their income.
But what exactly does the Bible teach about tithing and how does that apply to us today? Is there a way for us to become grace-filled givers? Can stewardship, giving, and financing the work of building the kingdom become a joy rather than a duty or a source of dissension?
David Croteau has written at length on this topic before. In this volume of the Areopagus Critical Christian Issues series, he undertakes a brief examination of tithing, stewardship, and giving. He starts by asking just what the Israelites were called on to give by the scriptures. He then follows through the various arguments in favor of tithing as a law applicable to Christians and shows how these arguments fail. Finally, he discusses a basis for gracious, joyful giving as God directs each of us.
In just 96 pages (including all the front matter) you'll find your understanding of Christian stewardship changed. You won't find here a license for apathy or selfishness. Instead, you'll find a challenge to discover and do God's will in your finances as in every other area of your life.
Should the Byzantine text-type be considered valuable in determining the original text of the New Testament? Does it bear independent witness to ancient readings?
Dr. Harry Sturz, in a book published in 1984, maintained that it should be valued and that it could help with finding older readings and thus contribute to our knowledge of and confidence in the text of the Greek New Testament. His position, that the Byzantine text-type should be weighed along with other witnesses to the ancient text, differs from those who dismiss Byzantine manuscripts, which were largely copied later, but also from those who hold that the Byzantine text has priority or even is determinative of what the final reading should be. He uses carefully laid out arguments and numerous specific examples in making his case.
This book is divided into two parts. The first outlines the positions both for relying on the Byzantine text and for largely ignoring it. Part two examines the evidence and outlines an argument that neither side of this debate should win the field, but rather that the Byzantine text should be valued, but not made exclusive.
Energion Publications is pleased to offer this reprint edition, reproducing the text of the old book exactly, and adding a preface by Dr. David Alan Black. We believe that Dr. Sturz's arguments provide a strong case and are as relevant today as they were in 1984. We also believe that not just scholars but all believers should be made aware of discussions about the text of Scripture so that they can understand the arguments for the reliability of the text we have today.
This book is primarily aimed at students of New Testament textual criticism and at scholars who are seeking to refine their art. The first section especially is accessible to any serious reader. While the second section does include Greek text and excellent references, the main argument is clear and accessible.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Alfred North Whitehead came from very different religious backgrounds yet a study of their ideas shows a number of important and helpful synergies.
This book by Dr. Bruce Epperly, skilled in the clear presentation of the ideas of process theology, examines those ideas and the experiences of these two important thinkers. Epperly shows the ways in which their themes converge and examines how this synergy can help us plan strategies to join God's adventure of the universe in our own spheres.
He argues that both thinkers call for a theological adventure that embraces change and evolution and sees God as a dynamic and transformative force in the universe. Whitehead's metaphysics of love and Teilhard's metaphysics of spiritual evolution offer a synthesis that challenges traditional notions of God and invites us to recognize the mystical and transformative potential within ourselves.
Epperly emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to theology and mission that engages with science, culture, and the challenges of our time. He concludes with a call to embrace the God of Tomorrow and embark on a journey of creative transformation and planetary healing.
This is a must-read for anyone interested in process theology. It is suitable for individual reading, and with sections on spiritual practices with each chapter, it would be a great aid for study, prayer, and meditation in a small prayer or study group. It encourages personal application and action.
The Old Testament God generally has a rather poor reputation, even in Christian circles. But as the author points out, The Old Testament Scriptures can remain alive and will lead us to a fresh appreciation of all that God has done for us. Targeted to thoughtful readers, this book addresses a cluster of issues often troubling for the person who seeks to understand the Old Testament.
Who's Afraid of the Old Testament God? speaks very frankly about some of these problems, things like sin and the fall, Satan, moral blemish passages, strange laws, etc.
The chapter titles follow:
Who's Afraid of the Old Testament God? is written at a level that will challenge, but not overwhelm the average Christian reader. It is recommended both for personal reading and for use as a church study. If you and/or your church want the Old Testament / Hebrew Scriptures to come alive, this is the book for you.
This new, fifth edition leaves the text unchanged, but has larger type and wider margins.
Calling for a faith that lives by what it affirms, not just by what it denies, this book outlines a positive, engaging message supported by active spiritual practices, and carried out in action for a better community and planet.
In doing so, Bruce Epperly calls for rethinking and reviving many Christian themes, often neglected or discarded in progressive Christianity, to help carry out this mission.
Among these themes are:
In bringing life to these themes, Epperly looks to Jesus and to scripture without demeaning other faiths. He evokes a relational, non-coercive God as the foundation of a relational and non-coercive presence in the world.
This book will provide both a challenge and a hope to progressive congregations, especially those struggling with diminishing numbers, but it will also provide an excellent antidote to the charge that progressive Christianity is not an affirmative, active, and hopeful faith.
There are many doorways that can be used to enter and engage with the storyline of the Bible. In this book, TK Dunn traces the theme of take and eat across the pages of Scripture to demonstrate that many of the critical events in redemptive history are marked by uses of food.
From God's bountiful provision in Eden through the celebratory feast of the New Jerusalem, Dunn explores how God uses meals as a symbolic method of teaching his people about grace, mercy, justice, holiness, and redemption. This Biblical Theological feast is designed to provide a unique and captivating analysis of God's activity in his created realm by interacting with his people in a manner that they could both experience and understand.
The contract of the Fallen Adam with the Final Adam sits at the heart of the gospel and it is therefore not surprising that the take and eat motif is present in the lives of both Adam and Jesus. Seeing Jesus' obedience as an inversion of Adam's failure, Dunn demonstrates how Christ is not only the fulfillment of the Old Testament's hopes and promises, but also the one who restores and renews all things by the unwinding of the Fall.
By considering how God uses these moments to progressively reveal more about his work of salvation through Christ, Dunn provides a theological buffet that will entice the unbeliever to taste and see that the Lord is good and also satisfy the believer who is eagerly anticipating the day when Christ will sit and feast with his beloved church at the end of time.
Everyone is called to be a missionary, and that call comes at the same time as the call to follow Jesus.
The church in America has come to depend on professionals to do ministry. In many churches, the pastor, paid to do the job, is the one who is expected to carry out all functions of the church. But it was not always this way. Jesus came as God-in-the-flesh. The pattern portrayed in the New Testament is that every Christian is part of the body of Christ, and the function of Christ's body is to be incarnational, to be Jesus Christ for the world (John 20:21).
Author David Alan Black takes on this attitude of outsourcing our mission in his shortest book, yet one he has said might be the most important that he has written: Will You Join the Cause of Global Missions? If you expect here a call to go to seminary and become a professional missionary, you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, Dave calls for us to replace outsourcing with insourcing. Instead of looking for professionals to do the ministry while the rest of us fill the pews, he is pointing us back to the Gospel Commission and the call on every Christian life to fulfill that Commission.
It is not enough in the 21st century to put a little bit of money into the church and expect the pastor and paid staff to do the work. Each one of us is called to also give of our time and talents. This little book might be dangerous. You may not be able to put it down without seeing your life radically changed. In fact, the book ends with a call to make precisely that promise.
So will you join the cause of global missions?
Have you ever seen a passage in the New Testament that was placed in brackets, or a footnote at the bottom of a page referring to ancient authorities or manuscripts?
Most people scratch their heads and just keep reading, but these notes are very important. So is understanding why they're even there.
In this short introduction, Thomas W. Hudgins explains for the average reader the need for, criteria of, and some misconceptions associated with New Testament textual criticism.
The chance of playing on any Division 1 college basketball team ... 1.3%. The chance of playing at your dream school ... practically 0%.
It was a long shot to say the least. The road to Chapel Hill would begin early in Leah's young life and be comprised of mountain-tops and valleys and sunshines and storms. The journey was one of the highest of highs and lowest of lows. It would be a path that tested, challenged and grew her faith.
The path to dreams is often found to have side paths and crossroads with different options. Unforeseen roadblocks can make navigation difficult, often trying your faith and testing your strength.
Leah kept going ... and with God made the long shot. You will be encouraged and challenged by her testimony.
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, Finding Rest for Our Souls offers a balm for the weary soul.
Through a collection of personal stories and reflections, this book invites you to explore the depths of your own experiences and discover a sense of peace and safety within. Drawing inspiration from the Psalms, Amber Mattingly and her colleagues share their own journeys of healing and offer practical practices for cultivating inner peace. With vulnerability and honesty, they navigate the complexities of human emotion, inviting you to embrace the full spectrum of your own experiences.
Whether you're seeking solace in times of crisis, yearning for a deeper connection with your faith, or simply longing for a sense of rest, Finding Rest for Our Souls offers a compassionate and empowering guide.
Perfect for anyone yearning for wholeness and peace, Finding Rest for Our Souls is your companion in embracing the full spectrum of human emotions and discovering the mystery of God's love anew.
Why do we have four gospels in the New Testament? How were they written, preserved, and chosen?
In Why Four Gospels? noted Greek and New Testament scholar David Alan Black concisely and clearly presents the case for the early development of the gospels, beginning with Matthew, rather than Mark. This is much more than a discussion of the order in which the gospels were written. Using both internal data from the gospels themselves and an exhaustive and careful examination of the statements of the early church fathers, Dr. Black places each gospel in the context of the early development of Christianity.
Though Markan priority is the dominant position still in Biblical scholarship, Dr. Black argues that this position is not based on the best evidence available, that the internal evidence is often given more weight than it deserves and alternative explanations are dismissed or ignored.
If you would like an outline of the basis for accepting both early authorship of the gospels and the priority of Matthew, this book is for you.
A man is found dead in a Lexus smashed in a rocky creek bed. Was it an accident? Many people don't really want to know. Some are glad that man is dead.
But Dr. Theophilus Hornby, professor of Bible and Theology, thinks this bears some investigation. Can the habits and skills acquired in a career of study and teaching be applied to solving a murder? And if he does find the murderer, will he live to tell about it?
In this cozy, short, fun - and studious - mystery, L Edward Dixon invites you into this comfortable world, with all its discomforts - and dangers!
The world today is filled with angry voices, voices that often call for isolation and even violence against those who differ from us by race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or lifestyle. At the same time there are many voices that call for us to change, to make peace, to open ourselves up to others and hear what they're saying. Most of these voices bring religious arguments to bear on the issue.
Rev. Janice Springer goes a step, indeed several steps, further. She tells us how to reach out, how to pray, to interact, and indeed to change ourselves. This book provides a powerful approach to creating new, peaceful relationships and learning to live together while celebrating our differences and growing from them.
The book includes guides to study, exercises, and activities, and a sample program for a retreat. It is written from the perspective of the author's Christian ministry, but it is inviting and useful to those of other faith traditions as well.
Who will you invite to join you at the table?
Do you know what it means to be a deacon? Is this office in the church still relevant today?
Dr. Lonnie Davis Wesley believes that deacons have an important role to play, but that church traditions and failures in leadership and education have often made deacons ineffective, or given them tasks to which they are not called and for which they are not equipped.
He goes back to the first deacons, chosen and set apart in Acts 6, for a model for the ministry of deacons in the modern church. In doing so, he finds that we need to re-learn and re-apply the lessons of scripture and history so that the church can be fully effective in ministry.
The Seven: Taking a Closer Look at What It Means to Be a Deacon is a comprehensive guide to reforming and recharging your church's deacon ministry. It includes guides to help you develop an education program to prepare deacons for ministry, and to aid your congregation in supporting that ministry.
This book may be read by individuals, but it will find its greatest use as a tool for building a strong deacon ministry in any congregation.
Is it possible for a serious New Testament scholar to accept the apostle Paul as the author of the book of Hebrews?
Over the last few centuries the authorship of the book of Hebrews has been a contentious topic, but lately a strong scholarly consensus has emerged that Paul was not the author. There is no similar consensus about who did author the book; the consensus is entirely negative. Nonetheless, it takes some courage for a scholar to risk his reputation by challenging a so thoroughly assured conclusion of so many scholars.
Yet this is precisely what Dr. David Alan Black has done. In this book he adapts some of his previous scholarly work for a broader audience, demonstrating both how one goes about determining the authorship of an ancient work, and also how one challenges a scholarly consensus.
That is why we have chosen this volume as the inaugural volume of our Topic Line Drives series. Millions of churchgoers look to the introductions to various books in their study Bibles to answer questions of date, authorship, and background. But only those who read more than one introduction will be fully aware of the disagreements among scholars about those conclusions. How is it that scholars make a determination about authorship?
Dr. Black has paid his dues in the practice of scholarship, and here he demonstrates how one challenges such a consensus. At the same time he will guide the reader through the various factors that influence a decision about the authorship of a book. We hope this book will give new life to your Bible study and will challenge you to study further, not just about this subject, but about many others.
This book is for those who want to dig deeper than the notes in a study Bible and who want to understand what stands behind those conclusions.
Human hunger for God is intense and universal. Even if suppressed or denied, it cries out silently from the depths.
Such hunger is not a wish to know about God, but rather a quest to encounter Him. People want to touch, experience, and feel the divine - not just discover facets about God. - Dr. Jon L. Dybdahl
Humans have tried since the beginning of their creation to fill the hunger, or empty space, inside of themselves with all that they can find on their own. The desire for money, homes, cars and various material possessions continues to fill our credit cards without filling our longing for something. Dr. Jon Dybdahl brings his passion for teaching into this second edition of his successful book, Hunger: Satisfying the Longing of your Soul.
Whether you are a seminary professor, a small group leader with 3-12 students or someone who seeks to move closer in your relationship to God, your Savior and Creator, you will find entrees which are biblically grounded to study and that are savory and healthy for your spiritual body.
Process theology is considered a very complex and difficult to understand system. Is it possible to get a basic grasp of what it is and how it impacts our lives and service to others?
In this brief, lively, and engaging book, Dr. Bruce Epperly untangles the difficult concepts of process theology and shows how we can envision a God who is in relation to us throughout our lives here and in the next world. He believes that God is present at the moment of our conception, guides us through the adventures of this lifetime, urging us to rejoice in embodiment and bring healing to our world, and upon our final earthly breath receives us with open arms with visions of future adventures in communion with God and our fellow creatures.
Not only is this theology easy to understand, but it also challenges us to live out God's adventure in with joy, sharing God's life with all of God's creatures.
This book is an excellent introduction to process theology, useful for small groups or individual study, and includes a list of resources for further study.
Does theology have to be dry and boring in order to be serious? Not at all
The prophet Isaiah once said, a little child will lead them. But, what about a character from Winnie the Pooh? Can anxious, yet adventurous, Piglet help us understand our relationship with God and one another?
Theology is serious business. So serious that it can't be left solely to adults Bruce Epperly's imaginative conversations with Piglet explore the contours of theological reflection from the perspective of Process Theology. Process Theology is often seen as far too complicated for adults to understand and impossible to teach or preach to laypeople. In this text, an experienced
pastor and professor and a beloved character from the Winnie the Pooh stories bring Process Theology to life and explore themes such as beauty, spirituality, adventure, friendship, healing, and God's presence in our lives. In the spirit of Jesus' parables, Piglet's Process will inspire your imagination and creativity and invite you on a never-ending spiritual journey with a theologian, stuffed animal, and the healer from Nazareth as your companions.
This is a book to read for fun and study seriously. It's theology for everyone.