The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
Adele Berlin is the Robert H. Smith Professor Emerita of Biblical Studies at the University of Maryland. She has written numerous books and articles on biblical literature.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
Erhard S. Gerstenberger is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Marburg University in Germany. His published works include Theologies in the Old Testament and Yahweh the Patriarch: Ancient Images of God and Feminist Theology.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
James Luther Mays is Cyrus M. McCormick Professor Emeritus of Hebrew and Old Testament Interpretation at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He was the general editor of the best- selling Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching series, and is author of many books, including Psalms in the Interpretation series and The Lord Reigns: A Theological Handbook to the Psalms.
The Old Testament Library series provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing. The editorial board consists of William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia; Carol A. Newsom, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia; and Brent A. Strawn, Professor of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
Daniel L. Smith-Christopher (MDiv, AMBS; DPhil, Oxford, Old Testament) is Professor of Theological Studies and Director of Peace Studies at Loyola Marymount College. The author of fifteen books and over forty scholarly articles and book chapters, he frequently appears as a guest on national media outlets such as The History Channel, A&E, PBS, and The National Geographic Explorer Channel.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
J. J. M. Roberts is the William Henry Green Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Literature at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
Martin Noth was a German scholar of the Hebrew Bible who specialized in the pre-Exilic history of the Hebrews. With Gerhard von Rad he pioneered the traditional-historical approach to biblical studies, emphasizing the role of oral traditions in the formation of the biblical texts.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
Richard J. Clifford, S.J. is Visiting Professor of Old Testament at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. A former President of Weston Jesuit School of Theology, he was Founding Dean of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry from 2008-2010. He has previously served as General Editor of the Catholic Biblical Quarterly and is a past President of the Catholic Biblical Association.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
Kirsten Nielsen is Professor Emerita of Biblical Studies at Aarhus University in Denmark.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
J. Cheryl Exum is Professor Emerita of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield. The author of numerous scholarly works on the Hebrew Bible, her books include Tragedy and Biblical Narrative, Fragmented Women: Feminist (Sub)versions of Biblical Narratives, and Plotted, Shot, and Painted: Cultural Representations of Biblical Women. She is Director of Sheffield Phoenix Press.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
Jorg Jeremias is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Phillips University in Marburg, Germany.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
Brevard S. Childs was Sterling Professor of Divinity and Fellow of Davenport College at Yale Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut. He is the author of two volumes in the WJK Old Testament Library series: The Book of Exodus and Isaiah.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
Norman C. Habel is Professorial Fellow at Flinders University and at Adelaide College of Divinity in Australia.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
Artur Weiser was a German Old Testament scholar who wrote, edited, and translated many books, including The Psalms: A Commentary and The Old Testament: It's Formation and Development.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series
"This series provides an extraordinary service to biblical scholarship." — Reviews in Religion & Theology"Belongs on the shelves of students, clergy, and professional scholars as well as the serious layperson." — Journal of Biblical Literature
David L. Petersen is Franklin Nutting Parker Professor of Old Testament at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the author of several books, including The Prophetic Literature: An Introduction and Zechariah 9-14 and Malachi in the Old Testament Library series.
The book of 1 Chronicles is often neglected, yet it has so much to teach us—even the genealogies! Along with 2 Chronicles, 1 Chronicles surveys Bible history, charting the gracious purposes of a faithful God over the centuries, with the aim of encouraging and enlightening its readers. Here, Andrew Thomson draws out key lessons and principles to help us avoid the pitfalls and enjoy the blessings that God's people Israel experienced. Promises and praise are central themes which will warm our hearts as we set about responding to David's call to seek the Lord and his strength.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Andrew Thomson is pastor of Kesgrave Baptist Church in Suffolk. He became a Christian while studying at Oxford, where he also met his wife, Helen. He ran a Christian bookshop in Woking for some years before being called to the ministry. His first pastorate was at Mitchley Hill Evangelical Church in Sanderstead, Surrey, before moving to Kesgrave in 2010. Andrew and Helen are blessed with three children: Esther, Gemma and Joel.
How should people live in the light of a surrounding immoral culture? What should be the church's response to blatant sin on the part of its members? How should the giving and stewardship of the church be administered? What happens after a person dies? How should spiritual gifts be exercised, and what is the place of love in all this? Here is a succinct treatment of these topics, and an emphasis on the centrality, prominence and glory of the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
After serving churches in the UK as a pastor for a total of thirty years— first at Lansdowne Evangelical Free Church, West Norwood, in London and then at Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh—Derek Prime has devoted himself since 1987 to an itinerant ministry and to writing. He is author of several other books, including Opening up 1 Corinthians, ravel with M’Cheyne, Under God’s smile, and Gofors and Grumps, published by Day One.
Most of us know what it’s like to struggle. And most of us would appreciate some help—especially from someone who can sympathize, someone who knows what it’s like. Peter is just the man for the job. He wants us to have the strength to go on, coupled with peace within. To that end he prescribes a healthy dose of hope. But his aim isn’t just to make us feel good; he wants us to think straight and to live right. One day the struggles will be over. By God’s grace we can and will outlast them. We just need to keep going ‘a little while’ longer, and, as Andrew Thomson demonstrates in this easy-to-read and practically applied commentary, Peter shows us how.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Andrew Thomson has been pastor of Kesgrave Baptist Church, Suffolk, since 2010. He became a Christian through a university mission while studying at Oxford and ran a Christian bookshop for some years before being called to the ministry. He is the author of the commentaries on 1 and 2 Chronicles and Isaiah in the Opening Up series. He and his wife, Helen, are blessed with three children.
Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians deals with repentance, faith, living a transformed life, living happily with other believers in church, awaiting the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and many other points. Here, Tim Shenton leads us carefully through all the main aspects of the teaching.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Tim Shenton is the head teacher of St Martin’s School and an elder at Lansdowne Baptist Church, Bournemouth, England. He is married with two daughters. He has written twenty books, and researched extensively on church history, specializing in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. His published works by Day One include Heroes of revival, Our perfect God, Jesus in Luke’s Gospel, expositional commentaries on some of the Minor Prophets & John Rogers—Sealed with blood.
1 Timothy is an urgent letter to a Christian in the thick of a crisis and a call to the local church to get on with the job God called it to do spreading the Good News! Simon Robinson applies this message incisively to modern readers in this engagingly written and practical study guide.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Simon Robinson is the former minister of Walton Evangelical Church, Chesterfield, England. He has also written several other books, all published by Day One, including Jesus, the life-changer, Improving your quiet time, and Face2face Elijah. He also preaches and teaches in Asia and the United States. He and his wife, Hazel, have two sons.
Truth, love, division, fellowship, imitating others. Points such as these, and many more, are frequently controversial in the Christian life today. And the Bible is ever relevant to them! 2 and 3 John, the smallest books in the Bible, are often unjustly neglected. In this stimulating guide, which includes several points of application and questions to think about and discuss, Terence Crosby explores a range of topics in the light of what the apostle John had to say in his other writings.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Terence Peter Crosby holds a PhD in Classics (Greek and Latin) from London University and was for some time Secretary of the Evangelical Library, London. He is the compiler of Day One’s volumes of daily readings 365 Days with Spurgeon, and the author of Greek to the Rescue.
The book of 2 Chronicles carries on where 1 Chronicles left off, charting the history of Judah through the reigns of its successive kings. There is life after David! Again we are confronted with the faithfulness of God towards his people. God's warnings to his people are not idle threats—as we see when Judah is ultimately taken into captivity—but his promises are just as reliable: he remembers his covenant even when his people don't. The importance of seeking God's presence, and his willingness to hear and respond to our prayers, is a key lesson of this book.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Words are the currency of civilization. They have a powerful effect in daily life by challenging, confronting or comforting the hearer. Near the end of his life Peter wrote this letter to first-century Christians, warning them of the danger they were in from those seeking to destroy the church of Jesus Christ with corrosive words. Today, the church is in danger of being marginalized by secular thought and practices. God's people need to hear what the Spirit is saying through 2 Peter and take to heart its profound message.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Clive Anderson is a Christian minister and author of nine books on historical and biblical subjects, including the prophet Nahum and Sennacherib of Assyria. He co-authored with Brian Edwards the popular Through the British Museum with the Bible. Clive regularly leads tours of the British Museum and Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Italy and Greece. He is married to Amanda and they live in Hampshire, UK.
The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians has three main themes. The first is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and included also is a long portion on the identity of the Antichrist. The second is about intercessory prayer when Paul treats us to examples of different types of prayer. From his prayers we learn what kind of subject matter there should be in the prayers of Christians when making intercession. Thirdly, the important theme of local Church discipline is the second longest section in the epistle. It is evident that it is a topic that needed to be aired among Paul's correspondents for his previous exhortation in 1 Thessalonians had not produced the desired effect. At first sight there seems very little about suffering in this epistle, but Chapter 1: 4-5 opens this theme for us and gives helpful insights into this most perplexing and controversial subject. Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians is as relevant for us today as it was for the first-century Thessalonian believers to whom he wrote. Its three main themes 'the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, intercessory prayer and local church discipline' were addressed to a young church experiencing trouble, discrimination and harassment because of their commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Here Ian McNaughton unpacks these themes, demonstrating the timeless importance of each one in encouraging strong and assured hope in the midst of suffering.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Ian McNaughton was converted when 19 years old after attending his local church for several years, following which he studied theology at the Free Church of Scotland College, Edinburgh, gaining their post-graduate Diploma in Theology and subsequently gaining a Master of Theology degree in Historical Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary, Pennsylvania, USA. He has served as a pastor in FIEC Churches for over thirty years and is now pastor of West Worthing Evangelical Church, West Sussex. He and his wife, Violet, have one adult son, Mark.
2 Timothy is the last letter the apostle Paul ever wrote, and it contains his final counsel to Christian believers. From his opening words"Grace, mercy and peace" to his closing blessing "Grace be with you", his letter tersely counsels young Timothy what to do in the light of influences and pressures believers face as they live for God in difficult times. This easy-to-read guide to Paul's letter may be used for group or individual study.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Peter Williams is a Welshman from the town of Neath in South Wales. He is a graduate of the University of Wales and has degrees in theology and philosophy. He has served churches in England and Wales and has continued a preaching ministry since his retirement in 1997, now exercising oversight at Southbourne Evangelical Church in Bournemouth, England. He is author of several other books also published by Day One, including Opening up Haggai and Opening up Ezra. He and his wife, Brenda, have a son, daughter, and three grandsons.
The book of Acts is the history book of the church, describing how Jesus Christ began to build the church that he had promised to build (Matt. 16:18). The Gospels describe Jesus Christ's birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and Acts continues the story by telling of the birth of the church at Pentecost and the major transitional events during the church's infancy. Acts also highlights the work of the Holy Spirit through the disciples of Jesus Christ. In this insightful commentary, John-Michael Wong opens up Acts to show how God used individuals to carry out his purposes, and, in particular, grew his church from a small number of disciples in Jerusalem to the huge family of believers we find all around the world today.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
John-Michael Wong was converted while a student at the University of California, Berkeley. With a Ph.D. in structural engineering, he works as a structural engineering consultant in San Francisco. He married Clara in March 2009 and they live in the San Francisco Bay Area. They are members of the Evangel Bible Church of Berkeley, which has planted two new churches in California and is sending a new pastor to a church plant in Taipei, Taiwan. John-Michael leads the evangelism training and apologetics ministry in his church, and he also serves in the college ministry at the University of California, Berkeley, where since 2003 he has been teaching the Book of Acts to third-year students.
"The LORD roars from Zion and thunders from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds dry up, and the top of Carmel withers." So begins the prophecy of Amos! Why does the Lord roar? What had led to such abuses of privilege on the part of the people of Israel in that day? What happens when God's holiness is offended and when his voice is ignored? Michael Bentley competently leads us through the prophecy, opening it up and applying it powerfully and relevantly to readers today.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Michael Bentley worked as a bookshop manager and served in the British army before his call to the ministry. He has a diverse background, which includes freelance religious reporting for national and religious radio and television, being a Religious Education teacher, and holding pastorates in Surrey, South East London, and Berkshire. He is also closely involved with his local community as a member of various committees and councils. His hobbies include singing second bass in the Bracknell Choral Society. Now retired, he still preaches regularly and has a ministry of writing, with some thirteen books in print including Opening Up Zephaniah and Face2face: David. He lives in Bracknell with his wife, Jenny, and has five children and seven grandchildren.
Paul's letter to the Colossians reveals the greatness of Jesus Christ by dealing with such important subjects as the fact that he is fully God, that he has authority over 'principalities and powers', and that those who believe in him are complete and wonderfully at liberty. It also touches powerfully and relevantly on practical Christian living in the home and work place. Colossians is a letter for today as it reveals to us the historical Jesus that so many people try to find without success in extra-biblical sources.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Ian McNaughton was converted when 19 years old after attending his local church for several years, following which he studied theology at the Free Church of Scotland College, Edinburgh, gaining their post-graduate Diploma in Theology and subsequently gaining a Master of Theology degree in Historical Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary, Pennsylvania, USA. He has served as a pastor in FIEC Churches for over thirty years and is now pastor of West Worthing Evangelical Church, West Sussex. He and his wife, Violet, have one adult son, Mark.
In some ways you could argue that the book of Deuteronomy is not a book for the 21st century. You would have to change the title for a start. ‘Second giving of the law’ isn’t likely to fill too many people with eagerness and excitement. After all, laws aren’t very popular, and, as we see with television, neither are repeats.
So getting people enthusiastic about a book that is all about laws and that covers some of the same ground as the book of Exodus looks like a hard sell. Looked at from another point of view, though, it is a book whose time has come. Lawlessness and moral relativism don’t lead to happiness.
Understanding the law of Moses and its relevance for today really can! It’s a book that the 21st century needs—even if all too few realize it.Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Commendations
"… perceptive in its comments, lively in style and most helpful in relating the teaching of the book to the overall theology of the Bible… I will be recommending it warmly." - Allan M. Harman, former Principal and Professor of Old Testament, Presbyterian Theological College, Melbourne, Australia, and author of Deuteronomy: The Commands of a Covenant God (Christian Focus, 2001)
"Crisp, clear and contemporary … For any who wish to delve into Deuteronomy either as a group or for private study, this is just right." - Brian Edwards, Christian minister, author and editor
Andrew Thomson has been pastor of Kesgrave Baptist Church, Suffolk, since 2010. He became a Christian through a university mission while studying at Oxford and ran a Christian bookshop for some years before being called to the ministry. He is the author of the commentaries on 1 and 2 Chronicles and Isaiah in the Opening Up series. He and his wife, Helen, are blessed with three children.
Ecclesiastes has much to say to any thinking person who seriously questions the meaning and purpose of life in a universe that has little or no place for the God who created it. The writer leaves no stone unturned as he pursues his quest. Philosophy, power, politics, pleasure, and education are all carefully explored. Here is a man who appears to have everything, yet discovers that he has nothing. Ecclesiastes is a book for modern man to read and digest. It resonates with the sense of despair felt by many trapped in a materialistic world where time is rapidly running out, yet it continually offers glimpses of hope before unveiling the true meaning of life that can only be found in a living relationship with God.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Jim Winter has been an evangelical pastor in England for over 20 years and has preached and lectured in the UK, USA and South East Asia. After a long period of ministry in London's inner city, he now lives and ministers in the south of England. He and his wife have 2 sons.
Like Paul’s letter to Rome, his letter to the church in Ephesus serves as an invaluable exposition of the Christian gospel. In Ephesians, the apostle has the opportunity simply to explain the riches of the good news, to unfold how the grace of God works in the lives of his people, and to give some basic moral principles. In this commentary, Kurt Strassner conveys the apostle Paul’s sheer joy in the riches of the gospel, and provides challenging practical application for Christian living in today’s world.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Kurt Strassner is pastor of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio He graduated from the University of Mississippi and attended seminary in Memphis, Tennessee. He is married to Tobey, a homemaker, and together they have three children.
- Adapt your commentary collection month-to-month based on the book or books you are studying.
- Build your commentary library strategically without hundreds of dollars of upfront investment.
- Never get stuck with commentaries you rarely use - swap them out each month as your needs change.
