Guy Waters examines Paul’s explicit quotations of Deut 27-30, 32, as well as his explicit, verbal references of Deuteronomy: texts that are not attended by a citation formula but are recognizably texts of Scripture because of substantial verbal correspondence between the Pauline text and the text of LXX in question. The author investigates whether these quotations and references evidence any particular pattern of reading, and what relationship Paul’s readings bear to contemporary Second Temple Jewish readings of these chapters of Deuteronomy. He also analyzes the relationship to other early Christian readings of Scripture, and to Paul’s self-conception as apostle to the Gentiles. He concludes that Paul, outside Romans, understood both Deut 27-30 and Deut 32 as distinct units within Deuteronomy. These two units come together only in Romans, where Paul reads Deuteronomy 27-30, 32 in order to explain the particular circumstances of his apostolic ministry. Paul also warrants the entry of the Gentiles into the people of God, and gives expression to a future hope for Israel. These particular readings are often formally parallel with contemporary Second Temple Jewish readings of these chapters of Deuteronomy, but conceptually independent from them.These readings suggest that the reading of Scripture was constituent not only to Paul’s identity as apostle to the Gentiles but also to his apostolic labors in training his Gentile churches.
The church today is built on the Reformation’s linguistic heritage yet is in danger of losing that strong foundation. Many seminaries no longer require that their students learn the Biblical languages for their divinity degrees – some do not even teach them! Yet these are the basic tools of any study of the Bible, and if we don’t teach the Bible, then what is the church teaching?
If we need encouragement as to what can happen to our sermons and Bible study when we develop a knowledge of the languages that they are written in then Calvin is an excellent encourager. John Currid shows us how Calvin used a knowledge of the Biblical languages to provide richness, depth and accuracy to his understanding of scripture – and his exposition of it.
If you want to develop a deeper ability to understand and explain God’s Word then let the two John’s guide you!
A Graded Reader of Biblical Hebrew is the ideal next-step resource for the student who has completed a year of elementary Hebrew, or it can be used as a refresher for the pastor or scholar whose language skills have diminished due to lack of use. Immersion in the language is the best way to reinforce what you have already learned and to gain greater proficiency in using the language for exegesis and preaching. A Graded Reader of Biblical Hebrew is a structured introduction to the reading of biblical Hebrew texts. Through these readings, you will be able to review basic Hebrew grammar, become familiar with issues of intermediate grammar, and gain confidence in handling the Hebrew text. The readings chosen for inclusion, which are arranged generally in order of increasing difficulty, span the whole of the Old Testament and represent some of the most important Old Testament texts from the standpoint of biblical history, theology, and exegesis. The many notes that accompany the text include information on grammar, exegetically significant constructions, vocabulary words, idioms, bibliographic information, and more. Parsing exercises are included with each reading, and there is room for you to write your own English translation.
Beginning students of theology and church leaders looking for a theological refresher or teaching tool will welcome this remarkably clear introduction to the doctrines of Scripture. In an almost conversational style, Salvation Belongs to the Lord explores all the major biblical truths, explains key terms of systematic theology, and reflects on their implications and connections under the lordship of Christ.
A comparative and critical study of “Federal Vision” that contrasts it with the concept of covenant theology.
The books traditionally associated with John the Apostle constitute a major portion of the Christian New Testament. The influence of these books, particularly the Gospel according to John and the book of Revelation, has been immense both in Christianity and in Western culture. This study provides a fresh examination of how these books were accepted–or not accepted–in the early Church, and in so doing demonstrates why long-held theories about them must be discarded and replaced.
50 years ago a small, brand new Christian College relocated to a field in west St. Louis County, Missouri. It was moved there from Pasadena, California under the guidance of Robert G. Rayburn. Rayburn’s burning passion was that everything taught should be to Jesus’ glory. He also knew that his fledgling denomination, Bible Presbyterian Church, Columbus Synod, would need ministers.
So, alongside Covenant College was founded Covenant Theological Seminary. The seminary hymn, sung every year since 1956, is ‘All for Jesus’. It is a fitting reminder of the Seminary’s aims.
A lot has changed since then. Covenant College has since moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it has become a leading Liberal Arts college with a respected academic reputation. Covenant Seminary has remained in St. Louis through many denominational name changes and mergers – first serving the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, then the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod and now the Presbyterian Church in America.
Dr. Rayburn stepped down from his position of President in 1977, and has been succeeded by three men, yet two things remain at the heart of the institution – firstly, they train ministers of the gospel and secondly, they seek to do it ‘all for Jesus’.
This collection of writings to celebrate the last 50 years was not just put together to highlight current cutting-edge research, expand certain theological perspectives or stir the pot on the latest theological issues – it is put together to emphasise the Christ-centered focus of the mission and calling of Covenant Theological Seminary.
In it’s contents you will find many fascinating subjects expanded upon with wit and perspicacity. Not only will you learn new things – but you will celebrate them profoundly.
A lay-friendly introduction to Presbyterian beliefs, practices, and history. Helps readers grasp what it means to be a (conservative) Presbyterian in a postmodern age.
Susan Hunt and Ligon Duncan walk through the Scriptures to help readers better understand what it means to have an effective, biblical women’s ministry in the church. The benefits of women’s ministries are great: training and discipling, evangelizing, and reaching out to the poor and needy. This book, written by seasoned ministry leaders, provides many proven tools to help start a women’s ministry in your church.
This volume is the first complete analysis of the apocryphal gospel fragment P.Oxy. 840 since its initial discovery nearly a century ago. The fragment recounts a dispute over ritual purity between Jesus and a Pharisaic chief priest in the temple. After an examination of prior research, this work explores the various palaeographical and historical questions raised by this apocryphal story and also offers a new Greek edition and English translation. In particular, P.Oxy. 840’s controversial descriptions of ritual purity practices in Herod’s temple are evaluated in light of what is known of first-century Judaism. After comparing the text with similar passages in the canonical gospels, the origins of this non-canonical story are traced to second-century Jewish-Christian groups that shared its theological and polemical thrust.
This book gives students of the Bible a quick overview of every book in the Bible. Leland Ryken’s distinctive trait is a literary approach to the Bible―understanding the Bible as literature. The three authors help shed light on understanding the Bible as the inspired Word of God and as literature by looking at the Bible’s different literary genres: poetry, narrative, wisdom literature, story, parables, and more.
Go beyond merely reading the Bible, and discover it’s deeper treasures with the help of “Ryken’s Bible Handbook.” Whether you’re new to Bible study or have read the Scriptures countless times, greater riches are waiting to be unearthed. The background and literary genre of each book will come alive as you gain insight into each book’s message and learn methods for analyzing its content. The handbook’s countless applications for life will increase your appreciation for the ways God reveals himself and his character through the Scriptures.
Inside you’ll find Maps, charts, and illustrations A fact sheet for each book Key verses Key doctrines Overviews and main themes Perspectives from theologians, educators, and authors One Year Bible-reading plan
Every Sunday morning people all over the word look up at a screen, open a hymnal, or simply take a breath . . . and sing. Why? Are people just participating in the service or is there something more behind church music?
With One Voice examines the theology of song in worship and looks at how music is used to relate to God. Whatever the style, song has the power to bring believers into the company of the Savior himself and allows them to participate in the very redemption of all creation. Between these pages, worship leaders, church musicians, and all churchgoers will discover not just the history of song in worship, but why believers continue to sing in worship today.
What Do the Five Points of Calvinism Really Mean?
Many have heard of Reformed theology, but may not be certain what it is. Some references to it have been positive, some negative. It appears to be important, and they’d like to know more about it. But they want a full, understandable explanation, not a simplistic one.
What Is Reformed Theology? is an accessible introduction to beliefs that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church. In this insightful book, R. C. Sproul walks readers through the foundations of the Reformed doctrine and explains how the Reformed belief is centered on God, based on God’s Word, and committed to faith in Jesus Christ. Sproul explains the five points of Reformed theology and makes plain the reality of God’s amazing grace.
Robert Lewis Dabney (1820-1898) was a Presbyterian theological and educator who served on the faculties of Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, the University of Texas, and Austin Theological Seminary. Those who knew him–both friends and foes–viewed him as larger than life, “closer to a biblical prophet than a theological professor,” writes Sean Lucas.
As this biography explains, “Dabney was far more complex than either historians or admirers concede.” He was “in many ways a representative man, one who embodied the passions and contradictions of nineteenth-century Southerners.” As such he “provides a window into the postbellum Southern Presbyterian mind” and a reminder of how important nineteenth-century theology is for contemporary issues and debates. Because the past is parent of the present, recognizing Dabney’s flaws can help us implement the biblical motto on his tombstone: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
Before the Civil War, Dabney was a sectional moderate, but he soon became a Confederate sectionalist, serving as chaplain in the Confederate Army and then as an officer under General Stonewall Jackson. Dabney’s systematic theology text was used at Union for more than forty years after his death. In the 1980s, publishers began to reprint this and other works.
Dabney has been described as an “apostle of the Old South,” a perception that may explain why this biography is the first of this key nineteenth-century leader in more than one hundred years. It is also the inaugural volume in the American Reformed Biography series.
There is perhaps no greater fear in a parent’s heart than the thought that a much-loved and well-cared-for child will make bad choices or even become a prodigal.
What are parents to do in such circumstances? Authors Jim Newheiser and Elyse Fitzpatrick speak from years of personal experience as both parents and biblical counselors about how hurting parents can deal with the emotional trauma of when a child goes astray. They offer concrete hope and encouragement along with positive steps parents can take even in the most negative situations.
Includes excellent advice from Dr. Laura Hendrickson regarding medicines commonly prescribed to problem children, and offers questions parents can ask pediatricians before using behavioral medications. A heartfelt and practical guide for parents.