Musings of a Former Fundamentalist (IFB) Renewed by Reformed Theology
Check out the promotional video for what looks to be an incredibly helpful little book designed for anyone who wants to read the Bible more effectively. The booklet, Christ-Centered Bible Study, is written by Dave Moser of Armchair-Theology.net and freely available as a .pdf download.
Learn more about the book, and download your free copy here.
I am really excited about this new book from Graeme Goldsworthy: Christ-Centered Biblical Theology: Hermeneutical Foundations and Principles (IVP, March 2012). Goldsworthy is known for trumpeting a redemptive-historical approach to hermeneutics and that approach has had a big impact in how I understand Scripture.
This book traces the development of Goldsworthy’s hermeneutical approach and in that sense is somewhat autobiographical. He also comments on the state of biblical theology today. This promises to be an excellent follow up to his earlier works, most notably Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics: Foundations and Principles of Evangelical Biblical Interpretation (IVP, 2010). I’m looking forward to reading this one!
Here’s the publisher’s description and some glowing endorsements for this latest work by Graeme Goldsworthy:
The appeal of biblical theology is that it provides a “big picture” that makes sense of the diversity of biblical literature. Through the lens of biblical theology the Bible ceases to be a mass of unconnected texts, but takes shape as a unified metanarrative connecting the story of Israel with that of Jesus. It presents the whole scene of God’s revelation as one mighty plan of salvation.
For fifty years Graeme Goldsworthy has been refining his understanding of biblical theology through his experiences as a student, pastor and teacher. In this valuable complement to his Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics, Goldsworthy defends and refines the rationale for his approach, drawing especially on the work of Australian biblical scholar Donald Robinson.
“Over the years readers have benefited from Goldsworthy’s work in biblical theology. Now we have the mature and wise reflections of a veteran scholar on how to do biblical theology. I found this book to be edifying and stimulating. Even those who disagree with some dimensions of Goldsworthy’s approach will find him to be a challenging conversation partner.” ~ Thomas R. Schreiner (James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)
“Graeme Goldsworthy’s contribution to the study of biblical theology has been enormous. In this informative study, he helpfully compares different evangelical approaches, explaining his own preference for the method advocated by Donald Robinson. Supporting a ‘three-stage structure of revelation’ (biblical history from creation to Solomon, prophetic eschatology, fulfillment in Christ), Goldsworthy gives an interesting insight into those influences which have inspired and shaped his passion for defending and expounding the theological unity of the Bible. For anyone fascinated by biblical theology, and especially Goldsworthy’s contribution to this field of study, the present volume is essential reading.” ~ T. Desmond Alexander (Union Theological College, Belfast)
“For many years I have admired the good things coming out of Moore Theological College. It’s high time that the biblical theology being done down under be put front and center in North America. In an age of increasing specialization and fragmentation where even biblical things come apart, Goldsworthy’s approach to the unity of Scripture is an important countercultural blast.” ~ Kevin J. Vanhoozer (Wheaton College Graduate School)
The table of contents provided below gives a sneak peek at what biblical theological gems this new book will cover.
1. Biblical theology: lame duck or eagles’ wings?
Confessions of a biblical theology addict
The big questions about the big picture
The Robinson-Hebert schema
The role of Genesis 1–11
The question of reductionism
Why is biblical theology so neglected?2. Evangelical definitions and presuppositions
Tentative steps towards a definition of biblical theology
Evangelical theological presuppositions in biblical theology
Evangelical hermeneutical presuppositions in biblical theology3. Salvation and history
The idea of salvation history
The biblical history as salvation history
Salvation history within Scripture: Old Testament
Salvation history within Scripture: New Testament
Conclusions4. Evangelical practice
The lack of consensus among evangelicals
The shaping of a biblical theologian: my debt to Donald Robinson
Some leading evangelical biblical theologians
Conclusions5. Multiplex biblical theology
The problem of unity and diversity in method
Proponents of the multiplex approach
Conclusions6. Letting the Old Testament speak I: biblical history
What kind of epoch?
The main foci in Old Testament history
Conclusions7. Letting the Old Testament speak II: prophetic eschatology
The pattern of prophetic eschatology
The canonical shape
The main foci in prophetic eschatology
Conclusions8. Letting the New Testament speak
Is the New Testament normative in the interpretation of the Old Testament?
Does the New Testament exhibit a structure of revelation?
The Abraham-David/Solomon axis and the fulfilment of prophecy
A comparison of approaches9. Typology
Robinson’s typology
Approaches to typology
Some issues in the debate
Macro-typology10. The Robinson legacy
Robinson’s typology and method in biblical theology
Israel and the church
Eschatology
Baptism
Assessment11. How to do biblical theology
Is there a future for biblical theology?
Possibilities for biblical theology
Epilogue
Book Details:
• ISBN: 9780830839698
• List Price: $20.00
• Book Detail Page: Here
Book Details:
• Christianbook.com
• Amazon
• Barnes&Noble
• IVP
Disclaimer:
This book was provided by InterVarsity Press for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
In the Box posts highlight new books I’ve received in the mail.
Last week I received two new books from New Growth Press. I really enjoy the materials that NGP produces. Our college-age class is almost finished with The Gospel Centered Life study, and I am currently helping to teach How People Change for our adult SS. Both of these studies are very well done, and thoroughly Gospel-centered.
Here are the two new releases this month from New Growth Press.
Body Broken: Can Republicans and Democrats Sit in the Same Pew? by Charles D. DrewISBN: 1936768305
List Price: $15.99
Book Detail Page: Here
Links to Buy: Christianbook.com, Westminster Bookstore, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, New Growth Press
This book intrigued me. The publisher’s description made me pick this book up right away and start reading it. I think the author is onto something very important. Christianity is about the Church of Jesus Christ, not the political welfare of one nation, or one party. Here’s the publisher’s description and some glowing endorsements of the book:
Can Christians Be Political Activists without Hating Each Other?
As the next presidential election comes into view, Americans are deciding where to stand on key issues. The church has often been as politically divided as the culture, but Charles Drew offers an alternative for people who care deeply about their faith, about Christian harmony, and about the church’s calling in the world. In this updated and revised version of A Public Faith (NavPress 2000), Drew helps Christians develop practical biblical convictions about critical social and political issues. Distinguishing between moral principle and political strategy, Body Broken equips believers to maintain the unity of the church while building their political activism upon a thoughtful and biblical foundation. Drew helps Christians of all political persuasions understand how to practice servanthood, cooperation, and integrity in today’s public square.
“Charlie Drew leads us sure-footedly through the difficult terrain of Christian political involvement. He points out the unique social impact of the ministry of the local church, and then guides us through a host of other issues with a biblical and balanced approach.” ~ Dr. Timothy Keller (Senior Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Manhattan, NY; author of the New York Times best-seller The Reason for God)
“Here is a wise, gentle, Bible-based, low-key introduction and discussion-starter on a matter of huge importance for Christian credibility in this generation. May it be widely read, and taken deeply to heart.” ~ J.I. Packer (Board of Governors and Professor, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada, and well-known author)
“This book is a needed antidote to the worldliness of much Christian political involvement, whether of the conservative or liberal variety. It should be required teaching in our churches!” ~ (William Brewbaker (Professor of Law, University of Alabama; Ruling Elder, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Tuscaloosa, AL)
Loving Well: Even If You Haven’t Been by William SmithISBN: 1936768291
List Price: $15.99
Book Detail Page: Here
Links to Buy: Christianbook.com, Westminster Bookstore, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, New Growth Press
This next book looks interesting, too. The endorsements make me want to bump this book higher up my reading list, too! Here’s the publisher’s book description:
Trade in Your Bad Relationship Habits for Something Better
Distance. Resentment. Avoidance. You want to love your family, neighbors, and coworkers. But all too often something goes wrong, and you find yourself tearing down the relationships you wanted to build. Are you doomed to keep repeating the same relationship mistakes? William P. Smith explains that destructive relationship patterns no longer need to control you. Experiencing God’s love will change you, so you can trade your bad relationship habits for real love.
“In a world that is losing its bearings, Bill Smith gives us clear and warm direction centered on the person of Jesus. In this richly nuanced book, Bill uses wisdom from the Word and his experiences as a counselor and father to offer us a template for love in a broken world.” ~ Paul E. Miller (Director of SeeJesus; author of A Praying Life and Love Walked Among Us)
“Bill Smith wants us to know that we can love because we have been and are being loved; no, not by our friends and family, but by our ever-present and ever-loving Redeemer. God’s love has the power to transform each of us into people who love joyfully, humbly, faithfully and well. Now, in a world where hearts and relationships are broken daily, that really is good news!” ~ Paul David Tripp, DMin. (President of Paul Tripp Ministries, author and international conference speaker)
“I have read dozens of books about love, so I wasn’t expecting anything new. But I don’t remember too many books that I wanted to read to my wife, inspired me, led me in confession, left me with enthusiasm to try some bolder forms of love, and will leave me poor because I want to get copies for so many friends.” ~ Edward T. Welch, PhD. (CCEF faculty member; author of When People Are Big and God Is Small, Running Scared and Depression)
ChristianAudio.com has Jerry Bridges’ book Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts as a free download this month. Here is an excerpt from my review of this excellent book:
Most of the book explores God’s sovereignty since so many Christians today are unfamiliar with the term and the concept. Bridges carefully shows the extent of God’s control over this planet and each of our lives. If you are unfamiliar with the Bible’s witness to God’s sovereignty you will be amazed at the number of Bible verses and passages that are examined.
God’s rule over all things gives His children hope. God knows what He is doing, and this circumstance is not out of His control. Jerry Bridges explains, “There is no agonizing by God, no hoping He has made the right decision, no wondering what is really best for us. God makes no mistakes.” (pg. 126)
After exploring the three themes of God’s sovereignty, wisdom and love, Bridges deals with how we can apply these Bible truths to our lives. The author’s great confidence in God, by the end of the book, becomes infectious….
Bridges shares his heart in this book. It doesn’t appear to have been an easy one for him to write. You can tell he’s been through a lot personally and has shared the grief of many who have suffered even more. His personal accounts and illustrations add life to the book. His openness about his sin and failures to trust God is inspiring. He writes with an earnestness and confidence that can only be accompanied by prayers for those of us who would read this important book.
I encourage you to take advantage of this great deal and pick up the free audio download of Trusting God.
I’m gearing up to start working my way through G.K. Beale’s new book, A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New, his magnum opus (Baker, 2011). Together with Craig Hurst and G.A. Dietrich, I’ll be reading through this book two chapters a week. I’ll be posting more details on where the discussion forum will be, but I’m sure any of my readers are welcome to join us.
G.K. Beale is known for his work on tracing out all the New Testament quotes and allusions to the Old Testament. He is co-editor of the Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker 2007) and also the author of a massive commentary on Revelation (Eerdmans, 1998) and a helpful biblical theology work entitled The Temple and the Church’s Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God (IVP, 2004).
The Gospel Coalition blog collects all the glowing recommendations for A New Testament Biblical Theology, and Westminster Bookstore has the book at a great price (even better than Amazon’s).
See the 10 minute video clip below where Dr. Beale discusses his work.