This book, with deep reverence for its subject, takes readers along on a journey of consideration to discover the deeper meanings of the Christian life.
Where do we go to learn how to read the Bible? My answer is simple: Jesus. We have a record of the way Jesus approached, viewed, interpreted, and applied Scripture to His own life and to those around Him. As a matter of first priority, everyone who professes to follow Christ should read the scriptures the way He did.There is something disarming about looking at the way Jesus approached Scripture. Regardless of theological distinctives, true Christians have two things in common. First, they want to be more like Christ. Second, they want to understand the Bible better. These two commitments are enough for those wishing to improve their understanding of Scripture.This book focuses on the way Jesus interpreted Scripture and was revealed through Scripture ... The ultimate goal of this book is for my readers to know the Christ of Scripture more intimately by using sound principles of biblical interpretation that come from Jesus Himself. (From the Introduction)
In this study of the rabbinic heretics who believed in Two Powers in Heaven, Alan Segal explores some relationships between rabbinic Judaism, Merkabah mysticism, and early Christianity. Two Powers in Heaven was a very early category of heresy. It was one of the basic categories by which the rabbis perceived the new phenomenon of Christianity and one of the central issues over which Judaism and Christianity separated. Segal reconstructs the development of the heresy through prudent dating of the stages of the rabbinic traditions. The basic heresy involved interpreting scripture to say that a principal angelic or hypostatic manifestation in heaven was equivalent to God. The earliest heretics believed in two complementary powers in heaven, while later heretics believed in two opposing powers in heaven. Segal stresses the importance of perceiving the relevance of rabbinic material for solving traditional problems of New Testament and gnostic scholarship, and at the same time maintains the necessity of reading those literatures for dating rabbinic material. Please note that Two Powers in Heaven was previously published by Brill in hardback, ISBN 90 04 05453 7 (no longer available).
365 Gospel-Centered Devotions for the Whole Year Mornings can be tough. Sometimes, a hearty breakfast and strong cup of coffee just aren't enough. Offering more than a rush of caffeine, best-selling author Paul David Tripp wants to energize you with the most potent encouragement imaginable: the gospel. Forget "behavior modification" or feel-good aphorisms. Tripp knows that what we really need is an encounter with the living God. Then we'll be prepared to trust in God's goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory each and every day.
This book is about the amazing revelation of God’s plan for the whole world. He knows the end from the beginning. The first part of the book encompasses all the aspects of salvation; and the consequences of not accepting his plan of salvation and obeying his word. This is a wonderful eye-opening book that enables us to walk through the corridors of time until we see the New Heaven and earth. It reveals the contrast between the Old and New Testament. This book answers the question of predestination. It also shows that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one.... unequivocally. It tells us what the definition of belief is. Scripture interprets scripture. With any doctrinal truth scattered throughout the Bible, when brought together according to topic, there can be no doubts of the truth of each doctrine. Part two of the book is all about interpreting the book of Revelation. Some of the scriptures have many topics. There are seven topics in Revelation 1:4: These are.... the seven churches; grace; peace; from him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from the seven spirits: I have capitalized REVELATION and each subsequent TOPIC. The first time I write the scripture I do not put an asterisk in front of REVELATION. After the initial scripture I put an * in the front of every scripture .... *REVELATION until all the topics have been exhausted. EACH NEW SCRIPTURE IN REVELATION IS CAPITALIZED.
The first in a new Bible study series from Verse By Verse Ministry International (vbvmi.org). This 12-week VBVMI Group Study on End Times features thought-provoking teaching of core biblical concepts in prophecy. The workbook prepares both individual students and small groups for a deeper study of eschatology by examining key ideas and highlights from the book of Revelation, Daniel and other scripture. Students will gain a foundational understanding of God's plan for Israel, the Church and the end of the age. The VBVMI Group Study series is designed to suit the needs of students new to a study of end times while still offering a challenge to experienced Bible students. Each lesson in this study includes a video available to stream for free over the internet. The videos feature the teaching of Stephen Armstrong, acclaimed for his unique and gifted approach to explaining the Bible. The 12 videos are available for viewing or download for free at: http://www.vbvmiendtimesstudy.org. A printable PDF copy of the workbook may also be downloaded for free.
The Book of Revelation is a work of profound theology. But its literary form makes it impenetrable to many modern readers and open to all kinds of misinterpretations. Richard Bauckham explains how the book's imagery conveyed meaning in its original context and how the book's theology is inseparable from its literary structure and composition. Revelation is seen to offer not an esoteric and encoded forecast of historical events but rather a theocentric vision of the coming of God's universal kingdom, contextualised in the late first-century world dominated by Roman power and ideology. It calls on Christians to confront the political idolatries of the time and to participate in God's purpose of gathering all the nations into his kingdom. Once Revelation is properly grounded in its original context it is seen to transcend that context and speak to the contemporary church. This study concludes by highlighting Revelation's continuing relevance for today.