Journey inside the pages of Scripture to meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work from the inside out. Shaped with the individual in mind, Immersion encourages simultaneous engagement both with the Word of God and with the God of the Word to become a new creation in Christ. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they'll be able to discover God's revelation through readings and reflections.
The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God’s Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) reflection questions that help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) “Gospel Glimpses” that highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) “Whole-Bible Connections” that show how any given passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) “Theological Soundings” that identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God’s grace on every page of the Bible. 1–2 Peter and Jude are letters written to churches experiencing various kinds of trials—false teachers, distorted views of the gospel, and harsh persecution. If 1 Peter exults, “Jesus will return!” and 2 Peter rebuffs the claim, “Jesus won’t return,” then Jude exhorts, “Jesus is just about here!” Together, these letters form a kind of manifesto of hope for living faithfully no matter how dark the times. This study highlights the importance of holding fast to the true gospel, living distinct, holy lives, and looking ahead to the return of Christ. Part of the Knowing the Bible series.
The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.
Through a detailed examination of the historical shaping and final canonical shape of seven oft-neglected New Testament letters, Reading the Epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude as Scripture introduces readers to the historical, literary, and theological integrity of this indispensable apostolic witness. While most scholars today interpret biblical texts in terms of their individual historical points of composition, David Nienhuis and Robert Wall argue that a theological approach to this part of Scripture is better served by attending to these texts' historical point of canonization -- those key moments in the ancient church's life when apostolic writings were grouped together to maximize the Spirit's communication of the apostolic rule of faith to believers everywhere. Reading the Epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude as Scripture is the only treatment of the Catholic Epistles that approaches these seven letters as an intentionally designed and theologically coherent canonical collection.
Continuing a Gold Medallion Award-winning legacy, the completely revised Expositor's Bible Commentary puts world-class biblical scholarship in your hands. A staple for students, teachers, and pastors worldwide, The Expositor's Bible Commentary (EBC) offers comprehensive yet succinct commentary from scholars committed to the authority of the Holy Scriptures. The EBC uses the New International Version of the Bible, but the contributors work from the original Hebrew and Greek languages and refer to other translations when useful. Each section of the commentary includes: An introduction: background information, a short bibliography, and an outline An overview of Scripture to illuminate the big picture The complete NIV text Extensive commentary Notes on textual questions, key words, and concepts Reflections to give expanded thoughts on important issues The series features 56 contributors, who: Believe in the divine inspiration, complete trustworthiness, and full authority of the Bible Have demonstrated proficiency in the biblical book that is their specialty Are committed to the church and the pastoral dimension of biblical interpretation Represent geographical and denominational diversity Use a balanced and respectful approach toward marked differences of opinion Write from an evangelical viewpoint For insightful exposition, thoughtful discussion, and ease of use—look no further than The Expositor's Bible Commentary.
The New Testament books of James through Jude-the General or Catholic Epistles-can be overlooked due to their brevity and location at the end of the canon. They contribute much, however, to our understanding of salvation and Christian living. In this accessible introduction for laypeople, pastors, and study group leaders, Professor Crowe explains the content of these letters and their implications for the church today. Book jacket.
How does a Christian behave when surrounded by a hostile world that doesn't understand who we are or why we do what we do? In three letters, Peter and Jude provide some powerful answers. These nine studies from Tom Wright show you the wisdom of their words for us today.
The General Epistles are a collection of seven letters that were intended to be circulated among all the early churches. They were not sent to any one specific church and, with the exception of 2 and 3 John, do not address individuals by name. Their subject matter is important enough that the authors wanted all the churches to be informed on these matters. JAMES: One of the earliest books of the New Testament was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus, who was the pastor of the church in Jerusalem. James deals with the problems faced by Christians everywhere in their daily walk. For example, he discusses the religion that pleases God, faith which saves because it works, the power of the tongue, coping with suffering and warning against favoritism to the rich and famous. His advice is practical and written in a style that is reminiscent of the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. 1 JOHN: Written by the disciple who was dearly beloved by Jesus, this epistle confronts the gnostic errors that were pummeling the early church. John wrote to clarify the heart of the Gospel which reflects the heart of Jesus. He exalted Jesus, promoted love to one another and urged believers to avoid sin and entanglement with the world. 2 JOHN: This epistle was written to encourage the churches in a time when deception was rampant and many believers were straying from the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He uses two key words in this letter to instruct them how to walk: truth and love. 3 JOHN: John urges the churches to support the itinerant workers who, in turn, support the house church network of that day. He provides us with a study in contrast as he condemns the domineering demands of Diotrephes and endorses the demonstrated diligence of Demetrius. 1 PETER: In this epistle, Peter writes to churches struggling with persecution and suffering. He urges them to depend upon the enduring Word of God, to live holy lives and not to be entangled in the affairs of this life. Their attitudes and actions should all be defined and delivered in the light of eternity. 2 PETER: This epistle was written very near to the end of Peter's life and he writes to warn his readers about the false teachers infecting the churches. He provides the basic steps to increase the fruitfulness of their lives and encourages them to pay attention to God's sure Word of prophecy, to be true to Christ, and to be ready for His expected return. JUDE: Like Peter's second epistle, Jude wrote to warn the churches of the influx of false prophets and teachers. These two epistles have several passages that are remarkably similar, a situation which indicates the seriousness of their words. Their letters had an immediate application to the destruction of Jerusalem, but the situation he describes and the advice he gives are directly applicable to the anticipated return of Christ in our lifetimes. As you use these Study Guides for LIFE, you will be helped by three specific tools: 1) Explanatory notes which offer insight into difficult or controversial passages; 2) Searching questions which direct you back to the text for answers, and 3) Probing questions that expand the context and challenge you to apply the truths in each book to your own culture. Our goal is that you will know what the text says, what it means and how to apply it appropriately. By these means you will be helped to experience the closeness and intimacy of the Lord Jesus Christ, structure your life around Him and prepare for His anticipated return. The Study Guides for LIFE are appropriate for the study efforts of individuals, small groups or teachers preparing to explain each book. Whether you are a curious seeker or a professional minister, these Study Guides will direct your studies into the advice of Jesus' apostles and followers, which are designed to produce disciples after God's own heart.
