The apostle James addressed his readers directly and pointedly, using vivid images from ordinary life and attention-gripping statements. In this revised BST volume, J. Alec Motyer's rich exposition brings James's letter to life for today's readers, drawing out memorable themes such as the link between enduring trials and maturity, the implications of careless and evil words, the need for purity, and more.
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.
This complete series of New Testament commentaries edited by John Stott is characterized by a threefold ideal: to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate biblical teaching to contemporary life and to be readable. Perfect for Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, seminary and college students and individual Bible readers.
The Knowing the Bible series is a new resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God’s Word. Each 12-week study leads participants through one book of the Bible and is made up of four basic components: (1) Reflection questions designed to help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) “Gospel Glimpses” highlighting the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) “Whole-Bible Connections” showing how any given passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption culminating in Christ; and (4) “Theological Soundings” identifying how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from a wide array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God’s grace on each and every page of the Bible. In this accessible study, pastor and author Greg Gilbert examines the message of James, exploring the book’s difficult teachings on wealth, anointing with oil, prayer, healing, and the relationship between faith and works. Through clear exposition of the biblical text and challenging application questions, Gilbert helps readers rightly understand James as a stirring exhortation to fruitfulness, ultimately written to remind Christians of the necessary connection between genuine faith and heartfelt obedience.
Respected New Testament scholar Karen Jobes explores the cultural and theological background of Hebrews and the general epistles (James through Jude) in this rich commentary. Writing from an evangelical perspective, Jobes addresses issues of historical relevance as well as how these ancient books connect with Christian faith and practice today. Letters to the Church includes:-Historical background for each book focusing on authorship, genre, date, and content-An exploration of the major themes in each book and detailed commentary on key passages-Boxes with chapter goals, outlines, challenges, and significant verses-Sidebars addressing difficult passages or ideas-Maps, photographs, charts, and definitions-Questions for discussion, reflection, and testing-A comparison of the teachings about Christ in each of the lettersPastors, professors, students, and laypeople interested in deeper biblical study will find this an invaluable resource that offers well-researched commentary in an accessible, spiritually meaningful form.
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.
What is faith, and how do we receive it and grow in it? We live in a society that is virtually devoid of faith. Since most people don't read the Bible, they don't know much about God or believe He even exists. What about you - do you lack the faith to believe in God? Having true faith will help you make sense out the troubling and confusing world you live in. It will give you the confidence you need to move forward with your life despite trials and setbacks. How do you get faith? Growing in faith requires believing in God and maintaining a close relationship with Him. You can have this relationship with God through daily prayer, Bible study and applying what God says in the Scriptures in your personal life. Learn more about how to grow in Christian faith by reading this Bible study aid ebook, You Can Have Living Faith, and start building that close relationship with God today! Chapters in this ebook: -- Introduction: You Can Have Living Faith -- What Is Faith? -- The Meaning of Faith -- The Book of James: An 'Epistle of Straw'? -- Examples of Living Faith -- When It Seems God Doesn't Hear or Answer -- Enemies of Faith -- Growing in Faith Inside this Bible Study Aid ebook: "Lack of faith—an active, living trust in and relationship with God—is a widespread problem affecting every nation and virtually every individual." "If we want to better our lives, our model for living faith should be Jesus Christ." "Many people don't have the faith described in the Bible because they do not believe or practice what Jesus said: "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15)." "The Bible tells us salvation is by God's grace and is not earned by good works "lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). But we are saved by grace through faith. The danger we face is that our faith will die if we neglect our salvation by not living a life of obedience to God (Hebrews 2:1-3)." "The examples and testimonies of the men and women we read about in Hebrews 11 show us we can believe God." "We should pray to God for faith, and we should pray often for it (Luke 18:1)." "Living a life of prayer, Bible study and humble obedience to God clarifies and strengthens our faith."
