The Gospel Made Visible: New Book from Mark Dever on The Church

The kind folks at B&H Publishing sent me a review copy of Mark Dever's The Church: The Gospel Made Visible.  This material was originally published in A Theology for the Church, edited by Daniel L. Akin (2007) which is where I first began to work through this treatise.  Dever is a very helpful guide to ecclesiology, especially Baptist ecclesiology.  Here is an inexpensive way to sample/read this volume: Until July 30th, you can download the Kindle version for $2.99 here.

For more, see Andy Naselli's post, A Popular Primer on the Church, and http://www.9marks.org/.

The Gospel Made Visible: New Book from Mark Dever on The Church

Good Books: Review Copies (Part 2)

Part Two -

Along with my recent acquisition of 5 excellent books from the IVP Book Club, I have also received a few notable review copies. I'd like to introduce them to you now.

First, is an exciting new publication from B&H Academic: Missionshift: Global Mission Issues in the Third Millennium edited by David J. Hesselgrave and Ed Stetzer   .  This book has come at a great time for me since I have been involved in a Missions study group at my home church, and recently attended my first PCA missions conference.  Missionshift is set up similar to the counterpoints format.  There are three major essays highlighting missions past, present, and future.  Following each essay are four responses.  Ed Stetzer added a summary response to the first essay and four responders, and David Hesselgrave offers a final conclusion to the book.  Thus far, I've read the first essay ("'Mission' Defined and Described") and the four responses to that essay.  I found the back and forth style conversation to be very helpful as I thought through the essay.  Some responders sought to extend the conversation on a particular point while others sought to make a needed correction, or strive for a greater balance. So far, I have found this book to be an excellent addition to the literature on Mission, especially in bringing us up-to-date on a number of current trends and issues in missions.  I realize that some general readers will not enjoy the counterpoints-format of this book, but I believe that the mission-minded reader will find this exercise to be a rewarding challenge.

Another book that I have already finished reading was sent to me by InterVarsity Press.  It is The Passionate Intellect: Christian Faith and the Discipleship of the Mind by Alister McGrath   .  I found this to be an excellent book for young theologians to read.  As I read part one, which is the foundation for the application presented in parts two and three, I was reminded of B. B. Warfield's The Religious Life of the Theological Student, Karl Barth's Evangelical Theology: An Introduction, and even N. T. Wright's The Challenge of Jesus.  Warfield addressed the inner life of the student more specifically while Barth and Wright address the inner life as well as the everyday practice of theology. The point that each of these authors makes, and McGrath articulates very well, is that theological studies are not an end unto themselves.  Rather, they are for the benefit of the Church and the world.  If we are not thinking deeply and specifically about how to apply the wonders of theology, then we are not really doing theology at all.

Some reviewers of The Passionate Intellect have criticized the inclusion of the second and third parts because they seem to be nothing more than miscellaneous essays crammed into a book that was "good enough without them."  I would argue that the presence of the "miscellaneous" essays in parts two and three are necessary to illustrate how one might work out the ramifications of part one.  McGrath models this wonderfully by applying the principles set forth in part one to two topics that are of great interest to him (science and the New Atheism).  This is a much appreciated volume.

Many thanks to these two publishers.  I recommend both of these books to you. I recommend the first especially to the mission-minded reader; and the second especially to theological students and pastors.

(Part One - IVP Book Club)
(Part Three - Bargains Along the Way)

Good Books: Review Copies (Part 2)

Sample Pages of the New EGGNT Volume Available

B&H Academic has made available an excerpt of the new EGGNT volume (see our previous post): Murray J. Harris. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament: Colossians and Philemon. B&H Academic, 2010.

Click here to view the 68-page PDF.

Sample Pages of the New EGGNT Volume Available

Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament (EGGNT)

Today, I received the following book from B&H Academic:

Murray J. Harris. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament: Colossians and Philemon. B&H Academic, 2010. [NOTE: The preview at Amazon is of the 1991 edition. This B&H Academic edition is an update of the 1991 edition.]

Now here's a book that I can really use!

The plan set forth in the General Introduction is clear and promises to be a guide for pastors and student who feel "stranded" from the Greek text.  Here's how Harris, who is also the General Editor of the series, explains the purpose of this series:

The [EEGNT] aims to close that gap between stranded student (or former student) and daunting text and to bridge that gulf between morphological analysis and exegesis.  Each volume of the Guide seeks to provide in a single volume all the necessary information for basic understanding of the Greek text and to afford suggestions for more detailed study.  The individual volumes are not full-scale commentaries.  But they should prove helpful to those who need some aid in understanding the Greek New Testament and in particular to several groups of persons: students preparing for examinations in New Testament studies, ministers and pastors who are hard-pressed for time yet eager to maintain the momentum in the study of Greek that they gained in their theological training and who wish to use the Greek text as the basis for their sermon preparation, and teachers seeking to help students gain confidence in reading the Greek New Testament. (xiii)

The EEGNT is a new series revived by B&H Academic.  This volume was originally published in 1991 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, however the series was discontinued (for reasons of which I am not aware).  Having had a chance to preview this initial volume, I am thrilled that B&H Academic has taken up this project.  I'm confident that this will be a highly useful series for students, teachers and pastors.  Please take a few minutes to look this over.

(From the publisher)

Exegetical Guide to the

Greek New Testament

Colossians and Philemon

by Murray J. Harris

ABOUT THE BOOK
The Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament: Colossians and Philemon is the first book in a projected series of twenty volumes that seeks to bring together classroom, study, and pulpit by providing the student or pastor with the information needed to understand and expound the Greek text of the New Testament. Author Murray J. Harris aims to close the gap between grammatical analysis and exegesis, leading the reader into an in-depth understanding of the New Testament Greek text by guiding him or her through the processes of thorough exegesis flowing into sermon construction.

Each volume provides the following for the biblical book or books on which it is written:

• Brief introduction on authorship, date, occasion, and purpose
• List of recommended commentaries
• Lists of recommended resources (i.e., monographs and articles) on various topics for further study
• Extensive exegetical notes
• Translation and expanded paraphrase of the whole book
• Comprehensive exegetical outline
• Glossary of grammatical and rhetorical terms

Murray J. Harris is professor emeritus of New Testament Exegesis and Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and former warden of Tyndale House in Cambridge, England.

I also recommend Harris's excellent volume in the NSBT series: Slave of Christ: A New Testament Metaphor for Total Devotion to Christ. Volume 8. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2001. 222 pages.

Final Note

The second book in the EGGNT series will be on James by Douglas J. Moo is slated for release in October of 2011.

Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament (EGGNT)

Review: The Advent of Evangelicalism edited by Haykin and Stewart

The following review was submitted to me by Don Palmer, Sr. Pastor of Forest Brook Community Church, just east of Toronto, Canada. I am very grateful for Don's perspective and help with reviewing some of the books sent to us. I, too, have enjoyed and benefited from this book and commend his comments to you.

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Michael Haykin & Kenneth Stewart, eds. The Advent of Evangelicalism: Exploring Historical Continuities. Forward by Timothy George. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2008, Paperback 432 pp.

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At first glance Haykin and Stewart’s edited analytical essays on David Bebbington’s 1989 work, Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1960s, is rather daunting. But moving into the various analyses from a selection of different scholars’ perspectives proved both profitable and interesting.

Now, some twenty years after publication, Bebbington’s work is considered a classic. His study and analysis of evangelical movement, thought and doctrine as influenced by Enlightenment philosophy is considered by some a “seminal study of great importance.” Because of the importance of Bebbington’s study a second look is worthwhile. Thus Haykin and Stewart’s edited volume is both timely and valuable. Every contributor goes to great lengths to examine various aspects of Bebbington’s thesis. Did evangelicalism begin in the mid-eighteenth century? Just how influential, if at all, were Enlightenment philosophers on Christian theology and practice? Can the evangelical movement truly be characterized by Bebbington’s “quadralateral” elements: biblicist, conversionist, cruciform, and activist?

These and other issues are brought to the forefront for analysis as each contributor examines one or more of the elements and attempts to answer the question: Did evangelicalism begin in the mid-eighteenth century and can it be typified by these four elements? The manner in which each contributor approached his topic proved interesting and fully worthwhile both from a historical standpoint but also from a theological perspective. Each contributor assists in bringing precision to Bebbington’s thesis, but, even more so, gives sharper focus to the time period and preceding factors.

To answer these questions and bring precision to the issue, The Advent of Evangelicalism is very nicely organized into four sections (it’s own “quadralateral” if you will): an Introduction, geographical/regional perspectives, an analysis of eras, and finally a doctrinal (or theological) analysis of evangelicalism. In each case the contributor is quite thorough, given the subject limitations, in his analysis providing copious quotations and bibliographical references. Thus, we’re given a broad viewpoint of the evangelical movement both synchronically and diachronically. This was very helpful in that the reader is given a better understanding of the evangelical movement not only in a particular country but also throughout time.

The main theme in Bebbington’s work was that Enlightenment thought and its philosophers heavily influenced evangelicals. Of particular interest was the contributor’s discussion on theological diversity and continuity within the period and their understanding of thought and theology as it related to the Enlightenment. This discussion was very beneficial to those of us who normally do not study the movement or evolution of theological thought from one century to another. Most helpful was the analysis of various denominational distinctions and how they may or may not have been influenced by enlightenment ideas. For example John Coffey notes that the differences were more a matter of “degree” and “even the politics of evangelicalism owed much to Puritanism.”

The Advent of Evangelicalism gives us a better understanding of ecclesiastical history not only during the 18th century but also of the time leading up to it. Examining the subject from a broader chronological perspective, regional differences, and theological standpoints was very beneficial. But, in another sense, the work is also comforting. The reader is given a better understanding that historically and theologically evangelicalism’s roots are not necessarily tainted with humanistic Enlightenment as we may be led to believe. Rather, the roots from which evangelicals are born are from sound theological thought emanating from centuries prior as the Holy Spirit worked in and through his Church in time and events.

Don Palmer lives in Toronto, is the Sr. Pastor of Forest Brook Community Church, and is completing MDiv studies through Tyndale College & Seminary.

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Review: The Advent of Evangelicalism edited by Haykin and Stewart

CCC is NOW AVAILABLE at the Westminster Bookstore

The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles (B&H Academic, August 2009) is now available for purchase at the Westminster Bookstore.






Other books by Dr. Köstenberger that come highly recommended are as follows:

John (BECNT) by Köstenberger, Andreas J. $31.49

Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John's Gospel (New Studies in Biblical Theology) (Paperback) by Köstenberger, Adreas & Scott R. Swain $14.52

Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission (New Studies in Biblical Theology Vol 11) (Paperback) by Köstenberger, Andreas $16.38

Women in the Church: An Analysis and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15 by Köstenberger, Andreas J. $20.80

CCC is NOW AVAILABLE at the Westminster Bookstore

Book Giveaway Continues

So far I have been privileged to give away 3 copies of The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles (B&H Academic, August 2009). The first was awarded to a friend who teaches a NT survey class who interacted with me on Facebook concerning my post: A Twofold Dynamic to Understanding the NT. The second was sent to a Baptist, preacher friend who has contributed greatly to my TheoSource bibliography project (see especially his bibliography of the works of G. Campbell Morgan: here and here). The third was given away this morning to Armenian Calvinist. Congratulations to all of you!

This, for me, has been the most exciting Giveaway made available here at TheoSource. This is a large and extremely useful volume. CCC contains 976 pages, weighs a little over 4 lbs., and sells for $45-$50 depending on which store you shop. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been anticipating this volume for a couple of years and my expectations have been exceeded. I have already benefited from reading and referencing this volume for sermon preparation. CCC's primary purpose is to be used as a textbook for colleges and seminaries, but it will reward Bible students of all types--from laypersons to pastors.



I still have a couple more copies to give away. Please visit and read the Giveaway post, follow the simple instructions, and leave a comment on that post (if you are reading this post on Facebook, please leave a comment here). This giveaway is open to anyone willing to discuss this volume. My primary criterion is interaction. If a handful of you begin to interact, I will draw a name using Random.org.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Mark and pastorlamusings. I will be sending out complimentary copies of CCC to these men for their participation in this book giveaway. Thank you very much! With that the giveaway comes to a CLOSE.

Book Giveaway Continues

Book Giveaway: The Cradle, The Cross, and the Crown

The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles (B&H Academic, August 2009). I would like to thank Jim Baird, VP of Marketing and Sales, for giving me the opportunity to announce, review, and giveaway this this excellent volume.

Andreas J. Köstenberger (Mag. et Dr. rer. soc. oec., Vienna University of Economics; M.Div., Columbia Biblical University; Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology and director of Ph.D. Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He also serves as editor for the Journal of the Evanelical Theological Society (JETS). Books.

L. Scott Kellum (B.A., The University of Mississippi; M.Div., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of New Testament and Greek at SEBTS. Books.

Charles L. Quarles is vice president for Integration of Faith and Learning, professor of New Testament and Greek, and chairs the division of Christian Studies at Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana. Books: Buried Hope or Risen Savior, editor (2008); Passionate Conviction, contributor (2007); Midrash Criticism (1997).

ENDORSEMENT:
"Among the finest such studies of recent decades in classic matters of New Testament introduction. What sets it apart includes: (1) attention to theology and the history of interpretation; (2) extended presentation of the history of New Testament times and the rise of the canon; (3) appropriate rigor; (4) frequently creative layout features; and (5) conceptual clarity. Beyond an impressive digest of scholarship, it is an appeal to faithful appropriation of the New Testament's message."

--Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament and department chair, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL

The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament (hereafter CCC) is one of the latest additions to the abundance of Introductions available to students of the NT. According to my research CCC is the third of four NT Introductions to be published this year in the US (a German translation of Carson and Moo [2nd ed.] will also be published in October in Germany). Since the turn of the millennium, there have now been well over 50 NT introductions published in English, German, French, and Italian.


GIVEAWAY:
I have recently acquired review copies of CCC, and I have a few to give away. I am still working through this volume reading and comparing it to a few other Introductions that I own and will post a review soon. This past week I contacted a few friends who have been teaching NT Introduction, and I posed a few questions to them about the textbooks they have used. Their comments were very useful and it has been a tremendous help having their concerns in mind as I have been evaluating the format and contents of CCC. I would also like to have your input as I finish evaluating this volume. In exchange, I am offering a free copy (or two) to the readers of this blog.

INSTRUCTIONS:
For a chance to receive a free copy of CCC, I would like to interact with you about CCC. Please respond to one (or more) of the following questions:

• Which NT Introduction(s) do you own and have used? What have you found to be the strengths or weaknesses of it (them)?
• If you teach (or have taught) NT Introduction, which Introduction(s) have you used? Which is your favorite? Why?
  
• What content or features would you like to see in a new NT Introduction?
  

Browse through this volume. Watch the three short videos posted on the B&H Academic website (here).

Download a Sample Chapter (PDF) | Download the Table of Contents (PDF)

• What do you like about CCC?
• What would you like to know about CCC?
  
• What interview question(s) would you suggest for the authors?
• Do you reference NT Introductions in your sermon/Bible study preparation? Why or why not?
  

If I can't answer your question, I will contact the authors. I will select a winner(s) based on the amount of interest and interaction. One volume has already been mailed out to a friend who has already been a help to me in evaluating this volume. Who will be next? Please leave your responses in the comments to this post.

Related Posts:

• Introduction with Endorsements
• Announcement of Early Arrival
• Excerpt: A Twofold Dynamic to Understanding the NT
• Excerpt: The New Covenant Roots of the NT Canon
• New Testament Introduction Bibliography (I have been working hard over the past week to build a list of the titles and dates of as many NT Introductions as I can find. Please browse through this list. If you see any discrepancies or notice that I've missed a title, please email me. Thanks!)

UPDATE: Congratulations to Kerry, Brian, Mark and pastorlamusings. Each have been rewarded with a complimentary copy of CCC for their participation in this book giveaway. Thank you very much! With that the giveaway comes to a CLOSE. However, comments are still open.

Book Giveaway: The Cradle, The Cross, and the Crown